CHAPTER FIFTEEN.

PENTOS

118 AC

VISENYA shoved clothes into a pack, fluttering around her room. Anger was mainly what she was feeling but also a bit of hurt. The door opened and she didn't bother looking up to see who it was. She already knew. They shared the room after all. Addam sighed, "What are you doing?"

"Packing."

"To go where?" Addam questioned in confusion. 

"Pentos," she responded, handing him a letter from Rhaenyra. It informed her of the fact that Daemon gone from Dragonstone for at least two years with Laena Velaryon as his Lady wife. Viserys had sent an envoy to find out whether he was dead, only to come back with the news and a mass of Visenya's letters. 

"Why? Why go there?"

"Because he's an ass. He hasn't responded to a letter in over a year and I thought he was off on Dragonstone ignoring them. And then I get this from Rhaenyra along with all the letters I sent, telling me he moved out to Pentos two years ago," Visenya said, snatching the letter from his hand and shoving it into her bags. 

Addam took a seat on the bed and gripped her hand, "Well I can't let you go alone. I'll join you. We'll go together."

"I can't let you do that."

"I insist."

Visenya's sighed and her lips tugged into a smile. She leaned down to kiss him gently. He was probably the most caring person she'd ever met next to her mother and she loved him for it, "Well hurry, I'm leaving by daybreak."

"I'm sure we can leave a little later," he smirked, tugging her toward him. Visenya rolled her eyes as his arms wound around her waist, "Don't you believe."

The ride to Pentos was long and Addam wasn't one for long flight times. When they finally landed, Visenya herself was grateful that she no longer had to ride on Meranax. He'd become restless during their journey and even a bit grumpy. 

Now that he was back on the ground, he immediately flew off to find somewhere to hole up and nap. The doors to the Keep opened and Laena exited with a flourish, "Cousin."

"Laena, my darling," Visenya hugged her. Her eyes caught Daemon's behind her back. 

As they pulled back, Laena questioned, "To what do we owe the please?"

"We've been travelling, haven't we, my love?" Visenya stated, looking toward Addam with a pointed stare. 

"Yes," Addam responded, though confused by the lie. Daemon rolled his eyes. 

"And well Rhaenyra informed me that you were out here, and it was on our way to Braavos," Visenya smiled. 

"Braavos would've been quicker to get to from the North," Daemon spoke up. Visenya glared heavily at him. Of course, he'd caught her in the lie, he knew what to look for after all. 

"We were in King's Landing before our take off. We'll only be here for a day or two, we wouldn't want to impose," Addam said, though glancing at Visenya who was still glaring at Daemon he was sure that was exactly what she wanted to do. 

Laena nodded, unaware of the tension, "Of course, please come in."

Laena led the way and Addam followed. As Visenya passed Daemon, she shoved the letters she'd sent into his chest, "Your mail seems to be piling up."

Daemon frowned looking down at the stack of letters in annoyance. He followed the three inside, listening as Laena showed the two around. She showed them where they'd be staying before continuing with the tour. 

He knew exactly why Visenya was there; she wasn't one for subtlety. And in truth, he hadn't told her that he'd taken Laena to wife or moved out to Pentos because he didn't want to see her. He didn't want to see her with him. 

Even now as he watched Addam press a kiss to the crown of Visenya's forehead, he felt both jealousy and rage fill him. He was disgusted by the man and the fact that Visenya seemed to like him. 

"You're just in time, we were about to have dinner," Laena said, as they entered the dining room. 

"Wonderful, we're starved," Visenya smiled politely. They took a seat at the table which descended into silence, save for the sound of the servants' shoes scuffing against the floor. 

Visenya sipped her wine, wishing she'd insisted that they'd changed from their flight leathers. Addam sat awkwardly across from Laena, attempting to avoid the glare Daemon sent his way. Daemon sat across from Visenya, switching between watching her and glaring at her husband. And Laena felt the need to make conversation, though nothing seemed to come to mind. 

"So Visenya, what's the North like?" Laena asked, finally thinking of an interesting question. 

"Oh, it's beautiful. Awfully cold of course, and looking out the window and seeing nothing but white planes will forever be terrifying but I love it. I love the mountains around Winterfell where I ride Meranax each day and I love the hot springs which are such reprieve from the cold," she gushed, "You should visit, Laena, you'd love it as much as I do."

"I've heard such wonderful things," Laena responded, "And I would love to see snow."

"It's a beautiful killer, cousin," Visenya chuckled, "You're lucky, you're here in eternal summer."

Laeana swirled the wine in her hand, "The heat is just as bad. The summers here are like the sun on Earth. You can't sleep because it's so hot," Laena laughed, "And the bugs and lizards are crawling everywhere, it's surreal and quite frankly disgusting."

The two descended into giggles like they did when they were children. Viserys often sent Visenya off to be with Rhaenys and Corlys. However, when she was fifteen those trips stopped. Visenya missed them, maybe then she and her cousins would be closer. 

As the two women spoke, Addam and Daemon said nothing. This continued for almost an hour before one of the servants entered, speaking lowly to Laena.

"Is everything all right?" Visenya questioned, picking up the refilled chalice. 

"Yes, yes, it's just the children," Laena responded, beginning to stand. 

"Children?" Visenya's eyes slid between her and Daemon, who seemingly forgot about that detail as a wince passed across his face. 

"Yes! Would you like to see them?"

Visenya nodded rapidly. She got out of her seat, taking the last bit of wine before following Laena down the corridor. 

Visenya felt unease grip her heart. She couldn't believe it. Daemon had children. Daemon. Of all people. As Laena stopped and opened a door, Visenya held her breath. She tentatively entered the room, hearing the gurgling cries of a baby. 

On one side of the room, was a crib and the other was a child's bed, though not high off the ground. A little girl was sitting up, her legs dangling from the edge. She couldn't have been more than two. Laena stepped over to the crib, picking up the crying child. 

She rocked the child gently, turning around. Visenya saw that it was another girl, probably only a few weeks old. Laena approached her, "This is Rhaena. And that's Baela over there."

"You have children," Visenya spoke stunned. Daemon had children. 

Laena laughed, "I know. Sometimes I don't believe it myself." Visenya frowned. Laena was younger than her by quite a few years and yet she already had children. It baffled her, admittedly. 

Baela slid to the edge of her bed, putting her tiny feet on the floor and padding unstable toward her mother. She tugged at the end of her dress. When Laena looked down at her, the child pointed to Visenya before putting her fingers in her mouth and staring at her with a curious look. 

"That's your cousin Visenya," Laena stated. Baela grinned, her fingers still in her mouth as children do. Visenya smiled at her, "Alright then, back to bed."

"I'll leave you. I need to change," Visenya said. 

Laena pressed a kiss to her cheek, "I'll see you tomorrow."

Visenya smiled before she exited the room, closing the door behind her. She followed the corridor back to the dining room. Addam was gone but Daemon remained.

"Where's my husband?"

"In your chambers," Daemon drawled, "Where's my wife?"

"With your daughters," Visenya said, walking past, taking the chalice from his hand and downing the contents. 

Daemon looked up at her, "Why are you here?"

"As I said, just passing through. Goodnight Daemon," she placed the chalice back down and walked off toward her chambers. 

Visenya tossed in her bed. It was comfortable but warm. At least in the North, there were winds blowing to keep the heat away yet, here in Pentos, it was just humid. She sighed, rolling over again. Addam was snoring lightly beside her. He had the tendency to be able to sleep anywhere. She envied him. 

She brushed a golden curl from his face and slipped out of the bed. She'd go for a midnight ride. She changed into her flight leathers, feeling the subtle poke of the two daggers strapped to her hips. She cast a final glance toward her husband before she exited the room quietly. 

Visenya padded along the hallway, attempting to remember the way to exit the Keep. She slipped past an open room, with the light on, hoping whoever was inside didn't see her. 

Unfortunately, Daemon was inside, pouring over the history books as he usually did. He saw the wisps of silver hair from the corner of his eyes and frowned. They were straight, unlike Laena's. And the only other Targaryen was Visenya. His brows furrowed as he stood, exiting the room and following her along the corridor. 

Visenya immediately felt the hairs on the back of her neck rise, with a new presence in the corridor. She swiftly turned a random corner and waited. As the person followed her, she ambushed them, holding the two daggers to their throat. 

Daemon chuckled, looking down at the weapons in her hands. Visenya rolled her eyes. 

"You've gotten better with those."

"Addam gave me a few lessons," Visenya muttered, sheathing them at her sides. Daemon's eyes drifted over her frame, a smirk tugging at his lips. 

"Going for a midnight ride?" he questioned in a whisper. Visenya frowned, noticing the close proximity between them and stepping away. 

"I couldn't sleep."

"I'd imagine, sleeping next to that oaf," Daemon rolled his eyes. 

Visenya frowned, "He's not an oaf. He's wonderful. Better than you."

Daemon raised a brow as he stepped closer to her, backing her into the wall, "Do you love him Senya?" Amusement flowed in his words. Visenya looked into the corridor, hoping someone may way past and see, however she wasn't that lucky. She faced his stare head-on and didn't respond. Daemon's amusement shrivelled, "You do. You love him."

"And what of it?"

"I remember a time when you loved me," he responded, twirling a strand of her hair around his finger. 

"And I remember a time when you answered my letters," she shot back angrily. 

Daemon simply chuckled, choosing not to reply. His head dipped and he whispered in her ear, "I remember a time when you craved my attention."

She pushed him away from her, "That's long gone."

Daemon placed his hands on either side of her head, making her look up at him, "How do you do that?" Visenya frowned and he continued, "Lie to yourself so convincingly."

She swallowed thickly, "I'm not."

"There it is again," his lips twitched into a smirk. 

Visenya felt that insolent pull toward him that she usually did. His thumb was caressing her cheek so softly that she actually believed he loved her. The tilt of his lips spoke of desire and his eyes held that lustful look she craved. Her breathing shallower as his head dipped, so his lips just brushed hers, "Have some depravity."

Gods be good, she knew it was wrong, yet she gave in, kissing him back as his mouth descended onto hers. That fire sparked and she was engulfed by it, by him. One hand was behind her neck and the other was at her waist, pulling her into him. He kissed her with fervour like he never wanted to let her go. 

Her body sagged against his as she kissed back with familiar passion. As his lips passed along her neck, she shuddered. She breathed deeply, her hand closing around his shirt, "We shouldn't. Laena. Addam."

"Shh," Daemon kissed her lips, "They don't have to know. It'll be our little secret." 

"Gods, you are a manipulative bastard," Visenya gave in. Daemon smirked to himself. He'd corrupted her. And she knew it and still accepted it. He kissed her again, hungry for what she was willing to give him. And it seemed to be everything at the moment. His hands moved to her body and hooked over her thighs. 

Visenya understood as he lifted her, wrapping her legs around his torso. Daemon walked backwards, further into the darkness of the corridor. He opened the door behind them, alerting Visenya that it was there. 

As they entered, she felt heat consume her. The room was humid and the hot air stuck to her skin. She paid no mind as Daemon's lips reattached to her body. Daemon shifted his arms and she heard a crash before she was set roughly on a surface.

Daemon pushed her gently and her back met the table. His fingers made quick work of her pants, pulling them from her legs. Next to go was her underwear. She shuddered as he brushed over her clit. It wasn't a proper touch, only a whisper yet she felt as if her body had been set on fire. 

Daemon watched her face closely, he loved how reactive she was to his touch. He loved that she was completely at his mercy. The whisper of a touch shifted and his fingers moved deftly. Visenya moaned in response, feeling that familiar fire. 

Daemon leaned in, kissing her neck, "He doesn't do this for you does he? Get you so hot and bothered you feel as though you might explode."

Visenya didn't have the heart to respond. She didn't want to talk about her husband at that moment. It felt more wrong than doing the act itself. Daemon, however, didn't seem to care. His hand fell away and he simply watched her. 

Visenya rose to her elbows and fixed him with an annoyed stare, "Why are you so focused on him?"

Daemon didn't respond and simply stepped away, removing his clothes. Visenya frowned. She heard the slosh of water as Daemon stepped into blackness. She realised that they were in the bathing pools. No wonder it was so warm. 

The woman took off the top of her flight leathers and followed him into the water. She felt it prick at her skin, the heat searing. She didn't mind it as she sat. Visenya couldn't see Daemon well in the darkness but she knew he was across from her. 

"You used to hate the idea of a husband," he spoke in High Valyrian.

"I'm older, more wise. Addam's not as bad as I thought. And there are certainly worse husbands to have," Visenya spoke. 

Daemon remained silent, thinking over the past few years. He hated Addam and jealousy was the main reason. He had what Daemon wanted. "I asked for your hand, after that night in King's Landing. Viserys denied me." Visenya smiled to herself. He sounded so utterly bitter that it actually brought her amusement. "He thought I would've been bad for you."

"Of course he did," Visenya muttered. 

"I wouldn't have been," Daemon said, almost sounding wistful. Visenya heard a shift in the water and then his hands were on her. He moved her body and took her place. He pulled her into him, so she was straddling him. 

Up close she could see the details of his face and the silver sheen of his hair. Her fingers immediately toyed with the strands. 

Daemon's head dipped and he kissed her chest like a lover would do, "I would be the best husband. Better than that oaf."

Visenya smiled at his jealousy, running her fingers through his hair. Her smile dropped as a thought came to her, "You have a wife." She went to move, but his hands gripped her hips tightly, stopping her. 

"Let me show you, what me as your husband would look like," Daemon muttered, his lips descending on her neck, "Even if it's just for tonight." He felt her nod and a smile slipped onto his lips. He lined up to her entrance and slid inside her slowly. 

Visenya's jaw dropped in pleasure. She'd forgotten what it was like to be with him so intimately. She began to move and Daemon's hands gripped her waist tightly. He guided her along his length slowly, shifting ever so slightly to meet her. 

Visenya's head dropped onto his shoulder as a moan escaped her lips. Their pace was slow and torturous yet she could feel the orgasm building as his cock hit her in the right spot. She raked her nails down his back causing him to moan against her skin, thrusting harder. 

"Fuck," he muttered, as his hands gripped her tightly and he continued the rough thrusts he'd started, "Do you like that?"

Visenya only moaned uncontrollably in response. She was feeling that familiar high and fire was swirling in her lower stomach. Daemon was filling her and touching her in all the right places, causing her body to feel hot. 

As Daemon continued to thrust up to meet her hips, he could feel her clench around him. She was close. He pounded into her with a carnal pace, enjoying the sounds that were tumbling from her lips. His own crashed onto hers, swallowing the sounds. The kiss was relentless and messy, the clash of tongues and the shared breaths. 

Visenya's hands moved into his hair, and Daemon's head dipped into her chest as she tugged at the strands. As he nipped at her shoulders with his teeth, she shattered, moaning loudly and muttering a string of curses along with it. 

The feel of her clenching around him drove Daemon over the edge. His hips stuttered with his release and Visenya felt him pulse within her. His breathing slowed, yet he didn't release her or lift his head. 

Visenya let her hands wander through his hair and down his back and up again. They sat in a comfortable silence. When Daemon finally rose his head, he kissed her softly. She enjoyed it. 

The moment came to an end, however, and she shifted, feeling the loss of him instantly, "Fuck." Daemon's jaw clenched, angry that she didn't want even his children. Visenya moved to sit beside him, yet he didn't stay seated for long. 

He rose out of the bathing pool, "I'll take you to the kitchens."

Visenya looked up at him as he dried and began to pull on his clothes. She so wished she were different, that she didn't have such an aversion to childbirth. She frowned and followed, taking a towel from the shelf. 

They redressed in silence and exited the room. Stepping out of the darkness, Visenya heard a soft squeak. Her head snapped up, spotting a maid holding towels meant for the bathing pools. Daemon immediately gripped her, pushing her against the wall, making her drop the towels. 

"You will say nothing. Speak a word and I'll cut out your tongue."

Visenya rolled her eyes, "Daemon leave her," she pushed him away from the woman gently. He looked at her confused but Visenya's violet eyes were on the woman, "She won't say anything, will you?"

She shook her head rapidly, tears springing to her eyes. Visenya frowned, wiping away a lone tear that streaked down her face, "Oh such a sweet thing. Of course, you wouldn't say anything. However, if you did, much worse would be done other than a cut-out tongue. The dragons are always hungry." She stilled under Visenya's touch and Daemon looked down to hide his smile. Visenya laughed, "I'm only joking, darling. Run along, Daemon'll put these away."

She stepped back and the maid scurried off, clearly disbelieving that Visenya was only joking. Smart girl. 

Once Daemon placed the towels in their rightful place, he took her to the kitchens. He put the water on the stove and dug around in the back of the cupboards for the tea leaves. Meanwhile, Visenya took a seat at the little table placed in the centre of the kitchen. 

He took a seat beside her and simply stared. She stared back. They drank each other in, looking at every feature, every pore in excruciating detail. Visenya broke it first, standing to prepare the tea. She'd seen the Maesters do it. She'd done it herself a few times, during the middle of the night when Addam slept. She was sure he knew, but he'd never said anything. She was glad for it. 

When she was done, she turned, holding the cup in her hand. Daemon took the other, tugging her toward him gently. He took the cup from her hand and wound his arms around her body. Visenya sighed, brushing her fingers through his hair. 

"My love, please. Don't drink it," he muttered, his words slightly muffled by her flight leathers, "We'll leave. We'll go to the edge of the earth where no one will find us. Nothing would make me happier than for a child to be part you and me."

Visenya smiled softly and caressed his face, "I—I want to. But I can't."

There was a tense silence and Daemon's arms fell away slowly. He looked at her with such anguish that it made her heart hurt. The chair scraped against the floor as he stood. 

He walked toward the door before pausing, "Don't write any more letters Visenya." He left. 

At dawn, Visenya and Addam left for Braavos.