𝓔𝓵𝓪𝓮𝓷𝓪 𝓣𝓪𝓻𝓰𝓪𝓻𝔂𝓮𝓷
It took a bit of convincing but for the first time in a week, I'd allowed Jaehaeryn to spend the evening with the twins. Though they would hardly know they were siblings for years to come, Helaena and her children for now would assume that Jae was Aemond's bastard and not Aegon's.

Since the night of Tessa's death even the air feels different, everything having a touch of darkness that it didn't have before, but perhaps maybe it was just me. Jaehaeryn was getting along nicely, and his new friends a big help in distracting him from what happened.

Aemond with the exception of his feeble attempts to speak to Aegon but I couldn't say I blamed him. They were brothers, cut from the same cloth no matter how differently shaped or colored.

We weren't sure how Aegon would react to us wanting to take in Jae but we were sure that Aegon wasn't fit to be a true father to him.

Every corner of Kings Landing was dangerous and every day spent here was a limit I didn't want to push for any longer.

As I approach our chambers to retire for the night there's a loud crashing sound that comes from within and I falter back, reaching for my knife tucked away against my thigh.

Pushing open the door I realize it's no threat at all but my own husband who'd thrown open the dresser drawers, tossing our belongings into any nearby bag or chest.

Aemond slams a chest closed and I jump, squealing, drawing his attention.

Turning to look at me his anger dissolves, "Elaena,"

His gaze finds the knife in my hand and his face falls, his frown deepening.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you." he sighs a breath of frustration, resting his palms on the chest bringing his broad shoulders straight as he hangs his head, something deeper troubling him.

Placing the knife on the table I close the door behind me. Walking up behind him I rest my cheek on his back, wrapping my arms around his waist.

Aemond runs his hands over my arms down to my hands where he interlocks our fingers, his entire body relaxing against mine.

"What's troubling you, my love? Did you talk to Aegon?"

Turning around to face me he cups my face in his hands, tilting my chin so he could get a better look at my healing stitches.

"We may heal from what happened but I fear Aegon won't... I underestimated how much she meant to him and I fear he'll never forgive me for it."

He kisses my forehead, pulling back just a hair so he can admire me with a frown as he imagines it, "I know I wouldn't forgive him if he took you from me."

"You two are very different men. He may surprise you." I offer some hope though I was in no way Aegon's biggest fan, I did sympathize with his loss.

"Hmph, he already has. He's said he wants nothing to do with Jaehaeryn and I'm afraid if we leave him in anyone's care other than ourselves he won't make it the year." Taking a seat at the foot of the bed, Aemond rests his elbows on his thighs and interlocks his fingers, fiddling with his thumbs he's lost in thought.

"My mother will send him away or have him killed at her earliest convenience-"

Interrupting him I step in between his legs, "I won't let that happen,"

"We won't let that happen, my love." Snaking his arms around my waist he brings me closer, so he has to tip back his head to look up at me.

"Does this mean we're going back to Dragonstone?" I ask, standing up a bit straighter at the thought of returning home.

"This is no place for a family to grow, not yet anyway. When you become Queen, I'm sure you'll make it a wonderful place to live again." 

"We'll make it a wonderful place to live again," I watch his mouth, zeroing in on what I want and the corner of his lips tip up in a grin. Widening his legs I take a step closer brushing against the thickening crotch of his pants.

This time it's I who leans down to take Aemond's chiseled face in my hands, tracing the bottom half of his scar up his face.

His violet eye flutters shut, leaning into my touch and already I'm slick with desire surprised he can't smell it with how close he is to me.

Tenderly Aemond brings his hands down my waist to cup around the curve of my ass.

"Where is he? Jaehaeryn?"

"He's spending the night with the twins though they have no idea he's their brother... why?" I responded breathlessly, my high spiraling when Aemond mentions Jaehaeryn.

Sliding his hands further down my thighs he yanks me closer so I'm basically straddling him on the edge of the bed.

"I haven't had a single moment alone with you in seven days. I'd like to take advantage of having you to myself, princess... even if it is for only the night." Trailing his lips alongside the inside of my neck, my eyes roll to the back of my head, his teeth nibbling across any stretch of goosebump-covered skin he could reach.

"Careful my prince, your possessiveness is beginning to show," I giggle, repeating the same words I whispered to him the first time we'd been seen together, the afternoon Luke was decided as the true heir of Driftmark.

I can almost see the memory replaying behind Aemond's lustful gaze. Licking his lips his captivating violet eye meets mine.

"Oh my love, I haven't even begun to possess you yet, come here," His voice turns into a growl, his put-together facade giving way to the animal that wanted only one thing, me and it felt damn good to be desired by Aemond.

Pressing his mouth to mine, his wild tongue parts my lips, and warmth blossoms in my chest.

Hiking me up he stands, bringing me with him holding me up tightly around his waist, and in moments like these I wish I wore simpler dresses.

Setting me down on the dresser he pulls away to reach his hands up my dress, desperately sliding my undergarments down my legs and tossing the worthless piece of fabric aside.

Working on the buttons of his pants with one of his hands he uses the other to slip not one, not two but three of his fingers inside my throbbing muscles and his thrusts are heavenly though they don't compare to the real thing.

"My sweet girl, you're so tight, it's been too long, hasn't it?"

"It's been a week, Aemond," I chuckle, throwing my head back as he bends his fingers halting the laugh in my throat, quickly replacing it with a whimper.

"A week too long, now open those legs wider for me, princess." He smirks.

Doing as he says he rewards me with a steady rhythm against my clit, circling the pad of his thumb while his other fingers work magic inside of me demanding I succumb to him but I fight back wanting it to last longer.

"What is it, Elaena? Use that smart mouth of yours,"

"I'm so close- not yet," Unable to form a whole sentence I feel his grinning lips against the curve of my neck.

In an instant, he's pulling his fingers out of me and replacing them with his thick cock and I cry out from the fullness he brings me, "So good, so fucking good,"

Aemond brings himself all the way out of me swirling his dripping tip against my throbbing clit watching me squirm beneath him but I jerk my hips taking him even deeper than before.

Keeping his mouth by my ear, Aemond's breathing is erratic, his moans deep and gruff.

"You hear what you do to me, Elaena? I'll never get enough of you and this tight cunt. You were. Made. For. Me,"

With each of his final words, he drills into me, his vibrant violet eye wild with intensity where I can see his orgasm in his widening pupil before it rolls to the back of his head.

Clinging onto him I dig my nails into his back as I finally let go, all of the pleasure that's been building up inside of me coming to a point and there's nowhere else for it to go but explode around us, milking Aemond's own climax for every drop.

Resting his sweaty forehead on my chest his head rises and falls with every deep breath I take trying to re-ground myself after an orgasm like that one.

Aemond leaves a trail of tender kisses up my chest all the way up to my mouth, keeping his voice low as he mutters against my chest.

"I can see now why a husband and wife may need the help of a handmaiden or two,"

A laugh bubbles up my chest, kissing the top of his head.

"Something tells me that's not the only reason, my prince."

"I'm going to give you a hundred more reasons tonight in this bed. Take off this damned dress, Elaena."

Though we'd just experienced mind-altering orgasms, Aemond had a week of them to make up for and he would never catch me complaining about such a thing.

Aemond reaches his long arms around my back to help me with my straps, yanking the long sleeves down my arms until my breasts break free. Not wasting a moment he brings his mouth to my chest, trailing kisses agonizingly slow until he brings my nipple in his mouth.

Arching my chest to meet his mouth he makes light work of lifting me gracefully, bringing me to the bed where he'd ravage me for the evening.

Laying me back on the bed, he brings my nipple between his teeth, applying just enough pressure to strike the nerve that blossomed with heat below.

Grasping for the bottom of the dress Aemond pulls it off of me, the cold air reminding me just how bare I was. Feeling the insecurity seep in as his gaze trails over me, I go to cover myself but he grabs my wrists, holding them above my head.

"Don't. You're beautiful. Every damned inch of you."

A deep blush consumes me, his tender words forever having the same effect on me as the very first time he'd taken me as his.

Throwing off his jacket and his black loungewear, Aemond stood just at the foot of the bed, his pants hanging dangerously low around his waist where I watched his happy trail disappear beneath the band.

Clicking his tongue I have to drag my gaze from his hardening erection, meeting his lust-filled eye paired with his mischievous grin, "Tsk, tsk, tsk, let's not get too ahead of ourselves, my love, I have something else planned for this pretty cunt of yours."

If I wasn't dripping with need before, I was aching for him now, moments away from begging for release and he was more than willing to oblige.

Aemond drops to his knees, our eyes locked as he brings his lips to the inside of my thigh. Sliding his hands up my legs he widens them giving his mouth easier access to the throbbing clit that waited for him impatiently.

Opening his mouth he uses the entire length of his tongue to taste me, flicking his tongue expertly against my trembling bud bringing desperate cries from my throat.

Lifting his mouth for only a moment his eye is glazed over in a state of serenity, his lips dripping with my need but it doesn't bother him in the slightest, he only licks his lips slowly making me watch as he tastes me.

"Look at you, splayed out like my own personal buffet." He grins, lowering his mouth back to his meal. 

Throwing my head back from the euphoria I can't watch him as I wanted to, instead I lose my hands in his long white blonde hair, tightening my hold when my climax is within reach but it only elicits a tighter grip on Aemond's part, his huge hands holding me in place as I bucked against his mouth.

"Aemond- please," 

At my plea, Aemond stands, towering above me at the edge of the bed. Yanking my body down the mattress I'm practically hanging off but he holds me in place.

He uses his free hand to align himself with my slick entrance, unable to wait any longer, Aemond plunges inside of me bringing insurmountable waves of pleasure.

"That's it, baby, right there isn't it?" His rough voice is music to my ears, his praises winding me up even further.

Wrapping my legs around his waist I drive him deeper, my toes curling with each violent thrust.

With my eyes closed I hardly notice Aemond's fingers until I feel him. Circling my clit he coaxes me over the edge, showing me the mountain and bringing me right over it with him.

I whimper as the waves of ecstasy pulse through my body like a heartbeat, fading away to nothing though I was still reluctant to move out from under him. 

Straightening my face Aemond lifts my head to place a soft kiss on my lips, reminding me again that it was never just fucking for him, for us. It was love in its most animalistic form and we were dragons after all. 

"I'd say we have about ninety-eight more reasons to go after that, my song." He laughs under his breath, nibbling at the sensitive flesh beneath my ear.

***

Until the late hours of the night, Aemond did just as he promised in taking advantage of our alone time together. 

For most of the evening, he worshiped my body in the way only Aemond Targaryen could, taking what he wanted with no apologies because it was so willingly given.

Cuddled up in Aemond's side he twirls a strand of my hair as he hummed the tune, our tune.

"Are you worried everyone will think the rumors are true? That he's your bastard son?" 

Aemond's forehead creases, deep in thought. My mother and father would assume the worst right away. I hadn't mentioned anything in my letters home but they must've sensed something was wrong.

"They can think what they want. As long as you know the truth. Besides, I will be his father in a way."

From the corner of my eye, I can see his lips tipping up in a smile his eye sparking with the possibilities of our future together.

"He'll grow up alongside Aelyx and your younger brothers, he'll be surrounded by family... I just hope they don't all grow up as we did."

"We ended up just fine," I joke, my giggles out of control when Aemond's magic fingers find my ticklish spots only granting him easier access that I'm naked. "Just fine? I'm a sick masochistic, 'dick' as you say and within the time you've been my wife you've cheated death at least twice."

"Well, all things considered..."

"All things considered? Growing up with your brothers along with mine was absolute torture. I was constantly the target of all of their jokes." He chuckles but I know there's truth behind his deep laughter.

Straddling his naked body he brings the sheets over me, tucking us away from the cold air.

Nuzzling closer into his side I place a soft tender kiss on his sculpted chest before laying my cheek against his warm skin. "I hated how they treated you. All because you didn't have a dragon of your own."

"Hm, and all along I did have a dragon of my own. You, the fiercest of them all. The only one that truly mattered."

When he says this I turn my head, resting my chin so our gazes meet. Tracing my lips with his pointer finger he blinks slowly and all time stops. I wasn't just in love with Aemond I was truly ruined for all eternity since we were children. It'd been decided as soon as we laid eyes on one another.

Aemond was right, no man in the seven kingdoms would protect me or this family more fiercely and he had, putting me first at every turn.

"Vhagar would be jealous if she heard you say such a thing,"

Throwing his head back in laughter he nuzzles his cold nose against mine.

"Hardly. I wasn't alone that night, she's probably bonded to you too. She can sense how important you are to me, she has to."

Startling us there's a movement by the door, we both wait for a knock but it never comes.

"Did you hear that?" I ask him but he places a hand over my mouth, using the other to help me off of him.

Tucking himself back into his trousers he takes light steps toward the door.

Going after him I grab the first piece of clothing I can find throwing Aemond's tunic over my head before throwing my legs over the side of the bed but he puts his hand up to stop me.

"Stay there," going for the door Aemond swoops up his sword from the bed, his hand on the hilt at the ready as he goes for the door handle and my stomach drops.

Something's wrong.

Pulling on the door it refuses to open, despite how hard Aemond yanked, the wood only slapping against the stone over and over.

"They've locked us in, why would they lock us in?" Aemond thinks aloud, looking around the room for an escape, going for the balcony doors and swinging them open to look below but we're too high up, there was no way we'd be able to climb down.

"Jaehaeryn, what if they're taking him? I knew I shouldn't have left him-" Attempting to stop the shaking of my hands I twist the many rings on my fingers.

Taking deep breaths I close my eyes, and Aemond's at my side, his reassuring voice in my ear, "Shh, it's okay, he'll be okay. Stay calm for me, my song. Breathe,"

Resting his forehead on mine he takes my hands in his. Doing as he says I take deep breaths.

In and out.

"I'll get us out of here, I promise." He murmurs, pressing a kiss to my temple.

"Get dressed. Maybe you can watch for someone from the balcony while I work on this door. Okay?" Running his fingers through the front strands of my hair he brushes it behind my ear before cradling my face in his hands.

Though Aemond offers a reassuring smile it doesn't reach his eye, the true window into his soul. He was scared, just as I was but he wouldn't let me see.

We had to be strong, I couldn't let my fear demobilize me. I had a family to protect, to save.

Nodding, Aemond's jaw clenches, noticing the shift in my demeanor.

I knew there would come a time we would shed who we were to become who we were meant to be but it happened so abruptly, for both of us.

I don't make it a couple of steps before Aemond's trying to bust down the door. Spinning around to watch I catch his third attempt, driving the heel of his foot against the aged wood over and over again.

If there was anyone on our end of the Red Keep, they'd hear the sheer force Aemond was exuding trying to break us free. It was a miracle the whole room didn't come down around us, there was no holding back.

"Aemond, careful-"

My warning is worthless, Aemond's final kick breaks something on the other side with a roar of rage.

Dropping his sword, it clatters and crashes to the floor. Aemond's chest heaved but it doesn't stop him from wrapping both hands around the handle and throwing it open.

The lock busts off of the door, all of its pieces scattering across the ground as if it's in slow motion.

Aemond hesitates for a moment, expecting someone on the other side.

Going for his sword he twirls it expertly around in his hand, giving me one last look before he takes a step into the hallway.

I hold my breath, watching him as I take a step forward, ready to defend Aemond to death.

Looking both ways, he turns back to me, "Get packed. We're leaving. Now."

"What? What about Jaehaeryn?"

"I won't leave him. It's not safe here anymore, it was never safe here."

"Are you su-"

Taking my face in his hands, he stops me from arguing. "Yes, Elaena, I'm sure. Now pack whatever's most important, we don't have much time before they'll notice we've gone." Aemond's thick voice reflects the foreign fear I see dwelling in his eye and it's unsettling.

Aemond was always the strength, the fearlessness that could convince me of anything and now wouldn't be any different. He wouldn't fail this family again.

I draw my bottom lip between my teeth, giving him a tight nod. Kissing the top of my head once more, he squeezes my hands, "Good girl."

With those two simple words, I melt where I stand, going for my things as I'm told.

Opening the top drawer, my black sapphire necklace faces me, even in the darkness sparkling up at me. Running my fingers over its precious jewels I bring it around my neck, fastening it where I know it's most safe.

Dressing in our riding armor we move in silence, listening closely for any footsteps as we pack our bags full of clothes.

"Ready? Keep close to me," holding my hand tight, Aemond doubles back to check on me, taking one last longing glance around the room before leading me out the door.

The halls are bare. Not a single person in sight, only the moon to light our way in the dimly lit halls.

Turning a corner we almost make it to the twin's chambers before coming face to face with Ser Erryk, and he's not alone.

Peeking out from behind him is our little dragon himself, staring up at us with wide eyes until he realizes who we are in the dark.

Running to me I squat at his level, opening my arms wide so he can run right into them.

"El! El!" Crashing into my chest I take the small child into my arms, cradling his head against me.

He was safe, we were all together.

"My Prince, Princess. Something's happened, we don't have much time-" Ser Erryk takes a look around, motioning down the hallway before he continues.

I stand with Jaehaeryn still in my arms, tucking him away in the extra fabric of my cloak.

Taking my arm, Aemond keeps me close as we follow Ser Erryk down the back hallways of the Red Keep, both of them with their swords at the ready for any who threatened us.

"It's the King. He's passed in his sleep,"

I falter in my steps, almost tripping over my own two feet when the words seep in.

Grandsire, He's gone.

"And what of my mother?" Aemond's voice remains cold, his relationship with his father far different than the one I had shared with him.

Ser Erryk alike me is taken aback by Aemond's response but answers his prince promptly, "They've called a small council meeting and sent orders to keep everyone in their chambers. I fear the Princess may be in grave danger."

When Ser Erryk mentions me Aemond and I's eyes connect and something flips within him, unable to decide between blinding rage and fear.

"They plan to usurp the throne from my Mother?" I conclude, all of us coming to a halt when I finally say the words.

"I cannot know for sure, Princess. My brother is who spoke with Ser Otto. Even he knows nothing of my actions this evening."

Sharing another look with Aemond it seemed my father had been correct after all. The greens had always planned to usurp the throne, and I was just a casualty they'd tried to dispose of along the way.

"Aemond, we have to get to the dragon pits. We have to tell my mother,"

"I'm sorry my lady but there's no use. They've blocked off every entrance and exit to the pits. We have to get you out of the castle first," Ser Erryk leads us down a dark hallway, extinguishing his torch before opening a small door.

Lining the wall were rows of beds, some messy some made but there wasn't a soul in sight despite the mounds of dirty laundry all over the floor.

"And where exactly are we?" Aemond asks, now even weary of Ser Eryyk's motives.

"This is one of the quarters for gold cloaks who don't wish to live in the city. Most of the guards are on patrols around the dragon pits, the rest stationed outside the king's chambers and small council meeting. Whatever's happening, they don't want a single soul to know about it." Sheathing his sword we follow him to the exit lit by only a single candle.

"So, where are we to go?" I ask. We were seemingly running out of options, if we were caught there was no telling what would happen to me. I was an heir and therefore a threat to Aegon's claim.

"Ser Addam has sailed home to Driftmark. The only ones who know of his apartments are the handful of gold cloaks loyal to you, my Prince. You can use it to stay safe until we can get you to your dragons."

"Wait- they knew where I was too?"

"Who do you think watched over you when I couldn't, sweet girl? You didn't think I'd leave you unprotected did you?" Aemond grins at me, my lips parted to say something but nothing would come out only serving to amuse him more.

Ser Erryk opens the door and we follow into the early morning air. The sun was still shy of shining but its promise of a bright tomorrow was on the horizon, even if that tomorrow held war and battle.

Once the breeze brushes by us, Jaehaeryn peeks his little head out from under the cloak, taking a look around while he rubbed at his tired eyes.

"I know, little dragon. We'll get you some rest soon," I whisper, giving his messy hair a ruffle.

Following Ser Erryk down the familiar dark alleyways, Aemond follows closely behind watching us with adoration.

Cuddling closer to my chest, Jaehaeryn seemingly falls back to sleep unbothered by everything going on around him.

"He seems to be used to the chaos," Aemond mentions, bringing my cloak tighter around my body to guard us against the night chill.

"He'll have a safe place to call home soon enough." I frown, praying one day our little dragon wouldn't resent us for all of this, for the loss of his mother and father.

"We all will," he assures me.

Coming up to the small apartment Ser Erryk takes a look around before twisting his sword through the chain, breaking the door open with ease.

Ushering us inside Aemond and Ser Erryk are quick to start the fire, lighting the small room that I'd spent many sleepless nights in.

On my old cot, Addam had folded the sheets neatly in anticipation of his return, or maybe he was worried I would have a reason to return. 

Setting Jaehaeryn down on the tiny mattress I don't have a second to make the bed before he's rolled himself into a tiny ball, falling fast asleep facing the window just as I used to.

As Aemond and Ser Erryk talk softly by the fire I busy myself with making Jaehaeryn comfortable, adjusting a pillow under his head and wrapping him in the only blankets left behind.

Walking him to the door Aemond shakes our trusted knight's hand, taking a last look through the window.

Aemond offers him a curt nod and opens the door and he turns to me, bowing his head in respect. Finally, it hits me, Ser Erryk's loyalties lie with the true heir to the Iron Throne, my mother.

"Thank you Ser Erryk. We owe you our lives." I stand to see him out, offering him the sincerest smile I can muster.

"On the contrary, princess. It's my duty to protect you. I've yet to swear my sword to your mother, but I hope the day comes sooner than naught." Clasping his hands with mine I can feel Aemond's burning gaze at the small gesture.

"I'll be back when the sun rises. It's best you trust no one, not even my brother."

With that last warning, Ser Erryk disappears into the night, and Aemond shuts the door tight behind him, barricading it with the largest piece of furniture handy, the table.

Once he's satisfied with his handiwork he discards his cloak, laying it nicely on the ground in front of the bustling fire.

"You should get your rest while you can, I'll stay up and keep watch." My husband offers, though I can see his exhaustion in his usually blazing violet eye.

"If I sleep, I know only nightmares await me."

Aemond's expression softens, the light from the fire sharpening his chiseled features while he watches me. Thankfully, he doesn't argue, instead, he reaches out a hand, his long fingers tugging on my heartstrings.

Closing the space between us Aemond takes a seat first, interlocking our fingers he brings me into his lap where I feel like a small little thing compared to the huge strong man's chest I lay against but that only made me feel safer, but with war surely to come, I would need more than Aemond's strong safe arms to protect me.

Snuggling closer into his chest, his arms around me tighten, feeling the shift in the air.

"Do you think they'll go to war?" I whispered, scared that even saying the word would make it happen.

"I hope not. But I will." His deep voice resonates through my chest.

Tipping up my chin slightly to look at him, his gaze falters between my eyes and my lips, his devotion shining ever prevalent in his deep violet eye when he notices something sparkling beneath my armor.

He sits up straighter, lifting my necklace off my neck to get a closer look.

"You're wearing it," He breathes, and my heartbeat soars through the sky on the back of dragons.

"You said to pack what was most important." I shrink back a bit, my cheeks heating under his stare.

Aemond's sultry lips lift with his soft chuckle and for a moment, the rough exterior melts away as it only does for me, his song, his light.

"I did, didn't I?" Inching his lips toward mine, he presses a tender kiss against my lips, compassion radiating from the simple way his soft mouth moved.

Keeping it short, Aemond bites his lip, resting his forehead against mine.

"I won't rest until you're safe. All three of you," Sliding his palm over my belly I lay my hand on top of his.

"Something tells me we won't be truly safe again, my love. If Aegon takes the throne, I'll be the first head on a spike if they find us-"

"I would never let that happen, Elaena. Vhagar and I would burn this city of stone to ash if he touched a single hair on your head, do you understand? I won't let them take your birthright, our son's birthright."

"I can't ask you to stand against your family on a battlefield, Aemond."

"You wouldn't have to. This is my family now, you. Did I not make that clear when I swore my sword to you? Or when I made you my wife? Or perhaps when I put a child inside of you-"

I cover his mouth with my hands in fear he'll wake Jaehaeryn though I would've loved to hear where he was going with that.

"Point taken, husband."

With only the top half of his face available to express himself he arches a sharp eyebrow, and I can still feel his lips grinning beneath my palms.

Giving him back his talented mouth he's eager to use it immediately. "Good. Now get some rest for the ride tomorrow. I'll keep the nightmares away, I promise."

Aemond presses a soft kiss to my temple, tucking my head into the crook of my neck leaving no room for arguments.

While I appreciated the thought, Aemond no longer kept the nightmares away. They were happening more often every day further along in my pregnancy but I wouldn't tell him that, it would only make him worry more. If I spoke about them, they had even more chances of being real.

***