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

3. T

Different stories would be told about how King Aegon Targaryen II came to his end. A large number would claim Prince Aemond had mounted Vhagar and demanded the King a battle upon dragonback, where the King would subsequently be burned by the war dragon's flame and his own golden dragon left crushed. Others claim his throat was slit by Prince Lucerys and his own wife, the Queen Helaena, as it was known she had wept openly for the young prince's treatment from his wedding night and beyond. A small number would swear it was the youngest brother, Daeron, fresh from victory and besotted with his older brother's wife, slayed the King to garner favor of young Lucerys Targaryen. But the truth was far more tragic and gruesome than either story could portray and only those closest to the capital knew as such.

In any case, while the realm would not weep for their slain king, Prince Aemond and Prince Lucerys were known to be involved, forever dubbing them there on after as kin and kingslayers.

༺༻

Prince Aemond did not sleep.

His teary-eyed nephew slept most of the day, only waking blearily to eat or use the privy, and Aemond stayed awake. Lucerys' hazel eyes would question Aemond from afar, at the man seated in his arm chair staring into the fire, the gap between them a rocky chasm neither dared to cross without any insurances.

After staring at Aemond's back for an immeasurable amount of time, Lucerys would slither under the heavy blankets and fight his own demons in his sleep and it wouldn't matter if Aemond was there or not.

That was in the beginning, when being alone in that bed only made them all too aware of each other, of the things Aemond had taken from him. Neither of them enjoyed the reminder. But if Aemond tapped into their bond he would feel the omega's distant feelings of unwantedness starting to fester over the empty side of the bed.

He did not. He kept that part of their bond untouched now that he knew to block it out. It turned out to be without much trouble; he was already quite used to separating out the unnecessary.

Aemond thought it best not to muddle himself with the boy's overflow of emotion. He had never known someone could feel so much. Or maybe he had forgotten what it was like not to tamper down any emotion until there was nothing but cool indifference. Mostly these days he only felt a deep seated resentment that boiled under his skin and his already fickle temper was at a precarious tipping point.

The King and his demands of him did not make matters better for him, either.

Aegon was more than pleased with their performance. A spectacular display of forbidden carnal desires. He told court often that the reason the boy refused to be seen was due to his brother getting him ready for child rearing. He paraded the bloodstained sheets around the capital for days after the bedding, wanting them in the throne room but found it too garish. So he hung them in the hall with the other tapestries, next to the one depicting the Mother.

"He will be one himself some day." Aegon jested as Alicent urged him sharply to remove such blasphemous heathenry. The king had refused his mothers request, claiming that, "this is a glorious display of war, mother. Perhaps you do not realize we are currently in the middle of one?"

The sheets hung as a mockery to Aemond. There was no other way to see it. Whispers flooded the Keep about the second born son and his child bride. Stories ranging from Aemond kidnapping the boy and taking him in the throne room for all to watch, to something along the lines of the young boy seducing his uncle in order to usurp the crown from within. The further from court the more vile and debasing these stories became and, after an alleyway of bloodshed, Aemond was banned from walking through the lower city without guard.

Contrary to the stories about him, Aemond did not touch Lucerys more than he needed to, which was very little. As the sun rose every morning before he left, he came to the sleeping boy wrapped up in his blanket, blissfully unaware of Aemond's presence over him. He scented the boy as he slept, rubbing his sandalwood and clove scent into his skin and hair until it was embedded into him. Then he left, quickly, as if he had never been in his own rooms to begin with.

It was not an easy thing between them. It was delicate, twisted beyond recognition and already broken from the start. There was no love in their marriage. A deep and ravaging sort of desperate obsession on Aemond's part - but that hardly could count as love. And truly, in a world that could allow such a thing to happen, was there even a chance it existed? Aemond could not be so sure.

There might not be love but often they were both silent and after a long time, stretching enough that the air was not so pressurized with lightning cutting through storm clouds, they could bear to sit next to each other by the fire. It felt like a start after the nightmarish months following their wedding.

Nine moons had passed since that night and it had not exactly proven to get any easier. Fires were spreading due to the union - sometimes actual fires - half their supporters claiming Aegon to be mad to condone such a thing and the other demanding something to be shown of their marriage. As if the bloody butterfly sheets were not proof enough, as if Aegon proudly recounting Lucerys' taking with vivid detail was not enough - they would demand a boy of only eleven to bear a child.

Aemond would not have it, not that it was even possible. The mere inkling of that line of conversation was a sure-fire way to draw Aemond's sword and his fury.

The only reason Princess Rhaenyra hadn't stormed the capital was Aegon's message and they could not be so sure how long that message would hold, but they knew it would not be forever. It had always been a fact that this marriage was a sham. That Lucerys was nothing more than a hostage. A war prize. If there was any sign of a Velaryon fleet surging the Bay or Caraxes prowling the skies - he would put the boy to the sword.

The King claimed that with full confidence not knowing Prince Aemond would shove his sword into any man or woman who meant to harm his omega. Treason be damned, he would deal with the consequences after the fact.

This marriage was a fake, but if Aemond could do one thing it would be to make it real. The hope that resided might have been foolish. It would not happen overnight, would not happen even after a year or two. He would never have the boy how he had wished so long ago, never be able to love him how he wanted. But he had Lucerys now - and Aemond planned to keep him at whatever cost.

The young prince, his king brother, the harsh reality around them did not make things kind for him.

The first month and a half, Lucerys had refused to eat. Aemond lost track of the serving trays that had been tossed completely out the window, uncaring of what or who they landed on far down below. Aemond had taken to binding the boy to his arm chair and spoon feeding him, earning quite a few kicks to his shins before he bound his ankles down as well. The boy spit his food out, would refuse to open his mouth unless Aemond pried it open. Half of the time his meal would end up in Aemond's hair like he was a damn toddler throwing a tantrum.

And Lucerys had begged and begged to let him starve, to let him just die already. He screamed the words, uncaring of the agony it dug into Aemond, how it made Aemond see red, took him right back to the clouds and the ice cold rain cutting into his face.

Aemond had yelled at him for it for far too many reasons, but most of all because he was terrified of the thought of Lucerys ending his life and leaving him. "You insolent brat! You think starving yourself will end this? Do you really think I would let you die?" It was an unimaginable reality because if it were ever so Aemond was not sure what he would do. Blood and flames would bathe the capital and even that would not be enough to mend the depth of his loss. He would not let Lucerys kill himself, even if that meant keeping the boy bound to his bed.

And that is what he did, for a time. He locked Lucerys in their room until whatever episode that tortured him was over. Windows barred shut, all sharp objects removed, nothing around that could be used to separate willing flesh. He dreaded the thought of leaving the boy only to come back to his cold, dead eyed corpse.

It kept him up, that gruesome image. It was not the only one that haunted the man. He never fully slept but he would find himself in a half aware state and sometimes he jerked out of it to the screeching of dying dragons, for a second could only see the flying chunks of what was left of Arrax, horrified of what else could have been consumed, torn apart by his dragon's teeth.

And Lucerys would be there to remind him every second of what he had done. The prince would cry, and cry, and cry for hours. Mournful wails for his dragon and for his mother that would have kept Aemond up if he hadn't already been suffering this insomnia. He would sit at the end of the bed and watch as his nephew curled into himself while sobbing inconsolably and that abyss within him yawned deeper.

He did not know what to do. All the training he had received in the yard, the years of court, none of it prepared him for this ache that swallowed his entire being because he could not help his mate.

Those helpless moments further made the man despise their bond. He did not want to experience this need to soothe when his attempt would only cause more pain, to feel this obsoleteness that came from not being able to stop his omegas tears. If he touched the boy he would only scream or demand he end his life. Aemond could not bear doing either.

There was a familiar thought that whispered to him in these moments of emptiness. That rain. Letting them collapse under vicious, unrepentant waves. After all, if they had, they would be submerged in murky depths together forever.

After that month and as time continued to drag on, Lucerys fought him less about the food. It helped that Aemond would reward him with pieces of sweet honey cake or berries and cream if he had successfully eaten at least half his plate without vomiting it back up when Aemond wasn't around. The boy had a sweet tooth that Aemond would manipulate to his advantage if it helped. He still remembered the first sick filled vase he found reeking inside their chambers and had been wary of anything basin-like ever since.

There was definite improvement once Lucerys became exhausted with the same stone walls surrounding him and meekly followed Aemond around the Keep when the man did not have work to do. His brother might hold the crown but it was the second son sitting in the small council meetings. His only solace was the fact his chambers were not a far walk from the council room and he did not need to part from Lucerys for long.

Though he started to leave the room, Lucerys did not join him often. The walls were full of eyes and whispers, overstuffed with hostilities and green cloaks. No one dared talk to the boy in Prince Aemond's presence and yet their eyes lingered. But it was important that he was seen, alive and physically unharmed, even more important to see him at Aemond's side as such. Aemond was no fool to believe his half-sister did not have her own rats scurrying the castle returning with notice of her son's well being, alerting her of any misdoings.

While the castle had been a darkened nest of vipers, having his nephew at his side was a calm his temper needed, a reminder that he was not to suffer this scrutiny alone. Though it did not last long.

Once they had made the mistake of passing through the hall of tapestries and saw the off white sheets stained with dried blood, disturbed only by a faint breeze. It had demolished whatever progress they had made. Lucerys had immediately started to whine low in his throat. The scent blocker applied to his skin could not staunch the sour ripeness and Aemond had instantly taken the boy into his arms and carried him out of there.

The whispers followed, so many for so many reasons that he could not begin to dissect each one. "People see those!" Lucerys had sobbed once they were alone, humiliation coloring him the same shade as his cloak. "They all know, they've all seen." His nephew paled, swallowing hard before he was rushing to the open window, hurling up his meager meal.

And they had regressed again. Lucerys refusing to eat, refusing to leave, his begging and crying for Aemond to kill him filled his head with madness and once more he could not escape. He wondered why he did not just indulge the boy and end it for them both, take them both flying through the window until they painted the bricks below.

It took another few weeks of reeking basins of half digested food and rope burn against Lucerys' skin before he trusted the boy alone. It was driving him mad that he even forgot to eat, to leave their room, to see his family or his dragon. There was no rest. They found themselves in another dreadful loop of tears and screaming.

Their only solace came in the form of the Queen. As it had been Prince Aemond's entire life, it was her aid that set him straight. Helaena's nose wrinkled a little at the state of their room but she found the full picture in clear view. Her handmaidens set to cleaning as she used her natural scent to clear the stench of rot. Wildflowers and soft dirt, like a day of playing in the warm sun.

Lucerys was drawn to her, comforted by her. Maybe he remembered how she wept for him on their wedding night. Or maybe he had never noticed, but he didn't flinch when she spoke to him. He let her near, but she never touched him. They circled each other at a distance, just wounded creatures finding solace in each other's bruised skin.

With Helaena's soft presence the weeks strained less and less. But even so, it was never going to be a graceful thing between them. The fractured pieces were scattered far and wide and what he gathered in his own hands still only surmounted to nothing. Regardless, he would search and search until he had enough, even if it was the only worthy thing he did with his life.

The captive prince tried to escape only once. He was quickly discovered before he had even managed to leave the castle. A knight on duty had caught his scent and retrieved him. Lucerys was lucky it had been an honorable knight, as he was delivered to Aemond's feet like a kicked puppy, upset but otherwise unharmed.

Prince Aemond had been livid. All expected him to have the boy whipped at the least, but the man had taken the prince by the scruff of his neck like a kitten and carted him off to their chambers. Rumors spread that the absence of the boy in court was to hide evidence of mistreatment. Those rumors would find their way to Dragonstone where the tone in their returning letters reached hostile.

Lucerys did not seem to understand the weight of his actions and Aemond was all the more ready to educate him.

"Do you have any idea what could have happened to you?" At Lucerys sullen pout Aemond almost throttled the boy. "This is not a game, Lucerys. You cannot play around in the middle of a war."

"I wasn't playing," Lucerys mumbled as he crossed his arms.

The prince was far too annoyed that he had to explain this to an ignorant child and it showed as he nearly growled. "And what exactly were you doing outside of the Tower, wearing this," he snagged the end of Lucerys' dark cloak, "and a bag full of honey cakes? Which would not have done you much good when you would have eaten them all the first night."

The boy looked down. "I just wanted to go home."

"And how would you have done that?" Aemond snapped at him. "You have no coin, no dragon, the first alpha who realized you were a lost omega could have taken you for themselves. What would you have done if you did tell people you were a prince, if you had gathered a mob who did not care as long as they got a piece of you for a reward?"

Lucerys' petulance began to shift to apprehension and fear as Aemond continued.

"Do you think you can trust the smallfolk who despise little princelings like you? They would tear you to pieces and think nothing of it. Do you think you can trust anyone who isn't in this room right now? Who are your friends in court, Lucerys? Can you name a single one?"

His anger and questions started to make Lucerys tear up, a sob startling out of him as he curled in on himself. His stressed scent burned Aemond's nostrils. Drifting in like a corpse at sea. "I-I don't know-"

"No. You don't know." Aemond kneeled down in front of him, cupping his face and making him look at him. "I do not wish to punish you with this, taoba. But you cannot act so recklessly again. The only person you can trust is me, do you understand that?"

Lucerys' wet eyes stared into his for a moment before he shakily nodded, his cheeks squished in Aemond's hands. "Y-yes, qȳbor."

Aemond's one relief came from the fact that the boy had been horrified enough to listen. And while he had wanted to scare the boy, his words were not untrue. There was no love from the smallfolk who could be swayed one way or the other, one king to another. They had cheered on Aegon's coronation and yet now they shared no love for their king. Who is to say if it had been Rhaenyra being crowned they would not have cheered just as loud, woman or not. As long as it did not worsen their already shitty lives - what did it matter to them who sat on the throne. And it was never a secret how the realm viewed their delight.

But war changed every little aspect of things. Hostages and ransoms were the next best thing to full on battle. And a prize like Lucerys was greatly sought after.

Aemond nearly wished he could lock Lucerys up indefinitely. If it wasn't important for the boy to be seen he would not have shied away from the notion of keeping him out of sight entirely, under heavy lock and key.

Fortunately for Lucerys that was not the case and he was able to roam within the Keep if he so wished. The prince did not, but the choice was still there if he wanted.

Knowing he was completely trapped within the castle only worsened Lucerys' condition and whatever fresh hell that plagued his nephew that night woke Aemond from a strange trance that wasn't quite sleeping but not quite awake either. The fitful kicking of the princelings feet sent the heavy blankets off, propelling his fear laced sweat Aemond's way.

"No, no, please… lykirī, Arrax, lykirī. Dohaerās… he's coming!"

Aemond stood and crossed to the bed in three long strides. He could not take it anymore. The crying. The stench of burning blood and rot. The boy was sweating profusely, his scent uncontrollably loud and not even the incense could block it. He sweat off any blocker Aemond put on him.

His weight dipped into the bed but his nephew was a deep sleeper and so Aemond woke the boy with a firm shake of his shoulder. "Lucerys, open your eyes!"

The boy jerked and his eyes sprang open. His mouth widened to scream and Aemond quickly covered it with his hand, dwarfing his face. "Shh, shh, calm down. I'm not going to hurt you. You were having a nightmare."

When he cautiously let the boy go, Lucerys weakly but spitefully told him, "you are my nightmare." His hair stuck to his forehead and his eyes were bloodshot. He was a thin and angry thing.

Aemond gave him an empty smile in return. "It is like looking into a mirror, then." With the boy no longer distracting him, Aemond got off the bed and stalked back to the fire. He almost paced but forced himself to sit, his leg bouncing despite himself.

There were no more wrathful words out of Lucerys long enough he imagined the boy had gone back to sleep. He did not know how his nephew could sleep so often and a part of him grew envious of the easy way he could escape if only for a while. Though that escape did not seem to be holding up.

He turned at the sound of Lucerys joining him at the fire, curling into the opposite chair as a cat would. His index finger was already worming its way into a split in a seam. It had not been there nine months ago. Dark eyes turned bright white in the glow of the fire, molten and inhuman.

"Why didn't you let me die?" the boy asked without preamble, his voice raspy from sleep. He did not look at Aemond while clearing his throat.

There could only be rain between them. Outside it poured down and sent brushes of cold air through the windows. Part of him wished he were in it, soaked to the bone and feeling nothing but the heat of Vhagar underneath, his blood pounding in his ears. What would he do then if he had the information he had now? The way his nephew lived now was no life but his death would have changed more than what this false wedding did. With Lucerys alive they at least had that staying Rhaenyra's hand. If Aemond had killed the boy it would have been an act of war.

"You couldn't die." Aemond told him solemnly, an oath he would upheld to his last breath. "I will not let you die. Even if you wish to seek it."

His nephew frowned, refusing even then to look at him. "Then why did you kill my dragon? If you wanted me alive so badly, why did you kill half of me?"

Looking back on that night, nothing he had done had any reason to happen, only he had let a lifetime of anger out on the boy and sealed them to this fate anyway. Aemond had wanted to know why. Why had Lucerys been betrothed to another when it had never been a secret that Aemond would have done anything to be that alpha. For years he had denied each and every proposal sent to him or requested by his mother. He hadn't deemed it appropriate to formally ask his half-sister, but she knew and kept Lucerys far from him on her island. But that had never changed the fact that there had only been one and Aemond had always known that.

"The thought of letting you go…I could not accept it. But that does not excuse it. I should not have followed you."

They would not have to suffer this fate together if he hadn't. Lucerys would have gone home unsuccessful in his journey as his mother's envoy, but alive and without Aemond attached. He would be whole and he wouldn't be asking why he could not lay dead in a bed of seaweed with his dragon.

Lucerys' eyes went to him without moving his head, the white shifting to hazel. "Then you are my curse as well."

Aemond hummed.

They sat there in silence, Aemond feeding the fire and they listened to the wood being consumed by hungry flames. His nephew stared tiredly into the brightness, the look in his eyes reflecting a far older age than he was. If he felt Aemond's occasional glances he never turned to meet them. Only when Aemond moved, fingers moving on muscle memory, did Lucerys show any interest in more than the shifting fire.

Aemond took his time removing his armor, lately he never seemed to part with it. This castle was not safe. But it was too warm within the heaviness and from the heat of the fire and if Lucerys planned to slit his throat he would have done it by now.

"Do you plan to sleep then?" Lucerys had watched him the entire time with his arms wrapped around his knees, chin resting on top.

"Not at the moment."

"Do you ever plan to sleep in the bed?"

Aemond's jaw twitched. He could not backtrack far enough to understand why the boy chose to ask that. "Does it matter if I do not? You should be pleased."

"I am." His bottom lip was somewhat sticking out. "But it is our bed now. You can sleep there, too. In shifts, if your prefer."

"Hm." They were silent as Aemond finished removing it all, the man sighing in relief once it was off.

After some time he realized Lucerys was still facing him. He decided to feel the bond, the uncertainty lying in wait. He raised an eyebrow. "Out with it."

But no words could come out so the young prince expressed himself in another way. Hazel eyes looked down and away, his scent tentatively reaching out to Aemond. He wanted comfort. Even though there was nothing more but resentment between them he still sought out his one form of familiarity. Which just so happened to be Aemond whether he wanted it or not. Aside from what he could get from his sister, Aemond was all the boy had now.

Aemond did not delude himself into thinking Lucerys came to him in these moments for anything other than that. They were bound together in torment. Nothing more.

But still he stood from the chair and kneeled down next to Lucerys. He took the boy's soft hand and brushed it against his cheek, down his neck, doing the same to his other hand until Lucerys was comfortable allowing him closer. He scented him slowly, getting as far as rubbing into the boy's neck before he felt hands against his chest, a tiny whimper into his ear. That ache, the need, it should not have been so prevalent when he touched him. He knew he could take what he wanted if he chose to. But he retreated back to his chair, haunted by the chase of vanilla.

And even so - like the twisted fates that brought them together - he treasured these moments. If only before the cruel reminder that he could have had this with Lucerys if they had been different, lived different lives. He could have enjoyed taking the utmost care of this omega like he deserved. Instead he collected broken pieces and hoped that in the end he had enough to put Lucerys back together again, maybe missing a few but nothing crucial, enough to feel whole.

He knew he had failed that already as those bloody butterfly sheets still hung in the hall, as his dragon's bones had already been retrieved from Storm's End and displayed for all to see, including the boy he failed to protect.

His nephew went to the bed, his dark eyes boring into the back of Aemond's head as he pulled the blankets away. Aemond ignored the sound of him slipping in, the reminder that he had the omega's permission to join him. He would not.

Lucerys went to sleep alone as he would continue to do for the moons to follow.

Chapter 2: on the mend

Notes:

Just want to start by saying thank you for all the comments and whatnot, I tried to respond to as many as I could. It was eye-opening how many actually wanted a sequel. Makes me a little nervous ngl I tried my best with this fic so I hope it holds up as it continues lol (and I don't erratically decide to edit it halfway through posting it TT)

Also time passes in various lengths in the cuts. Could be three months, could be the next day - there's usually an indication of how much time has passed. Chapter 2 is a couple months since chapter 1.

As always, enjoy c:

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

"It's been a year, brother."

The King was pacing the length of the council table, at the backs of empty chairs still pushed out. The small council had come to an end and a shock to all that Aegon had even arrived though he was faintly draping the room in wine and it wasn't coming from his natural scent. While Aemond had only just made the end of the meeting, once again missing due to his nephew's sudden attraction to sharp objects, he did not need to hold the rest of the council to their seats.

Aemond stood statue still as his brother vented his frustration to him. There was only bad news to deliver as there had been for months. Three Towers, Uplands, Horn Hill…the lords supporting their half-sister were growing while their numbers diminished each moon. Aemond let the King have his tantrum, knowing for Aegon it was best out in the open than festering within.

"The North has allied itself to the dragon-whore and we are losing." Aegon, for once, sounded appropriately stressed over this fact. The bags under his eyes were reminiscent of their mothers. "We have what we have. Baratheon has managed to prove loyal even after you spurned his daughters to chase after our nephew, but it is not enough. We are, effective immediately, quite fucked if we don't pull this together."

He summed it up rather neatly for Aemond.

"You could always bend the knee to our sister. End this war now since you don't seem to know how to win it," Aemond could only say those things because he was the King's brother and because as much as they both despised the fact - Aegon needed him. If he had been anyone else the King would have shown him his justice where he stood.

Or, at least, have one of his knights do it.

It was only them and the Cargyll knight remaining. Without his brother in the guard, Aemond did not have to guess which twin was under the helmet. Ser Arryk had been staring just hard enough to garner Aemond's attention and he made a mental note to keep watch on him.

Aemond's words brought a fresh wave of irritation, the King's foul wine scent souring to bile. Aegon glowered at him. It was not an unfamiliar look. "Our nephew's cunt can not be so good that you'd surrender. I am not only doing this for myself."

Aemond bristled. "You never wanted the crown and yet you'd do all of this to keep it."

"If you wanted it so badly you should have taken it!" Aegon snapped at him, a wild look in his amethyst eyes that did not come from the copious amounts of sweetwine. "You should have let me sail to Essos so you could test your mettle against our sister yourself. Or give it to the bitch if you so wished. Do you really think if we surrender now you will be spared? The man who married and raped her son?" Aegon laughed mercilessly at him. "Be serious, Aemond."

The accusation stung and the prince could not fathom how the man who was responsible for that disgraceful night would stand there and blame him. "We both know that would not have happened if you had not forced it so."

Aegon waved his hand dismissively. "It does not matter now, brother. The details surely won't to her. As far as Rhaenyra and her brood know, you're as guilty as I am. Who chased him out of Baratheon's hall, who killed his dragon? You hunted that boy down and you claimed him. Simple as that. Now shut the fuck up about surrender and help me win this fucking war!"

The room was silent as Aegon drank from his cup until it ran empty. He wiped his mouth before continuing. "If they gather and come for us, it won't matter that your whore is here. She will take this castle by storm and with her strength - she'll be on the throne that same day. And our heads will be lining the fucking gates!" He swung his hand out, knocking the empty wine chalice to the wall. He swore again, airing his fist out. "We're sitting here writing letters with nothing to show for it!"

Before his outbursts could grow any worse, Aemond focused him back to the task. "And what of Oldtown? Have you heard word from Lord Ormund?" It went without saying Oldtown would back them, it was the houses around Oldtown that had already chosen their adversaries side, spouting rebellion throughout the south. Highgarden in particular had rescinded their support in effort to remain neutral, though to everyone it was clear what that meant.

"Yes, yes, nothing of our brother but Lord Ormund's letter arrived. Nothing but the same gathering forces." Aegon exhaled harshly through his nose before retrieving his fallen wine cup and deciding he needed more drink to settle himself. "Once Hightower has the necessary numbers, I want him to march up the Mander to join forces here, crushing rebellions as they go. We will hold the capital in the meantime."

"Helaena should be riding Dreamfyre again. Three is better than two, though Vhagar accounts for two already."

"Helaena is no match for war," the King scoffed, taking a gulp of wine. "What, will she throw a spider and hope it lands in our sweet sister's mouth? No, she will remain in the Keep. Where her brothers and her husband will protect her."

Then the King abruptly turned, staring at Aemond before pointing his finger at him, knuckles nicked from the hard jewels adorning his cup. "I want to see my good-brother, Aemond. Bring him down for supper."

The shift in priorities concerned Aemond as he would rather focus on how they planned to hold the crown rather than his nephew, or how either of those things could be connected. "He prefers to eat in our room."

Aegon never had been able to take no for an answer and that remained doubly true as King. "He is expected to be seen regularly and he has not left your chamber. If there is no sign of the boy for weeks, who is to say we did not already mount his pretty little head on the battlements? She could come any day if she believes he is dead. Bring him to supper. Or I will go to your room and drag him down myself."

Aemond ground his teeth together before nodding. "As you wish." Dutiful fucking servant he was. Do this, Aemond. Marry this one. Kill that one. And he listened ever so loyally like a well trained dog. He was surprised there was no leash around his neck.

He tracked back to his chambers, servants scuttling out of his furious path. None of them were unused to his behavior and went on about their lives as soon as he was gone.

Lucerys was not pleased to have to be in attendance. His foul scent pervaded the air as he dressed in a red and black tunic, so similar to the doublet he wore the day Aemond sent him hurtling through the storm clouds. The sight of it did nothing to curb his anger and Aemond reminded himself to remove that from the boy's wardrobe once they retired for the evening.

"We will dine with the rest of the family tonight. You will make your appearance and we will head up for an early night," Aemond told him, but from how he paced it was clearly more for his own peace of mind.

His nephew gave him an unimpressed look as he laced his boots. "And what happens when the King does not allow us to leave?"

"If we have a decent enough excuse. Can you vomit on command?"

Lucerys gave him a dark look through his lashes. "Should I humiliate myself further for you? Would that make you happy?"

Aemond rounded on him, snarling. His wrath was a tricky beast as of late, so blistering it even shocked himself and nothing soothed once he was set off - which turned out to be often. He was still seething from the never-ending back and forth they shared that morning, after he had confiscated the dagger the boy had secreted within his trousers. "Do you really think I wanted this?"

"Yes!" Lucerys stood up, still so short but he made up with that in rage. They easily came to head with mutual fire spitting between them. How he had ever denied the dragon within the boy was beyond him. "I do think you wished to trap me in a marriage. You're only upset that your brother had the upper hand to control how you did it!"

Aemond reacted without thinking, only hearing a disrespectful boy mouthing off at him.

SMACK!

His palm stung from the impact, his hand shaking. Lucerys' head jerked to the right and it was deathly silent in the room. The thirteen months they had been married Aemond rarely touched him. He scented him in the morning and when the boy asked and that was all. He rarely touched him.

And now.

"I'm sorry." Aemond sank to his knees before Lucerys, the heavy armor creaking with the shift. "I'm so sorry, Lucerys." He could not lift his head, the shame was far too thick in the air. It gripped him and nothing could save him from the wretchedness he felt.

He had always scorned his brother and the treatment of his wife and the women and serving girls around them. It did not matter that most lords would not have looked twice at Aemond putting his hands on Lucerys who was nothing more than captive property. Aemond had never wanted to treat Lucerys in any capacity his brother would.

"Get up." Lucerys' voice was far too collected, but the murderous pit carving into their bond sent Aemond reeling. There were leagues of icy sea churning between them and storm clouds surrounding them, cutting off their escape. "Aemond. Get. Up!"

Aemond lifted his head. He was not expecting the return of his treatment and though the boy's hand to his cheek was not nearly as forceful as Aemond's - it still stung. Lucerys' face was composed, his cheek red and eyes burning with contempt as his hand was still raised. The tension between them was scented with blood and cloves and sharp enough it hurt to breathe. "This does not make us even. Now stand up."

Aemond stood but he stayed rooted in place.

Lucerys turned from him, gathering himself. His shoulders lifted and dropped a few times before he walked to the armchair, where his red cloak was. He fastened it without looking at Aemond. When he faced the door to leave, his head was high. A boy refusing to be humiliated further.

If only it would be that easy.

Before they left, Lucerys told him, "you will go to sleep tonight, uncle. I don't care if you have to drug yourself or bash your head into a wall." Even as an omega the command in his voice was potent. "But you will not refuse to sleep when you act like this."

Aemond said nothing, his jaw was clenched so tightly it gave him a headache.

The royal dining hall hadn't waited for them to begin and their late arrival was obviously noted. They were appraised as they walked to the table, Lucerys a step behind Aemond and head down. The color to his cheek had mostly faded in the walk, leaving only a rosy stain that could have easily come from anything. Only Aemond knew and each sight of it brought stabs of shame into his chest.

The King stood with a joyous cheer as they stepped to the table to take their seats, thankfully on the far end of the table. "You do not entirely disappoint, brother. You've brought me your pillow boy in one piece as requested."

Aemond's jaw twitched as he pushed in Lucerys' seat, his hand lingering before Lucerys shifted away from him. He took the seat next to Lucerys, on the boy's left. His agitated silence allowed their mother to reprimand her eldest son's words. His mother's evasive support, for she would not say it outright, was a meager calm to the storm he could already sense coming their way.

He was surprised the stone and red brick around them hadn't begun to shake with the growing force of it. How they did not hear it whistling through the cracks in the walls.

"You are right, mother. We shall dine as a family." Aegon made a grand display of sitting back into his chair, reaching for his golden glass of red. "I am merely overjoyed to see my sweet good-brother, Lucerys, removed from his marital bed." He snorted into his cups. "I cannot wait to add the sheets you flower on to the collection."

Lucerys flushed and looked down, though the humiliation had turned to a simmering hate in his hazel eyes.

"You forget yourself, brother." Aemond had swallowed enough shit that day and was in no mood. Lucerys would not be Aegon's whipping boy, especially after receiving such treatment from the one lifeline he had. It still stung between them but Aemond would not sit there in silence.

It proved to be unwise, he knew the second Aegon half smirked, his violet eyes flitting to Lucerys and back again. "Have I? I seem to know my place quite well. Maybe others are forgetting theirs."

He remembered those words spoken that night Aegon forced their bedding, his eyes boring into Lucerys while he said it. That undercurrent of spite had not settled and it swelled to the surface. It would not have been Lucerys the King had to worry about if the Dowager Queen had not spoken up.

"Let us enjoy this meal," Alicent all but begged, leaning over to her firstborn and Aemond released the grip of his sword.

The Queen was a quiet watchful calm as she sat beside her drunk husband and subdued children, but her eyes remained sad when she looked at Lucerys. It was not a coincidence her gaze went to him and Aemond knew as such, knowing his sister to be peculiarly observant in times of strife. Her warning before he left for Storms End a year ago still rang in his head, do not go in anger, you will wish for mercy if you do. He had chosen not to listen and this was where he sat now.

Aegon slammed his fist into the table, shaking the goblet next to him and startling those around him. "Fine! By all means, enjoy your fucking food."

Not that anyone seated appeared to have any appetite. The smell nauseated Aemond and Lucerys was half-heartedly stabbing at his meal with his fork. They had taken all but three bites when Aegon started up again. "Although it does pain me to see my nephew has forgotten hundreds of years of tradition."

All eyes were on Aegon, wondering and dreading where this was leading. Lucerys' grip on his fork made his knuckles white. Aemond wished there had been a way he could remove the sharp object from the boy's hand without potentially losing his only eye in the process. "What are you getting at, Aegon?"

The King shrugged. "No great matter, truly. Only, there are so few omegas in the royal family it is easy to forget. And would you not agree that tradition is important? It is what binds us to our forebears, is it not?"

Aemond did not like where this was going, as there were many arbitrary laws he would like his brother to forget. Alicent, a beta, could only nod in uncertainty.

Aegon knocked his fist on the table, taking their cautious silence as consent. "Then it is settled. I'd like whatever is inside my nephews wardrobe replaced with proper omega attire. I'm sure, my dear brother, that you will not complain."

Lucerys froze as he processed what that meant. He was a young Valyrian prince and he had been taught enough about their ancestors customs to figure it out quickly. His eyes cut to Aemond in alarm. "That is hardly necessary," Aemond voiced, jaw clenched so painfully he was surprised he did not lose a tooth.

"Oh, I think it is. And what is your word compared to a King?" Aegon smirked at him, lifting his glass. "You will thank me, brother. If the boy wasn't already tied to your bed, he will be soon. And I've heard that in the Free Cities and in Dorne women wear this style all the time, it is not so uncommon."

Lucerys appeared far too pale and green, his deep continuous swallows telling. Aemond wanted nothing more than to be able to hold him. Yet still the boy's torment would not cease even with the empty promises Aemond could give.

Neither of them touched their meals any further and Aemond pardoned them without asking for leave, guiding his nephew out of the hall before the drunken King could question their departure. No one halted them, and in the mood he was in, Aemond did not plan on letting anyone get in his way.

Once in the privacy of their bedchamber, Lucerys allowed himself to fully break down. He had not made it halfway through the door before he started those dry hiccupping sobs. The hurt in his eyes was so palpable that Aemond was rocked by it, weakened to it. "Did you not say, on our wedding night, that we are bound by torment?"

"Luce-"

"And yet you would hurt me and let others do the same?" He wasn't crying, yet, but his voice was breaking ever so slightly. "Are we not to suffer this as one? Will it fall to my shoulders to accept that burden alone?"

Letting out a deep breath, Aemond cautiously took Lucerys hands and guided him to the foot of the bed. The boy gave him a wary look at the direction but did not fight him. Then he got onto his knee once more and looked up at Lucerys. His only experience with apologizing came from the boy before him. It was only fitting he would continue this tradition if any at all.

"You are right, Lucerys." The omega had not expected those words as his breathy inhale expressed, sea persevering through the carnage of his stress. "We are both in a den of snakes and I have not been deserving of you."

Now Lucerys let those tears fall when he blinked, twin droplets falling down his cheeks. He swallowed thickly but even so his voice was a tiny ruined thing through his tears. "How do you plan to change that, qȳbor?"

He brought Lucerys' hands to his lips, softly kissing the backs of them before letting him go. It was clear from how Lucerys watched with wide eyes that he was keeping him on his toes.

Aemond stood and once more herded Lucerys where he wanted. He led the boy to the desk that was against the wall, much to the little prince's confusion. He motioned for him to sit and once he did he set the piece of parchment, ink and quill pen before him.

"Write to your mother."

Lucerys regarded him in surprise, his mouth opening and closing a few times. Then he turned back to the desk and stared off at nothing, eyebrows drawn together. "What do you want me to say?"

Aemond shook his head softly. "It is not from me. It is from you. I will make sure no one reads its contents."

"You'll send it to her?" Under his apprehension there was a spark of hope in those hazel eyes, the beginning of something forgiving buried deep. He had missed his family more than Aemond could understand, even if it had kept him awake for over a year.

"Your mother knowing you are alive will be good for you both." He could not say alive and well but the sentiment was there somewhere. And it might give them more time before she came for her birthright, damning the safety of her child within. She was kept busy enough but there would come a time when that ceased to distract her.

Before he walked away, Lucerys snagged his wrist and squeezed. It was over his scent gland and Lucerys hesitantly leaned his nose against it. A brief touch of his button nose against his skin before he was let go. "Thank you, uncle."

This child…thanking him after what he had done. Every time he thought he understood this boy he surprised him. It was not nearly enough, but it could be a start to mend what he had done. Aemond would learn the ways to make it better, but he would have to start small if he wanted to do it right.

As the boy wrote, Aemond sat by the fire, lost in thought from the repetitive skrit skrit skrit of the quill. An occasional sniffle made it known Lucerys was tearing up. It was, unfortunately, a familiar sound. He hadn't realized his eye had closed until he felt a light pressure land on his shoulder, rousing him. He looked up at Lucerys, blinking a few times. "Have you finished?"

Lucerys nodded, eyes red rimmed and cheeks flushed but no longer crying. "It's on the desk."

Aemond hummed softly, still looking up at Lucerys in question.

The boy eyed him for a moment, his fingers running along the heavy black and gold armor over his shoulders nervously. "I didn't want to wake you but I wasn't sure you would be comfortable sleeping in this, qȳbor."

"I wasn't asleep," he denied to deaf ears.

Lucerys rolled his eyes lightly. "You were, too. And I want you to sleep tonight, remember? You've been mean, uncle."

Aemond looked away in guilt. His request, while completely reasonable, set Aemond's teeth on edge. There was only one bed after all. A problem that would be solved if they had separate rooms but he would be damned if he left Lucerys alone. He sighed. "This is fine, Lucerys."

But the boy was proving to be a stubborn little creature. His deft hands started on the buckles to his armor, working around the chair until eventually Aemond stood to handle the rest.

"You won't get the sleep you need on this thing. I don't mind…sharing the bed." It was hesitant but truthful, a recurring thought he must have accepted longer than he let on. This was not the first time he had brought it up after all.

Aemond did not want to ponder too deeply on that. "There is plenty of comfort here." He grunted, removing the breastplate and setting it aside.

"Qȳbor," Lucerys reached up to put his hand on Aemond's chest, feeling the warmth the armor denied him, his hazel eyes pleading at him. "Please, you need to rest. You are not taking care of yourself. I cannot think of the last time I saw you asleep. And you're not very nice to me when you're like this."

At his stony silence the boy continued, though his eyes were downcast. "I am not asking you to treat me…a certain way. But if you are keeping me, I would like you to treat me better. And…if you will not let me do it, then yourself as well."

He was not the only one affected by the connection this bond forced onto them. Whereas Aemond felt helpless the times grief took Lucerys, so did the boy when he could not take care of the alpha. Aemond relented with a slow nod. Like a dutiful squire, the boy helped him remove his armor until he was just in his underclothes. He chose to ignore the way Lucerys tried to take in these unsubtle gulps of air, trying to catch his dominant scent. Chose to ignore the urge to bury his face in Lucerys' neck.

His feet stopped him at the edge of the bed. Uncertainty halted his tracks. This had been his bed before and yet he could count on one hand the times he had slept on it with Lucerys the past year. It never felt right. He was not entirely sure if it felt right even then.

He glanced over his shoulder but quickly looked away. Lucerys' back was to him as he stripped down, bending over to slip his trousers off to change into a nightgown. The light from the fire made his soft inner thighs glow. An unsettling heat curled its way into his gut and he stepped further away from the bed after a moment of consideration.

Warm hands at his lower back offered resistance, pushing him with what strength he had forward. Lucerys firmly told him, "go to sleep. Unless you cannot stomach sleeping next to me. Do I disgust you that much?"

Aemond exhaled through his nose, closing his eye. "There is nothing about you that disgusts me." It was only himself he was disgusted with.

A pause. Lucerys was still at his back but his fingers curled against his skin, short nails clipping him. Aemond fought the shiver that threatened to shoot down his spine and lost. "Not even my parentage?"

"Your parentage no longer matters." Aemond stepped forward and out of his grasp. "You are a Targaryen now. That is what matters."

Lucerys went to the right side of the bed, the side he had claimed as his. He did not hesitate to crawl under the blankets. "Will you still think that when we have children and they do not share your coloring?"

Aemond had not even bothered thinking about children. Not in the middle of a war. Not when the boy was still so young and hadn't even flowered yet. He threatened anyone who had even broached the subject. But Lucerys bringing it up made his stomach jolt and suddenly he was thinking much too hard about the prospect of seeing Lucerys heavy with his child inside of him.

That familiar ache was back and Aemond sighed harshly, staring the boy down. "You wanted to sleep, did you not?"

He could see Lucerys' shoulders rise in a shrug under the cover, his eyebrows furrowed. "Then why don't you get into the bed, qȳbor."

Was the boy doing this on purpose? Was he trying to decimate every ounce of control he had? Like it was not hard enough to be surrounded by his alluring scent once the scent blockers wore off. He had avoided this situation for as long as he could but now found he had nowhere to run.

He laid down but remained as close to the edge as possible. His bed smelled only of Lucerys when he lifted the blanket, a part of him enjoying that far too much. This was profoundly bad. He glanced to his right at Lucerys and saw that he was being watched. He stared at the ceiling instead.

Hazel eyes narrowed at him as Lucerys sat up on his elbow. "Liar. I do disgust you. Is this why you run from our bed each night?"

"Lucerys," Aemond pleaded, on his last shred of patience. "Do not start this tonight. I will do as you ask, so please, follow your own advice and go to sleep."

They were silent for a tense moment before Lucerys grunted softly "Fine." He nestled into the pillows and Aemond could feel him curling to wrap his arms around his knees.

Strange little creature. But he was right about Aemond needing rest. Almost as soon as warmth settled deep enough he felt it in his bones he was sinking into unconsciousness. The first real sleep he'd gotten in an immeasurable time. Truthfully, he should be thanking the boy for his stubbornness because he needed this.

If he had stayed up any longer he might have noticed the weight that rested into his side, the warm cheek laying on his shoulder and fingers in his hair.

༺༻

In the morning, Aemond detangled himself from the young prince, only after he had taken his time to scent the boy already drenched in his smell. But he needed to make sure it stuck, that even when he was forced out of their room Lucerys would hold his claim.

He dressed in the predawn darkness and watched the sky, the birds that flew below in the distance, trying to ignore the fresh stench of the city wafting through the air giving occasional reminders of the shit below.

He took the note on the desk, rolled but unsealed. Aemond glanced at the bed in silent question. There had been wax to seal it last night. Curious of what content it held, he unrolled it. Instantly the corner of his lips twitched when he saw the High Valyrian interspersed between common.

Dearest family,

There are no words to express how much I wish I was home with you. I miss the beach and the sounds of dragons in the air. I wish I could have been there for everyone's name days. I miss my brothers and sisters. I miss Mother and Daemon. I miss Arrax. I know you all have heard by now. It is true. I was made to wed Aemond. But it was not of his design and he does not touch me. The king is worse than you feared, he is beyond saving. But do not worry.

I am strong

Lucerys

Aemond read those last lines a few times. The king is worse than you feared, he is beyond saving. He never read truer words. He had never believed his brother was deserving of his birthright. It should have been him. But if it would not be him, it should be someone worthy of it.

He sealed the rolled up parchment and pocketed it. He gave Lucerys' sleeping form one more look before leaving their chamber, locking the door behind him.

Notes:

Will Aemond learn from his mistakes and make better choices? Unlikely! But he wouldn't be losermond if he was smart lol

Also I think I told someone Lucerys pov in chapter 3 I lied it was 4 I'M SORRY LOL

Chapter 3: you just had to keep on pushing it

Notes:

And now for one of my fave chapters c:

This picks up where chapter 2 left off

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

As the sun hovered over the Keep, Aemond returned to their chamber with a stack of books in arm, a few rolled up parchments. He set them at the desk and motioned for Lucerys to sit down. He was pleased when his nephew did, simply looking at the volumes of books with mild interest. "What's this, uncle?"

One parchment was unrolled and spread over the free space of the desk. It was a map of Westeros, though unmarked save for illustrations of landmarks and geographical features. "I have been neglecting your studies, you are still a prince expecting to be of certain education. Until we find you a suitable tutor, you are stuck with me."

Most children the prince's age hated their lessons, unlike Aemond when he had been young. He was always early and always asked too many questions, much to the maesters irritation depending on the day. Lucerys did not seem to be bothered if his easy nod was to go by.

"I do not mind you as a tutor, uncle. As long as you do not smack my knuckles."

"Hm, show me what you know and we will see about that."

They spent the better part of the afternoon going over the various Houses of the Seven Kingdoms. The young prince stumbled a few times but he was quick to correct himself and Aemond left him to read after he was satisfied.

A while later there was a short knock at the door. Handmaidens came and went with their heads bowed. The young prince did not have much but he was not without. What clothes he had were taken and replaced with an assortment of airy dresses that Lucerys glowered at from where he sat. Some were more modest and thicker for the slowly changing season but still would remain a dress no matter how he looked at it.

One handmaiden stressed to Aemond that a few might need to be tailored to fit the boy's shoulders, which only further caused issues when the quill pen in Lucerys' hands snapped in half.

Resentment flooded heavy and thick through the bond. Lucerys gave off a malicious scent that made the already meek servants turn from him and work faster. Aemond leaned against the wall and watched them, not looking forward to how this would no doubt set his nephew off for a few weeks. It was a good thing he planned for that, just in case.

After the servants had cleared out, Aemond opened a chest by the bed, revealing trousers and shirts he had stashed while Lucerys had been too busy reading to notice him moving around the room. However, no red and black tunic was spared. Lucerys looked at him before cracking the barest smile of relief and it stopped reeking of stale blood and seaweed between them.

Aemond had to leave him after though he would have liked otherwise. Since the night before, he felt something within their bond that was incomplete, further soothing that was needed. But Aemond was called elsewhere and once he returned he would wait for Lucerys to reach out for comfort, should he want it.

His lingering proved unwise. Entering the throne room, he had made it just in time to see the King yank the pendant of the Hand from their grandsire's chest and toss it to Ser Criston. Alicent's green eyes stared between them in shock before finding Aemond as he approached where they gathered before the sea of swords.

"What is this?" The Prince eyed the King as he returned back to his throne, slouching heavily into the seat, which turned to a mistake very quickly. While his mother was busy staring at her father who held the gaze of Ser Criston, only Aemond noticed the stain of red along Aegon's forearm and the King's wince before he smoothed his face out and straightened up.

"I have chosen a new Hand, brother, one who knows how thrones are won and kept."

Aemond could tell Ser Criston was eager for battle. He had been spurring the King's desire for bloodshed while placating the Dowager Queen that he would be righteous and let honor show the way. From the zeal in his eye at his new position, Aemond knew there would be no stopping the violence to come.

"It is high time you showed the traitors who their rightful King is, Your Grace." Cole was already striking a plan and had the King's sole attention to the matter. "There are plenty in this castle who would doubt your claim. It is time they paid for their treason."

Aegon nodded in full support, waving his hand in assent. "Take their heads, then. Only the loyal shall keep their lives."

And so it was done. By the time the sun set, the gates were dripping with the blood of over twoscore mounted heads. Flies and crows alike crowded the gates for a feast of eyes and noses, the cawing of happy murders flooding the city air.

Aemond stood with his mother as the headless bodies were carted away. Pig food, he heard. Straight to the hounds, another said. Aemond stared down at his mother who had watched in silent reproach. "You did not need to see this."

"I did." She sighed heavily in resignation. "Remind me not to touch the pork."

"Should I have stopped it?" Though he did not know if he necessarily cared enough; the things he did care about were a short list itself and they did not concern that of lesser lords. He had not felt the urge before, only after he had seen the horror reflected in his mother's eyes.

The Dowager Queen looked up at him as she had for years and he knew she saw something within him no one else did. Most of the time, he did not understand the faith she placed in him and did not feel worthy of it, and other times, it made him feel small. Young again, like there were still paths set for him and not the sole one ahead telling him to keep moving forward. Then she held his face, the scarred side, and told him, "I would not have my son commit treason." Then she turned her back to the blood stained castle ward and disappeared inside.

Aemond had seen enough for one day and in the absence of any need for him, he headed straight back to his quarters. It was later than he anticipated, he did not like to leave his nephew alone this long.

As his hand touched the handle to the door, he paused before opening. In his gut he could sense how wrong their bond felt, the pressure to it was static and pounding, like a mounting chase with only blood on the other side.

He had thought those were his own aftershocks of the events that had just transpired, but when he opened himself to their bond he was flooded with Lucerys' fear.

And something reeked of sweat and opportunistic greed that was entirely unfamiliar. His hand was on the hilt of his sword before he had entered the room, which was unusually darkened, allowing only the bright moon to illuminate the space. Lucerys always kept a fire, always. He craved the heat it produced even when it bothered Aemond, especially when it bothered Aemond.

And the smell. He was used to blood lingering but this was not tinged with salt and sea - it was moldy and rotten. Like rank, warm cheese.

It felt as if everything happened in a second. The door swung open and in the center of the room, a pockmarked man held his omega, one of his dirty hands covering Lucerys' mouth while his other pointed a dagger to the boy's neck. He noticed bright, fearful hazel eyes shift to his left and he ducked, narrowly dodging a heavy swing towards his head.

A larger man was there as well, rugged and sweaty. He gripped a longsword which was eagerly trying to cleave through Aemond. No words were spoken, only the clashing of steel against steel.

Lucerys was trying hard not to struggle in the smaller man's grasp but his terror was palpable, his whimpers only fueling Aemond's bloodlust.

It also distracted him and he grunted at the cold sting slicing into his left side. Fresh blood scented the air and Aemond growled, going on the offensive and breaking the larger man down. Ser Criston was a worse threat on a bad day, whoever this cutthroat was was not prepared to face Aemond, especially when his omega had a knife to his neck. His one hit was a lucky one and Aemond did not let him get another.

He was a big man, which only meant more space to work with. Aemond was brutal when he cut him down, his sword leaving nothing left but something unrecognizable under mutilated flesh.

He turned to the other, red staining the front of him, pupil expanded as hot blood dripped down his face.

The other man tossed a wide-eyed Lucerys to the floor, his thieving hands raised, "I won't kill 'im. Only you were supposed t' die." He did not seem to think that through. He had only been considered safe with Lucerys in front of him. "Let me go, an' nothin' more has t' happen."

It took one swing for his head to go flying, filthy blood arching in the air, spurting from his skinny headless neck.

It was everywhere, it was soaking into Aemond's clothes, in his hair. It reeked. Aemond couldn't feel anything else in the room, couldn't see anyone else through the fog of red.

The whimper below him brought his attention downward, where his nephew was beginning to whimper from fear and stress.

Instantly, there was only one need. One thought. The death around him did not matter, nor the fury singing in his veins. Only one thing was important and he was currently crawling away from the spreading pool of blood that chased after him.

The sword fell from his grasp and Aemond was there in a heartbeat, gathering Lucerys into his arms and pulling him to his chest. He ignored the way Lucerys struggled against him and cried out, as he had a single focused goal of making sure he was okay. "Shh, taoba, let me see you," Aemond tried not to growl at him but he was far too pent up to speak to him softly.

His hands were not rough when they held Lucerys' face but they were not gentle either, lifting his chin to check his neck. There were only the white scars of his own claim mark to greet him. No cuts, not even a blooming bruise. Aemond did not stop there, hands roaming the boy's body, unintentionally smearing his clothes in red. He needed to make sure there had been no harm brought to him, he knew he had already slain those men, but if he found anything out of place he would find a way to bring them back just to murder them again.

"It's alright," he realized Lucerys was whispering to him, his smaller warm hands stroking his head, rubbing his arms. The man was panting quickly, that fear he had not been able to feel now stabbing into him deeper than any blade could reach and once again he was right there in the clouds. That wretched little scream ringing in his ears under the heavy onslaught of frozen rain. Lucerys' body falling so close to the sea he could have easily been claimed by it. "I'm alright."

Lucerys was scenting him, reassuring him with the soft ocean breeze, the faintest hint of vanilla. Aemond groaned as he buried his face into the omegas neck, drinking him in. Lucerys did not relent even as his hands were sticky with rotten blood, tracing down the bloody side of Aemond's face with light caresses.

Aemond blinked at him, the boy looking a little blurry. A warm little hand brushed his tears away. He thought Lucerys might have been smiling. "You did so well protecting me. I'm not even hurt because of you."

The delicious vanilla smell grew and Aemond was drawn back to the crook of his neck, finding relief in his warm pheromones. It wasn't until his lips brushed those teeth marks and he heard Lucerys' cut off gasp did he freeze. He drew back entirely even as Lucerys tried to cling to him.

"We are not sleeping in here any longer," Aemond was standing quickly, wincing. He forced himself to breathe in the rank blood rather than let his nephew's scent cloud his head any further.

"You're bleeding."

"It is nothing."

"But you're hurt." Lucerys stood up as well, eyes not darting around the carnage sullying the darkened room because he was focused solely on reaching Aemond. "You need to see the maester, qȳbor."

"I will hand-"

"No!" The silence that came after was noticeably loud. Lucerys closed his eyes and took a breath before opening them, his tone softer. "You should be more careful, right? What if it got infected?"

Aemond still had nightmares of his father's rotted face, of his black and green and maggot-eaten fingers falling off one by one. He sighed heavily and nodded. As he moved to the door, Lucerys rushed for his own cloak.

"I will not stay here alone with these dead things. I do not care if you want me put, uncle. I'm coming with you."

"I do not want you from my side, Lucerys." It was the most honest thing he had ever said to him. He outstretched his arm and in the gloom of their night, their lives, when Lucerys came to him and allowed himself to be held by him, Aemond savored that shred of comfort.

How cruel he only got to feel this after they had suffered from some new kind of torture.

When Aemond questioned the guard closest to their chambers as to why two men held his nephew hostage and his answer had not been satisfactory, Aemond cut him down as well. Lucerys was silent the entire time but he did not voice any word of caution, if anything, from the way his eyes lit up in the firelight, he seemed to enjoy it.

Why should he cry over men who would not do the same for him?

Three knights died before they made it to maester Orwyle's stuffy chambers. It was of no concern to Aemond. If two assassins were able to find their way into his room unheeded then there would be hell to pay to any knight on duty within the tower.

Orwyle disinfected and stitched his wound, which ended up being about six inches. Lucerys sat on a wooden stool and watched every action he did carefully. It was his idea to come here but he did not trust the maester. He did not trust anyone.

But he would look at Aemond and his suspicious look would soften, if only marginally. Aemond would accept that.

Their streak of violence had roused the castle. Servants whispered faster than the rats scurrying in the kitchens and soon the Dowager Queen entered the room appearing alert only in her eyes. She went straight to Aemond, the raw tips of her nails boring into his shoulder as she held him tightly. His mother usually kept her scent tamed but his nose was instantly filled with pine needles only this time they were alight in a forest fire.

Lucerys had stood when she came in, that guarded expression slipping back into place. He half stepped closer when Aemond's mother put her hands on him, something Aemond did not ignore.

"Who did this to you?" She demanded, assessing his bare chest but the only wound was already being treated. The blood on his face was not his own.

"They are already dead, mother. I saw to that myself."

Alicent had gotten a cloth wet and was scrubbing the dried blood off of Aemond's face. She was either too focused on the task or purposefully ignoring the way Lucerys hovered as his presence did not dissuade her. "And you did not learn their intentions, their identities?"

"They came to kill me." And the fact that Lucerys had been spared intentionally only meant one thing. Even after Aemond had cut the first one down, the other assassin had not harmed Lucerys.

Aemond met Lucerys' look, a hundred different questions remaining. But the loudest one remained: will you tell her?

Alicent turned her attention to his nephew. These past years had hardened her and it showed. She did not need anyone to spell it out for her. "And how did these cutthroats get inside your chamber in the first place? How did they simply walk in without anyone stopping them?"

"They came in through the walls." Lucerys told them without a shred of wavering. His hazel eyes were burning with anger, his uncontrolled scent harsh enough to match. "Do not look at me like I planned this."

"There are many passageways that have been forgotten in time," Orwyle spoke to assuage the growing animosity between the Dowager Queen and the young prince, his gauzy cotton swab scent a safe ground between land and sea.

"Lucerys is not responsible, mother."

"But his family is." Alicent snapped back, righteous in her own fury. It had never been a secret she viewed them only as usurpers of bastard ilk. "How can we keep faith knowing something like that could happen again?"

While his mother had been there for Aemond through all of Aegon's plans for him, in the beginning she had even offered a safe haven for the boy if he needed it. But the fact would remain that Alicent treasured her second born more than any other in the castle. That even then if it came down to it she would gladly discard the omega to save her son, well wishes be damned. She had mourned his marriage to Lucerys - it was wrong for many reasons but she could not bear to have her favorite son tethered to the little bastard.

It mattered not that in a better world Aemond would have courted the little bastard once he was of age, would have more than willingly tethered himself to the boy as he had dreamed since Lucerys had been born. Their fates had always been interwoven into one and it appeared only Aemond realized that.

This particular fate was not the one he would have fought tooth and nail over but it was the one he got - and as a second son he would make do with what he had.

"It is not infected, no poisons were used. It will heal." Maester Orwyle spoke in the tense silence.

Aemond stood between his mother and nephew as he redressed. Lucerys stared up at him all smeared in blood and Aemond told the nearest servant to bring hot water to the unused royal chamber. It would bring them closer to the King but the amount of guard would deter another attack.

Unless someone was desperate enough to try again.

The Dowager Queen was adamant on making sure nothing occurred in the time it took to walk to Maegor's Holdfast, flocked by her personal guard. Alicent frowned upon the sight of Aemond lifting Lucerys into his arms and carrying him, though her disapproval would not deter him. Lucerys rested his head on his shoulder, arms looped around his neck, and that was more than enough.

Aemond might have been unaware of the sparring match between eyes over his shoulder, but he could feel his mothers irritation at his back prickling along his skin. He had been familiar with it ever since he was little and Aegon did something to embarrass her.

Whatever sorrow she felt for the innocent boy on their wedding night and the months after were diminished. He was only the little beast that almost got her favorite son killed. She seemed to be overlooking the entire reason Lucerys was even bonded to Aemond in the first place.

Their new chambers were as expected of the royal apartments. Larger and more extravagant but Aemond would miss his now bloodstained rooms. Less so now knowing it was accessible through the wall near his wardrobe, but it had been his for as long as he remembered.

Upon entering, Aemond set Lucerys down and the boy immediately went to the hearth to start a fire, choosing silence. He kept his back to them the entire time.

"We will get fresh sheets sent right away and your belongings moved in the morning," Alicent's stress had not lessened one bit and Aemond shifted from the pins and needles sensation of her worry. He glanced between her and the stony silence of his nephew before stepping towards her and taking her hand.

He squeezed her briefly. "It will be settled then. It has been a long day, we should all rest, mother."

Alicent's green eyes met his and she nodded in understanding. "Very well. I will speak with you then." As she turned, he did not miss the spiteful look she cast at his nephew.

Once she had left, Lucerys turned his head to glare at the door, then to Aemond. "I did not plan this, uncle."

"I know, Lucerys."

"The letter I wrote-"

"It would have only just reached them." He sighed, he could no longer be in the clothes he wore. It only made sense he would be threatened the moment he decided to forgo his armor. "No, this was already planned in advance."

When the little prince came to him and started helping him, Aemond pushed his hands away. "I can undress myself, taoba."

"But you got hurt."

"It is only a scratch, you are overreacting. I have dealt with worse."

Lucerys never brought it up until then. He never had much to say about it other than how it had been unfair to take what did not belong to him. A childish notion. As if a dragon could be controlled by rules of succession. He paid his price for his actions and still he claimed both his chosen mate and dragon.

It was a tricky thing to get what you wanted.

"I remember the night you lost your eye," Lucerys whispered, tracing the visible scars on his cheek and brow with his eyes. "I think…it is my first memory of you, or it became that. You came back covered in blood and everyone thought something bad had happened. You didn't even scream. You didn't look like you felt the pain at all. But you're mother did. I remember how loud she was. I thought someone else had died. But it was just you."

He would never forget that night. It changed so many aspects of his being that he believed he had been baptized in his own blood, in the fire that spewed from Vhagar's mouth.

Aemond had screamed yet no one but the sky heard it. When Vhagar rejected him with her thick talon he had screamed at every and any god who would listen to him. All he wanted was his own. He would shed blood if he needed, if they wanted fire he would bring it. He would give them any payment if only they showed him the way.

When a yellow eye had met his as he writhed in the sand, he wondered if that would be how he died, seven-and-ten, mate and dragonless. But before teeth could sink into him, he felt his heart expand until it threatened to burst. He heard her song in his head, in his heart, wherever she was he felt it.

From then on he felt no pain, no anger. He climbed her rope ladder and took to the skies for the first time in his life. It was glorious and he thanked her profusely with his blood dripping between her thick scales.

The madness he descended into after his first ride was one of his regrets. He had not expected his bond to inflame that much outrage. If he had known the divide it would bring their families, he liked to believe that he would have waited for another dragon. But Aemond had always been full of anger and greed and a part of him knew it would not have changed a single thing. The next day he flew home on Vhagar and Lucerys sailed to Dragonstone. They would not see each other until the princeling returned to court and once again in the storm clouds, where their own dragons would face each other.

"And do you still deem my actions unfair?"

"I don't think you should have a dragon at all."

The boy said it with such conviction that Aemond flinched back as if burned. He hadn't anticipated anything in his favor, but he wasn't expecting that. "Why would you think that?"

Lucerys shrugged. "You lost your eye taking one not meant for you and you killed my own. You don't deserve to be a dragonrider."

As soon as the words were out of Lucerys' mouth he covered it with his hands, wincing preemptively. After a few untouched seconds, he cautiously peeked at him.

But Aemond did not hit him, he would not have been able to move even if he wanted to. He was fixed in place. He only stared at the boy for a long time without saying anything, feeling all those precious shards he collected turn to dust in his hands. Then he turned and stood away from him, sighing and ignoring the way Lucerys suddenly whined in pain, reaching out to him.

"I'm sorry! Aemond, I shouldn't have-"

"Be quiet, Lucerys." Aemond could not feel anything over the crushing sorrow. He had been so blind. So foolish. "I killed your dragon. I would have killed you. You have every right to scorn me for it."

There was a knock at the door and Aemond wrenched it open. It was only the hot water for the tub and fresh linens. The room was silent until they were alone again, the tension stretching miles. Aemond dressed in a robe and wiped his face with a warm wet rag, the Targaryen red seeming to mock him now.

"Take a bath." Aemond told him and turned his back to him. This room came with a balcony and he went out alone to get fresh air as the boy did as he was told.

He had never feared heights but, in that moment, looming over the shit smelling city only made him nauseous. But no matter what Lucerys said he could still feel his dragon. She was still there, her song in his chest pounding like war drums. Vhagar had considered him worthy even if no one else did.

The boy did not understand. To say he was not fit because he murdered his dragon was brought on sentimentality, as if his uncle or half-sister would not revel at his own war dragon perishing with him attached. Would Lucerys not consider them dragonriders in the event of his death?

Dragons were not wild beasts to be tamed and treated like family heirlooms to pass to your children. Whoever instilled this foolish belief into the boy should be whipped in the street. They were a part of whoever was worthy of them and they made the choice. If anyone else had the foresight and bonded with Vhagar before him, it would have been of no consequence. There were still many dragons yet and riders die everyday.

A decision was made on that balcony before he went back inside, one that ended up not being a hard one to make. His mother feared retaliation once more but he would show his half-sister it was not so easy to have him killed and that he was very much alive.

He had promised the gods and Vhagar fire and blood and he would not deny them any longer.

Notes:

What he bout to do? Something stupid.

Lucerys POV next chapter c:

Chapter 4: apart slowly

Notes:

I've read all your comments, thank you for them - I'm glad most of you seem to be enjoying it, and my response to many of them is the same: Bear with me, we're not even halfway through, let the story happen.

With that in mind, as promised Lucerys POV c: enjoy

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Whispers spread faster than a whore's legs and it hadn't even been midday before every septon, lord, lady, and beggar in King's Landing had them on the tip of their tongue.

Stories spread of Queen Rhaenyra's assassins in the night - though who they had come from had never been confirmed. It was no secret to any that horrendous deeds would be done in the face of war and many seemed to grow to anticipate the volleying of blows. Ears burst with dreaded excitement at the news and depending on whose mouth spread it, it differed who the assassins were for.

Some say they were sent for Prince Aemond, some the King. Some would even claim they were for Prince Lucerys himself, spurned now as a traitor by his own mother. But the even wider spread whispers were of Prince Lucerys and Prince Aemond taking down their enemies as one, bathing in their blood and wreaking further havoc amongst the castle. Numbers ranged from ten deaths before they were stopped, some say a score.

These tales reached Dragonstone where the Queen and her Consort would learn their efforts had been fruitless. That in their ploy to save their son they had pushed him even further under Aemond without realizing it.

That would not be the only disappointing news to be had. They would receive more letters asking for aid from their lesser lords and ladies of the Riverlands, that the war dragon had descended like a fury from the gods with no end in sight. Food lines were destroyed, families were cooked in their homes if they could not hide in time, and dissent stirred with each day the prince laid waste to their lands.

They had failed to take Aemond down and in return he thanked them kindly with the burning rivers and ruined strongholds of their supporters. It was clear he dared not face them himself, taking a cowardly route instead. The Queen had not found that at all surprising, calling her gutless swine of a half-brother, "a waste of Valyrian blood."

Daemon had left Dragonstone, taking a dragonseed with him. Though he would return from the clouds empty handed, eluded for days in his hunt for his nephew.

༺༻

Lucerys sat in the big empty bed and wrapped his arms around his knees. This position became second nature as a comfort for himself; he told himself again and again it was safety. Most nights he slept like this, on his side, reenacting the nine months he was held warm and secure within his mother. It was supposed to comfort him.

It was supposed to make him feel not alone.

It fell flat as the silent oppression of the room honed in on him and he shrank in a little deeper, the quiet around him pulsing in his ears. At times he could hear his heart beating so loud it became all he knew, thudding so hard he swore it would pound right through the bones and meat encasing it.

He was alone. Many times he had wished for this exact thing yet now that he was faced with an abundance of it, he yearned for the opposite. No one came in through the walls but his uncle still left him unprotected after an attack. Lucerys had upset him; the boy understood Aemond did not want to be near him after, but to leave him entirely?

He had not accounted for that.

He had not been alone from Aemond this long. Three days. He was beginning to understand the way his uncle would jerk out of sleep - or whatever it was he did at night - his hand reaching for his sword out of reflex though it would not be on him. Lucerys did not have a sword to reach for, but he had plenty of enemies in his sleep and he would wake up gasping, frightened and alone in a cold room.

He knew how to take care of himself, that he must take his suppressants with water every morning. He had gotten lessons every day back home. He knew how to wash himself. He knew he should eat but sometimes he wouldn't. There wasn't anyone to make him either. Three days turned to four and then to five and he was beginning to think that Aemond was dead.

He did not know what Aemond left to do, no one who changed his sheets or brought him food would tell him. It was easy for him to imagine the worst. Maybe some lord trapped him and brought him down, or another assassin had excelled at their job. Maybe he got caught by his uncle or nephew or anyone else and could not take them all.

Lucerys would feel utter despair at the thought of Aemond dying and leaving him alone in this castle full of enemies. He dreaded what would happen to him without his uncle to shield him. The fear was potent enough to cause panic, for him to curl into himself or to feel bile rise to his throat. He felt weak, pathetic.

He did not even have the bond to rely on.

As hard as he reached through it he only felt that jagged raw tear. He couldn't even tell if it was still there, he felt nothing from Aemond at all. That lack of connection only made him more convinced his alpha was lying dead somewhere, left to rot like he meant nothing to anyone. He would whine and call out for Aemond, but he would never arrive, his room would remain empty, the bed beside him cold.

Yet through all these tears he knew the alternative could have been someone he actually cared for being hurt or more likely killed.

If Aemond had come into contact with Daemon or Jacaerys and came home, it would only mean the defeat of Aemond's enemies - the people Lucerys loved the most. Lucerys could not compete with these two sides of himself. He wanted his uncle and his family to both be alive at the end of this but feared that thought was steadily plummeting straight to the ground by the day.

His uncle scared him, it was true. When he yelled or looked down at him from the slope of his nose like he was nothing but a speck of dirt on his boot, Lucerys wanted nothing more than to run. For months he had nightmares of his uncle's fury as he flew for his life, only to lose half of it. Of that slow walk up the sept stairs, consumed slowly by that shadowed smoky hall that rocked as if lost at sea. Of bed sheets, always the bedsheets.

But twice the man cried for him. That had to mean something in the worst of it. Right?

He would never forget the awful night of their wedding and how Aemond had shed silent tears after what he had done. The days after when he treated Lucerys with such care he began to believe their marriage might not be so bad, broken but maybe not beyond repair - until something had snapped within Aemond and he avoided Lucerys like a sickness. He barely spoke, could not bear to look at him, and ceased to sleep next to him all together.

Lucerys might be too young to understand everything that was transpiring between them, but he did not wish for it to always be this way.

In the time of their marriage, Aemond had only hit him that one time. Not even when Lucerys had kicked his legs or scratched his hands when he tried to feed him. It shocked him, but Lucerys had not felt fear when it happened - only a crushing amount of sadness, so much disappointment it stung his eyes and cheek even days later. His uncle had been properly devastated by his actions and Lucerys had not expected the outright apology from him. But it had not been enough to make up for adding another fracture to their marriage, one that Lucerys drove the final nail into.

As much as he wished for things to be different, reality was a much harsher knife to his skin. The fight they had before Aemond left replayed in his mind over and over, though he did not know if it truly counted as a fight. Does hurting your mate to the point he says nothing in return, only leaves, count as a fight? Does it count if that mate hurt you worse before? Or was it another hurt he had not yet come to understand, but one he would soon know intimately?

Lucerys had meant it, but after the way the bond seemed to wither, he had begun to regret his words. And yet that regret confused him, because he did not think he should feel bad when Aemond had hurt him first.

The loss of Arrax would never be healed in a hundred million moons. It scraped him raw each time he thought of him. He had been such a beautiful dragon - stardust and moonsong, living breathing magic from a time that struggled to exist today. He always trilled whenever he saw Lucerys approach and he picked up new tricks faster than any of the other dragons. He was special and Aemond took him away forever.

Sometimes Lucerys wished he had died with his dragon, at least then Arrax would not be lonely in death.

Lucerys would not go to him either. Not to what remained of him, what little they could retrieve washed up on the shore. Lucerys' heart had not even begun to mend from the sight of his dragon paraded through the streets, forced to watch as the dragon he loved was used as nothing more than a trophy. It was as if seeing his own mangled corpse on display, laughed at by common people who knew nothing of the magic they possessed. They would house his skull for anyone to see and bones that should not have been bared for hundreds of years would slowly accumulate dust before their very eyes.

He did not know how anyone could live without their dragon. He ached all over from the loss even a year later. He was plagued nightly by fond memories he could never recover and forced to relive the horrible night his uncle came for him. That aching pound in his veins, the tears and rain that blocked his vision, flying as hard as he could and wondering why, why the uncle who only ever treated him with warmth would do this. He would wake up before he hit the water, Aemond's desperate calling of his name barely heard over the howling wind and crashing waves - and then he would open his eyes and his uncle would be there, giving him a similar look of pain each time Lucerys spit venom at him.

His uncle had to know his presence hurt Lucerys as much as it soothed him. The man he was and the alpha within him tormented Lucerys - the hate he felt weakening each passing month and the desire to have Aemond closer put him at odds with himself. How could he love the man who killed his dragon? But how could he not start to soften to the alpha that wanted him whole, whose comfort he craved, who despaired at the thought of hurting him any more?

There was no saying how long he would remain at the Crown's mercy, it could be forever. It might not be up to him if he could love Aemond or not. That choice like many could slip right through his fingers never to return, binding not only his body but his heart under heavy lock and key.

If he could go back - if he could change one thing, he would have listened to his gut that day on Dragonstone. Everything in him was telling him that he wasn't ready. But his mother was sure that he could do it, that he was strong and smart enough to be a simple messenger, and he made himself believe it, too. He wanted to be that boy she saw within him so badly that he left, but not before taking a look back.

If he could, he would have listened to the fear that told him to run when he saw Vhagar riderless at Storm's End. But he went inside not expecting his uncle to hurt him the way he did, to lay his anger out at his feet and demand that he accept it.

If he could, he would have hugged his mother just a bit longer.

With those thoughts in mind, that was how the Queen found him - blubbering in bed, tossing in the sheets with his familiar demons. Her pale hair tricked him for a second, but when he blinked the tears out of his eyes it wasn't Aemond, or his mother. His relief battled with his disappointment, coming to a standstill between his shuddering ribs and lungs.

Helaena sat at the side of the bed. She smelled nice and comforting but when he leaned in too close Helaena twitched back, her face momentarily flinching. He froze, eyes wide. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-"

"Shh, shh, you're alright." Aemond did the same to him when was upset. He wondered if this was how this pack comforted pups. Then he wondered if he was still considered a pup after all that had happened.

Not likely.

"Where is Aemond?"

Helaena knew he would ask that as she came prepared. "Making a reckless choice for no other reason than to prove that he can."

He frowned, far too drained to process that at once. "What?"

"My brother left the Keep, sweet boy. He's waging war. I thought someone should tell you." It was not news he had wished to hear and her tone did not comfort him.

"In case he dies." Lucerys sniffled, looking away. "What happens if he does?"

Helaena was silent in a way that worried him, so reminiscent of Aemond's prolonged lapses that it could only mean something bad. "You shouldn't worry about those things," and she surprised him by touching the top of his head, caressing his hair soft as a whisper. "I promised my brother I wouldn't let a hair go astray."

"You talked to him? Before he left?" Lucerys looked away, bitter tears burning his eyes. "He didn't say goodbye to me. He just left in the morning and never came back. There were assassins in our room and he left me to fend for myself."

He knew he was unwanted, or at least treated as such. His uncle kept his distance with a ten foot pole when he could. He did not understand why when his uncle did touch him he seemed to enjoy it. At least, he did not hate it.

There were times Lucerys pretended to be asleep in the mornings. After being woken by his uncle moving around, he would lay as he was and wait until he heard Aemond's approach, sometimes the bed would dip as Aemond sat on the side, sometimes not. Then he would be scented, carefully like treating a wound. His uncle never touched him anywhere indecent, only along his bond mark, and especially his hair. A few times Aemond would stroke his cheek or the shell of his ear and each time Lucerys would feel only care in his touch. Once or twice he felt a light kiss on his forehead. It reminded him so much of his mother at times that it would make it hard to feign sleep when all he wanted was to cry or reach out for him.

Then it would be the sound of armor clinking together piece by piece, then the shutting of the heavy door. Then it would be Lucerys' choice if he wanted to sleep or cry, usually both.

"It was a very short talk, but I had a dream about him last night." The circles under Helaena's eyes were barely noticeable but they were there. Lucerys had his own dream last night and not a very pleasant one. Her troubled words allude to the same. "It doesn't change, no matter what he does…"

"What kind of dream?"

"Oh, a nightmare, truly," she told him nonchalantly. "It's always the same one. I used to dream of him as a child sweetly laying in a dragon's egg, but I haven't seen that boy in a long time. Now I only see him as he is, leaving trails of blood in the halls and calling out for people who are long dead. But he is King in these. So he achieved that, at least for a day."

Helaena did not see Lucerys' horrified look as she continued speaking as if he wasn't there, twirling a lock of his hair around her finger.

"Aemond has always been an unwilling man. It is not one of his best traits." Helaena sighed softly, her eyes drifting elsewhere. "Always so unwilling to accept that he was born second, or to not have a dragon at birth, and to still not have the mate how he wanted. What he is willing to do does not seem to matter much." Helaena still played with his hair in ghostlike brushes of her fingers. "He makes many mistakes and he has twice as many regrets."

On the topic of regret, Lucerys did not want her to see his guilty expression, turning away, "I might have…said something to him that made him hate me even more."

"He does not hate you," Helaena assured him, so sure of it Lucerys had to see her eyes to know that she wasn't lying to him. She seemed to be telling the truth but Lucerys was not able to tell when people were lying to him, not when they did it so nicely.

"I think he does after this. Our bond…it felt broken when he left. It still does not feel right."

Helaena hummed slowly. "Marriage is like that sometimes. Mine breaks every day."

Married to a man like Aegon, Lucerys did not doubt it. Though that shouldn't make it right, she shouldn't have to accept that. "But it's not supposed to be like that, right? My mother never seemed broken with Daemon."

"Yes, but she loves him." Then the Queen sighed, her eyes more than a bit distracted. "I did not come here to talk in your room. We're going out, so please get dressed. I will wait for you in the hall."

"Wait, Your Gr-"

"Helaena, or aunty Hel if you prefer."

Lucerys sighed. "Aunty Hel, I don't know if I should leave."

Helaena tsked at him, though it came off more endeared than chastising. "Of course you should. It's a beautiful day out and you need a distraction. Now, get dressed. As Queen, you must listen. There are honey cakes involved, Aemond told me how much you like those."

It was a losing battle and he accepted it. Lucerys got up and dressed as appropriately as his options allowed.

The dress he chose was a dark red one that left his shoulders bare but it covered him to his ankles, waist belted in gold and red intricately woven patterns. He could not deny that seeing himself in the looking glass - he appeared almost like a different person. A princess. He had gotten familiar with dresses now but it still humiliated him to wear. His thick hair was growing out and he would always remain soft and enticing to alphas, especially like this. He never realized how grateful he was for his bond mark to be visible until then.

There was only a single knight of the Kingsguard that joined their excursion, the only one who did not make him feel unsafe. Ser Arryk nodded his head at him when he left his room and Lucerys tried hard not to sigh in relief. He did not like some of the interest he received, hearing Aemond's scathing words on repeat sometimes. Degenerate fucking alphas. Some of these alphas were like vultures, or hounds. They sniffed and eyed him in the absence of his own and he felt incredibly vulnerable under their gaze.

The walk went unbothered and the Queen took him to the godswood, where they could be alone and enjoy the fresh air. True to her word, once they sat on the wool blanket spread out for them, she removed the lid of the basket waiting for them to reveal an assortment of snack foods, cakes included.

His lack of an appetite was won over by the sugary smell. He ate little bites as that appeared to be only what he could. His aunt seemed to share a similarly small appetite.

"You said he wouldn't hate me, but did he tell you what I said?" When she slowly shook her head, he explained what had happened between them, towards the end he was shredding a bread roll apart.

Helaena took it all in with an understanding look in her eyes. "Men's egos are tricky things. They do not like to be told they are wrong, or to face the consequences of their actions."

"And I am a consequence, am I not?"

She shook her head though it did not make his words any less true. "Do not think of yourself as such. None of this should have ever happened. You are innocent of both my brother's crimes." Then she put her hand over his, where the last remaining crumble of bread was breaking under his force. "Do not feel guilty for how you feel. You have suffered so much already to punish yourself as well."

"I do feel guilty," he wrapped his arms around his knees. "But I don't know if it would make any sense."

"You do not need to explain it to me."

But he did need to. He had no one but Aemond and he couldn't tell him these things. There was a huge gap in his understanding of how this went, of how he was supposed to feel, the things he should be doing. He had never been a hostage in war before, never been married, never had to experience a dangerous combination of love and hate for someone the way he did Aemond.

He could go mad from the conflict warring inside of him if he did not let it out.

"I know I should hate Aemond more for what he's done, and I do. He took so much from me and they were things that can never be given back. I don't know if it was just the bond. When it was made, I felt so much of him, like I was in his skin and I could feel everything that he did. I've never felt anything like it and I'm still trying to work it out. I can't claim to love him entirely, but I don't hate him the way I should," he admitted, guilty as he knew it was the truth, one that burned like betrayal in his belly.

"I want to be home with my family, but I don't want Aemond hurt, either. And sometimes," he buried his face into his knees, his voice muffled. He was truly bearing his soul with this and it ached where he imagined it would be, nestled in the squishy, pumping warmth of his heart. He learned of its origins the first moment he recognized his mother's smile, the first time he heard the ancient song of dragons, when he lost that ancient song and gained another, one so full of longing, devastation, and so much regret it could hardly be called a song but a desperate wail. "Sometimes I want to be able to love him one day. And that makes me feel horrible. I don't think I should. I don't think it's right."

Helaena was quiet for a moment before asking, "and why not?"

"He killed my dragon. And I wouldn't be able to look my mother in the eyes. Or my brothers, especially not Jace. I don't think they would understand and I don't think I would ever be able to make them." Then he looked at her, that conflict laid bare in his eyes. "Was it just the bond that made me feel this? I can't even feel it now but I still think this way. Am I a bad person if I end up loving him?"

He did not expect for Helaena to suddenly sob, wiping her eyes quickly with apologies streaming from her lips. "You make me weep, child. You should not have to ask these questions."

"I'm sorry."

"No, it is not your fault." She looked away, staring off at the blue sky. He had never seen her so empty before, like she herself was barely hanging on. "My bond with Aegon does not feel so strong these days. I do not feel the love for him I should as a wife, nor as a sister. The influence is always stronger when the bond is enforced both ways. If it is not enforced at all it becomes only a chain."

Lucerys thought of all those mornings Aemond scented him in his sleep, or whenever Lucerys needed enough that he caved. Those tiny building blocks they stacked and stacked until the slightest force knocked it down. But still they continued to build in spite of the inevitable waves.

A warm hand settled on his, a soft thumb stroking his knuckles. This was the most Helaena had ever touched him, each one made to soothe. "I know my brother cares for you. In his own way. He did not want this either."

"I thought the King said he did want me…" On his wedding night, King Aegon made him stare up at Aemond while the alpha took him, told him that he should be grateful Aemond wanted him so badly.

A different kind of guilt tore at him from the memory. He hated that night, but he had not exactly hated the end when Aemond held him within his arms and made him feel so good he cried and wanted more. Maybe he did not know what he was asking for, but he wanted the bond between them, if only because in that moment it felt right.

Helaena grimaced, knowing her husband well enough that the implication was all that she needed. "He did not want it to be like this, sweet boy. He's full of mistakes, my brother. But I know he wanted to cherish you, one day, if he could. I do not believe he's ever learned how to love someone before. He'll make many mistakes with that as well."

For so many reasons that made Lucerys cry. He felt lost. Felt so keenly how much was taken from him it stung in his chest and tore at his lungs. He was so confused. He had felt that want within Aemond when he claimed him, that sorrow that overtook him because of his actions. But still he put this divide between them when there did not need to be one.

He could not entirely blame Aemond when he did not make it easy for him to get close, constantly pushing him away. But they both lost something that night and its ghost haunted them, ever the vengeful spirit determined to keep them from healing together.

When he wiped his tears, Helaena handed him a flagon of water. Her bouquet scent soothed him a bit, but he wanted the heavy comfort of sandalwood and clove more.

"Have you heard anything from him? When he will be back?"

She shook her head. "But when any news arrives, I will be sure to let you know."

He nodded and together they decided it was time for him to rest. He wanted to lay down and stop thinking for the time being. Once he was inside the new bedchamber, one that smelled nothing like Aemond despite his belongings filling the room, he found one of his shirts. His scent was faint but Lucerys brought it to his nose and let it be enough.

Until Aemond came back, it would have to be enough.

༺༻

The King requested they all dine as a family once more, even the King's children he barely spoke to were in attendance. They all sat in the intimate solar, smoky with candles and the mouthwatering aroma of savory gravies and meats, warm crusty bread loafs and seasoned potatoes and carrots. It was a feast, one the King loudly boasted the Riverlands would lack for the coming season.

Lucerys was made to sit on his left side, for whatever reason he did not know. Both the Queens, ruling and dowager, voiced a stilted complaint that went silenced by the adamance of the King. "My brother keeps his precious wife hidden all day long, there's no need to hide such beauty from the world."

His smile at Lucerys was barely more than a leer disguised as a friendly curl of lips colored red from his sweetwine. As his eyes lingered down his figure it was a look of stained bedsheets and pain, of teeth buried in his neck and hands holding his wrists down. "And I see you've taken to your new dress. Stand up for me, Lucerys. Show me your pretty little dress."

"Aegon," Alicent's eyes were burning pools of wildfire from where she sat on the other side of the table with the twins. "We are eating."

The King did not even give his mother a glance. "And it will only take a second, mother. Come now, Lucerys. Give the King what he's asking of you."

The prince's wide frightened eyes met the Queens, her look of sadness etched in the creases of her frown. "Please, husband, Aemond would not-"

Her sentence was interrupted with a quick but firm smack to her mouth. Alicent gasped, her chair screeching back as she stood. She stared between her children, at her son who grabbed his glass with the same hand and drank like nothing had happened, to her daughter who held her mouth in silence. When Helaena removed her hand, blood dotted her lip and the tips of her fingers. Violet blue eyes stared down at her fingers before her lips tightened to a thin line, her hands fisted in her lap as she looked ahead of her despondently.

Jaehaerys and Jaehaera's eyes were wide but they did not appear surprised to see such behavior. They quickly looked down when they were noticed, turning meek and small at the threat of violence. Maelor was biting his own lip where he sat next to his mother, staring at his plate in silence. Alicent sat once more, stroking Jaehaera's pale hair as she did.

No one spoke.

Aegon's eyes cut down to Lucerys, who was shrunken so deep into his chair that he bent into it. "Do I need to ask you again?"

Lucerys stood, the whole time tears were threatening to spill and his bottom lip was trembling. The twins sat in front of him but their eyes were shielded from the scene. They were close to the same age as him and yet they were not treated this way, at least not to his knowledge. Neither of them were married or forced to bond to someone far older like he had been.

And they could look away when their father debased him.

He faced the King but could not lift his eyes to look at him. To his dismay, Aegon had decided to move the fabric of his dress this way and that, appraising him however he liked. Lucerys' lungs took in a shaky breath when he felt pressure on his hip squeezing. The fabric was so thin Lucerys could feel how clammy Aegon's hand was, how it stuck to him.

"You'll give my brother many children once you grow into this body of yours. I'm sure all that practice you're getting will pay off." He said that all while his hand crept down to his upper thigh, under his soft cheek where he gripped him tight. He grunted softly before removing his hand. Then he turned back in his seat, "you may sit."

Woodenly, like those puppet shows he saw with his brothers so long ago, he sat in his chair. He felt nothing but the lump in his throat, the phantom touch of his uncle. The food in front of him only revolted him and the silence that presided still held the air of fear. Sharp notes of distress scented the air, souring it like animals who knew they were being hunted, kept trapped in cages until slaughter.

That would not have happened if Aemond were there. That was what Helaena was reminding the King. And he shut her up. Because she knew the King would have lost a hand touching him in front of Aemond like that.

He always questioned why Aemond let the bedding happen at all. If he would do more for less, why hadn't he just killed the King that night and taken the crown for himself? It would have saved Lucerys from having to suffer his eldest uncle's advances, would have saved his sister from an unhealthy marriage.

He barely touched any food when the Dowager Queen requested she take the young prince to bed, as he looked unwell. The King allowed it, having had his fill and now his eyes were glancing towards his wife, who no longer bled but her mouth was swelling up.

They were escorted along with two guards trailing behind them. Lucerys did not think he had been alone with the Dowager Queen ever in his life. He did not consider the guards behind him as any safety, at least not for him. She frightened him. Not because she called him a bastard under her breath and not even because she could hurt him if she wanted to.

But she loved Aemond and she loved her family. And even though they were family, she saw him as nothing more than disposable. Her family came first.

Alicent's hands were clenched together in front of her as if she were in the sept praying. She did not give the young prince a second glance and her voice was cold as ice when she spoke, "even if you are responsible for nearly getting my son killed, Aemond would not have you treated so unseemly while he was away."

He could not find the words to speak as nothing he said would matter. No one in that room had the power to stop what happened, and if they had the strength to, they let it rot along with the many other deeds left unstopped.

Lucerys wanted to be home. He wanted his room in Dragonstone next to Jace's where he could get glimpses of one of the older dragons flying freely where they like. No dragons seemed to thrive here, they withered down under the heavy walls around them. He missed his mother. He wanted to fall asleep next to her while she brushed through his hair, whispering soft things only for him.

But when he went into his empty room, he wanted Aemond as well. He needed to know if he was alive. It had been over a week now and as far as Lucerys had been told, his uncle was sending the Riverlands to their fiery grave. It made no sense to him. Those houses would not support them any more for that. It was just senseless murder for the benefit of nothing.

He ripped off the dress once he was alone. He dug into Aemond's things until he found a shirt. It went almost to his knees and the sleeves went well past his hands, but it was his own comfort.

He curled up next to the fire with the heavy blanket from the bed, a pillow tucked under him. He did not sleep, couldn't even if he wanted to. The fire lulled him into a sense of nothingness, where only flames dared to exist. He was beginning to understand more and more that lack of sleep his uncle craved.

Late into the night there were three short raps on his door. Fearing the worst, Lucerys pretended to be asleep. It wasn't until he heard a muffled voice through the door that he sat up.

"Prince Lucerys, it is Ser Arryk."

It wasn't the King, but it could be a summons. It was coming from his Kingsguard after all. Apprehension filled the gaps between his ribs as he rose. He slowly opened it, peeking his head out. The knight was alone in the dark hall as he bowed his head at him. "I apologize for the late intrusion, my prince. But I have this for you."

He held out a rolled letter sealed in black wax.

Lucerys took it, glancing up at the knight. Aemond had once mentioned they were not completely alone within the castle, but he had not expected a member of the Kingsguard to be one of them. "Thank you, Ser."

Ser Arryk nodded before taking his leave. Lucerys quickly went back to his makeshift nest by the fire, tossing the wax aside. He recognized his mother's handwriting immediately.

My sweet boy,

Nothing in this world makes me happier than knowing you are alive. Nothing has been the same without you home with us. Your family misses you but we will not be parted for long. Winter is coming by the years turn and I would have you warm by the fire before it arrives. I will have you a Velaryon once more, with the sea and all the dragons waiting for you.

Muña

He read the letter over until the words bled to black. The words of House Stark made shivers run down his spine, the cold finality to it that meant death in a fireless night. Anxiety tugged at his chest from the following sentence. I will have you a Velaryon once more. Again, he read it over and over.

He curled up under the warm blankets but even so he fell asleep shivering.

Notes:

Will Nyra save her boy like so many of you want? Who knows c:

Aemond burning the Riverlands was a pretty safe canon event (miguel brained oop). No one we care about dies, he doesn't get caught by team black baddies, life goes on. We're simply dipping our toes in war crimes.

Chapter 5: the big crunch

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

In the Riverlands, Prince Aemond had become a terror upon dragonback.

Though if he were honest, the prince felt very little for the horror he bestowed the lands and their people. It was as if they did not exist in the first place and if they were unlucky enough to be alive that ceased to be his problem. There was untapped liberation in doing what he wanted. No one had dared to stop him - only few in this world could. The land below roared in shared agony - snapping and crackling as he turned it into an untamed wasteland, countless trees catching in a sea of red and black smoke. Ponds and rivers dried up under the raze of Vhagar's breath, fish cooking on charred riverbanks. He hit them again and again, days had passed and still he came back for more. No one could tell when or where he came down from until they heard Vhagar's cry shake the skies and the trees erupted in flames.

Untouched within the clouds and smoke, Aemond breathed in the stinging brimstone air and felt his blood singing along with Vhagar's. Lucerys' words meant little after he had spent days in the clouds. If he were not meant to be a dragonrider, if he were not deserving, he would not be riding one of the oldest there were this side of the world. She had come with a price but the unlimited sky was worth it.

After half the Riverlands had met their fiery end, Aemond turned course for King's Landing. Close to a fortnight had passed since he had left. If this had not proven his point, he could very well always decimate the lands he had left unburnt.

As he was passing over black claw marks of previous fires and into the green unviolated lands, faintly in the distance coming from somewhere he could not see, he thought he heard the cry of another dragon. But as he flew on he did not see any sign of it, no wing or further call. Time passed with the wind and he forgot about it entirely by the time he made it back to the capital.

Passing through the halls anyone in his path parted meekly, be it servant or noble. The King was waiting for him in the throne room when he returned. "Well done, brother!" Aegon was cheerful as the prince entered and likely had a few. "You reek of dragon and conquest, finally someone is making the right moves in this war."

He conquered little but burnt fields and burning cattle, lords burning in their castles, but it sated his anger well enough and no doubt reached his sister. "The supply lines have been destroyed from the Green Fork to Harroway. Any strongholds between that torched. I left them nothing."

"Good, good." Aegon smirked to himself as he thought. "We should plan for their counter. But my dear brother needs a bath and a warm cunt to sink into, we shall convene together on the morrow."

Aemond hummed in agreement before taking his leave. His walk to his new chambers went unheeded and he entered to the smell of sea salt and lavender greeting him. It saturated the room with barely a hint of the usual ripeness Lucerys dwelled in. Good, it satisfied him to know his omega stayed put while he was absent, even if he had been a spiteful little thing.

Lucerys was sitting in a chair near the balcony as it was far too windy to work out there, his lap covered in what he was sketching in ink. He hadn't given the intrusion much thought until he sniffed and visibly froze. Then he looked up, his eyes rounding in shock. "You're back."

The returned prince hummed softly. "Do not look so happy, nephew."

Though for a second, maybe even a trick of the light, there was a brightness in the boy's hazel eyes, in that precious blink they were closer to green than brown but also just like the sun shining through honey. It had to be a trick, because when Aemond looked closer it was gone. His nephew maintained his distance and Aemond did not attempt to close it. The hurt he carried with him to the Riverlands had been burned up along with the rolling hills and rivers and yet he was not entirely thrilled to be in the same room as his nephew. A contradictory feeling assaulted him - glad to see the boy alive but also wishing he was well away from him.

The feeling appeared mutual as Lucerys still sat in his chair, though he didn't pretend to sketch with the amount of tension between them. Despite his distance, there was a backdrop of elation at the sight of him. Aemond could not imagine that, not when he felt it tangling with his own. They had been apart long enough in more ways than just distance, there was no denying the slow growth of emotion that did not come from him. Tentative and questioning, always so nervous yet adamant with demanding his attention.

"You stink," was all the young prince said before looking away and setting his things on the desk. The parchment was carefully rested with the inkwell holding one corner down. From where he stood, it appeared to be the cramped city fanned out below, the makings of what might be dragons or incredibly long winged birds in the sky.

Aemond grunted in response and began working his armor off. It took longer without Lucerys helping him but he did not request any help and Lucerys did not come running to offer.

Only after a bath had been requested and shortly delivered did Lucerys speak up, still sitting across the room, "did you find what you needed?"

"Yes," Aemond replied, tossing his eyepatch aside and stripping entirely. He did not care that Lucerys was present or that the boy jolted with a squeaky gasp. He had not had the pleasure of sinking into a hot bath in a fortnight. Washing beside rivers he hadn't already torched did not constitute as clean.

Aemond looked up as he scrubbed his skin and the young prince was still watching him, sitting in front of the balcony with his white and gold dress swaying gently in the breeze. He was keeping his hair long it seemed, already curling freely around his shoulders. The boy was as lovely as Aemond always dreamed and yet he did not want to place why this image of Lucerys pained a part of him - regret with an edge of cruelness hitting with fierce purpose at the sight of that almost sheer dress. It would unravel at his feet until it became far too unruly to roll back, leaving his hands in a mess of tattered fabric.

But all the same, he was beautiful in it.

Aemond might not be angry with the boy but he did not enjoy being distracted by the sight of him so soon. It was not entirely surprising how quickly it had happened and that was the problem. "What?"

Lucerys turned away at his tone, eyebrows beginning to furrow while he bit the inside of his lip. He would need to learn to articulate because Aemond could not always translate for him, especially not when he couldn't get a read on his tangled up emotions. "Out with it, taoba."

The dam broke and out came the rush of pent up aggression.

"You left without saying anything the day after my safety was questioned. You left me. Helaena had to tell me you flew off to go do something reckless." Lucerys glowered at him from under his thick eyelashes, his bottom lip turning upwards in a familiar pout. "I apologized. You didn't have to prove a point by taking your dragon out to kill innocent people."

Aemond poured water over his head and shuddered when droplets slid into his ears, momentarily drowning out the sound of his nephews whinging. "The horrors of war, nephew. We all make our choices and no one in this world is innocent."

"I was."

"Until you wouldn't be." Aemond did not care to indulge his nephew or keep him sheltered from the cruel lessons he was becoming familiar with. As if their wedding night wasn't an example enough. "You are young, you still think like a child. If things had been different, you would have led men into naval battles flying overhead with your dragon. Men would die. You would command it. I misspoke, taoba. No one keeps their innocence."

Lucerys was silent as he did not have anything to say to that. But he did not wait long to bring up his earlier point. "You still left me."

"And one day I will have to leave you again," Aemond replied heatedly. "You're entitled to be upset with me. Hold that against me as well."

"I might," Lucerys spoke without hesitation. "If you continue like this. You took me from my happiness, at least act like you care for me. Otherwise everything you've done so far is pointless."

Act like he cared? He did care. He might argue that he cared far too much than was normal. All the nights he could not sleep out of fear he would wake without Lucerys, the days he watched over Lucerys as he starved himself and wept only to lash out when Aemond came near - he did not do it out of convenience and he would do it again if it came down to it. He cared in ways Lucerys could not even understand. Hearing him believe otherwise turned him cold and bitter.

"I've thought about you everyday since you were born, Lucerys. Do not tell me I do not care about you."

In most cases, Lucerys was easily rattled whenever Aemond fed him a tiny piece of that obsession he lived with for years. Aside from the affection he received from his family and the brother he was betrothed to, he had not received the singular devotion Aemond had enough times to know what to do with it. That was not the case now, instead the boy bristled and snapped.

"Then prove it! Don't leave just because I've made you angry. Trust that it will happen again, qȳbor."

Aemond exhaled, looking down into the water, at the pale stretch of skin that wavered and wobbled under the surface. This would go nowhere and he knew it was his own making. There were times he knew he should hold his tongue, bite down the anger. For Sevens' sake Lucerys was a child, his outbursts made sense. Aemond could not act like one himself.

Silence passed between them before he spoke quietly, far too softly than he ever had. "If I were to try to make this better, would you even let me? I've tried before and you've pushed me away. I know what I've done, Lucerys. I know I cannot return what I've taken from you. But if I could make you happy the way you deserve, would you let me even now?"

There were frustrated tears in Lucerys' eyes that he refused to shed, wiping them from existence with the back of his hand. His voice wavered at first but grew stronger with each word he forced out. "You've confused me every day since you took me. You saved me, you cried for me, but you slapped me and you left me. If you do any good for me, how do I know you won't just do worse to me later?"

"I was wrong to do that. I will never hit you again."

"Forgive me if I do not fully trust you."

Aemond let him have that - he's hardly done much besides yell at him or ignore him for the past year. This was never supposed to be like this. How he wanted Lucerys, that Aemond in his mind would scorn his very existence. He did not know how to tell him that without giving too much. Trust went more than one way and he knew they both fell on opposite ends.

"Will you let me make it better? I can show you how I've wanted to treat you and it is not at all like this." It could never be the same, but if there was any chance after all of this that he could try to reach some point, some higher summit than this, then he would take it.

At these words the boy's huffy demeanor broke as he glanced downward. His silence was understandable and his emotions spoke loud enough.

Aemond had left him. He knew he shouldn't have. He let anger control him and like every single time he came back with something new to regret. Provoking his half-sister was a pathetic excuse for dealing with how he reacted to Lucerys' painful honesty. He was furious over the attempt at his life and he had wanted to prove a point, but that was not what drove him to leave.

It had been those words, ones he had heard come from many before Lucerys. The doubt of that spark within his blood. His own father had questioned the same and yet when Aemond proved otherwise he was casted down for his haste. As if Visenya's dragon or her rider should be bothered with who thought what was right or wrong. Nothing would ever get done if that was the case.

Letting out a heavy sigh, Aemond sank down into the tub. The water was still hot and Lucerys did not seem to be speaking to him anymore. He would let him sit with that - they did a lot of that together.

It was clear the boy was conflicted. Did he really want to let the man who took and took from him have even more of him? Or was it easier to hate and yearn from a distance while holding close all the hurt that sprouted within? Until the war ended - and who even knew how it would - Lucerys was stuck with the man. He could decide for them both how this would continue and the pressure of that was crushing. Aemond could feel those raging sides battling in their bond, tugging and pulling until that violent struggle for power eventually settled and Lucerys sighed, his expression softening.

He glanced over at Aemond, eyes no longer clouded with indecision and his voice sounding almost guilty under the resignation. "I do not wish to fight with you, qȳbor. I'm tired of being angry and confused."

Aemond slowly sat up, letting their bond be as open as it could be so that he could feel his sincerity. "I can change that, if you let me."

"If I let you…" Lucerys mused. "I have a say in what you do, uncle?"

More than he knew and Aemond fought it only because he had to. If they were not in the middle of a war, if their families did not hate each other, only the gods knew what life this boy would give him. "You could. If you want that."

The boy sat there a moment before he stood and approached. Aemond followed the movement until he couldn't, hearing Lucerys sit on his knees behind Aemond. He was unused to his nephew's presence at his back and did not think he enjoyed it, more so when he felt Lucerys' hands at the sides of his neck, lifting his hair from his skin. "Did you change your mind? Planning to slit my throat, nephew?"

"Are you paranoid, uncle?" There was amusement laced between the otherwise tired response.

Aemond hummed. "Should I be?"

Lucerys' hands dipped into the sudsy water behind Aemond's back, bringing water up to Aemond's head. His hands soon followed, combing through Aemond's hair and digging into his scalp. The man grunted and leaned into his fingers, feeling Lucerys' warm yes behind his ear.

He shivered and fully leaned back into the rim of the tub, tilting his head into the fingers working against his scalp. "I hope you have a good plan for after. Do you plan to take my dragon once I'm dead? Or is that too taboo for the likes of an honorable prince such as yourself?"

"Gross." Lucerys huffed, his eyebrows twitching. "I want nothing to do with that old hag. And sit back up, I was washing your hair."

Aemond obeyed even though he was comfortable where he was. "I can do it myself, Lucerys."

"I can do it myself," Lucerys mocked in a whiny voice. "I don't care. You do things and half a region gets torched."

Aemond once more remembered that he was married to a child and sighed, letting the boy do as he pleased. It wasn't like he did not enjoy it. After all that time in the sky with his dragon, after arguing with him, it was nice to be taken care of by his omega. He would like to return the favor, with interest. He let the last bit of resentment drip away, letting the sensation take him elsewhere. He was being scented in the process. His nephew wasn't subtle with his dislike of his lingering scent. He smelled like Vhagar and it bothered Lucerys for good reason. He let him do as he liked, found no fight to hold him back.

Truly, he only wanted him closer.

He took one of Lucerys' hands and brought it forward, rubbing his scarred cheek against the boy's wrist. Instantly, his nose was filled with soft ocean waves, lavender and vanilla. Fingers curled around his and he squeezed softly.

"Did anything happen while I was gone?"

Lucerys' free hand was rubbing soap into his hair but even so Aemond felt the tremor that ran through him, the slight unease drifting in. "Helaena checked on me. Your mother insisted I tried to kill you."

Aemond hummed, his eye closed. He was not unfamiliar with his mother's temperament. He eventually had to let go of Lucerys' hand as water cascaded down his face. "She will do that, I'm afraid."

"What if she was right?"

"And like I said," he leaned his head back again. "You better have a good plan for after."

Even though his hair was clean Lucerys still brushed his fingers through the wet waves. Lucerys was quiet until he announced, "I wouldn't know how to kill you."

"Plenty of ways, nephew. You could slit my throat in my sleep," Aemond offered him, though he had a feeling that was not what the boy meant. "Or you could have let those assassins do their job. They might have taken you home, you know?"

"Or they could have done whatever they wanted with me, even if they gave me back to my mother. Could have claimed you did it first." Lucerys was silent long enough that Aemond turned to look at him. The boy was staring down into the tub, at the ripples breaking along the side. "I'm not safe here without you."

Until he grew up and could defend himself, maybe claim another dragon, he would not be safe anywhere. Aemond turned fully and his wet hand came out of the tub to hold the boy's soft cheek. "I shouldn't have left you. No decent alpha or husband would do that to their mate. I should always be here to make you feel safe."

Though it did not show in his previous actions, he never wanted to hurt Lucerys. He wanted to tell him that but the words on his tongue felt hollow.

And what good would those words do when Lucerys shattered any form of calm, leaning into his hand and looking up at him through heavy eyelashes, an emptiness in his hazel eyes Aemond did not ever wish to see. "He touched me."

As if striking a bell those words rang in Aemond's head, the implication damning any sense of peace he had painstakingly gathered in the past fortnight, the past hour. He did not need to ask who as it was obvious who believed they could have what wasn't theirs.

"Where did he touch you?" He did not recognize his voice, the flatness to it. But he recognized the cold fury that coursed his veins and hastened his heart, familiar like a life-long friend.

Lucerys took the hand that cradled his cheek and showed him exactly how and where the King had defiled him. A little hand covered his as it closed around his thigh, dragging up to his soft backside. Aemond growled low in the back of his throat, hand gripping Lucerys so tight the boy was pressed into the side of the tub.

"I will kill him."

"You will die in the process."

"No." Aemond shook his head adamantly. "The Stranger himself would turn me away, for I will deliver him a King."

A quiet whine was buried down as Lucerys leaned closer, his hands coming up to grip Aemond's wet shoulders. "I do not wish to see you hurt."

After what he had done to the boy - Aemond almost laughed but found far too much violence within him to feign amusement.

"That is of little consequence, Lucerys," Aemond snapped. "He touched you. He made you feel unsafe. He will be punished for that."

Lucerys shrank in the face of his anger and that instantly made ice shoot down his spine. He sat back, breathing harshly through his nose. Then he removed his hand from Lucerys' thigh and back up to his soft cheek. "I'm sorry, little one. I did not mean to frighten you."

"I am not afraid of you," Lucerys whispered, pressing back into his palm. "Not all the way. But I am afraid of what will happen if you do something when you're angry like this. Last time you left me…what if you leave me again? Or if they make you leave? Who will I have then?"

"On this, I will not bend." Aemond's thumb stroked his cheek. "I will not act rashly. But I will act. One way or another."

"I cannot stop what you do. But please think before you do something reckless again." The little prince was rubbing his face into Aemond's hand, no doubt aware of the tides of emotion that comfort brought through their bond. He looked at Aemond under his lashes. "Come out of there. I want to brush your hair."

"Brush my hair?" Aemond gave him a strange look. "I am capable of that myself."

Lucerys' expression matched his annoyance. "I never said you weren't. This is the second time you've fought me over your hair. What is wrong with you? Can you just let me do this?"

"Seven fucking hells, Lucerys, fine."

"Thank you," the little beast huffed, backing away from the tub. The front of his dress was damp in a few places and clinging to his skin and Aemond had to force himself to look away.

The omega stared at him the entire time he got out, already holding the brush. He dressed in loose pants but before he could put a shirt on Lucerys stopped him with a hand to his chest. Aemond looked down at him in silent question.

Lucerys stared up at him through his lashes unflinchingly, his bottom lip in a slight pout. "You'll just get it wet. There's no need for that."

Aemond could have fought that logic but he didn't, instead he followed Lucerys to the bed. Lucerys sat behind him, still an unfamiliar occurrence he dwelled on, and his bony knees dug into him as he scooted closer. The last person besides him to brush his hair was his mother when he was a child. Lucerys was as gentle and as fascinated as his mother had been, combing through with the brush and following along with his fingers. His nails would scratch lightly as he dragged his fingers down and Aemond would try very hard not to react.

It was crushing how many little things he missed from childhood, something so simple as this. But there were plenty of things he did not miss and back then he did not have a sweet little omega to play with his hair as if it was a wonder and not just hair.

Lucerys' voice piped up at his right, behind his ear. "I want to scent you properly, uncle."

Aemond frowned, though the boy could not see. "I cannot still smell like her."

"You do," Lucerys insisted at his back, hands flat on his shoulders. "Do not fight me, uncle. This is me letting you in. Show me that you can try as well."

With enough training the boy would grow into a master manipulator. Aemond let himself be drawn back. They laid facing each other and soon Lucerys was leaning into his space, his smaller hand resting on Aemond's arm. Lucerys scented him further, brushing himself against Aemond's chest, his shoulders, his neck, making contented little noises when his scent lingered. By the time he was satisfied they were wrapped in each other's scents, a heady mixture that disrupted any thought process from taking place.

Aemond held Lucerys against him, stroking his soft, fluffy hair. He wanted to dig his teeth into the boy but he knew exactly where that would lead to and even as the need pulled at him, he resisted.

The little prince was unaware of the turmoil each of his warm touches put Aemond through as he continued to just brush his cheek against Aemond where he settled. "Don't ever leave without saying anything again," Lucerys grumbled into his chest. "I don't care how angry you are with me. You decided to be my alpha. You better remember to act like it."

This connection between them would always be a reminder of that fact. It had not felt this whole since the initial bite, but that had not lasted long in the following months. Aemond planned to keep this feeling strong between them.

"I will remember."

༺༻

Lucerys did not often get to be so close to the sea like this. The life felt returned to him in the rays of sunlight, with the slap of waves and gulls crying out above lulling him gently into a half aware state. It did not feel like home but for a few fragile moments he could pretend.

He was not alone. The Queen sat on the rocks with him, head tilted back to let the heat wash over her. Her guard lingered in the distance patiently as they relaxed in the sun and there was no hurry. Not much conversation passed between them, which he preferred, the depth of their silence voiced enough.

So it was jarring for it to break so suddenly.

"Husband." Helaena's stilted voice shook Lucerys from his sun drenched daydream, blinking through the brightness to see Helaena's pale expression. He turned and saw King Aegon standing with two guards lurking at a distance, a coal gray cloak draped over his arm.

Lucerys immediately stood, bowing his head. "Your Grace."

The sight of Aegon and his wormy smile meant his late afternoon in the sun was over. "Lucerys, I would like for you to come with me."

"H-have I done something?"

"No, of course not. What would make you ask such a suspicious question?" Aegon chuckled and Lucerys could see from the corner of his eye how his aunt stiffened. "I have something I'd like to show you. Before you politely decline, it is for your husband."

"Aemond sent for me?"

"No, why would he send the King for that?" Aegon's friendliness waned a sliver before his smile was sewn back into place. "But it is for his benefit. It is very important."

Lucerys glanced at Helaena before turning and nodding. "As you wish."

He followed the King. After a few paces, he took a look over his shoulder and saw Helaena still just standing on the rocks pale as a ghost. He turned back, feeling a rigid pit scrape his insides.

He did not ask any questions until the King led him to the gates. The cloak in his arm produced two and Aegon made the prince wear one before donning a similar style. Lucerys stared at the dyed cotton, it was nice enough though unadorned. "Why should I wear this?"

Aegon lifted the hood to his own cloak, obscuring his face in shadow but his slimy smile remained. "We are going on a trip, nephew. We must remain secret."

And so Lucerys was taken despite his quiet complaints deep into the lower belly of the city, where even under his cloak, under his applied scent blockers and suppressants, there was no hiding the young prince's distress. There were…so many people. They spoke roughly, loudly, and their eyes trailed after them. After him.

They were not the only ones trailing them. Aegon did not leave without two Kingsguard in nondescript cloaks as well, and further back two more. Lucerys did not doubt more had cleared the winding path Aegon took, passing down stairways and thin alleys with a predetermined stride.

He made this trip often.

Lucerys did not dare speak, there was a pit clogging his throat and he was focusing hard on tampering down the stressful emotions that caused his scent to spread. He caught whiffs of it, burning iron and putrid seaweed.

The sun was starting to go down before Aegon turned onto a wider street. His look down at the prince was full of mischief and he beckoned him closer. "Come, we've made it unscathed. Time to celebrate!"

There was a dark wooden door that opened after three strong raps, the towering man who opened it took one look at Aegon and granted him entrance. Lucerys, too, received nothing more than a passing look before the man was gone.

Lucerys glanced around behind him at the men lurking outside, most appearing unwashed and hungry, and each one of them stared back at Lucerys with dark eyes. Lucerys' own eyes widened as Aemond's words came back to haunt him. Aegon's hand jolted him when it rested on his upper back, herding him through the doorway.

Instantly, his nose was assaulted with the volume of human skin, the sight of it, of its sweat, the muskiness of sex in the air. Lucerys' round eyes went up to his eldest uncle in confusion, hand reaching out to tug his cloak when Aegon appeared more interested in a passing omega. Aegon's dilated eyes went down to him and he smiled as if they were not standing in the entrance of a brothel.

"W-why are we here, Your-" He cut himself off, at the last second guessing it was not wise to voice that here. He left it at that and Aegon chuckled lowly.

"Why, this is your formal education." Aegon flourished his hand at the various hallways, the silk drapes covering the view but not the sounds, the scents. Lucerys grimaced and turned to look at the door but Aegon's hand took his jaw, forcing him to meet his eyes. "Think of your dear husband. You can surprise him with all the new tricks you will learn."

The grip returned to his back, only this time Aegon fisted the hood and pushed him forward. "T-tricks?" His confusion was palpable and he gasped as even more was revealed to him. He tried not to look out of fear, out of disgust, out of a strange sense of respect he knew did not belong down here.

But he couldn't.

There was so much, everywhere. Omegas, betas, and alphas on display in what might as well have been a single piece of cloth between them. Men and women, women with other women. At first he could tell omega from beta but the further he was led in the harder it became to discern anything other than skin and lust.

He felt strange in a devastatingly familiar way. A warm tug in his gut, a throb between his legs. Lucerys regretted ever deciding to leave the bedchamber at all.

There was an empty room in the back that Aegon shoved him into, candles lit around various surfaces. As it was, the room was overwhelmingly loud with various scents. Jasmine and musky rose, ginger and spice. He could not understand how anyone would enjoy this when it felt like he was seconds from passing out.

Aegon entered behind him, though he did not shut the door. His presence at his back felt menacing. Lucerys turned his head and hated that he was right. His elder uncle was watching him, lips curved into a hungry replica of a smile.

"Don't look at me like that nephew, or you will regret it." It was a threat but Lucerys could not tell of what. He obeyed and cringed at how easily he followed orders. Aegon definitely noticed, snorting. "Relax, sit on that chair and shut your mouth. I want you to watch, though if you decide you want to join later, be my guest."

Join? Lucerys opened his mouth to ask but his throat was incapable of working. He found the chair Aegon mentioned, softly cushioned and a dark purple. He truly did not want to touch a single thing in this room, but he had a feeling he would be here awhile and he sat. His hands remained in his lap, clenched together.

Aegon was pouring himself a drink from the case on the table pushed against the wall. In fact, all the furniture was pushed against the wall, leaving room only for the obscenely large bed, mounted with various shaped pillows and thick blankets.

An older woman appeared in the doorway, not surprised to see Aegon there but her nearly black eyes widened at the sight of Lucerys. They darted to the King and back again. She smiled but it was not a friendly one and her raspy voice was full of wonder, "my, my, who is this lovely thing? A fresh new pup?"

Lucerys despaired silently, his face and scent unable to hide his discomfort.

Aegon glanced between her and Lucerys, his face unusually drawn. "He's not for sale." Then Aegon paused. "Though, how much would you sell him for? If you could?"

The proprietor eyed Lucerys for what he was worth, coming back with a sleazy leer. "Fifty gold dragons."

Aegon outright laughed at the amount, enjoying himself so much he almost spilled his drink. "And this is why I come here. The whores are pretty and, best of all, cheap. If you were smart, you would save him. Think of the constant flow of coin, rather than a lump sum."

The woman did not mind rolling her eyes at the King, bypassing any formalities, "what will it be today?"

"A young one, like my companion here. And an age appropriate one, like myself."

The woman lifted an eyebrow, glancing at Lucerys stock still on the chair, before shrugging. "Suit yourself."

She left and Aegon sat on the edge of the bed, patient for once in his life. He sipped his wine with an excited grin, eyes drawn to Lucerys' prone figure.

The scantily dressed whores arrived shortly. The first woman was dark haired and shaped with curves, Aegon eyed her appreciatively. The second was a girl not many years older than Lucerys, red haired and slender, and she appeared to be deserving of Aegon's leer as well. Her blue eyes met his and Lucerys had no name for the emotions he saw nor could he hide his appalled expression.

Aegon stood and circled around the whores present, shutting the door as he moved. His fingers tugged at the strings to their dresses until one after the other both were bared. From over their heads Aegon smirked at Lucerys. "Pay close attention, nephew. This will be a valuable lesson to take to your marital bed. I promised my brother I would make up for my slight."

The prince's eyes were wide. He knew very well this was not what Aemond would have wanted.

His uncle took his time breathing in their scents, hands slowly sliding along their skin. He appreciated the woman's full curves, squeezing her breasts and thumbing her brown nipples before moving onto the girl. There wasn't much but Aegon touched her like there was, pinching her nipples and smirking when the girl shuddered. Each of his touches they responded to, moaning softly in encouragement, sighing sweetly like they were enjoying themselves as much as he was. Heavy pheromones thickened the air, made it hard to breathe and not feel the warm spiking coil heating his lower belly.

Aegon stepped back and sat on the edge of the bed, his legs spread and hardness visibly bulging in his trousers. The whores did not need any instruction, getting to their knees while the older one unlaced the King's trousers.

Eyes like molten steel caught his and the King smiled lasciviously at him. "Watch carefully, boy. You need to know how to handle my brother's sword the way an alpha needs. He's a cunt, but he deserves a good fuck here and there. Wouldn't you say, ladies?"

There was no way he could look away as disturbed as he was. He was captured by the scene before him. The whores gave their immediate agreement, the brunette freeing the King from his trousers while saying, "it's been years since he's graced us. What keeps him from our company, m'lord?" She licked up his cock, swirling her tongue around the head.

Aegon sighed as his head fell back. "He prefers them young, I'm afraid."

That was a disgusting thing to say but Lucerys could only sit there, fuming and growing even warmer from the way the whores handled his uncle. It was obscene. Before then, Lucerys had not known people even did that. It seemed so dirty.

It reminded him too much of Aemond's mouth on him, how hot and good his tongue had felt, and he realized it wasn't any different. He had enjoyed himself the same way Aegon was now, grunting and rocking his hips into the mouth of the brunette while the redhead sucked on his heavy balls. He was fisting the brunette's hair, holding her head still as he pumped his hips. The wet slurping sounds made something in Lucerys jolt, his thighs tightening up.

He could smell his own slick. He flushed and bit the inside of his cheek to quell the weak whimper he wanted to make. When he closed his eyes, the King immediately noticed and snapped at him to keep watching.

He was using the young girl now, making her swallow him down. He groaned as she gagged around him but it did not stop him from thrusting into her mouth. He shuddered and relaxed, panting hard. The young one licked her lips of the white fluid that dripped past the corner of her mouth.

Lucerys wondered if that was all. He had done what he needed to and they could leave. But when Aegon backed up further onto the bed, the girls tugging his trousers all the way off, he knew this was only picking up.

He flinched at the rough way Aegon entered the brunette, slamming her hips down as he bucked up into her. He took her however he liked, the brunette bouncing on him with ease. Her large breasts were gripped in Aegon's hands, the man hissing in pleasure. She was moaning as if she truly enjoyed it, slicking the King up with each wild stroke into her.

"M'lord, should I pleasure your pretty friend as well?" The redhead asked, hands caressing onto the King's chest.

"What do you say, nephew?" Aegon smirked at him, body jerking with his movements. "How about first hand experience?"

"No." Lucerys shook his head, doing anything to stop the need from growing any stronger. He did want to join, but not like this. Not with them. But that did not stop his thighs from trembling, slick making him uncomfortably warm and wet between his legs.

"Liar!" Aegon moaned, head tossed back. The whore was shuddering on top of him, making these sultry moans that shot down Lucerys' spine. "Gods, you feel fucking divine!"

"As do you, m'lord." The brunette rasped, back arching as she worked harder. "We never get strong alphas like you. You're always a treat."

Aegon smirked as he slapped her ass. Then he glanced at Lucerys, taking in how tense and flushed he was. "None of these girls want it, well, some do." Aegon told him conversationally, as if he was mentioning a passing breeze. "But if you spend enough, they'll surely pretend to."

"I want it," the brunette insisted, holding Aegon down as she pleased themselves with fast, intense rocks of her hips. "Tabitha does, too. She's been eyeing your cock the entire time."

The red haired whore crawled deeper onto the bed, face down and lifting her ass up. She presented herself to the King. "You've been giving her all the attention, m'lord. Who will you give your seed to this time?"

Aegon pulled out of the brunette and got to his knees behind the second whore. He gripped the girl's slender hips and pushed in to the base, causing the girl to cry out. He immediately began thrusting, fucking the girl into the mattress hard and fast.

She was facing Lucerys. Through her long messy hair in her face, bright blue eyes watched him, squirming on the plush cushion. They locked eyes and he could see her pleasure through her gaze, hazy blue eyes swallowed by her pupils. The force of the thrusts made her tiny breasts shake and she fisted the edge of the mattress to stay in place.

Was that how he looked when Aemond was inside of him? Was this what Aegon wanted him to see?

"That's it," Aegon rasped and Lucerys' frightfully wide eyes met his. He had been staring at Lucerys the entire time since he swapped girls. "Keep watching."

He did as he was told as the King made her come, her sweet moans elongating into whines of rapture. Lucerys inhaled sharply, breathing in wine musk, lemongrass, and rosewood. Aegon groaned, hunching over her. "Fuck, your tight little cunt finished me off."

The whores giggled and fawned, offering their own words of praise that made Lucerys feel ill. Aegon pulled out and laid back onto the bed, not bothering to hide a single part of him. Even after, the whores lingered, refilling Aegon's wine and brushing through his pale shoulder length hair.

"Uncle…" Lucerys whispered. Aegon did not hear him over whatever the brunette was whispering into his ear. "Uncle!"

Aegon glanced over dismissively, almost as if he forgot he was there. "What?"

"I want to go home."

He groaned, rolling his head back. "You still have much to learn."

"Please," Lucerys swallowed hard, the tight coil in his belly demanding things of him he did not want. "Please. Y-you're right. I learned much from today." His voice shook along with him. "But I would like to go home. My husband must be worried by now."

Reminding him of Aemond always got Aegon to act, though not always kindly. Aegon grunted, pushing the whores off of him. "Fine. It's late enough."

He dressed with unhurried movements, taking the time to polish off his wine glass. He gave the girls on the bed a lecherous grin, digging into the inner pocket of his cloak and tossing a coin bag between them. "Until next time."

Then his dark gaze landed on Lucerys, displeased by his interruption. He snapped his fingers at Lucerys as if he were a misbehaving dog. "Well, come on. Don't make me wait for you now."

His legs felt disconnected from his body when he stood. He could not focus with the persistent ache between his legs, growing more humiliated as slick slowly dripped down his warm inner thigh. But the King had no time for that and roughly yanked him through the silk draped hallways. His weight was no match to Aegon's strength, his feet tripping over to match his stride. "Let's get you home, nephew. I know you're bursting to get my brother's knot in you. You're oh, so lucky I don't just fill you myself."

Lucerys paled while his uncle smirked at the thought, almost to himself saying, "one day."

That voiced desire sent unpleasant shivers down Lucerys' spine that Aegon mistook for excitement if the deepening of his leer was to go by.

Their heads were hooded as they trekked back up to the castle. Aegon had a hand at the back of his nape the entire time as he guided him. He was not his alpha, but Lucerys felt his nerves spike the second the foul night air greeted them and he was grateful to not be sent home alone.

Their guard was far closer than before, so much so that he could hear the clink of their armor under their cloaks. Lucerys was not sure if they left the same way they came but there seemed to be even more people out at night, bodies in nooks and shadows Lucerys had not noticed before. Men and women crowded around tables or fires, in groups or stumbling alone. A good many were drunk, loudly yelling or singing or fucking for anyone to see. Even children were running around in dirty rags, unsupervised and vulnerable.

The alpha's scent that covered him turned to sharp rusty nails. Lucerys was not sure why Aegon did it, until his eyes met a man lurking in the shadow of an alleyway, visibly stroking himself as he watched Lucerys pass. His head had been down and face partially covered by the hood and aided by the night, but his tiny frame caught attention no matter where he went.

"Quiet." Aegon murmured after smelling his distress shift from blood to rot. "We're almost there."

The towers stabbing into the sky and the spikes sharpening the gates spread a dark silhouette that loomed over the city from its high hill. The faint orange glow coming from windows became a false haven in the ominous writhing mass of eyes and bodies lining every dark passage of the city streets. He could not explain why the castle haunted him even where he stood. It had eyes and a ravenous gaping mouth with an appetite for sweet boys such as himself.

Aegon rushed him along, past the jeers, the starving eyes and mouths. The gates opened without delay and Aegon kept hold of him until they were crossing the bridge to Maegor's Holdfast.

The second they were within the castle ward, Aemond was there. He did not need to see Aemond to know how furious he was. Betas and lesser alphas were cringing away from Aemond as he stalked over, his scent trailing after like abrasions against their skin. Above all he could feel it in their bond and Lucerys had the urge to get on his knees in forgiveness but after what he saw Lucerys could barely move.

Words tried to come out but it was little more than a broken sound of distress. Aemond held his shoulders, then squeezed his upper arms, checking over him intently. He inhaled Lucerys' scent, growling low at whose distinct smell lingered, how he reeked of musk and incense and shook in his hold. Aemond's eye immediately went to Aegon.

"What did you do?"

Lucerys would not look at the King even if he could but heard every word he said, that carefree tone making Lucerys yearn to slash it out of him. "We took a walk, didn't we, nephew?"

Something finally came out as Aemond pulled Lucerys behind him, turning away from him. A quiet no that went unheard as Aemond's hand went to his sword with every intention to use it. "What. Did. You. Do." He advanced closer with every forced out word, making Aegon take a step back.

This had crossed beyond an everyday spat between brothers and the various eyes around them began to shift with apprehension, the knighted men looking between them and each other. No one wanted it to come to this - this was the King and his brother. One they swore to protect with their honor and their lives and one who they feared. There would be no real fight between the two; Aemond would cut Aegon down if they let him. They would have to pick a side, and quickly.

Lucerys could not see his alpha's face and could not approach. Fear held his feet firmly planted, his heart pounding so frantically he felt it burning in his chest. He could not even call out to him or think of the right words to say to calm him.

"Stand down." Aegon's hands were holding the sides of Aemond's face, halting him and the men deciding whether they would openly defend the King or wait to see what unfolded. "Hold your anger, brother. Do not forget that dream of yours. You cannot achieve it should you draw your sword."

It was not for a lack of words that kept Aemond silent. Lucerys had heard some of the most deranged things come out of the man's mouth. He was beyond speech, the tension in him was a hairsbreadth from snapping. He had not seen his uncle gone like this since that time in the storm. Lucerys had told Aemond that he was not afraid of him, but that changed when he was like this.

That sentiment seemed to be shared between him and the King.

However he was looked at by Aemond made Aegon blanch, his words coming out rushed. "You cannot forget we are in this together. We started this together, there is no going back." He shook Aemond as if to wake him from slumber. "You can hate me, brother. We've always shared that hatred. But you love me as well and we share that as well. That is why we are a pair. Never forget that."

His plea did little to lessen the intent Aemond had as he gripped his sword, still sheathed but a strip of steel was visible.

"Do you think you are safe from what you have done?" Aemond's voice was chillingly calm while the air around him seethed. "I will remind you that you have never been safe."

"What is the meaning of this?" The panic in the Dowager Queen's voice came through as a shriek. Alicent was a blur of green and auburn when she rushed through the yard and past Lucerys to reach her sons. "Stop this madness! This is not the time for such behavior."

Lucerys broke out of his stupor as the woman cursed them both, flinching at the sound of armored footsteps just at his back and a gauntleted hand on his shoulder. Ser Criston guided him away from the scene before moving to stand between the two brothers, Ser Arryk at his other side. The Dowager Queen's hand slid uselessly against Aemond's armor, though that did not stop her from brushing her fingers through his pale hair, attempting to soothe the alpha with her scent.

He could smell her fragrant pine scent from where he stood, the sting of mint twinging his nose and he knew it was not the comfort his alpha needed. What Aemond needed could only come from him.

So believing that, it was horrifying to watch Aemond release his sword's grip and take a step back into Alicent's waiting arms. To feel that fury swelling in his chest dissipate into nothingness. Alicent worried over him, petted him, and Aemond let her do it.

Lucerys was right there, standing behind him, and yet they were leagues apart.

"Go back to your stations!" Ser Criston barked at the lingering crowd, eyes gleaming in the light from the sconces. "I will hear no word of this!"

The King was promptly removed. He had been panting with adrenaline, eyes widened, and quickly followed the guard that ushered him back into the castle. He made no snide passing remark, he did not even look at Lucerys.

"I suggest you pray and abstain to make up for what you've done tonight," Alicent called at his back, her green eyes flashing at her firstborn with deep seated resentment.

"Of course, mother."

Lucerys could not make out what Alicent whispered to her son, only that her insistence made Aemond tilt his head back, his shoulders heaving with a deep breath. He nodded once. When he turned he immediately met Lucerys' eyes.

The anger in Aemond's eye made the omega in him desire to please him, but the boy in him desperate to hide. His pheromones were blooming without having to think about it, a whiny keen building in the back of his throat. He was afraid, yet his need to soothe outweighed his fear.

Aemond left his mother where she stood and came to Lucerys, his gloved hand tucking Lucerys' brown hair away from his face and behind his ear. He stared down at him intently while his other hand rested on Lucerys' shoulder, squeezing. "Are you hurt? Anywhere?"

"N-no." Lucerys warmed to the touch, wobbling closer.

There was no surprise when Aemond lifted him into his arms. Lucerys was grateful, his legs felt numb and he couldn't imagine climbing up all those stairs. His alpha had enough aggression to let out, Lucerys' weight might not have even registered to him. He scented Aemond against his neck and gradually some of the tension began to leave his mate during the walk.

The bedchamber door closed behind them and Lucerys was set down. He did not want to part and began working on Aemond's armor. Lucerys was almost frantic to get it done but Aemond gripped both of his wrists hard in his hands, making him whine.

"Tell me everything that happened," Aemond demanded and Lucerys was quick to obey while working on his armor, telling him everything as Aemond discovered more ways to hate his brother. Retelling it made him feel sick but he held back the physical urge.

The actions Aemond chose lingered in the back of Lucerys' mind. It had not even been a week since they spoke of the very thing Aemond attempted to do. The young prince had been right to be wary of letting the alpha's rage get the best of him, but he had been helpless in every other regard. If not for Alicent and Ser Criston there was no saying what would have happened.

He had seized up, unable to think. He could not even go to his alpha's side. As much as he desired to see his elder uncle gone - the very public castle ward did not seem to be the place for it.

If Aemond were to ever seek out his vengeance it could not be an open display. He should not do it with his anger controlling him. It had to be the right time.

"Is this where you tell me you were right?" Aemond's tone was surly, taking his face into one hand and guiding his head back. It broke him away from his thoughts and he blinked slowly before looking up.

He truly did not want to provoke the man. He could not say he trusted him enough to not react poorly. It was not that he was afraid he'd be hit again, he worried about being without Aemond and the safety he brought. He knew then that he did not want Aemond anywhere but here. "I doubt that would help."

Aemond let his face go, but not before stroking his skin where he reddened. "I suppose not."

Lucerys stared up at him, hands flat against his chest and wrinkling the cotton shirt. "I will say this, you were not wrong to make me fear leaving. I would have never made it a mile before something happened. But what you did…you could have lost me today. Do you think it would have been worth it?"

The young prince gasped when strong hands circled around his waist and lifted him back up. Lucerys held onto him, encircling his legs around Aemond's waist and staring down at him with wide eyes. He recognized the look in his uncle's eye - pure possession. It made him shiver uncontrollably but not from fear. "Nothing in this world is worth losing you. And I will kill anyone who dares to take you from me. Including my brother."

His alpha said those things and Lucerys wondered if he knew how deeply they affected him. Especially when Aemond laid him down on their bed and scented him, his comforting weight pinning him down. Those feelings from before hit him as if they had never left - the hot curling ache returning to his belly that made him picture sweat slicked skin and teeth biting into necks.

When he had decided he wanted Aemond to try for him and in return he would as well - accepting his uncle for exactly what he was - he had not expected how quickly it would not feel forced between them. It was clear that during and after their wedding neither of them wanted it, but now after he stopped turning away from Aemond and chose to let him stay near, the small moments of affection came to him naturally.

He enjoyed the way his uncle smelled and how he held him in bed now that he did not shy away from sleeping next to him. Lucerys liked waking up to his uncle's stubble rubbing against his cheek, always finding himself watching whenever Aemond got dressed and was twice as eager to help him with his armor. He still worried about what would happen in the future, if accepting Aemond would come back to haunt him, but he could push that aside a little easier each day now.

Especially when his uncle was scenting him so thoroughly, filling his thoughts with nothing but the man who took his maidenhead. He had only ever had small sips of wine before, but that heady feeling did not compare to this. If he were drunk now, it was off of sandalwood and clove, of the sharp protectiveness of his left over aggression lingering.

Aemond's breath against his skin sent heat rushing through his blood, his alpha being so close made Lucerys think less and act more. A quiet moan escaped him while he bared his neck and instantly he felt his alpha freeze.

Then his warm weight was lifted off of him, leaving him startlingly cold, and Lucerys' attempts to cling were brushed off. He blinked in shock as Aemond left him on the bed. The man was shaking all over but he would not come near him.

"Why…why won't you touch me?" He hated that his voice trembled, that he even had to ask. They were married. If Aemond wanted him, nothing was stopping him. Lucerys could not and truly did not think he would. Not then.

"That's enough." Aemond growled, not seeing how Lucerys flinched back. Aemond continued to face away from him, standing all the way across the room. He removed his eyepatch before tenderly touching his scar. Lucerys could not see but he had witnessed his uncle do that often enough when he was angry to know.

Lucerys' shoulders slumped and he watched his own fingers twist through the dark red silk of his dress skirt. He could hear Aemond walking out to the balcony. Once he was alone there was no stopping the stinging tears that distorted his vision.

After everything, he still could feel himself pulsing, cruelly reminding him of his rejection. He could not even please his alpha and in turn pushed him away. He did not know what he did wrong or if Aemond truly was repulsed by him. The man was responding before, he could feel their shared need when he laid on top of him. He did not understand what was so wrong about him. If he claimed to want him so badly, why did he not act on it?

He touched him before. He made Lucerys enjoy it. He enjoyed it himself. Lucerys did not know what he had to do to get Aemond past that point where he would just take what he needed.

Alone once more in that large bed, he truly despised Aegon for showing him exactly what he was missing.

And how much he realized he wanted it.

Notes:

the emotional incest was incesting with this one...

if anyone was wondering Aegon has the whores call him a lord as like a weird roleplay ig?? smth like that lol

Chapter 6: faith in science

Notes:

This chapter leaps in time - a few months have passed since the last and it advances also in the chapter. So for the sake of this fic we're all going to pretend that war takes a very, very long time because otherwise this would not work lol, also going to pretend for plots sake that Aemond didn't snap and kill Aegon in this time. I wrote the time jump and then it wasn't until I was like...done with the fic and editing did I realize "Oh shit I forgot about the war in that time skip...lol..." But I wanted Lucerys to be a certain age when a certain event happens so such is life. At the end of the day, I am not Shakespeare, so we ride.

[ It only happens in this chapter so I didn't tag it but: short moment of menstruation. Luce gotta flower someday ]

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

"Again."

The repetitive smacks of wood came with renewed force, along with the young prince's small grunts as he swung at Aemond. The furniture had been moved aside to make a clearing and they had learned from experience to keep any breakables far from the young prince's wild swing. Aemond could tell the practice sword was becoming easier to hold, lighter in his grasp.

"Center your weight and don't lunge at me like a wild goose."

Lucerys rolled his eyes but straightened up anyway. He had learned to not verbally complain, or Aemond would extend their training session. He was improving, though the man did not see him ever becoming a strong fighter with a sword. He wanted to take the boy outside the city gates, into the Kingswood where he could practice with an arrow, but it was becoming harder to move around even within the castle. It would be easier to take Vhagar and go, but Aemond would never suggest the boy anywhere near his dragon.

Aemond had barely worked up a sweat training his nephew, but the boy was drenched by the time Aemond called it. He sent for a bath and as Lucerys guzzled down water, Aemond reattached his sword to his hip, having stored away the wooden swords in their hiding place under the bed. "I need to attend to something, I will be back soon."

The boy nodded before resetting the room. Aemond left him to it, leaving the Holdfast and even on the trip to the dragonpit he knew he was being followed. The prince might be half blind but he was not ignorant to the same sets of eyes that watched his movements. Only a matter of time before eyes became swords, or poisons.

He was alone with only the dragons and their keepers when they presented him with the recent clutch, a gift from Dreamfyre and Sunfyre. It had been years since the dragon had laid any eggs and the ones she had previously never hatched. He knelt where the fresh clutch burned above flames. There were only three eggs: a blue one with golden ripples, a dark purple one with black flecks, and a green one with golden swirls.

Given his egg had never hatched when he was young, a part of him worried it would taint his well meant offering. That just by choosing he would tarnish any hope it had of showing life. Yet he made a decision after a moment's consideration, watching in silence as the dragonkeeper retrieved the egg from its fiery nest to be contained within a small chest.

When he returned to his chamber, Lucerys had bathed and dressed, and in the comfort of their room was wearing a soft blue tunic and gray leggings. He was sitting on the stuffed chair by the fire, looking up when Aemond entered. He sat up straighter as the man set the chest onto the floor near the fireplace, hearing just how heavy it was when it scraped the floor.

The young prince leaned forward in interest, doe-eyes looking between his uncle and his treasure. "What is that, qȳbor?"

Aemond was kneeling next to the chest when he beckoned for Lucerys to join him. Once he had, he took Lucerys' smaller hand in his. "We have been married for almost two years now," he saw how the words made Lucerys sharpen, hazel eyes looking at him intently. "Not only that, I did not give you something of worth for your nameday, but I was waiting for this."

The prince's hand was guided to the thick clasp of the chest. Aemond let him go as the boy opened it, watching him carefully as the blue and golden egg was revealed to him. The boy gasped, blinking a few times as if it were simply an illusion. Aemond saw the flash of anguish in Lucerys' eyes and felt it in their bond, that painful reminder of his first dragon and worried he had misstepped. But the look was then replaced with wonder. The call to something new. His hand reached out and quickly drew back, the shock of pain dulled by his amazement. His large eyes looked to Aemond as he sucked the stinging finger into his mouth.

Aemond took his hand away from his mouth, bringing the finger to his own lips to kiss it softly. "Silly creature."

Lucerys smiled and it reached his eyes, making them twinkle in the firelight. He shuffled closer to Aemond on his knees. "This is for me? Truly?"

He nodded, letting his hand go, but it was only to brush Lucerys' hair away from his face. "It is long overdue."

Aemond blinked in surprise when Lucerys' hand very gently rested on his cheek, slender fingers brushing along his skin. They looked at each other with only the fire crackling between them before Lucerys moved closer, replacing his hand with the soft press of his lips and then his cheek. The elder prince was frozen still as his nephew rubbed his skin against his, filling the air with the sea, breathing into his ear, "thank you."

He was not unaware of his nephew's appetite for affection but it always left him off-center for a breath.

Bringing the omega closer and into his arms, Aemond scented him until the boy was relaxing against him, humming quietly. "I cannot ever mend what I broke." He gently caressed the boy's soft cheek with his thumb, looking down at him. Lucerys was staring off, taking in his words and letting Aemond hold him with only silence in return. "I do not hold your anger or your sadness against you. Nor will I ever ask you to forgive me. It is not something that can be forgiven."

Aemond buried his nose into Lucerys' hair, admitting to him in a whisper, "but I do regret it. Everyday I wish that I could have let you go and I fear I'll never be able to."

Lucerys surprised him, tilting his head back to reveal no tears in his eyes, only an acceptance that made him appear far older than he was. "Then don't. I'm not asking you to."

Resting his forehead against Lucerys', he told him quietly, "then I hate to say that you are stuck with me."

The boy copied his hum, his eyes drifting back over to the egg as a smile tugged at his lips. "I would assume so. We are married."

Lucerys spent the majority of the day sitting next to the fire watching it lick at the egg, drawing it in ink or whispering in their ancestral tongue how he waited for them to wake up, that they had a rider waiting for them. When he nestled into their bed that night, Aemond did not shift away from the boy's warmth as he curled up into him - he hadn't in months - instead he buried his nose into his soft hair and pulled him closer.

༺༻

It took only a fortnight for the egg to hatch, the loud cracking startling them both awake before the sun had even risen. Lucerys had immediately rushed to the fireplace where the hatchling shook broken shards of its shell off of its scaly head, his brown hair sticking up in random disarray but grinning so wide Aemond saw his missing baby tooth.

The hatchling was cerulean blue with creamy gold wing membranes and golden spikes along its ridged spine and flared crescent moon tail. It greeted them with a shrill infantile cry, blinking milky white eyes up at Lucerys. It did not seem to be blind and if it was that did not deter its exploration, tilting its head at Lucerys when the boy gasped or looking around as it tested its balance out on the burning logs.

Aemond stood behind Lucerys as he outstretched his hand for the dragon to climb onto, wincing at the hot sting but he did not shake. Aemond did not need to worry about the dragon taking any bites out of his omega; the inquisitive little beast that trilled and clambered clumsily all over the boy seemed harmless, at least at its current size. "Any ideas for a name?"

Lucerys sniffled, turning his head to send his watery smile up at Aemond, "Mooneyes."

From that day forward, Prince Lucerys had a dragon once more.

༺༻

It was the Queen's twenty-fourth nameday and in celebration of that there was a feast held in her honor.

The festivities were in mid swing despite the war going on throughout the Realm. The South was proving far more vigilant at beating Lord Ormund back and forth in the passing months and the Bay was cut off with Velaryon ships. It did not look good for their side and yet here they were hosting various nearby lords loyal to the crown. But the King demanded, and even now, he was given what he asked.

Aemond wondered if it was the last celebration they felt they would have. The mood was not exactly pleasant. If not for the music he doubted there would be much conversation that did not lead right back to the dour state of things.

All in all, it truly was not a grand affair for a Queen. Their resources were still decent but even so it lacked the rapture befitting a royal event, only to last a series of days rather than a full week of tourneys and feasts. But in any case, many grew restless in the war that dragged on and while the heads of houses gathered to plan their next steps, entertainment was underway for the spouses and children.

Aemond had long since parted from stuffy, stilted strategic conversation and joined Lucerys who sat with the Queen at the dais. The boy's hazel eyes watched the few dancing guests from afar, occasionally giving his mate these dejected side-long looks that Aemond could not ignore.

After a moment longer of this, he gave the boy mercy. "Do you wish to dance?"

The boy's round eyes blinked up at him in shock. Sometimes he reminded Aemond of an owl when he did that, one who was perpetually spooked by a noise in the dark. It made him almost smile, until the prince sounded far too doubtful asking, "you know how to dance?"

Helaena laughed softly into her hand, failing to pretend she was not actively listening.

Aemond gave Lucerys a bland look. "I'm a prince, of course I know how to dance."

Lucerys tried in vain to push down his smile, displaying his own relief as his eyes darted around the people dancing. "Would people stare if we did?"

This was the Queen's nameday celebration and he was a prince married to a much younger one considered to be a traitorous bastard. "There is no doubt they will."

He had already made up his mind, wine glass being placed back down to the table. When he stood and held out his hand, Lucerys took it.

In the entire time he had lived in King's Landing as Aemond's mate, Prince Lucerys' smile had not been so wide or noticeable until that day. The invited lords and ladies watched openly or aimed for subtlety over their shoulders as the young prince spun and faced his dance partner, how clear it was that the boy was enjoying the moment for what it was. Many assumed he would show signs of his torment, of his false marriage wearing him down better than the dress he wore, but the boy's smile held nothing of the sort.

The eye-catching red and black gown he wore flared out as he circled his much larger mate, his hair held from his face with pins shaped like dragons decorated with rubies in their eyes. He was breathtaking, but none were so affected the way Aemond was.

His mate's beauty out-shined any of the ladies in attendance and even the Queen, who wore a lovely green and gold gown with a glimmering crown atop her head, could not compare. He was not the only omega, but those few noble omegas did not have the same appeal that Lucerys had. Royal male omegas were rare and his beauty spoke as such. His sweet face and radiant smile went unmatched and he gravitated only to Aemond as if there was only so much distance he could go.

The alpha himself refused to let any other get a moment in with his mate nor did the boy look to anyone else. He knew others stared in wait, alphas and betas who thought there would be a give to their movements, but there never was and he let them watch at the sidelines.

Only dragons mated with dragons. There was no room for anything else in between.

Even Borros Baratheon and his daughters were in attendance, glowering at the young prince who remained unbothered by their looks. Aemond never had any intention of marrying any of them - but he was not the only living son of King Viserys. Daeron might be a beta, but he was far more than worthy for any of these omegas. Though that conversation had been cut short for it to go anywhere.

And now here they were.

Aemond held the boy's soft face in his hands as the music shifted, others moving around him but he paid them no mind. His thumbs stroked Lucerys' flushed cheeks, watching as his smile grew. "Gevie iksā."

The boy did not respond in words but his scent spoke for him, lavender billowing around him as his hands held Aemond's wrists. He leaned up on his toes and Aemond dutifully placed a kiss to his soft cheek, lingering against his skin.

In all the eyes that watched them, neither of them knew of the amethyst pair that observed them from a distance. It was not only Lucerys these eyes preyed on but the second son as well, at his hands holding the boy's face, how they looked encircled around Lucerys' small waist when he lifted him. Unmoving as their brother smiled down at his pretty wife. They watched and yet Aemond never looked up, his sole eye rested only on the boy in front of him.

༺༻

Aemond woke up in a cold sweat.

A dragon cried out and panic was flooding him before he had opened his eye. Without thought, his mind supplied the image of hands taking Lucerys away from him, of a knife to the boy's throat and the screech of Arrax before he was reduced to pieces.

But when he blinked himself aware the boy was sitting up in bed, alive, and furiously scrubbing at his thighs as panicked gasping sobs shook his body. Mooneyes was looped around the boy's neck voicing his distress, small enough still to be half buried under Lucerys' curtain of brown hair.

"What is it?" Aemond leaned up on his elbow, reaching out for him with his other arm. Lucerys flinched at his voice but once they locked gazes there wasn't any fear for Aemond. Only for what lay between his legs.

Blood. Fresh and red and staining those soft tan thighs as Lucerys helplessly rubbed them raw trying to clean it.

Aemond sat up fully and took the rag from him, jumping out of bed and straight to the water basin. "Aemond," Lucerys started with obvious dread in his voice.

"He will not find out," Aemond nearly growled as he returned to Lucerys, sitting on his knees before him and wiping the boy clean himself. There was a fair amount of blood staining the sheets, each drop damning them further.

"How?" Lucerys swallowed heavily, both hands anxiously clawed into the bedding. "How will he not?"

It was true the Crown had his trusted eyes and ears within the castle. There were few amongst the castle they could lend trust to. But even so, they had their own support within the red brick that encased them. They were not entirely alone.

"We start by burning the sheets. We will make our own bed in the meantime. But first…we burn these." He helped Lucerys off the bed before stripping off the offending sheets, the boy's dragon flitting off to perch elsewhere. The mattress below was stained but that was an easy fix once Aemond flipped it. "You will sleep with something under you, do not worry about it."

But it was clear from how Lucerys shifted uncomfortably that he would indeed continue to worry about it. He followed Aemond to the fireplace after reaching down to snag his smallclothes off the floor, which were also ruined. Aemond ripped the sheets into easily digestible pieces for the fire while Lucerys tossed the shorts in unceremoniously. He had taken to sleeping in Aemond's shirts and they draped around his thighs like a dress. He did not bother finding anything else to wear.

Lucerys wrapped his arms around himself, staring into the fire as if petrified. Almost a boy of thirteen he had finally flowered. Lucerys stared up at him, looking to him for answers. He never hid his scent around Aemond and the man could sense his need for comfort.

Gingerly, he took the boy's shoulder and guided him closer. He would not close the distance, he never had, giving the boy the choice to decide how this went as always.

Lucerys did not hesitate to step into his arms, slipping his own around Aemond's waist. His head rested at Aemond's heart. He was noticeably taller, no longer the boy Aemond had to kneel to look at. Aemond lowered his head to softly brush those wild brown waves with his nose, closing his eye at his familiar scent. "How do you feel?"

Lucerys groaned quietly into him, rubbing his face against his clothed chest. "It aches. I feel…full in a way? But not in the way you made me."

Aemond blinked. He was glad Lucerys could not see his face but that didn't stop the uncontrollable rush of sandalwood scenting the air. Lucerys groaned again, but not the same miserable tone before and his arms tightened around Aemond.

Grunting, Aemond pulled the boy off of him, ignoring the put off expression on Lucerys' face, the scent of vanilla chasing after him. "A hot bath will help. And I need to fetch us clean sheets." He began to quickly dress, refusing to look at Lucerys any further.

The boy watched him in return with a deepening frown. "What should I do here?"

"Stay put. If anything other than the bath comes while I'm away, tell them you are unwell and must remain abed. Do not let anyone else inside this room, do you understand me, taoba?"

Lucerys nodded, hands fidgeting in front of him. Even though it was best he remained in their room, his cell would grow smaller, truly something to fear on the other side. "Yes, qȳbor."

He sighed, dressed and able to look Lucerys in the eye again as he was tying on his eyepatch. "Good. I won't be gone long."

Aemond left quickly, before the castle was fully awake.

༺༻

Helaena was in her room with Maelor, serving girls milling around or entertaining him, who was a very demanding eight year old even in the morning. The boy was wearing the long cape his mother had received on her nameday, the ends of the green fabric held in the hands of one of the servants as he paraded around the room. He was holding candle holder, without the candle, and pretending to rule over the stuffed lions left over from his infancy. Any other day, Aemond would have found it endearing, but today he barely glanced at the boy.

His sister looked up at his sudden arrival, her eyes going wide. The prince might hide it well but his sister recognized his panic when she saw it. With a wave of her hand her serving girls were scattering out of the room with Maelor in tow, closing the door to offer them privacy.

"Where is the King?" Aemond demanded as he surveyed the now empty chamber. He spotted no wine glasses, no stinking rags his brother wore when he snuck away from the Keep.

"Not here, he hasn't been for days." Helaena approached him, hands gripping his arms. "Did something happen to Lucerys?"

He nodded, explaining to her what had happened, what he needed of her. "The time is growing shorter before he demands something to be shown of our marriage. I will not put Lucerys through that."

It was no secret that the King was quite eager to see their line expanded at the expense of Aemond's moral dilemma regarding his desire for the young omega. "Imagine how strong you will make our family grow, brother." His japes only persisted with each year, the only soul in court Aemond could not openly threaten with disembowelment at the mention of Lucerys giving birth at his age. Well, not anymore. Not unless he wanted to be removed.

But it was the Queen's words that brought a new wave of apprehension into the prince's heart, a shiny new set of fears to dwell on. "He will go into heat soon, Aemond." Helaena said with surety, her violet eyes staring unblinkingly up at him.

The prince did not want to believe her, shaking his head. "He will not. He is on suppressants. He knows how important it is to be consistent with those."

"It will not matter. His body will respond accordingly to its changes," she sighed, giving her brother a look of shared despair. "Agatha will serve your chambers from now on. She is faithful to me, you can trust her to bring moontea when you need it."

Shock stiffened Aemond's bones before he refused outright. "There will be no need. He will be isolated when it hits."

Helaena did not seem to agree with him, shaking her head as if she pitied him. "Aemond, you cannot run from your needs forever. It is not healthy for either of you."

"There is no knife to my throat. I will not touch him." Aemond fully pulled out of her grasp, taking a step back. "He is a child."

His sister did not take his anger personally, though it was clear from her damp scent that she did not appreciate having to be the one to remind him of this. "Not in the eyes of gods and men, not since his bedding."

"I will not hear these words from you of all people." He turned from her, pacing if only to quell the urge to further deny what he knew was true.

His nephew had presented out of fear during the feast celebrating King Viserys' burst of health and had not since had a true heat outside of his initial presentation. And in turn, Aemond had not experienced a rut since before he had even married the boy. He had known it was only a matter of time and the thought curled dread into his chest.

He had hoped they had more time.

"Might I remind you that his age had not been an issue for you before and he was even younger then." The Queen had also turned away from him, retrieving the spare sheet off of her own bed and wrapping it tightly into a bundle. "If you care for him as you say you do, then you will not let him suffer his first heat alone. He will be in agony for days if you deny him. I might only be a beta but I know that much at least."

"Deny him?" Aemond scoffed. "He would not ask for me to deny him."

Her knowing eyes and upturned eyebrow perfectly expressed his own blatant doubt at his words. "I have eyes, brother."

He blinked slowly. "How fortunate."

Helaena had moments of frustration with him and it showed in the way her fingers twitched. "I see how you are with him, how he is with you. Something has changed between you two. Your dream to have him does not seem so far off."

"That does not change anything."

"Whatever you say, brother. You are much wiser than me. Maybe a history book would help more." She shoved the bedding into his arms. "Here, try not to be caught with these."

And then the Queen was pushing the prince out of her room and closing the door firmly once he was in the hall. He stood there at a loss before going back to his own a floor below.

The prince was no stranger to staving off a rut, enduring until he could not and finding an omega to work his frustrations out on in the meantime. Those nameless omegas meant nothing to him, only served a purpose to fill, and he loathed every second of it. He was only thankful his ruts did not happen often and Aemond had been double checking that they both were taking suppressants since their wedding.

That seemed to be pointless now.

The tub was still in the room, the floor wet around it. The water was stained red, another complication.

After setting the sheet away, Aemond found Lucerys outside on the balcony, hair damp from his bath. He was curled up on the soft couch with Mooneyes, staring at the bright sky when Aemond joined him. "I need to speak with you, Lucerys."

At his announcement, the prince's eyes drifted over to the man and he asked, "are we going to have children now?"

Aemond blinked in shock, looking down at the boy with furrowed eyebrows. That seemed to be the question of the hour since he had woken up with bloody thighs, but even so Aemond was not expecting that from Lucerys, at least not that directly. "No, Lucerys. What would make you ask that?"

His nephew shrugged, glum as he looked away. "We are married and I've flowered. At some point I won't be able to hide it, or it will become appropriate for me to have already flowered and people will start to wonder."

That only made Aemond sigh. He almost expected his nephew to be unaware of his situation, but the years were sharpening him as well and he was not as naïve as he was two years ago. "They already wonder, Lucerys. There is no need for you to as well."

His response did not seem to satisfy the young prince, who shook his head absently. There was a darkness to his eyes as he glowered at nothing. "He said you always wanted me," he said seemingly out of nowhere but it became apparent it was a festering thought as he continued. "You don't always act like you want me. If you had me, wouldn't you want to have children with me? You have me now, do you not?"

Aemond did not know how to respond to that, where to even begin. There should be no question as to whether or not they would be having children at any point in the near future. It was mad to even think of that. "Why are you asking these questions? You should know I do not plan to burden you with pups regardless if you've flowered. Which is rela-"

"Why should I not ask?" Lucerys interrupted him, his tone surly and Mooneyes made a low threatening noise, back arching and tail whipping. Aemond wearily withheld his distance from the two small dragons lest he be burned by both. "I am your bonded. Why should you keep secrets from me?"

"They are not secrets, taoba," his voice was exasperated. "It is only a fact."

Lucerys angrily turned on him, hazel eyes burning into him. "Then I want to know what Aegon meant. Tell me! How come everyone knows but I do not? It's not fair."

He had not meant to snap back but he did not seem to be able to stop himself. "Why should you need to know? You are a child. Why should any of that matter?" Aemond was arguing with a literal twelve year old and that was precisely why they should not be having this conversation. "Why can you not wait until you are older to ask these things?"

Lucerys sat back, agitation morphing easily into the conviction that he was right all along. "So it is to do with sex. There was a word he used to describe you." Lucerys squinted his eyes as he regarded Aemond, thinking it back into existence. "Cuntstruck."

"Lucerys!"

The boy shrugged, looking away as he stroked the golden spikes on his dragon's spine. "Going to tell me to wait until I'm older to say that, too? That's what adults always say when one of us asks about those things," his mood seemed to worsen in the absence of his brothers. He sullenly looked up at Aemond. "So? You wanted to have sex with me? But you won't have children with me?"

If Aemond could get away with throttling the prince he would have in that moment with no regrets. "You have no idea what you are saying right now."

"We already did it once," the boy unnecessarily reminded him and Aemond was quick to yell at him, despite the whole conversation he came to have with his nephew in the first place. "And we shouldn't have!"

"But we did."

"Lucerys."

"Just tell me already," the boy whined, looking as if he would stamp his foot if he were standing. "What did he mean when he said that? If you don't want to lay with me and you don't want to have children with me, do you wish to only possess me and keep me for yourself to rot?"

It did not matter if Aemond made it through the next six months, his nephew would surely drive him to insanity well before his half-sister could descend down to remove his head.

"No, it did not have to do with sex, taoba. I would have never touched you or tried to court you at your age." He rubbed the crease of his forehead, sighing to himself. "I've made far too many mistakes to try to explain this to you in any way that would make sense."

"But you…you wanted to claim me eventually, right? One day we would have. You can't say it is not entirely about that. I have a lot of siblings, I know what that means, uncle." Aemond sighed again and the boy quickly continued, "I'm not saying I'm upset. I just wanted to understand."

Aemond shook his head. "You do not understand, Lucerys. You cannot."

None of his responses seemed to please the young prince, who once more turned on him in his frustration. "Then make me understand! Stop telling me that I am too young, it won't cause me to grow any faster. If you're just honest with me then the sooner we can understand each other."

The tears building up into the corners of Lucerys' eyes weakened him and the alpha was taking his place at his knee in front of the sitting boy, his dragon not leaving his lap but curling around them both. He held Lucerys around his waist, his nephew's hands going to his shoulders and gripping him almost painfully tight. "And what should I tell you that could make any of this better? Hm? What would help?"

The little prince took in a shaky inhale before delivering his demands. "Tell me how you want me. I don't care in what ways, I just need to know. Settle this with me and I will never ask again."

Aemond could not meet Lucerys' eyes. He did not wish to put it into words. Those desires he held close to him had been the longings of a fool. Their world was set up too cruel for him to ever have the life he had dreamed with Lucerys. There were moments now where he felt he might be close to that reality, but the red brick around them would remind him of how far he truly was.

Nevertheless, he reached up to cup the boy's soft cheek, looking at him. "You mentioned your siblings, that you had many of them. They were made entirely with love, but you know that. The bond between their parents is so strong that they will grow knowing how loved they are. It will carry with them. That kind of love is how I want you, not whatever ideas Aegon put into your head."

The young prince's hot tears dripped around his thumb, his own small hands twitching against Aemond's shoulders. "How did you know I was meant to be yours? H-how did that feel?"

Aemond wiped the boy's tears before his hand fell back around Lucerys' waist. How were they living and breathing and dying? "I saw you and I knew, just like bonding with a dragon. That everything that had happened led me to my sister's room where I saw you for the first time. I didn't know that I wanted this exactly, I only knew that I would do anything to protect you." He lowered his head. "I've failed you many times in that regard."

Warm little hands held his face, bringing it back up. "You haven't always. I know you are trying for me. I can see that."

The look Lucerys gave him was a familiar one. Aemond had been expecting it at some point, that need to be comforted, but there was much more to discuss before any comfort could come. "I do not want to argue with you on this, Lucerys. We are not having children. However I may want you does not change the fact that it would kill you."

"I don't want that either, qȳbor. I'm scared of what would happen." He sniffled, Mooneyes tired of being wrapped around between them and clambered off to test his wings by gliding to the stone floor. In the absence of his dragon's heat, Lucerys pulled Aemond closer. "But one day, I want to give my alpha children."

The prince closed his eye, inhaling softly. "We need to discuss something important, Lucerys." Aemond had to power through it, through Lucerys' growing scent. Though he was not fond of having this conversation after arguing about whether or not they would be having children. "It is related to what we just spoke about. You should not have to make this choice, but I do not want to make it for you. But I will, if you do not."

Lucerys nodded along warily and he continued. "It's possible now that you will go into a heat, your suppressants will not matter. You can choose to be alone for it, but it will be painful. Or you can choose to let me help you, but you will most certainly need moontea after."

The prince flushed, his hands clenching on Aemond's shoulders. He quickly looked away. "O-oh."

Aemond was flooded with the boy's rapidly forming dread, feeling his own swelling with mutual apprehension. Though he knew Lucerys' fear came from one thing: the threat of childbirth and not from the prospect of being bedded by his uncle. "Your heat will not suddenly hit you, we will know when it begins. But you need to be sure when that happens."

"What should I do?"

Aemond shook his head. "I do not know, Lucerys. I did not think we would be having this conversation so soon."

The honesty of his words made Lucerys nibble at his bottom lip. "What do you want?"

Not this. At least, not at all like this, once more faced with two options. Not until he was older and truly understood what this even meant. "My choice is to let you have it alone. Though it will pain you."

The boy clearly expected that enough to not express his disappointment, nodding once slowly. "How painful will it be alone?"

Helaena had said agony though he was not entirely sure that was not just an exaggeration to swing his sympathy. Within the Keep, Aemond had never encountered the few omegas going through heat alone, most had or found an alpha for that. Amongst smallfolk, he doubted there was an omega alive who hadn't been claimed by an alpha, whether they wanted it or not. "When it fully sets, you will have to suffer through it for days. My sister does not advise it, but she is a beta. She has never experienced a heat."

Lucerys was silent for a moment, looking down at nothing as he considered something. "Do you think it would hurt less if we lay together then?"

When Aemond would not answer, Lucerys sighed, eyes still downcast. "You do not wish to tell me so I can only assume it would. Still, you keep these things from me. I will not be a child forever."

And if he grew to hate Aemond for what he did to him when he was young and clueless, it would once more be Aemond's fault. He had already taken from him long before they married - a fact they had yet to unravel in their time married. He detangled himself from Lucerys to stand. He had said what he needed to and it did not seem like the young prince would make his mind any time that day. "You know why I do."

The boy looked away, his displeasure abundantly clear. "I will make my own decision then."

"Make it soon," Aemond told him before leaving him alone on the balcony, Mooneyes screeching Lucerys' emotions at his back.

Notes:

I will not resist putting an incredibly unnecessary dance moment in a lcmd fic I will be dead if that happens. Not sure if it was gevie iksa or iksa gevie (I hopped on doulingo for 4 days and my attention said no) feel free to correct me as always c:

Well... heat next chapter. You all know what that means.

Chapter 7: the noises she makes in their bed

Notes:

This is pretty much all smut. There's some "plot" or whatever in the beginning but the rest...

So with that in mind, enjoy c:

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

"So…" King Aegon's violet eyes bored into his brother from where he warmed the thousands of iron swords his namesake had gathered over a hundred of years ago. It was quite the bloodthirsty monstrosity, stretching up in violet stabs into the air. "You've given the boy a dragon."

Though not a question, Aemond nodded once. He stood firm, arms behind his back. "I have. His blood is more Targaryen than his looks suggest. It hatched rather quickly."

The throne room was silent as Aegon stared down his brother, his displeasure great and many. "Was that wise? Giving the boy, or more accurately his mother, another dragon?"

"It is only a hatchling still. It will be years before Lucerys can ride." But even so, Mooneyes was growing fast, already large enough to make a home in the dragonpit. Lucerys was mournful of the fact, but they could not shelter it forever and he promised to visit his dragon as often as he could, braving the eyes and whispers beyond the stone walls of their room in order to bond with his dragon.

Aegon grunted, either way he was unimpressed. "He will become a weapon from within with the leeway you give him. And that is not the only way your precious wife has irritated me as of late. His grandsire is counting his days, mark my words," the King promised.

Prince Aemond glanced at Ser Criston Cole who only ever encouraged the King's wrath, having gathered a host ready to march at any moment. Though in this case they had little in terms of naval strength, which was proving to be unfortunate the longer the blockade of the Bay persisted.

"They allow three ships a day," Aemond reminded him. It did not seem to matter which three, only the ones who could afford it. "They would not let any pass if not for Lucerys."

"It will not matter for much longer. We will crush that blockade one way or another and blood will be shed. Soon it will not matter that he is alive and our sister will come." Rightfully so, the King was tired of hiding behind the boy but his life had gotten them this far, two years of back and forth yet the losses were beginning to stack up.

"They tax each ship they allow to enter and leave the Bay," Aegon sneered. "Everyday I hear them whining at me, we need the ports freed, your grace, how will I feed my family, your grace. As if I give two shits about their families." Aegon flung the rolled up parchment, it fluttered across a sea of swords before landing a few steps above where Aemond stood. "Our grandsire's envoy is facing some delays across the sea, if he does not return with what we need we must find a way."

Aemond read the report and in fact found nothing good. The High Council was taking the time they did not have and wasting it. "Where is our grandsire now?"

"Where do you think? Writing more fucking letters." Aegon snapped, hand grasping as if searching for a goblet that was not there. "We will have to strike one way or another."

"Do you suggest mounting our dragons and meeting them in battle," Aemond asked, though he knew the answer already. Just the two of them could reach the sea before the sun came up. They could burn their ships before they even knew what hit them, though it would no doubt bring the attention of their sister and uncle. And that would become an entirely different battle between families.

As much as Aemond longed to mount Vhagar there was no saying how long that could take and there was no way he would leave his omega unattended on the cusp of a heat. His sister could be storming the castle and he would barricade them in if he had to.

"I do not suggest that, my prince," Ser Criston interjected. "Our reports say they have found more riders in the dragonseeds, though the exact number is uncertain. Even with Tessarion, it would be a slaughter. We should send aid to the forces to the south and make our stand here. I could ride down and meet them halfway."

So his half-sister was allowing prized bastards a dragon, his day was only getting better. "And where is Daeron and his dragon now?"

He had asked Ser Criston but it was Aegon who answered. "Last we heard, Lord Ormund was suffering casualties left and right and asking for help. It's a wonder he's lasted this long, his way to Oldtown is completely cut off. His only choice is up. I heard nothing of if our brother was even with him or defending Oldtown. Though Hightower would not be suffering so with a dragon in his ranks."

None of that was refreshing to hear but their allies to the south would have to power through the Reach until they could reach Daeron.

In the end, he was not the only man willing to fight.

"Your Grace." Ser Criston stepped forward.

The King turned his attention to his Hand and sword. "Ser Criston, you seem eager to prove your faith to my cause. Take the men you need and meet Lord Ormund while he still has fighting men left. Win the fealty of the houses along the way, you will need every sword. Aemond will write to Oldtown, if Daeron is there I want him on his damn dragon already."

"At once, your grace." With his orders, Ser Criston parted the throne room, eager to send Rhaenyra's supporters to their blood-soaked graves.

Aemond turned back to the king, his lips curled in a sneer. "Why not give our grandsire another letter to write?" Aemond asked. "Or a squire."

"He will not deliver our urgency the way I know you will," Aegon claimed, rising from the throne and walking down the steps. As he passed Aemond, he patted Aemond's shoulder and said, "We can only win this war with dragons and men, the day of writing letters is long passed."

He left Aemond alone, the heavy doors closing behind him.

It would not be until much later, after he had taken his armor off for the night, that Aemond would find the bloodstains smeared across the surface.

༺༻

In the midst of war, the young prince's heat came into existence slowly, warmth gradually stoking within until it became far too great to contain, spilling out unrestrained and persistent. It beaded his skin in sweat even in the cool breeze and everywhere he went vanilla lingered.

Sweet, tempting, fucking mouthwatering.

Aemond noticed it in Lucerys' sudden lingering of affection as the week passed. He was asked to scent him more often and the young prince was quick to help Aemond out of his armor, or wash his hair, scenting him to the extent he was almost crawling into the tub with him.

And yet Lucerys was slow to give Aemond an answer. He got shy, turned away, and would tell him that he was still thinking. Aemond severely doubted that.

That was precisely why, despite getting no answer, he had already spoken to their new handmaid, Agatha, in secret.

He could feel it himself. In the back of his mind, in every shared look, in every moment he touched Lucerys in the briefest of ways. He didn't want it to be brief, all he wanted was to take a fistful of Lucerys' hair and pull him onto his lap. Being alone in that room felt dangerous. Lucerys had no clue he was locked alone with a wild animal, one that was close to starving.

Almost immediately he would force himself to stop. It was their bond. He should have known it would seep into him just as slow, just as easy until before he knew it - it was there.

While the boy had not been cold towards Aemond in months, his hesitant yearnings for comfort never had him pressed against Aemond's back as the man tried to write back to his younger brother, distracted by his nephew's warm cheek rubbing into the side of his head and dislodging his eyepatch.

"You smell nice, qȳbor," Lucerys murmured before inhaling against his hair, fire contained in flesh attached to his back. "You always smell so nice."

Aemond slowly set the parchment and inkwell aside and stood, chair scraping the stone below. The prince was staring up at him, eyes a little hazy. He pressed the back of his hand to Lucerys' forehead, then to the side of his neck. The boy was warmer than he had been all week and leaned into his touch with a slow building purr rising from his throat.

Aemond quickly guided the boy to the balcony, forcing him into the windy breeze. "Breathe, taoba. I need you to be clear headed right now."

The boy obeyed after a brief struggle of trying to bury his face into Aemond's chest, drinking in deep gulps of fresh air. When he turned in Aemond's grip his eyes were wide but clear. "I can feel it, uncle. It's happening."

"Hm, it appears so," Aemond sighed. "You need to decide now. Do not let what I want sway your decision, just say what you do and I will not be upset with you either way."

Lucerys nodded, eyes downcast. A part of Aemond hoped that he would try to weasel out of giving him a definitive answer, that he would have to make the choice to leave after all, when his nephew let out a heavy sigh. "I do not want to be alone, qȳbor. I would rather not be in pain."

The answer was not a surprise given his nephew's actions but still he felt that reluctant part of him screaming in silence. "If that is your choice…" Aemond removed his hands from the boy's shoulders. "Then we need to be prepared."

Leaving their vanilla scented room, he halted the first serving girl that passed, the girl jumping when he barked an order at her. "Send water and towels to my room at once."

She hurried off into the direction of the stairs. It was not his best choice but he would not risk leaving Lucerys alone with his scent only growing more pronounced and drawing attention. It was already heavy by the time he made it back into their room and by tonight it would flood the halls.

Lucerys was pacing, hands fidgeting in front of him. His round eyes shining with innocence only made Aemond feel like this was a mistake.

But even so, it was not easy maintaining that thought the longer he breathed in the heady warmth that draped along Lucerys, with the blue and gold dress he wore loosely swaying with his movements. It was made even harder when his nephew wandered over to where he stood immobile in front of the door, bringing that vanilla and lavender scent with him. He was every inch the vision that kept him up at night, the beautiful dream he thought of in the day. Aemond could only watch as Lucerys leaned his head into his chest, softly rubbing his skin into the leather of his jacket.

"I think it's happening soon," Lucerys whispered. "Do you feel it too, qȳbor?"

Aemond pressed into the wood of the door, staring up at the ceiling. It would be happening a lot sooner than either of them wanted at this rate. Even in his silence the omega was rubbing against the front of him, causing warm curls of pleasure to stab at any remaining rational thought Aemond had. It did not matter if he tried to tamper down his own scent because the boy was seeking it out now, hands slipping under Aemond's arms to hold onto his shoulders, using him to push into Aemond's neck, hot breaths fanning his throat, tickling as his hair brushed his skin.

"Why do you hold back even now?" Lucerys whined against him, burning soft body arching into his, pressing him harder against the door. "I'm giving myself to you, qȳbor."

Before Aemond could decide if he wanted to act on his impulses to pull him closer or to force space between them, a knock at his back startled them both away from each other. Lucerys was blinking rapidly, face red and he couldn't look at Aemond while the man cracked the door open.

Two servants passed him the requested items, both going wide-eyed at the rush of their mingled scents. He quickly shut the door and found Lucerys once more pacing, this time idle hands worrying the belt around his waist.

Once his hands were free, Aemond began working on the buckles to his jacket. The sound alerted Lucerys, who stared openly. It was not for any intention other than it was much too warm to wear the thick layers, even with the breeze coming in. But there was only a moment of hesitation before his nephew's hands were joining his and quickly there was a pile of their clothes on the floor and he was leading Lucerys to their bed.

His nephew stared up at him, lips parted as he relaxed into the pillows propped up behind him. His cherubic cheeks held that rosy hue and it did not seem to be going anywhere, skin flushed under the thin sheer slip he still wore. It did nothing to hide his nubile body underneath, bunching up as Aemond crowded in between his legs. Lucerys' chest was rising quickly, tiny brown nipples pebbled, growing even harder as Aemond couldn't resist thumbing them over his slip.

His omega sighed into his touch, his scent enveloping them in heady pheromones. Lucerys submitted so easily under him, sinking into his heat and aching for more. "You won't back out halfway, will you?"

Aemond shook his head, any thought to resist had left him the second that dress pooled at his nephew's feet. "The gods themselves would have to take me from you," Aemond took Lucerys' wrist, brushing against his scent gland and humming softly at how that reassured the omega, who took Aemond's other hand and brought it to his mouth, pressing his lips against his wrist.

Still in Lucerys' hold, Aemond caressed his flushed cheek, under his pretty eye that blinked slowly up at him. "It will hurt at first."

"I know," Lucerys did not seem to be afraid, his scent blood free as he breathed against Aemond's skin. "But you will make it better."

They would go slow, as slow as they could. But even scenting the boy was overwhelming. He had never experienced an omegas heat before and already all he could think about was stuffing his knot into Lucerys and keeping him full.

Aemond ducked down to the boy's neck, groaning low at his dizzying scent. Being so close to him affected him stronger than before, his hand was no longer hesitating as he felt along the omega's soft thighs spread out on either side of him. He yearned all over to be inside of him, to taste him so thoroughly it was all he knew. In his heat, Lucerys had thrown away his own cautions, pawing at Aemond's back or along his sides, mewling as his alpha scented him along his bond mark.

The boy openly moaned when Aemond's hot tongue licked around the scar, feeling the raised skin of his teeth marks. His claim. Aemond grunted, kissing the mark a few times before nipping along his neck with his teeth. Each time he didn't bite where he wanted, Lucerys let out a pathetic little whine, hands grasping at his shoulders to pull at him. He felt his nephew bracing himself with his head pushed back into the pillows, his voice breaking, "bite me, Aemond."

He would not disobey when told to. He sank his teeth into the mark and reclaimed his omega for the first time since he made that initial scar. And like that night all over again, his omega flooded into his very being until he only felt one shared heartbeat, one being, and nothing else. Not even the nails scratching down his back registered over the rush of heat that spread throughout his body.

There was a noticeable difference from their wedding night. It wasn't his nephew's sadness and fear that coursed through him, but all the desire he was experiencing that made him pull at Aemond to have him closer. Those slowly developing yearnings of need that made him want Aemond to touch him at all. It was intoxicating, hitting him harder than the Arbor's finest.

Aemond licked the blood off his lips before trailing his mouth to Lucerys' cheek, his hand pushing the slip up past his soft hip, "I'm taking this off."

Lucerys swallowed hard and lifted his arms as Aemond stripped him completely, his body squirming under the intense attention. But he didn't cover himself, not that he would have been able to with Aemond already between his legs keeping them apart. He wiggled under the weight of Aemond's heavy gaze, going pink as the man stared intently down at his nipples to his leaking cocklet and quim.

Aemond held the boy's arms away from his body with one hand, wrists pressed into the bed in an 'x' above his head. Before Aemond had even touched him elsewhere he was making these low whines, sometimes arching his hips up. But Aemond needed to touch him more, to feel his bare skin sliding under him, to watch him come undone. Lucerys gasped and panted while his nipples were played with, the scent of vanilla overtaking any other as Aemond took his time doing whatever he wanted.

"Qȳbor…why are you taking so long?"

The alpha was busy trailing his fingertips along Lucerys' sensitive sides, down to his naval where his stomach muscles twitched, everywhere he couldn't touch before. He brought his fingers back to a perky brown nipple, rolling it and relishing in the way Lucerys pushed into his hand. "I'm teaching you how to have sex, taoba. Just relax."

"O-oh," Lucerys licked his bottom lip, eyes tracking his movements. "Are you…going to use your mouth again?"

"Mhm," Aemond leaned down to kiss his bond mark, letting his wrists go as he brought his mouth lower and lower. He made the omega mewl and grip his shoulders when his tongue circled around his nipple, giving the other the same treatment, sucking it into his mouth.

"A-Aemond," Lucerys trembled under him and he continued lower, tonging around his naval, the omegas scent luring him downward just as his nephew wanted.

He had kept his need at bay for so long, but now he could freely enjoy what he had only once before. Aemond gladly went down to sate the need, the prince's legs resting on his shoulders. The boy's scent was strongest here, collecting in a compelling wave between his trembling thighs. Aemond breathed it in hungrily, kissing along his heat warmed skin while Lucerys untied his eyepatch, tossing it aside. Then that hand was tangling in Aemond's hair, nails scratching his scalp.

He looked up at the boy's flushed face, at how he sucked on his bottom lip and watched with dark eyes, pupils expanded. His heat was fully in effect.

He wasted no more time kissing that pretty pink cocklet before wrapping his lips around it and stroking the boy with his tongue. Instantly, Lucerys was crying out and pushing into his mouth, shuddering under the constant roll of Aemond's tongue. Aemond groaned around him, the addicting taste of him flooding into his mouth. The noises he drew out of Lucerys would give any whore a run for their money, the omega giving in to the heat that pounded through his veins at the rush of pleasure. Aemond stopped only to trail his lips down, pressing kisses to his flushed lips as his nephew whined.

Lucerys was panting, eyes closed briefly before he was slowly opening them. Then he was tossing his head back, gasping at the hot tongue licking his cunt, digging in past his lips. Aemond watched the boy's hazel eyes roll back as he sank into the pillows, the hand in Aemond's hair gripping a fistful. This time, Aemond did not give the boy any time to recover. His sweet slick was dripping into Aemond's mouth, down his chin and wetting the sheets below as he drank him in like a man starved. He tasted so delicious that Aemond was yanking the boy down against his mouth, the shaky moan Lucerys gave him shooting down to his achingly hard cock.

"Aemond…" Lucerys breathed his name, causing him to groan against him. "L-lick it more, please, please…"

The hands on Lucerys' thighs tightened before moving down to hold his hips, pinning him to the bed before he lapped at the boy's cunt with renewed force. His tongue dug into his twitching hole, massaging into him in persistent swirling motions. Lucerys sobbed as his drenched cunt opened up for his tongue, back arching off the bed. His heels grinded into the mattress while his hands grasped at either Aemond or the sheets.

The air was sea salt and clove, sandalwood and vanilla, nothing but fire. Lucerys was already sweating as Aemond's finger slid easily in to the knuckle, curling into him. Just one wasn't enough for the boy and soon his hole was sucking in two of his fingers. Aemond was transfixed watching his fingers sliding in and out of him, coming out wet and creamy. He licked around his plunging fingers, teasing the leaking slit of his omegas little cock.

He felt his nephew cumming around his fingers and added a third while his hole convulsed. The added stretch only made Lucerys shake harder, tearing at the sheets and whimpering, but he took it without complaint. His slick rolled down Aemond's wrist and a damp spot was growing underneath the boy. He watched Lucerys the entire time, unsure of how he had been able to hold back when a sight like this was in his bed for two years. He knew from experience he would take him well, even better now.

He slid his fingers out of the boy and kissed his thighs before getting off the bed. His nephew whined as his presence left him, big dark eyes blinking at him in betrayal from where he laid out with his legs still splayed. But he returned with water, making his nephew drink it.

"You're going to need it, taoba," he told him, taking some for himself.

The omega wrapped his hands around Aemond's arm and pulled at him. "I had some, come back here now."

Aemond followed him back down, hands guiding his nephew's legs to rest around his waist. The young prince was running curious hands over him, along his arms and over his shoulders, down his chest. His nails brought fire down in lines tracing the dip in his waist, raking through the pale hair above his cock. Aemond watched him, how he panted open mouthed and stared in need. "Go ahead."

Lucerys' hand tried its best to wrap around the base of his cock, but couldn't manage it all. His eyes widened as Aemond's cock twitched in his hand, leaking just for him. "This is where your knot forms?"

Aemond groaned, nodding absentmindedly.

His hand enclosed around the smaller one exploring the length of his cock, making him stroke him the way he liked it. Being used like that elicited gasps and whines from Lucerys, his legs abandoning Aemond's waist to spread even more. He was well past ready, he needed to be filled. Aemond angled the dripping head of his cock to Lucerys' empty hole, grinding the slit into him. It had been almost three years since he had felt the heat he was gradually pushing into and he groaned at the tight resistance, even as Lucerys produced so much slick it wet the mattress.

"Relax, ñuha nūmio," Aemond leaned down to scent him, caging him in with his arms. Lucerys clung to his back, digging his nails in. He groaned as the painfully tight walls began to soften around him, letting him loosen Lucerys up with slow rolls into him.

"It's so deep, qȳbor," he whined against Aemond's throat, not knowing he wasn't even halfway in. "You feel so big."

He was trying so hard not to fuck Lucerys into the mattress but when he said things like that, not even knowing how they made Aemond ache, it was near impossible. He was grunting into the boy's hair, thrusting more of his cock into his nephew's throbbing cunt. Regardless of how he hesitated before, Lucerys squeezing around him felt more than right.

Once he was pressed all the way inside, he looked down at his omega. They were connected fully, the bond singing between them as Lucerys' heat clouded their minds. His nephew was dazed underneath him, hazy eyes blinking up at him while a little bit of drool collected at the corner of his lips. Aemond dove down and licked his mouth, groaning as the boy clenched around him, velvet soft walls pulsing around him.

As Aemond slowly massaged the inside of the boys cunt he licked into his mouth, kissing his omega as deep as he was fucking him. Lucerys whimpered against his lips, letting loose needy little gasps each time Aemond slid against that soft aching spot nestled inside him.

Seeing the boy's soft stomach expand from his cock only made him want to keep him just like this, right in this bed making those sweet broken cries. He grinded into Lucerys, making his eyes roll back with a sob. His wife was bigger than he was on their wedding night, still alarmingly small underneath Aemond, but even so he was taking Aemond's girth without a sign of pain, his cunt becoming so wet their thighs were becoming slick each time they connected.

"You're doing so well, you feel so good," Aemond couldn't help but thrust into him harder, grunting as Lucerys gasped, shuddering at the relentless pace Aemond set. "Ñuhys gevie zaldrīzes."

Aemond wanted to watch him through it all, how his nose scrunched up and mouth hung open, letting out breathless moans and gasps. He was already such a beautiful thing and only going to become even more so as he got older. Aemond wanted to watch it happen, fall deeper for him every passing year.

It didn't take much longer before his knot was forming, his little omega feeling the stretch and whimpering. His legs were encircled around Aemond's waist, tightening up as his slick cunt tried to keep Aemond buried deep.

"Aemond!"

"Shh, just relax, taoba. Fuck!" He grunted holding the boy's hips down as he forced the very full knot past the omega's tight muscles, locking them together. Lucerys' head tilted back into the pillows, his raw bite mark bared as his alpha filled him with hot waves of cum.

Lucerys' breathing hitched before he moaned, body arching underneath Aemond's and his eyes rolled back. Aemond groaned, feeling his omega milking his knot just as he was made for, his smaller hands holding his forearms tight where he held his hips. He held him through it until all the tension in Lucerys' body snapped like a cord and he sagged into the mattress, panting and flushed.

He looked properly fucked, that was without question. Whimpering and splayed out, soft cocklet in a little puddle of his release. Skin flushed and sweaty, his chest fluttering with his labored breaths. Aemond brushed Lucerys' hair from his face, looking down at him as he caught his breath. Slowly, he blinked up at him.

"How do you feel?"

Lucerys' eyes were glazed over and he licked his lips before saying, "full. Better."

Aemond hummed before kissing his sweaty forehead. "I'm sure you do."

Warm hours passed with them curled together. Aemond made the boy drink plenty of water, made him drink the tea that was delivered along with food, made him nibble on fruit before his heat demanded them back to bed, tangling up together well into the night.

Lucerys laid over his chest, face tucked against his neck. He was still warm, skin glistening with sweat, but he was sated for the time being. Aemond absentmindedly stroked his back, thinking the boy had fallen asleep until he spoke. "What if we ran away?"

"Hm? To your mother?"

Lucerys' nose rubbed his throat as he shook his head. "No…the middle of nowhere, where we can pretend to be people we aren't."

It was a nice fantasy, but that's all it ever could be. It would be difficult to settle in secrecy with two dragons with them. Even so, Aemond indulged him with a tired smirk, turning his head but really just pressing his cheek against Lucerys'. "Do you know how to raise a farm?"

He felt the boy shrug, "we could learn. It can't be that hard, people do it all over."

"Hm, and where should we run off to?"

"Dunno," Lucerys murmured with a deep sigh, falling asleep on Aemond just as he was. "Somewhere nice."

As the sun started rising, Aemond woke up wondering how long it would last. Maybe another day or two. When he glanced over, he expected Lucerys to still be asleep, but he was looking at Aemond, lips parted, pupils expanded. "Come back here."

Rolling over, it was easy to rest his weight on Lucerys, pressing right between his soft thighs. He could already feel the heat that radiated between his thighs, his cock twitching eagerly before he was teasing them both with long strokes against his omega's puffy cunt. He was still dripping from Aemond knotting him hours earlier and sliding the head of his cock against his loosened hole only made the boy clench and squeeze out more seed and slick. He wet his cock with the mixture before pushing in slowly.

Lucerys groaned into the pillow but arched his hips back, breathing harshly into the soft feathers. Aemond hovered over his body, staring down at the side of his face as he warmed what he could in the boy. "This is what you need, taoba. What you've always needed."

The boy whimpered, eyelashes fluttering. His full lips parted, tongue wetting them. "T-thought you d-didn't want this."

Aemond groaned, rolling his hips into him slowly, just feeling the slide of his tight walls shuddering around his length. "Hmm, I would have waited. But you were right," he sank in deep, grunting as Lucerys clenched up with a muffled moan, probably feeling him in his stomach. "One day I wanted to fatten you with pups, as many as you would give me." He was thrusting harder into the boy now, his body rocking under him. "Would love every one, because they would be ours."

Lucerys was gripping the sheets now, wrapping them in his fists. He sobbed brokenly into his pillow, tears darkening the fabric. He was gushing around Aemond, the wet sounds of their bodies loud between them. Aemond fucked him through it, growling low as Lucerys took his pace with only cries for more. He probably shouldn't have been fucking the boy as hard as he was, but his nephew was begging for it, cunt sucking him in so greedily that Aemond could barely pull out before he was drawn back in to the base.

When he knotted him again, Lucerys was pushing his head back into Aemond's chest, just rubbing against him. "I wish I was older already," he whispered, voice scratchy and wrecked from use. "We wouldn't waste my heat like this."

Aemond hummed, leaning down into a more comfortable position over Lucerys. His breath ghosting against Lucerys' ear made him shiver. "No, you would be carrying our child by the time I was done with you."

Lucerys whined again, his heat making him a needy thing as he throbbed around him. "I will one day. We will make our own family. It will be so beautiful."

Aemond groaned into his neck. That was all he ever wanted, just them, together. This was too dangerous, he could barely breathe or think around Lucerys like this. Aemond kissed his shoulder. "Hm, that being said, sweet thing, you need to drink your tea again. We cannot risk it."

"Don't remind me," Lucerys sighed, lowering his head back down into the pillow. His voice was muffled when he complained, "it tastes gross, let me pretend for a while."

"It won't be pretend if you wait."

Lucerys grumbled and Aemond was a hypocrite, staying in him longer and kissing his bond mark. But eventually they reluctantly parted and Lucerys forced the now cold tea down while plugging his nose, and Aemond tried in vain to wipe down his nephew's messy thighs.

The boy had no room for shyness now, parting his legs to help while he grimaced from the leftover taste. "You're lucky you were born an alpha."

"I know," Aemond responded, looking at him. If he had presented as an omega he would have known that he was cursed by the gods, already born dragonless he would have made a very unpleasant omega. "Though I would not get you if that were not the case."

Lucerys tilted his head, his eyes contemplating. "What if it was the opposite?"

Aemond took his hand and kissed the back of it. "It would not matter. I would have you either way."

"Even if I had been an alpha, too?"

"We would just have to try a lot harder then." The boy's mother did well enough herself being mated to another alpha, but he did not want to think about his half-sister while in bed with her son. "But enough of that, we need to bathe and change these sheets before your heat grows."

Lucerys nodded but before he got off the bed he squeezed Aemond's hand that still held his. He gave Aemond a ghost of a smile, a perfect combination of grateful and regretful. "Thank you for staying. I know you did not want to at first."

The unfortunate thing was that he did, only he would not admit that even to himself. "I would not deny you, taoba."

The boy would come to learn that Aemond would do almost anything for him, even if he hated himself a little for it.

Notes:

Hope you enjoyed c:

Chapter 8: you're the only good thing in my life

Notes:

Hey hey c: glad you enjoyed the last chapter. I hope you don't hate me for the next...couple lol with that in mind I might update every 2 days rather than 3 just to get it all out the way lol so there's that to think of.

As always, enjoy c:

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

The prince knew a break had occurred during the four days he had been tending to his omega the moment he stepped into the hall. The castle was busier than it had been and afoot with sellswords and far more guards than they had before, walking around with gleaming golden armor with the occasional bastard Valyrian heard between halls.

When Aemond entered the small council room, Aegon was there with the rest of the council seated, standing as he leaned into the table. He grunted at the sight of Aemond, eyes looking him up and down though nothing was out of place. "You have been absent from council. I've been doing both our jobs while you were busy between our nephews thighs. Has he flowered, then?"

The King seemed to have forgotten that for most meetings he was either absent or drunk, likely between an actual whores legs. "Not yet, this was only a heat." The prince never had any issue lying to Aegon, who had never gotten any better at catching him.

Aegon nodded. "When he does I expect you to do your duty."

The prince had been expecting that and immediately refused. "I will not, Your Grace." The lords gathered turned their heads at his words, though not entirely out of shock. As the King turned his gaze back to Aemond, another voice spoke up before he could.

"If I may," maester Orwyle interjected. "The young prince would not survive full term pregnancy at his age or weight. Nor would the child I believe. Our queen did not deliver until after her fourteenth nameday and the prince has over a year before then."

The King pondered the words a moment, turning his head just so. Aemond did not show the relief from the maesters words prolonging the King's urgency but Prince Aemond needed his full word before he left that council room. "You want to make a point of keeping Lucerys alive, killing him on his birthing bed is not it."

Aegon breathed heavily through his nose, cursing under his breath. "You never should have shown how much you care for him."

The sudden words made Aemond pause, glancing around at the lord's present, at their obvious interest in whatever royal gossip they could feed off of. "How is that relevant?"

"He is your weakness, brother." Aegon met his eye, almost mournful of the fact. "We always made it a habit of stabbing at each other's weaknesses growing up. You didn't have a dragon, you lost your eye, you have nothing to your name. My drunkenness, my lust, my disregard for any of the shit you people want from me. Fucking birthright." His sadness turned to spite in a blink of an eye, sneering at the prince. "You should have never cried for him, dragging his body here. You should have known what would happen to him."

None of that was particularly new or thrilling, just the same aggressions two brothers who had never held any love for each other volleyed back and forth ever since they found out how deeply pain lingered.

"That is true." What Aemond should have done was either kill the boy or let him go, instead he did neither and forced both their suffering. "But he is here now and I do not wish to put him in that senseless agony."

"Fine," Aegon grunted. "We have more to worry about in any case. Let us put that behind us for now. You need to be brought to speed at once. There's been news from the south and the east."

"Lord Ormund? Or have you heard from Daeron?"

"The latter, our incredibly capable brother is doing what you cannot." The King reached for the rolled parchment, flinging it over to Aemond. He quickly read as Aegon continued. "Our victory at Honeywine has restored the men of the south to our cause and they continue on to meet Ser Criston's host, though I'm sure it will take less than a month or so to meet. And our grandsire's letters as well have proved useful for once."

It was then that he learned of the victory in the Gullet, the blockade crushed by the sailors of the Three Daughters. Though victory was not the word Aemond would have used. At best it was a break to lick wounds and hit again. Both sides faced heavy losses, thousands were dead and it was unlikely there would be support from the remaining Three Daughters should the Velaryon fleet decide to patch up and sail again. Ser Criston had been right, five dragons had been sighted at the battle and five dragons flew home. While they might have suffered, they still had the numbers in that regard.

The damage sustained in Spicetown would distract the Sea Snake in the meantime, only able to keep High Tide due to two dragons defending it, though which two riders protected Lord Corlys' castle was not mentioned.

Prince Jacaerys had sustained injuries in the fight but yet lived, the brother he had almost lost in the chaos retrieved and safely landed on Dragonstone. Aemond hid any sign of relief at the news. While it was horrible luck on their end, his mate would not suffer the loss of his brothers for another turn of war.

"How bad are Prince Jacaerys' injuries?"

Aegon's dark look at his question did not go unnoticed yet he answered. "He took a few arrows, as well as his dragon, but he was seen riding fine enough to fly home." Aegon sucked his teeth. "Strong bastards can take a hit."

Seeing as this war was not over, Aemond only hoped they could take a few more. "Any news about Daemon?"

"Not a sign of the old man, not since he left to chase after you to no avail." Aegon regarded him then and Aemond never understood the level of bleakness in his eyes given it was dangerously apparent they both wanted each other dead. "He will come for you, you know that, right? It will not matter where you are."

"I am aware." Daemon had wanted him dead for a long time, even before Aemond had stolen Lucerys from them. He would not hesitate for Daemon should he come for him.

Aegon nodded, eyes looking elsewhere. "Then do not fall when he comes. It would not look good for us if you did."

Aemond bowed his head though there was no respect in his voice. "And everything I do is for you, brother."

Aegon dismissed him with a sneer, having no other business with him.

In the relative safety in their room, he went to his nephew immediately. The boy was reading in the chair by the low burning fire, glancing up at the sound of him entering. "I need to speak with you, taoba."

"What happened?" The omega could tell something was wrong, once pleasant scent muddying to fear as he set the book aside and gripped Aemond's hands. Either he felt it, heard it in Aemond's voice, or saw it on his face, but the boy was nearly clinging to him waiting to deliver bad news.

"There is news of the war," Aemond did not bother to dance around it. "Your brothers-"

Lucerys warm hand covered his mouth and Aemond blinked at the boy's wide and panicked eyes, at the emptiness threatening to overtake any sign of life. "Are they dead?"

Aemond placed his hand over Lucerys' and shook his head. His nephew visibly released the tension and fear held within, hand falling limply to his side. "Then proceed, uncle."

"Your brothers are alive. Jacaerys is injured but as far as we can tell he will live. There is no blockade but I suspect the fighting will be moved to ground after this."

Once the relief washed off, Lucerys' anxiety came rushing right back in. "Brothers? Who else?"

"The youngest, Aegon and Viserys. What I know is that your mother was sending them away from range of battle and the ship was intercepted, but they are both back on Dragonstone." Aemond spoke quickly before Lucerys could interrupt.

"Oh, gods." Lucerys held his hands in a death grip, throat working as he swallowed. "They could have been killed. They're so young. Why…why would they do that to children?"

He spoke as if he wasn't a child faced with atrocities every day. "They are alive, Lucerys." Aemond removed his hand to hold his soft cheek. "Focus on that."

That simple touch was not enough as Lucerys was pulling Aemond closer until he was being held. Lucerys curled into his neck, keeping his face hidden. He appreciated when his alpha rubbed his back and Aemond did what he could to comfort him.

"Will you be asked to join the fighting?" His nephew asked as if his defeated tone was not answer enough.

Aemond sighed into his soft hair. "He will not ask, he will demand. But I cannot be expected to remain here forever. I have been fortunate. But there will be a time when I have to leave you." He had told Lucerys that before in anger but faced with it now he could not imagine using that to hurt him. It was the last thing he wanted.

The boy in his arms stiffened, pulling his head back to stare at Aemond like he threatened to pluck the moon from the sky. "You will have to fight against my family if that is the case. You would truly kill someone I loved?"

If he had to. But saying so would not reassure the boy. "I will defend myself if I must. But…I will not attack your brothers, should it ever come to it. I know what I would lose if I did." He held Lucerys' soft cheek, stroking the roundness of it.

"You will come back, though," his nephew insisted. "You will not leave me here forever."

He would not dream of it. If anything, that thought kept him awake at night. "I will always come back to you, Lucerys," he took the boy's hands and kissed the backs of them. He was the only thing in this wretched world that meant anything. "Always."

Lucerys' face crumbled once more. "I do not understand why there needs to be fighting. King Viserys named my mother his heir. How is that not enough?"

It would have never been enough. There would have always been a divide as his half-sister was not one to bend, not to the drunkard brother, not to him either, and his grandsire would not rest until his line continued through the throne. "Not everyone agrees he was in his right mind to declare that, though there is no doubt he had remained true to his belief until the end."

His nephew still pouted at nothing. "Do you agree that your brother should be the rightful king? Is that why you fight for him?"

Aemond did not hold back the derisive laugh. "Absolutely not, he couldn't rule even a lowly tavern let alone Seven Kingdoms. At this point, I do not care who sits the throne. I only want you safe."

His nephew's eyes lit with life once more, hope lining his voice. "Would you bend the knee to my mother then? If the war does not favor your side much longer?"

The prince's initial reaction to that was visceral outright refusal. He thought very little of his sister. The only good thing she had done for him was birth his mate. They were never close as he grew up and their mutual enmity had only worsened once his interest in Lucerys had begun. While seeing his half-sister named Queen was not something he looked forward to, there was a silver lining to every storm cloud, including this one.

"For you, I would. But only for you. If I cannot have you, she will not get my submission." His words made the anxious cut to their bond lessen. The boy's eyes glanced away before he detangled himself from Aemond, going to the desk and flipping open a book to reveal a slip of parchment. His expression was tinged with guilt as he held out the note.

As Aemond took the letter, Lucerys explained from a distance. "My mother offered terms for you. I should have told you I was communicating with her. I am sorry."

Aemond quickly read the note, then scowled at his mate in disbelief. "How long have you had this?"

Lucerys held his hands up, though he could not hide the guilt from his face. "Only a fortnight! I did not want to face your anger if you were upset with me…You've told me many times I do not think things through."

"Case and point, Lucerys. Who helped you?" He had an idea, but he needed the boy's confirmation.

His nephew did not try to protect his accomplices. "Ser Arryk and one of the handmaids, the one who now serves our chamber. Agatha."

The one his sister so graciously instilled. Aemond read the note again, barely containing his anger at the utter bullshit his half-sister decided to send him. "I cannot accept these terms."

"You want him dead as much as anyone," Lucerys whispered, stepping closer with his hands nervously fidgeting in front of him. "If you accept, she will let you live as my consort. We could not ask for a better promise."

Given their circumstances that very well was true and his gracious whore of a sister knew that much. She knew he would not accept; these were not terms, they were a waste of his time. "You've read this. You know my brother is not the only life she demands."

Lucerys did not try to hide how even that meant nothing to him. "At least think it over. And…I'm sure my mother will be merciful to your mother, if you agree. If I tell her how she…tried her best to stand up for me despite the animosity between our families."

Aemond wished rolling his eye held any affect, the unamused laugh making up for it. "You expect far too much of your mother." Aemond set the note into the fire, watching it burn and ignoring Lucerys' sharp noise of protest.

As if Aegon needed a reason to kill him. Truly, he could have him dead whenever. Killing Aegon was something Aemond thought of often, especially now, but not for the goal of submitting to his half-sister. "Discard any other letters you've stored away. Or would you like to see me dead for treason and you turned into a broodmare?"

Lucerys quickly rooted around his books, staring at each one mournfully before feeding them to the flames. His bottom lip was pouted when he turned to Aemond, that soft look he held for him before replaced with vexation. "She will not wait for much longer, Aemond. You have until the end of the season to make your decision."

"She will get her fucking answer."

Lucerys turned away from his anger, taking his cloak and sitting away from him out on the balcony. He did not come in until much later, barely ate, and when he curled into bed he laid with his back to Aemond.

༺༻

Aemond was not too fond of the tension that nestled into their bond in the passing week. It worried them like teeth, grinding them both down. Every look the dark haired boy sent him was pointed with a reminder, urging him to agree to the death of his family.

Had it only been Aegon and Otto lined for the gallows, it would not be such a hard decision to make. But his half-sister was urging the life of Alicent and Daeron as well. As much as the woman tried to be, his mother was no saint, though Aemond would not have her blood on his hands. His youngest brother might have been sending the Reach to their death, but he had remained far from court most of his life. He only posed a threat because war had chosen it for him.

To deliver their heads or send them to their deaths demanded more than Aemond was willing to give. Why would Rhaenyra ever want to make keeping her son easy for him? He had it comparatively good these past years. They had made it almost three years before they ever had to face her.

His nephew was just as apprehensive as he was. After a very quiet breakfast, Lucerys would usually sit out on the balcony or read if Aemond did not tutor or train him, but that morning he sat in his chair by the window, staring out at the cloudy sky. "I do not want to fight with you."

Aemond grunted from where he sat sharpening his blade, not even bothering to look up. "You ask too much."

"What are their lives compared to the life we could have away from here?" Lucerys muttered, quiet enough it could have been just for himself. "And I've told you before, if I ask my mother, she could be merciful."

"You are delusional, nephew. I would hear no more of this. Not today."

Lucerys was quick to retaliate. "Be that way, uncle. You're running out of time and more people are dying because you will not make an easy decision."

At Aemond's hard look, the boy shut his mouth.

But the young prince's conviction was strong and if he did not use his words he used actions. Which proved to be a far more effective route the prince soon realized.

The young prince liked to play games. Enjoyed seeing what Aemond would do for him. It was no secret to Aemond when he would ask for something and then smile all secretively when Aemond would do it. He had always known his nephew was a little beast, using his sweet charm and smiles so well he could get away with murder.

The next day he descended onto the man with intent to play, hazel eyes darting to the wrapped package on the mantle of the fireplace and then back to Aemond. Inside were four different assorted cakes sent from the kitchens from Helaena. Lemon, strawberry, walnut, and berry. Aemond had handed them to Lucerys but the boy didn't move, only looking up at Aemond with his large eyes and thick eyelashes.

Aemond sighed and sat back down after pulling his chair closer to his nephews. He did not miss the twitch to Lucerys' lips that he tried to hide in his knee. "What one will it be?"

"Don't care, like 'em all."

He picked the strawberry one and watched Lucerys' lips part before he took a bite. Crumbs and icing and strawberry stuck to his lips. Lucerys licked it off and when Aemond looked up he saw the boy staring back at him.

"I thought you ate today. You look hungry, qȳbor. What one will it be?" His hand reached out for the cakes only to pause when Aemond finished off the strawberry. His dark eyebrows furrowed before he snatched the walnut one. "You don't play fair."

"You think this is a game?"

"Yes, maybe if we play games it will make me feel better. Will you play along, qȳbor? For me?"

He submitted far too easily in the end, leaning forward and opening his mouth. He took a bite and watched as Lucerys smiled before taking the other half. He licked his fingers and leaned back into the chair, toes wiggling. A happy little beast.

Aemond set the sweets aside and Lucerys quickly grabbed his hand before he moved away, bringing it to his lips. The wet warmth that licked at his sticky fingers made every thought leave the alphas mind, eye honed in on the pink tongue curling around his finger.

"Lucerys."

"Hm?" The omega kept Aemond's hand close, rubbing his cheek against his palm. "What is it, qȳbor?"

"You know what." While they might sleep next to each other in the same bed, they had not done anything more than that since the boys' heat. Aemond had accepted it happened only because circumstances called for it and once more remained his distance.

The space he put between them was one-sided and it was growing more apparent each day. Often he woke up to the boy pressed up against him, looking as innocent as he pleased, but Aemond knew better.

"Let me scent you." When Aemond tugged his hand back, grunting, Lucerys only held harder. "It will make me feel better. Please?"

"Fine."

"Not here." Lucerys stood, watching him expectantly.

Aemond let the boy take him to their bed, laid back without a sound as his nephew crawled on top of him. The pale blue dress he wore rode up on Lucerys' thighs, his tiny nipples hard under the soft lace. Aemond was cursed, unable to not look, unable to not feel pleasure curl inside from the sinfully mesmerizing sight. Lucerys took one of Aemond's hands and slowly began scenting him, rubbing up and down his wrist to his forearm and then back again. He did the same with Aemond's other hand before lowering down to Aemond's chest.

"We could have this everyday and there wouldn't be a war happening," Lucerys murmured against his collarbone, just where his loose shirt began, tempting him with whispers and soft rubs of his cheek. "We wouldn't have to hide anything, no one would pressure us to have children."

"Tell your mother to consider what I said, since you're so insistent."

Lucerys didn't rise to it, choosing to ignore him. The omega took his time rubbing himself against the front of Aemond, warm body grinding slowly into his. All the boy had to do was sit lower and he would feel just how much this affected Aemond. And judging from Lucerys' downward path it would only be a matter of time.

"You've scented me enough. Get off."

"No." Lucerys laid down on him firmly, chest to chest. "I don't feel like it."

His jaw twitched at his insolence. "Move, taoba."

"Move me yourself."

Aemond went to do just that when Lucerys pushed down on him more. His weight on Aemond's hips had heat coursing through him, their scents mingling as Lucerys continuously rubbed his cheek against him. The boy was making soft contented noises at each place that held his scent, moving to the next place.

His hands rested on Lucerys' waist, sliding down to the softness of his thighs, and still the boy remained, draping himself over Aemond. His hands slid up, past his dress, and he stopped at what he felt, or didn't feel. "Why are you wearing nothing under this?"

Lucerys' hot breath hit his ear. "Why should I? Who but my husband would see?"

Aemond groaned, uncontrollably rutting up into him and feeling his bare heat through his trousers. This was well past tempting. "Unless you want a repeat of your heat, you will stop scenting me right now."

Lucerys pressed his face into the alpha's neck, whining. "Stop me then, qȳbor. If you want me to move, then do it yourself."

And he did, holding Lucerys down as he rocked up into him. The shocked moans he drew out of Lucerys made his blood boil, the need growing along with the scent of vanilla between them. He slipped his hand between the boy's legs, groaning at the slick that dripped around his fingers. The omega took two inside, clenching down as he grinded into them.

Lucerys' hands fisted Aemond's shirt, biting his bottom lip as he got used to the fingers plunging into his cunt. "It feels good, qȳbor."

Aemond's other hand held his nephew's hip, guiding the tentative rolls he was giving with his hips. "Do you want more, taoba?"

"Mhm," the boy squeezed his fingers, eyelashes fluttering. "Your fingers are not deep enough."

They did not bother undressing, not in the position they were already in. He unlaced his trousers as Lucerys lifted his hips, hands still tangled in Aemond's shirt. His nephew breathed in quickly at the firm nudge between his lips, but the amount of times he took Aemond during his heat let him sink down on the man's length with a broken moan.

Aemond couldn't see where they were connected under Lucerys' dress, but that didn't matter as he started to rock up into his tight grip, his large hands on Lucerys' hips guiding him. His omegas head was tossed back, hair bouncing as his uncle quickened their pace.

The room was filled with the wet sound of his cunt taking Aemond's cock, his sweet moans as he was thrusted into deep, when there suddenly was a banging knock at their door and Aemond growled out, "leave us!"

A voice on the other side hesitantly responded, "the King commands your presence, my prince."

"And he can wait!"

Whoever was at the door had to have heard the sounds, no matter if there was a heavy door between them. The interruption was quickly forgotten, attention once more taken by the omega growing more confident in his movements, using Aemond as leverage to take him harder.

They continued as if they hadn't been startled, the air almost stifling but neither bothered with their clothing even then. The moans that came out of Lucerys almost sounded pained, but from the squeezing around him and the slick that made his thrusts nice and easy, he knew it was the opposite.

Another loud bang interrupted him and Aemond vowed to send whoever was on the other side to meet each one of the seven hells if they continued.

The door unlocked, swinging open, and that only meant one thing. Aegon strolled into the room and smirked at the sight of them in bed together, his eyes lingering on their nephew before meeting Aemond's eye. "Well done, brother. Glad to see that trip to the whorehouse paid off. But when the King demands your attendance, by law you have no right to refuse."

"Leave us, Aegon," Aemond growled, movements still with his anger.

His brother tilted his head, eyeing the back of Lucerys' head. "No, I do not think I will. But go on, nothing I haven't seen before."

The growl building within his throat was cut short by Lucerys' warm hands to his face, the scent of blood staining the air. "Ignore him, Aemond." His omega leaned down to his ear, speaking in a hot whisper, "show him how a real alpha pleasures their omega."

Aemond flipped the boy over, obscuring Aegon's view, even if it was only of his back. He would make this quick instead, he would not give Aegon the show he wanted. Lucerys held onto him as he rutted into him hard, the loud slap of their skin growing faster.

He did not knot the omega, there was no time to slowly stoke the pleasure between them. But he filled the boy all the same, groaning low as Lucerys shuddered under him, making a mess of his dress with a quiet whine.

Aemond reluctantly parted from Lucerys, who immediately covered himself with the blanket once Aemond's body lifted off of him. He adjusted himself quickly, quelling the snarl in his voice as Aegon stared openly at him and his mate. "What is so important you cannot say it later?"

Aegon blinked a few times before meeting Aemond's scathing look. "It's not for all ears in this room, I thought you'd realize I was being subtle, brother."

"Subtle." Like the smell of his lust wasn't invading the air. Aemond gave Lucerys a look before he left with the king. "Stay put, taoba."

Lucerys nodded, bottom lip jutted out as he held the blanket up to his chin.

They walked to the King's chambers, Aemond half a step behind the whole time. It was not the chambers with his wife but his personal room, which was rank with the stench of old sex and wine. Ser Arryk guarded the door from the outside.

Once they were alone, Aegon wasted no time laying out his demands. "I need you to take your dragon to meet with Daeron. Lady Caswell has surrendered Bitterbridge and our brother plans to continue up the Mander. With Vhagar's speed you will meet him in Tumbleton. Meet with him to ensure his safety back to the capital."

As prince and dragonrider it was not out of his responsibility to do as such, but the request did not sit well with Aemond. "And leave the capital undefended? Ser Criston is already marching south."

"No." Aegon said quickly, his voice devoid of emotion. "Ser Criston Cole is dead, struck down after crossing the Blackwater. Those same men are heading right for our little brother. It is your duty now. See it done. I've named Ser Willas our new Lord Commander, he will take what men we have and ride north to claim the houses around us, leading to Harrenhal. See, you are not the only one sent to work."

Then he smiled graciously though his eyes were cold. He turned to the table and reached for the sheathed sword laid across it before shoving it against Aemond's chest. "I'm allowing you Blackfyre. The sight of Vhagar and this ancestral steel will remind all who the dragon really is."

He could not refuse, not when a single order could take even more from him. He took the sword, the weight feeling heavier than it actually was. "I will leave on the morrow then."

"No, you will leave immediately. We do not have time to lose." At the scornful look on Aemond's face, Aegon smirked. "Oh, all you want to do is continue bedding your little whore. Unfortunate, but you will have motivation to get this over and done with. Do not come home without Daeron, brother."

As Aemond opened his mouth, Aegon snapped before he could say a thing. "Would you rather our brother be slain in battle? Should he face that glorious end so soon because you favor the taste of our nephew's cunt so much more? You should have never forgotten that it's them or us."

He waved his hand, dismissing him and expecting his dutiful brother to follow suit. His head turned at the sound of Blackfyre being drawn, the hardened leather sheath falling to the floor before the darkened blade was aimed under Aegon's chin. Incredulous eyes stared at him but Aemond half stepped closer and Aegon's mouth snapped shut.

"I'm warning you, brother. If I come back and I hear that you have touched a single hair on my mate's body, you will feel this very blade slicing into your intestines until they pool at your feet. I will carve your heart out and make you watch as I eat it. Then I will feed your corpse to my dragon." He stared into Aegon until the King nodded as much as he was allowed. Aemond gave him room, taking the sheath from the floor.

The King had no words to say. He could have called his guard, but Aemond had a strong inkling that Ser Arryk would not dissuade Aemond's blade should he use it. Aemond left him in his rank smelling chambers, Blackfyre sheathed and held in his hand.

Lucerys was still in bed when he came in, holding his knees to his chest. The crestfallen expression on his face was knowing. "He's sending you away."

"Yes," Aemond growled, replacing his sword with Blackfyre, tossing the spare away. "He has his reasons, but yes."

"How long?" Lucerys had dressed in a slip in his absence. He crawled to the edge of the bed and sat on his knees. "When do you leave?"

"I've been ordered to leave immediately." Aemond sighed. "It will take at most a fortnight. If I'm unlucky, three weeks." If he were truly unlucky, he would not come back at all.

"That's almost a month!" Lucerys vaulted off the bed as Aemond assembled whatever would be necessary, each of his movements tied with anger. He went to his alpha and tugged at his arm. "What am I to do without you for that long? I won't have anyone."

No, and that horrifying thought was shared between them. A fortnight was far too long of a time for Aemond to rest easily. "Stay in our room. If you must leave, my sister will do her best."

Lucerys' hazel eyes were swimming with his fears, hands pulling at him insistently. "But she can't stop anyone, not even his knights can. What if the King tries something?"

"The war will occupy him. He is losing it and he knows it. He knows you are mine, he won't touch you again. He knows exactly what will happen to him if he does."

"You cannot promise that."

Aemond got onto his knee and took his hands. He kissed the backs of them. "No, I cannot. But I will not let this take my time. I will be swift to get back to you."

Lucerys tugged at his hands urgently. "You should take me and we should leave. Together. Bring me to my mother and we can figure out the rest."

"Your mother wants Daeron dead, doesn't she? That is who I'm going to."

The boy's eyebrows furrowed. "To kill your brother?"

"No, Lucerys." Aemond sighed. "But if I can convince him to bend the knee to your mother, that will be half the battle."

"But why wait for that? We can leave now."

"You do not understand, taoba. Your mother does not want me to have you, she never expected me to agree to her terms. My mother will not fight, but Daeron holds no love for our sister either. He will fight and he will die because of it. Only one of my brothers deserves that." He sighed. "If there is a chance Rhaenyra has any mercy, she should show it to someone who deserves it."

"And you do not think you deserve it."

It was almost laughable to expect that. "Gods, no. But promise me, Lucerys. Promise me that you will be here when I get back." He squeezed the boy's hands. "Promise me you won't leave me."

He did not know who he would be if he came back to this miserable place and Lucerys was not alive. It would be that day in Borros Baratheon's hall all over again, where every point aligned into one single focus and he would not know who he was when he broke through the other side.

"I promise." Lucerys pulled one hand out of his grasp to rest on the side of Aemond's face, thumb sweeping under his good eye. "But please do not be gone that long."

"Less than a fortnight. I promise."

He stood and cupped the boy's cheek, his thumb stroking the soft roundness of it. There was still want thrumming within their bond, a fact he would hold close in their separation. He hummed softly as he leaned down to kiss the boy's forehead. "Avy jorrāelan."

Then he removed himself quickly, closing and locking the heavy chamber door behind him.

Notes:

Just know in your hearts the angst with a happy ending tag is real and true.

Chapter 9: bristle my hairs

Notes:

I'm delivering on the tags. Be warned.

Anyway Daeron's here c:

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Prince Lucerys did not take the separation well. It soured him from within even as he could feel his alpha through the bond, almost as if Aemond's presence was always at his back. He could not tell why, but this time it felt different.

Aemond told him he loved him and then he left.

Lucerys could not help but find that more worrying than if he had said nothing at all. He loved him. Of course he did, it should not have taken Lucerys by this much surprise. Not when he felt it each time Aemond claimed him with his teeth, or all those quiet mornings he scented Lucerys like he was something delicate. But he said it and then he left, he did not give Lucerys the chance to say it back.

Or to stand in the silence as the boy did not.

It was cruel of him, Lucerys decided, and it was also cruel for him. They were punished by others and themselves enough for several lifetimes. If Aemond left and got himself killed it would be without ever knowing if Lucerys could love him or not. That thought left Lucerys withdrawn and curled into himself, reflecting on how far they had come only for it to possibly end.

Lucerys found solace in the Queen. Though he was told to remain in their room after three days he could not bear it any longer. There was no air or life in that shell of a room - and no lack of madness in the walls. Aemond's sister was his only other confidant in the capital and he enjoyed her company.

The Queen's chambers were very nice and smelled of Helaena and her children, their soft undefined scents filling the air with a refreshing calm. His spirits soared higher when she told him the King rarely came to her chambers and that she doubted he even remembered where they were most days.

It was also nice to realize none of Helaena's children looked too much like Aegon, faces and voices soft where he wasn't. They carried Helaena around wherever they went, in their sweet smiles and calm demeanors. Lucerys only hoped they would grow up as such.

The twins and Maelor played their games, enjoyed things as children should. Lucerys sat with Helaena and watched distantly. He could not say he was close with them even as he was not much older. Helaena's knowing silences suited him better than trying to dredge up what remained of his childhood.

They did not speak of Aemond at all. They steered around any inkling of him, which led them to mostly say nothing at all, which was not so bad for either of them. Silence for them was its own conversation with little room for much else, only interrupted by the chirping of a cricket Helaena had stored away. The twins came over, red faced and pushing at one another, to ask him if he was a boy or a girl and when he replied boy they asked him why he wore a dress. Helaena requested them to play quietly after that.

It remained as such until the door opened and the Dowager Queen entered, only to halt when she saw who sat on the couch next to her daughter.

"Prince Lucerys," Alicent's facial expression twitched before being molded into stone. "What a pleasant surprise."

The dismissive tone, of course, said otherwise. Lucerys went to stand but the Dowager Queen raised her hand. "No, sit." At his wide eyed look, she lowered her hand. "Please."

He sat, stiff and uncomfortable in her presence. Glancing at Helaena was unhelpful as she appeared just as bewildered as he was.

Alicent took the opposite couch, attempting to smile pleasantly but deciding to just remain as neutral as possible.

The silence was stifling and Lucerys struggled to come up with anything to say. Whereas sitting quietly with Helaena was comfortable and easy, with Alicent's sudden rigid appearance it became visibly awkward.

"Daeron will be home soon," Alicent began out of nowhere, the room itself sighing with the prospect of anything more than their breathing. "That is what I've heard, at least."

"Yes," Helaena added. "It will be good to see him after all these years. He has been missed."

Lucerys had met Daeron once and he definitely did not remember him as he was three years old at the time. He could not even think of when his uncle was sent away, or why. Only that for as long as Lucerys could remember, only Aemond and Aegon came to mind when he thought of his uncles. "When was the last time he was in the capital?"

Helaena grew silent as she wondered that herself, playing with Maelor's hair as he laid on her lap. She had once told him that time floated by her and he had come to understand that it could also slow to an agonizing crawl.

"He has not visited King's Landing in the past nine years." Alicent spoke without looking at him. "I believe it was a tourney or other, you were present, though quite young to remember. That was the last time he had seen his family and how much it had grown in his absence."

"I don't think I understand. Was he exiled for some reason? Why does he not visit?"

Alicent immediately grew defensive. "He did nothing wrong. He has done nothing wrong. He was always a good child, better than most."

"Then why did you send him away?" The bluntness in how he asked of her abandonment made the Dowager Queen pause, lips parting with a quick inhale. Lucerys expected the lashback from his comment and was only surprised when he watched the tension in Alicent's shoulders sag.

"He could not stay here." The former queen looked every day of her age when she exhaled, staring away as if somewhere far from this room. "I saw this sweet boy untouched from every drop of disgust this world had. And then I saw that the world had started to work into him, too. It had already made Aegon out to be who he is now, and Aemond…well Aemond was always different. But Daeron had only good in his eyes.

"I told myself I sent him away to keep it that way, told myself that for years I almost believed it. That I did what I did only to protect him. But that implies I did much to protect my children."

Stunned by that admission, Lucerys subtly looked at Helaena, at her downcast eyes and the repetitive motion she used to stroke Maelor's fine hair, remembering how she flinched when anyone else was near. When he looked at Alicent once more, she appeared as the stern woman he knew and generally disliked. The woman who would put their families into war to usurp his mother. He would never like her, but he did not have children. He did not fully know the madness that could come with it.

Alicent straightened as if she had not said any of that. "Daeron will be home soon enough. Aemond will bring him home, where he will stay. That is all that matters now."

Lucerys looked down, the words his mother sent coming back to haunt him. He knew very well the terms were not ones his uncle would agree to, that was part of why he held them back for so long, worried it would only insult his hotheaded alpha into doing something stupid. Again. And now Aemond had left him. Again.

And this time, Lucerys truly feared his mate would not return. Why else would he tell Lucerys he loved him? There was no saying what could happen with him out there, especially when the man was not fond of thinking over his actions. He must worry himself, otherwise he would not have left like that.

Looking at Alicent, Lucerys did not want to see her dead, at least, he did not want to be the reason for her death. This woman was Aemond's mother, she might be horrible, but he understood what he was asking from his mate was unreasonable and cruel. He would not agree to it if the roles were reversed. And really, if he could save any of his brothers from war, he would not hesitate to either.

"I do not know how he does it." Lucerys was not looking at Alicent when he said it. "I have been without my mother for over two years and I hate every second of it. If I could see my mother freely, I would do whatever I could to be with her."

"It is not always so easy," Alicent said brusquely, seeing right through his attempt and slight insult. "I'm sure your mother understands that, otherwise she would have come ages ago. She is not the only one who abandoned her child, as you say."

That definitely managed to hurt him as she desired it to. He knew why his mother held off, and he had mentioned a few times in their letters that his uncle did not abuse him in any way so she was aware she could land on their shore at any time. But she would need to do more than just take the castle, she needed to be able to keep it as well. "Is there no way the war could end with me seeing her again? I have not been told much, but is it really past the point to settle this peacefully?"

Alicent's eyes were desolate pools of green, as if she were reliving a harrowing memory that snatched all life from her when she told him, "the point was past the second you became a Targaryen."

Lucerys winced. It all came back to that night in the end. He looked away, at the gold trim of the curtains billowing from the gust of wind, at anything but the past reminders of the smoky sept and the echoes of a weeping woman. "That will not change, but that does not mean everything else must remain the same."

"This has been a long time coming but it will end." Alicent stood but before she left she turned to Lucerys, for once no ounce of loathing in her eyes. "I hope for all our sakes that you do get to see your mother when it does."

The silence the Dowager Queen left them in was as unpleasant as the one she brought in and it did not take long before Lucerys politely left Helaena's chambers as well.

༺༻

Misfortune found the prince two nights later.

Lucerys was led up the Holdfast and into a private room - one he had never been into before - by a knight of the Kingsguard who told him nothing. Once the door had been opened and Prince Lucerys stepped inside, it slammed closed behind him. The room was lit only by a single candle resting on an end table near a messy bed.

As his eyes adjusted, Lucerys recognized the wine cast and sweat scent and stepped back into the door, barred from the outside. Trapped. In the dark his eyes were wide, what he had been fearing was staring back at him from the shadows, that monster in the dark coming out of the walls to reveal itself. "Your Grace."

Aegon sat in the dark, rising once Lucerys acknowledged him. "Nephew. Sweet, sweet Lucerys."

Lucerys swallowed loud, his burgeoning fear rolling off him in brutal waves of iron and rot. He could not speak as Aegon lurched closer, clearly having drunk more than a few as his feet could not keep up with his thoughts.

"Let me see you in the light," Aegon's clammy hand closed around his wrist and forced him nearer to the candle. Lucerys' wooden steps did not deter his urgency.

The young prince yelped in shock when he was tossed roughly into the side of the bed, falling face first into Aegon's old scent reeking on the sheets. He turned his head to see his uncle watching him, the front of his trousers tented at the sight of him. Lucerys' eyes went wide and when he tried to dart to the side he was yanked right back, the King grunting as he forced him deeper onto the bed with his weight at his back.

"Let me go!" Lucerys yelled, thrashing at the groping hands on his body. "Get off of m-"

His mouth was covered by Aegon's hand, his uncle's face leering close to his ear. "Shut your fucking mouth, whore. You think you can escape what is coming to you?"

Even so, the young prince struggled under him, kicking his feet out and nails scratching at whatever piece of flesh he could find. When his hands reached Aegon's face, the man jerked back with a fist full of his hair and slapped him open palmed across the face. Then he wrestled Lucerys onto his back, gripping his face in one hand.

"Want me to remove your hand, nephew? Should I make you crippled for my brother, he would just love that. You two would make quite the disfigured pair, wouldn't you?"

"He will kill you for this," Lucerys promised in a quiet breath, dark eyes shining in the light. "Do what you will, but you will pay tenfold. I swear it."

Aegon sneered, feeling no threat from a boy half his age. "He can do what he likes. He is no god, he would fall easily if I commanded it. Or he could live his days out on the Wall, hearing all about the bastards his pretty little wife has given me. I haven't decided what would be more deserving for my little brother. Any suggestions?"

Lucerys went at him, nearly screaming as he punched and kicked wherever he could reach. It mattered little once Aegon's weight was back on him, pushing him down into the bed. Which was worse as Lucerys could feel the entirety of his desire for him.

"Fighting me won't save you," Aegon grunted as he held him down. "My brother won't save you. I've waited too long for this. I will have what is rightfully mine. I should have taken you by law on your wedding night, should have made my brother watch as I took your maidenhead."

The King did not bother undressing, only unlacing his trousers and removing himself. Lucerys closed his eyes, not wanting to see, to accept what was going to happen. He could not stop the way his bottom lip trembled, the hot tears slipping past his closed eyes.

Lucerys knew how it went, after all Aemond had taught him. Though his eldest uncle did not make it easy for either of them, spreading Lucerys' legs and falling between them without any further word. Lucerys' scream was drowned out by Aegon's hand, head forced down into the mattress. His fingers clawed at Aegon's forearms but he only met leather.

"Don't act like you can't handle this," Aegon grunted. "I saw how my brother fucked you."

His uncle was rough and uncaring, thrusting into him with a bruising grip around his hips, his neck, anywhere he could hold. He was like an animal, grunting with drool coming down his chin. He reeked of wine and stale sweat. He did not care that Lucerys sobbed under him, his crying seemed to thrill him more. "You did it, you fucking bastard." Aegon sneered down at him. "You tamed my crazed little brother. I bet you're so fucking proud. He was mine. Mine."

He did not want to think about Aemond while this was happening. He did not want to ruin whatever he felt for his husband, not when it had only been his touch he could ever imagine on his body like this. It had only ever been him and now Lucerys felt far more ruined than he ever had on his wedding night.

When Aemond touched him he did not want to harm Lucerys, his hands were treasuring. They left bruises into his skin but Lucerys could not remember them ever hurting. He was beginning to understand what it meant when Aemond made him feel those things, what it meant that he wanted his uncle in that way - but it was not the same now. Now this time he only felt fear.

The times he had been scared before Aemond had settled him with his scent. Every time Lucerys had gotten overwhelmed Aemond could sense it and he would scent him before returning to give him that wonderful curling ache in his lower belly. That was how Lucerys knew Aemond was his alpha. He had felt it for the first time on that bed they no longer used, under Aemond's unfamiliar weight, before he had sunk his claim into him. He still felt it now, being defiled in the dark and unable to move.

He was scared now but Aegon did not scent him and Lucerys did not want him to. The room smelled like what Lucerys assumed a tavern did - musty old wine spills and unwashed skin. He would already be covered in his stink enough after this. He desperately missed Aemond's strong sandalwood and clove scent, and he started crying for him only to find that unwise as Aegon smacked him hard across the face.

"Fucking whore, don't call his name while I'm inside of you."

Whore. He always called him that. But they were not in that whorehouse and Lucerys never once asked for this, but neither had those girls and countless others. Is that what made him a whore? His unwillingness? If he had agreed, would he have been treated kinder? He would not have agreed to this in any case, not even if his life was on the line.

He cringed away from the growing knot, panicking because while the King did not know he flowered, he definitely had. If he got pregnant from this he did not think he could keep his promise to Aemond. He would not live to give birth to this monster's child.

He did not want to be locked together with Aegon but he had no choice, stuck under his shuddering weight as heat filled the deepest parts of him meant only for his husband. It was disgusting, Lucerys could feel it dripping between them, branding him from the inside.

The King did not keep him for much longer. Once he had stopped panting over him, he roughly pulled out of Lucerys, tucking himself back into his trousers. "Tell my brother about this and I will have him removed," Aegon told him after. "Our little secret, Lucerys."

He yanked the boy off his bed and shoved him to the door, which opened before he touched it.

The same knight that walked him to that room walked him back to his own, eying the prince like a piece of meat left out for anyone to enjoy. Once in his bedchamber Lucerys locked the door, knowing it would do very little and felt the same amount of reassurance from it. He decided to place one of the heavy chairs in front of it before stepping back into the moonlit room.

Every part of him felt raw, dirtied in ways he never imagined they could. Bruises lined his thighs, his hips, around his neck. The sight of him rumpled in the ruined lace dress with tear stained cheeks and a bloodied mouth made something inside him turn void, if only before molten hot rage hit and he was choking on sobs, rushing at the looking glass and throwing it to the floor.

Glass shattered, scattered and chipped just like him. He could see distorted faces that he barely recognized as his in the fragments covering the floor. A red rimmed eye, the purple of a bruise. He could not escape the sight of his defilement, it shined up at him in a broken array of hot breath against his ear, nails digging into the tendons of his wrist.

He fell to the floor, crawling to the shards. He didn't feel them slicing into his knees or cutting bloody into his palms. He reached a long sharp shard, hands shaking with red, split open palms. He was going to do it. It would not end if he didn't. He knew the King would not be satisfied with only one part of him. He desired it all.

As he held the broken glass to his wrist and felt the cold burn of it in his palm, the sting as it met his skin, he caught the reflection of the teeth marks in his neck. If Aemond had his own claim mark it would gradually fade in time if he continued pressing. He imagined Aemond coming home only for a funeral and the emptiness he would feel in his absence, the loss of his mate after he had promised he would stay. He thought of his mother and the rage she would feel after hearing the news of his death, the sorrow of losing him.

The many deaths that would follow.

He dropped the glass, it clattered to the rest, smeared in his blood.

He couldn't do it.

That revelation did not make it easier, it was only harder knowing he couldn't. It did not quell the painful tear between his legs or the disgust he felt for himself. Instead he was made to feel it riddled within his bones and dripping down his thighs. He wailed in agony over it, just wishing he did not have to suffer this hell any longer. He should have begged Aemond to take him with him, should have gone back to his old ways and threatened to kill himself if he didn't. He never should have let Aemond leave him again.

The quiet knock on his door disturbed where he wept. He could not speak or move and the door was unlocked and opening without his permission anyway, the chair scraping loudly as someone struggled to get in. He sobbed at the sight of Helaena, curling further into himself. He did not want to be seen, for her to see him like this. Not that the woman hadn't already seen the worst of it, but this part of him felt much too damaged to see the light.

Her violet eyes took in the chair blocking the door, the glass on the floor, the blood on his dress, hands and face. "Oh, sweet boy."

Helaena came to him holding a small tray with a steaming cup. Her violet eyes were red rimmed and damp as she lowered herself to her knees. Her hands were steady and her scent comforting as she offered the tea cup to him. "Drink this."

Lucerys shakily sat up, could smell the familiar pungent fragrance wafting up. Despite what he had gone through within this red brick prison, he trusted Helaena and truthfully if she was coming to poison him, he did not think he would dissuade her. He took the tea and drank, flinching at the taste but making sure he got every drop.

"You will feel horrible tomorrow. I will make sure he has too much to worry about than you."

He felt horrible already, but even so he knew what she meant. "Thank you…"

"Please, do not thank me." The empty cup clinked against the tray as it was set down, the Queen standing to move to his wardrobe, pulling out a sleeping shift until Lucerys croaked out a tiny, "Aemond's shirt." The Queen set it aside and retrieved one of her brothers. Then she came back to him. "Let's get you cleaned and in bed."

It was less humiliating than he thought it would be. Helaena was gentle with him, wetting a cloth and wiping away the blood and the evidence of her husband's abuse before covering him with Aemond's shirt and leading him to his bed. After he was tucked under the heavy blanket, she stroked his hair softly. "Sleep, do not linger."

She stayed until he was close to slumber, her scent a lingering withering bouquet in the sea of corpses.

He curled up in the large empty mattress with Aemond's pillow against his face. The faint scent did not entirely reassure him but it was enough to ease him to a fitful, sweat soaked sleep.

༺༻

Aemond flew, and flew, and after two and a half days he found Tumbleton ablaze with fire. The sky was crimson as the sun set over the gap of the Mander, the water running bloody as men were slain and drowned in its rushing waters.

Three dragons circled the air in a battle of shrieks. He had seen it from afar, fast moving shapes lighting the sky with flames. It was more than true that his half-sister had come prepared. Vermithor and Silverwing were both larger than his brother's own dragon, and yet his brother was holding his own just as well among the ashen billows of smoke.

The remaining host of men broke like the scattering of ants at the sight of Vhagar. Tessarion shrieked from the skies, circling above the carnage of men dying. Vhagar roared as fire rained down on men and horses, both screaming to their deaths as they ran the blackened field.

Whether it was the sight of Vhagar joining the fray or the bloodlust in Aemond's remaining eye, but the two new dragonriders were quick to evade the larger dragon's maw. Instead their fires rained down on Tumbleton, the very town they had come to defend. But even so, the prince had come for a reason and his dragon shrieked and descended on the bronze dragon without warning. Vermithor was second in size compared to Vhagar and Vhagar set her sight on a newfound prey, larger and stronger than her last.

Since Arrax, there had been unrest within his dragon, one only seemed to calm in the face of dragonfire and boiling blood. Aemond felt it as well. These new riders lacked the years of experience either of the prince's had and it showed. Whoever claimed Silverwing flew from the fight, but Tessarion chased after him relentlessly. The rider of Vermithor was heard yelling even over the wind rushing past Aemond's ears, the screams of men dying down below, but he faced Vhagar head on.

The bravery of men never ceased to make them do foolish things. The large man atop the bronze fury had a warhammer in hand and from the way he reared back it was clear he meant to throw it right at Aemond, who flew directly below him. Yet from the sudden rush of wind and advancement of Silverwing and Tessarion from the dragon's right, the man riding was flung from the saddle, warhammer plummeting as the man clutched the tan wing in favor of joining it. Though there was no dragon alive who appreciated their wings tugged at, bonded rider or not, and the dragon simply shook the man off with a mighty flap of their wings as if he were nothing more than a fly. The rider was sent spiraling towards the unforgiving earth, screaming along the way.

Aemond could not help it, he tossed his head back and he laughed. Dragonseeds would never amount to the same as a trueborn dragonrider, who was born into it from the start.

Riderless, Vermithor circled the sky before flying downward, plucking burning men from the ground and crunching their bones between incredibly powerful jaws. Men ran even harder, fear rank in the air. Vhagar followed Aemond's urging forward and Silverwing's rider was properly decimated between Vhagar and Tessarion's joined blasts of orange fire, the man burning in his harness as his dragon remained unfazed by the heat. The dragon flew on with the smoking bones melting into the ruined leather, joining Vermithor in his hunt for dying men.

In the smoke, Aemond could see his brother drawing closer, hair flying wildly. He had not seen Daeron in years but to see him grinning on top of his dragon was something Aemond would remember fondly. "We've won, brother!" His voice called out, along with a victory whoop.

It would appear so. At least, they've won the battle. Landing on the ruined field of what became of the trading town, the prince could not see a fight within the riverlords and northmen still breathing, which would be cut short as armored men drove the end of their swords through injured mens' backs and necks. Daeron's Blue Queen settled next to Vhagar and his brother's leather boots landed onto bloodsoaked grass before he turned with a smile on his face.

Men died loudly around them, demanding attention in their final minutes, but Aemond had no time for them. He was only relieved to see his younger brother alive, gloved hand pushing silver-blond hair from the other prince's face. Covered in soot and dirt, but free from any damage. He smelled like dragon and smoke, vaguely of his natural rainwater and grass scent. "You've proven your knighthood ten times over. You did not need any intervention from me."

His brother smiled nonetheless, as if it was everyday they saw each other and it hadn't been almost five years. "I had no issue starting it but I doubt I could have finished it without your help. I still have much to learn in the ways of war."

"Hm," Aemond surveyed the damage done, the fires that would burn well into the night, the hordes of bodies to be dealt with, or left where they rot. "You seem to be excelling in that."

"My princes!" The sound of hooves alerted them to the mounted man approaching them.

"Lord Peake," Daeron addressed, a crease appearing between his eyebrows. "Where is Lord Hightower?"

The urgency of his arrival and stern expression could only mean bad news. Amongst the dying of men, it was to be expected. "Fallen, along with Ser Bryndon."

It was a devastating blow to the men Lord Ormund Hightower had led this far. But even as the bodies of the slain were left for carrion, the bodies of note saved for proper burial or if they were lucky sent back home, there was no time to march back. The way was only forward, under the protection of the dragon.

Two of which still circled the burning lands, shrieking and sweeping down on unsuspecting victims. It was uncertain if they would fly back east without riders to guide them, seeming to be content wherever they were being well fed.

Daeron had also been surveying the land before speaking up. "We gather the men we have and continue marching. We will take half a day to rest and prepare the remaining horses, count what men and supplies we have, then we move. My brother's arrival only means we have less time than we imagined."

Aemond watched his brother, just shy of twenty, leading seasoned men with only a moment of hesitation. In the end, even his brother knew what must be done. He did not need to be an alpha like his brothers, he had repeatedly shown his capability in the face of pressure on all sides.

That was precisely why when an opportunistic man decided to make his last moments a desperate attempt for Prince Daeron's life, Aemond did not hesitate to put himself in front of the arrow.

"Aemond!"

A burst of wildfire shot through his shoulder and down to his fingertips. It had been a split second decision that Aemond could not remember even making. Now he was left with blooming pain in his arm and the sound of hooves as Lord Peake rode the bowman down. He could hear the wet squelch of innards slopping free from the body and the constant crying of dead men, the endless hiss of flames he felt even within his arm.

Daeron got up from where Aemond had shoved him, now covered in mud and blood but he did not seem to notice. His violet eyes stared wide at the arrow sticking out of his brother. "Aemond, are you mad? You could have been killed!"

"But I wasn't." Aemond grunted, now feeling the hot blood trickling inside his armor. That was a new sensation for him to grow to hate. "They aimed for you."

Daeron stared open mouthed at him, barely registering the chaos around him as Lord Peake gathered all standing men, screaming at them to send every last breathing whoreson of a soldier to their deaths. "We haven't seen each other in years, why would you risk your life for me?"

In their world it was a fair question, but the fact that Daeron was this astonished spoke volumes of their distance. "You are my brother and I would rather you not die for a pointless fucking war," Aemond told him bluntly. "Now help me get this fucking arrow out of my back."

Everywhere there was fire, living breathing volatile flames that licked the night sky and decimated everything it touched. Buckets of water splashed around them as men tried to salvage what they could. Daeron led him past the battlefield, to what was left of their camp on the outskirts. The fires had not spread this far, concentrated around Tumbleton, and Daeron sighed in relief. "We have a few traveling maesters, they've been untouched."

Men were already being spread out on the grass, groaning or crying over burnt or severed limbs, and some made no sound at all, staring blankly at the embers obscuring any sign of stars above.

It was a relief. Even though there were plenty more to tend to, at the entrance of the wounded prince, Aemond was ushered into the tent. The arrow was cut, his armor was stripped, and almost scalding herb infused wine was poured over the entry wound and sealed with a burning mixture of honey and herbs. Aemond grit his teeth and beared it. Then it was bandaged and the maester who tended to him quickly moved onto the next after bathing his own hands in heated wine, chains clanking with every move.

"We ran out of most of our medicine, we've been making due. I only hope the stores in Tumbleton were not destroyed." His brother was feeling the strain, visibly in his face now that Aemond could get a better look at him. He had been marching and flying for countless sleepless nights, always moving forward.

It was now or never, there was no saying what the day would bring, if they even had the night. "I need to speak with you. It pertains to the war."

At once Daeron was alert. "Of course, let me gather-"

"No, it is not a matter for anyone but our family."

Daeron met his steady look and nodded. For once in the thirteen years he'd lived away from them, he had been called upon. Needed, even. From the look in his eye, he wanted to remain that way.

Reattaching his armor was a whore and a half, but Aemond was grateful the arrow hit his non-dominant side, though it still tugged when he moved his arm back. Then Aemond led Daeron past the bodies and death, into the overgrowth of trees flocking around the banks of the Mander. They had walked far from any visible eyes or ears when Aemond turned to face him.

"Do you want to survive the end of this war?"

The sudden question caused Daeron to give Aemond a guilty look back. "Of course I do. If this is about not being on guard when that arrow came-"

"No. I'm asking you, how badly do you want to survive this?"

Daeron regarded him for a moment. "As much that I would do just about anything to win it."

Aemond could work with just about as that was exactly the limit he had set for himself. "Then I need you to listen to me. I know we have been apart for years and we're little more than familiar strangers. You know nothing of what is happening in the capital. That is why I need you to know that we are losing this war."

Daeron shook his head adamantly, his hand outstretched to the distant orange of flames lighting the sky. "We've been gaining house after house, we're so close to the capital I can smell it. How are we losing when we've come this far? We've killed two of our sisters riders in one night!"

"And she has more. More dragons, more men, if she takes the capital how do you think we will get it back?"

"Where is this coming from?" His little brother stared as if every word Aemond said was some puzzle to solve. "I heard that you married her son. Is that boy why you're coming to me like this? What side of this war are you on, Aemond?"

"I'm on the side that allows my foolish brother and mother to live. There is no other time than now, Daeron. I despise our half-sister more than you could ever know, but if joining her means you do not die before you've even made it home and Helaena can watch her children grow up, then it is the side I'm on."

"You're confused. That arrow must have shocked you more than you let on. This…" Daeron quickly glanced around as if suddenly remembering anyone could be hiding in the bush, maybe having run from the battle to hide like a coward. He lowered his voice to a hiss. "This is treason. What you are suggesting right now."

"It is."

The same conflict that tore at Aemond was taking root in Daeron, making every movement of his tense as he processed it with his body, pacing the same way his brother would. "I can't turn my back on this now, Aemond. Why didn't you tell me this when you wrote to me, before you urged me to join this fight in the first place?"

"Because I could put all of that in a letter for anyone to see. I did not know there was a chance to end this."

"But you know now. You've spoken to Rhaenyra?"

He glanced away. "In a way. She offered me outrageous terms but my…Lucerys believes she will be merciful, if he pleads to her." It was a giant, uncertain if that his half-sister would not simply seize their heads anyway, but it was a risk Aemond had decided he was willing to take.

Daeron's eyes were full of contempt for his answer. "That sounds like you've given up, brother. You do not have faith in the men fighting and risking their lives so you've decided to roll over for our sister."

"I have no faith in Aegon, but that does not mean I have no faith in you. I will shed no tears at Aegon's death and if you knew half a damn thing you would not either." Before Daeron could respond, Aemond continued, "Think about it, Daeron. You do not have to die for a king, but you could live for a queen."

Daeron hesitated. The beginnings of uncertainty made him test his grounds. "And our mother and sister are accepting this?"

"They will not fight our sister."

The reality hit and once more Daeron was turning, unwilling to see past what was in front of him. "This is madness, Aemond. We should not speak of this any longer."

They would not come to any agreement in that shadowed wood, though it was obvious from Daeron's somber silence he was questioning Aemond's words well into the night. He took to his responsibilities of leading the remaining men, being available for men twice his age to report to while Aemond stalked back to his dragon. It was clear she fed well and had made a nice little nest in the field where Aemond joined her for the night. She kept him warm where the fires around him did not.

After the night passed and the sun rose into the late afternoon, war tired men and the remaining horses resumed the path set. Vhagar and Tessarion flew ahead, though there were no men to stop their advance. They did not speak once of what they talked about in the woods that day or the next. On the morning of the third day, however, news from the capital arrived at their camp.

The recently named Lord Commander had been sweeping through the crownlands retracing the former commander's footsteps, though where Criston Cole had moved south, Willas Fell continued north after Rosby, to Duskendale where the castle was sacked. Fell continued onward, his eyes set on Rook's Rest. In the three lines of script, they learned that the Queen That Never Was had left the nest.

It was a question of who would stop her from decimating the men on that side and who would continue to the capital. It was no shock to any that Aemond was the first to announce he would be flying to Rook's Rest.

Daeron was quick to cut in. "The men of the riverlands have been gathering since you set them on fire. This could very well be a trap."

"Then I shall find out for myself."

His brother did not hide how he saw that as a terrible idea but he quickly smoothed his face out. "Let me join you. We can face her together."

As if the men trailing them would not break for the woods the second they both left. They would not listen to Aemond, either. "No, head to King's Landing. Defend your family that remains there. The path ahead should be clear." He was already heading to his dragon, Daeron at his heels still attempting to talk him out of it. Aemond was climbing the rope ladder as he yelled back. "Write to the king. Tell him I aim for Rook's Rest."

"It is a suicide mission!" Daeron yelled at him, his usual calm demeanor breaking at his brother's stubbornness. "What do you plan to do alone?"

"Simple." Aemond sighed. "End the war."

༺༻

King Aegon sat the throne with his legs spread, leaning his weight forward on his knees to avoid the still sharp edges. He donned the Conqueror's crown though Lucerys never thought it suited him. He could think of a far worthier head to crown but she was all the way on Dragonstone.

The silence rang in the hall and Lucerys felt bare. He was eyed like a fresh glass of sweet wine under the silks he was forced to wear. His modesty was mostly withheld but it was still too revealing for his tastes, not that the King had not seen him bare before. He was embarrassed by the rancid scent that came off of him, his sole defense.

"I have news of my brother for you."

Whatever Lucerys was thinking about was forgotten, replaced with a spike in anxiety. He had only been filled with horrible scenarios as of late, looping through various ends that all came down to him being a prisoner under his vile uncle. Lucerys almost stepped closer but refrained, hands clenched at his sides. "W-what happened, Your Grace? Is he alive?"

The King shrugged his shoulders, as if the fate of his own brother meant nothing. "He could very well be fine, I will see to that myself. We received word of your dear grandmother leaving the nest as well as your gallant brother. If it were only her, I would let him handle it, but this has now become an untimely family reunion I do not wish my brother to attend. Given Aemond is heading to our enemies on his slow bitch, I'm heading out now to join my brother before they get to him. Though this would have been solved if Daeron had just gone with him."

Lucerys could not hide his fear, the two warring sides within him once more at a head. He could not find anything to say. He wondered why Aegon was telling him this at all instead of rushing to join his brother. Not that he wanted any of his family in danger, especially not Jace, he did not want Aemond hurt either. Aegon, however, could perish as he pleased.

His silence only provoked the King to continue. "If anything happens to my brother, do you know what will happen to you?"

It was a question he feared the first time Aemond left the Keep. The question he never received any answer to. At least not one in words. But he knew. He nodded and Aegon smirked, lifting his hand and beckoning him closer.

"Approach, nephew."

The throne room was crowded with swords. Aegon the Conqueror had designed it to make the ascent as treacherous as possible, for both ruler and peasant. One misstep and it was to the skewer with you. Lucerys had never crossed this walkway, never walked this deep into the dangerous path. He had never wanted what lay in wait at the end, its twisted curved mass of iron far too intimidating and grotesque.

"Come here, do not pretend we do not share intimate memories together." The King chuckled at the reminder.

Lucerys hoped he fell onto one of these swords, straight through the chest. He would watch as Aegon gasped and choked on his own blood, eyes looking up to him for salvation to which he would deny him.

When Lucerys remained in place, lost in his crimson fantasy, Aegon sighed. "Boy, you better move before I make you."

He stepped hesitantly forward, suddenly doubting his balance around all these jutting swords. He was close enough to smell his uncle's musky scent and he tried to hide his grimace. It would no doubt cling to him after all this.

He was a couple feet away when Aegon leaned even closer from his throne.

When it seemed that the King would touch him, Lucerys quickly rushed out, "it is my moon blood, Your Grace!" Which was not a lie. He had thankfully woken up to bloody thighs two days ago. He had dreaded every ache in his stomach that it was a sign of growth, but thankfully it was just the lack of any.

Aegon made a face of disgust but that did not deter him from finding new cruel ways to enact his dominance over the boy.

He shot up and gripped Lucerys' jaw, yanking him forward and down to his knees. Lucerys whimpered and his eyes darted around. He knew there were Kingsguard around but they remained put, even as his uncle pried his mouth open. He did not understand why this was happening and tears wet his cheeks.

"You cry so easily, nephew. I bet my brother likes that about you." Aegon thumbed his bottom lip. "Does he ever enjoy this sweet little mouth of yours like I showed you? You can tell me, no secrets between family."

Lucerys struggled, the aggression of which was stamped out when Aegon smacked him. "Stop your fucking squirming."

Lucerys eyes went wide at the sight of Aegon's hand reaching to his hip, drawing out a Valyrian steel dagger. He twirled it within his hand before running the back of the blade under Lucerys' chin. "Watch yourself, boy. One wrong move and it's over."

He remained as still as possible, desperately trying not to shake. He could feel the blade ghosting the soft underside of his chin, the chill of it threatening to make him shiver.

"You're probably wondering why I'm even leaving to help my brother." Aegon started as if he had all the time in the world and Lucerys was forced to listen, wincing as Aegon grabbed a handful of his hair.

"It's no secret we hate each other and I personally would love to see him in chains. But, for some reason, I am cursed with love for him. Always have been. I never show it, and after what I've done to you, well - but it was always for him. I made him keep you, because I knew that's all he ever wanted. I showed you how to fuck, advice you've given use of. For him. He's only ever wanted you."

Aegon's hand tightened in his hair. "Now can you see why I wanted to know how my mad little brother was tamed? It couldn't be love, so it had to be that pretty cunt of yours."

Lucerys did not know what to make of that. Their family always had a touch of something and he had never seen it more than in the relationship with these two brothers. Lucerys doubted that love was shared within Aemond, but Aegon had to have known that by now.

"Don't be mistaken. I do not entirely want my brother the way you do. But he is mine. The second you were born that changed things. I know my brother will kill me for what I've done. I should let him die by your family to save myself. But…"

"You are afraid," Lucerys whispered. He was beginning to understand that in spite of it all, Aemond was what kept them together. Not Lucerys. Aemond kept Lucerys from killing himself, he kept the King at bay from molesting Lucerys, and in turn his mother stayed on her island gathering an army to come at the change of the tides. She could have come again and again with small forces, they had the dragons for it, but she waited until there was no doubt the capital and Lucerys would be hers.

Permanently.

There was over a month left before she came. Lucerys knew. He had received the letter last night. It had not been a kind one since Aemond had refused half of her terms, but there was still hope that he could persuade her.

In the end, even if Aemond died, Aegon would follow. Alicent and Daeron would follow. His mother never mentioned Helaena and her children, but he knew they, too, would be dealt with somehow. Their days were coming to an end and everyone could feel the Stranger's eyes on them.

"What I am does not concern you. You will speak no word of that night. I was beyond drunk and mad with lust. My brother will not hear of it," Aegon adjusted the blade to lay flat against Lucerys' throat. "Or I will stab into you again, with this dagger I'm holding."

Lucerys jaw set as he stared up at the King, knees aching but his anger outmatched his discomfort. Lucerys would let the King believe he had his submission, but it would be him holding the blade and it would be Aegon's blood dripping from it.

"As you wish, your grace."

Notes:

Aemond being dramatic and delusional while Lucerys is having the worst time of his time. I promise it gets better.

I was pretty much done with this fic, still had the end to write, when I decided to write in Daeron so some of this is kind of wonky. If you follow my twt you might have seen me agonizing over it. I had to somehow get Aemond to Daeron while already having the following conflict written so...liberties were taken lol if you've made it this far that really shouldn't be surprising with me lol I had to rewrite like 2 chapters because of this little twink but I think the story is better for it.

And don't worry. Aegon will die very soon.

Chapter 10: pick up the pace

Notes:

We're almost done, yall. 6 more to go. This might be one of my favorite chapters, mostly for sentimental reasons lol so I hope you also enjoy c:

EDIT: noticed that at least 2 ppl missed chapter 9 since I updated this quickly (the next day lol), so please if you haven't read 9, I would highly suggest you do that. Chapter 9 is Aegon being a creepy and Daeron's entrance, so if that doesn't ring a bell, then you probably skipped it.

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

It was between Rosby and Duskendale where Aemond had rested before heading to the outskirts of Rooks Rest.

The lands surrounding Rosby were claimed by the Crown when Ser Criston first set off in a wide arch around King's Landing, leading a trail of former traitors to their death. The same path was taken by Willas Fell, who trekked north instead. The earth was trodden from hooves and men, though no battle had taken place where Aemond let his dragon rest.

He had been flying as long as he could, as far as his old war dragon could handle before she grew ever slower, lower to the earth below. Vhagar feasted on sheep from an unsuspecting farm while Aemond watched the skies, feeling unease grow at the shifting clouds, signaling a brewing storm in the distance.

A repetitive familiar noise came from the clouds in the northern sky.

It grew clearer and Vhagar's thick neck lifted, bloody mouth dripping. She called out as another dragon broke through the clouds, screeching in return. Orange wings and olive green scales became visible as the soon to be Prince of Dragonstone circled the skies. Vermax had grown since the last time Aemond had seen him, the same went for his rider as the dragon landed not far from his set up and he saw his eldest nephew for the first time in years.

The injuries he sustained in the Gullet seemed to be healed as he dropped down from his dragon with ease. He had gotten taller and wider in the shoulders, his long curly hair loose around his shoulders. He was growing well into Harwin's image, their future king. He was donned appropriately in armor, shining red and black with dark brown fur over his shoulders. The sword at his hip was already gripped in his gloved hand.

"Prince Jacaerys," Aemond called out. "You should not be here."

The prince stood at a distance but not far enough. He gave his uncle a disdainful look. "You are a traitor flying too close to the sea, it is you who should not be here."

"Have you become Lord Darklyn's guard dog now, nephew? Oh, that's right, I heard Willas Fell beheaded him. I'm afraid these lands are ours now."

"Not for much longer." Jacaerys sneered back, losing his calm as Aemond knew he would. "I was heading back to Dragonstone when I heard my uncle's hoary old bitch was flying. What brings you out of the safety of your castle? Had to take your anger out on farmers and children again?"

"Safety? Are you a threat to me?" It would not be much of a fight between them. Even at six-and-ten and growing into his natural father's family name, Jacaerys would need more than his sword to face him truly. "Go back home to your mother."

Jacaerys shrugged nonchalantly. "I will, but I will be bringing my mother your head when I do."

In spite of the skill imbalance, Prince Jacaerys drew his sword in a practiced flourish though Aemond had never heard of him having to use it. That did not stop the boy from lashing out at him, seeming to choose then to take his anger out on Aemond, forcing the man to draw his own sword in defense.

"You stubborn fucking bastard!" Aemond seethed. "How does this solve anything?"

The laughter that burst from Jacaerys was borderline maniacal and the look in his eyes craved for the sight of his blood. "Killing you will solve all my problems! I will take back what you stole from me!" Prince Jacaerys yelled through persistent swings of his sword, unleashing years of pent of ferocity on him. "He was betrothed to me! And you took him, you one eyed cunt!"

The younger prince was not unskilled in the least but he was still no match for Aemond if this was the extent of it. His nephew had clearly never had to use a sword to defend his life, or to take. It was not hard to simply defend and not press, treating it as nothing more than an inconvenience before growing tired of it. There was only so much of this before one of them yielded blood.

"You're mistaken, boy. He has always been mine. End this now." It was not difficult to disarm him, the impressive steel shining as it flipped from Jacaerys' hand, the back of it nicked by Aemond's blade.

The tip of Blackfyre was at Jacaerys' throat and he would not budge. A different Aemond would not have hesitated to attack, he would have struck the boy down because that was war and he had never liked the bastard in the first place. But Jacaerys' honey colored eyes reminded Aemond so much of Lucerys', not in color or shape but he saw the omega each time he raised his sword against Jace. He could almost imagine Lucerys' look of betrayal and anguish should his sword ever pierce flesh.

"Do not make me do this, Jacaerys. Do not make me take even more from that boy. Go home."

"You are a coward, they all say it." The prince seethed through his teeth even with the continued threat of the darkened steel at his neck. "Only a monster with a black heart could do what you've done to my brother."

A single line of red spread from the strong jut of Jacaerys' jaw and across his cheek, nearly under the boy's eye. Valyrian steel cut clean, it would not be an ugly scar. It was only a taste of what Aemond would deliver him if he chose to continue this. "I could kill you easily and feel nothing for it. But I will not have your death on my hands."

The precarious trust between him and his mate would shatter at the death of his brother and Aemond would never recover it if it were his hands to do it. It mattered not that they were two opposing forces in a war - he would not return to Lucerys with that blood on his hands.

"Let him go, uncle." Jace pleaded to deaf ears. "Let him live a happy life away from all of this. He was meant for me. He deserves more than whatever scraps you can give him."

"I will not give you Lucerys. You would have to kill me to keep him from me. But you can't do that, can you? Now end this. I will not bloody my sword with you any further." Blackfyre was sheathed as Aemond stepped back, giving the boy space.

Droplets of bright red blood fell down Jacaerys' cheek and to the grass below which the prince let fall freely. He half-stepped closer. "Then tell me, is he well?" There was a crushing amount of hope lining his nephew's devastation. "What I've heard…it cannot be true, can it?"

Aemond could only wonder what threads of whispers had made it across the sea, how distorted they had become passing mouth to mouth, opinion to opinion, from land to sea.

In any case, it was a layered response not suitable to discuss with blood scenting the air between them. The young prince was not doing well, not since Aemond had forced them into the rain in a mating dance that ended brutally. Not to mention their bond had been in constant agony since he left the capital. The truth would not end this issue between them, it would only force both their hands into another one-sided battle Aemond would come to regret. "Lucerys is strong. He will not be broken so easily."

Jace seethed, the fight once more in his body. "That is no answer!"

"That is the answer you will receive," Aemond told him as he turned. "Do not try to attack me on dragonback. Vhagar has already claimed one of your dragons, do not make it a habit of hers."

But as he climbed the rope ladder, a different dragon called out from the distance. He looked up as red came ever closer from the northeast with heavy flaps of wings.

Jacaerys began laughing where he stood, so hard he nearly doubled over, eyes twinkling with newfound hope. "Good luck taking us both, uncle. I hope to see my brother very soon."

The gods were asking for this. Maybe Vhagar herself had chosen this fate for him. He saw copper shining between the spread of pinkened wings. It was beyond his control as the Red Queen loomed in the skies, calling out to him. Aemond would not run, could not even if he wanted to. It was a battle they wanted so badly and he was in no position to deny them.

The skies above were colored with the blasts of dragon breath, the cries of three dragons and the blusterous flap of wings beating the air. Vermax was young with only one battle for experience - one that had not been against another dragon, but he was faster, dodging blasts of orange flames before they could even graze him. The heat of Vhagar's flame had no issue melting stone and it proved to melt riders even easier, but it was Meleys that proved the bigger threat, time and war hardened herself she was not afraid of the heat. Rhaenys came to shed blood and the ferocity in her dragon reflected that.

There was no time to wonder if she had succeeded at Rook's Rest or if this was the plan to trap him all along. Again and again they came at each other, each time closer to death. It was harder to control who was at the receiving end of any attack, Vhagar lashed out at whoever was closest, uncaring of the rider. And in turn two came for him, wherever they could.

They could not have been battling for long when an ear-splitting screech came from behind. Aemond could not see from his blindside but even Rhaenys and Jacaerys halted their attacks, though their dragons still roared as they chased each other on their own terms. Dread began to harden him, an inkling of fear that he might not keep his promise to Lucerys after all. Aemond knew if it was another dragon sent from his half-sister, he would not be returning to King's Landing. Vhagar was fearsome but three dragons against her alone was death, plain and simple, just as Ser Criston had predicted.

But the dragon that came through the clouds did not have the red or yellow scales of Caraxes or Syrax but the golden scales of Sunfyre, scales hard enough to blind in the sun. Aemond stared in complete shock while Sunfyre came directly for Meleys in the confusion, jaws snapping at a pink and red wing.

The Red Queen screeched as its wing membrane was torn but it did not deter her, only slowing her down almost to Vhagar's speed. Jacaerys was bellowing demands of his dragon, bursts of flame chasing after the golden dragon, leaving his back open for Vhagar.

It was worse than Tumbleton. Four trained dragons fighting in the sky brought chaos to the clouds. Up there it was only blood and adrenaline, immense heat and the thundering echo of dragon cries. Yet even in that chaos Aemond felt his dragon's passion for this aggression swell, the war drum song of their bond pounding in his veins.

In the continued blows, Meleys had been weakened to the point she struggled even after Vhagar. When Aegon swooped in from below and Aemond backed down, it did not matter that Jace was on the golden dragon's tail. When Sunfyre and Vhagar each claimed a wing, nothing could stop the bloodshed that followed.

They tore her apart, like ripping the wings off of a butterfly.

Meleys fell, but with her she took a hold of Sunfyre, dragging the dragon as it beat furiously against the heavier weight of the wingless wyrm. Wind rushed past Aemond as he followed, commands no longer reaching Vhagar as she blew gusts of fire and smoke down with them.

There was only the whistle of the wind as they plummeted, but it was not Vhagar or Aemond that suffered the impact. Sunfyre was screeching in pain as Vhagar's teeth sunk into his flank and Meleys' jaws raked down his tail. But the dragon never hit the ground from that great height, only Meleys and her rider smacked into the field, billows of smoke and earth shooting into the air.

Vermax cried out above, circling above the mass of heat but his rider did not command him downward.

Within the clouds of dark gray smoke, Vhagar landed with an enormous thud. Sunfyre had fallen from her maw unmoving and Aemond could not see Aegon anywhere. But he heard his screams.

The land was hell on earth. The air was hot and smelt of burning fields and brimstone. In the fight, or the descent of dragons, trees had caught fire and it would not be long before the grass fed that ravenous flame. Except for his heartbeat flooding his ears, he couldn't hear much over the sound of his brother wailing in the distance.

Aemond quickly unchained himself from Vhagar, climbing down the rope ladder. He was not worried to be seen by Vermax through the thick smoke. He followed the sound of his brother's agony and soon found him where he'd been tossed from his dragon, struggling to tear his armor off with one of his legs kicking into the dirt while the other was bent and broken.

His violet eyes widened with relief when he saw Aemond, burns tearing across his right cheek. "Aemond! Brother, help me!"

Aemond stood over him for only a moment, but he did not feel the urge to help. He did not forget his desire to have his brother dead and in agony just like this. The armor had melted into his skin, his face licked with burns. It would be easy to say he died here. He could stab him through the heart and let everyone believe he perished from his injuries.

"Aemond, please. Take me home. Take me to mother. Please, help me!" His brother was frantic as he pleaded, could sense the younger man's hesitation as his skin sizzled, the air reeking of cooked flesh. "I came for you. Fuck, it hurts. I saved you! Spare me!"

Aemond sucked in the burning air, tasted the hellfire on his tongue before exhaling sharply. He got to his knee. The buckles were all but burned away so he yanked the armor off, his brothers screams deafening. Blood spurted across his armor. "Shut your fucking mouth. We are not alone yet."

"Fuck that fucking hurts, don't tell me to shut my fucking mouth." Aegon groaned as Aemond forced him to stand, limping as Aemond urged him to walk.

"You wanted to leave me," Aegon accused raggedly against Aemond's neck, bleeding all over him. "You would have let me die."

"And I didn't. You should thank me, brother," Aemond told him dryly. "You get to rule another day."

Aegon laughed humorlessly. He was not laughing as he struggled up the rope ladder or when Aemond vaulted them back into the sky. Jace was nowhere to be seen and Aemond did not stick around to learn where he flew off to. Back to his island, hopefully.

It had been too close of a call. In the end, he had been more than lucky. They had no time to check the carnage but Aemond was sure The Queen That Never Was met her end along with her dragon and Aegon's. Another act of war they should expect retaliation from. Aemond would shed no tears for the Red Queen or her rider, but he would feel relief he did not take Jacaerys down with them, if only for the person waiting for him back home.

The ride home was stress inducing. Aegon was barely conscious, but over the wind Aemond could hear him quietly, repeating himself, "spare me, spare me."

༺༻

Lucerys familiarized himself with the stones of the room, the gaps along the windows ledge, the cracks in the ceiling. There was a fly buzzing around the food still sitting on the table. Lucerys watched it flit from bread to chicken leg disinterestedly, too exhausted to think.

He knew two things to be true: if Aemond came through that door, his grandmother and brother were dead. If Aemond did not then his alpha was dead, Aegon might be dead, and his mother would finally come for him. He knew what was the best outcome for him, but he hated to even think about it.

Lucerys stared at the locked door until his eyes blurred, everything reduced to shapes, vague and unthreatening. He wondered if he was a traitor now. If his mother would ever forgive him for wanting the door to open. If his grandsire could ever look him in the eye without disgust knowing he waited for the man who took his wife from this world.

Though at the same time, Lucerys did not think he could ever love the man who took his brother's life and did not want to find out if that was actually true or not. He could not face himself if in the end these feelings were not cut short, if his bond did not break but remained to chain him to the man who took everything from him. If that was the case it would be like taking a knife and stabbing it through his own brother's heart.

He wondered if he would hate himself, too. Already he did not feel like the boy he once was so long ago. How could he know who he was when he didn't even know whether he wanted that door to open or not?

The sun sank into the sea, the fire burned down to smoldering embers and still Lucerys laid in bed, under the nest he made of Aemond's clothes. The sheets and blanket were held up to his head, revealing only his eyes and messy hair.

At the sound of the door unlocking and screeching on old hinges, Lucerys went still. There could only be a handful of people who had the key to Aemond's chamber - the man himself, his sister, and the King. His heart clogged his throat as a tall figure stepped into the room.

"Lucerys? What…what happened here? Why has no one cleaned in here?" Aemond stood in the center of the reception, taking in the state of it. At his clothes messily thrown about, at the stale food sitting untouched and collecting flies at the table, wrinkling his nose at the familiar stink of fear and sweat and vomit.

But Lucerys could not care about any of that. The second he heard Aemond's voice and saw him there Lucerys struggled with the blanket and sheets and clothing to unwrap himself. He crawled to the end of the bed with sobs already breaking through. "Aemond! Aemond!"

He had his answer and it tore at him. Aemond came home, not in pieces or as a charred corpse, but alive and well. Dirty as all seven hells, but alive all the same. His grandmother was dead, his brother was dead, another part of his life was taken from him by his uncles. At that moment, he hated Aemond more than he didn't. But he wished he hated him enough that it was enough.

Those two sides were at war again, because seeing him now all Lucerys wanted was for him to hold him, drench him in his scent, and promise never to leave him again. All the things forced upon him, all the harsh realities he had to accept in their separation, it burned him from within, it made his palms itch from healing wounds. He just wanted his alpha after what had been done to him.

Like he was shot from a bowstring he was throwing himself into the man's arms, gasping into his armored chest and desperately trying to calm himself with his alphas presence. A miserable sounding wail came out of him, Aemond's arms tightly holding him as they sank to the floor together.

"Shh, shh, Lucerys," Aemond breathed into his ear, softly rocking the boy back and forth. "I'm here, taoba. I'm here now."

"You were too late!" Lucerys cried, his fists raining down on Aemond's armored chest, the impact hurting him more than it ever would Aemond. "You left me! You left me!"

Aemond made a distressed sound back, holding him tighter as he pressed his nose into his hair. "You know I did not wish to leave you. You know I didn't."

"But you did…you did and-" He wanted to scream, wanted to take that dagger on Aemond's hip and plunge it into both of their hearts. End this and be done with it. Tears fell messily down his face. "He touched me. Aemond. He touched me."

It hurt to choke those words out, he could feel the ghost of Aegon's touch just by mentioning it. His palms stung once more, every finger shaped bruise ached bone deep, even after they had slowly faded from his skin.

"You should have killed him. I shouldn't have stopped you." He felt how frozen his alpha was, his scent sharp and dangerous but Lucerys leaned into it, knowing it would keep him safe even if it burned his nostrils. Aemond pushed his head back but Lucerys fought against it trying to get closer to him.

"Let me see you!" Aemond growled and Lucerys instantly stilled at the order, letting the man do what he needed. Lucerys panted heavily, feeling both exhausted and keyed up with too much energy going nowhere. "What did he do…where did he touch you?"

He was so angry, Lucerys could taste the fire and blood on his tongue and he greedily breathed in his alphas ire. "Everywhere. He did not care that I was yours."

There was only fury simmering within their bond. His alpha's rage met his own and Lucerys could taste the blood on his tongue. He winced at the harsh grip on him, but he welcomed it. He needed it. It would ground him because right now he was untethered in the clouds, and a storm was gathering fast.

Aemond was growling low in his throat, hands clawed around Lucerys. He picked the boy up and carried him back to the bed. Lucerys' hands tried to pull the man down with him, but Aemond held him back. He stalked away, clearly too irate to be near Lucerys.

He paced the room, hand on the grip of Blackfyre, the ruby in the pommel glinting in the low firelight. Aemond was emitting a bitter acrid odor. "I should have let him die. I had the chance and I should have. Fuck!"

Lucerys curled up with the blanket, wincing. He whined low in his throat, a pitiful thing, "come here."

"Everything I've done is fucking meaningless. I can't even protect my mate. Fucking useless."

But Aemond continued pacing like he couldn't hear him, face etched in anger and his knuckles white. Lucerys sat up and tried once more, trying to broadcast his need through their bond.

"Please, come here." His voice broke when he tried and he reached his hand out, tears welling in his eyes. Don't reject me, don't reject me, please.

Aemond looked at him without turning his head and saw his hand. Visibly, a fraction of his anger melted away. He outstretched his own hand as he came back to the bed, taking Lucerys' and squeezing. Lucerys tugged him closer but Aemond was still resisting.

"Wait, taoba, I'm still in this armor. I'm filthy." Aemond pushed his hands away to begin removing the armor he rarely parted from, now stained with ash and blood. Lucerys did not want to know whose blood it was, did not want to think about why Aemond was back to him, not then.

"I don't care, we can change the sheets later."

Once the armor was off Aemond worked on his under clothes, tossing his undershirt onto the bed which was quickly snatched up and brought to Lucerys' nose, inhaling his scent.

Aemond watched him before brushing his fingers through Lucerys' hair. He was contemplating something quite deeply before he asked, "do you want me to lay down with you?"

"Yes," he answered so quickly that Aemond's eye widened in shock. Lucerys was not even a little bit embarrassed, not then. Not when he felt the way he did in that moment, broken and in need of putting back together. "Please, I need - I need you right now."

Aemond swallowed before getting into the messy bed with him, pushing aside the old clothes Lucerys had piled onto the bed for comfort. Before he had even laid down Lucerys was wrapping himself around the man's torso, digging his face into his chest.

But still he could not fully let himself be comforted when there was so much death between them.

"Is my brother dead?" His voice was quietly buried into Aemond's chest. He needed to know, to hear it from Aemond. He needed to know how truly disgusting he was if he allowed himself to be held by the man who killed his brother.

The man pulled back enough to get him to look into his eye. He was not angry that he asked, only sad. He shook his head. "No, little one. I would never take him from you. I told you I wouldn't."

Lucerys pushed himself back into Aemond's chest with a relieved sob, feeling a warm hand rub his back soothingly. "Thank you, I don't - I couldn't-"

"Shh, just breathe, Lucerys. He's back home with your mother I bet. He's alive." Aemond was calm as he said it, even through the bond Lucerys could feel that his mate was sure enough of it that it eased his grief he only barely began to taste.

He buried his face into Aemond's chest, breathing him in and making a content noise in response to his scent growing stronger for him. He missed this scent, smoky like the air of Dragonstone, but spicy enough it was all Aemond. He felt like he was home. Aemond's chest was bare and his hands slid over the strong muscles, fingers brushing through the hair on his chest, following the trail down and down.

Before he got to his pants Aemond gripped his wrist hard, his voice made of steel. "Stop, Lucerys."

"I want you, I need you. I feel so wrong inside." He pleaded weakly. "You can make me feel better."

Aemond closed his eye and even then looked as broken as Lucerys felt inside. "This…no. You're upset right now. You don't actually want this. Trust me, if you knew what I've done, you would not want me to ever touch you." He grunted as Lucerys put up a fight, snatching his hand out of his grasp. "Stop, Lucerys!"

"What do I do, Aemond! How do I handle this," his hand was over his heart, crumpling his shirt as he gripped it. "This feeling in my chest. You won't let me die. You won't touch me. What am I supposed to do?!"

Aemond pulled him against his chest, his large hand at the back of his head keeping it there. "Shh, Lucerys. Just lay here with me. That is the last thing you need right now."

He stroked the boys hair as if trying to soothe them both. Lucerys cried into his warm skin, clinging to him as his body shook. Aemond held him through it, until his hiccupping sobs died down to quiet sniffling.

"Did you kill my grandmother, then? Someone died, you're covered in blood." The answer came in the way Aemond stiffened, in how even though he was hurting Lucerys with this he could not let go. "I know she probably saw me as a bastard, but she spoke up for me when she needed to. She loved me as much as she could. Why did you kill her?"

"Would you rather I died instead?" Aemond asked without any heat, any defense he had shed leaving only his vulnerability. Lucerys was not used to seeing him like this, those rare moments when he could see the level of hurt and regret that reflected the endless pool that drowned their bond. "I suppose even now I cannot blame you for that. I did not want to become a monster, but I fear that is what I've always been."

"No, I don't want you dead. That isn't what I said." He sat up. He was done crying but his voice still wobbled. "Why did it even have to come to that? What caused the fight in the first place?"

"We are in the middle of war, Lucerys," Aemond sighed, sounding as tired as he looked. "My opponents are all the people who wish to see me dead and you taken from me. Unfortunately, your grandmother and brother are two of them. I told you I would defend myself if I needed to."

"Oh, gods…" Lucerys crumbled back down against Aemond's chest. "This cannot continue, Aemond. My brothers will be killed. Or you will. I can't live with either. You need to reconsider my mothers words before it's too late."

His mate sighed and Lucerys knew what he would say. "It is already too late, sweet boy. I never should have left you. I should have taken you to your mother a long time ago. We are long past that now." Then his large hand cupped Lucerys' jaw and angled his teary face toward his. They looked at each other before Aemond said so quietly that there was no chance anyone but Lucerys would hear it. "You know what we need to do."

Lucerys stared back at him and he could feel with complete certainty what he meant. There was only one thing they could possibly do to make any of this end. "We have to kill him."

Aemond nodded, his forehead brushing Lucerys. "It is the only way."

It was long overdue. And yet he still feared for the aftermath. "What after?"

Aemond hummed quietly in the back of his throat, hand moving to card through his hair before his lips kissed his forehead softly, murmuring the words into his skin. "Then our torment ends."

༺༻

From their pact on, Lucerys remained at Aemond's side.

It caused quite the spectacle as the boy had never been seen for long moments at a time. The heavily armored alpha with his imposing demeanor and directly next to him was the softest looking omega the realm had seen in generations dressed in airy silks and sandaled feet. Soft only in features and dress, the prince's eyes were sharp enough to cut steel and hidden under his skirts was a dagger strapped to his thigh for any alpha who approached too close.

Three days the King was bedridden. Three days Lucerys and Aemond watched and waited. When the King was seen walking on a crutch, his right leg broken below the knee but otherwise capable, they had decided that night, standing together in the hall of tapestries, it was time to end it.

Lucerys watched his uncle.

No, he reminded himself. His husband.

He watched as his husband took the lit candle resting in a sconce and walked to the hanging sheet. He never once looked at Lucerys as he lowered the flame to one corner. It licked at the sheet almost as if in indecision before it caught, sparking with devouring life. He passed the candle to Lucerys, who did the same to the other end before setting the candle directly below to drip wax onto the ashen stone floor.

He stepped back and together they watched the flames consume their wedding sheet. The heat and light flaring just as the sound of thunder rolled in from the sky. The trapped butterfly stain wilted and burned and once it was gone Lucerys felt a rush of relief hit him, gasping softly into the night.

Before it had burned completely, Lucerys reached for his husband's hand. It was not as tentative as he felt making the move, his smaller hand firm around Aemond's.

The man looked down at him, eye unreadable and their bond only allowing so much. But Lucerys knew how to worm his way past his uncle's defenses and could feel the same relief he experienced rushing through the man's chest. He grew warm at the other emotion he felt - Aemond tried so hard to force it down like it was nothing more than an annoying fly, but it was there and it was strong - and he desperately hoped Aemond could feel the same from him.

Aemond twined their fingers together and drew him out of the hall, into the direction of the throne room.

Notes:

The burning of the wedding sheet was one of the first scenes I wrote, I just knew it had to come to this moment between them. Ah, it's so special to me. Anyway, next chapter will be very satisfying for everyone (I hope)

Chapter 11: your walls come crashing down

Notes:

Heads up just a reminder that some people might have skipped chapter 9 on accident, so if you're confused that's probably why. You should double check to be sure.

Another thing, this chapter starts as like a "13 hours later" so don't be confused about that. You didn't miss the scene you were waiting for. I did that mostly because I last minute had added Daeron and also did not want what happens after to be the first thing in this chapter.

As always, enjoy c:

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Prince Daeron had dirt in more places than he would like to think of. It somehow managed to get in between his extensive layers and to his skin. He could feel the grime, a bothersome, itchy reminder of how unwashed he was growing day by day. His visible skin was stained with ash, even after cold baths in the Mander and the Rush, and all he could think about was getting a steaming hot bath once he reached the capital.

It felt very much like a lifetime had passed since he had last seen King's Landing. Oldtown had been his home for most of his life that the capital would be little more than a maze to him now. Familiar corners and confusing dead ends, passageways lined in rooms he vaguely remembered he wasn't allowed into. His nerves were great and many, the thought that he would arrive and once more be displaced continued to circle his mind as they got closer and closer.

The prince and his host had traveled a day and a half before they set sights on the jutting towers crowning Aegon's High Hill in the distance. The Red Keep burned scarlet in the fresh daybreak and the Rush was an endless hiss of noise between them, having flooded the day before and still lapping high on the banks. Daeron had flown not too far ahead to scout but his brother had been right and the path ahead was clear. They made the final march together with him riding in front with his commanding officers, and as they got closer that was when they saw it, halting them where they stood.

The drawbridge lowered and gradually they crossed, the main forces remaining back. Tessarion screeched where she flew above, her wings beating the air as if she were taunting an enemy.

Ser Roxton spat at the ground while Lord Peake grunted, "the dragon bitch came. We're too late."

Hanging from the River Gate was the red and black three-headed dragon of Queen Rhaenyra, the moon-and-falcon of House Arryn, and the seahorse of House Velaryon.

Daeron looked back at his men, them either staring back at him or staring in disbelief at the waving sigil. His numbers had dwindled down a fourth in their remaining trek from Tumbleton, men sneaking off into the night never to return, fights turning bloody over a dangerous mix of aggression and exhaustion and war. He reasoned another few hundred would disperse once news traveled through the ranks.

There were still enough for a fight but the land they stood on was not fair grounds, it was barely a strip of settlement before the Rush would drag them in or they would be pressed into castle walls. That mud that caked their boots was all over and made even more treacherous from the storm that recently passed. Which was precisely why anyone familiar called this the Mud Gate. They would slip and slide should a fight occur, it would be over before it began.

But no fight came their way. In the distance a muddy green mass unfurled. Vhagar was resting on the thinnest land near the gate and the riverbank, barely stirring even at the new presence of another dragon, only blinking large yellow eyes before grumbling and returning to her sleep. The much younger Tessarion did not bother the war dragon, screeching and taking off to the Bay without Daeron attached.

He stared at his departing dragon in shock. There was no saying what had happened when Aemond flew off to end the war as he dramatically claimed, but his dragon was here alive while their half-sisters banner hung from the gate.

Staring up at the high towers far within the capital walls, Daeron wondered just what side his brother ended it on. Or if he was even alive at all.

Before he could dwell on the conversation they had after Tumbleton, a shriller dragon cry caught his attention. There was a much smaller dragon curled under his brother's, Daeron only saw milky white eyes and stubby golden horns in the distance before it shrieked at them again and burrowed back down under Vhagar's wing. Vhagar outside the dragonpit made sense but seeing a young dragon roaming free was not a sight Daeron had ever witnessed in the short years he spent here.

The castle had changed. Or maybe it had always been as such but he was too far away to know any different.

The prince and his men went on guard as two knights on horseback rode down to meet them at the bridge. Another round of shock went through him as a familiar knight came to view. "Prince Daeron," Ser Gwayne Hightower greeted from his mount. "The King awaits your arrival."

"The King is well, then?" He asked, still bothered by the flying sigils. The sight of his uncle alive and well enough to accept him at the gate relieved some of his tension, but there was unease among his men and within him as well that he could not ignore for much longer.

Gwayne was nodding stiffly. "He is. His Grace and the Queen wait for you in the throne room."

"Then we shall make them wait no longer."

Why would Rhaenyra's sigil be raised if King Aegon was well? Had Aemond truly convinced their brother to bend the knee to their sister? That never had seemed likely. Was she already here? He could not see any more dragons, but now he definitely feared he was willingly stepping into a trap.

There was something more happening that the young prince was coming to realize, he could see it in the knight who had joined his uncle, in how he eyed the men across the Rush like they were the issue here.

His confusion was swept aside as he was led through the city, the Keep looming above. In the thirteen years he had been exiled from court, he had not retained much from his faint memories of the Red Keep. His days were filled with memorizing the landscape of the High Tower, of the busy ports and the sea across the realm. Gwayne had grown up in and visited Oldtown on a few occasions since Daeron lived there and never had trouble navigating either city. Daeron and his commanding men followed his back, until they were led to the throne room, where only Daeron was allowed.

"Like hell," Ser Roxton was ready to make a scene but Daeron spoke before anyone else could, Aemond's word coming out of his mouth.

"I've come this far, my lords. It is only my brother inside. This is now a family matter." Daeron entered the throne room as a single door opened, Gwayne parting ways from his men, having done his apparent duty of bringing Daeron in. He did not miss the darkened look to his uncle's expression as he turned, but he had stepped into the great hall alone and that was his choice to make.

The heavy door closed behind him and Prince Daeron's eyes went wide at the sight before him.

Sitting on the Iron Throne was his brother, Prince Aemond. On his left knee sat his omega wife, Prince Lucerys. Only from the crown resting on Aemond's head, he was a prince no longer but a King. His eyes darted around the room, finding his mother and sister standing in the hall as well. Waiting for him. His grandsire was not present, nor his eldest brother, and there was a knight standing on a dark stain before the field of swords leading to the Iron Throne.

The knight was one he did not recognize but from his white cloak he was Kingsguard. He held his helm at his side and ocean blue eyes watched intensely as Daeron stepped closer.

His mother came to him first, holding him in her arms and pulling his head down to her pine scented shoulder as if he were a child and not a man reeking of death and war. The entire time she held him and buried her muffled tears into his armor, his eyes remained on his brother sitting the throne.

He pulled away from his mother's embrace and advanced closer. The knight standing before the throne half stepped towards him, hand on his sword, and Daeron stopped where he stood. His eyes searched Aemond's face, only finding a man made of stone. "What is the meaning of this? Where is Aegon?"

"Aegon is dead." That happened to be the first thing Aemond had said to him in a week, delivered with a steadiness that reflected the resolve that brought them to this moment now, that had made him suggest to Daeron to bend the knee to their sister. "I killed him two days ago."

No one in the room appeared to be shocked by the announcement but Daeron was not alone in staring at Aemond, the brown haired nephew he barely remembered turned where he sat on Aemond with narrowed eyes, prompting his brother to correct himself.

"We killed him." Aemond spoke with zero remorse, his hand holding his omega's hip now. "Our sister will arrive tomorrow to claim her birthright."

"I'm sorry," Daeron responded in disbelief. "But you just told me that you killed our brother and now the sister we've been fighting for years is coming to the capital? When we spoke, you had no idea if your gamble would work. You flew to Rook's Rest, killed Rhaenys Targaryen, and now our sister is Queen? How?"

"I told you I would end the war," Aemond reminded him coolly. "This was the outcome of that. The outcome of many things coming to our brother."

Daeron turned to his sister and mother, not understanding the way they stared back at him as if they pitied him. "He was your king, your husband and your son." He looked at them both but neither of them responded. "He was my brother."

"He was a drunk and a rapist," Aemond spoke harshly over him. "He abused his wife and mine and never deserved to rule. You have been absent from court, Daeron. You have no say in what happened to our brother."

There was a lack of a voice in that room, one Daeron remembered from their many trips to Oldtown. "And where is our grandsire?"

"I killed him as well." Aemond confessed, though he was not saddened by the fact. "He would have never bent to Rhaenyra, he had to die."

It came as no surprise to Daeron, not anymore. "This is treason."

"No," it was the first time his nephew had spoken, his hazel eyes boring into Daeron fiercely. "What you are doing now is treason. My mother was made heir before Aegon was even born. She was always the rightful Queen. You are nothing more than usurpers."

Daeron stared at his mother but her green eyes were downcast, fingernails raw from how she picked them. "Tell me this isn't true."

"You are not a boy, do not act like one," his older brother sneered, that fire he had flaring up. "Do you need a detailed list of why he should have died? We will be here all day."

"It is true," Helaena whispered, her eyes red rimmed but not from the despair of her dead husband. Her fingers were free from any rings the King might have given her and within a year her bond mark would fade. "Aegon was not fit to rule. We have always known that, Daeron. This is the right way."

"This was the answer?" Daeron huffed. "Of course it was. This is war. Kings die. That is how it goes, isn't it?" The knight nearest to him did not appreciate his tone and edged even closer. Daeron eyed him with a glare, daring him to come any further.

"And your brother has ended the war," Alicent cut off any more of his outrage. "No more have to die. Aegon…he will not be missed. By anyone."

"You were not here, Daeron. You do not know what he has done." Helaena said quietly, without blame. "The brother you knew when you were a child is simply that, a memory. Let him die as that memory."

Hearing it not just from his brother who Daeron had always known held a deep seated hatred for their brother and who felt enough greed for two men, but from his sister and mother as well turned Daeron silent. It was true. Even walking through the Keep, Daeron was reminded that he did not know this place. Staring at the faces around him now, he knew he did not know them as well. Memories and expectations clashed with reality, showing him the truth of things.

He was an outsider stepping in. His voice meant little here.

The omega in his brother's lap spoke during his contemplative silence with a clear voice lined in thorns. "My mother wants you dead. Stay and swear fealty to her and you may yet live. Run and she will hunt you down."

A humorless smile cracked his frown, the glare he sent to the boy full of resentment. "And send her faithful executioner to do it?"

"Why not?" The boy smiled back, peering through him like glass. "She has many."

And Aemond, sitting with the Conqueror's crown and his hand possessively holding the boy, only looked proud.

That evening the bells rang for King Aegon and in the morning dragons circled the skies.

༺༻

The night of King Aegon's death started with betrayal and ended in blood. He was led into the throne room by Ser Arryk Cargyll. The King had trusted his guard and followed with his crutch knocking repeatedly against the stone. He was not drunk, refusing even the poppy milk offered, but his uncoordinated gait would have suggested otherwise. He did not question the knight about why his brother demanded to see him at such a late hour after he was told in hushed tones that it was news of Rhaenyra's forces drawing near.

He entered the throne room to find Aemond standing in front of the sea of swords, their nephew at his side. Lightning struck outside, illuminating all in stark whiteness for just a flash and moments later the rumble of thunder came from the distance.

It was only them and Ser Arryk in the throne room when the knight closed the doors, still as a statue where he kept watch. The full moon shone in pale white-blue cuts from the overhead windows but it was the flood of amber candlelight that would illuminate the events that followed.

The King walked a few paces ahead. His crown tipped precariously to the side.

"I don't seem to understand," Aegon started out, looking at Aemond and then down to Lucerys. He leered uncontrollably, without thought. "You spoke of our sister but I only see your whore in front of me. Do we discuss war with whores now? Or was this actually a personal matter? Your husband can't pleas-" his words were cut off by a scream so loud it was a surprise no one raised an alarm to it.

The King's right foot was cleanly severed by Blackfyre, the blood appearing black in the low light, pulsing from him in time with his racing heartbeat. Aegon's eyes were wide as he stumbled and fell hard onto his ass, his crutch and crown hitting the ground next to him. His hands reached down for his bloody stump but he could not bear to touch it.

Aemond held the blade to Aegon's throat, his own blood dripping onto his collar. "Will those be your last words then, brother?"

Aegon's head jerked back as Lucerys parted from Aemond's shadow, dagger poised in his hand. His frantic eyes went to Aemond, looking past the steel that greeted him. "You cannot do this! I am your King, your brother! I saved you! You will not let that filthy mutt touch me!"

"Why not?" Lucerys' voice came out hollow. "You never seemed to mind before."

"Shut your fucking mouth, bastard!" Aegon spit at Lucerys, missing and hitting the floor near his bloody stump. He was panting harshly and sweating, frantically glancing around the room and realizing he was trapped and alone. In his last moments, he would only know fear.

"Your reign ends tonight, Aegon Targaryen," Aemond promised, the tip of his blade cutting a thin line as he stepped closer. "Second of your name."

"No, no, please!" Aegon tried hard to crawl backwards, moaning and gasping as blood pooled around his leg. Lucerys stalked towards him relentlessly until there was nowhere to run, his hazel eyes bright with bloodlust. The King's back hit the start of the stairs to the iron throne but he could not get the strength to make the final journey.

Nor would he ever stand again as Aemond lopped off his other foot, then each of his grasping hands.

As Aegon screamed, Lucerys came down on him with his dagger and all his rage, stabbing the King in the chest once, twice, again and again until his hands were slick with blood and the screams died from Aegon's lips. Maybe he was screaming as well, he could not hear anything but his heart pounding like war drums, his blood singing in his veins. Each unwanted touch and look, every time he forced himself onto Lucerys - King Aegon received a deep plunge of his blade. He could not stop stabbing, not until Aemond rested a gauntleted hand on his shoulder and pulled him back.

"He's dead, Lucerys."

Only then did the blade fall from his blood sticky hands and Lucerys stood with trembling knees, breathing heavily. He was shaking all over, sobbing harshly. Tears were streaming down his cheeks, cutting through the splashes of red.

Aegon's face was splattered in his own blood, mouth opened in agony as his empty violet eyes stared up at nothing. He resembled a mutilated puppet cut from his strings, butchered and left to rot. He gave a twitch or two, but his blood flowed rapidly over the stone of the throne room and his chest did not rise again.

He was dead. He was dead. Lucerys repeated it over and over until it became his own mantra over the storm of blood in his head. He was dead.

Under the eyes of dead kings, did they see?

Lucerys turned his head and as he expected Aemond was watching him, blood sprayed across his right cheek. Lucerys knew he was covered in it, could already feel it cooling on his skin. Looking at each other now - there was no rain or anger or storm clouds consuming them - there was only heat and need, a desire so deep that it choked him.

Blackfyre clattered to the ground as Aemond reached for him. Lucerys went to him as an unrecognizable sound ripped out of his throat. After experiencing that there would be hell to pay for keeping him from his alpha. The years shared between them spent under the King's torment ended with blood, and finally he could breathe again.

Aemond's mouth was hot against his. Lucerys moaned against his husband's mouth as Aemond licked past his lips. His hands were around Aemond's neck while the man held his hips in a tight grip.

"Aemond," Lucerys knew the scent of his slick was potent between them, fragrancing the air with vanilla. "Take me."

"We should fini-"

"Now, husband. I will not have him be the last man inside of me any longer."

Those words were enough to break whatever resistance Aemond still held. The hands on his hips were guiding him down to the cold floor, but Lucerys felt anything but. As was designed, it was easy to get his silks pushed away from his thighs, baring them as Aemond lowered himself between them. Blackfyre still lay beside them, a darkened blade wet with black blood.

Lucerys slick dripped down his cunt as the man quickly unlaced and freed himself, his cock as hard as Lucerys was wet. He mewled needily, begging in panting breaths to feel him, how much he needed it. From experience, he already knew he would get used to it even without fingers. Aemond's cock head nudged between his slippery lips, careful but not without a sense of urgency.

"Please, husband, please." His pleas were answered as Aemond finally pressed into, calling out loudly. It hurt, even if Aegon had taken Lucerys rough as he wanted, Aemond was much larger than him, the stretch burning. But soon, it was soothed over with a warm wash of pleasure in his belly, like sinking into a hot bath.

He stared up at his alpha as the man sank into him, his expression of almost painful bliss. He reached up and slid the eyepatch off to bare Aemond's face fully and it fell to the ground, forgotten. He wanted to see him entirely.

He was taken right there in the throne room. And like his wedding night, Aegon was there to oversee it all.

The scent of blood was thick in the air, clinging to their mouths and coating their skin. Knowing whose blood it belonged to only made Lucerys' scent blossom. Sea salt and blood. It was fitting how it all came back to those two things.

"Aemond," he whined, arching up into the heavy pound into him. An armored hand that held his thighs apart curled near his head and Lucerys reached up to hold onto his wrist, grounding himself with it.

Ser Arryk stood guard the entire time Aemond thrusted inside of him, the sounds of their coupling loud in the otherwise silent hall. The other alpha did not interfere, a silent shadow watching over them.

Neither of them lasted long, not with the amount of pent up energy shared between them. Lucerys cried out as slick gushed around Aemond's cock, eyes rolling back at the rush of heat filling him in return. It soothed him, all the cracks within, he felt full entirely from his mate. For a second or two there was only bliss.

He lay under Aemond for as long as they could before they needed to leave this death reeking hall. Slick and seed slid down his thighs as Aemond helped him stand. He used the inner folds of his dress to wipe the mess the best he could, watching his husband stalk over to the brazier nearest to Aegon. Fire cascaded down onto the dead king, coal and fire catching on the man's clothes not soaked in blood until soon it did not matter and he was engulfed in flames. The stench of burning that choked the air did not bother Lucerys, but he took Aemond's hand when offered.

They were about to leave when something gleamed from the floor. "Wait." He paused and bent down, taking the fallen Conqueror's crown. The rubies glistened in the roar of the fire and it felt as if their ancestors were sharing this moment with them. He wondered if they would disapprove but after all their words were fire and blood and that was exactly what they brought upon Aegon.

"Will you take it?" Aemond asked, a tall shadow at his side.

He shook his head. "It is my mother's crown. I could never."

"Then I shall keep it warm for her." Aemond smirked down at him when he glared at the man. "Do not give me that look, taoba. It will be a short and peaceful reign," he told him dryly.

Lucerys' lips quirked up as he turned to Aemond, the crown between his hands. It would have been much too heavy on his head anyway. "Then kneel one last time and rise as Aemond Targaryen, King for a Day."

Yet as the crown settled on the alpha's head and he stood to his full height with blood speckling his face and Blackfyre at his hip, he appeared every inch a King. Lucerys lost the mocking comment he planned to say, staring between lilac and sapphire. He was fearsome and handsome and not for the first time did he feel that desire for the man make itself known, cutting through everything else.

"My King," he said softly, coming to his husband and resting his hands on the stained armor over his chest. "I think it is time you took your Queen to your chambers."

This desire was a shared thing between them, one Aemond could no longer deny him. He would not let him. A strong arm wrapped around him before lifting him up, holding him up by his bottom. He looped his arms around Aemond's shoulders. His eyes never left him.

Ser Arryk opened one of the doors as they approached, bowing his head. "Your Grace."

Lucerys watched Aemond smirk at that and knew he would be intolerable the entire time he wore that crown, however short that would be.

He had never felt so worshiped before until that night. He knew Aemond had wanted to treasure him and he had felt it many times before in their bond, but it had not been so apparent like it had been that night. After wiping the blood off of him, Aemond laid Lucerys down on their bed and made love to him slowly, kissing every freckle and mole on his body and whispering how much he loved him. He promised that he would never leave him again, that nothing would keep them apart, and after Lucerys had finally been able to say the words back.

"Avy jorrāelan," Lucerys murmured into Aemond's neck. "Valzȳrys."

Aemond leaned down and pressed warm kisses into his cheek until his mouth was at Lucerys' ear, his voice so quiet but his happiness was so strong Lucerys felt it bathed along his skin. "Dāez iksi."

Notes:

"We are free."

Hope that end for Aegon was good enough for yall. Idk but them fucking him up and then fucking in his blood makes me happy, so I'm content. Otto has an offscreen death because I just did not care lmfao

Anyway, Nyra next chapter.

Chapter 12: karma and everything

Notes:

Glad you all enjoyed Aegon's death c:

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

When the morning sun was herald by the shriek of dragons, the smallfolk below shivered and cried in fear, counting their last moments while clutching their young. But dragonfire never rained down on them quaking with fear. Several dragons landed outside the capital walls while two others flocked the air around the high hill, watching over the ant like people scrambling in shock at their arrival.

The only one thrilled for the dragon's arrival was Prince Lucerys, who had eagerly dressed in his choice colors of blue and dark gray, and roused his husband whereas that was typically Aemond's job.

"My mother is here," Lucerys beamed, his voice unable to hide his excitement. "I can't wait to see her after all this time."

Aemond had not shared that same sentiment, it was clear in his endless silence, responding in low hums and grunts as if words could no longer process. Lucerys knew his mate was nervous as everything would be changing, so he wrapped his arms around Aemond's neck before they left their royal apartment, caressing his cheek against his scarred one. "It will be fine, we are together. It will be a happy day."

They entered the throne room with Ser Arryk guarding them, knights that had chosen to follow lined the hall. The rest of the Kingsguard had fallen the day after Aegon's death, along with Otto Hightower, when they rejected Aemond announcing he would be giving Rhaenyra Targaryen the throne, as it had always been her right. Lucerys had not flinched at the bloodshed, had only thought it served them right.

One by one, Helaena, Alicent, and Daeron stood at Aemond's right. They would be present to swear themselves to Rhaenyra and to accept whatever punishment she deemed fit for them. Even Daeron, grim faced and unwavering, stared straight ahead.

Aemond did not claim the Iron Throne this time and the crown their ancestors left for their successors rested in his hands when the doors to the throne room opened. All were silent as Rhaenyra, joined by her close supporters, took her first steps back inside the capitol, this time to be finally recognized by all as crowned Queen.

His mother was beyond regal, appearing every inch a delight in rubies and gold, platinum and turquoise rings, and intricately braided hair going down her back. She had rode Syrax fully donned as Queen, her black and red gown sweeping the floor gracefully as she moved. At her side was Daemon, less flashy in his black and red armor, but just as imposing with Dark Sister at his hip.

It was seeing his brothers and sisters that made Lucerys' tears finally fall. Jace and Joff had grown so much that Joffrey could well be his older brother, not a boy two years younger. They both wore black doublets decorated in dark red and bright gold flame like patterns. Even Little Aegon and Viserys had sprouted, wearing red and black outfits with shining gold buckles. Baela and Rhaena wore complimentary dresses of gold, red, and black, Baela's hair was down with black ribbons tied within while Rhaena wore her hair similar to how Rhaenyra had, only with far less thinly braided strands interwoven with each other. They both looked so beautiful and strong, changed a little from how he remembered them, but so had he.

His family was alive and well and here. Nothing was stopping him from seeing them anymore.

"Muña!" Lucerys ran to her and he watched the hardened expression she wore break like the coming dawn, smiling wide as her son came crashing into her arms.

"Lucerys!" She cried, holding him so tight he was bent against her. It would have hurt if he could think of anything other than how happy he was to be held by her. "Oh, gods, you're truly alive. My sweet boy."

It might not have been befitting of a royal family to sink to the ground in warm embraces, but that was exactly what they did. Jace pulled Lucerys against his chest and did not let go until Baela and Rhaena took his place, his younger brothers surrounding him. This amount of happiness almost made him dizzy but he had never felt better.

He might not have been on Dragonstone, but he felt as if he was home at last.

The bliss of the reunion did not last, quickly the illusion was broken when Rhaenyra stood once more and stared at her half-brother, who had remained at a distance with the crown offered between them. Lucerys was stuck in Rhaena's arms as he watched his mother approach Aemond, as his husband lifted the crown to her head and rested it with more care than Lucerys had ever expected him to show her, and as his mother turned to face them all.

Aemond took his place near his family as Ser Arryk's twin, Erryk, announced to all in attendance, "All hail Queen Rhaenyra of House Targaryen, the First of Her Name, Queen of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lady of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm. May her reign be long and prosperous!"

They knelt in the nearly silent room, even Daeron and Aemond who had glanced at each other sullenly before following suit. When they all stood, Lucerys' feelings of joy were abruptly replaced with dismay as Daemon strode forward and unsheathed his sword before anyone could notice.

Dark Sister was at his husband's neck and Lucerys could neither feel nor hear his shout, it was only sheer panic at the sight of that steel brushing past pale hair. He ran forward but an arm around his waist wrenched him back. He gasped, partly in shock. He could smell Jace's smoky scent at his back as he watched armed men form a half circle around his husband and his family, mostly for Daeron but their swords were pointed at Helaena and Alicent as well.

"What are you doing?" Lucerys shouted at Daemon after he had kicked Aemond down to his knees, who did not turn from the distraction even as Jace loudly struggled to keep a hold of him. "Do not hurt him!"

"We're doing you a favor, Lucerys." His great-uncle responded with steel in his voice, eyes trained solely on Aemond. "You cannot trust a Hightower."

Aemond bared his teeth at that, eye shining with bloodlust, but he did not speak to Daemon. "Daeron, put your fucking hand down."

With a moment of hesitancy, Daeron released the grip on his sword but his eyes were focused, ready to fight if he needed to. But it would be a losing battle and they all knew that.

Lucerys continued to make Jace struggle as if he was trying to tie down a squirming ox. "Let him go, he didn't do anything!"

"You're saying he didn't initiate a hunt between you, resulting in your dragon's death and your marriage? He and his brother did not kill your grandmother? I must be mistaken and we all imagined the past three years."

There was nothing he could say about that but it was hardly the whole story, not anymore. He struggled to face his mother where she stood, hoping she would be able to reason with her husband. "Please, mother. You don't understand, you can't do this."

"I could," Daemon insisted dryly in place of Rhaenyra. "It would be very easy." To prove that, he drew a sliver of blood along Aemond's throat. "If I don't, Corlys surely will."

Aemond's jaw clenched and Lucerys tried anew to reach him. "Let me go, Jace! Let me go!" The force of his flight landed them onto the floor. The sharp way he fell onto his elbow made him shout in pain while Jace grunted as he hit his knee. The escalation caused Rhaenyra to finally move. "Lucerys-"

"You don't understand, you don't understand. You can't do this, please," Lucerys begged into the same floor they had freed themselves from Aegon on. There was still the blackened stain just below where his mother stood. He was inches from where Aemond took him still covered in blood. "We finally could be free, please."

"Lucerys, look at me."

He lifted his head at the sound of his alpha's voice, still panting harshly from his struggles. He whined in response to seeing him still with a sword to his neck. "Aemond…"

"You need to calm down, taoba. Breathe. You have nothing to fear." It was an order that even then he wanted to fight, but he felt some of the urgency drain out of his limbs and Jace no longer struggled to hold him down.

"Lucerys," his mother had descended to stand in front of him, crouching down to see him closer, offering a calming scent. "We are only detaining him until we sort this out. I will not put you through a broken bond. Even one that should never have existed in the first place."

His teary eyes pleaded up at her. "He didn't have a choice, muña."

"All men have choices," Daemon responded, still looking down at Aemond as if he were imagining the color of his insides. "We should end their bond while we can. No green should be allowed their heads."

"That will be enough, my love." Rhaenyra returned to her full height. "Detain Alicent and Helaena to their rooms, along with her children. We will discuss what to do with my half-brothers later as they calm down in the dungeons."

Helaena and Alicent were led away and Lucerys' sobs followed Aemond as he was carted off with his brother. He watched until he could no longer. Then he was lifted by Jace and he immediately shook him off, stepping away quickly. "Don't touch me!"

Jace backed away with his hands raised, pain in his amber eyes. "Lucerys, it's me." His hand went to his heart. "It's your brother. Have you forgotten me already?"

"It seems you have forgotten," Lucerys wiped his face. He turned to his mother, hurt evident in his tone and crumpled expression. "You told me he would not be harmed if he gave in."

The crease between her thin brows did not lessen. "I've kept my word, Lucerys."

He sniffled and felt a warm hand on his shoulder, Rhaena's still undefined scent coming to clear his distress. "The Queen is doing what she must. Let them handle the rest, Lucerys."

He was sent to his room so that they could deal with the aftermath without Lucerys interfering. All he did was get sent to his room to rest but he knew it was his own detainment. He did not have the patience to read or sleep, so he sat on the balcony and watched the dragons fly by, wondering who rode them and why they hadn't bothered landing yet.

He recognized Seasmoke, but he did not know the pale haired rider, only that he flew around the tower often, the dragon crooning songs as if knowing he needed distraction.

Eventually his mother came to him alone and she glanced around the chamber her son and half-brother lived in, a glimpse into their lives. Nothing was out of the ordinary in their room, it only appeared lived in. Their books, Aemond's armor, and Lucerys' random ink sketches were all in their proper places. Her nostrils flared in anger at the sight of the bed, though made up and everything was in order, she knew instantly what it meant.

"Muña," Lucerys bit his lip before correcting himself. "Your Grace."

His voice shattered the anger in her eyes and she was crossing the room to hold him against her shoulder, her hand stroking his head. "You've gotten so big." Her voice was wet with tears. "I've missed you so much."

Lucerys held her just as tightly, pushing back his sobs to tell her, "I thought about you every day. I did not think I would ever get to see you again."

"Not even my half-brother could keep me from you forever."

Lucerys pulled back. "What will you do to Aemond now? Aegon is dead. Aemond promised me he would not fight you."

His mother made a dismissive sound in response to that. "He expects much, especially after what he did to your grandmother. And you truly care for what happens to him? To any of them?" Her voice held a layer of doubt, looking at him as if she had not expected this. "After what he had done to you?"

Lucerys held back the uncomfortable urge to squirm out of her touch from the questions. He had questioned that for years and not even long ago did he battle himself over it, but now faced with the true reality that he could lose his mate, he knew for a fact he would not bear it. "You don't understand what I've been through, muña. None of you do - you weren't here. But Aemond was. You don't know what we went through together."

Her warm hands pushed his long hair behind his ears, caressing the side of his face with her hand. "Shh, you've been away from your family for so long. You've forgotten where you come from. That is why you need time to adjust." Her eyes were frosty when she finished, "Without Aemond around."

"No!" He shook his head, looking at her in disbelief. "I don't want to be away from him, muña."

His reaction pained her deeply, the air scented with sharp notes of bergamot. "Take some time and see if that is still true. You have to learn how to live for yourself. You've been through so much, my sweet boy. You're right that I don't know what my brother has done for you, but I do know what he has done to you and to the rest of our family and I will not let him go unpunished for that."

It was no secret that Aemond's sins had piled up, the fires had already spread. His grandmother could not even be reclaimed after her death. And if he had not survived Vhagar or the past three years at court it would have been Aemond's fault that any of it had happened. Lucerys had started to make his peace with the night he lost Arrax and subsequently became Aemond's a long time ago, but he understood his own family needed time with that, as well as the still recent loss of Rhaenys.

Lucerys sighed, nodding his head and looking down. "I cannot argue with you, mother. I do not want to argue with you. You will do as you must but please do not let Daemon or anyone touch him."

Rhaenyra kissed his forehead three times, her warm hand carding through his long hair again. "He will be kept alive." She sighed as she pulled back, her eyes once more holding that coldness he saw only when she spoke of her brothers. "I will make sure of it."

He nodded even though he did not like her wording.

The Queen departed and he expected more of his family to visit him.

They did not.

༺༻

It had been foolish to believe they meant to keep them apart for only a few days. But after a week had passed, Lucerys had descended into past habits. He hated himself for it, was disgusted in himself for being this way, but he couldn't control it. Or maybe he decided he didn't want to. He had used this to deal with his pain for years knowing it was not healthy for him, that it worried his mate when he did it. But he did not have Aemond there and he wanted him so badly it felt as if he was being torn apart.

He spent his thirteenth nameday in bed. He had not known it had even been the day until Rhaena came into his room with cakes slathered in honey and berries. The room was clean and proper for him, to urge him to get out of bed, but even so he laid there. He could not look at Rhaena. She was always kind with him, never pressed for details, only asked if he was well.

She cared so much and yet each soft word only made him resentful. And each time he pushed them away, he felt childish and wrong. But he could not stand to be near them just as much as he longed to let them hold him close.

His family did not know how to deal with him the way his alpha did. While Aemond used far more aggressive and unorthodox methods to make sure he took care of himself, his family did not know how far they had to go with him. They treated him with gentle hands as if he would break if they did more than stroke his hair, or as if they feared he would lash out in anger, which he had a few times and had regretted each time he watched his brother or sister back away from him as if he were nothing more than a stranger.

A feral, displaced omega, he had heard whispered after master Gerardys' last visit.

He knew it was his own doing but he did not know how to stop once he started.

None of them strapped him to a chair and spoon fed him, which he was glad for. If he did not eat it sat there until the same servant who brought it in took it away. It wasn't Agatha, he hadn't seen her since the King was killed.

The one person who visited him the most was Jace. At first Lucerys could not stand to be around an alpha that was not his mate, especially a dominant one. But many things could be said about Prince Jacaerys - he was intelligent, charming, and becoming more fearsome with a sword each day. He was also stubborn, overly protective, and persistent. Even when Lucerys remained silent, or the few times he had yelled at him to leave - Jace came back.

He would pull the chair over - Lucerys', not Aemond's - and bring it to the bedside and talk. Tell him everything that had happened without Lucerys. Mostly he liked to talk about the North, about taking Lucerys there one day to meet his good friend Cregan. Their dragons would hate the snow, but they would have a great time exploring Winterfell. Those were stories Lucerys liked to hear the most, not about the time he missed on Dragonstone.

At the core of these visits, Lucerys could sense the unasked questions. He did not like feeling his brother's stress and eventually told him to just ask. Jace had stared at him like he did not know what Lucerys was getting at, but when Lucerys did not move an inch, simply staring back, he broke.

Jace's hands were warm as they held one of his. They were four years apart and already his older brother had outgrown him. Not that Lucerys would ever grow like an alpha, he was meant to be small and sleek and supple for life. He wished he could have that intimidation factor - he was tired of feeling small.

Lucerys almost knew where this conversation would go before Jace even opened his mouth. There could only be so many things to make his brother nervous and he worried it would be bad news regarding his husband. He felt dread swelling within his chest as Jace met his eyes.

"Do you remember the night you presented?"

Lucerys blinked, glancing away in confusion before looking back at him. "Excuse me?"

Jace's inhale was clearly more for himself. "Do you remember what happened after you presented? What mother decided?"

Truthfully, to answer Jace's initial question, he did not remember that night in detail. It came back as if recalling a dream. He hovered above it watching from the outside. It was the first time he could ever think of missing a piece of him - the first Aemond had claimed. Or maybe not. He doubted he remembered the first.

Lucerys shrugged. "Mother lost her mind at Aemond and…we went home early?"

"After that."

Their eyes met and Lucerys knew what he meant. When he was younger, he had been taught some things about second gender presentations, about arranged marriages and wedding customs. Jacaerys had known more. He was older and heir; he had to grow up faster than the rest. No one had expected there to be any reason why Lucerys should know everything at such an early age. But after he presented and before Jacaerys even had - they were betrothed the day after they arrived back on Dragonstone.

He had remembered his grandsire Corlys voicing his disapproval, claiming that Lucerys was his heir and refused to change his stance on that. But to Lucerys, nothing else changed for him in that arrangement. He did not fully understand what it meant at the time. He would get to grow up and be with his brother forever? That sounded perfect to him. And one day they would get married like mother and Daemon and have children that would one day rule the Iron Throne. Everyone treated it as a nonissue and so did Lucerys.

It was not until he was in that sept being cloaked in red and black, until he was on Aemond's bedsheets - that he started to truly grasp what any of it meant.

Taking his hand gently out of Jacaerys, Lucerys laid his hand over his. "Yes, I remember."

Jacaerys' eyes passed over him and there was a lot to be said about that look. The amount of longing was crushing, especially when he knew he did not return it. He never wanted his brother to feel so lost even when Lucerys was sitting right in front of him. His hair covered it, but he knew Jacaerys halted around his neck where it would be. "Do you truly want his claim on you forever?" He searched Lucerys' face for any hint. "Say the word and you will be free of him for good."

At that, Lucerys sighed and removed his hand to wrap his arms around his knees. It was always that. Their mother was the same. "I do. Will you continue to think that I do not know my own heart even after I've told the Queen this many times?"

Jacaerys was looking elsewhere at the irritated shift of his tone, deep in some corner uncluttered with the reminder that he was in the room his brother shared with their uncle. His jaw was clenched tight, the vein in his neck tensing. "No. Forget I even asked."

"I will." Lucerys muttered, resting his temple on his knee and looking away. "I'm sorry I can't be that brother you lost. If you want him, search the seas. I heard he and his dragon died there."

Jacaerys stood, the chair scraping a sharp note on the stone. "You are a lot of things, but you have never been cruel. I don't want some naïve boy, I want the you that can be happy. Or is he dead, too?"

"If you want me to be happy, tell mother to release my husband," he responded waspishly.

Jace scoffed, walking to the door. "He is right where he belongs, Lucerys. Far away from you."

༺༻

The Queen gathered her loyal advisors in the small council room. For years this had been a table her father sat before and then his wife, a position that a son was longed for but chosen for a daughter. Even her half-brothers had their time, undeserving as their mother had been.

Now it was her turn.

Her first born had proven to be more than worthy of his name, Prince Jacaerys took on the responsibilities in front of him with utmost seriousness and dedication to the task. He would no doubt make a fine King after her. It was also no wonder that he had presented as a dominant alpha, his smoky burning pine and petrichor scent mixing with the natural wood they stood around. Though this gathering was not for the plotting of war, but what to do with its prisoners.

"Aemond must die," the King Consort was the first to voice his opinion. "Do I need to count the reasons why or have we all come to see reason?"

An uneasy tension followed Daemon's words. While not present, it was Prince Lucerys who stayed the decision this long. After he had improved somewhat from his period of depression and now left unattended, it seemed to them that he had grown to accept that his loyalty to Aemond had only come from his dire circumstances. Now that he was in the restorative arms of his family he no longer needed the crutch of his uncle, nothing more than a captor to him.

Or, that was what they had believed at first. Until several times the prince had been caught attempting to sneak down below to the cells, or even to visit his aunt Helaena, and he never parted from his mother without asking when he would see his husband freed.

Husband. He always said husband.

Rhaenyra took a breath before starting, "I am not so sure we are all in agreement."

She understood the frustration when her husband scoffed in disbelief, his eyes going to another present.

Corlys Velaryon appeared stern as ever in the loss of his wife, but he had found purpose once more as his heir had returned in flesh and title even after he had introduced Addam and Alyn into their lives, officially recognized as his grandsons. He met Daemon's eyes unflinchingly. "I believe Aemond Targaryen should suffer for what he has taken, not only from my own. But he cannot suffer if he is a dead man. That would be far too easy for him."

Daemon's jaw twitched from the push back but he did not back down. "And so we keep him prisoner for how long? I give another month before Lucerys manages his way down there and then we have two wild princes on the loose. No, we end this now."

"And put the boy through a broken bond?" Corlys shook his head. "That man is a lot of things, but he is Lucerys' bonded now. And I will take no part in bringing that boy any more suffering."

"A bond to a man who raped him and killed your wife, might I remind you. All of us have gone through broken bonds and none of us have died from it."

The Sea Snake's violet eyes were alight with acrimony as he leaned into the table. "Rhaenys' death does not fall entirely on Aemond, or do I need to remind you of that?"

"He could live his days serving the Nights Watch," Maester Gerardys brought up before further spiteful words could be spoken. "Though I do believe Lucerys might very well join him."

Daemon breathed harshly through his nose, his irritation burning the air around them. But he was not the only dominant alpha in the room and he could not bend them to his will even if he wished. "If Aemond is alive, Lucerys will follow. End their bond, remarry him to someone of worth."

As it continued back and forth, it was Prince Jacaerys that spoke up. He glanced at his mother for approval, more than anyone else had in their heated debate, and she granted it with a nod. "Before I say this, I do not wish for anyone to think that I'm advocating for the man. But as you all know, when I encountered Aemond outside of the capital, he did spare me. I drew on him and he let me go. He did it for Lucerys' sake, he told me himself. He only fought back when…when Princess Rhaenys arrived."

It was silent aside from Daemon's unimpressed huff. "He gave you that pretty scar to remember him by."

"If we are not killing him, at the very least we could use him." Prince Jacaerys continued as if Daemon said nothing, though his scarred cheek twitched. "Use his loyalty to Lucerys for ourselves."

Rhaenyra met her heirs eyes. "And what do you suggest we do with him, presently?"

"Exile." Jace offered without hesitation. "Keep him alive but away from Lucerys. If he is as devoted to him as Lucerys says then at least we would have another dragon on our side, for however long she breathes dust." Jace spoke over Daemon's outright refusal. "The distance might also lessen Lucerys' attachment to him. After Aemond's exile, he might very well desire a new mate entirely."

Rhaenyra nodded slowly, listening to the voices once more vying for loudest. On and on it went, her half-brother had become quite the headache for her these past years. Even as they debated, in the end it would be her say on what to do with her brother. Whether it was death, a cold life sentence in the North, or exile - it came down to her.

And she had grown tired of this squabbling.

"Enough." Queen Rhaenyra's back was firm as she spoke, the voices dying down at once. "I will make my decision alone. We will reconvene on the morrow."

As they left, her consort included, she settled into the chair. Inhaling, she wondered what her father would do in her place and exhaling she knew the answer. He had been fond of his family, seeing past their faults, but she could not be so blind. It would not be difficult for her to let the sword swing as it may, but she was once more reminded that her decision would be a punishment for her son as well.

The Queen loved her son, and in the end, she knew what was best.

༺༻

Almost a month into her reign, his mother called them into the throne room to declare her final say on what would happen to his husband.

The throne room was not the same as the one Lucerys was used to. It did not hold the same oppressive fear but even so he was shaking just slightly when Aemond was brought in and once again forced down to his knees. His heart broke at the sight of him, how it was clear that Daemon had his fun doing whatever he liked. Aemond's eyepatch had been removed along with the sapphire he held in place of his eye, leaving the ruined hole bare for all to see. The area around it was red and raw looking, his cheek and jaw bruised.

Even battered as he was, when Aemond met his look, the corner of his lips curved upwards just the slightest bit.

He was no longer bound, wrists and ankles free from any chains. That made Lucerys hopeful that he would not remain a prisoner, that he would come back to him.

His mother sat the Iron Throne, draped in jewels, black and red. Her beauty was out of place on such a monstrous throne seated above rows of jutting steel and yet she herself did not look out of place. When she straightened somehow even more, all eyes were on her.

It was Aemond she stared down when she spoke, holding no room for give in her cold tone. "I have made my decision, one of many since taking this throne. Each one I considered with my council for great lengths. Yet in the end, it is my say on what is done with you."

Lucerys looked at Aemond and he looked back at him. All too quickly that hope he felt was crushed when his mother opened her mouth again.

"Aemond Targaryen, for the numerous crimes you have committed while you plotted for my birthright, including that of kidnapping my son and the truly despicable events that followed, I should have you tortured and killed in the slowest way possible. But for the supposed love my son holds for you, which I will never understand, you will be sentenced to temporary exile from the Seven Kingdoms. At day break, you will take your dragon and you will leave my land."

At the word exile both Lucerys and Aemond stared at the Queen, the tension visible in Aemond prompting Daemon to step closer, approaching Aemond on his blind side which Lucerys knew angered his husband. His hand was resting on Dark Sister when he said, "Easy, One-Eye. Your other choice is a personal favorite of mine, it involves the slow torture our Queen mentioned."

Aemond's jaw twitched but he for once kept his mouth shut. At least to Daemon's baiting. He was looking at Rhaenyra when he asked, "how long?"

Lucerys stared between his mother and his husband. "You cannot be serious!"

"Two years," his mother ignored his outburst, looking straight down her nose into her half-brother's eye. "Be grateful it was not five, or ten. At least then you would come back married to an adult."

Lucerys wanted to be sick, his mothers words not helping. She spoke over his distress, never once meeting his pleading looks.

"There is someone who will take you and your dragon in. Friends of the Crown."

Aemond hummed quietly, though it was not a pleasant sound. "Of course, you can't risk me being just anywhere."

The half-smirk his mother gave Aemond was anything but kind. "No. Though no one particularly enjoys your company, why risk you making any friends. You will be sufficiently housed. The second you cross the Narrow Sea before two years you can forget your marriage to my son and the lives of your usurper mother and brother. We never came at you with our full force, Aemond. Remember that when you're starting to feel reckless."

He watched as the words settled in and Aemond slowly nodded.

The prince took one indignant gasp before marching right over to where Aemond was kneeling, right hand raised. No one stopped him. Aemond had a moment to realize what was happening, his eye widening before Lucerys slapped him across the face, shouting, "you're agreeing to this?! You're accepting this? You told me you would never leave again! You promised! Are you not tired of everyone keeping us apart?"

When Daemon moved to restrain him, Lucerys squirmed out and ducked to his knees in front of Aemond, who quickly took both of his wrists before he could slap him again.

"Contain your anger, Lucerys! Do you think I want this? Do you really think I want to be away from you?"

Lucerys felt hot tears stinging the corners of his eyes and he nodded sharply. "You do not fight it."

No one stopped Aemond from pulling Lucerys closer, though half the room watched in barely concealed disgust and the other in irritation. "Were you not listening to a single thing your mother said?" He asked Lucerys quietly. "Should I try to fight my way out of this and turn once more against your family? How do you think that will end?"

Lucerys knew very well how it would end. He'd been hearing all about how his family wanted nothing more than to see his husband gone from this world. "It isn't fair. I don't want you to leave."

"You're forgetting, Lucerys." Aemond shook his head, saddened by him. "I killed your grandmother. I held you captive in marriage for years," when Lucerys started to speak over him, Aemond nearly yelled at him, "I killed your dragon, Lucerys!"

It was silent in the throne room. Even Lucerys was frozen by those words, swallowing hard at his own grief.

"Your mother is making the right choice. Or are you so upset that you would rebel against your own mother? Do I mean that much to you? Truly?" Lucerys did not need to answer, they were bonded. They both knew how much the other meant, the gaps in between. Aemond shook his head, a familiar ache in his eye that made Lucerys choke on a sob. "No. I do not."

While Lucerys shed bitter tears, sagging against him, Aemond stared up at his half-sister, at how she watched them make this scene. Lucerys did not know why his husband smiled, why the curl of his lips was more of a grimace lined in cruelty. Only that when he finally turned his attention back to the Queen, Rhaenyra appeared just as displeased and she was looking right at him.

Queen Rhaenyra stood, smoothing out her dress with one hand. Her gaze still held her son's, her voice far less commanding but not yielding in any way. "You have the rest of the night together. But in the morning, he is leaving and you will stay right where you are. Do you understand me, Lucerys?"

After a moment of silence, he eventually nodded. "Yes, Your Grace."

"Mother." She bit back at the hollow formality, her composure waning. "I am still your mother."

"Yes…mother."

Daemon nudged at Aemond with his boot, sneering down at him. "Get up. You're free until sunrise, nephew. Enjoy your child bride while it lasts."

Lucerys' nails bit into his palms as he watched Daemon retreat and Aemond's hands covered his. He was beyond tired when he urged him up. "Let's go, Lucerys."

Like a never-ending nightmare they were confined into their royal quarters, the hallways lined in armed guards. Lucerys dreaded each second the sun moved further west, sitting on the bed as Aemond scrubbed at his skin in the tub until he was flushed all over. He had been given back the sapphire and Lucerys had watched in silence as the man's face twisted in pain as he pushed it back in. Aemond had stared at himself in the looking glass for a long time after that.

They had been silent for most of it, both nursing their wounds. This new turn hurt both of them and neither could find the words, knowing it would very well only lead to an argument, at least on his end. Lucerys wanted to yell at him every promise the man had made him, to shove it once more into his face that he was not keeping his word to him, but he knew it would not make him feel any better, it would not change that he would leave him again.

Lucerys was so tired of him leaving. But this time he would be able to say goodbye.

Aemond dressed only in loose pants and still damp, he joined Lucerys, guiding him back into the bed within his arms and Lucerys quickly said, "I do not want to sleep."

"We're not, I'm holding you." So much of that unspoken care Aemond had for him showed as his lips brushed against Lucerys' forehead, "silly creature."

Lucerys kept his eyes open when all he wanted was to close them, holding back tears rather than letting them fall. He would have plenty of days alone for that, these short hours left were solely for tracing along Aemond's bare skin, for curling his fingers in his damp, wavy hair. He leaned into him, tilting his head back to kiss the edge of his bruised jaw gently. "I'm sorry. Does it hurt?"

Aemond only shrugged. "It could be worse. I could be headless instead."

Lucerys sniffled at that.

"I will miss you, husband," he rubbed the tip of his nose against Aemond's neck, along the underside of his jaw. "You will not be here to scent me every morning. Who will be here to kiss me in my sleep now?"

Embarrassment always made his alpha flush, even if only a little, and it was surprisingly attractive to catch him off guard. "You knew."

Lucerys could not hide his smirk, twisted with pain around the edges. "Three years is a long time to not notice."

Aemond took him further into his arms, covering him in warmth and his heavy scent, groaning into his skin. Lucerys nuzzled into him, wherever he could reach, holding back his plaintive whine. His hands went to Aemond's back, one leg pulled over Aemond's hip. They would not be able to get close enough for it to be enough.

"Will you ever forgive me?" Aemond asked into his neck.

Lucerys held him tighter. "Blaming you would not entirely be fair. But I do not want you to leave me."

His husband kissed his neck softly, lingering in his scent. "I will be leaving you with your family. It will not be the same, you will have your family to keep you safe. Busy. Soon, you will not even notice."

Lucerys forced himself back, his face drawn into an angry frown. "I will, too. I will every night you're not with me. Every morning I don't hear you putting on your armor, or laying in bed with me. You are my mate, I will miss you every second you are away from me. Will you not miss me once you become busy?"

"Of course I will, nūmio." Aemond smoothed his anger over with a warm nuzzle against his cheek before he pulled back. His face held that flush Lucerys was only recently getting to know as he rolled onto his back, pulling Lucerys on top of him. Lucerys stared down in shock as Aemond bared his neck, the same side Daemon's sword had cut. It had healed by now but was still red. "Then claim me, so I have you with me as well."

Lucerys' lips parted, blinking a few times. His fists curled against Aemond's bare skin. "I can do that?"

Aemond's lips curved up into a smirk, his eye sparkling. "Of course. You put your teeth in me and you bite."

Licking his lips, Lucerys lowered himself over Aemond's body, pushing away stray pale hairs. His husband was so warm under him and he smelled better than anything. Lucerys kissed the pale stretch of Aemond's neck before settling right above where his shoulder started. Hands held his hips, fingers digging in and anchoring him in place. He opened his mouth and bit down hard, marking his alpha with an omegas claim.

There was a heightened feeling to their connection, the hairs on the back of his neck raised, Aemond inhaling through the mix of pain and pleasure. His teeth marks were embedded into Aemond's neck for as long as they were bonded. He was Lucerys' for as long as the boy wanted him, whether it was for days or years. Blood beaded up and Lucerys licked it clean off, his body being pulled down against Aemond's with a soft grunt.

He could feel Aemond's need all around him and also the sorrow and regret underneath it all. It matched his own and together they spent their remaining hours together touching as much of each other as they could, desperately chasing away the hollowness working its way into them with only pleasure and quiet declarations of love.

Lucerys did not remember when he fell asleep, only that he wished to not wake up to the sun, praying for an endless night that did not come.

Notes:

I debated even as I posted this if I should have put a lil smut in for them in that last bit but in the end decided to keep that sad vibe. Maybe one day I'll randomly just post a hidden scene idk

And before anyone even says anything, I promise the rift between luce and his family is only temporary. Let's not forget he's a teen and his mother just told him he couldn't see his older boyfriend lol

also the age difference between jace and luce was due to how difficult it is for two alpha's to conceive but uh they were definitely trying hard lol I like to believe that with Daemon they had found herbs to help with conception idk it's really not important but in case anyone was wondering

Chapter 13: without a heart

Notes:

Saying goodbye to Aemond and his pov in this chapter. He won't be back until the end, sorry lol we'll get a lil pov in this but now it's time for Lucerys-centric chapters.

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

The wind cut through Aemond's layers, the sky above pregnant with clouds. The season had shifted everything into a dull, washed out gray. It matched the moods of Aemond and Lucerys perfectly as they stood past the Mud Gate where Vhagar waited, the ancient dragon knowing through his anxious heart the long journey they had to look forward to and she watched her rider expectantly.

Several knights were posted on guard, waiting for the sign that Aemond would hoist the boy onto his shoulder and fly off with him. He thought about it, all night he weighed the risks and did not like the outcomes.

There was no silver lining to this cloud.

Helaena and Daeron stood back, having already dealt him their goodbyes, his sisters far more tearfully than Daeron's, though they parted with their own message. Don't die. Aemond was not the only one sent out of sight, though his brother had a far more arduous expedition ahead of him.

Now it was only Lucerys, staring up at him with big hurt eyes, still red and mildly puffy from the short hour of sleep he got and his own tears. Even wallowing as he was, Aemond could not deny that his mate was the most beautiful thing this world would ever produce and he knew he would spend each night remembering every detail of his face, try to imagine his sweet little voice saying qȳbor before he went to sleep. He held him then, his soft cheeks squished between his gloved fingers and Lucerys' dark eyes glaring up at him.

Aemond smiled knowingly. "Don't pout, gevie, it will not be forever." His hand slid down to Lucerys' neck, thumbing over his bond mark, still raw from the amount of times Aemond sank his teeth into him the night before. "I will be with you."

Lucerys sniffled before stepping on his toes to wrap his arms around his neck, dragging him down until their noses bumped. "No, you won't."

"Not with that attitude," the slightest break to his voice betrayed the untouchable impression he tried to hold onto. Lucerys immediately knew, his bottom lip quivering.

"I'm sorry."

Aemond kissed him anyway, slow and deep, like he knew he would never feel his soft lips again. Never in his life had he experienced a kiss quite as eviscerating as that one. It would be the last one for two years, he made it count even as it felt closer to a knife sinking into his chest, cutting through bone like butter, while greedy, invisible hands took his heart from him. Lucerys held him against his body for as long as he could, until the knights behind them grew tired of watching and began reminding him of the Queen's very strict words of sunrise. He ignored them for as long as he could, memorizing a taste he had already known on the back of his tongue, breathing in as much of Lucerys' scent as he was allowed, and letting as much of his warmth heat him. It would be cold and lonely up in that sky without a heart.

"I don't want to miss you," Lucerys whispered, voice wet and choked.

"Then don't. I will be with you everywhere," Aemond held Lucerys to him tighter, the boy's heels lifting off the ground. "I know you will be with me as well, ñuha nūmio. I will feel you as I do now and I will love you from afar as I have done for many years. This will not be forever."

He did not want to see Lucerys' tears after he pulled back, telling him quietly how he loved him, hearing it repeated back in a wet sob. He did not want to know how he was breaking his omega's heart as he climbed Vhagar's rope ladder, but he could feel it no matter how hard he tried to block it from his mind. The chains were heavier than they had ever felt before, loudly clinking together but even so the wind carried snatches of Lucerys' sob. A sad little ghost to haunt him.

He did not look behind him, though every momentous flap of Vhagar's wings that sent him further made him ache to. He did not want to see the castle grow small, to become nothing but agate sized.

He did wish that he had held Lucerys even a second longer, he did not want to leave him.

It mattered very little what he wanted.

He did not cross the Narrow Sea immediately. As narrow as it was, his dragon would not make the entire sea in one flight. He flew Vhagar along the southern coastline, over the Stepstones should Vhagar need rest. A surprise attack from the sea never came, though he flew over the clouds when he could. He rested in the Disputed Lands, in a completely new world to him. Already his sense of being elsewhere surrounded him in the unfamiliar country.

Anywhere was cleaner than King's Landing, he came to realize that quickly. But even so he felt closer to a fugitive than an already sentenced man when he ran through his provisions and began sharing meals with Vhagar. She wasn't exactly fond of sharing, even with him.

From there it took him a week or so to reach Pentos, the walled city surrounded by villas sprouting in the flatlands sprawling around it. He had made it. Only twenty-three months and a week until he was free to leave.

He was then made the guest of a Pentoshi magister, Lorreo Drae, and followed everywhere by no less than four Unsullied should he venture outside the lush manse. The only time he was alone was in his room or in the sky with Vhagar, who gathered many curious eyes. Although, this was not the first time the ancient dragon had graced these skies and quickly she became only a passing cover of shade from the bright sun.

Just as his half-sister promised, he was not without despite this being a sentence. He was fed, allowed wine, even offered a whore to which he declined so vehemently that he was never propositioned again. There was very little he could not do and often he was left to his own devices.

It would be boredom then, and the endless yearning to be next to his mate, that would drive him insane. He knew that two years was incredibly light. His sister had every right to drag it out like she threatened, and any distance away from Lucerys pained him, but he knew it could be worse. He could be dead, for starters. Or on the Wall which was nearly the same thing if his cock froze off. His dragon would have hated it, she loved laying in the sun sleeping and Aemond made sure she had plenty of fresh kills in her nest outside the manse.

Pentos was…well, he knew what it wasn't. At its core, it wasn't so different from home. People were the same wherever they hailed. Walking the streets he saw the familiar forms of entertainment, the similar ways to accelerate the night through drink or sex. Sure, it was far more colorful than Westeros, and twice he had been stopped by a merchant selling dyes, being told it would take brilliantly in his pale hair, and both times he had declined while passing men with golden mustaches or oiled blue curls.

Within that bustling city, with the smell of the sea breeze and spiced meat and vegetables cooking over an open flame, as a woman was singing in an unfamiliar tongue while flexible girls danced with bright crimson silk twirling in their hands, he knew all of it would have amazed Lucerys while it only left him feeling less and less of himself. Lucerys' hazel eyes would be taking in every stall, would be distracted by the dancers and probably wonder if he could do it the same, back in their room he would attempt it and clumsily end up in bed tangled in silk.

He missed him. Painfully so, in every brown haired boy who wasn't him or in the sweet hints of vanilla not followed with the smell of his skin. He was everywhere and nowhere all at once. Aemond could only take so much of it.

Weeks passed before he grew restless and he took that abundance of energy out on the various armed guards. The magister found it amusing and had a decent score of soldiers to spare, so the nights Aemond needed to work out his aggression, Lorreo watched him with a case of amber wine. He clapped if Aemond ever were to strike a man down, like these were fighting pits and it was all a show solely for him. Honestly, it could not be far off and should one fall Lorreo told him that he was cutting the dead weight. That, too, quickly grew tiresome.

It was not long for Lorreo to introduce him to his son, Symon, who desired a capable sword on his outings. Symon was only a few years younger than himself, also an alpha, and was mated to a pretty omega named Yurisa. Aemond soon came to realize that they shared the red haired beta woman that lingered behind them the few times it was just them, who rarely spoke aside to offer cryptic one liners. Phrases such as the seed shall be her last rider and wisdom sought in eyes of sapphire never see beyond god. Witches and bloodmages ran rife this side of the sea and various gods were prayed to well into the night, Aemond ignored her almost entirely.

Usually though, it was just Symon and his men, other sons of important men or men seeking an elevation in status. And just like that, despite his half-sisters' claims, Aemond began making "friends" despite not choosing to. It was not completely horrible, they were wealthy ones, ones who liked the size of his dragon and that he had no issue using her. They were all so curious about the war, about his connection to Driftmark, twisting their rings while their eyes brimmed with spinning coins.

Aemond would smile coldly and say, "well, I am married to the heir of Driftmark and my sister is Queen." And suddenly he was their favorite person to know, or their worst depending on where their pockets aligned. It was mindless and sometimes annoying work, but Aemond could not deny he was learning much from this exile, and he did it for a purpose.

There was an entire world Westeros barely considered. For so many years, generations, they have been so focused on each other that they rarely made time for the land across the sea. And the many eyes looking towards it took advantage of that, just as they tried to take advantage of him.

In the end, if it got him a few favors here and there, he did not mind lending a helping hand. Vhagar had many years left in her and Aemond did not favor being cooped up forever. A few months after landing in Pentos, when he was asked to join Symon south, he wasted no time accepting.

The same men his family employed to fight for their cause were the men Symon had issue with, disrupting trade routes for his goods along with others who joined the fight. Aemond did not care for the details as the Free Cities seemed to fight with the same allies who helped them just as readily as their foes. The ever bothersome Stepstones were dealt with for the time being, resulting in a dangerously close fight near Westeros.

But even as dragons flocked from afar, none came near and Aemond did not cross where he was not meant to. They offered no help either and the fleet nearby only watched the fires that spread, cut off from crashing waves.

When Aemond returned to Pentos, a strongly worded letter from his half-sister was waiting for him. Though it only made him laugh. Rhaenyra was furious he had been involved but in the end it had helped her side of the realm and thanked him for his support, though she did not explicitly use any of those words. In fact, she told him not to act without thinking again.

He burned the letter and went on with his day, carrying with him the temporary satisfaction of irritating his sister even in the smallest of ways.

༺༻

There was a massive improvement in King's Landing under Queen Rhaenyra's reign. The merchants were happy with the open ports and open trading routes inland, the smallfolk gathered in the streets singing Queen Rhaenyra's name, calling out praises for the beloved Prince Jacaerys, the perseverance and beauty of Prince Lucerys, and the City-Watch was restored to order with Daemon at the head, cutting through the streets nightly until it became relatively safe to do business freely.

The only one who seemed to be suffering was Lucerys, who for the second time that week had thrown up before he had even made it to breakfast. All of his family, aside from his mate's side, were present and eating while Lucerys picked at bits of fruit, the only thing he managed to keep down. He pushed the plate of bacon far, far away from him but even so the stray whiffs turned his stomach.

It was strange, but he had this nagging thought in the back of his mind that he was forgetting something important. It had been like this for a couple of weeks now, coming and going like waves against the shore. And speaking of waves, at times he felt like he was at sea when he would be firmly planted on stone, growing nauseous and flushed even in the cool air. Deep down, he did not believe it was the food causing this.

He was not entirely sure what made him ask that morning, but the words came out before he could think of them. "Mother, what day is it?"

"The twentieth day of the third moon," the Queen responded without looking up. "Why do you ask?"

Lucerys was not the greatest at numbers, but he quickly did the math in his head. The last time he bled had been after his last assault from Aegon. He had only lay with Aemond a handful of times after that and then several times before he was exiled, which was now over a month ago, and in the last case he had forgotten to take moontea until at least three days after. "Hm."

It had to have been his lack of a proper answer or the slow realization widening his eyes that made his mother stop eating and stare at him. But Lucerys was still doing that math over and over.

Fifty-six days. It had been fifty-six days since he had bled.

His wide eyes went to the Queen in shock. "Muña!"

Rhaenyra was already standing and sweeping around the table to offer her arms around him in comfort, holding him around the shoulders from behind. "Oh, my sweet boy."

"What?" Jacaerys was also standing, looking back and forth between his mother and brother. "What is happening?" The eldest son's sudden anxiety stressed the rest of them out, Joffrey squirming as he looked around the table not knowing what was happening, Little Aegon and Viserys grimacing.

Only Daemon and Baela seemed to grasp the situation, though it was clear Daemon felt very strongly already, his jaw clenched so hard the muscles in his cheek were twitching.

Lucerys gripped his mothers arms tight and it was as if he was failing at swimming lessons all over again, unable to breathe as water choked him and he panicked for it. "He won't know. He won't even know!"

"Shh, we will get through this."

"What if I die during it?" That question alone answered Jace's questions about what had the prince and the Queen so worked up about, and his older brother slowly sank back into his seat, staring blankly ahead of him. "Who is going to tell Aemond that?"

The room had become so cold and empty, echoing like his bond. He felt it, even though they were apart. It was not the same as when he left to raze the Riverlands, when it felt like Aemond had tore it apart when he left the Keep, but like when he left to meet his brother South. It was dulled down, throbbed only when Lucerys dug his nails into the claim mark, or when it felt like someone else was digging their nails into theirs, but it was there.

"He will know. But please, do not go there. It is much too early for any of that."

Lucerys nodded but continued to be held by his mother. After everything he had gone through, her embraces were lengthy warm things that had become an activity in itself. He let her cedar and bergamot scent embed into his clothes and he did not cry. Not then.

His mother buried her nose into his hair, telling him, "if anything happens to you I will kill my half-brother personally."

He doubted Aemond would want to live in a world without him anyway. "I won't be alive to stop you, send him to me quickly, then."

He was taken to the maester shortly after with his mother holding his hand the entire time. By the time he was done, frowning from the invasive prods to his body and questions he had to answer while avoiding his mother's hard eyes, it had been decided.

Prince Lucerys was pregnant.

They did not rejoice at the news.

༺༻

Lucerys moved to Driftmark from King's Landing before the maester advised it ill to travel. He would not give birth in the capital, no matter the outcome, he would not have his child grow up in the Red Keep and he would not die there either. Everywhere reminded him of awful memories or that he was without his mate - to him that was no way to bring life into the world.

And as much as he loved his little brother, seeing a pale haired boy named Aegon running the halls did nothing good to Lucerys' peace of mind who was still healing and had come to flinch at the sound of that name. His mother did not want him from her side but after he had begged her for a fortnight, at the end finally breaking down and spilling out his fears, she gave him her reluctant permission.

The next day he was boarding a ship heading for High Tide's ports with his dragon and the remaining eggs from Dreamfyre's clutch contained in a chest. The she-dragon herself flew ahead of them with Shrykos, Mooneyes still too small to join but shrieking and flapping his wings like he would take off and join her.

His grandsire was more than welcoming of him regardless of the three others approaching with him. Ser Arryk had sworn himself to Lucerys' side with the Queen's permission - vowing to protect the prince as he should have, no matter what. He had gotten onto one knee and swore that he would make up for each action he could not stop, though Lucerys did not put the blame on him once. In fact he had been surprised the man would rather swear himself to Lucerys than be with his brother, but he accepted all the same.

Helaena held Maelor's hand as they followed Lucerys up the slightly swaying dock. The nine year old had never been outside of King's Landing before and he stuck to his mothers side like an overwhelmed duckling. Her twins were to remain in the capital as Rhaenyra's wards, but they all knew another word for ward was hostage. But like himself, Helaena had tired of the red brick that had been her own prison, and longed for the sunnier days at High Tide, though she claimed it was only temporary.

Corlys met them in the midst of reconstruction of the main ports and further down the trading town that had been sacked during the Battle of the Gullet. Months later there were still signs of the razing, blackened trees, burned down houses and market stalls, the land muddy and trampled. It would take years before it was the same town it had been. Yet the spirit of the people who lived here was resilient and foundations were being set more each day.

The prince had lifted his hand to block the bright sun and instead was blinded by the warmth in Corlys' smile as they drew closer. "You've made it safely, I see. Any troubles along the way?"

"None at all," Lucerys smiled back. "Thank you for having us," he fully decided it was the pregnancy that suddenly made his throat close up, the hot sting in his eyes. His grandsire put a warm hand on his shoulder and squeezed.

"This would be your home no matter what, there is no wrong time for you to be here. In fact, I think it will only do you and the baby good. Now, let's get you all settled."

If he wasn't choking back tears before, he was then.

Towards the eastern point of the castle was where Lucerys was led, into a lofty room magnitudes more comfortable than the royal apartments in Maegor's Holdfast - of course, those had been larger and more elegant, but at the same time colder as its namesake might have desired. Being so surrounded by the opulences covering stone walls had always made him feel overwhelmed; it had been a well decorated prison cell after all. There was no doubt his husband never bothered to change anything, becoming a well placed prisoner designed as a warden to keep him in line.

He was allowed to feel bitterness and plenty of resentment towards more than just dead men, he felt it towards Aemond no matter how he loved him. So much of what happened did not need to if only the man had chosen him sooner. Lucerys knew if he had been older he could have done more, would have known more. Even now he was learning and had plenty of embarrassing, humbling moments where he was reminded of his youth.

Aemond had scolded him again and again once their marriage began. You are just a child. But he had not been, not really. And definitely no longer. Not when he was someone's omega and there was a chance he'd live to be a mother as well. He would not have time to be a child, not when he would have his own to raise.

Not to mention, he was living at High Tide now, for some reason his grandsire still saw him as his heir. One day, but gods he prayed not for many years, he would be the lord here. This would all be his to care for as well. He had no time for a childhood, those years had been cut short the moment Aemond draped that red and black cloak over his shoulders.

He sighed as he stretched out on the four poster bed, big like the one he slept in before, but slightly softer and just as empty. The sheer curtains along the bed were pale blue and patterned with seahorses. The thick blanket was a rich, dark blue, the sheets a creamy white. There was no red or black in sight, no green. Lucerys smiled softly at that, running his hands along the still flat of his stomach. Thinking, if he was lucky, he would have a baby dressed in blue.

The air tasted better here, far away from the overpopulated, poorly planned city. It stank constantly there and here it smelled of the sea, of his own scent. And in twenty-one months it would begin to smell of sandalwood and clove as well.

Lying in that new bed in that new room alone, Lucerys did not want to dwell on how hard it would be without Aemond. But his mother was right, at some point he would need to learn to live for himself and not just his mate. One day he could very well be the only thing he had, he couldn't let that break him.

Instead of wallowing, Lucerys left the room and explored his new home, trying to find a sense of peace within all the crashing blue.

༺༻

It took another month and a half before Lucerys saw for a fact that there was something growing inside of him.

Not something. A baby. His hand rested under his naval over the slightest firmness he knew was not there before. He had always been small, growing almost worryingly so in his first year of marriage and he had never really come back from that. His grandsire was adamant on feeding him plenty and it was slowly helping, but under his hand felt different than that.

It was really happening. The maesters had long since confirmed his scent changing, mellowed out now that he was pregnant. His skin smelled milky now and occasionally Lucerys would smell of clove, even separated Aemond's claim in him was blood deep.

At the same time, he worried this would not end well for him, this baby growing inside of him. Staring at that naked boy in the looking glass, he appeared much too sparse to have anything grow within him. He feared it would suck him dry before he even had an abundance to share.

A knock at his door startled him and the prince quickly found a robe. "Please do not come in, but yes?"

"Lord Corlys wishes to speak with you, my prince." It was Ser Arryk's voice on the other side and Lucerys let out a tightly held breath.

"I will be right there."

If this baby did not kill him then his nerves surely would. He dressed quickly in a soft tunic and leggings, keeping his hair down. He assumed correctly that his grandsire would be expecting him in the hall he received most guests. High Tide was a beautifully crafted castle, not as large and foreboding as the Red Keep, but it was not without.

Standing in the room, in the middle of a conversation with his grandsire, were two men Lucerys vaguely recognized. He had seen them present with his grandsire when Aemond had been sentenced to exile, but there had been no time for introductions then and Corlys left the capital shortly after.

Lucerys nodded politely, confused by how elated his grandsire was as he stood. "Ah, and just as I said. I would like you to finally meet Lucerys." Then Corlys gave Lucerys a warm look, though he appeared nervous. "This is Addam and Alyn Velaryon, formally Hull. They are your late father's natural sons. I hope it is not any imposition to introduce you like this, seeing as you all live here."

Lucerys stared at his grandsire in shock before blinking that away and meeting the other men's eyes, violet like Laenor's had been, the same pale hair. He had already heard of Addam and Alyn and the stories alone made the young prince twice as insecure. "Of course not," Lucerys felt himself saying but he barely heard the words. "It is a pleasure to meet you both."

"Likewise," Addam had a shocking amount of kindness in his eyes. "We've already heard so much about you from our grandsire, but it's refreshing to meet you for ourselves."

Alyn followed suit, but the deeper look into his eyes made Lucerys wary. "Though you are far more beautiful than he ever gave you credit for."

Flushing, Lucerys thanked him before staring at Corlys. The man only smiled, not realizing how uncomfortable Lucerys had become.

"Great, I hoped you three would get close. You would have met sooner, but Addam and Alyn here volunteered to help the Queen and only just got back." Corlys patted Addam's shoulder, looking at him specifically. "I expect you to show Lucerys around the docks when I am not able to."

Addam agreed without complaint and that was how the prince gained the companionship of an unmated alpha. Lucerys knew Aemond would just love that, it was almost a good thing he was far away. But it was only Addam, his younger brother had his own duties to attend to, and Lucerys found relief in that, the younger reminding him far too much of those hungry alphas that made him feel small.

After seeing Addam, Lucerys could not help but make comparisons. He was said to be the son of Laenor as well, and while he sure looked like him, at certain angles it was just like looking at a younger version of their grandsire only slightly lighter. He had a far better claim than Lucerys ever did, who found none of Laenor in his features. Not in his brown hair starting to curl passed his shoulders, in his hazel eyes and softly freckled tan skin.

Arryn and Baratheon, his mother claimed. Those great houses had married into theirs and that was why all three of his brothers, sired by Laenor, looked nothing like the man.

For years he had been called a bastard by anyone brave enough to say so. For years his parentage was questioned or mocked. He held no soft spot for bastards just because he was one. But he did not hate them, did not see how they were to blame for their existence. But most bastards were not titled as princes, or Kings, their blood was not constantly questioned for its purity.

And a good many never got recognized as Addam had. No longer a Hull but a Velaryon who rode the dragon Seasmoke. Lucerys did not see how or why he was still titled heir when there was a far more impressive bastard standing before him.

He said as much to his grandsire later, only without the word bastard attached. "He is soon to be eighteen and has been at sea his entire life. And by law, he is a Velaryon and technically would be considered my fathers second born." Lucerys took a deep breath to continue, but Corlys kindly stopped him.

"Lucerys, listen to me. I named you heir fully aware of Addam and Alyn, even after they were legitimized. If there was any chance we could win that war and get you back, it had always been you I saw as my successor."

"But, why?"

"For the reason that you will always be my grandson, no matter what anyone says. Your other grandsire, King Viserys, believed that as well." When Lucerys opened his mouth to protest, Corlys silenced him. "While you might believe it was just your mothers birthright we gathered for, every one of us fought for you as well. Your place has always been at sea, Lucerys, and you'll learn to sail once you've made me a proud great-grandsire. You've barely gotten your feet wet."

"But Addam-"

"Is a good lad. Loyal to a fault, even. He'll make a fine captain." Then Corlys turned away, staring out of the open window and towards the sound of waves, the tone of his voice shifting as well. "He's a handsome man, too, wouldn't you say?"

Lucerys shrugged half-heartedly. "I suppose, yes."

"And he's become quite the alpha, not as dominant as Jacaerys, but still he is quite charming. He grew up with a single mother, so he's attentive as well. He would take good care of an omega one day."

Lucerys was silent.

His grandsire turned at the lack of response, quickly saying, "I am only reminding you that you do have options, not just here. A mate you choose for yourself, not one forced upon you. Should you wish for it."

The prince held back his tongue but he felt the venom dripping. He wanted to snap back, to lash out at such a suggestion from his grandsire. But Corlys was giving him this safe haven away from the capital, treating him with cruelty when he only cared for Lucerys' wellbeing curdled the spite in his gut and he was tired of thoughtlessly facing his family with anger. "I appreciate the concern, truly, but I am quite content with who my mate is. Even if he was not my choice, I love my husband."

Corlys nodded, raising his hands in surrender. "Then we will never have this conversation again and I apologize."

The tension in Lucerys sagged away with a heavy sigh. "I understand. No one wants to accept our bond. Not until they've all decided I am of sound mind and body. So, never."

"Hush," Corlys tried hard not to smile. "I believe you. Gods be good, the dragon blood in you. You reminded me of my wife right before she threatened me with dragonfire."

And that was when Lucerys felt that hollow pit yawn, waking up to greet him. He had been so foolish. His grandsire might very well prefer not housing the man who participated in killing his wife, seeing him married to his heir. That realization paled him and his grandsire held his shoulders when he covered his mouth with a sob.

"Lucerys, are you feeling faint? Is it the baby?"

"I am so sorry," Lucerys sobbed. "Oh gods, I am so selfish."

"What are you speaking of now?"

"Aemond, what he did," Lucerys couldn't say the words in front of his grandsire, to see his face should he say them out loud. "And still I did not leave him. You must think I'm a monster."

Corlys was silent as he processed that, glancing downward. There was grief in his eyes that Lucerys wished was not there. His grandsire's scent was heavy like mud stuck to wet wood, his eyes meeting Lucerys' but he was not there. Corlys might be seeing his wife for all he knew, maybe the last time he saw her or one of the many times before. But it remained a fact that it was all he had left of Rhaenys, his memories. "Let me tell you, I see no monster in you. As for your husband, that is a different matter, isn't it? And you are not him, you do not share his demons. And you should know, I blame your mother just as I do your husband."

"My mother?"

Corlys released him, the weight of outliving his wife and children making him sit into his throne like a lost man seeking his only refuge, looking his age then with deep lines etched into his face. "I should not have said that. I will not bother you with past grievances. Especially not of your mothers, that would not be fair to you. But choices were made on all sides that day and I regret every one."

It was apparent Corlys desired to spare him from the harsher details of the war, and Lucerys could not stand there and not feel the same. "Likewise, I do not want to burden you if his presence will remind you of that. I will return to King's Landing when Aemond returns."

"You will do no such thing. And neither will your mate." Corlys looked at him with renewed life. "Do not worry, son. I will put that man to work. He will never repay for what he's done, but he will not live here for free."

Lucerys nodded, holding back his slight smile at that. "Very well."

Corlys gave him a warm look and Lucerys left him, knowing he would need time alone to sit with that just as Lucerys would.

But Lucerys did not like to sit alone so he found Helaena's easy company in the gardens, and they spent the afternoon watching their dragons fly the sky.

Notes:

toiny preggo lucerys, he is my treasure.

We're almost done y'all, just want to thank everyone who commented and gave kudos along the way c': it means a lot to know ur thoughts

Chapter 14: your heart

Notes:

It's baby time

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Mooneyes was thriving on Driftmark.

He had taken to the sea and the open air and he was growing all the more for it. He was a quick learner, studying the older dragons around him and picking up new habits all on his own. He was now the size of the massive horses he'd seen in the capital but he would need a year or two until he would be able to carry his weight along with the heavy saddle custom made for him.

Lucerys watched as his dragon dove into the sea in search of fish. Repeatedly, until he had been satisfied. The men at the docks had been horrified the first time his cerulean blue dragon had come bursting from the waters with several wiggling fishtails caught in his jaws while opaque white eyes stared at them.

Lucerys found it endearing.

He stood against the balcony wall in sight of his dragon and stroked the swelling of his belly. The slowly accumulating weight made his lower back ache more each week and because of that he had discarded his leggings and trousers for the comfort of dresses once more, only this time it was by his own choice and he picked every one. As his child grew within him, his body seemed to agree with the freeness of his flowing lace and soft velvet, and a part of him had started to enjoy how he looked in them.

A servant approached where he stood on the terrace, within his hands a small adorned box. The boy bowed his head as he was allowed to approach. "My prince, you have received another courting gift. Though it does not say who it is from."

It was not uncommon even now for one to come in, there were still those who thought they could offer more than an exiled prince with nothing. But Lucerys would not dissolve his bond or marriage for a castle or a navy. Lucerys motioned dismissively with his hand to set it on the table, "thank you."

He went back to watching Mooneyes, though his eyes had begun to stray. He had planned to ignore it a while longer, but the box sat shining in the light and he was drawn to it. He sat in the sun warmed chair in privacy. It was customary for any gifts to be checked beforehand, so he opened the lid with no fear of anything lurking inside.

He was met with one of the boldest presents he had received so far, though the newly constructed fleet of ships adorned with his name had been quite an impressive gift from Dalton Greyjoy.

He gasped softly as the ring inside caught the sunlight, the gleaming platinum encrusted with ovals of ruby and sapphire surrounding a large, sparkling pearl. As far as courting gifts go, it was quite presumptuous. The servant who delivered it had claimed there was no indication of who sent it, but Lucerys found the slip of parchment hidden under the velvet the ring rested in. He recognized the handwriting immediately.

When I happened across this, I knew I wanted you to wear it. Your mother would strangle me if she knew but it is worth the risk of her ire. I need you to know that I think of you, always.

It was signed with a single drawing of an eye. One eye.

Lucerys smiled, reading it over.

There was no doubt in his mind that his mother would find it irritating, but Lucerys needed this. He had a good idea of where his husband was despite the evasiveness or outright refusal to confirm or deny. He wondered if maybe Ser Arryk knew and, continuing his role of messenger, was sending Aemond news. But he did not see the man doing that without confiding in Lucerys first, or at least asking if he wanted to send his own letter.

He slipped the ring onto his second finger. It fit perfectly and Lucerys admired it as he continued to wonder how Aemond knew he was living on Driftmark and what else the man had heard from across the sea. His hand returned to his belly, sweeping over the slight curve of it.

It had been five months and sooner than he would like he would test his strength on his birthing bed. The fear it brought him would attempt to claim his heart, but he made himself push past the grim thought and pray only for an easy labor. He did not want to die in pain, wondering if in the end his child would perish with him. He hadn't even met them yet but he loved this little baby kicking around inside of him and he knew Aemond would as well.

His husband was not exactly a kind man, but Lucerys believed he would make a doting kepa. He wanted them to have a big family and he knew that was something he shared with Aemond. He hoped all that love would make up for the years his uncle went without.

He yearned for his mate each day, the ache in his chest deepening the closer the day approached. Aemond should be there in any case, it felt wrong to keep him from the birth of his child or the death of his mate, whatever the day would bring.

Lucerys looked up as his grandsire found him, the man glancing at the box and then his hand, a small knowing smile pulling his lips. "Wipe your tears, son. It is too beautiful a day for sadness."

As he wiped his wet cheeks his grandsire joined him. "What troubles you today?"

"The same fears, I'm afraid." Lucerys' hand kept his steady motion over his stomach. "I know I shouldn't worry, but I haven't known what that's like…in a long time."

His grandsire rested his hand on Lucerys' shoulder, a warm and solid pressure that reminded him that he was not alone in this, just in the ways that hurt. "You will be just fine, Lucerys," Corlys swore as if he had discussed it with the gods themselves, the man's ever standing faith in him still taking him back. "And your mate will be there for other births."

It was all he wanted at that moment, just to have him there when he needed him. "I've come up with names," Lucerys looked down. "In case I am not favored."

His grandsire nodded slowly for him to continue, a grim but understanding furrow to his brow.

He had thought about it, taken many things into consideration when deciding. This was Aemond's child, after all, and he would not name his child after the grandmother his husband had killed. There was nothing right about that, but still he wanted to honor his Velaryon and his Targaryen side if he could. "If they are a boy, I should have them named Laenor, and Aemma for a girl."

Corlys smiled at that, his eyes briefly closing. "Beautiful names in any event. But you will be there to name them yourself."

Lucerys nodded, trying to believe it if only for his sake.

༺༻

The day of his child's birth came on a bright and windy afternoon, the sun mounting the sky as Lucerys hunched over on a contraction. He had been experiencing them on and off for a while now, but this one felt much stronger than any he had before. He was not sure if it was the rise of the sun that spurred them on, but his little dragon was ready to come out.

Something warm dripped down his thighs but when he reached down quickly and pulled his fingers back there was no blood, just clear fluid.

"Maester Jonas!" His panicked call alerted several handmaidens and quickly he was being led to his bed, the midwives just flurries of motion as the reality kicked in while his body tensed, preparing to give birth.

Helaena was there at his side where his mother should have been. Alphas were not allowed within the room but she was the Queen, she would be holding him through it all if she so wished. But even if his mother had been fast enough to reach him, he would have finished before she arrived. His aunt kept him grounded and basked him in warm wildflowers to soothe him, dabbing the sweat from his forehead with a cloth.

"I feel like I'm being split in two, fuck!" Lucerys groaned miserably, head tossed back against the mountain of pillows supporting him.

Helaena smiled weakly, knowing exactly what he was going through. "You need to push, sweet boy."

He did. Over and over. He had no concept of time, only that when he gave his final scream it was joined with a shrill one and the sun was beginning to sink into the earth and the room starting to cool. He let go of the bruising grip he had of Helaena's hand and laid back into the pillows, panting harshly as he was wiped down from his sweat covered forehead to his blood sticky thighs.

"When you can stand we will change the bedding, my prince," he was told by one of the midwives but he did not care about that, he only needed one thing.

"I want to see my baby," his voice was dry and scratchy, prompting a handmaid to hold a glass of water to his lips. He could hear his baby, could feel that they were near.

Soon the whimpering bundle was brought into his arms, just a little thing like him she weighed nothing at all. The midwife who had checked the fussy newborn was smiling at Lucerys' bedside. "A healthy girl, my lord. All twenty fingers and toes. And strong lungs, no doubt they'll hear her on Dragonstone!"

"She's beautiful, Lucerys," Helaena had tears in her eyes, which could not look away from the babe in his arms. "Aemond would be so proud."

A crack of a smile graced Lucerys' lips, only half listening. She would need a proper cleaning, but there was no denying she was a wonder to look at. The swirls of damp hair, only a few, caught the light of the candles and shone white. And when she blinked her eyes, there was no denying the amethyst under the slightly filmy newborn hue. "Our little Aemma."

༺༻

Rhaenyra was there the next day, flying in on Syrax so incredibly close to the castle she might as well have used the northern terrace as a landing spot. Anyone who saw the Queen would not have said anything, not with the look of urgency only a mother could know, not when half the servants had been up listening to baby Aemma greet life with echoing wails.

A brave beta servant led Rhaenyra to the room as she had no clue where to go and was not against opening the first door she found. There was a door adorned with seashells that opened to a wide circular room overlooking the sea below. Still tucked in bed, holding a baby to his half-bared chest, was a very exhausted looking Prince Lucerys.

His hazel eyes looked up at the sound of her entrance and then the boy smiled after he blinked a few times, as if he were still asleep. "Mother, I'm feeding her." He said it with so much wonder and love that Rhaenyra could not refuse her smile.

"I can see that, sweet boy." She came to his bedside, the bed was large enough to sit facing him and her grandchild. Rhaenyra stared hard at the baby, realization making her pause. Dear gods, a grandmother already. Lucerys glanced up at her sudden inhale. Then he looked down, red faced.

"I'm sorry, I can stop if this is uncomfortable for you."

Rhaenyra immediately shook her head, leaning closer to brush through his sleep mused waves of hair. It was as soft as it looked, curling down past his collarbones. "Of course not. I nursed you just like that, you're doing well."

"Am I? I feel like I'm holding her in such an awkward position." Lucerys grimaced but the girl in his arms only made tiny grunts between drinks, eyes closed and pink cheeked. She was a tiny thing but he looked natural with her. That didn't mean it wouldn't take some time for Rhaenyra to get used to seeing her sweet child with his own.

"You will get used to it in time." Without thinking she had echoed her own thoughts and it was a hard truth to swallow.

"Mm, I will have to if I plan to have more." Lucerys said it softly while gazing down at his daughter, unaware of the unease that spread within his mother. "Aemma will have a head start before the rest."

Rhaenyra could not find the right words to say, at least not ones that wouldn't hurt her son, and chose to simply watch as Lucerys smiled down at the now sleeping girl, Aemma, and adjusted his robe to cover his chest. A handmaiden took the baby from him, resting her in a bassinet next to the bed. She asked if Lucerys needed anything, then quickly asked the same of the Queen, flushing in embarrassment, but she was waved off.

Lucerys laid back into his pillows, head tilted towards his mother. As exhausted as he was, he was still such a beautiful thing, his soft scent all around them, in his hair draping over his shoulders, in every movement he made. His smile was full of warmth, tired around the edges but still radiant. "It is good to see you, muña."

"I would have been here sooner, the second we heard you had gone into labor, there was a revolt in the lower parts of the city, Daemon refused to let anyone near the dragonpit until it was dealt with. Timing always gets in the way of things."

"Is everyone alright?" Lucerys winced when he sat up, thinking better of it as he laid back.

It brought a smile to her face, seeing how much her boy cared for them. She had begun to fear they would remain nothing more than familial strangers. She could not help herself from soothing the omega with soft caresses of his cheek. "Yes, everything will be fine. I will need to speak to your grandsire about some changes, but other than that, nothing you need to worry about."

Her son's eyebrows furrowed, his dark eyes glancing over to his left where his daughter slept. When he met Rhaenyra's eyes, he reminded her so much of the boy who left Dragonstone never to return, the boy's determination to make her proud despite his fears. Only this boy was not shaking slightly, he did not look back when he said, "I will be the Lord here one day. It should be my business as well."

And she knew then that he was not doing it for her, either.

Rhaenyra blinked, smiling from surprise. "You do not speak like a child, that is for sure."

"I suppose not."

She had heard those same words with that same inflection before. Her brow wrinkled, trying hard not to let it sour her mood. "No, you sound like my half-brother."

At least he appeared somewhat embarrassed by that. "He taught me many things. Like how to articulate more eloquently." He smiled and his mother allowed herself to laugh with him. But when the laughter died down, Lucerys once more looked away, at the ring she had never seen him wear before. The specific choice of gems and how he stared longingly at it made it obvious who the sender had been.

It grated her, knowing even though she had forced him out of Westeros, her little brother still found a way to reach Lucerys. Persistent little worm. He should not be allowed the comfort of contact in any capacity.

In the end, it had been her decision to separate Lucerys from his mate. A choice she did not necessarily regret but given her son's circumstances now, she knew how likely it was that he resented her for it. That day, it truly did not sink in that her son could love her half-brother, even now she did not understand.

There was an underlying need for her to understand.

"Do you know why we were so protective of you?" She asked him, taking his hand without the ring. "You were so young when you were taken from us and when we got you back we feared we might lose you again."

Lucerys squirmed as he sat up, his eyebrows pushed together. She recognized that stubbornness, he got it from her as much as he did his father. "I know. But I am alive, you do not need to worry."

"You've only just become a mother, you will soon know that it is all that you do when it comes to your children. Especially when they come back to you married to your hellspawn half-brother."

She regretted her words after Lucerys grimaced, looking at her with big hurt eyes. "Will you ever accept that I want my bond with Aemond? Or will you still believe it is forced years from now?"

If they were to finally have this talk, then Rhaenyra would let it out. "It is hard for me to understand how that could happen given the violence of how he hunted you. You almost died because of his actions. I know you think it is none of my business but you are my son, so it is entirely my business. I do wonder if it is only the bond that makes you feel this way."

Lucerys exhaled, shaking his head as he looked away. She could see the fight in his body, in the roll of his shoulders, in how he almost pulled his hand away from her.

"Maybe the bond did make me love him at first. Or at least…allowed me to soften up to him. But at some point, I know I chose him. Even now I still choose him. I've felt how deeply he cares for me and I don't want to feel that from anyone else. We have a child together, muña." His eyes pleaded at her to understand while he clung to her hand desperately. "And I love him enough to have more. I truly do."

The prince didn't know how to stop once he started and it all came free, the years of pain and conflict that held onto his heart being laid out onto his mothers lap. "When we got married, you are right, I hated him and I wanted out. I tried so many times but he wouldn't let me. Everyone likes to remind me of how he almost killed me, but you do not know that he is the reason I'm even alive today. I tried so many times, muña."

It took everything within her not to collapse from those words but Lucerys cried for her, hot tears falling down his cheeks and he scrubbed them away, his voice breaking. "I don't know what I need to do for you to believe that I can love him when for years he made me live. I would have done it, if not for him. I don't care if it was selfish of him. I don't care."

She had not known that. What she had heard from the whispers of the capitol had not been pleasant. Her son being forced to wear revealing dresses, paraded around like some stolen whore, that her half-brother kept him locked in his room for days on end doing unspeakable things to him. She heard of her son's heat and knew he did not spend it alone, had seen their bed and smelled their mingled scent on it as proof that they shared it.

The entire time she believed it to be forced, even after the letters her son sent her claiming her brother never touched him unkindly. She did not fully trust that he was not made to care for him, that Aemond had hurt him enough that Lucerys believed it himself.

But she had also heard of the dragon her son now had and of Aegon's displeasure of the fact while Aemond had remained firm in his belief that Lucerys should have it. She knew it was Aemond who sent that first letter to her. Who spoke to Ser Arryk to get word to his brother on her island. And when she had questioned the knight, he only had words of hatred for himself for never being able to stop Aegon from what he had done. No matter how sharply Daemon had questioned Aemond in the cells, never once did he blame Lucerys, only ever asked to know if he was well.

And she knew, even though her brother had taken the floor from under her when she had heard of the attack over Shipbreaker's Bay, from all those moments she found Aemond in her room, speaking so softly to her son as he was just a small toddler, that he had loved her son the moment he saw him.

Years ago she had casted her half-brother aside and felt nothing of it. She had never loved her father's second family and part of her - rightfully - had wondered if they would one day come to steal her claim. Yet with as much hate that she spewed towards Aemond, she would be a liar if she ever claimed he had touched Lucerys at all inappropriately when they had lived together in King's Landing.

It was not the shock of something unspeakable happening to her son that made her take Lucerys away from Aemond, it was the fact that she had just given birth to this sweet baby boy and already someone wanted to take him from her, that they had already begun to wrap their claim into him before she had even gotten to have him for herself.

She would never forget coming into her room and finding Aemond holding Lucerys. Twelve years old and never once finding a way to bond with her, but there he was, smiling down at her newborn son like Lucerys was his and whispering to him that he would never have an unhappy day with Aemond, he would keep him safe for as long as he lived.

For five years she tried to keep Aemond away from Lucerys and for five years her half-brother found a way to get to him. When he had presented as an alpha at fifteen his eyes had looked at Lucerys with possession and Rhaenyra knew then if Lucerys presented as an omega she would never be free of Aemond.

And he had. Of course her sweet boy had. But he was so young and it was all because Aemond, ever the dominant hellspawn, had cornered her son when he was only nine. She did not know what he did as she did not believe a word that came from Aemond's mouth, only that it must have involved his scent as the entire hallway they were found in reeked of it. And then precious notes of the sea, of a salty ocean breeze, and hints of vanilla floated in. Aemond had been so satisfied with himself, sole eye gleaming with possession even as Lucerys was rushed away from him. "See? I knew he was made for me."

Rhaenyra wanted to kill him where he stood. Lucerys repeatedly told her that nothing happened, that they had just been talking when Aemond started scenting him. But when they found Aemond standing with Lucerys against the wall, her son had been shaking with fear, freshly presented as an omega.

Aemond was saved only by Alicent. He had not known that Viserys was content to send him to live in Oldtown, but it was Alicent's fit of rage that made Viserys cower. He was a beta after all, married to a beta who at times behaved more like an alpha, and he was dying.

It only took less than a year before Lucerys was flying to Storm's End and her half-brother got what he wanted and then some.

Rhaenyra pulled Lucerys to her chest, her own tears falling down her face. "I am so sorry, Lucerys. I've failed you. I should have come for you the moment we knew you were alive. I was afraid of what my brothers would do to you, but that is no excuse. I should have come anyway. None of this should have ever happened."

Her words sank in and her son was shaking his head, still allowing her to hold him when he spoke muffled against her chest, "but it did. And even though I never want to go back to that time, I would never wish that my daughter never happened."

He pulled back, needing to look at the sleeping girl. Rhaenyra could recognize that dreamy look on her son's face, the love he had for her swelling now that he could look at her and hold her within his arms, smell her delicate scent. "She is not the only good thing to come out of it. It might have started broken, but our bond healed and grew. I can't say that I wished Aemond never happened, either."

When Rhaenyra could not speak, Lucerys smiled sadly, the aged look in his eyes not fitting his soft face. "You might not understand now, but one day when you can see how happy he makes me, or would make me, maybe you will start to."

It was too late for her. She could see that now. Her brother had already worked into the boy, but Lucerys was right about one thing. That sweet little girl blessing the world was precious even if she came from her half-brother.

"Then…will you ever forgive me for punishing you as well?"

"I will. I could never be mad at you for long, but I am hurt. Aemond always reminded me that I'm just a child, so I've been trying not to think like one. I understand why you had to send him away." His eyes met hers unflinchingly, showing the resolve to his words. "You just became Queen and he was your enemy. Some enemies you cannot let go unpunished." He said it all pragmatically, shrugging his shoulders even as his eyes remained sad.

"But you are not my enemy."

"No," Lucerys drew out the word with a sigh. "But you thought this would make me happy. How were you supposed to know that I would get pregnant? Or that I actually loved your…hellspawn brother." Lucerys shrugged again. "That's been my life the past four years."

"I suppose it has."

Then they smiled wanly at each other, before looking away. Crying had worn the already exhausted boy out and Rhaenyra had more to say, so much she needed to ask him. But she would let him sleep along with his darling baby, they would have plenty of time later.

"I will let you rest, sweet one. But I will be here when you wake up. I would like to meet my granddaughter properly."

Lucerys nodded, smiling through his exhaustion. "Thank you for coming, muña."

She kissed his forehead. "Of course, Lucerys."

Her son was already curling up, facing the sleeping baby and blinking slowly with a smile on his face by the time she left the room.

༺༻

A few weeks after the birth and days after his fourteenth nameday, he received another adorned chest, this one slightly larger than the last. When it was brought to him with barely a word other than the usual formalities, he could only open it and smile. The first thing he saw were the two children's toys, a carved dragon, only less spiky, and a cloth seahorse doll stuffed with cotton.

He immediately brought them to the crib - apparently the same sturdy one Laenor and Laena used. His little girl stared up at him and gave him a gummy smile. "This one is not exactly soft, but this one should do." He rested the stuffed seahorse on her soft belly, smiling as she wiggled her arms and kicked her legs. "A gift from your kepa. He wishes he were here with us, little dragon."

It was not just toys for Aemma within the chest, there was a pearl necklace interspersed with sapphires and a letter for him. He marveled the necklace in the light of the sun, shaking his head in awe. It did not match what he was wearing at all but he still fastened it around his neck, the cool stones sitting perfectly. Then he delved back in for the letter, eyes lighting up at Aemond's neat script.

My Lucerys

If not for your mother wanting a reason to kill me, nothing would stop me from being with you right now. I've only just heard that you were even carrying and now that I have a daughter. A daughter, but no name. This is truly a punishment to keep you from me even now. I miss you so much already. I miss your skin, the way you smell, your taste. Pentos is lifeless without you. Your grandsire occasionally sends me letters, send me one, too. I want to hear from you. What is our daughter's name? Does she look like you? Anything at all.

With more love than you know

Aemond

The words became unreadable as Lucerys teared up, but still he read them over and over. He set the letter down so as to not ruin it with his tears, even as he wiped his face they came down quickly. He had been doing well with staying busy and having a baby definitely helped, but now he was feeling that ache all throughout his body, entirely too touch starved and alone all over. He needed Aemond, nothing he did was ever enough and he didn't even have his scent.

There were not many memories of his husband he could rely on to make him feel better. Those years felt shadowed in his mind. Remembering a genuinely good moment was immediately followed with whatever had brought them to that point, or what came after, and those were never kind memories. He craved new ones to hold onto as all his recent ones were layered in sadness, but there was still over a year before they could start.

Aemma responded in kind, whimpering before letting out her own cries. Lucerys went to her, his daughter dominating his thoughts. "Shh, shh, everything is fine." He picked her up despite the entrance of his handmaid. "I just miss your kepa, that's all."

He rocked her as he was taught, speaking to her softly until she settled in his arms, looking up at him with so much hurt for a baby. He understood her pain and he wiped his wet cheeks on his shoulder. "Do you feel what you've lost too? Is that why you always cry when I do? Silly girl."

He was left alone once more and he held Aemma on the couch, showing her the letter from a distance, he did not put it past her to suddenly spew chunks. She was his child after all. "One day, you will get to meet him and he's going to be so happy to see you. I bet he'll cry. He's emotional even though he would deny it to his last breath."

Aemma just made a garbled noise, pink faced from bellowing. Lucerys smiled as he cuddled her. "Mhm, I agree."

He spent a good portion of the night drafting letters, only for each one to become smudged from his tears. But in the end he managed one with minimal tears, sanding it before it could ruin.

My Aemond

Aemma. Our daughter's name is Aemma. I made the right choice. She looks like you, so if you want a child that looks more like me, we'll just have to try again when you come home. I've been counting the days. Three-hundred and eighty-seven. Less when you get this. I miss you so much, our daughter is going to grow up with your looks and that only makes me miss you more. If I wasn't absolutely horrible on a boat I would come to you. It shouldn't be hard to find you now that I know for a fact that you're in Pentos. I would just look for your big fucking dragon. Speaking of dragons, Mooneyes is well. He's getting big. Aemma has an egg but it has yet to crack. I am hopeful, it is still very hot and it shakes at times. Helaena is well, she and Maelor have grown a snail farm on the beach. I stepped on one on accident and felt horrible, but she has many so I don't think she'll notice. I'm running out of space now, so I will just say this, I love you Aemond. Your family is waiting for you.

With all my love

Lucerys

The next morning when he handed his grandsire the letter, the man only shook his head while forcing down a smile. "Your mother cannot know about this."

"About what?" Lucerys smiled brightly before walking away.

༺༻

The sun was scorching the wood of the carrack, heat soaking in until everywhere burned to the touch. Lucerys knew his arms and calves were going to be tanner than the rest of him, squinting up at the cloud free sky. There was barely even a breeze, the sea was calm the past two days. The perfect time to clean and repair the fleet.

And that was exactly what Lucerys was doing, sweating in the hot afternoon sun scrubbing the decks. He hated every second but at the same time, there was a nice calmness to him as he went task to task, something mindless taking over. He only hated how hot it got, the salt in the air not making it any better, making him feel dry and cracked.

His grandfather thought it would be good for him to work the docks, helping out where he could. They were still constructing and rebuilding the ships destroyed during the war to be even more formidable. The sounds of building, repetitive hammering, men calling out instructions he was beginning to understand, followed Lucerys as he worked.

"Timmit, you halfwit cunt, are you trying to make us sail in circles? Move!"

Lucerys laughed under his breath, a deeper chuckle to his right joining him.

He was not alone. Addam was busy lining the sails with rope, sweating right alongside him. His gloved hands were making quick work of it, avoiding rope burn as it was clear he had done this many times before. They had spent long days and nights on the rocking of a ship together. When Corlys could not be his mentor, it was Addam who guided him on his short journeys around the island, quite literally learning the ropes. They had spent enough time together that while calling him his half-brother or - as Lucerys secretly knew - his uncle was still out of the question, they were at least friends.

"Is it not supposed to be winter?" he complained of the heat under his breath.

Addam scoffed. "Maybe inland, the most we get are storms this season."

It had been over a year since he arrived on Driftmark. In spite of being so close to the capital, he rarely received guests from his family. He got a few letters and Jace stopped by on his way to and from Dragonstone before heading back to the capital, but that was all. His life was not the only one continuing and they were all busy making sure the changes the Queen were installing were followed through. He understood his mothers absence, she had a realm to rule. So he did not let those feelings darken into resentment, or to feeling abandoned. In truth, he had plenty of company. A lot of his days were spent with Corlys and Addam on ships or sitting in on meetings, though since the birth he had been on the ship a lot more, or with Helaena and Maelor watching their dragons.

Lucerys still got goosebumps thinking of the time he watched Helaena mount Dreamfyre for the first time in years, how excited the former queen was for days after. Though his aunt was still plagued with horrible dreams, there was no doubt the changes had made her reunite with parts of herself that had been forced down for years. She was happier here, even if she still was not completely free. Shrykos was soon to be large enough for Maelor to ride, which would be good for him, he was still a shy boy even at twelve who followed Helaena everywhere and was wary of strangers.

A shadow fell over him and he turned, seeing Addam standing next to him holding him a flagon of water. He took it with a grateful smile and Addam jerked his head to the side after he drank some. "Please come with me, my prince."

Said prince only made a face at him. "Why are you being so formal with me? How many times do I need to get sick near or on you to tarnish my princely image?"

That made Addam look away with a slight grimace, sighing as the rigidness to his stance lessened. "Fair point, I had to get a new jacket after the last attempt at sea."

"I will get used to it, I swear."

"You will have to," Addam said with a charming smirk, violet eyes meeting his with mirth. "Or just keep a bucket around your neck."

"Hah, very amusing." Lucerys went with Addam as he led them off the ship and down past the docks to the shoreline. "Shouldn't we finish?"

"We're taking a break." Addam announced, walking ahead of him. "You've been out here for hours already, you're starting to look like a crab. Ask the maesters for a salve after we're done."

Lucerys glanced down at his skin, pressing his fingers into his arm and grimacing. He was hot to the touch, almost like he was going through a heat. So when Addam sat down in the water and stared up at him, Lucerys followed suit and sighed happily at the water submerging him. He laid back on his elbows, uncaring that his clothes were soaked, they had been damp with his sweat for hours.

His hair had been pulled up and tied back, loose strands curling along his neck. There was a leather cord around his neck where he kept the ring Aemond sent, the outline now visible under his wet shirt. He didn't like to wear any of his jewelry when he worked in case he accidentally ruined it somehow, but he wanted something close enough to touch.

Addam was pouring water over his head, gently shaking wet pale hair from his forehead. Some water hit Lucerys in the face and automatically he retaliated, whacking a wave of water over at the older man. He heard Addam's affronted intake before Lucerys was drenched in water and back and forth they went like children playing in a pool.

Lucerys was laughing as Addam finally gave in, both of them dripping in sea water. They got a couple amused shouts from the men working and Lucerys flushed slightly. "I don't think I've had fun like that in a long time."

His admission made Addam freeze as he squeezed water out of his hair, head slowly turning in his direction. "Really?"

Lucerys shrugged, looking down at his hands distorted in the water, fingers buried in the sand, tiny grains and shells grating against his fingers. "Not since I was…younger. Before I was married, I suppose."

The last time he could think of was his tenth name day, four months before his flight to Baratheon's hall. Everyone celebrated on Dragonstone and he rode around on Arrax while Jace followed him on Vermax, who was still never able to beat him in a race. He landed victorious, smiling as Jace grumbled about him cheating. You had a two-second start! But even when Jace started first he always came in last.

"How…old are you again, Lucerys?"

Lucerys blinked, looking at Addam through squinted eyes. He thought he knew already, his nameday hadn't been that long ago. "Fourteen. I'll be fifteen in half a year, though. Grandfather wants to take me across the Narrow Sea. Aemond will be home after that, though he'd probably be sick of the Free Cities." He was rambling, which became embarrassingly apparent when he realized Addam was still just staring at him oddly.

Only Addam did look away when he asked his next question, face slightly pinched. "When did you get married?"

Lucerys buried his pruny fingers back into the sand, feeling it under his nails. He scratched the endless grit underneath him. "When I was ten."

"Ten…" Addam let out a quick, astonished breath, looking at him with wide eyes. "And it was consummated?"

Heat not from the sun warmed his skin, sent his heart feeling erratic in his chest. For a moment he felt like the sand under him, all those tiny painful pieces bumping into each other. "Why are you asking this now? It's been months. Were you not at Aemond's trial? Isn't it common knowledge at this point what was done to me?" The harshness to his voice was not a new thing for Lucerys, who had discovered a bit of cruelty to himself that came out when he felt cornered.

"I did not mean to offend you, my prince. I did not know the exact details of your marriage, only that it should not have been." Addam backtracked at the dark look on Lucerys' face. "No, I only meant-"

"I know what you meant," Lucerys said, feeling that hollow pit in his chest open to the surface. His throat felt tight but he forced the words out. "It's the same everyone thinks. You all looked at him like he's a monster, and maybe you're all right and he is. He seems to believe it himself. None of you know what the real monster was like. But all of you are happy to put all the blame on Aemond."

Addam shook his head though it was not to disagree and this time the falling droplets barely registered against Lucerys' skin. "Forgive me if I lack the sympathy for a man who made a child carry one himself."

"I don't see how that's any of your business. You are not my husband. And I lived, did I not?" Lucerys began to stand, sopping wet and burning with growing irritation. "Do I not have a healthy child to show for it?"

"Lucerys, please wait. Let me explain what I meant, that was all wrong. I do not mean to anger you."

"Well, you've failed." Lucerys moved away but his hand was caught. He barely turned his head, looking down at Addam. The man's pale eyes pleaded at him but it only made him angrier. "What more do you have to say? Hm? It does not change anything that happened. Or do you see a better suited match for me? Someone closer in my age, who knows how to care for a single mother. Is that what this is?" He yanked his hand away. "Like I've told many already, I have a husband and an alpha. I do not need a replacement."

He stalked off towards the castle, hiding the rush of angry tears falling down his cheeks.

༺༻

When Aemma was born an egg had been placed in her crib. A dark purple egg from Dreamfyre's clutch they had brought to Driftmark. It was decorated in black flecks, scales shining wherever they hit the light. On the cusp of six months, a crack worked its way down the curve and quickly more spread.

Lucerys heard the sound of Aemma's startled noise and the responding shriek of a newborn hatchling gracing the world and immediately darted across the room to see for himself. There was a dark purple hatchling crawling through broken shell pieces, using its taloned wings to push them away. It shook its body once it was freed, shrieking again. It had black fringe going down its back and blood red eyes that blinked intelligently at its surroundings.

His daughter was staring at the little dragon as it prodded the softness underneath dulled talons. It stretched its wings and Aemma cooed before giggling, reaching out for it. Lucerys watched as the hatchling came to her and nudged its curved mouth against her hand, trilling softly. Aemma's eyes were locked on the dragon who tilted its head, staring back.

Before his very eyes, his daughter was bonding with the hatchling.

He did not remember Arrax's hatching, but sometimes he would see flashes of him when he had been just as small, as if their bond lingered. They had been born together, each other's first bonded, one that would come even before his husbands. Even though he had a new dragon, Arrax held such a deep place in his heart and would never be replaced. It was life and death with them, though only one of them lived. His bond with Mooneyes was not for nothing, but it would be a long time before he could ride him and fully feel their bond.

Now his Aemma had her own dragon, who would grow with her, ready to ride when she was. He fought a battle against happy tears and lost, sniffling down at a giggling Aemma.

After he had broken the good news, many wanted to come and see. There was no official dragonpit like King's Landing, so quite like Mooneyes, this new dragon would bond with Aemma until he became too large and was set to live with the others. Maybe then it wouldn't be preyed on by the ever wandering Cannibal.

He knew from scent alone who was standing outside his door. Like the sea and myrrh. He turned and saw Addam, his back straightening.

It had not been the same between them since the day in the water. Lucerys had done all that he could to avoid seeing the man and Addam had given him space as well. Corlys had noticed and refused to let it go on for any longer, telling them separately how foolish they both were.

"I do not mean to disturb you." Addam started, looking so remorseful as if he was breaking the news of a death in the family. "I only wish to apologize."

Lucerys turned away from the crib. "I would like to apologize too," Lucerys held his gaze. "I should not have reacted so angrily. My marriage…has always been a sore subject to talk about. I was being rude and I am sorry."

Quickly, Addam was shaking his head, hand resting over his heart. "You have nothing to apologize for. It was me overstepping. I never meant to imply anything, my prince. While I have my own beliefs, I have spoken with our grandsire and I know it is not my place. After what you've been through, I should not try to tell you what you need. I do respect you and you deserve to be listened to. I'm sorry that I ever upset you."

Taken by the meaningful apology, Lucerys smiled at him. "Then would you like to see the dragon?"

Addam nodded his head gratefully before joining him, peering into the crib at the now sleeping Aemma and the still unnamed dragon curled around her. "Is it common to have the dragon just…in there with her? That's not dangerous?"

Lucerys stepped away from the crib so they could talk and he could not hide the amusement in his voice. "Why would it be dangerous? They are bonded. In a few weeks the dragon will be released with the others. It's close to what our family has always done."

Addam nodded, following him, "and the tradition of incest keeps your bloodline pure to remain connected to dragons, otherwise the next generation would be nothing more than a quick meal."

The prince was aware of the bloodshed it cost for his mother to have so many riders, but truthfully, Lucerys had no tears for them. There was only so much room inside him to weep for strangers.

He shrugged, sitting down on the couch with one arm stretched over the back. His ring and the necklace Aemond sent him caught the sun, blinding for a moment. To Addam he appeared almost devious when he smirked. "You are a part of that bloodline as well, Addam. If you want your children to fly, I suggest you find a Valyrian mate."

It was amusing to see the older man turn embarrassed. He did not seem to be strong enough to meet Lucerys eyes. "Most are alphas. I know it's not impossible. But I think I am more suited to…"

"An omega?" Lucerys laughed, though not unkindly. "Not many of those around, I'm afraid. Though I'm sure Aemond and I will change that."

Addam sent him an unimpressed look, his annoyance forcing him to forget his formality. "I hope you are not suggesting what I think you are."

The prince could not stop his laughter, his shoulders shaking. "I was only joking, gods. Lighten up. Aemond would kill you."

"That seems hypocritical of him," Addam pointed out.

"I never said he was smart." Lucerys laughed and then instantly stopped, the humor in his voice turning into seriousness. "But never repeat that."

Addam chuckled as he shook his head, eyeing the prince with fond amusement. "You have my word."

Notes:

aemond ending his letters w an eye emoji is so personal to me

Chapter 15: pure

Notes:

Hope you enjoy, we're coming to the end c':

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

It was never an unpleasant day to see the Queen, expected or otherwise. Her arrival was met with an appropriate party, including that of her son. After landing on their shores riding Syrax and after the usual formalities of meetings, she took Lucerys by the hand and sat him down where they spoke in privacy on the terrace.

"My child, you need friends."

The prince blinked before frowning. "I have friends. I have Helaena and Maelor is finally opening up to me. There's Addam and the men at the docks, there's also…one of my handmaidens is really nice. Liana. She taught me how to make flower crowns for Aemma."

Rhaenyra simply stared at him. "That is my point. Are all your friends scruffy men in the docks or adults and servants? You need people your own age as well."

He shrugged uncaringly, holding back the urge to roll his eyes. "Who is there? The children here know I'm a prince, or a lord, and none of them have mates. It's awkward."

Rhaenyra sighed with a pitying look in her eyes. "Have you forgotten your sisters, your brothers who miss you?"

Lucerys glanced away guiltily. The flowers rustling in the breeze was a nice distraction from the reminder. "I see Jace from time to time. I thought the others did not want to be near me, or they're busy. They barely write to me. I don't blame them, either. I was awful to them."

Soothing hands carded through his hair, bergamot mingling with the natural yarrow from the gardens below. "Sweetheart, they miss you. They've spent this whole time thinking it was you who did not wish to see them." Then the Queen sat back. "I have had it with this miscommunication. There should be no reason we see you the same amount we did when the war was active."

Lucerys had no complaints and two days later High Tide was full of the voices of his brothers and sisters. He waited for them at the docks. They had sailed as not all of them had dragons large enough to carry them and he watched them come in. The Queen's sails flapped on the Starry Maiden and from a distance he could make out several heads of pale hair. He was excited, but nervous, as they drifted closer.

Some of the men at the docks teased him about his overdone look, decked out in pearls lining his soft tunic and in his hair braided at his back, but he was used to it at that point and only smiled cheekily in response.

Little Aegon and Viserys ran down the docks to flock him, hugging him quickly before spouting off a million different questions and things they wanted to do. Most of it involved dragons and the docks. Even though Lucerys had not been in their lives for half their age, they were both quick to welcome him back in. Lucerys patted their heads and smiled as Rhaena and Baela gave him their own hugs. At first Joffrey held back, seeming too mature to give him a hug, until Jace shoved him towards Lucerys.

"Stop acting like you're not happy to see him. Who was it who stayed up too late because they were so excited they couldn't sleep?" Jace delivered that with a smile, honey eyes so warm in the sun and even the scar on his cheek was charming.

Joffrey shoved Jace back before turning to Lucerys, giving him a sheepish smile before coming in for a hug. Lucerys held him tight, laughing softly. "I missed you too, Joff."

The last to hold him was Jace, who held him a lot harder than any of his other siblings. Almost painfully so. After he pulled back he was smiling warmly down at him. "You're getting tall."

Lucerys preened, bouncing on his heels. "I know! I thought I would be short forever but I might even outgrow you."

Doubtful as Jacaerys was almost as tall as Aemond, but he could dream. Jace only laughed, slinging his arm around Lucerys' shoulders as they walked down the docks. "Aim high."

The younger boys wanted to see his dragon, so they wandered around the shoreline. They ran forward while the older of the group hung back with Lucerys.

"Tell me everything," Lucerys begged. "Your letters do not suffice. I want to know what you've been doing all this time."

"I'm going back to the Eyrie," Rhaena told him with a smile, linking arms. "I enjoyed it there and there is someone I would like to see again." From the twinkle in her eye, Lucerys figured it was an alpha. "You should visit one day. I know you would love it."

"I will, I bet flying there is a dream."

Rhaena smiled, nodding her head. "Morning is still too small, but our dragons will be ready to fly at the same time. We should celebrate that together."

Lucerys squeezed her hand. He wished so badly that she would present as an omega next year. She was already lovely like one and he did not want to be the only one in their family. They could share that as well. "We definitely will."

"Mother believes it's a good time for Baela and I to make a tour through the Kingdoms," Jace told him, giving his sister a charming smile. It was returned tenfold. "We're taking our dragons, of course."

"Of course," Baela echoed, sharing something between them as they both laughed softly, glancing away almost shyly.

Lucerys looked between the two, at how they smiled affectionately at each other, realization widening his smile. "Together? Is there something else I should know?"

Baela laughed softly, eyes cutting over to Jace with so much familiarity it was apparent they spent many days together. "Oh, just tell him already."

"After our tour ends, we'll be celebrating with our wedding." Taking his sister's hand, he interlocked their fingers. To Lucerys' ears, he sounded quite content. "In a few months, she will be my future queen."

A moment passed before Lucerys was pulling them both into a hug, his scent pleasant and light. He urged himself not to cry but it was exciting news. "I'm so happy for you both. I know you'll have the grandest wedding. I cannot wait to see it."

Mostly he was glad to see his brother happy in a way Lucerys could not give him. Enough time had passed for Jacaerys to understand only death would untether Lucerys to his mate. He had moved on and Lucerys imagined Baela would make a far better queen than he would.

As they continued down the shore, Lucerys was surprised when he saw three pale haired boys running around, but it was apparent Maelor had shed his shyness as the three of them pointed out the dragons in the sky, tumbling over each other to get a better view.

Glancing at the sun-warmth faces around him, Lucerys felt that emptiness within him closing like a tenderly mended wound. He had never been alone, he might have imposed it on himself, but all he had to do was reach out and grasp it. It was there this whole time.

His hand slid into Jace's, his other in Rhaena's. They smiled at him as if they knew his thoughts. They would be together even when they would be apart.

And like that breathing was easy again.

༺༻

"Can you say muña?"

The little girl was staring at him, as unimpressed as a one year old could be. It was like looking at a tiny Aemond when Lucerys repeatedly pointed at himself, saying, "muña!" and the girl just blinked at him. She brought the dragon toy to her mouth, making a noise of interest as she chewed and slobbered all over it.

Lucerys sighed. He turned back to the table and quickly scribbled something on a square of parchment. His ink work was a bit smudged but the final product made him chuckle as he held up the small drawing of a long haired, eyepatch wearing man, and said to Aemma, "this is your kepa!"

"Moo," Aemma cooed around the dragon head making Lucerys nod excitedly.

"Muña, muunna," Lucerys smiled at her garbled attempts to copy him. "Silly girl. Can you try kepa?" Once more he flashed the rough inked sketch of his husband, Aemma's noise of shock making him laugh fondly.

"Ke…!"

"Kepa! You're so close!"

A figure crowded the open doorway and Lucerys' eyes drifted over to them, his bright smile still in place. Ser Addam stood there, bowing his head to him. "Lucerys, I hope you are not busy right now."

"Hm, not exactly. What brings you to me, good Ser?" he asked with a cheeky smile, setting his drawing down.

In spite of Lucerys' good mood, Addam appeared as if he were preparing to face battle once more. "Tessarion arrives from the west. It appears she and her rider are alone."

Lucerys hummed to himself, wiping drool from Aemma's chin absentmindedly. "Then the letter my mother sent was true, not that I doubted her." He stood up and that was his handmaiden's cue to take over.

Lucerys continued as he followed Addam down the hall. "I take it that the rebellions in the south have been dealt with. Quite the feat. That leaves many strongholds to divvy up. I'm sure the Queen is quite busy giving Riverland lords new holdings after the Burning."

"All of these politics are new to me, but that seems like the right decision," Addam admitted quietly, though his pinched brow expressed his concern. "Though, why would Hightower come here?"

Lucerys scoffed at the name, though most of it was out of amusement. "Call Daeron that all you like, but when my husband comes home, I cannot stop whatever anger he draws on you should you refer to him as such."

That made Addam flush marginally, eyes cutting away. "It is not only trueborn Targaryen's that claim dragon's blood. And he has just as much as any of us."

"You might be right about that, case and point," his eye roll did not go ignored, nor did the gesture of his finger between the two of them. "But my husband takes that very seriously. Too seriously, I would say. If there is one thing I would like to avoid in the future, it is petty squabbles."

"I apologize, my prince."

Lucerys waved it away. "None of that. I'm not slighted in the least. As for why my uncle is here, I can only assume one thing." He steeled himself as he entered the Hall of Nine, where his grandsire sat the driftwood throne alone, a hollow place next to him where his wife should have been.

The same warm smile he always received was shared between Lucerys and Addam as they approached. "I hear the uncle that gave your mother hell is on our doorstep."

"I'm afraid he will be here a long time," Lucerys told him, gaining a surprised look from Addam. His grandsire only nodded as though he had expected as such.

"What purpose does he have here?" Addam asked them, to any who would answer.

"Quite simple," Corlys started. "His sister and brother live here, or at least in a couple of moon turns that will be true for both. He has nothing to his name but a knighthood after the war. There is only one thing for him to do to have any reason to be near his family."

Corlys was looking at Lucerys and in turn he looked at Addam. "He is going to swear himself to me as my sworn shield and sword. And I am going to accept."

Addam heard the conviction in his voice and saw the proud way Corlys watched. Lucerys would need to become confident in making his own decision, this being the start of a great many ahead of him. His grandsire was stepping back and letting him take control as one day it would be him sitting that throne with people looking to him for answers. It was a horrifying but also exhilarating experience.

"Why would you accept that?"

Lucerys still remembered the day Daeron arrived at the capital, covered in mud and simmering from the betrayal he faced. Though he was angered by their actions, it hadn't taken much for the man to hear their words for truth - that Aegon, the monster he never had the displeasure to know, was dead and the war was over. He had taken the Queens assignment with full seriousness, grim faced as he parted with Tessarion and the small host to aid him, retaking the houses he bathed in green back to red and black.

They expected him to fall before he ever succeeded. Not that Lucerys had hoped for his downfall, but he had no high hopes he would make it through the mess he made to Oldtown and back again. It had taken almost two years and yet he was landing on their shores, proof of his capability.

"He might have lived most of his life a traitor to my mother, but he's proven his willingness to follow the Crown. And if his only remaining family are loyal to my mother, his only options are to follow suit or die. His days in court would be miserable, I am his only choice to live without daily debasement."

Addam eyed him suspiciously. "And you're generous enough for that? After what his family put you through."

"It was all Aegon," mostly, "and that man is long dead. I do not believe in punishing others for crimes they did not commit. As for Daeron, I honestly do not care what happens to him, but my husband and my aunt do. I care enough about them to accept."

"Well said," Corlys stood. "Now, let's greet the man, I'm sure his sister would enjoy joining us."

And so the prince was met with a whole party waiting for his arrival, much to his shock. Dragons flew overhead as they liked, untethered by chains or walls and growing larger for it. When his own blue queen flew up to join them there was a smile on his handsome face, if only briefly.

Lucerys and the rest stood back as Helaena went on down the rocky steps to meet Daeron halfway. She brushed his cheek, murmuring to him and he nodded. Whatever they said would remain between them. They came up together, Helaena's bright eyes locking with Lucerys' and the grateful look she sent him was returned with a nod.

As Daeron approached, the ways the war affected him were shown in the licks of burn scars along his neck and cheek, so close to his right eye. In the way he lowered himself to one knee without a fight, bearing his steel and offering it to Lucerys. From the look in his eyes alone Lucerys knew he had seen more than he had ever wanted to, yet he hadn't been broken by it, only very well informed of the world around him. How it worked, how it didn't. He was stronger for it now.

"Prince Lucerys Targaryen, future Lord of the Tides and Master of Driftmark, I, Ser Daeron Targaryen, promise my sword to protect you from any and all who desire you harm. For as long as I live, you and the Crown hold the hand that wields this blade. If you should accept it."

This was not the first time someone had pledged themselves to him before and he was not unused to men kneeling before him. Lucerys gave his uncle a pale smile. "I accept your protection, Ser Daeron. You may rise."

When he did, Daeron greeted the actual Lord of the Tides and Lucerys met Helaena's look, his smile becoming warm for her.

༺༻

Daeron had never been on Driftmark, not the dilapidated ruin the previous castle was becoming with age, not the causeway between them, not the grandeur of the new castle, shining with white and gray stone, until he had sworn himself to its future lord. He was not unfamiliar with the sea and realized he quite preferred it to the cluster of the Red Keep. His brief stay of two days had cinched him tight. Away from the hard stare of his sister and her mate, from his mother who all but begged him to stay, he felt as if he could breathe again.

His place had been disrupted from the calm he had come to enjoy. Oldtown had been his home, his safety even. He had defended it from Greyjoy invasions as they hit, had mounted Tessarion and set the land around it ablaze once he'd been called to the fight. It was his home.

There was no sept on High Tide. The castle did not lack for size, but for use. The Seven were not worshiped within these halls, amongst the crashing waves it was the gods of old blood who spoke here. He heard more High Valyrian than common, the tongue he had failed to learn outside of the necessary commands. He distinctly felt the outsider once more.

Uprooted, his roots bared and unfamiliar, he was planted elsewhere.

He found solace in the air with his dragon. She was like him. She was the only dragon in Oldtown and she had not grown up with others. Though she had an easier go than he did, she had already gained the attention of another dragon.

The same one who flew circles around them, riderless but eager to take to the wind alongside her. Daeron sighed, eyes drifting towards the winged island, the various dragons unfurling in the morning sun. Another blue dragon was climbing the skies, its ghostly pale eyes shining as pearls would.

Mooneyes joined the fray and Daeron watched as Seasmoke snapped his jaws at the young dragon who flew too close underwing. Mooneyes shrieked back but kept his distance from the blue she-dragon, mournfully crooning as he flew elsewhere. Daeron grimly ended his morning flight and unsurprisingly Tessarion flew back into the air, chasing after Seasmoke.

It was due time he headed in at any rate. His lord would be waking, sleepily padding to his daughters room down the hall to lay in bed with her for an hour or so. His niece, a strikingly Targaryen colored child who was the star of the island. No one was unaffected by her sweet smiles, including Daeron, but only few were allowed to hold her without her causing a scene. She was particular of her company, just as her father was.

Like clockwork, he watched Lucerys, still in his royal blue robe, shuffle down the hall just as he was climbing the steps. The boy barely turned his head, only giving him a passing glance before he was inside the room. The door was left ajar, as usual, and Daeron stood at a distance.

Then, his watch began.

Inside, Lucerys dismissed the handmaid, who he learned was named Agatha, and she left the room, leaving the door open. Daeron watched almost as if without seeing as Lucerys cuddled Aemma to his chest, and heard him whispering to her in High Valyrian. The boy had mentioned he wanted all of his children to learn it as they grew. It was a gift, their ancestral tongue, one they should not give up.

That boy was a mystery to him. He had few memories of Lucerys when he was a small child. He had seen him once during the tourney celebrating the birth of Aegon and Helaena's twins. He had to have been three and, while cute, was quickly disregarded in favor of the presence of his eldest brother. Aemond had been off at their half-sisters side. Now, he understood the real meaning of why Aemond had lingered near Rhaenyra. At the time, he had thought that his brother fancied their elder sister, who was beautiful and strong willed, though seemingly not the type his freshly presented alpha brother preferred, or so Daeron had imagined he'd prefer someone softer, weaker. And even though she was mated and married, it had not been uncommon for rulers to take more than one mate. Their conquering ancestors proof of that.

Daeron knew now that his brother had been watching Lucerys, pink cheeked and curly haired, enjoying the mummer's show provided for the children. It had been the last time he ever saw his brother happy. He saw him again years later when Aemond flew to Oldtown, for business he claimed, and had spent hours alone with Lord Hightower before coming out. He wore all black then, his face mean with that jagged scar running along the side. They shared a meal, some wine, and then his brother was gone.

Now here Daeron stood mindlessly observing a moment his brother no doubt would covet all to himself, a scene he imagined would make that cold man happy. He had only seen the two of them together briefly and from what he had witnessed it was without doubt that his brother was protective of his mate, how he held him around his waist on his knee as if unwilling to ever let him go. They had killed a man together and had sat the throne together. And yet as invincible as they seemed that day, easily they had fallen.

He remembered their tearful parting, that morning he could feel the pain radiating off of them and Helaena as she cried shamelessly. As if her heart was breaking along with the princes. Lucerys had wept in his room for days and that was how he remained when Daeron was sent away on his mission. He had not known what to expect when he flew to Driftmark. The Queen had let him go with the impression he would be taken in as he was, as long as he made it clear where he stood. The ghostly smile the boy had given him lingered, but soon it was replaced with the elation he got around his daughter and Daeron was forgotten.

The strange boy, who was loved and cherished by all but to Daeron he always held an edge to him. It could be that the boy did not like him, for what he did not know, or maybe Daeron was forcing this belief onto himself. But the longer he remained on Driftmark the clearer it became why Aemond was fond of this capricious boy.

"You can enter," his voice called out softly.

"That is hardly decent." Lucerys was still only in his robe and while he could not see anything, he doubted his brother would like to hear he was anywhere near Lucerys while he wasn't fully clothed.

"Unless you plan to force yourself on me, I do not see the point." There was that annoyed tone already, as if speaking to Daeron was a chore.

"I am not my brother." Either of them. He learned the harsh truths about them both and was sickened by them in his own way. The lesser lords were not kind in their depictions and Daeron chose not to dwell on them.

"Then we have nothing to fear. At least come see your niece while I dress more appropriately." Lucerys stood and motioned for Daeron to watch the girl still sleeping on the bed. The boy then left, sighing to himself.

He did not like him, that had to be the case. He only hoped his brother's soon return would soothe the disgruntled omega.

Daeron stood next to the small bed that Aemma would eventually grow into. Alone, without the strong presence of Lucerys, Daeron could relax. He removed his glove and touched her soft hair, the gentle waves. She was sleeping peacefully, little mouth parted on quiet breaths.

The sight of her pained a distant corner of his heart. He had thought of his own children in the past, should he ever find a mate. Suddenly, that thought became hard to ignore. It felt so far away now. He was meant to be the shield to a boy who disliked him. It was layered within his vow to him that he would remain as he was.

Mateless.

"She's precious, isn't she?"

He had not noticed Lucerys reenter, dressed in a dark gray tunic lined in gold trim and dark trousers. Far from the boy he heard to be seen only in silk dresses. He stood at his side, only a few inches shorter than Daeron and stared at his hand still resting near Aemma's head. Daeron drew his hand back and watched as Lucerys' shoulders lost the tension.

"She is. Aemond will be glad she takes after you."

A dark eyebrow lifted as Lucerys eyed him in wonder. "You think? I believe she looks more like him. She will have his nose."

Daeron shrugged, trying not to be aware that this was the first pleasant conversation they've had in the two weeks he'd been there. "That might be so, but she has your face shape. For a toddler, at least."

Lucerys shrugged, stepping closer and sitting at the edge of the bed. "None of that matters. She will grow into a beauty, that's for sure. She's my blood, after all."

That drew out a laugh, though nervous in its attempt. "Fair enough. I've heard they've made a few songs about you already."

The most notable being of the beautiful princess nearly bested by beasts, only to come out with a sword dripping in her enemies blood. The truth it was derived from was lost in translation but it was not difficult to know who it was about.

Lucerys laughed softly, "the dragon princess is quite generous, though I will live in infamy at any rate. If not for killing a king, or an uncle, but for defeating my enemies with a beauty so sharp it's deadly."

Their voices woke Aemma, who scrunched her face and grumbled, only for Lucerys to pick her up with a smile. "Good morning, sweet girl. Your kepa Daeron wanted to wake you up."

He was still getting used to that. He smiled at his niece, going along with it though he doubted the child knew what was going on. "That's right. I hope you had sweet dreams."

"Kepa."

The prince hummed quietly, nuzzling her as his pleasant scent filled the air. "Let's clean you up and break our fast in the dining hall today. I heard we got pomegranates, I've asked them to provide some juice for you."

Lucerys led the girl to be dressed and Daeron parted to wait in the hall, considering himself lucky. That went better than he had expected. Maybe it had just been his imagination after all.

He was surprised to see Ser Addam passing by, whose eyebrows rose at the sight of him. And then Daeron watched him smirk, a sight growing to be familiar. "I know that look well."

He drew back, guarding his expression. "What look?"

The alpha only patted his arm as he continued on, knowingly glancing towards the doorway. "Do not fret, Hightower. It too shall pass."

Daeron stared at his back as he walked away, frowning. "It's Ser Daeron to you, Hull!"

Laughing to himself, the bastard clearly would not heed his words. "Of course, my lord."

༺༻

Late into the second moon of the year, Lucerys was spending the morning with his daughter, trying to get her to enjoy the soft mashed up peas but she only wanted to feed off of him. His handmaidens had long since stopped reminding him it was uncommon for the omega mother to handle the baby's feeding as often as he did, which he reminded them all that she was his child and he would raise her how he saw fit. If that meant strapped to his back then so be it.

His days now might be spent primarily shadowing his grandsire, but there was plenty of time yet to feed or play with his daughter. They were often found napping together, the young prince exhausted from sailing around the island and holding back his nausea and laying with his sweet smelling child to calm his stomach down.

There was a knock on his door before Daeron's voice and Lucerys called out to let him in.

"My prince!" A rosy cheeked messenger entered, momentarily catching his breath but with an excited grin, he said, "Vhagar is sighted, my prince! In the eastern sky! I was told to tell you at once."

A second of shock stilled Lucerys, his eyes going wide as the words he had been waiting for were finally said, catching a similar stunned expression on Daeron's face. Then he was moving, kissing his daughter on her forehead before setting her in the arms of his handmaiden, Liana, and passing a quick courtesy thank you to the messenger before he was out the door, his sworn shield following. The boy stared after the prince as he ran down the hall, his sandaled feet slapping loudly against the stone.

Breathlessly, Lucerys made his way to the northern terrace and down the stairs to cut down through the gardens to make it to the beach down the hill. There were stairs on the other side, but this way was much faster, which was exactly what he told Daeron when he pointed that out. As he ran, he noticed the masts of ships coming from the same direction Vhagar said to be, but at that distance could not make out who they were. Only that there had to be at least a score of them.

Though that ceased to matter the moment the shape of Vhagar's massive wings came into view. Lucerys couldn't hold back his wobbly smile, at that time he wasn't thinking of the night Vhagar took flight after him, the only time he'd ever seen her truly fly, all he knew was that his mate was riding her, getting closer and closer with each flap of her war torn wings.

Her screech was joined by the others - Seasmoke, Dreamfyre, Tessarion, Mooneyes and Shrykos shrieking their own songs back at her from where they perched around the island at their various lairs. With the amount of dragons occupying the island the claims of Driftmark becoming the new Valyria appeared ever true.

As Lucerys got closer, Daeron remained back at the foot of the garden, though it was clear he was happy to see his brother as well, smiling handsomely up at the sky.

The ancient dragon circled around the shoreline as she gradually lowered, bringing with her a sudden uptake in wind, sand from the beach flying in bursts, brushing Lucerys' feet from where he stood in the grass. Lucerys squinted past the bright sun, the possible sand getting into his eyes, just so he could see pale hair flying wildly in the air.

After two years in exile, his mate was finally back to him. Right on the date, just as the sun was climbing the sky. He must have flown all night, or as long as Vhagar allowed him. Lucerys cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted, "Aemond!"

Vhagar landed with a graceless thud, shaking the earth. She had gotten more haglike in her age but Lucerys spared her less than a glance before he was running down the grassy hill, peals of excited laughter leaving him as his husband nearly vaulted himself off his dragon to get to him. "Lucerys!"

They met in the sand and toppled back, landing hard on the ground. Lucerys broke his fall with Aemond's body, hearing the man grunt under him. A second passed and then he was laughing, feeling Aemond shaking under him. In the years they spent together in torment he had never once heard his husband laugh genuinely. His smiles were rare occurrences and always when Lucerys wasn't paying attention. His laugh had a warm feeling attached and Lucerys leaned down to chase it, meeting it with his mouth.

If there were salty tears hitting Aemond's face, he did not comment on them, only holding Lucerys against his body while kissing him back fiercely. The air around them heated with their mingled scents. There were two years worth of waiting being felt between them and Lucerys was reminded by the sudden screech of a dragon in the sky above that he was straddling Aemond in the sand, well in the view of anyone who bothered to take a look at the beach.

He pulled back and got a good look at his husband, leaning into the hand that cupped his cheek. Maybe it was his smile, or because Lucerys missed him so badly he ached, but his already attractive mate had grown even more handsome. Half of his long hair was pulled back into a braid, a blue ribbon tied within, the rest fanned out in the sand. Lucerys smiled down at him, wiping his sandy hand off on his thigh before stroking Aemond's face softly, along his jaw that collected blond stubble.

"Welcome home, Aemond."

Aemond's fingers threaded into his hair before pulling him back down. Lucerys mewled a little at his touch, opening his mouth and tasting him. He felt the same want crashing into him and when Aemond started kissing his cheek, leading to his ear, he had to breathe in the taste of the sea in order to think past the pulsing ache between his legs. Aemond chose to make it worse, speaking low into his ear, "I will not be home until I'm inside of you, nūmio."

His shaky inhale was noticed, as well as the scent of vanilla flooding between them. The slow growing smirk on his alpha's face made him flush, looking away. The waves were growing with the approach of a fleet and he looked up. "And what is that armada you've brought?"

"I've made some friends in the trading industry," Aemond explained between planting kisses into his skin. "It turns out being married to the heir of Driftmark and having a big fucking dragon do not hurt negotiations." He claimed Lucerys' mouth again, making him moan into it.

"You'll have to give me and my grandsire the details later," Lucerys murmured into his mouth, breathless.

"In due time," Aemond promised, warm hands cupping his face and keeping his hot mouth against his.

Parting was near impossible, but Lucerys managed to take Aemond's hand and kiss the back of it before looking down at him with a smile. "Come, your daughter is waiting for you."

He gave his husband a large grin at the way his hand squeezed his, his lilac colored eye widening as he stared back. They stood up, dusting sand away. Then Lucerys took his hand once more and tugged him along with light steps back to the castle. His sworn shield was nowhere to be seen, giving their reunion the privacy it needed, but it wasn't long before he noticed Ser Arryk taking his place.

Lucerys' excitement must have been contagious as Aemond lifted him up into his arms, grunting softly. "You have gotten bigger, little one."

The prince had always been fond of when Aemond carried him, now curling into him and feeling his warmth all around him. It made him feel secure and cared for. "Am I heavy now?"

He gasped when Aemond tossed him up, catching him again with a smirk. "I think I can manage you just fine."

Lucerys buried his face into Aemond's neck to kiss him there softly, just over his own claim mark. He breathed in his scent, under the smell of his dragon, and finally felt at peace again.

"Guide me, sweet thing."

And so he did, through the castle that had become his home the past two years. When he led him to the chamber that overlooked the sea, Aemond set him on his feet before they entered. He was looking down at Lucerys and even if he tried to hide it, Lucerys knew how nervous he was.

"In there?"

Lucerys took his hand and squeezed. "Let's go inside."

The door was opened to the sea breeze racing in through the open windows and balcony. Aemma was within the arms of his handmaiden being rocked gently as she fussed. The maternal instinct in him took over as he let Aemond's hand go and crossed over to take the whiny girl, shushing her softly.

"She will not calm down for me, my prince."

"Hm, she's always being a picky girl, isn't she?" Lucerys smiled down at her. "No time for that, sweetheart, it's about time you met someone very important."

When Lucerys lifted his head and turned, his husband was completely still. He was not unfamiliar with that stony silence, having endured it for a few years, but he knew how this was different. He could feel through their bond like an open doorway to the world crashing down around his mate and the air was spiced with cloves.

"Lucerys."

"Ah, she isn't crying anymore. See? She just wanted her muña." Lucerys whispered to himself as Aemond half stepped closer, inhaling sharply. He looked up and met Aemond's eye, which had always been expressive and even now he struggled to choose just one: wonder, disbelief, heartache and elation all in one. "Say hello to our daughter, Aemma."

"Lucerys," that was all he could say, arms slowly coming around them both like they were made of the most fragile material. He was looking between his mate and the little pink cheeked girl as if there were nothing better, the latter making a high pitched squeal the first time she looked up at Aemond, kicking her legs in excitement. Her chubby hand was drawn to the blue ribbon braided into Aemond's hair. "She's really ours?" He asked, still in shock.

He knew that his wife had given birth, they shared many letters talking about her, but seeing was completely different for him. If Lucerys' hands were free he would have caressed his alphas face. "Yes, my love. I had her nine months after they sent you away. She's ours."

Aemond leaned down to press a kiss to his head, lingering as he breathed in deeply. Then he lowered to Aemma's forehead, kissing over the soft pale hair that Lucerys knew smelled like a fresh lavender field.

"Would you like to hold her?"

"Please."

Their daughter in Aemond's arms looked so right to Lucerys. It was a shame that they were only meeting now, but Lucerys was certain they could make up for lost time. They sat together on the couch with Aemma nestled in Aemond's arms. They were looking at each other, both in awe. Occasionally Aemond would brush a fallen tear off the girl's cheek and Lucerys leaned his weight and warmth into his mate, feeling with him this rush of emotion.

Aemond had been gone from his side for two years and when he came back there was a baby who resembled him to greet him. As if seeing his omega had not been emotional enough, now he was coming to terms with all that he had missed. Reading the news was not the same, not until he could hold them within his arms. If Lucerys had died, he would have felt their bond shatter and begin that slow fade and would have either had to wait weeks to know why or break his exile to find out, which would have not ended well for him either way.

"My grandfather wouldn't tell you," Lucerys whispered, watching as Aemma slowly blinked, comfortable in unfamiliar arms. "He figured you would break your exile if you knew."

"I almost did," Aemond admitted, which did not come as a complete surprise. "A few times. I learned very quickly not to leave drinks out."

"I'm sorry."

Aemond hummed, leaning down. The alpha basked their daughter in sandalwood and cloves, holding her close to his chest. He pulled back and Lucerys had never seen him so content before. It suited him so much that Lucerys knew he had to keep him as such. "It does not matter anymore."

Their daughter was fully asleep now, little mouth hanging open to reveal her slowly emerging teeth. It made them both smile. "How did your labors go?"

Lucerys sighed quietly, nuzzling his nose against Aemond's arm. "She was eager to come out. Less than half a day before she was gracing the world."

"She's so beautiful." Aemond was looking at her but he was lost elsewhere. Maybe in the past, in some memory, or his own shadowed thoughts. "I did not think I could ever create something beautiful before."

Lucerys wiped at his wet eyes before pushing his face against Aemond's arm again. His chest ached at that statement, knowing how harshly his mate thought of himself all too well. "You will create more beautiful things, I promise you."

The look Aemond gave him was full of warmth, no barriers to their bond whatsoever. He gave him a smile to match. "Only because I will create them with you."

Lucerys smiled at him, sniffling. "Speaking of that…" There was still one more room Lucerys desired to take him to and after they set Aemma down in her crib, Aemond took his hand and gladly followed.

Notes:

reunion smut next chapter c:

Chapter 16: you're all I want

Notes:

Enjoy c:

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

There was little time to admire the room he was led to. All he knew was that it was sea themed and there was a large four-poster bed with their names on it. Everywhere on High Tide smelled of the sea, but this room was all Lucerys. Everywhere. After being apart from him for so long, Aemond was overwhelmed by how much his mate dominated the air around him.

And now his space, Lucerys turning around and instantly pushing himself into Aemond, vanilla following the movement.

His little omega had grown so much, had bloomed so radiantly that Aemond scorned every second he had missed. He should have been there. His hands cradled Lucerys' face, bringing it closer to him. He traced the freckles on his sun-kissed cheeks, the pretty moles along his jaw that had become sharper in the two years, but even so he was still soft under Aemond's touch, pressing his body against his.

"Kiss me, Aemond," Lucerys breathed, his own hands coming up around Aemond's neck, thumb sweeping over the claim mark. "Don't keep your wife waiting anymore."

The need was mutual and their mouths were hungry when they met. Aemond lifted Lucerys into his arms while his legs went around his waist. He could smell Lucerys' slick and groaned against his soft mouth, the scents he missed so deeply finally filling the air around him.

Lucerys was laid back into the bed with Aemond attached, both grunting softly at the impact. His mate was working on removing his outer layers as Aemond pressed kisses against his cheek, his jaw, along his ear. Kissing him once was not going to be enough, not for a while, not when Lucerys chased after his mouth for more, whimpering against him when he got what he wanted.

Aemond pulled back only to roughly yank Lucerys' leggings off, his hands sliding up his smooth skin to push his tunic up and off. Lucerys was left in only the pearl necklace he sent him, legs parting as he spread out on the wide bed, naked skin glowing in the white sunlight cutting through the tall windows.

To call him beautiful was nearing insult. Ethereal was not even enough. Lucerys was designed by the gods themselves. It did not matter which ones, the Maiden, the Mother, any of the Fourteen Flames of Valyria. He was the first royal male omega in generations, he deserved to be cherished and celebrated. If he wanted the stars in the sky he should have them without question.

Aemond could admire his mate's body like this as he stripped, returning to kiss along his soft stomach and waist, up to his puffy little tits and hard nipples. Lucerys sighed when his hot mouth sucked on one, gave the prettiest whines when his tongue swirled around the tender bud. He was sweeter than he remembered and Lucerys' voice was full of embarrassment when he gasped, "oh, gods!"

Aemond froze, looking up at his mate's distress. Lucerys was pointedly not looking his way as his face turned scarlet so Aemond looked down. It wasn't much but milk beaded at Lucerys' nipple, dribbling down when Aemond's curious hand cupped his small breast and gently squeezed.

"Aemond!" his mate was scandalized, sitting up on his elbows to give him a mortified look.

He only smirked, tongue coming out to clean the mess he made of him. "What? Only our daughter gets this?"

Lucerys squirmed and mewled under his tongue. He bit on his lip to quiet the noises he was making, falling back to the mattress with closed eyes. "This is so…" His reluctance didn't matter when Aemond put more of his weight onto him, grinding his hips down against his while sucking hard, drinking in his sweet milk. Lucerys bucked into him, hands clinging to his shoulders. He whined openly, his spine arching as Aemond went to his other nipple.

He could hear his mate purring softly, legs wrapped around his waist as he rocked his wet cunny into his cock. Aemond kissed his soft breasts before lifting his head, feeling warm hands holding the sides of his face and pulling him closer. Lucerys kissed him hard before opening his mouth, licking at his lips.

He wanted a taste. Aemond chuckled against him before slipping his tongue into Lucerys' mouth, grinding harder against the boy as he licked and sucked Aemond's tongue. It was wet and sloppy and so good that Aemond never wanted it to end. He wished to be sucked completely into Lucerys, to crawl around in his skin, to wrap around his beating heart and stay there.

Aemond trailed to Lucerys' neck, letting the boy get air. At first he just breathed him in, his nephew tilting his head back and to the side, letting him have the full expanse of it. His submission made Aemond all the more eager to claim him again.

Lucerys gasped, his entire body shuddering when Aemond did not hesitate to sink his teeth into him. Then he moaned, seeking more of him until Aemond was laying against him entirely.

The hot taste of blood on his tongue and the rush of their bond anew filled Aemond with indescribable need for his wife. He held Lucerys against his chest, groaning against his neck between long licks against the bleeding bitemark. The soft laughter into his ear made him all the more in love with this boy.

"I missed you, too," Lucerys whispered, trailing fingers in his long hair before grabbing a fistful and tugging. Aemond followed the urging and was rewarded with Lucerys' warm lips at his neck, feeling the hot rush of his breath before his tongue traced the indentations he left. There was only molten heat between them as Lucerys bit down, reclaiming him as well.

Blood was on Lucerys' lips and smeared on his teeth. Aemond hunted his mouth down with his own, teeth clipping his lip. Lucerys' nails dug into his shoulder as he surged up to kiss him back, groaning softly.

The wet slide against his cock picked up and Aemond felt starved for a taste.

After two long years, Aemond returned to his favorite place kept waiting just for him, kissing down Lucerys' body to reach it. Lucerys legs went around his shoulders, his enthusiastic moans matching how he rolled his hips up already, his cunt getting soaked from his breath alone.

The first taste of his slick was so intense that Aemond was positive his brain stopped functioning. Then quickly he was gripping Lucerys' soft thighs and holding him closer, drinking in the sweetest nectar and coating his tongue in addicting honey. He was better than any wine or any dessert. His tongue split between Lucerys lips and speared into his hole, getting a rush of slick into his mouth straight from the source. He groaned, causing the boy to twitch, his cocklet leaking where it rested stiffly above his cunt.

"Don't stop," Lucerys begged as if Aemond was even thinking of that. He was perfectly content right where he was. "I needed this, Aemond. I missed you so much. Nothing I did was the same."

The thought of Lucerys laying in bed stuffing himself with his fingers had been one of the many thoughts he had while stripping his cock in exile. Aemond showed him how badly he needed Lucerys in return, licking into his cunt and lapping up his slick, his wife getting his face wet while his nails scratched against Aemond's scalp. He licked up to his cocklet, giving the flushed head sucks and licks, tasting the boy as he dripped into his mouth.

Lucerys' thighs were squeezing his head and he couldn't help himself, turning his head and biting down. His nephew gasped, jolting at the unexpected flash of pain, one that was soothed by Aemond's tongue.

"Not enough," Lucerys whined breathlessly, his head thrashing around on his pillows. "I need more."

Aemond hummed in agreement. "I need to knot you, sweet thing." His pretty wife shuddered at that, nodding his head so fast his hair flew around. Aemond kissed back up his body, Lucerys' wet quim twitching as he rubbed the length of his cock against it. His boy wasn't going to get his fingers this time and he didn't seem to care, gasping at the hard heat that rubbed against him.

"Wait!" Lucerys gasped and Aemond immediately stopped, worried he hurt him. Lucerys had his hands on Aemond's chest, sweaty palms sliding up to his shoulders. "I want to be on top."

Aemond easily swapped their positions, Lucerys smiling down at him before meeting him halfway in a deep kiss. Then Lucerys pulled back, forcing Aemond down until his back was firmly against the bed. Aemond reached between them, stroking himself against Lucerys before angling the head of his cock to his fluttering hole.

Aemond could feel Lucerys' slick dripping down his cock as he pressed the tip against him, massaging his way in. The loud moan Lucerys let out as he was finally pushed into was joined with his own, "fuck, Lucerys."

He was so hot inside, burning like a furnace that was desperate to consume all of Aemond. He would let it, willingly drown himself in this heat even if it was the last thing he did.

"Finally, gods…" Lucerys sobbed, expression seemingly pained but he was dedicatedly taking in each inch. "Aemond, I want all of it," he demanded, tossing his head back as he wiggled his hips down. "Everyday, for the next two years, you're putting this in me."

Aemond could only nod, rendered speechless. He watched Lucerys take him inch by inch until he was sitting in Aemond's lap, so full of him Aemond saw his belly protrude from it. His omega yearned for more, whining and rolling his hips to get comfortable. Then he was lifting himself and dropping back down. Aemond's hands on his hips guided him and quickly they found the right rhythm.

His slick walls clung to him, sucking him back in hungrily. Looking down he could already see his cock shiny with slick and precum. Lucerys was so tight but Aemond could feel him loosening up for him, taking him better with each stroke until Lucerys was riding him without restraint.

This was exactly what Aemond had wanted. His omega turned into a mess, holding him down as he took everything that he wanted. Lucerys cried out when Aemond gripped him by his ass and thrusted up hard into him. He would moan or gasp sweet little ah's with every plunge into his cunt, his hazel eyes barely visible where they rolled back. But the best of it was when his boy would moan his name, singing it prettier than any birdsong.

"Aemond…avy jorrāelan, Aemond!"

His hands were gripping Aemond's shoulders so tight his nails drew blood. The sight of Lucerys fucking himself on Aemond was breathtaking, he was so lost in his own pleasure. He must have really missed Aemond, taking him in at an almost painful pace but he wanted to be filled so badly. Aemond would give him what he needed.

He held the boy down and fucked up into Lucerys hard, the sound of their skin slapping loud and wet. Lucerys nearly screamed, drenching Aemond in his slick and desperately trying to meet Aemond's hard thrusts. He could tell the boy was going to come soon, so he pulled out until only the head was in, hearing Lucerys' upset whine in response to being empty, before slamming back in.

Lucerys instantly broke, the sounds coming from him no doubt loud enough it was no secret how their reunion was going. He collapsed on Aemond's chest as the man did it again, whining and squeezing the head of his cock for more. "Knot me, Aemond. Fuck…I want you to fill me."

Aemond yanked his head up with a fistful of his hair. "What did you just say?"

But Lucerys was far too gone for that, only content when Aemond slid his cock in to the base, the telltale stretch of his growing knot making the boy moan. He was already so out of it he was drooling on Aemond's chest, purring like a contented cat. Aemond rolled them over, his weight settling on Lucerys as he beared down on him. That coil of heat steadily tightening finally snapped and he filled the boy, giving them both what they desperately needed.

Lucerys' nails left scratches along his chest and arms, the burning not registering as Lucerys' cunt milked his knot. His moans weakened down into broken off whimpers, burying his nose against Aemond's neck. They would be locked together for a while, just as they should be. Aemond made himself comfortable and Lucerys wrapped himself around him, kissing the bite on his alpha's neck.

"I missed this feeling," Lucerys murmured into his skin. "Missed being full. I was so empty."

"Don't worry," Aemond panted against his sweet smelling hair. "I'll change that."

Lucerys giggled quietly at his eager response. "Mm, you better."

༺༻

They would not have a celebration for Aemond's return. That would be in poor taste, even Aemond knew that. Truly, he did not want anything of the sort. He had been welcomed by his wife and child, he was fine with that.

But there was a dinner the night after and they all sat around the long table in an awkward silence until Lord Corlys broke it. "Those are fine ships you brought with you."

"They are a gift." Aemond did not know how to speak with the man knowing what he had done and chose neutral diplomacy. "As well as the relationship between Lorreo Drae and his son."

It seemed to be working as Lord Corlys nodded. "We heard all about your time in the Stepstones, Addam and Alyn were eyewitnesses to the whole thing."

Aemond glanced at the two men sitting down at the table. He did not like knowing his omega was making friends with two unmated alphas, especially not two who might one day decide they deserved High Tide for themselves. "I had wondered who the Queen's audience was. Did you enjoy the show?"

Addam looked uncomfortable and had nothing to say. His brother was not so shy.

"Your dragon is slow." Alyn told him, though with no dragon for himself Aemond did not care to listen.

"She does well enough." The words died on his lips and he froze. It was a careless thing to say and he immediately regretted ever opening his mouth.

Lucerys felt his shift and quickly spoke about meaningless things, flying through topics until one stuck, like the discount to Myrish goods and how he would definitely learn to sail now that he had two fleets to himself. It served as the distraction it needed, though Aemond had felt the look Lord Corlys gave him before his grandson's words of sailing brought his attention elsewhere. He was not a man who forgot or forgave and Aemond had just bragged of his dragon's prowess in front of him.

He should walk into the sea and let it take him at this point.

Unexpectedly it was not only his mate that came to his aid, he watched his brother turn in his seat with a smirk and a daring glint to his violet eyes. It was a good thing Daeron had started to grow into his new life, having enough of a bond with one of the former Hulls to suggest they rematch their race. "It didn't count since Dreamfyre won and Helaena wasn't even riding her."

"Just admit you lost and get over it, High-" Addam's eyes cut to Aemond quickly then away. "Daeron."

Lucerys giggled into his hand and he was not the only one who found it amusing. Even his sister was smiling at the two. "We could all race and still you two would lose."

Aemond witnessed how that set Daeron off, who steadfastly believed he was the faster out of the three. They were all consumed that they did not notice Lucerys putting his hand under the table and taking his. He squeezed before interlocking their fingers and Aemond was grateful for it. Much had happened in two years and it went without saying that Aemond needed time to adjust.

Firstly, he needed to somehow apologize to Lord Corlys without further making a fool of himself. As much as he loathed the thought, he could not remain here without speaking to the man alone. Though before that, he would need Lucerys' guidance.

The man loved his grandson in ways deeper than blood. If there was any chance Aemond could make being a part of Lucerys' life easier for anyone here, he figured he would try for the man who could have advocated for his death. He would have deserved it. Instead Corlys allowed him under his roof and at his table.

Lucerys' response that night was not exactly reassuring.

"He needs time." Lucerys said while changing into a soft slip, Aemond unwilling to look away. "It's only been a day. I think focusing on sealing that agreement with Pentos and Myr will help. Be useful to him."

Aemond sighed and his mate came to him, lifting his arms and interlocking his hands at the back of Aemond's neck. Lucerys could feel the frustration rolling through him and soon the air between them was sweetened. "In the meantime, you can show him that you're a proper consort to me."

His nephew was brought even closer by his waist. He could not keep his hands off this boy even if he tried. "And how should I do that?"

Lucerys smiled cheekily, his eyelashes fluttering. "By keeping me happy. I am precious to him. If you treat me right then he will have less cause to hate you."

Aemond laughed softly while leaning down to nudge his nose against Lucerys'. "It all comes down to you in the end."

His mate hummed in agreement, hands now pulling Aemond down while he stood on his toes. He kissed Aemond softly. "If you're looking for ways to keep me happy, I can show you a few." The next kiss was deeper, his mouth parting to taste him.

"Go ahead." Aemond followed Lucerys' insistent pushes towards the bed. He sat back onto it with Lucerys climbing onto his lap. "Enlighten me."

༺༻

"Kepa."

There was something smacking his face, on his good side at least. Then a familiar low giggle followed by another attack. Of all the ways to be woken up, this had to be the one he least favored. That was until he registered the tiny voice and his mates' quiet laughter and it suddenly became the best.

"Kepa!"

He blinked, turning his head and seeing his daughter smiling next to him, Lucerys laying on his side behind her. "Ow."

"Good morning." Lucerys smiled at him, still rumpled from sleep. "Aemma wanted to wake you up."

"I can feel that." Aemond sat up and away from her wild little hands. But he gave her his hand, her grip tight around his thumb.

The sun shining into the room made Lucerys hair glow like honey, his cheeks warm and flushed. His eyes were fondly watching them, his smile expressing the happiness he felt in that moment.

Aemond watched, utterly transfixed. He had seen Lucerys as happy as he could be, as content as he would ever be as little more than a hostage. But never in a way like this - completely vulnerable and unafraid with pure bliss reflected in his eyes, thumbing at Aemma's cheeks and giggling along with her.

He felt the urge to ask, to make sure. Are you happy? But the words were trapped in his throat, leaving him only capable of staring like he had no control of his body. Aemma clumsily leaned forward and pressed a wet kiss to Lucerys' cheek, leaving him with a smear of drool that Lucerys only laughed at and it was another painfully sweet hand closing around his throat.

"You silly girl, you giving kisses to muña?" Lucerys whispered. "Give kepa some, too, he looks lonely."

Aemma turned to him expectantly and Aemond leaned down obediently, offering his cheek. As she gave his scarred cheek a wet little kiss, he told Lucerys, "I'm not lonely."

"No," his mate responded, the look in his eyes reflecting that he was entirely devoted to keeping that true. "I will not let you be."

It might not have happened at all how Aemond wanted it and at some point he considered it a futile and foolish dream, but it did. That same dream had expanded around him this sunny morning, in his mate and daughter being right there to wake him.

This was all he ever wanted. All those impossibly small fragments coming together to form a beautifully whole boy who could smile and laugh without regard. This feeling was enough to crush him and who would have known that all it took to weaken him was that all encompassing warmth he held for this precious boy coming into sharp focus.

He loved him so much it hurt. After everything they had been through, he couldn't imagine being without Lucerys or the family they were growing. As much as being with them was all he wanted, it cut deep how easy it could be to lose them. Lucerys looked up at him knowingly and Aemond barely blinked when he felt his mate's warm hand brush away the wetness on his cheek.

"You're here now. I will chain you to me and throw the key into the sea if anyone dares to take you away. My mother included."

Aemond leaned into his palm. "I believe you."

Lucerys urged him down to the bed, corralling him and their daughter into his arms. Aemma was content between them, her stuffed seahorse held in her hands while her parents held her. It was a warm feeling like no other and Aemond could easily fall back asleep just like this.

In spite of all of that, there was an odd undercurrent to the joy he felt. Aemond settled it by leaning around Aemma and to Lucerys, sniffing him. His mate gave him a strange look, shrinking back nervously. "W-what?"

"You smell…different." Not bad, but slightly off. He could not place it. It was like a blanket covering his natural scent. "Are you wearing blockers?"

"No?" Lucerys blinked a few times before lifting his arm and sniffing himself. His eyes narrowed before widening. "Oh!"

"What is it?"

Lucerys chuckled to himself before leaning up on his elbow. Aemond leaned back as well, feeling light kicks at his thigh from Aemma. Lucerys was smiling at him, not unlike before, that darling curve of his lips and hazel eyes looking at him under thick eyelashes. "Well, the last time my scent changed like that was when I was pregnant."

The boy shrugged like it was nothing, like the reveal did not sweep the earth from under him. "Now that I think about it…it has been past when I should have bled."

It was then that Aemma was demanding attention, wiggling around and crawling up to Aemond where he lay. He held her in his arms while staring at Lucerys, visibly shocked. He hadn't even been back to Westeros for a month. "You never took your tea?"

Lucerys shook his head, meeting his look with a coy smile. "I must have forgotten."

Reaching out, Aemond cupped his warm cheek, feeling him lean into his touch. "Little creature…I thought you wanted to sail?"

"That will have to wait a while, I suppose." Lucerys kissed his palm, nuzzling with his nose. "I wanted this more."

The weight on his side tumbled back, the little girl babbling as she clutched her seahorse, already sticking the tail in her mouth. Lucerys was full of fondness when he brushed her pale hair. "You'll have a little brother or sister to play with. I hope they're as sweet as you."

Aemond did not think this morning could get any better and still he tested the boundaries.

"Marry me," Aemond said quietly and Lucerys scrunched his eyebrows at him, a cute twist to his lips.

"I already did?" The upwards inflection and laugh combined made Aemond sigh, looking away before back at Lucerys, who had his attention on Aemma's little hands wrapped around his slender finger.

Tilting Lucerys' chin towards him got the boy's attention back. "What I mean, what I'm asking, is for you to marry me because you want to." His thumbnail slid down the center of Lucerys' bottom lip. "Did it even count before? If you were forced to?"

Other than the noises their daughter made, it was quiet between them as Lucerys wrapped his hand around Aemond's wrist, thumbing over his pulse point. It was still there, even after all this time. It might not be so strong but that storm that brought them together had yet to settle, still it tossed them through endless whirlpools.

Their wedding night, Shipbreaker's Bay - those moments had defined their relationship into what it had been for years and yet Aemond still believed they could find ways to heal. Instead of reminiscing on his tearful wedding, Lucerys could remember the one they planned together, one they both could have without regret.

Lucerys kissed his thumb and met his look, the beginnings of a smile curving his lips. "Then, yes. I will marry you." Afterwards, his smile grew cheeky. "But you're taking my last name."

After all that, Aemond would not let a surname get in the way of his happiness. "Fine. Any other demands, my prince?"

"Mhm, it has to be a Valyrian wedding. Right here on the beach."

Aemond sat up on his knees and Lucerys giggled as he hovered over to kiss him, muffled between his mouth he cried out, "Aemma is here!"

"She's fine." Aemond kissed him lightly on his button nose. "She'll grow up with very loving parents."

Lucerys continued to laugh as he was kissed, in the end giving up and letting Aemond cover his face with them, holding Aemond down to give him his own.

༺༻

Two months into his return, the Queen requested Aemond at court. There was really only one reason she had to see him - to further stress how he was still only at her mercy. As much as he'd like to put it off, he could not refuse but did not hesitate to voice how much he did not enjoy the prospect.

"She has nothing good to say," Aemond insisted the day of, to which Lucerys only sighed from where he laced his boots. He knew the boy was tired of hearing his complaints but he would not stop until this day was over.

Head down, Lucerys reminded him, "it's the perfect time to tell her about the wedding and the baby. We can do it in person and then there are fewer letters we have to send." He stood, reaching out for his cloak next to Aemond.

Aemond gave him a pointed look while taking the cloak, instead laying it over Lucerys' shoulders himself. "And how many people do you actually expect to arrive?" The guest list was not large to begin with. Their family, half of which already lived on High Tide, and the heads of only a few houses nearby were even considered.

The boy shrugged, hands fidgeting while tying his cloak. "It can be small. It doesn't matter. It's our day. If it ends up just being the people on Driftmark, then so be it."

He acted strong, but on this Aemond knew it was the opposite. Lucerys would be devastated if even then his family could not support him. Or as Lucerys would stress, them. Aemond knew if they ever did a kind thing to him, it would only be for his mate's sake.

He could understand the sentiment.

Drawing Lucerys closer, Aemond scented him before saying, "it will not come to that. They would not miss it no matter what they think of me."

That had the desired effect of relaxing Lucerys, who rested his weight into him with a quiet groan. He allowed a few breaths of comfort before he stepped back. "Then let's go. This is going to take all day. I still want time with Aemma when we get back."

When they left, Lucerys made a definitive right turn away from the docks. Aemond followed him in confusion until he caught sight of dark green wings unfurling. "Lucerys, wait."

The boy did not but he turned his head, lifting an eyebrow. "She's slow but she isn't slower than a boat."

Aemond reached out for his arm, holding him back. "Lucerys…I would never ask you to do that."

Lucerys stubbornly wrenched his arm back, giving him a steady look. "It will be faster. I cannot be afraid of her forever and I cannot ignore her here like I could in the capital. And…it's been years since I've flown."

"What happens when you cannot take it and we're flying over the sea?"

"Then you will just have to distract me." Lucerys smiled brightly. "I know her harness is big enough for two. So, come on. We should not make the Queen wait."

Sighing, Aemond took the boy's outstretched hand and led him to Vhagar. The old dragon had rested enough since they had come back and this should be no problem for her. A large yellow eye tracked them as they approached. Aemond glanced down when he felt Lucerys' hand grip his tighter. "We do not have to do this."

When Lucerys let go of his hand he expected him to turn back to the docks, instead that hand went to Aemond's upper back, pushing him in the direction of the hanging rope. "We are doing this."

He could not exactly get away with tossing Lucerys over his shoulder and taking him to the docks, not here anyway. He climbed halfway up and glanced down, watching Lucerys' tentative first steps onto the rope. Vhagar grumbled, but Aemond had a feeling it was more out of annoyance from Lucerys' hesitation than anything. Aemond continued up to the saddle, turning to reach down for Lucerys as he climbed.

The boy was only slightly shaking as he was guided onto Aemond's lap. He took in deep breaths as Aemond held him from behind, nuzzling into his neck, hand stroking over his belly. "It's still not too late, taoba."

"I'm not a coward, uncle." Lucerys settled himself against Aemond, hands unsure where to go if not to the handlebars. He would stubbornly see this though.

Aemond chained them in and took the reins. "Then hold on."

Lucerys scrambled to grip the strips of leather attached to the saddle. Once they were wrapped around his fists, Aemond called out, "Sōvēs!"

Vhagar's lift off was more of a violent vault into the air after several thunderous steps forward. Aemond knew what to expect from many years with her, anticipating just when she would take off to the sky. First timers always had a tough experience, especially ones used to the fast but graceful rise of smaller dragons. Aemond wrapped an arm around Lucerys' torso and secured him against his chest when it happened, hearing and feeling Lucerys' sharp intake of breath.

Wind rushed past them, they felt each momentous push of Vhagar lifting her weight and keeping it there, bodies following the push and pull movement. They were high above it all, above High Tide. In the distance behind them, the smoke of the Dragonmont darkened the clouds, it made going back look like a dead end. The only way was forward.

Lucerys had let go of the leather straps in favor of clinging to Aemond's arm, his eyes closed tight. The wind did not allow his scent to linger but Aemond knew from the bond alone how much that had been for him.

"Open your eyes, Lucerys."

It took a moment of apprehension before Lucerys peeked through one eye. Then he opened both eyes, tilting his head back to look up at Aemond. "That was absolutely horrifying!"

"I told you so."

Lucerys leaned back, secured by the wind and his arm. "It was not that. I'm not afraid." He said that as if he was not trying to embed his nails through layers of leather. "It's been a long time since I was in the air. I forgot…how that felt. It's different riding a dragon you are not bonded to."

"I'm sure you were not expecting to fly again on Vhagar."

"No," Lucerys said immediately. "Is it always that rough?"

"You get used to it."

"Gods." Lucerys stared off at the clouds, growing quiet after that.

By the time they arrived at the capital, the sun was high in the sky and baking the red brick. No matter the changes made or who sat the Iron Throne, the silence between them was not for a lack of knowing what to say. Every inch of this castle came equipped with a memory, from their years spent together and beyond.

The yard he trained in until he made sure he no longer lost a fight. The hall he overheard his mother and Ser Criston discussing his half-sister, the knight's shame and regret of which he blamed the young princess for. The solar he found Aegon forcing himself onto a maid. Turning right led to the hall of tapestries, left to the dining hall, but they walked straight to the throne room.

The stain of Aegon had been long since wiped clean. If not for the darkened steel at the foot of the stairs it would be as if it never happened.

It was surprisingly less guarded than Aemond expected. Neither Daemon nor Jacaerys were present while the Queen sat the throne, though he supposed his nephew was still on his tour. Only her Queensguard were present, standing before the dais and between the columns depicting previous kings.

There was no tender meeting of hugs when Lucerys and Aemond stood before the throne. Lucerys bowed and Aemond begrudgingly followed suit, though he remained outwardly neutral. Lucerys lifted his head with one of the sweetest smiles, smelling of dragon and hints of milky lavender. "Good day to you, muña."

Rhaenyra smiled softly for him. "Good day to you, ñuhys qēlos." The Queen's smile noticeably shifted as did her eyes, landing on Aemond with frosty neutrality. "You've returned in one piece. We all rejoiced to hear the news."

The fact that his sister still chose to be insufferable was almost enough for him to snap back with his own backhanded comment, but he bit his tongue. "I'm glad to hear it, sister. You look well."

His forced flattery only made Rhaenyra huff quietly to herself, eyes shining with mutual irritation. "I called you here after your exile for the purpose of making you remember my words. Your mother and siblings have followed suit remarkably well. If your return stirs any unrest, know exactly who I will demand answers from."

"You could not fit that in a letter?"

"Aemond!" Lucerys glared at him.

"My apologies, your grace." Aemond forced himself to remain as amiable as he possibly could. "But I assure you, now that I'm with my family, I am quite content."

"We've come with news," Lucerys began before any further spat could unravel. "If it pleases you to hear it."

The Queen nodded for him to continue, the storm brewing in her eyes clearing whenever she looked at her son.

"We wanted to tell you personally," his mate smiled up at his mother, the amount of hope almost devastating to see. "But we plan to marry out of love. We're holding a celebration on Driftmark in two moons. I would love it if you could attend."

The boy had spoken all while Rhaenyra's face dissolved into that withdrawn expression again, the edge to her eyes showing how much the news did not thrill her. "Of course I will be there. I will let your siblings know. I'm sure this affair will not interfere with your brother's tour."

That was all. Not a word of congratulations even for Lucerys. Aemond watched as Lucerys remained smiling though it was strained around the edges and his eyes lost all of that naïve hope they held before.

Aemond stared up at his half-sister, barely holding back his disdain of her. She could not even pretend to be happy for her son. Her star. And here she was letting him dim before her very eyes.

"Is there anything else?" Rhaenyra asked her son, nodding when he shook his head in silence. "Then I would like to speak with my half-brother alone."

The prince's crushing look was smothered down as he bowed his head. The quick glance he gave Aemond as he turned was a warning as well as a look of understanding. The words he said that morning rang true as Lucerys left the hall and Rhaenyra voiced her true feelings for him alone.

"I knew one day I would grow to hate you. I tried to be close with you, Aemond. I'm glad that never happened."

He knew what time she meant and scoffed. "You constantly mocked me for being more Hightower than not. Offering me cake when I was six when you looked down at me like I was beneath you does not constitute as trying."

"Because you are beneath me." From where she sat as crowned Queen of the Seven Kingdoms that was more than true. "I was right to dislike you. In the end, you took my son from me."

She would hold onto that until her last breath just as he would rather die than let anyone have Lucerys but him. "You tried to keep him from me for years and yet he still fell into my hands."

"He never should have."

It did not matter what she thought. Lucerys had always been his; birth mother or not she never would have kept him for long. "None of this would have ever happened if you had just given him to me, Rhaenyra. None of it."

His sister laughed with zero mirth within. "I would have never done that and we both know that. We are going in circles. I would rather Vhagar tear you to pieces than hand my son to you."

"Then your hands are bloody just as mine are."

Rhaenyra stood in her anger as if she would descend and cut through him herself but it was her voice that carried all the fury. "Never compare yourself to me, Aemond. Every second that I have to breathe the same air as you makes my skin crawl. To think that my son could have you near him…I hate that you've ruined him to the point that he actually thinks he loves you. You disgust me. You will always disgust me."

Aemond hid his reaction but not well enough, eyebrow and jaw twitching as he tried to mask his anger. His half-sister's lips twitched into a cruel grin. "Did that hurt your feelings? Good. You deserve nothing less. Now go. You're keeping my son waiting."

Aemond did not need to be told twice. Anything to get out of that room. He never wanted to kill his sister more in his life. He knew Lucerys felt that hostility, his hazel eyes round in alarm when Aemond burst through the doors. "We're leaving."

"What happened?" Lucerys had to speed walk to keep up with him, reaching out to grasp his sleeve. "What did my mother say?"

"Aōha muña orvorta iksis!" Aemond seethed.

Lucerys gasped, momentarily stopping before running to catch up. "Take that back!"

They were outside the castle and Aemond was much too irritated to wait for a slow carriage to take them to the gate. There was an already saddled horse being groomed and he pushed the stableboy aside and glared at Lucerys as he mounted it. "Get on. Or stay here. Your choice."

"That's my horse!" A knight from the gate called out and when Aemond turned his head, they watched his face turn pale under his helm. "Then retrieve it from the fucking Mud Gate or come down here and do something about it!"

Then he turned back to Lucerys, the choice still in the air. Lucerys glanced away, at the red faced stableboy slowly getting to his feet, then after a heavy breath he took Aemond's hand that was offered and was hoisted up. Immediately Aemond took them out of there.

"Why would you call my mother a cunt?" Lucerys sounded scandalized. "That's my mother!"

"Because she is one, Lucerys."

The boy did not speak to him until they were approaching Vhagar, the dragon roaring loud enough it made the men guarding the gates groan as their helms rang. Aemond dismounted and held Lucerys' waist as he slid off the saddle. Lucerys dark eyes burned with malice as they walked the way to his dragon.

"What did she say to make you so angry?"

"Why does it matter?" Aemond started up Vhagar's ladder, halfway up realizing Lucerys had not followed. "Do I need to drag you up here or are you coming?"

Lucerys crossed his arms, his face pinched and feet firmly planted in the mud. "I'm not getting on there when you're angry like this."

Of course he would be fated with an endlessly mouthy omega. He refrained from thinking just like his mother and sighed, hanging his head. "She cannot hurt you if you are on my lap, taoba."

"I never said I was worried about Vhagar."

Aemond closed his eye before climbing down. Lucerys straightened up when he faced him and crossed the distance between them. "Why are you playing these games now of all times?"

"You know what I want. Make this easy for yourself then."

Lucerys' eyes widened when Aemond held his face in both of his hands, keeping his head tilted back. Warm fingertips touched the backs of Aemond's hands but nothing more. "You're lovely fucking mother considers you ruined because of me. And that I disgust her, which is fine. But ruined? You? The most beautiful thing to happen to me is far from ruined. That is why I called her a cunt. Now can we leave this place or do you wish to relive all of our happy memories here?"

When Lucerys looked down, quietly voicing his acceptance, Aemond let him go. This time Lucerys climbed up after him, glum faced and mute the entire ride home. His outburst proved to be a long lasting distraction as Lucerys was not afraid during the flight, he leaned against Aemond's chest and stared contemplatively at the clouds, but that was all he did.

Back on High Tide, Lucerys beelined to a serving boy and requested hot water for a bath. His dark eyes drifted to Aemond, "it's not just for me."

In the privacy of their room, Lucerys was pulled back to him after he went around lighting candles. The boy did not look too happy about it, head tilted back to give him a dissatisfied look. "How long are you going to be angry with me?"

Lucerys seemed to ponder that before he definitively said, "until you stop calling my mother terrible things."

Aemond scoffed from a mix of amused exasperation. "My sister would have to change many qualities of herself for that to happen."

Lucerys smacked his chest. "I do not say things about your mother, even though I think she's mostly horrible."

At that Aemond stepped away, a wry smirk pulling his lips. "If I remember correctly, you once asked if I would kill my mother. It cannot go one way, Lucerys."

"Fine, I'm sorry. But could you blame me? I was only thinking of us."

There was nothing his mate could have done during those years that Aemond would ever hold against him. Even this. Sighing, Aemond told him, "no, I do not blame you. As for my sister and I, we…will never be kind to each other."

That was an understatement. They hated each other and likely always would. She would stubbornly think of him as nothing more than the shit that clogged her city while he would continue to view her as nothing but a spiteful cunt. Exile had not changed that, the Queen softening at their daughter had not changed that. "I promise you, she's saying worse things about me. Me calling her a cunt will not make her lose any sleep."

Lucerys groaned as someone knocked on their door. They were silent as the tub was brought in, along with buckets of steaming water. Afterwards, Aemond turned to Lucerys, slightly too irritated to feel any vulnerability in his question. "Are you going to bathe with me, or do I disgust you as well?"

"Shut up," Lucerys tugged at the buckle to his cloak, but in his mood he was not getting far. "I never once said you disgusted me. Do not put words in my mouth."

Aemond pushed his nephew's hands away and Lucerys' arms fell to his sides. Obediently, he allowed Aemond to undress him, removing his cloak and then his necklace, his doublet was next. He used Aemond's shoulder for support when Aemond worked on his boots, tugging his trousers down. His clothes might have smelled like dragon but his skin had the muted sea salt and lavender scent clinging to him still. Aemond inhaled deeply before he stood, the naked boy in front of him pouting as he returned the favor.

How could he hold any annoyance with Lucerys when he was like this? Even when he was upset the boy was entirely too charming. Lucerys was not unaware of his thoughts, brow furrowing even more as his cheeks began to flush. That only made it worse, or better, that he didn't pull away when Aemond caressed his soft cheek, only gave him an admonishing look while peeling back Aemond's jacket, forcing him to let go.

Once they were both bare they sank into the tub together, reminiscent of their flight Lucerys sat between Aemond's legs and laid against his chest. He hummed softly as Aemond lathered soap against his body, relaxing fully. "Still mad at you," the boy mumbled.

Kissing his wet shoulder, Aemond continued to soap up his slender body, along his arms, his soft chest and warm belly. He could be as angry as he liked, it did not change the fact that he responded to Aemond's touches all the same. Wriggling like Aemond wouldn't notice, his breathing and scent growing heavy.

Lucerys sighed in frustration before leaning forward and lifting his hips, reaching behind him to grasp Aemond's half-hard cock. It didn't take many strokes for him to grow in Lucerys' hand and then the boy was lowering himself on it with a shaky exhale.

Aemond grunted when Lucerys was seated in his lap once more, velvet walls contracting around him at the sudden intrusion. His hands went to Lucerys' hips under the water, holding him tight as the boy gradually lifted and dropped his weight. "Still upset?"

"Y-yes." Lucerys clenched around him, betraying his words and Aemond smirked.

He thrusted up into him, water splashed over the edge and Lucerys gripped the sides of the tub with a gasp. "That's fine, be upset. Doesn't change the fact that you're mine."

Lucerys' head hung forward, rocking his hips back into his thrusts. Aemond could not fathom how after everything, he could get this view all to himself. His mate was stunning, hair spilling down his back and over his shoulders, curling wet at the ends, water dripping down his flushed skin, his soft hips in Aemond's harsh grip. He loved fucking him from behind, watching his plump ass bounce as he pounded into his cunt. Lucerys' moans were heaven sent, whimpering like he would cry if Aemond dared to stop, gasping hotly in the air when he plunged in deep.

"If I hadn't already, I would knot you until you were sure to be bred. I want to keep you full, taoba, always."

Lucerys easily folded from that, convulsing around him, making the sweetest cries as he fucked himself on Aemond harder. He smirked. He had known since the boy's heat that the little omega loved the idea of being stuffed full, cunt drenched in slick and seed, womb heavy from receiving his knots. They were perfect for each other. It had been so hard not to do too much to him then, but now Aemond did not resist.

"Aemond, please," Lucerys gasped, grinding down to feel his husband as deep as he could. Aemond groaned, fucking into him like that, holding his hips down as his knot filled. "Yes, yes," Lucerys' back arched, his grip on the tub tightening just as his cunt spasmed around his cock.

He filled the boy's womb, groaning into his shoulder as they were locked together like that. Lucerys shuddered and sagged against him, panting between satisfied moans. He pressed his nose against Aemond's jaw, starting to purr softly. Either he had forgotten his anger or Aemond fucked it right out of him, because he was all smiles now.

"Are we…considered clean?" Lucerys wondered with a lopsided grin.

Aemond snorted. "Clean enough."

Eventually, Lucerys had to get off of him, grimacing as he stood from the water. His thighs were messy and after Aemond stood and wiped him down with a wet rag he quickly got out.

Aemond laughed softly, following suit.

Lucerys dressed in a royal blue cashmere robe, tying it before lifting his long thick hair from under. He toed on his sandals and headed to the door.

Aemond watched in confusion. "Where are you going?"

Lucerys smiled at him over his shoulder. "I'm bringing Aemma in. Or am I not allowed?"

"Of course not." Aemond relaxed. "How dare you see our child."

His mate snorted before leaving. Aemond dressed as well and fixed the bed, laying a pillow between his and Lucerys'. He glanced up at the sound of the door opening. The sight of Lucerys holding their child always made him pause for a moment, taking in how delicate they looked. How utterly perfect they were together.

His little girl was already looking sleepy when Lucerys laid her down and joined her, cuddling in close. There was nothing that could match the affection in Lucerys' eyes as he stared at Aemma. Aemond sat on the edge, just watching, waiting to ask what had been bothering him since their meeting with the Queen.

Lucerys didn't have to look up, his tone willing yet weary. "What is it now?"

"Why did you not tell your mother about the baby?"

It showed that he had not been expecting that. Lucerys pursed his lips, still playing with Aemma's hair. He sighed through his nose before saying, "she did not appear happy to hear of the wedding, why would this change anything?"

That had always been known to Aemond, but hearing it in Lucerys' words still saddened him. He wished for Lucerys' sake that one day he could be around Rhaenyra without experiencing nothing but vitriol for her.

Lucerys tilted his head back so that he could look at Aemond, pouring over his face with an indecipherable look before he smiled gently. "They will all see for themselves soon enough."

Aemond relaxed alongside them both, arm draped over them with his hand curling at Lucerys' lower back. "I cannot wait to see."

He watched how that made Lucerys' smile warm up, his gorgeous eyes twinkling. "Me too, I missed you the entire time. I knew you would have been so happy."

Aemond kissed his forehead lightly, humming softly before pulling back. "We will make up for that."

༺༻

The morning of their wedding was warm and hazy. Aemond woke to Lucerys scenting him, layering happy nuzzles and kisses along his skin, and they did not dare part until the time demanded it.

Lucerys' handmaids took him away to decorate him while Aemond dressed alone. The ceremonial robe smelled of smoke and ash, brimstone ever present. They had arrived from Dragonstone and carried the scent with it. The textured cloth of the sleeves, shoulders, and skirt were washed in crimson, reminiscent of bloody water streaking the sea. It suited them more than their ancestors had to have known, or maybe they always had. Their blood ran wild and they seemed to love just the same.

His fingers ran along the beaded belt as he tied it, at the many little nicks and curves. His eyepatch was left next to the bedside, he did not wear it as often as he had before.

When he found Lucerys at the steps leading to the waves crashing along the shore he was standing with his brothers, laughing at something Joffrey had said. The sun was bouncing off his long dark hair and the headpiece he wore, illuminating him in golden light. Three braids laid over his hair, meeting into one that ended down his back and rubies had been interwoven throughout. He stood wearing a matching robe, belted the same, yet there was no denying the slight bump to his belly was not a part of the dress.

The terrace was speckled with their family, more lingering around the beach, where the fire waited. Yet on that day Aemond did not care to pay them much thought. There was one person who demanded his sole attention and they were patiently waiting for him.

They walked to the beach together. There was no need for one to meet the other at an altar, they would be making this journey together. Lucerys held his hand and walked in step with him. Following were trails of guests, walking a ways behind until they formed a crescent around them.

It did not matter who was there. It was only the two of them when Aemond held the heated dragonglass to Lucerys' bottom lip. His lips parted with the blade, the easy glide against his skin breaking away with blood. Aemond brushed his thumb against Lucerys' lip lovingly, gentle as he marked the boy's forehead. Lucerys' hand lingered when he passed the blade to him, leaving fire along his skin.

There was only Lucerys as he cut him, how he was so divine even when drawing blood. His hazel eyes gleamed as he stroked Aemond's bottom lip with care, bringing his hand up to lightly mark him as well. The sign of their binding in flesh, freshly adorned onto their skin.

Lucerys did not flinch as he pressed the blade into his own palm, slashing down through a pale scar. Blood rushed to the surface as Aemond was passed the blade, wet with their blood. He drew a line into his palm and together they met blood for blood.

Their hands were bound once more. This time Lucerys' hand did not shake, he firmly held Aemond's as their blood joined into the wine below. His eyes held Aemond where he stood and there were no doubts in Aemond's heart that Lucerys loved him. That he was loved.

The cup was brought to Lucerys' lips and his eyes closed as he drank, as if to savor the taste. When he passed it to Aemond, his lips were stained red, curving with a smile. Aemond drank, tasting the wine first but then it hit him. The taste of iron under sweet layers of black fruit and spice, of them condensed into one sharp taste.

He took Lucerys' face in his hands, admiring him not for the first time and not even close to the last. He was not alone in that, Lucerys held his face in return, fingers brushing against his skin, down the curved edge of his scar, sweetly laying out his endearment in light touches.

He could not hear heavy rain or the crack of lightning when he looked down into the boy's hazel eyes. He could only hear the waves breaking along the beach, the chiming of Lucerys' delighted laughter whenever he spoke with his brothers, his vision full with the wide curve of his grin. Aemond was far too taken by the dimples in the boy's cheeks, or the love in his eyes, to even think of his crumpled form in his arms.

And when Lucerys stepped deeper into his embrace, he was warm and solid and wholly alive, the roundness of his belly the promise of so much more. When he looked up at Aemond and smiled slow and tender and just for him - there no longer was a churning sea between them, there wasn't even air. It was only heat, cloves and sea salt, the faintest hint of vanilla.

Lucerys leaned into the hands that cupped his face, eyelashes fluttering as he sighed his name. Aemond kissed him as gently as he could before deepening it, because even if Lucerys wasn't delicate, Aemond wanted to care for him like he was. He wanted to show Lucerys that he would continue to treasure him as he always wished he could, dedicated to him like it was his sole purpose in life.

It was only then that the words they had never spoken at their first wedding ever felt true.

I am his and he is mine.

From this day until his last.

Notes