=Author notes=
Hello anyone reading this story I'm not going to lie, I was expecting this to get buried and get no or little views so to get reviews, follows, and favourites is huge to me.
I suppose I'll share I am still trying to find my comfort zone as this isn't my usual writing style or subject, I have written for years but never fanfiction. So please I can take feedback and criticism and I am hoping to improve myself as an author by the end of this, so give me your worst.
I have a few major story arcs planned but I'm currently not sure how long this will be, it could turn into a real passion projecct.
and finally, I am working off sudden motivation for this, the likes of which I've never had before, so these first few chapters will come out fast but please do not assume this will be common for the entire story it may happen in burst or over time, but I will always work on it.
Thank You! please enjoy the chapter
JAEHAERYS
7 moons ago
Jaehaerys' steel rumbled hard in his hand as he blocked an overhead swing from Mance. He brought the weapon down hard head again, Jaehaerys couldn't block it again and had to dive and roll away to dodge the attack. He looked around and saw the frost fangs a mess, he watched his uncle Benjen take the head clean off a wildling with one might swing before turning his attention elsewhere. Lyn Corbray was deep in the midst of a duel with Tormund and it didn't look good for the watchman. Jaehaerys knew he had to beat Mance and soon, exhaustion had long set in and he could see the same look on the King's face, both men covered in small wounds.
Jae took his stance once more and Mance his, they both knew this had to be it. They circled each other for just a breath before both men lunged at each other. Mance's swing was either too high or Jaehaerys was able to duck under, the young prince truly couldn't tell at the moment. Everything felt so slow as his adversary missed and was left leaning forward slightly. Jaehaerys stepped into it and thrust his blade straight through the King's chest. He then stepped back twisted and ripped the blade out, Mance's blood spilt from the new gash and the man stumbled a few steps before he dropped to his knees. Jaehaerys rushed forward to catch the dying man before he hit the snow.
"Mance, I-" was as far as Jae got before he was cut off.
"I…. Wish you… g-good fortunes" he paused his words to gurgle and spit a mouth of blood out. "In the… wa-wars to c-" was all Jaehaerys got to hear as his once mentor died in his arms.
Jaehaerys was snapped from his thoughts as a cup was all but slammed down in front of him. The dark brown liquid spilt out slightly across the table and a bit into him, the prince looked up and met the amused gaze of Harrold Hardying. The rest of the table looked on in amusement as well, Aegon, Viserys, Quentyn, Gerris, Joffery, and Monford joined him and Harry at the largest table the tavern had, not to mention three of the kingsguard standing around them keeping an eye on the crowd.
"Apologies my prince, it slipped" Jaehaerys didn't believe it. The man looked a knight, surely his grip would have managed. But Jae said nothing as he took and drank the ale and his face twisted slightly at the taste. Causing a chorus of laughter from the other around the table.
"No ale that strong north of the wall?" Aegon japed. He couldn't be more wrong, the drink Tormund had him guzzling every other night was five times as strong as this.
"Not used to my ale tasting like boot water brother, mayhaps that is where our tastes differ," Jaehaerys said meeting his brother's gaze who did not find the statement amusing. The only two who laughed were the ones not afraid of Aegon's ire, Viserys and Quentyn.
"Will you be staying here? In the capital I mean, or do your wildling lovers demand your swift return north have you have been celebrated" Drinkwater asked, already on his second cup.
"Aye I'm staying, there's nothing left for me in the North," Jaehaerys said quietly. The guys shared a few glances before Monford spoke up next.
"You don't deny it then?" When Jae's look grew odd he continued. "Your wildling they whispered about"
You know nothing, Jae
"I do deny it Ser" Jaehaerys answered. He didn't need to look at Jaime to know the knight glanced his way at the statement. It was technically not a lie, Ygritte was far more than just a lover technically she was his wife. As far as wilding customs go, Jaehaerys was sure that theft didn't constitute a sworn vow to the gods in the eyes of the seven but they weren't his gods. They hadn't been since he set foot in the Winterfell Godswood for the first time and he felt that draw to the heart tree.
"Perfect little brother" Aegon said finishing his sentence in Valyrian. "Soon it will be time to get it wet," he said before the whole table shared a laugh save for Jaehaerys. They filled his cup over and over again and soon he was 6 deep and starting to feel more than whoozie. The next thing Jae knew he was walking down a dark Gin Alley looking for the street of silk, it had already been late when they had drug him and Jaime from the keep. Now it was very late, the moon was on its descent. He had his uncle's arm over one shoulder as he stumbled through the streets.
"Move aside, the Hero in the North approaches" he slurred to any with ears. Aegon led them to the Blue Pearl, he knocked on the door hard until a young woman opened it and smiled at him lustfully, she was scantily dressed in a few pieces of see-through cloth along with rings and jewellery to make her look like a foreign princess.
"My Prince, we received your word of the gathering you intended to bring" she said in a sultry tone, she reached out and let her fingers trail his loose collar before tracing up his neck and jaw. "And we have made the arrangements you asked for" she continued before her voice fell to a breathy whisper, "And I look forward to getting the honour of servicing you tonight my brave prince" she finished before turning and leading them inside.
Aegon turned back and looked at the group as they entered the main chambers, "Men, welcome to the seven heavens" he said with a grin. Jaehaerys had never seen the inside of a whore house but he was surprised how nice it looked. The inside walls were a deep blue that added a shade of darkness to the hall, they walked by numerous doorways closed off by violet and lilac curtains. He could glance into a few but saw no one, he heard nothing either where one would imagine the carnal sounds of men and women pleasuring one another there was silence.
Before Jaehaerys could question anything their group reached what looked to be a lounging chamber with a lineup of 10 women, not including the one they met at the door, all dressed the same as the first, smiling, and giggling. "Ah, you truly are a gift from the gods my prince" Drinkwater said before quickly crossing the room and claiming his first choice of the women. Gerris took a short-haired blonde woman, thin with a round ass and small tits. His lips were on hers before they had even reached the hallway to find a room.
"Prince Viserys, your usual pair," The lady now hanging off Aegon's arm said. Before she finished speaking a pair approached himself and his uncle and Jaehaerys had to do a double take. The first was Dornish with a light tan to her skin and the other was a woman who had to be from across the narrow sea. She had Targaryen silver hair but her eyes were barely an off shade of deep blue. The first names that came to his thoughts as he saw them, Rhaenys and Daenerys? He couldn't help but wonder as his once-pissed uncle found his sea legs in his drunken state and sauntered over to the two who seemed more than glad to carry him away.
More of their party began to step up when Aegon put a hand up. "My good Ser's if you don't mind, this night is meant to celebrate my brother, and I had requested one especially for you to be brought tonight" Aegon said before gesturing to one of the girls. A gold-haired blue-eyed beauty stepped forward, she was short but had full breasts and ample meat to her thighs. She did a curtsy before approaching him and taking his hand.
"It is an honour to get an eve with you my prince," she said in a soft tone, her skin was soft and warm. That along with the drink still in him caused his cock to stir and he put up little resistance as pulled him along by the arm. He could already hear Drinkwater howling like a mutt in heat as they found a secluded room and pulled the curtains tight. The room had a bed and a couch with tinted windows peering into the dark of night. He stood there awkwardly for a moment before she giggled and guided him to sit on the couch and she curled up next to him tucking her feet under herself.
"Are you nervous, my prince?" she asked, reaching up and running a hand through his hair. Jaehaerys closed his eyes and leaned into her touch slightly before shaking his head no.
"Jus drunk my lady," he said, it wasn't completely true. He had left the tavern a bit more than tipsy and the walk had done little to sober him.
"I am no lady," she said amidst a giggle. "Just a common whore"
"Must be uncommon for Aegon to request you for me," Jaehaerys said quietly, his head tilted back against the couch. Her lips turned upwards slightly, her hand trickled down the side of his face.
"An uncommon whore then, for the hero who saved us all from the savage invaders" Her hands move down past his shirt, and as he hands traced the outside of his shirt he could only think of Ygritte. His shirt had no buttons to open it so she skipped that step and went straight to the strap on his belt pulling it undone.
Do you remember that cave? We never shoulda left
"Wait, I- I can't," Jaehaerys said. His companion gave him an odd look as her fingers stilled, waiting for more. "I loved another" he admitted to her, one of her eyebrows raised slightly.
"Loved?"
"She died"
"Oh, well mayhaps I can help mend the prince's broken heart, besides," she said before continuing to try and loosen his pants. "My mother always said the dead don't need lovers"
Jaehaerys hands went to her wrist and took hold stopping her again, "I know, but I love her still anyways" he said a sad look cast over his eyes as he looked down. He suddenly felt out of place again, his ears picked up on the sounds of moans and grunts. Jaehaerys stood and quickly started towards the door.
"My prince wait-" she tried but he didn't listen. Jae pushed through the curtains to see the three kingsguard members standing in the hall awkwardly being made to listen. The prince didn't stop as he turned and went barreling out the front door to the streets of Kings Landing. Jae always found the south too hot for his liking but tonight the air suddenly felt far cooler than it ever had before. He fumbled with his belt as he walked before he felt a hand grab his shoulder, and Jaehaerys reached for the sword he didn't have before seeing Jaime staring down at him.
"Jae, are you crying?" He asked, causing Jaehaerys to reach up and drag a hand along his cheek. It was soaking wet and he quickly used his sleeves to dry his face, he didn't even realize he had been crying.
"Do they ever go away?" Jaehaerys asked, and Jaime looked confused. "The faces of the dead"
"No," Jaime said simply with a sigh. "But they get easier to see with each day"
DAENERYS
Daenerys slipped from her bed in the dark of night, sleep eluded her once more as it often did the last year. Nights like these she would slip into Jaehaerys bed to find comfort but she knew she couldn't, she shouldn't, the princess thought before pushing open one of the back walls to her room. The red keep had many secret tunnels she had started exploring, they made it easier to get to and from his room in the dark. She knew Varys' little birds used the passages to eavesdrop on members of court but Dany had little use for such secrets.
Through the dark passages dressed only in her nightgown, she hoped he had returned from his trip with her brother but suddenly didn't know what to do if he had. Would he reek of ale and women like Viserys often did when she had to nurse him the next morning?
Mayhaps turning that newfound bravery in his direction may yield desired results
Margaerys words from the day rang in her ears and Dany steeled herself. She would not turn back now, she knew the path and even in the black of night, she didn't have fear of running into anything. Finally reaching the door she could hear a pair of voices inside, Jaehaerys and Jaime she could tell their voices immediately.
"Rest Jaehaerys, I'll have Pycelle bring you a remedy in the morn"
"N-no, it's fine Jaime, just leave me" She didn't hear anything for a moment before the sound of boots along the stone floor and a door closed. She took a bated breath and pushed open the hidden entrance to the room. His back was to her and he leaned over a table with both palms flat on it. His wolf turned her way and Jaehaerys soon followed, he looked surprised for a second before his eyes dragged down her form slowly. She didn't hide herself but felt far too underdressed, or overdressed, she blushed at the thought. His eyes met hers again and he swallowed hard. "Daenerys, how did?" he almost whispered and she felt goosebumps roll along her skin.
She remained quiet as she crossed the room to him, he didn't move away as she got but a foot away. She felt relief flood her when he only faintly smelled of ale and none of another woman. "Do you want help?" she asked in their mother tongue, he waited a moment seemingly thinking about it before nodding. Dany reached out and curled her fingers under the bottom of his shirt, he lifted his arms to aid her in pulling it up and over his head. His chest was a beautiful map of scars that never fully healed, some small, some big, and some in dangerous locations. She had a feeling if she saw his back it would look similar and she wanted nothing else in that moment but to trace a path to each one with her fingers and lips.
Daenerys knelt and unlaced his boots feeling very conscious her face was level with his crotch. Once he stepped out of the boots she stood face to face again and took his hand guiding him to his bed. His skin felt hot to the touch, and he put up no fight and she pulled him along. She turned to the bed and pulled back the blanket for him, suddenly she felt his arms around her waist pulling her body flush to his. His skin felt like fire against her body, her rear was pressed to his crotch and his forehead was on her shoulder.
"Stay" he whispered, the valyrian sounded like music to her ears. The request made her heart flutter and caused heat to pool in her core.
"Of course, my hero" she muttered and felt him stiffen behind her.
"Don't call me that" he said and her eyebrows furrowed. "I'm not a hero, just a traitor and a bastard" he finished and she spun in his arms so she could face him without breaking his hold.
"Never call yourself that again" Dany's hands found the sides of his face and she willed him to look at her. "You are Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen, the blood of the dragon runs red hot through your veins the same as mine" she said.
"I lied to them, Dany, they took me in and I led them to slaughter" he confessed, he started shaking in her arms slightly, and she could feel his heart thumping against his chest.
"Tell me" she asked quietly before pulling his head to the crook of her neck. "Tell me why you hurt" she whispered to him, shrouded in the warmth of his hold.
"She loved me Dany," Jaehaerys said and Dany tensed slightly but said nothing, her jealousy was irrelevant to his suffering at the moment. "She loved me and I left her" he finished his voice breaking with guilt.
"Why?" She asked burning to know who this woman was that loved Jae, did he love her back?
"I couldn't stay, I didn't belong" he sounded like he was trying to convince himself of it. "I don't belong anywhere"
"You belong here with me," she said but Jaehaerys shook his head.
"People hate me here, Blackfyre they whisper behind my back like I even wan-" he began explaining before she cut him off.
"Fuck the capital, and fuck everyone who would call you a traitor, you belong with me, the next time you leave this city I will be at your side, always," she said. Her heart pounded harder and faster as each word left her lips. "These six years have been hell, never leave me again" It was the truth, waiting to hear news each day of the war was agony. Viserys didn't help either by assuming the next thing they would always hear was Jae's death.
"Never," he told her, pulling his arms tighter around her. Her heart soared as the word left his lips.
"Lay down with me" she spoke the common tongue again. He followed her into the bed, he was on his back and she rested her head on his chest, an arm along his stomach. "Did you love her?" Dany asked a few moments after they settled in.
Jaehaerys was quiet for a few painful moments before speaking finally. "I think a part of me did, but she refused not to fight for the wildlings, and then she died" Dany's eyes went slightly wide, Jaehaerys was staring up at the canopy before they began to flutter shut. "I think, I think a part of me belongs out there north of the wall," he said. His voice began to trail off as sleep started dragging him under. There was so much more she wanted to pry from him, why were you with the wildings? would you have stayed with her if she lived? If she came south with you? Did you miss me ever, or think of me while with her? But she let him drift to slumber quietly instead.
She listened to his breath and heartbeat, it slowed greatly and was almost hypnotic. His face was impassive as he slept but not like when he was awake. His usually stiff brow had now softened and his tight lips were now parted slightly. Jae looked gentle, not the honed warrior that wielded Valyrian Steel, nor the Prince of the capital who must always keep his emotions tight to play the game of court. He looked like Jaehaerys Targaryen, the boy who used to steal sweets for her when Elia would say no more. The Jaehaerys that held her hand in the dark when he would walk her back to her room after they played all day. The Jae who would read her stories from across the narrow sea and tell her he'd bring her a dragon someday.
My Jae.
Daenerys ran along the stone of the keep as fast as she could, she pulled her dress up slightly to give her feet a free range. She felt her chest burning and her lungs strain but she ran all the same, members of the keep had to dodge out of the way of the fast nine-year-old princess as she ran to the royal chambers. She only slowed as she approached Ser Jaime Lannister. "Is he in there?" She asked the white knight who only nodded in response. She pushed the door open and felt her eyes well when she laid them upon him. His face was a mess, his lip had busted badly and his eye was black and swollen. The rest of his face was a landscape of bumps, bruises and bloody cuts as he sat in front of his mirror attempting to tend to himself with a wet cloth and a basin of water.
She crossed the room to him and took the cloth from his hand. "I'm fine" he tried but she started to wipe away at his injuries while holding his chin all the same.
"Why didn't Jaime get the maester?" she asked, a little agitated.
"I ordered him not to"
"Why?" She pressed the cloth a bit harder as he spoke causing him to wince slightly.
"Then the maester might tell Father, and Father would discipline him and they'd all hate me more," Jaehaerys said, his gaze dropping to her neck.
"He will ask you anyway"
"I will lie, I fell on the stairs hard, I've already made Jaime swear to secrecy," he said, after a moment of quiet his eyes flicked back to hers again. "Don't tell him, please Dany" he pleaded with a sorrowful look that melted her heart and she nodded like always.
She kept his secret and so did Jaime, she learned that day that Jaehaerys was determined to fight his own battles.
Dany's eyes fluttered open, she recognized the bed immediately as Jaehaerys' but didn't see him in bed with her. She sat up slowly rubbing the sleep from her eyes, giving the room a look she still didn't see him but instead saw a platter of food on the table. Daenerys climbed out of his bed and padded over to the table seeing an assortment of fruits that hadn't been there last night along with a quickly written note.
In case you get hungry -Jae
She smiled again before taking a bite from an apple.
RHAEGAR
"Their movements are highly suspicious, your grace, we should start taking countermeasures, call out banners at least the ones in the Crownlands" Lord Mace Tyrell expressed, making a puppet show of his hands to further highlight his point.
"To act now would all but confirm we want a fight" Connington replied.
"It matters not if they know we wish to fight, if the golden company descends on the Capitol without warning or protection we will all die" Varys spoke in his soft tone, a contrast to the other voices of the small council chamber. Mere moments ago he had informed the room of the worst rumor any had heard in years now, The Golden Company had just paid for ships. How many? Over two hundred warships, an amount that could move an army of nearly twenty thousand. What was worse was there were whispers that a Blackfyre led this force, a sixth rebellion on their hands should this prove to be fact.
Rhaegar ran his palm down his face, he had hoped the Greyjoy Rebellion was the last war he would need to fight but like always the gods saw fit to scorn him. When he heard of the wildling army he wanted to help truly, but Jon and Tywin convinced him that sending the realm back to war over an army of savages that never succeeded before would not look good in the eyes of the people, warmonger they'd soon start calling him.
"Varys I want confirmation of this, I need it in fact before we act" The King instructed and the master of whispers bowed his head.
"Your Grace" Tywin spoke to get his attention. "If war looms on the horizon, then it may be smart to begin playing the cards at our disposal to ensure some of the less loyal houses remain with us should the pretender cross the narrow sea" he explained. Tywin loved to play a game of words to ensure only he knew the true meaning.
"Speak it Lannister" The King sighed, Tywin was a good master of laws of that there was no doubt. But he hadn't liked the man since he realized the truth as to why he didn't help in the war, why his army moved only after the last dragon had won on the Trident. He would have murdered my entire family if I lost.
"The North, Riverlands, and Vale are all still on loose ties, mayhaps if we offered them royal marriages we'd ensure their vows mean something" Tywin explained. "Aegon, Rhaenys, Jaehaerys, Viserys, and Daenerys are all of age to wed, Lord Stark has both a son and daughter, the heir to the Riverlands needs a wife and we could ensure the vales loyalty with Hardying" Rhaegar wasn't in favour of this conversation but he knew Tywin was correct. Rhaegar promised himself he wouldn't force any Targaryens to marry against their desires, but Rhaenys and Daenerys seemed to desire no one, and Aegon and Viserys seemed content in pleasuring themselves with the woman of court of flea bottom. He knew another of Jaehaerys, maybe I should take what Jaime said to heart.
"Pycelle, write to Lord Stark and invite him to King's Landing" Rhaegar announced to the table, all turned and looked at him as if he had claimed Aegon IV was his childhood hero.
"Under what pretence, your Grace?" Pycelle questioned.
"Lord Stark is a candid man, be honest with him, I wish to unite our houses," The King said. No one had to speak nor betray their silence with a certain look. He knew the whispers of court even if Varys didn't tell him, he was a lecherous Prince who wasn't sated with his Dornish wife so he sought Robert Baratheon's betrothed. It couldn't be further from the truth, he was smitten with Lyanna from the moment he had met her. They sang they danced, they rode, and they even spared together he loved everything about her. But he never would have run off to Dorne with her if he had known what his father would have done to her poor father and brother. When Rhaegar finally won the war he was looking forward to bringing Lyanna and his baby back home to court when a whirlwind of news hit him. Lyanna didn't survive childbirth, and his father had been killed on the steps of the throne by some mystery assassin.
Many blamed Jaime who had left his post to protect his children and wife instead, they whispered kingslayer behind his back and they'd be right. He knew the truth of it, his father had become a monster of a man and it was long past time his reign ended. Rhaegar will never know what drove Jaime to do the deed, they have never spoken on the matter. Now he was left with one thing from the war a son he didn't know how to relate to him
When my daughter is born I shall name her Visenya, for the warrior queen
When my SON is born, I shall name him Jaehaerys, for the wisest of your forbearers
Shall we make a bet of it, Stark?
"If that is all you had Varys" Rhaegar said before Standing causing the rest of the room to stand as well. It was an extempore meeting, one that brought no good news and he was glad it was over. He strode from the small council chamber, his kingsguard behind him. He made his way back to his chambers, inside sat his wife who glanced up from her book long enough to smile at him before returning to it. They hadn't married for love but it grew over the years without doubt, she was far more understanding than he even deserved let alone expected. Dorne was far more open about love and sex than the rest of Westeros. She wasn't angry about him loving Lyanna or the baby he brought with him from the war, nor was she taken aback when he legitimized Jaehaerys.
She however had been very furious with him for leaving her and their children without warning, as well as letting his actions get two innocent men killed, and starting a war which killed her own uncle. Of course, he had accepted all the punishment she gave him for his foolishness. At first, it was utter silence, she would not say a word to him aside from curt answers should he try to speak to her. But she had relented when she saw how pained he was at the death of his lover, she even had to help him run the kingdom in the early days of his reign, something he was grateful for.
"How was the council?" she asked as she turned the page. A glance at the book told him she read about Lomas Longstrider's wonders he had seen.
"We may be going to war again soon," he told her openly. One of her demands after the war, was total honesty, both in personal and political affairs. And he could think of none he'd trust the information to. She looked back up at him and raised an eyebrow before setting the book down.
"Unless the Dothraki have taught their horses to run along the water, has something happened?" she asked. He explained the events of the council meeting, the rumours and what Varys knew so far. "Of course, Tywin wants to start selling our family off like brood" she said starting to get upset. Rhaegar reached across and took her hand.
"And I'll never let him, my Queen, of that you have my word" She smiled softly at the words, he had always done his very best to not break his promises to her since he became King.
"Egg seems rather taken the Tyrell girl," she said idly, it was a good match and it would ensure should a siege start the Reach would march to save their rose from being snipped.
"Mayhaps someone will distinguish themselves at the tourney for the girls to swoon over," he said with a slight chuckle
"Daenerys is swooning, I think rulership has made you blind to the emotions of young woman my dragon" Elia her lips curling upwards slightly.
"Who?" Rhaegar had to ask no names that came to the forefront of his mind.
"Your son, she has been in love with that boy since they left the cradle, together I might add" She explained and Rhaegar was surprised. He knew they had bonded closely as kids but so had Aegon and Viserys, he took it as a similar relationship simply lifelong friends. He thought back to every moment he had caught her staring at Jaehaerys from whichever vantage point she had, or every time Jae would put himself in trouble or harm's way for her. Even as they assembled in the throne room a few days ago, she shifted nervously from foot to foot the entire day with a giddy smile on her lips.
"Mayhaps I should talk to them, let them know if they wish to court each other they have my blessings," Rhaegar said.
"Yes abash them by bringing their childhood love up" she teased before shaking her head. "Mayhaps I should, matters of the heart often require a woman's touch, a mother's touch" she said despite not being the mother to either of them, she always tried her best to be there for them even if Jaehaerys was scared of her as a child.
"You wish to speak to Jaehaerys on this?" He questioned.
"He may not think me a mother, but I think him a son" He knew it was the truth, she had wept when Jaehaerys rode north and they heard little word of him for two years.
"He thinks you hate him, that you're spiteful over…" he trailed off and she finished it for him.
"Over Lyanna Stark? My nieces and nephews doing most likely" she sighed, "something I will rectify"
AEGON
Aegon strolled through the red keep his protector Whent right behind him. Aegon passed by the training yard on his journey and saw his brother Jaehaerys practising his form with an audience of young women watching him. He was certain he could see Myrcella in the crowd, but he was made to look twice when he saw his cousin Tyene watching as well. Sent by Uncle Oberyn mayhaps? Jaehaerys was a mystery to him, he hardly got drunk no matter how much brown ale they poured into his cup. Then he vanished in the night while he was meant to ravish whore Aegon had picked for him. When he asked her if they fucked she said yes but could see the lie in her eyes. His uncle had proven more than useless in his endeavours getting his fill of cups and then complaining to Aegon the rest of the journey back that his whores hadn't fulfilled him.
It seemed it would be harder to catch his brother as the fool than he thought. First Jaehaerys' mother threw herself at a married Prince and started a war over it. Then her bastard was dressed up as a prince and paraded around with the royal family, then that bastard marched north and became a war legend, the White Wolf, the Hero in the North, The Kingslayer. He even had a damned song, the proper thing to do should have been to offer him or the king his valyrian steel at least. The family was in desperate need of a new one after the dance and the first Blackfyre, now they had one again and instead of it being wielded by the king or his heir the former bastard kept it strapped to his hip.
Aegon was the crowned Prince, Jaehaerys was a bastard lucky he wasn't condemned to the wall but instead given equal station to himself and for what? Aegon made his way to Hardying's chambers and didn't bother to knock as he entered. He saw Harry in bed with his favourite kitchen hand, a redhead-breasted beauty that was moaning his friend's name before the prince walked in.
Harry's head whipped around and he pulled the sheets up further on the two of them. "Damnit Aegon" he scowled.
"That's Prince Aegon" he said with a cocky smirk on his lips before looking at the servant, "Sara right?" he asked before she shook her head no.
"Mysa, my prince, I-I'm sorry, I didn't, we-"
"Hush now girl, get dressed I need a moment with my friend" he instructed, she nodded and tried to cover herself while slipping out of the bed to preserve her modesty. She quickly slid her small clothes on and hastily got her dress over her head, she scurried out her hair a mess and her dress mismade. Once the door was shut Aegon turned back to the heir of the Vale. "She was pretty"
"What do you want?" Harry asked, clearly pissed off.
"I need you to embarrass Jaehaerys, at the tourney preferably," He said. Aegon glanced around his quarters, he had never really looked at them before.
"You do it" Harry said before throwing the blanket off and retrieving his trousers from the floor.
"I'm telling you to," Aegon said again, a base growing in his voice. Harry pulled his pants up and turned to face his friend.
"Piss off, I've no intent to be a pawn in your schemes" Hardying tried to walk past the prince but he put a hand on his bare chest to stop him as they reached one another.
"Your Prince is giving you an order" Aegon told him before turning his head to look forward over Harry's shoulder. "Else would be unfortunate for the King to learn that you are no longer as welcome in Kings Landing as you believe" Harry didn't need further instruction to understand what would come next.
"Of course, my Prince," He said with an angry tone and pushed past Aegon to continue his trip across the room. Aegon turned and watched him once more.
"Good, Loras could fight but he had no intent to hurt Jaehaerys" Harry stopped what he was doing and looked back at Aegon. "I want you to hurt him"
RHAENYS
The stir around court of Jaehaerys' return had finally begun to die down thankfully. She walked to the library to enjoy her late afternoon away from the rest of her family, it was her hideaway. Aegon and Viserys had no taste for fine literature, Rhaegar, Elia, and Daenerys would like to have the books brought to their chambers then stay here and Jaehaerys, mayhaps it wouldn't be so bad if Jaehaerys came and spent the evening with her. She dragged her finger across the line of books on the shelf level with her shoulder. She finally stopped on The Nine Voyages, the story about the legendary adventures of Corlys Velaryon, The Sea Snake, and his exploits before the Dance.
She lounged on the couch as she began to thumb through the pages. Stories of adventures and wonders didn't excite her like they used to when she was young but she still enjoyed closing her eyes and seeing herself sailing to Asshai or Old Ghis, facing the Ironborn like her father, or the Blackfyres like her grandfather, or the wildlings like Jae. She shook her head at the thought, why he must invade her idle mind she did not know. She remembered the pang of annoyance and jealousy she felt when he walked the other way to the group of giggling gossips her aunt chose to associate with. His win over Loras wasn't a great feat by any means, but it showed the stories from the North may have been more likely than her cousins would like.
A man like that should be using live steel
Her uncle's words from beside her rang in her head during the spar. She sunk slightly deeper into the couch, she focused back on the book, content to discard Jaehaerys from her thoughts for the rest of the day. When the main doors opened a servant stuck his head in looking around until his eyes laid on her.
"Princess, his Grace the King had requested all of the royal family join him for supper," He told her.
Fuck
With a sigh, she closed the book and left it where she sat to be placed again later. Without verbal complaint, she left the library and made her way to the dining room, her journey a quiet one. So long as she could sit away from Jaehaerys he would hopefully not plague her thoughts. Opening the door, however, her face dropped slightly as she saw the entire family had arrived before her and now the only vacant seat at the table was between Jaehaerys and Viserys.
Fuck
"Ah, Rhae" her mother greeted her with a warm smile like always, one which returned before crossing the room and taking her seat. Once she finally was seated they began serving dinner, a massive roasted boar with steamed vegetables lining the platter, a few cuts of chicken and Salmon sat on either side of the boar with an assortment of beans, peas, thin mushrooms, and carrots sat amongst the table as well as some Arbor Gold to wash it down.
Rhaenys was caught in a trap she felt, she wished to inch away from her uncle but that would only drive her closer to Jaehaerys. Who she couldn't stop stealing glances at as they ate, he however only seemed to interact with their aunt on the other side of them and she felt that same twinge of jealousy from the day before as she looked forward to spare her the sight. Aegon and Viserys were deep in conversation about their friends and plans a lot of them had to visit some new sights and entertainers that had begun to filter into the capital for the tourney on the other side of her. Rhaenys became compliant in drowning in her cups tonight as she gulped down the first one quickly without anyone spying.
"How good it is, all of us reunited again" her father suddenly announced to the table, causing all eyes to shift to him. "I wish to speak with you all on an important matter, for years now I have let betrothal after betrothal request for all five of you"
Fuck
He began to explain and she felt her stomach plummet to the seven hells in that this topic was center stage. "I wish you all to know I have not the desire to force any of your hands, but you all are the next age of house Targaryen and I wish to see our family grow but before that, I wish to see our family happy, please if any catches you eye come to me and I promise to seek out a match for you whoever they may be" he finished looking at Daenerys intently who blushed a light pink.
"Father, I am completely taken with Maergery Tyrell, do you think?" Aegon started and Rhaegar spoke before he had to finish.
"Of course Egg, I will talk to Lord Tyrell about it the first chance I see him once more," Rhaegar smiled at his son. I didn't realize Margaery was every whore in flea bottom, Rhaenys couldn't help but smirk as the thought crossed her mind. She glanced at Jaehaerys who also held back a small smirk, mayhaps they thought the same thing. His lips looked nice while smiling better than when he frowned at least, Rhaenys quickly downed her cup of Gold to help drown her thoughts which caused a few people to glance at her curiously. She held out her cup to be refilled when her father started speaking again.
"Will any of you partake in the tourney?" He asked his sons and brother, she thought it odd how quickly Aegon looked at Jaehaerys almost waiting for an answer.
"The melee mayhaps, I did not do much riding north of the wall, I fear I will be the jester at mine own celebration" Jaehaerys said, Daenerys snapped her gaze over to him, they all knew how dangerous a tourney could be. Any event could cause a grievous injury or death, she herself had seen it happen too often.
"A joust is a part of the revelry, it would be remiss to sit out, especially if it was in your honour" Aegon returned, Jaehaerys seemed to think for a moment before he spoke next.
"If you join me in the lists brother, I'd gladly" and now all eyes swung to Aegon who looked on with a tight jaw, she wasn't sure if Jaehaerys knew but she was certain Aegon hadn't even ridden a horse in years. Mayhaps Aegon found a match in his petty games to play. Daenerys was too demure to avoid them, and Viserys had always been a participant but Rhaenys avoided becoming a pawn in her brother's schemes and plots. Anything from ensuring a rumour spread like wildfire till it was fact to ruining two people's relationships be it friends or more. She had hoped he would grow out of it with time and age but it seemed neither would quell her brother.
"Mayhaps it would be best for none to partake, it would surely be better not to put any at risk" Daenerys tried but Viserys was quick to shake his head.
"We are dragons sister, we do not sit idly while others win glory," he said with a smirk curling his lips. "I myself would like the honour of naming a young maiden as my queen of love and beauty he said with his eyes falling over to her and she felt her skin shudder. Without thinking about it Rhaenys downed her now full cup hoping to drown that look she received as well.
"Careful sister, I had thought you not a drinker?" Aegon said and she ignored him, it became easier to ignore him when Jaehaerys looked over at her with a touch of concern and her chest fluttered.
Fuck
The servant holding the jug couldn't fill her cup again fast enough but a burning embarrassment brought on by her brother had caused her not to drink yet and she was glad she didn't as the room began to tilt slightly, the table under her hands swayed like the deck of a ship. Rhaenys steeled herself and drank down her cup again, her eyes fell shut and she leaned back in the chair. As she swayed in her mind she saw herself standing on the ship of Corlys Velaryon, the Sea Snake itself. There was a strong breeze and she could smell the oceans, gods how she loved the ocean, the misting of the water dampening her dress and hair. Some far-off islands dotted the horizon while a crew worked hard behind her to bring her that horizon.
"Are you okay?" Her youngest brother's gentle quiet voice tore her from her thoughts. Her eyes were still closed but she felt his breath on her cheek, glancing to the side and opening an eye she saw he had leaned over to her and was staring deeply into her eyes.
Fuck
"Mhm," she replied with a small nod as the wine started to settle in her. She felt warm and sluggish, almost giggling as his words tickled her skin. He stared at her a few more moments before finding his words again.
"You are not drunk are you?" He questioned and she felt embarrassed again. But she couldn't bring herself to try and lie, he could likely tell anyhow. She nodded shyly to her brother, her cheeks burning. "Can you stand?" He asked again but she wasn't sure. She attempted to stand before her knees buckled halfway up and she went back into the chair harder than she would have preferred, her hand flying to Jaehaerys arm and latching on in an attempt to slow her descent.
"Rhaenys?" Her mother asked with concern and now guilt had flooded where embarrassment had been.
"I believe she isn't feeling well" Jaehaerys said quickly, providing her another excuse than she had lost herself in the Arbor Gold like she was Aegon. "I think she may need aid" he added and a sly smile slid across Viserys lips.
"I can help escort the princess back to her chambers" he said quickly, standing and offering her his arm. The room went quiet and when she drew back and didn't take it he reached for her. Her hand around Jaehaerys arm tightened reflexively and he stood quickly.
"I can take her uncle, our rooms are not far apart" Viserys scowled at Jae's words. He looked as though he would insist but before he could, her youngest brother bent down to her and hooked one arm behind her back and the other under her knees and with little effort he lifted her up and out of the chair into his arms, surprising the entire table. He turned and started for the door when Ser Jaime quickly moved to pull it open for them. As he carried her, her head lulled against his chest and she wrapped her arm around him tight, not that she felt in fear of falling. He was strong, much stronger than she had guessed from a glance.
"Thank you" she mumbled against his shirt but he said nothing as they continued on and now fear welled in her she had upset him. "Are you cross?" she slurred next looking up to his jaw as he shook his head no. His light beard looked coarse and its dark colour contrasted against his pale skin, she couldn't stop herself from reaching up and running a finger along it. Even in her state, she had heard his heart start hammering against his chest and something new swelled in her that she caused such a reaction in him. She almost began to drift asleep as he carried her before she suddenly felt herself getting lowered to the floor and she tried to find her foot.
Quickly putting one hand on the doorknob and the other his shoulder to steady herself. "I will handle the rest from here Jae" she told him as she pulled the door open and turned back to see her brother and ser Jaime in the hall.
"I'll have someone retrieve you a bucket, for when you wake," he told her and she nodded. Then he smiled down at her, not a restrained smirk or a face for court. He gave her a full-lipped smile that added kind and soft curves to his face giving his handsome look a new side to it. He takes a loose strand of hair behind her ear before turning to leave. She doesn't know what possessed her but Rhaenys reached out to his jaw again and turned his face back to hers. She pushed up into her tiptoes and pressed her lips against his in a soft kiss, after half a second he returned the kiss and she pulled apart from him.
They stared at each other for a moment neither saying anything. He had a surprised look in his eye, but not an unpleasant one which was enough for her. She quickly took a step back and shut the door a little harder than she wanted to. Her head fell forward against the door, she had kissed Jaehaerys, while drunk, in front of Jaime Lannister.
"Fuck"