⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

𝖑avender 𝖍aze / now i'm in exile seein' you out.
chapter thirty two ━━━ the family dinner.
[ house of the dragon ]

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

𓆩❤︎𓆪┊"DO WE HAVE TO ATTEND THIS DINNER?" 

Rebekah was sitting at the edge of the bed waiting for her son to finish changing. Saeros had already worn dark red with black designs while Aethan wore the same in dark blue with designs of the dragon. 

"Mother and Muñainsists that we go so we must go. How many times do I have to explain it to you?" Aethan sighed, quite tired of his twin's whining. He didn't want to attend either. He didn't want to face any Greens—mainly Alicent and Otto Hightower. 

Rhaenyra who was fixing Luke's hair gave him a reprimanded look. She had already set Aelior, Aegon, and Viserys to bed. She didn't want to hear 

Helaena he didn't mind so much except for the fact that she's married now, to Aegon of all men of the realm. He treated her like shit and wanted nothing more than to punch him to the ground. 

Saeros rolled his eyes, "The only cousin I actually like is Helaena. Aegon is drunk—did you not hear what he does to the maid muña? It's horrible! He's dreadful." 

The Princess's heart panged at the thought of Aegon II. He used to be such a sweet boy but being raised with a neglectant sickly father and a Queen forced into motherhood so quickly had played a part in his upbringing. 

Saeros eyes glanced at his brother mischievously, "Aethan wants to attend the dinner because he wants to stare at Helaena. Oh Helaena. You have such the prettiest eyes —"

"Saeros!

"What like I'm jesting?" 

Rebekah bit her tongue to hide her laughter but felt sorry for Aethan and Helaena. She had thought about putting her differences aside and proposed the idea of a marriage between the two except it was denied and the next thing she knew, Helaena was married a moon later after her letter.

She remembered passing the halls late at night getting some late-night dessert for herself and Rhaenyra when she heard the sound of crying from her eldest room to open the door and found him crying by the window with a letter crumbled up on the ground.

The Princess spent the whole night consoling him and shared her cake with him. 

Meanwhile, the boys and Baela were cackling at Aethan's red face and how he tried to defend himself while Daemon. Rhaena swatted Baela and Saeros' shoulders and scolded them, "Enough the lot of you. I think it's sweet...but sad. I've heard that Aegon has done terrible things to other women." she shivered. 

"I will severe his head before he gets the chance to look your away," Daemon said with malice. His protectiveness toward his girls has no bounds. 

The room was candlelit. 

The three dragons looked powerful and united wearing shades of black and red of the Targaryen while their children wore the same except Aethan and Baela who were blue but still wore valyrian jewelry and had patterns of the dragons on their outfits. 

The greens were already present. Alicent, Otto, Aegon, Helaena, and Aemond sat at the opposite side of the table while the other side was filled with empty seats. 

Rebekah didn't say anything but nodded in Helaena's direction before looking at Alicent. 

"Queen Alicent," Rebekah greeted simply out of politeness, and before Alicent could say anything the Targaryen had looked at Helaena and smiled.

"Helaena — it's lovely to see you," Rebekah said, her crystal eyes holding a fondness for the shy and strange Princess.

"Hello, Auntie." Helaena greeted her, despite being cousins she was once her mother's friend and older and therefore referred to her as 'Aunt'. Helaena finally landed her eyes on her other cousins and wore a wise tight smile, "It's nice having you four visit the Keep for the first time. I'm surprised that Aelior isn't here. I've been eager to meet him."

Helaena for the longest time wanted to meet the Sun Prince. Aelior Targaryen was said to be the spitting image of Rebekah with his platinum blonde locks and icy blue eyes. 

"Aelior is entertaining our youngest sons," Rhaenyra answered this time to Helaena's words. A fond smile on her face as she rubbed her belly. "He's quite eager for the arrival of our newest family member.  

Rebekah's grin couldn't be anymore brighter at her words. "Our little Visenya is almost here. The Maester says she'll come to the next moon." she grabbed her hand that rested on her belly and gave her a comforting squeeze. It was clear that Rebekah was just as excited and didn't care if the babe wasn't from her own womb. Visenya was just as much her daughter as Rhaenyra's. 

The two lovers were in their dream world obvious to the fear in Helaena's eyes, her eyes trained on Rhaenyra's swollen belly. It was as if she wanted to speak up about something but a nudge on the shoulder from Aemond made her snap out of her 'episode'. 

Alicent watched with mixed emotions of jealousy, pain, and hatred. She observed how Rebekah was an attentive and loving mother to her stepchildren and unborn child.

Everyone sat down in silence while the children were talking amongst one another. Helena joined in with the chatter all except Aegon who was already drinking and Aemond refusing to associate with the Velaryon boys. He refused to even talk to Aethan and Saeros. His greatest companions growing up. In fact, the one-eyed Prince was seething at how nonchalantly the twin boys were talking to Jace and Luke after what they had done to him. 

The doors slowly opened to reveal Viserys being carried in on his chair. Everyone stood up from their seats.  

"How good it is...to see you all tonight, together," Viserys said wistfully. He looked at his daughter then Rebekah. 

The two women shared a soft smile and it was clear that the favoritism was there. Alicent's children have never come close to the love he shared toward his daughter and cousin who he viewed as a niece. 

"Prayers before we begin?" Alicent said, leaning towards Viserys a bit to get his attention.

"Yes," Viserys agreed.

"May the Mother smile down on this gathering with love. May the Smith mend the bonds that have been broken for far too long," Alicent clasped her hands together tightly, "And to Vaemond Velaryon, may the gods give him rest."

Baela and Saeros wore brief smirks on their faces at the thought of Vaemond. They won't miss him at all. 

It was Aethan who told them to both behave under his breath while Rhaena let out a quiet sigh at her siblings.

A brief moment of silence filled the room and they all looked at Viserys, "This is an occasion for celebration it seems. My grandsons Jace and Luke will marry their cousins Baela and Rhaena, further strengthening the bond between our houses. A toast to the young Princes...and their betrothed."

"As for my great nephews Prince Aethan and Saeros — I hear your mother wants you to marry whoever of your choosing. Both of you are old enough to be married now. I wish both of you will find happiness — just like I did when I met Aemma." Viserys wheezed. 

Daemon crossed his legs and relaxed against the back of his chair with his hands clasped. "Aethan is betrothed to Cregan Stark's sister, Esmeray Stark. They will marry soon and she'll become Princess and Lady consort to Summerhall. Saeros is still trying to find the right one." he sent a look of pride at his stepson. 

This caused Otto to look at his daughter obviously displeased by the news. It meant that the North was lost to them. 

The others raised their cups and smiled drinking to the toast. 

"Let us toast as well, Prince Lucerys, the future Lord of the Tides." Viserys praised.

Saeros held Rhaena's hand and gave them a slight squeeze, "If my brothers do anything stupid, you know where to find me."

This made Jace shiver and Luke cough slightly. It wasn't a lie that they were intimated by their brother. 

Aethan and Saeros are the oldest and the brothers all saw them as role models. 

Viserys stood up making many worries, "It both gladdens my heart, and fills me with sorrow...to see these faces around the table. The faces most dear to me in all the world...yet grown so distant from each other in the years past," Viserys said, then proceeded by taking off his golden mask for the first time, allowing to see how ill and sickly he had become, "My own face...is no longer a handsome one...if indeed it ever was." he said, looking at each person in the room.

Rebekah looked at him without tearing her eyes away, she didn't seem fazed by his appearance but more by the fact that he was dying.

"But tonight...I wish for you to see me...as I am. Not just as a King, but your father...your brother... your uncle...your husband...and your grandsire who may not it seems...may walk for much longer among you,"

A statement so true but hearing it from Viserys mouth.

"Let us no longer hold ill feelings in our hearts. The crown cannot stand strong if the House of the Dragon remains divided. But set aside your grievances if not for the sake of the crown, then for the sake of this old man who loves you all so dearly." Viserys said, before sitting back down.

Rhaenyra got up next and raised her glass, "I wish to raise my cup, to Her Grace, the Queen." she said looking at Alicent who was finishing helping Viserys with putting his mask back on, "I love my father, but I must admit that no one has stood...more loyally by his side than his good wife. She has tended to him...with unfailing devotion, love, and honor. And for that, she has my gratitude. And my apology."

"Your graciousness moves me deeply, Princess," Alicent responded to Rheanyra. "We are all mothers...and we love our children. We have more in common than we sometimes allow," she said before rising from her seat. "I raise my cup to you and your House. You will make a fine Queen."

Alicent's eyes found Rebekah's who looked at her properly for the first time in years, "I raise my cup to you as well Princess Rebekah. You've always shown care to me and my children for years. My harmful actions toward you are something I'll forever regret and I apologize...and I hope we can move forward from it." 

Alicent for the first time spoke of her support to Rhaenyra as Queen. She had also apologized to Rebekah and  Rhaenyra slowly smiled back at Alicent, perhaps they could be friends again. 

"Thank you, my Queen. I also want to raise a cup for you. I believe it is time to move past this. I have missed our friendship, and I have also missed my nephews and niece." 

For the first time, Alicent's face brightened. 

Aemond gave a small smile and felt a spark of hope that perhaps his favorite aunt/cousin and second mother and mother would rekindle their friendship. He knew that Rebekah would never look at Alicent romantically but didn't understand how she could ever love someone like Rhaenyra. 

From across the table, Aethan addressed his cousin for the first time, "Helaena. How have you been? You've just had a third child...Maelor was it?" he asked, trying to shift the subject of his marriage to Esmeray to something else. 

Helaena looked at him with a glimmer of sadness and longing. But also happy to see him talking to her again, "Yes...the children always liked the gifts you'd sent over the years on their name day." Haelena's heart warmed at the thought of her three children. It was nice to know that someone cared about their well-being, unlike Aegon. 

Although she may not love their father and wishes they were Aethan's, she loves her children and would do anything to protect them. 

This wasn't new information to Alicent. In fact, Alicent found it endearing because at least Aethan would act like a paternal figure and reminded him of her dearest Rebekah, supporting him from afar. 

"Aelior, Aegon, and Viserys would need companions their own age," Aethan suggested. 

"I'm sure they'll like that," Helaena said in appreciation. Even if they just end up being friends, that would be alright. It hurts that Aethan is set to marry another woman. A Stark is known for her beauty and labeled the 'Winter Rose' of Winterfell. 

He'll be a good husband to her and no doubt Esmeray would make such a lovely bride. She's lucky to have Aethan be her Lord husband. They'll have many children and live at Summerhall, happy and content. 

Her heart crushed into pieces at the thought of Aethan kissing and bedding someone who wasn't her. But she had seen it in her dreams that they'd never be together. 

To Aemond this was new information. How could he have not known about it? Helaena never hid anything from him, but to hide this?

He could make out the shy smile on his eldest sister's lips and how her cheeks flushed. Aemond had assumed it was because of the wine but he started to doubt it.

"You should meet them, they'll love to meet you in person," Helaena suggested. Her eyes fell on Saeros, "Both of you." 

"I would like that," Aethan smiled.

"Count me in," Saeros replied. 

Suddenly Jace got up, startling them all. Aethan barely released that Aegon was standing by Jace when she was talking to Helaena.

Aemond then got up as well in defense.

"To Prince Aegon and Prince Aemond. We have not seen each other in years, but I have fond memories of our shared youth. And as men, I hope we may yet be friends and allies. To you and your families good health, dear uncles." Jace said with a raised glass.

"To you as well," Aegon said almost defeated which earned a smirk from Saeros.

"Well done my boy," Viserys praised, showering his grandson with affection. Ignoring the hurt look on Aegon's face. 

There was a grim look on Aegon's face at his father's words, clearly hurt that he'd always be on the bottom of the list while it was his half-sister and her children who would be on his pedestal.

"I would like to toast to Baela and Rhaena," Helaena said as she got up. "They'll be married soon, it isn't so bad, mostly he just ignores you...except sometimes when he's drunk."

At that, Aegon ignored his father's chuckles and Otto's words of 'well done' to his granddaughter. She opted to glare at Aegon distastefully, his hand placed on the knife on the table and tilted his head threatenly.

Aegon gulped. 

Beware of the beast beneath the boards.

"Let us have some music," Viserys said, and the small band played a folk tune.

Jace offered to dance with Helaena which made Rebekah smile delightedly. She was happy seeing Helaena smile, she never seemed to whenever she was around Aegon it seemed. 

He offered a hand to Aethan as well and the three danced together. 

Rebekah felt a tap on the shoulder to see Aemond holding out his hand to her.

"Would you be as kind as to grant me a dance Aunt?"

"I've only just started eating nephew, and surely a dance could wait," Rebekah replied, but the pleading look in his eyes made her falter.  Suddenly she was brought back to the better days when he was just a child. 

Everyone around mainly Alicent thought it was a sweet gesture, but the worry was present on their face. Daemon looked ready to speak but it was Rhaenyra's hand that told him to stand down.

That didn't stop Rhaenyra's suspicion but gave a nod of approval. She wished to have no fights during this dinner.

Begrudgingly, she stood up and placed her hand on Aemond's and let him guide her to the floor where Jace, Aethan, and Helaena were dancing. And 

 Rhaenyra and Alicent returned to the conversation like old times. Daemon would merely listen and make small talk with his brother.

The Queen couldn't help but smile a bit seeing her son and her best girl dance together. It reminded her of the days at Summerhall when Aemond used to step on Rebekah's feet and let her take the lead. 

"It's been years since we've talked," Aemond said, leading his aunt to the floor. Rebekah gave him a look of regret and shrugged, "A part of me is to blame I admit." she acknowledged. 

"I missed you," Aemond admitted this time. "It's been terrible all alone with no one that understands me. Aethan and Saeros abandoned me and won't speak to me now like I'm a plague." 

The feelings he was holding back, he had been the fault for the downfall of their friendship. He let his mother's beliefs consume and his jealousy of dragons get in the way of it.

But yet he still felt angry at how she and the others chose to defend Luke. Aemond thought that she of all people would be proud of him, but instead, she chose to defend the boy that tore out his eye.

"I regret that I didn't keep in touch with you and Aegon. Perhaps things would've been different." the two glance at Aegon who looked drunk already. "I am so sorry Aemond." 

"I can't change the past. I know I can't bring your eye back but maybe it's time you talk to Aethan and Saero's. They are so stubborn...like your Uncle Mal." Rebekah's heart clenched at her late husband, "They miss you too even if they don't admit it." 

They eventually move back to the table and Rebekah starts to dig into her food. There was laughter shared at the table and for once both sides seemed to be getting along. 

But then there was a loud bang at the table which made Rebekah instively grab Rhaenyra's shoulder protectively. She looked up to see Aemond had punched the table with all his strength, causing the plates and almost everyone's cups to knock over.

"Final tribute," Aemond said and Rebekah's stomach dropped. "To the health of my nephews: Jace, Luke, and Joffrey. Each of them is handsome, wise, hm. Strong."

"Aemond," Alicent attempts to stop him.

"Come, let us drain our cups to these three Strong boys," Aemond toasts, and Jace steps toward him.

"Dare you to say it again," Jace dared

Aemond was amused to think Jace could beat him.

"Why? 'Twas only a compliment," Aemond says, and both boys make their way toward each other.

Jace's punch did not hesitate to punch Aemond but it didn't phase him. Rebekah's attention pulled away from him when she saw Luke stand up from the chair, Aegon did the same and slammed Luke into the table and held his head and neck down.

Aemond's smirk washed away when Aethan jumped on him and delivered a punch to his face making him fall on the ground.

"Aemond!" 

Rebekah moved quickly to Luke and Aegon. She grabbed Aegon by the hair and sneered, "Get your hands off my son," she threatened.

"You bitch —" Aegon yelled and when he pulled away, Rebekah swung her leg at his crotch sending the man tumbling on the table, shattering dishes and getting food everywhere. 

"Aegon!" Alicent shrieked, obviously angry at the insult toward her former lover but winced at her brutish action. 

The sound of Daemon cackling could be heard.

Baela who was trying to break free from Rhaena and give Aemond a piece of her mind cheered for her stepmother. 

"Get him Myhsa! Do it again!" Baela encouraged, her eyes glimmering with bloodlust. 

"And you're an awful piece of shit" Rebekah snapped and looked at Luke to see if he was alright.

"I am fine," Luke rubbed his neck and stood close to her side. Rebekah wrapped an arm around him and kissed his forehead.

"Good," Rebekah sighed, "Well this dinner was a blast wasn't it?"

Saeros out of nowhere tackled Aegon before he could attack again. 

"Oh fuck." Lucery said wide-eyed. 

"Get away from him!" Saeros yelled his protectiveness over Lucery shown. 

"Saeros! Lucerys!" Rhaena cried out worriedly. 

It wasn't long before guards came in restraining Jace and Luke. Before a guard could grab Rebekah could touch her, Daemon had pushed the guard away. "Get the fuck away from my wife." 

Alicent grabbed her son's arm, "Why would you say such a thing before these people?" her voice low but admonished.

"I was merely expressing how proud I am of my family, mother. Though it seems my nephews aren't quite proud of theirs," Aemond provoked making Jace break loose and charged at him again.

"Hold," Daemon said, placing himself in the middle to intervene.

Daemon's eyes are now cast at Aemond wearing an amused look and let out a contented sigh while Aemond merely glared at him.

By now Rhaenyra ordered the four of the eldest children to go to bed. Rebekah made her way over to Rhaenyra to see if she was alright. Saeros was about to protest but the looks on his mother's face made him shut his mouth. 

Aemond let out a disappointed exhale and walked past Daemon. He would allow the Rogue Prince to have his way.

He left bitterly but not before casting one last look at where Aethan and Saeros stood wearing matching glares. 

"If you're itching for another fight, then, by all means, go ahead." Saeros spreads his arms out invitingly. 

"But do you really think you'd stand a chance against us?" Aethan finished his sentence. 

Alicent had stormed over to Aegon next after scolding Aemond and slapped him. "How dare you call your cousin Rebekah — YOUR AUNT! such a word." 

She never allowed anyone to disrespect Rebekah in such a way. Aegon looked at his mother in disbelief but why should he be surprised? His mother did not love him. She scrutinized him every chance she got, ranting about how much of a disappointment he was and blaming him for things that weren't even his fault. He remembered the words she spat at him when Rebekah married Rhaenyra and Daemon. 

"If you would've been a better son, she would've still been here at my side!" Alicent screamed at her son. 

The One-Eyed Prince sneered in their direction ignoring the sullen expression on his mother's face. 

Alicent had been telling him that it was time to forgive and not hold any more grudges against them in hopes that one day they'd get along as a family again. But Aemond thought it was impossible anyway because of how the twins seemed to ignore him and act like they were strangers. 

Daemon watched Aemond leave in scrutiny.

Meanwhile, the three women shared a conversation. 

"It's best, I think, if we go back to Dragonstone," Rhaenyra stated, it was clear that after what happened it was best to leave. If this were to happen again, rumors would start. 

Rebekah didn't think it was wise but chose to back her up on it. "If that is what you wish." 

"Both of you only just arrived." Alicent's eyes flashed in despair. She missed Rhaenyra and Rebekah. 

"We will see the children home and we'll return on Dragonback. It's about time we set our differences aside and be friends again." Rebekah suggested, grabbing Alicent's hand. 

The Queen tearfully smiled, holding it tightly. "The King and I would both like that." 

But really it meant that she would be pleased by this. 

The Queen, Heir, and Princess share a smile for once feeling like they are finally getting somewhere. 

Except the new bonds forged will crumble when King Viserys passes by the time they've returned to Dragonstone. 

©𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘬𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘦

Yall, i know it's been a while but hear me out. School is a b-tch. Anyways, there's a lot to unpackage in this chapter. Alicent is in a 'jealousy jealousy' olivia moment. 

Rebekah is the best mother! and how she's always looking after Rhaenyra and unborn Visenya. She's so excited.