𝓐𝓮𝓶𝓸𝓷𝓭 𝓣𝓪𝓻𝓰𝓪𝓻𝔂𝓮𝓷
If anyone in the world deserved this kind of heartache it certainly wasn't Helaena and I was here, hundreds of miles away. How was it that I could be everywhere all at once, protecting all who were most dear...

My sister.

My sweet innocent sister and her son.

We should've brought them with us, but Aegon would've never allowed such a thing. Most might consider me heartless but I couldn't take his wife and his children after the wedge I'd already put between us as brothers and nevertheless, they wouldn't have been much safer here either.

After hand delivering my letter to the maester, I'd taken to the beaches of Dragonstone where Vhagar slept peacefully, healing slowly from the wounds she'd sustained from Tessarion.

Truthfully I hadn't expected a feast in my honor when we'd returned but I certainly wasn't expecting to be repaid in such a manner. Judging from my own sister's reaction to the news she hadn't been very happy herself, after all, it wasn't like Rhaenyra to wish harm upon Helaena but still, she stood unwavering at the painted table.

How I wished to be a fly on the wall when they spoke alone.

Elaena had inherited not only the crown as well as a good heart from her mother. But what good is that when you're married to someone so heartless and cruel?

Some might say the same for Elaena and I.

Elaena.

My song had begged me not to go, and when I heard her voice break, I wasn't strong enough a man to turn around and see that look in her tear-stained eyes. My heart broke with each step I took away from her but I needed time if there was any hope of not taking my anger out on her.

It'd been hours and if I waited much longer the sun would begin to fall in the sky and Elaena would indeed worry herself sick wondering about my whereabouts but just as I get up to go a soft humming reaches my ears and I recognize the song right away.

I tell myself to get up and greet her, but Elaena's soft voice keeps me where I am, providing the comfort I needed the most.

As she takes a seat beside me I only manage to fight the urge to not look at her for a moment before turning and catching her eye, already watching me but she isn't angry, her eyes aren't even pink with tears if anything she looks relieved to see me and I her.

With my hand planted in the sand to my side, she timidly reaches for it and I hold my breath waiting for the inevitable spark that came with her touch. Slowly interlocking our fingers she gives my hand a reassuring squeeze and my heart about bursts from my chest.

She wasn't here to reprimand me for my outburst no, she was here to comfort me.

"Keeping a watchful eye on the dragons?" she asks, her long hair dancing around her face in the wind.

Her small voice brings a smile to my face reminding me very much of that night at Driftmark that we'd shared together. She was what pushed me to claim Vhagar that night, she'd told me we were destined for great things, and I'd wondered if she still thought that to be true.

"Do you ever wish we could go back? To that night and start again?" I inquire, my gaze drawn to the softness of her pink cheeks and she smiles a bit at the memory.

"I often wish we would've run away that night of the betrothal feast... perhaps none of this would've happened." She replies honestly bringing her knees to her chest the best she can with her pregnant belly.

It was hard to believe that only three and a half months ago I'd almost lost her at the Stepstones. We'd been so happy to find out she was pregnant, all of our hopes and dreams had seemed within reach, and now...

Now, I could only be thankful we were together. It was all I'd ever wanted, but when had I started taking advantage of that fact?

"I spoke with my Mother to get what answers I could." She begins and I sit up straighter, pleasantly surprised by her, "You did?"

Elaena had kept herself busy this afternoon. My love had known I was hurting and doing the one thing she could, she went to find my answers.

Nodding she glances down at our interlocked fingers, "It seems my mother isn't any happier with him than we are."

"Hmph. Is she claiming to know nothing of her King Consorts' plans?"

"She claims she forbid him and he'd seen an end to it. My mother saw my father's letters to the White Worm... he'd told her our Queen would not have the blood of children on her hands."

There's a long silence that fills the air between us and watch her as she nibbles at the dry skin on her lip.

"And do you believe her?"

"That depends,"

"On?"

"If you believe her."

I watch her for a moment and this time I don't fight the urge to caress her beautiful face. Selfishly I trace the curve of her jaw trailing my fingers down the soft skin of her neck and her body acting on its own accord shudders next to me.

Smirking a bit I take a deep breath, telling myself I surely couldn't take her right here on this beach but it might have to be something we try one of these nights under the stars.

When I meet her eyes the questioning expression she wears lingers.

"I'll speak with my dear sister myself. It's the respect that I would've wished to receive if I hadn't gotten to Lucerys in time."

Elaena rests her chin on her shoulder, her eyebrows furrowing in with confusion, "In time?"

I nod, a frown weighing down my lips as I recalled that evening above Shipbreaker Bay.

"Daeron and I had a bit of a heated argument at Storms End... with an audience nonetheless." I hadn't even told her the worst of it yet, and my sweet song raises an eyebrow in knowing rather than annoyance at her brash husband.

"I suppose you truly had intended on coming straight home as you promised," she whispers more for herself than for me to hear.

"And I would've been home with you in my arms before the sun rose the next morning... but no. Daeron followed us out into the storm. Arrax might've stood a chance had it not been for the wind and rain but Tessarion had them locked in their grip. I tried to help but at the last moment they twisted and..."

I pause, picturing the horror as if it were happening again, the sky falling around us, all light being swallowed by the storm.

"It was almost the longest sixty seconds of my life, Elaena. Even if it had been an accident I knew there'd be no forgiveness, my sister would've had my head if you hadn't taken it first so, though I know I hold no such power I will hear her out but that is all."

It might've taken all afternoon to come to this conclusion but it was better than my first choice.

Killing my darling wife's father.

Though the thought brought me much joy it certainly wouldn't bring a smile to Elaena's face and that alone was reason in itself, but I would see to it my uncle would pay for the lives he's cost one way or the other.

"If Helaena is unwell and you wish to go to Kings Landing I can't stop you. I'd wish for you to stay but if you must go..."

"I won't be leaving you again Elaena."

"Then take me with you-"

"No, it's not safe. I expect my brother would throw us both into a cell if he didn't have our heads first. I just have to hope she'll write back..."

Realizing there's no use in fighting me a comfortable silence falls between us as we listen closely to the waves. The sun slowly fell behind the clouds that surrounded Dragonstone and even I would admit it was a stunning sight to behold.

With the breeze that swept through the beach Elaena's long blonde hair whipped around in the wind falling ever gracefully around her face and I selfishly indulge myself at the sight of her.

The honey-orange rays of the sun bounced off her pale Valyrian skin and she was glowing, captivating even in her exhaustion.

Being careful with her I scoop her into my lap finding immediate comfort in her nearness, doing my best to ignore the thickening of my britches with her plump ass pressed so firmly against me.

Whether it be the ignorance of her effect on me or her wish to ignore it she leans back into my chest to admire the sun setting over the water.

Nuzzling my face into her hair I close my tired eye only leaving room for the sweet floral smell of my beloved and the calming noises of the waves crashing to shore.

"Do you still believe in our lost dragon, Aemond?"

The sound of my name falling from her lips was one I'd never grow tired of, stirring my worn soul, but when she mentions our bleeding star I smile, trailing kisses up her neck behind her ear.

"Hmm, your little brother is under the impression the song is about a person, rather than a dragon," I murmur against her neck, nibbling a bit at her soft skin.

Squirming beneath my hands she hisses at the pressure not realizing the very grinding movement she made against me.

"A-a person?" She struggles to speak beneath my mouth so she yanks away leaving me a blubbering mess, already hard and pining for her but Elaena's mind was already elsewhere.

"Luke?! What in the seven hells does he know about the dragon's song?! Where-? What else did he tell you?!" Elaena's peace is no more, excited or maybe gone mad that her little brother had so quickly deflated her dream.

Groaning towards the sky I bring my fingers to the bridge of my nose.

Lucerys ever the cock block even in his absence.

"Aemond!" She persists, her look of pointed frustration adorable.

"He didn't say much. I expected he's found that very same book you had in your youth. He just interpreted it differently, my love."

Standing to meet her she takes my hand once more as she puffs out a frustrated sigh.

"You know, he's alive and well within the castle thanks to your admirable husband. You can simply ask the little lord."

Elaena finally breaks her thin-lipped expression to smile up at me and I take her chin between my fingers to steal the very kiss I'd desired, our lips melting together as if to seal the end of our argument.

"Mm, as much as I'd love to continue this our dinner will be arriving at Jahaeryn's chambers any moment now. I promised him you'd be returning with me," wrapping her arms around my waist she smiles up at me hopefully, fluttering her long eyelashes to sway me as if I'd ever deny her a thing.

"Afraid I'll ruin another one of your mother's dinners are you?" I chuckle, pressing another kiss to her temple but she shakes her head.

"You're not the only one who can't stand the sight of my father right now. Everyone's having supper sent to their rooms," she tells me locking her arm with mine as we ventured back up the hill to the castle.

Ser Erryk stood guard far enough to grant us privacy but close enough to ensure our safety and I grow more thankful I hadn't ravaged her on the beach.

The time would come.

***

"Jahaeryn! Food on the plate or in your mouth! Not to be used as a weapon!"

Reaching for the little dragon's handful of bread I catch him just in time before he beams a roll at Lucerys who'd been picking on my other little nephew all evening.

"Is this how you treat little Aegon and Viserys? No doubt they'll convince your mother to ship you off to Driftmark as soon as you and Rhaena are wed!" I boast, earning a heartfelt laugh from my wife who was watching from beside me keeping a hand planted firmly on my thigh.

"You'd miss me far too much, Uncle."

"Hm, I think I'd be saving our son the trouble of your inevitable torture when he's born, nephew."

Elaena can't help herself, giggling as the both of us went back and forth over the small table we'd assembled at for dinner. 

If one didn't know any better, they'd think us to be one small happy family and I suppose we were in a way. Luke and I had fought through the trenches to make it home and it had been well worth it to see the smiles Jaehaeryn and Elaena wore.

"I'm confident your son will be born with a sword in hand," Luke jokes and I know he doesn't only refer to my fierceness but Elaena who'd always preferred training in the yards as children to her needlework and lessons though that never stopped her from becoming such a well-rounded woman.

Noticing my stare a light blush comes to her cheeks and the hand she has placed on my knee gives me a reassuring squeeze, "I sure hope not. That sounds even more painful than I'd anticipated." 

At her comment, all of us burst into laughter though poor Jaehaeryn is clueless as to what she could possibly mean, reaching for another roll of bread and rearing back his hand to throw it at Lucerys and get his attention.

This time, however, no one goes to stop him and the bread hits Luke square in the nose, falling into pieces all over the table our laughter is uncontainable, surely to echo down the corridor.

Although, our dinner of joy is cut short by a knock on the door, followed by Ser Erryk entering with a curt nod.

"My apologies to interrupt but the Queen has requested your presence, Prince Aemond."

Ser Erryk is visibly disappointed that he interrupted our dinner, but I quickly rise to meet him at the door, having expected him any moment now.

Pressing a quick kiss to Elaena's lips she tugs me back down for an extra nearly bringing me down on top of her, though I wouldn't at all be complaining. 

"I'll wait up for you, my love." She murmurs and I almost tell her not to but I knew her better than that. 

Making my rounds about the table I press a quick kiss to the top of Jaehaeryn's head and before I make it away, Luke sits up as if he's expecting a kiss as well leaving the room in a fit of giggles as I make my way to the Queen.

As Ser Erryk and I fall in step I cross my arms behind my back, "We seem to be fitting in quite well here at Dragonstone, aren't we?"

Offering me a smile over his shoulder Ser Erryk nods, "I hope to live to see the reign of Elaena and Aemond Targaryen. If our Queen cannot win our peace, I have confidence in her heir." 

For the remainder of the walk to the great hall, I mull over Ser Erryk's words. 

I would certainly hope peace would be found sooner rather than later but what if this war between us would last far longer than we'd anticipated? 

Opening the door slowly I give Ser Erryk a grateful nod and my sister beckons me inside the great hall. 

"Aemond, I'm grateful you've agreed to speak with me. Come,"

As the Queen says, I close the door behind me and slowly approach the painted table but I enter timidly, confused by Daemon's absence, but both she and I knew this conversation wouldn't have been productive if he'd been a participant.

"Elaena claims you had nothing to do with Daemon's plot. Is this true?"

My older sister takes a few steps from the fireplace and though she'd tried to hide her emotions prior, she frowns deeply, exhaustion prevalent in her features much similar to mine. 

"I'd been inconsolable when we'd heard the news of Arrax as was Elaena but Daemon was restless, on a hunt for revenge. He was under the impression that the marriage to Elaena had been a facade put to motion by your mother but I'd always known better."

My dulled anger rears its ugly head and instinctively I go to protect our love, but I remind myself it was never my sister who'd doubted us. It was she who'd given us the blessing we'd so desperately wanted.

"For days he'd kept close correspondence with the White Worm in Kings Landing in efforts to locate you. After all, where could a man who rode the largest dragon hide?" She shrugs, her eyes scanning the glow of the painted table, as I imagine she did during their search for me.

"Tessarion nearly tore a hole through Vhagar's wing. She was in no state to fly us home, I'm still unsure where it was we ended up in the North." Following her gaze I reach out to trace the carvings of the Northern lands.

"I'm no fool, sister. I was quite aware that the worst was expected of me." I scoff, leaning on both of my palms.

"And now, my husband will get something of a similar treatment."

Shocked by her I cock an eyebrow in uncertainty but she looks away, my sister taking a deep breath before she breaks the news.

"Daemon will be taking our cause to Harrenhal where he'll assemble the stronghold for the banners of the Riverlands. There's been word of Aegon's forces marching against the Reach," Rhaenyra's voice is calm and collected but it only makes me further wonder what else she hadn't been telling us.

"And how is sending him to Harrenhal as your envoy a punishment?"

"Would you rather I send you, brother? With a baby on the way?"

Shrugging my shoulders I suppose she's right. I wouldn't be going anywhere without Elaena by my side and if Aegon's men were marching our way he'd meet us with dragon fire.

"I believe my husband speaks the truth but that does not mean he's blameless. The blood of Jaehaerys and their unborn child is on his hands and some Lords may doubt me if I keep him too close... but that's not all I wished to tell you, brother."

Rhaenyra takes a few steps toward me and like a flash of the future it's not my sister's face I see before me it's my wife.

I imagined Elaena wearing the crown, dressed in royal garb fit for a Queen when the time was right. I would not be a husband or King Consort to be doubted, I would be her right hand, her swift sword of justice and strength. We would be a force that would take the Seven Kingdoms by storm I was sure of it.

"Elaena is my heir and you her King. With Daemon's absence I require trusted advisors and you Aemond know more of our brother than any other."

I'm taken aback but her offer but it was one I respected. Rhaenyra could not right these wrongs committed by Daemon but she would give power and responsibility to those she trusted most, Elaena and I.

I was privileged, to say the least, but her trust in me was well-earned. I'd proved to her and the rest of them that I'd pull through for Elaena and anyone we loved time and time again.

"You honor me, your grace." I grant her a nod, my hands clasped behind my back and at the small sign of respect I offer her lips twitch into something like a smile.

"I'll speak with Elaena but I'm sure she'll share my sentiments."

Eager to speak with her I turn on my heels but Rhaenyra calls out to me once more before I make it through the door.

"Aemond, thank you. You've saved this family a lifetime of heartache I hope you know."

My sister's sincere thanks fills a gaping hole that I hadn't realized my spite was eating away at me.

Growing up my mother had always painted such a terrible picture of my sister and it was easy to believe as a child. It would do no good to dwell on lost time and though I'd lost a brother or two, it seemed I'd gained a sister.

When I find Elaena back in our rooms she's already cuddled up beneath the covers with her nose in a book and only a candle or two by the bed to aid her.

As I shut the door softly behind me she finally looks up at me and my heart warms at the sight of her smiling face.

The day had been long and to find my pregnant wife waiting patiently for me in our bed by candlelight had made every second worth it.

"Look at you, my sweet song. Pregnancy certainly suits you." I hum in appreciation of her beauty, taking my seat beside her on the bed and she sits up to meet me.

Brushing Elaena's stray hairs away from her face I place my lips to hers, stealing a small tender kiss.

"Judging by your good mood can I assume your talk with my mother went well?" She purrs in a low sleepy tone and I melt into her hold.

"Quite well. In fact, she's asked us to serve on her council. I told her we'd be honored but I would of course have to speak to you first-"

"She what? Of course! Oh, Aemond I can't believe it. And what of my father?" 

Elaena couldn't be happier but when she remembers Daemon her expression falls, the sparkle in her eye dimming for a moment as I started on the buttons of my tunic.

I smirk, leaning down to press another kiss to the curve of her neck and I get a waft of her floral bath soaps, "It's expected Aegon will be marching on the Riverlands so Daemon will be leaving first thing in the morning for Harrenhal to establish a stronghold. He'll be of use... just elsewhere."

When I don't hear her respond right away I turn back around to face her after draping my jacket over the chair.

"Listen to you, you sound like a proper diplomat." She smirks, her tongue darting out to wet her soft lips but I don't miss the heat that resonates in her voice and a growl-like sound comes from my throat in approval, "Mmm, and you smell delectable. I can only imagine how you taste,"

Working the covers down her body I notice she's quite bare of any clothes besides her thin shift that clung to her every curve.

"Aemond," she breathes my name bringing my stiff cock to a rock-hard erection and I begin only thinking with one head.

Unwilling to stop myself, I roam my hands down her body until I find her knees, spreading them apart.

"Yes, my love?" I chuckle darkly, running my hands through my long hair to put it up with a tie from the bedside table.

She opens her mouth to speak but she seems much more interested in watching me undress, tossing my tunic and boots aside to join her beneath the covers and have my meal.

"W-what did she say of Helaena? Do you trust her?" She stutters, her mouth dropping open as I take off what's left covering my torso.

My sweet song quite liked the sight of me shirtless and I'd be lying if it wasn't a boost to the ego every damned time but at the mention of my sisters again I sigh, settling in between her thighs where I can already smell her, slick with desire. 

"I've been assured Helaena is as safe as she can be, and come morning I'll send a raven to her myself. As for your mother, I trust her, but I trust you, most of all." I drum off these simple facts one after the other between kisses down the inside of her thigh. 

Inching down the bed towards my mouth she gasps when I nibble at a bit of her skin, whipping my tongue over the mark to wipe away the sting.

"After everything?" She asks, still harboring guilt from the doubt she'd carried about me, about us.

Our eyes meet and I crawl up toward her face to nuzzle my nose against hers. Though we were moments away from a heated exchange I know my beloved needed reassurance that I didn't hold resentment toward her and I was beginning to think I never could. 

Cradling her petite face in my hands I nod slowly, "tolī tolvierun," 
*after everything

I assure her, capturing her mouth before another question can pass her lips.

***

A month later,

"The fool Otto Hightower sent word across the Narrow Sea hoping to put a stop to our trade blockage. He sees Daemon as our weakness, he always has." Lord Corlys mentions and another Lord interjects, "They say Aegon grows impatient. Our sources say he's made Cole his hand in his grandfather's stead with news of all the rejections from the Riverlords and the North."

Quietly I chuckle to myself imagining what the Green Council must've looked like in comparison to Rhaenyra's.

Aegon was never one to display restraint or patience. He sought instant results but my fool of a brother didn't realize alliances took time and trust, both of which he failed to build over his years of drunken stupor.

Tonight Elaena had felt much too tired to partake in the small council proceedings but the longer these Lords dragged on about my irritating older brother, the more I wished I'd stayed in to look over her myself.

'It's a responsibility we must show we honor, Aemond. One of us must go,'

My sweet wife was always right and like a good husband, I'd done what I was told, being our representative this evening but that hadn't made it any more joyful.

We'd been spending our evenings reading texts of Old Valyria. Sometimes in bed, sometimes in the bath, or on the beach where Jaehaeryn, Luke and Elaena's younger brothers would join us to watch the dragons circle the skies in the afternoons.

It was almost as if a war wasn't being fought miles away, as if Aegon didn't threaten the very people I cared for most but Elaena and I have been assured by our correspondence with Helaena though we spoke nothing of politics and war, only of her well being and Jaehaera.

If tomorrow, Rhaenyra decided to take Kings Landing I would enjoy every last quiet moment, every last smile, and kiss shared between Elaena and me until our peace was uprooted potentially forever.

"My Lords, while I appreciate your council I believe the hour has grown late,"

From across the painted table Rhaenyra and I make eye contact. My sister is better at hiding her Targaryen smirk than I but she notices my mind couldn't be farther away.

"Of course, your Grace." Lord Corlys replies with a smile, connecting the dots as I'm quick with my goodbyes, readjusting my sword at my hip and taking my leave.

I rush through the halls hoping by the grace of the gods she hadn't fallen asleep yet. I was a selfish man who would never find his fill of his wife and I'd hope that one day she wouldn't find her fill of me unless that is between her thighs.

Coming through the corridor dim of any lights should've been the first sign of trouble and though my gut twists, I keep on and quicken my pace, shifting to a sprint when I hear the clashing of steel just ahead.

No, no, no.

At first, it's hard to recognize who is who but it was Ser Erryk who stood guard of Elaena in his full set of armor whereas his brother wore robes to fit in on the grounds.

As I round the corner with my sword in tow I catch the final blow between brothers, between blood and Ser Erryk falls, his body a lifeless corpse the moment his brother drives his sword through his heart before I can get to them.

"NO! Elaena!" I call out to her through the open door but Ser Arryk blocks my path, the fool hardly fazed by the death of his own brother.

When she doesn't reply I panic, a cold sweat dripping down my back felt beneath my thick leather tunic and it occurs to me.

This would be my brother's revenge, would it?

Our sister had taken his heir, and in one fell swoop, he would take hers and mine.

"You came for her, didn't you!? For my wife and my child?!" I shout out at him, my animalistic rage unbottled and broken free but the fool raises his sword, hardly surprised I'm here to greet him but that only further worries me.

Has he come alone or is he simply the distraction?

Aegon could very well be storming Dragonstone at this moment, taking us hostage from within our own home.

I didn't have time to think about it before our swords are clashing, the steel singing through the empty halls but footsteps approached and I couldn't be sure who they belonged to.

I would have Ser Arryk's head but first I would have him beg for death, beg for the burning flames the pits of the seven hells where he'd go after I finished with him.

Ser Arryk is a skilled swordsman but every one of his moves is predicted and countered though he keeps himself an inch from death at all times my rage consumes me, driving my sword.

"Aemond!?" I spare a glance over my shoulder and spot a Strong but I can't be sure which one until he comes closer. Sending him to Elaena I'm confident I can handle Aegon's knight.

"Our rooms, Jacaerys! Find her! Go!"

My nephew follows my orders rushing a couple of rooms down where our door was ajar, the light from a single candle pouring into the dark hallways.

Our swords collide but there's more force behind my swing knocking him back a step and I use that to my advantage disarming him. Another one of Rhaenyra's knights is quick to grab it from the ground, leaving the lesser Cragyll brother completely surrounded.

Holding my blade steady beneath his chin I urge his head higher, my nostrils flaring with the beast that raged inside daring him to make another move as more knights came to our aid but his life still lay in my hands.

Kill him, slit his throat, and be done with it.

No.

I would make him suffer for this attempt on my wife and our unborn son.

"Aemond!" Jacaerys' voice beckons from down the corridor and my grip on the handle of my sword stiffens. If she was hurt... if she was dead?

Keeping my sword at the ready I run as fast as a man's feet can carry him, praying to the old gods and the new that she was alright, that our baby was alright.

When I come to stand in the doorway what I see is an image from the deepest depths of my nightmares and for a brief moment I think I must be dreaming, this couldn't be happening.

Jacaerys cradled Elaena's pale limp body to his chest as they sat on the floor and the sword drops from my hand, falling to crash against the stone but I don't hear it, a high pitch buzzing overtaking any noise.

"No, no, no, please- Elaena!" I plead, falling to my knees beside them and practically tearing her from Jace's grasp I look her over myself.

I expect to find my beloved wounded but when I find nothing I suspect this could be much worse.

"What's wrong, my love? Come on, wake up, please" I beg, hardly alike my normal self but I was weak without her, only darkness and rage.

Could she have been poisoned?

"Get a maester! NOW!" I call out to anyone who will listen and thankfully Jacaerys stands seeing to it my commands are heard but his words are muddled in the fog of my mind.

"Elaena please, Māzigon arlī naejot nyke,"
*come back to me

I beg, my lips trembling against her forehead and she doesn't move but she is breathing, my hope still intact as more men flooded the room.

"She's breathing! She's still alive- Elaena, hear me please."

Cradling her to my chest hands reach for her but I yank away from them, holding no confidence in any other than myself.

"Aemond, they need to tend to her." Jacaerys crouches beside us and for a moment I ignore him, my hold on her tightening. 

If I let her go, I may never hold her again.

"Aemond," He insists and against all instincts I get up, placing her on the bed to back away as the maesters swarm her and I'm helpless, staring after her in pure horror.

"Māzigon arlī naejot nyke,"

*come back to me

***