𝓐𝓮𝓶𝓸𝓷𝓭 𝓣𝓪𝓻𝓰𝓪𝓻𝔂𝓮𝓷
This afternoon felt like a dream sent from the future of our fantasies. If raising our children together would be anything like today I'd forever be falling hopelessly in love with Elaena.

Every moment away from her was agony. Every sleepless night brought nightmares from the deepest depths of the seven hells and though I knew I deserved every moment, I would fall apart to nothing if she hadn't returned soon or worse, left me for good.

When I heard her voice beckoning through the night I was sure it was another one of my nightmares, coming to haunt me for all the irreparable damage I'd done, but when I'd seen her fiery violet eyes charging toward me it didn't matter why she'd come, all that mattered was that she was back.

All afternoon it felt as if we were back to square one, rebuilding the trust and comfort between us one step at a time.

Though my physical urges surged even more so than before, I wouldn't allow myself anything more than the small bouts of affection we'd shared throughout the day.

A brush of the hand, a caress of her soft skin... it was all I had at this point.

Watching Elaena with Jaehaeryn healed every broken piece of my heart, their laughter, and infectious happiness were a beacon of hope for what was to come.

As soon as I settled these matters we'd return to Dragonstone where our peace and our family would be properly protected, I would not fail her again.

Checking in on Jaehaeryn I ensure he's comfortable with the handmaidens chosen to watch over him before taking my leave to escort Elaena to dinner.

With an eagerness in my step, I climb the steps toward her chambers.

Striking me dead in my tracks her soft singing voice spills from her cracked open door. Lingering by it, I open the door a bit further to hear her more clearly leaning against the door frame.

With her braids sitting so that they looked almost like a crown, I knew it was only a matter of time before she would wear the real thing.

Running a brush through her shimmering white-blonde locks I can't see her face but her beautiful melody is enough.

"The bleeding star had flown so far
The air had turned to ash
The walls of stone would stand no more
but the song will never end,

Through war and battle, bloodshed may come
Bones and ruin will pile to the sun,
But the war isn't over, it's only just begun"

The lost dragon's song...

I would listen to Elaena sing for hours on end but just as she turned in the mirror she notices me by the door, making her jump in her skin.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..." Biting at my lip I quit with the excuse and settle on honesty taking a deep breath, "Your voice is captivating... it's just felt like so long."

Taking the opportunity to stare, the black sequined dress hugged her curves tightly, showing me just where to place my hands on her hips. The top exposed her shoulders and neck that was now completely bare of any love bites or marks, my wild thoughts already buzzing with tracing my lips up her milky skin.

"You look..." closing the space between us I trace the curve of her shoulder up her neck noticing once more that she isn't wearing her necklace and it's like a punch to the gut halting my train of thought.

Clearing my throat I drop my hands to my side, meeting her gentle eyes that see straight through me as if she can read my every thought.

Interlocking her pointer finger with mine she slowly brings the rest of my hand into hers, our fingers tightening around one another.

Looking down at our enclosed hands she offers me a small smile, "You look handsome as well, my prince."

A light blush graces her cheeks and my knees are weak.

With her return, it suddenly mattered again what I wore, how I looked. In such heartbreak, you tend not to realize you're slipping until you find you're at the bottom of a hill.

This evening I'd sported something with a bit more detail, dragon scales replicated in the chest with red stones like burning eyes following the hem down the front of my chest.

It was similar to what I wore on our wedding night and if she were anything like me, she would remember every detail of that evening.

"Do you suppose all of your siblings will be attending this formal dinner?" She asks nervously, pouting her lips a bit like she does when she's nervous.

Nodding I take her other hand in mine.

"Unfortunately so. Do you suppose you'll still be on your worst behavior?" I smirk, trying to ignore the way my dick jumps at the thought of my sweet girl being bad.

"It's only natural around in-laws such as these,"

"Are we having some regrets about not marrying the Stark lord, my love?" I joke but there's an underlining seriousness in my question, one I've speculated about since the very day she left.

Without a second thought her twinkling violet eyes meet mine and she replies thoughtfully, "Never."

With our arms locked we depart for dinner, luckily arriving before my father but not so ideally at the same time as both of my brothers.

Already with a slight stumble in Aegon's step, Daeron notices us first, a mischievous grin plastered on his face as he ogles my wife openly.

"What a pleasure it is to have you back, Princess. You look fair more appetizing than what they'll be serving this evening-"

"Keep your thoughts to yourself, little brother. I wouldn't want to have to cut out your tongue before such a feast." I warn stepping in between the two of them.

"Boys! Come! You mustn't linger by the door your father will be here shortly." My mother beckons us all over as Aegon brushes by us, already a victim to his cups.

Approaching the table I pull out a chair for Elaena next to that of my sister who was aimlessly staring into the reflection of her silverware.

Taking my seat beside her Elaena reaches for me beneath the table grasping at my hand.

Squeezing her hand reassuringly I can feel her knee bobbing beside mine with nerves.

Brushing my thumb across her skin I do what I can to calm her, already regretting putting her in such a situation to begin with.

Thankfully Helaena begins chatting with her distracting Elaena from the eyes Daeron made at her from across the table.

I knew more than likely that he was only doing it to get under my skin but we were far past that.

Reaching for my knife I'm interrupted by my mother whose voice is a hissed whisper in my ear, "Many people saw you with that boy this afternoon. Your grandfather is furious, as am I."

Stretching out my fingers I count to myself before speaking, but it doesn't do me any good.

"I was only showing my nephew more of the Red Keep beside the inside of a cell, Mother."

At my reply Aegon chugs the full goblet in front of him, grabbing Daeron's attention as he arches his eyebrow in confusion not yet putting the pieces together.

"He doesn't belong in the public eye. That's exactly why I had him kept there in the first place-"

"Then perhaps you should've left him where you found him," Elaena chimes in from beside me, and the air is sucked out of the room.

Leaning back to stare directly into the eyes of my mother my wife continues, "Seeing as everything hasn't gone according to your plans."

Striking everyone silent I watch with pride while the others stare in shock, their mouths agape waiting for my mother's response.

Luckily she doesn't get a chance, interrupted by the men of the king's guard carrying our father, the King in his wooden chair to the dining room table followed by my grandfather, Ser Otto.

Standing out of respect we wait patiently for him to get acquainted with the room, his mental state wavering just as quickly as his physical as he neared death.

Taking our seats Elaena can only stare at her grandsire, her heart breaking at the sight of a once strong man crippled and decaying before her very eyes.

"Elaena my child, what a pleasant surprise. I was told you left us," He struggles, looking to my grandsire, the source of the lie.

"Seems you've been misled, your grace. I've decided to stay for a bit longer with my husband." She responds cheerfully.

It's a small thing, and to other men, it probably wouldn't matter but when Elaena calls me her husband after our time apart I couldn't feel luckier for her graciousness, even if I didn't deserve it.

"Husband... yes, Aemond. It feels like just yesterday we were at this same table planning your betrothal to Cregan Stark." Viserys chuckles, not meaning offense but at the mention of the Stark lord I'm put on edge reliving the image of Elaena in another man's arms.

"Our son practically asked for war with the North. He almost killed the boy in a tourney for the girl's hand." Taking a sip of her wine I twinge at how my mother refers to Elaena.

"The North has vast lands, yes, but they are no threat Alicent." Waving a dismissive hand at his wife, my mother's face grows a deep shade of red, her rage festering exchanging a look with my grandsire.

"What's more important is to keep our house united. Strong." Smiling as best he can, my father turns his attention to Helaena who still, paid little to no attention to the conversation.

"So tonight, we celebrate! We honor another child this evening, well done, Aegon, Helaeana." Raising his cup to them, Daeron smirks to himself elbowing Aegon in the ribs.

"Yes, big brother! Very well done!" He chuckles to himself, but my older brother's expression is blank, his stare never leaving the plate before him.

Signaling to the servants one by one they fill the table until there's no sight of the wood beneath. It was extravagant, to say the least, and as soon as it was within reach, Elaena helps herself, filling her plate with just about anything she can get her hands on.

Glancing in my direction she notices me watching and an adorable pink blush washes over her.

Bringing my lips to her ear I turn her face towards me so no one can see the words I mutter against her skin, "You haven't had a good meal in days. Besides, you're eating for two, my love. Help yourself to all of it,"

Pressing a quick kiss to her temple I fill her glass as she watches me with her swirling violet eyes, deep in thought but I can feel Daeron's stare from the corner of my eye.

"Perhaps it's time we find you a wife of your own, my boy." Viserys offers my youngest brother.

"A nice young lady from Oldtown maybe?" My mother mentions, my grandfather nodding in agreement but my brother's already shaking his head.

"On the contrary mother, there are no nice young ladies in Oldtown. They throw themselves at any man with a bit of title." He scoffs.

Leaning over to suggest suitors, my father and grandsire go back and forth about the many houses of the realm and who might be the best suited for Daeron leaving him an irritated boy a few seats down.

"You'll get used to that brother. Means not who you marry, we still dine however we see fit." Aegon mutters, not offering a single ounce of respect for his wife our sister who sat opposite of him.

"Aegon-" My mother spits, but Elaena is already coming to Helaena's defense.

"That's only because you lack honor or respect, Aegon." She sighed, taking a bite of her food hardly bothered bringing a smirk to my face.

"What I lack in some departments I suppose I make up in others if you ever want to find out for yourself, princess-" Slamming my foot into his shin beneath the table he yelps out in pain. It seemed his busted eyebrow wasn't enough of a warning, but it was no matter, I would only keep reminding him just who Elaena belonged to.

"I was only suggesting I teach her how to properly ride a dragon, brother." Smirking at me from under his goblet full of wine I'm moments away from slamming my brother's face into his dinner.

Knowing just what he means by that I grit out my response through my clenched teeth, "I assure you, she's had plenty of practice."

Balling up my fists beneath the table Elaena takes my hand in hers, sensing my frustration coming to a head. Tracing the veins on the back of my hand I can't focus on anything besides her touch.

"There is a beast beneath the boards, hiding in the walls of the castle," Helaena mumbles to herself, and Elaena catches it too, the both of us turning to her.

Elaena opens her mouth to tell me something but decides against it, glancing away and whatever it was still lingering behind her eyes.

From the other end of the table a gruff cough rakes through my father, holding a handkerchief to his mouth with one hand he grasps the table with the other.

Tightening her hold on my hand beneath the table Elaena struggles with the sight, her warm heart breaking for him.

"Husband perhaps dinner was too much-"

"I'm quite fine, Aemma!" He coughs, a bit of blood on his lip but my mother doesn't flinch as the entire room stares at her.

Despite everything a piece of me goes out to my mother, a loveless marriage something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.

Clearing her throat she glances around at us, intent on not making eye contact.

With a motion of her hand, the band begins to play and it's a similar tune to what they played the very last time both of our families had dinner together.

Not long after all seven hells broke loose and I wasn't sure her family would ever accept me and here it was my family creating the chaos of it all.

For a short while the table is calm, everyone's mouths too full of food to make any snide remarks or comments.

As the music slows to a soft melody, Elaena places a hand on my thigh, and the magnetism of her sultry eyes beckons me closer.

"Do you remember when you stole me away from Cregan on the dance floor?" She whispers, her breath tickling against my skin.

Smiling to myself I nod, "How could I forget? That night you told me you were falling in love with me."

Biting at her lip my focus lies solely on her sweet mouth as she whispers, "I believe you still owe me a dance, my prince."

Fuck.

I'd rather dance with blades than to music, I was never one for the dance floor when it came to balls or feasts.

Even as a child, I spent most of my time in the crowd, watching Elaena dance and make friends with everyone she came across but I always rathered being by myself.

Taking her hand in mine her violet eyes are beaming, hopeful of what I'm about to do.

"Would you do me the honor, princess?" Pressing my lips to her knuckles her true smile has returned, the one I'd missed so dearly.

Nodding, I don't wait a moment bringing us both to our feet, and leading her by her waist to the small dance floor.

"I don't recall you being much of a dancer when we were younger," She giggles as I spin her, her long gorgeous blonde hair twirling with her. Bringing her body flush to mine I keep my lips close to her ear.

"Because I wasn't." I laugh, "You were the dancer, the singer, the artist. I was in awe of you, and I still am." Swaying to the music it's only us in the room, in the Red Keep, in the whole Seven Kingdoms.

Brushing my fingertips up her arm I trace her skin up to her jaw where I cup her petite face in my hand.

Just a step closer and I would taste her, feel those sweet lips beneath mine.

I almost do until there's commotion from the table, the knights escorting my father back through the dining room to his chambers for the night with my grandfather following close behind.

Passing by the two of us, Viserys offers a hand to Elaena, "Goodnight, Rhaenyra."

In my arms, she stiffens, not budging to move toward him as he's carried away on his wooden throne.

Turning to look at me, her face is pale white, all color draining from her round cheeks and that beautiful smile is gone.

"I know," I whisper reassuringly, squeezing her hand.

Like clockwork, as soon as my father is out of earshot my brothers start in, their bellies filled with wine and their tongues eager to wag.

"I have to say I'm disappointed, brother." Daeron stands, making his way around the table slowly as my mother watches in horror. "You allowed that bastard boy to take your eye, and now it seems his bastard sister has taken your balls."

Opening my mouth to hiss a reply, Elaena steps in front of me, her violet eyes swirling with pent-up rage.

"I would keep my mouth shut in a room with so many knives. Aemond's balls are still plenty intact, but by the end of the evening, we may not be able to say the same for you!"

"Seven hells," my mother mutters, putting her face in her hands, this evening already well out of her control.

Daeron looks at me, astonished my sweet girl has such a mouth on her.

"She's a ball of fire, isn't she?" I grin proudly.

"She's a witch is what she is," Aegon mutters under his breath, filling his goblet once more.

"If I were a witch, I would've cursed you long ago, Uncle."

"You've instead cursed my brother, it seems."

"It's his own family who cursed him! A brother who can't keep track of his bastards, a mother who only enables it all, and a grandfather who manipulates you for his ultimate gain!"

Watching Elaena stick up for herself, I can only stare with heat coursing through my body. She was wild, fierce, and taking no prisoners.

"If you'd like to talk about families, Princess, we can certainly bring up your whore mother, or perhaps your pathetic, bastard Strong brothers?" Daeron continues Aegon's attack, both of them ganging up on her and I've had just about enough.

"Daeron! Mind your tongue!" My mother yells, standing from her chair but Elaena is ripping from my hold, charging towards Daeron with murder in her eyes.

Leaning against the table my brother watches her with amusement but the smirk drops from his face when she goes for a knife on the table.

I shout but I can't get to her fast enough, "Elaena, no!"

Instead of running away from her, Daeron grabs her arm with the knife but Elaena uses her free hand to take a fistful of his hair yanking his head back.

Yelping out in pain from her grip he releases her, giving her an opening.

Wrapping my arms around her waist I pull her away but it's a second too late, the blunt dinner knife slicing across Daeron's cheek.

When Elaena drops the knife to the ground my mother goes for Daeron, but Aegon is still contented with his cups on the other side of the table watching for his entertainment.

Backing away from the sight of blood my sweet sister covers her eyes, turning away from it all.

"Next time, it'll be your balls!" Elaena warns, her chest heaving beneath my arms as I hold her tight, walking us back to the door.

"You won't get another chance, wench!" Daeron replies, holding the small cut on his face while my mother inspected it.

Turning us around I manage to get through the door, shutting it behind us.

Wiggling from my grasp Elaena huffs out a burst of air blowing the hair out of her face and I can't help but smile at her adorable angry expression.

"What?!" She snaps, not waiting for a response before turning on her heel and marching back down the hallway.

Following her, I stay close behind watching her curves sway as if she's walked straight out of a painting.

"Your brothers are vile creatures! I can't imagine how you and Helaena came from such a family! And Daeron used to be so sweet! What happened to him!?"

Putting my hands in my pockets I keep my head low so she can't see my grin.

"And Aegon can't even stand up from the table he's so drunk! And your mother thinks he's the rightful heir to the Iron Throne?!"

"Elaena-"

"I'd feed him to Seasmoke to ensure that never happened! And Daeron!? I should've grabbed a sharper knife!" She goes on but I've got one thing on my mind and I needed it, here and now.

"Elaena!"

"What, Aemond!?" Catching up with her I grab her arm spinning her around so we're chest to chest and I crash my lips to hers.

Grabbing her face the connection is explosive, her mouth responding instantly against mine and the taste of her sweet lips is intoxicating.

Bringing her hands up the front of my chest she grips my leather tunic, urging me closer.

Hungry for more I only pull away when I need air to breathe but my lips are still smiling against hers, dazed from the close contact after so long apart.

"Seven hells I needed that," I chuckle, my kissed numb lips tipping up into a grin.

"Then why'd you stop?" she breathes bringing her mouth back to mine.

Her desperation only turns me on more, my already straining dick brushing repeatedly against her with each movement.

Gripping her waist tighter I dig my fingers into her side, ravaging her mouth with each whip of the tongue. Turning us into the corridor I press her against the wall, growling like a wild animal.

Tangling her hands in my hair I trail my lips down her neck nipping at her soft pale skin as she arches her chest to meet me.

"I want you. Now." She pants through her ragged breathing.

"Your bed or ours?" I breathe against the top of her breast.

"I said now, Aemond."

Fuck.

Elaena's wish was my command and I wouldn't make her tell me twice.

Out of the corner of my eye, I notice the empty small council chambers, steering us in that direction.

Lifting her she wraps her legs around me the best she can with her skirts. Using my arm to hold her ass in place as I carry her she grinds against my throbbing erection.

Keeping her in my arms I kick the door shut behind us while she works her magic lips down the side of my neck.

Setting her on the small council table I begin working on my trousers my fingers trembling with anticipation.

Snaking my arm around her I slide her to the edge of the table and she opens her legs wide for me, like the good girl she was and her urgency brings a satisfied grin to my face.

She's missed this almost as much as I have.

I rip the thin fabric that separates us, lining myself up with her slick entrance but I hesitate, looking to her for confirmation.

Pressing the tip of my cock against her she lifts her hips just slightly so I fill her in one swift thrust, her sharp breaths bringing me harder inside of her still.

"Fuck, I've missed this Elaena, missed you." Our violet eyes meet and I know this isn't a time for sweet words, my wife needed satisfaction and I'd give her just that.

Pounding into her I leave no room between us, pushing her to the brim of ecstasy and then pulling her back, building her climax until she's begging for more.

"Aemond- I'm so close, please," Elaena's pleading along with her tight pussy was a deadly combination, it was a miracle I haven't burst inside of her already.

Colliding our mouths in a wild kiss my thrusts grow relentless and demanding, her body pulsing around me and I know she's right there with me when her nails dig deeper into my neck.

"That's it, baby. Give in for me,"

Doing as she's told my good girl throws her head back, her whimpers filling the empty room as I empty every last drop of me inside of her, having the most mind-shattering orgasm I've ever had in my life.

Taking her chin between my fingers I bring her parted lips back to mine, "It's so damn good to have you back," I breathe my mouth melting against hers in a passionate kiss.

Elaena wraps her arms around my neck and I rest my sweaty forehead against hers, trying my damndest to catch my breath.

"I missed you, too, husband." She giggles, brushing the wild hairs out of my face.

"Say it again," I ask through my ragged breathing.

"Husband?"

Humming with soul-settling contentment into her ear I press another kiss to the exposed skin on her shoulder, her breasts brushing against my chest with her heavy breathing.

"Now, take me to our bed."

***