𝓐𝓮𝓶𝓸𝓷𝓭 𝓣𝓪𝓻𝓰𝓪𝓻𝔂𝓮𝓷
"Go on, little one. Just as I taught you," I give Jaehaeryn a pat on the head but take a step forward with him as he trembles in both excitement and fear.

When he hesitates he turns his gaze behind us where Elaena and her youngest brothers watched on from the hill perched just over the beaches where Vhagar had made her home for the afternoon.

Elaena nods to my nephew with a heartwarming smile that I catch myself staring at until her gaze meets mine, a flush warming her cheeks.

With the departure of Rhaenys and Baela, my song had been worrying herself sick and it's only been two days since they'd left for Rooks Rest. Naturally, I'd been doing my damndest to distract her, keeping a smile on her lips as if my very breath counted on it.

Clasping both hands on his shoulders, I guide him closer, leaning down to reassure him. "You are the blood of the dragon, Jaehaeryn. Just as the rest of us, your family. Do you understand?"

I tell him softly, but I can still see the doubt on his face and I'm riddled with memories of my brother. Aegon hadn't been scared he'd been confident, cocky even.

It was a wonder Sunfyre even let my brother mount him with the sheer size of his head.

"Go on, Jaehaeryn. She's waiting for you," I urge him closer, mirroring the reassuring smile that Elaena had given him from afar and it's the last push he needs, looking up to my dragon in awe.

"Rytsas, Vhagar!" He calls out earning the old dragon's attention.
*Hello, Vhagar!

Vhagar only tilts her massive head slightly to regard my nephew, her lip curling back as she grumbles in greeting.

Hoisting the small boy over my shoulders he screams in glee, latching onto my hair to steady himself and I cringe in pain as our audience laughs from the hills.

Taking his small hand in mine, I press his palm against Vhagar's weathered skin and she flinches at first but makes a rumbling noise that resembles a pur, her eye first closing and then opening even wider than before to look at the both of us.

He's done it, she trusts him.

Jaehaeryn hops down running back to his cousins who are already cheering for him but I stay behind, placing my hand once more on Vhagar's snout as a way of thanking her.

"Kirimvose, uēpa raqiros"
*Thank you, old friend.

As I turn to join them, Vhagar stretches her wings, blocking out the falling sun from the sky until she flies back to the caves, having had her fill of interaction for the day.

Walking backward for a moment I don't notice Elaena's come to join me until her sweet giggle meets my ears.

"Seasmoke is going to be quite jealous when he's realized it was Vhagar who's gotten all the attention today."

My love glances over her shoulder towards the caves, Elaena's lavender eyes glistening and her soft lips cocked in a playful smile.

Unable to help myself I loop one of my fingers through a clasp on the front of her dress and tug her to my chest.

"Not all the attention, my love. If I didn't know any better it would sound as though you were the jealous one,"

Shrugging her shoulders she brings her bottom lip between her teeth to nibble on, well aware of the effect it has on me.

"Quite jealous, husband." She purrs seductively, placing both of her palms on my chest. I stand a bit straighter at her touch having missed our intimate moments after the past few days we'd endured.

Whether it be meetings, Jaehaeryn, or the damned lone twin that still clings to life in the cells both of us had been pushed to our limits without much time to relax.

And Aelyx was still yet to be born, our ball of fire.

Both Elaena and I thrived in command this was true but it would only become more challenging as time progressed.

Though Aegon, Viserys, and Jaehaeryn all cooed at Joffrey and his dragon Tyraxes in the sky I take the opportunity while their backs are turned to steal a kiss from my beloved.

I shock her at first but she responds to my tongue instantly submitting to my kiss from the moment it begins.

Cradling her face I take a quick glance over her shoulder to ensure no one's looking and deepen the kiss, our tongues molding together as I helped myself to the taste of her heavenly mouth.

Her fingers find their way to my hair, knotting themselves through the long braided twists she'd fashioned herself this very morning. Elaena and I might've shared a battle together at the Stepstones but I hadn't ever thought of putting war braids in my hair.

Before we get too carried away we both pull away reluctantly, but she keeps her eyes closed, savoring the kiss with an adorable smile on her lips.

Staring at her selfishly for a moment I interlock our fingers guiding her back in the direction of the chaotic little ones who chased one another through the field.

"You've been wonderful with Jaehaeryn. I'm beginning to think you've become his new favorite," she teases.

"One day soon it'll be our son we introduce to his own dragon" I chuckle, my whole body warming at the thought as we watched Joffrey ride his own dragon who'd just grown large enough to saddle him.

"Syrax is still quite protective of her clutch of eggs. The maesters worry if they can't extract them in time they'll turn to stone..." she worries, her smile falling and I realize it's still quite a hard subject for the both of us.

"Whatever comes to be is meant to be, my love. Just as it was for you and me. Perhaps if I never claimed Vhagar we wouldn't have shared that night on the beach."

Deep in thought, my song arches an eyebrow, her playful smile toying at the corner of her mouth.

"I'd like to think the gods destined us for one another and no matter what had happened we would've found our way back," she speculates, resting her head on my arm as we walked.

"Hmm," I hum in contentment, comforted by that sentiment.

As we drew closer, the boys' giggles reminded me of when I was a child, growing up with Aegon and Jacaerys. After the years of torment, one would think they'd become friends, but perhaps it was never a bond that drove them to band together, but the need to feel superior, and in control.

"Uncle, look! Another dragon!" Jaehaeryn points at the sky behind us and when Elaena and I both turn, shielding our eyes from the falling sun we expect to see two dragons returning home but there's only one.

Moondancer's small silhouette is clear through the clouds but as the pale green dragon approaches and no other follows her, Elaena's face falls, and the back of my neck prickles with uncertainty.

"No..." She gasps, assuming already what this could mean.

Before Elaena can react I turn to the handmaidens who stood just above the hill, assisting us in watching the boys alongside the Kingsguard.

"Take them to their rooms and alert the Queen of Lady Baela's arrival right away. Have a guard meet her at the Dragonmount, now." I command.

"Of course, my prince."

With a curt nod, my command is set in motion but Elaena remains planted where she stands, watching the sky for further signs of her grandmother.

Going to her she doesn't acknowledge me, her violet eyes locked on the horizon until I place a hand on her waist.

"She's coming... j-just wait," Elaena nibbles on her trembling lip, her voice quivering with dread but I don't have the heart to pull her away.

It's not until the sun finally falls behind the clouds that we walk back to the castle.

Taking to the halls Elaena walks two paces ahead of me but I worry that the answers she seeks won't be the ones she's looking for. It wasn't like Rhaenys to send Baela back alone, it could only mean trouble and I wasn't sure my sweet song would be able to bear it.

Expecting to hear their voices from outside the door all that can be heard are muffled sobs and every fear is all but confirmed, Elaena's footsteps halting just as the knight reaches for the door handle until my beloved nods.

Baela is at the helm of the painted table, with Jace by her side as she speaks softly to the small audience of our closest family, "We thought we'd taken Rooks Rest, Grandmother and Meleys had burned most of their men alive."

"Sister," Elaena's broken voice reached the table and they all turn to face us upon our entrance.

"Elaena," Baela breathes in relief, wiping her face free of any tears as she goes to embrace her sister, holding her as tight as she can muster.

"I'm so sorry, I did all I could I... they were waiting for us. First, it was Aegon and then Daeron came from above."

"Both of them?" I ask her, in shock myself.

Baela can't look at me without seeing one of my brothers in my place, quickly turning her head away, unable to bear the sight of me.

"There were hundreds of scorpions lining the field. Grandmother sent me away and took Aegon and Daeron for herself but-but she's gone,"

Elaena shudders next to me, her hands trembling when I go to grab them and I must reach her just in time, her body practically limp in my arms.

I should've gone.

It should've been I who fought my brothers... and now she's lost her grandmother.

Jacaerys consoles Baela as I do Elaena but Rhaenyra seems defeated, her face voice of color.

"Rhaenys! Baela!"

The room stills at the sound of Lord Corlys' panicked voice approaching the door and as they fly open the Sea Snake rushes in, his head on a swivel in an attempt to find his wife.

"Grandfather," Baela cries, her voice cracking and the old man snaps to the crying girl opposite the table from us.

"No..."

"They were ready for them. The Greens have prepared themselves to fight our dragons-" Rhaenyra says but Corlys shakes his head unwilling to listen.

"And they had ample time to prepare themselves due to your hesitation, my Queen." He spits at my sister whose shoulders were already heavy with the loss of her Aunt.

The Queen who never was.

Coming to my sister's defense, I attempt to bite back my tone, "How were we to know they'd take such a risk? It was a ridiculous risk to take but they took it."

"AND NOW MY WIFE IS DEAD!" His booming voice echoes through the stone room and Elaena flinches in my arms.

I wouldn't dare to say I've ever felt the loss he did at this moment, and I'd hoped not to, but I couldn't blame him for his rage. The Sea Snake had lost his wife and there was not a damned thing he could've done about it. He certainly didn't have a dragon to avenge her, just a fleet under the control of the very Queen who'd sent his wife to her death.

"We volunteered to go, Grandfather! There were many a night Grandmother and I awaited your return on Driftmark as you fought battles of your own," Baela's tear-stained eyes were no sign of weakness but passion as she fearlessly stepped from her betrothed grasp.

"Grandmother fought valiantly. It would've been her who ended the war, she almost cost both the young princes their lives but... but Meleys was pierced through the heart."

Though Elaena and Baela were only half sisters it was clear they shared the same fire that their father possessed, the fire of the dragon.

Lord Corlys glances between his kin until finally, his furious gaze reaches my sister. "Then perhaps this cause is one my banner will no longer fly for. I will no longer risk my own kin for your crown."

My lip curls back as I go for him but Elaena tightens her grip on my hand silently begging me not to make it any worse.

"I'd be especially careful how you speak, Lord Corlys. One would consider how you're regarding my sister as treason. " I warn him, deathly low.

It was no surprise Lord Corlys would question Rhaenyra after years in our father's court doing the very same thing, but despite my anger, I still sympathized with him even more so when I notice the sheen of tears in his eyes.

Clearing his throat, Jace steps forward with a pointed look my way, "Grandfather, what my Uncle is trying to say is that Grandmother wouldn't want you to forsake the very cause she sacrificed her life for. Baela knew the risk just as she did, you know that."

At last, it seems Jacaerys harbors a bit of sense, his conviction like his sisters, and if she weren't so heartbroken she might've been proud.

When I look down at my silent wife her gaze settles on no one, staring off into space and I wonder if she's even paying attention to the argument before us. Her free hand cradled her stomach, absentmindedly twisting the rings on her fingers as she does when she's most nervous.

Taking her free hand the voices around us persist but when the haze comes over her usually bright eyes I realize she's no longer with us, but somewhere entirely different deep within her mind.

"Elaena," I whisper, but she bares no reaction to my voice and my stomach twists at her silence. It was unlike my sweet song to be silent, her voice was one to be heard.

"ñuha vāedar," I try once more, pressing my lips against her ear when she finally turns her head.
*my song

Elaena's pink cheeks are riddled with tears on either side of her face, and I suck in a sharp breath at the sight of her anguish. Hooking my thumb beneath her chin her troubled eyes meet mine.

I've seen this look before.

The desperation in her expression mimicked that of the night she had her first nightmare at Kings Landing. I'd been petrified just as I am now.

"We should get you back to our chambers. You need to rest-"

"No!" She pleads in a whisper so low no one hears, her eyes wide with fear. "If I fall asleep I'll see more death, Aemond. I can't bare it,"

I open my mouth to object but she shifts her attention back to the discussion, turning her face away from me and she's made her choice... for now.

"Grandfather, if it's protecting our kin that you seek there is no better place for you than here, with us. You're one of my mother's closest advisors." Jace continues.

His plan regarding Winterfell and Storms End had not been without their trials but did prove to be a success and that was the confidence boost he needed to speak up from this point forward. But where exactly was he going with this?

"Mother, this may be overstepping but you've not chosen a Hand."

My grip on Elaena tightens as all of her siblings watch in anticipation of what their grandfather will decide.

I wouldn't admit it aloud but I'd always hoped my sister would name me her Hand, and when we lock eyes from across the table I realize it didn't have to be spoken.

Rhaenyra must've speculated the idea if it was me she looked at for a reaction.

Truthfully it wasn't the power I sought, it was the acceptance of my older sister, the honor that she deemed me worthy.

When Elaena becomes Queen one day I desired to be wiser than my mother and grandfather alike. I would come to expect things rather than live in fear of them and ultimately I would be fit to protect my wife, and my family from forces from both within and outside our walls.

"It would have to be something we discussed but Jacaerys speaks truth, Lord Corlys."

The old man holds a fair weathered expression, a true politician in his own right and I question my own stake in the running instantly.

The Sea Snake had fought battles long before I was born and his fleet was a force to be reckoned with this was true...

But a treasonous cunt was a treasonous cunt.

If Lord Corlys were to lose another family member, would he take all he had left to Kings Landing?

"You honor me, my Queen. Though I agree... terms must be discussed." The old man and Jacaerys seem happy with this arrangement but my frown only deepens.

"That's all for now. The small council will convene come morning. If it's as Baela says, they've bought us ample time to come up with a plan. They'll be nursing their wounded King... and we will make our attack." The Queen has her final word and with my focus on Elaena, I don't have half the mind to fight her, ushering my wife from the great hall.

Once we break through the double doors, and we're out of sight from any of her siblings she pulls from my grasp, going to the nearest window.

After fiddling with the clasp of the shutters she throws it open and heaves all of the contents of her stomach out the window into the waves below.

"Elaena!" I rush to her aid, one hand on her hip, the other on her hair, as deep shudders ran through her body, the sickness taking its course.

"Take some deep breaths, sweet girl. Breathe,"

As she comes out of it she turns her pale face away from me, embarrassed to have gotten so sick but my face knits together in concern, my heart breaking for her.

"No, no, no-" Elaena cries, pressing her back up against the stone wall, and her face crumbles, her strength fading by the second and it's as if someone's torn my heart from my chest.

And hell, here she was... my heart, broken in pieces on the floor.

Going to my knees I wrap my arms around her small body, cradling her to my chest where she clung to my tunic, her fingers still trembling and I bring her closer desperate to absorb any of her pain.

"He's killed my grandmother, and she won't be the last I know it," She cries, nuzzling her pink nose into my neck where her hot tears streaked onto my skin.

"We'll avenge her. We still have the numbers and the dragons-"

"It doesn't matter, how can't any of you see?! Even if this war is won but we've lost everything along the way what will it be for, Aemond?" She cries, her voice cracking as her tears morph into inconsolable sobs and my body stiffens at her words.

She was right, of course, she was right.

"Is my birthright worth this? It certainly isn't worth my brothers, my sisters, you... Aemond I can't lose you too," She continues, shaking her head as the images spin through her mind and I wonder just what she's seen in these nightmares of hers.

Had she seen my death? My sisters?

I wouldn't dare ask her in the state she's in so I do the only thing I can think of and press my lips to her temple, "Even if the world crumbled away, the gods would see fit that you and I remained together. You're the very reason they've put me here in the first place, our purpose, our blood is bonded together for as long as our souls wander." I reassure her, tilting up her chin.

"You remember that don't you, my love?"

I brush my thumb across her tear-stained cheeks and her sobs subside, her bottom lip trembling as she huffs for air trying to breathe through her tears.

"That's it, ñuha vāedar, breathe."
*my song

Even my own breathing doesn't calm until her chest is rising and falling as normal, but we couldn't stay here where someone was bound to enter the hall. If my lady hadn't wished me to see her cry, she certainly wouldn't wish anyone else to.

Effortlessly I sweep her up from where we were sitting on the floor and she hides her tear-stained cheeks in the crook of my neck, her grip not slackening in the slightest with our movement.

"I love you, Aemond." She whispers in reply, those three little words setting my soul ablaze.

"I love you... now, let's get you cleaned up, hm?" I mumble before pressing another reassuring kiss atop her head, this time more for myself than for her.

My brothers would both pay for the heartache they've caused Elaena. Aegon had taken the throne all for some misguided revenge... and it would cost them their lives but first I would draw blood from the traitor within my grasp who rotted below in the cells.

I'd get whatever answers I could and then I'd kill him.

For the rest of the evening, Elaena says nothing, even as I drew her a hot tub and bathed her myself. It wasn't until the water grew tepid that her eyelids fluttered shut and she drifted into a peaceful sleep... at least from what I could tell.

Being gentle with her I carry her from the bathing chamber into our bedroom where the handmaidens had already lit a handful of candles, Elaena's sleeping tea placed thoughtfully at her bedside without so much as a word from me.

The Princess of Song is surely loved by all her people. After all, how couldn't they love her?

Pulling the fine covers up and over her she wiggles into the mound of pillows to get comfortable, her right arm reaching to my side of the bed in search of me.

"Aemond?" She breathes in question, still not entirely conscious as I slide beneath the sheets beside her, snaking an arm around her naked body to pull her snug against my chest, "I'm here," I whisper, reassuring her even in her sleep.

The floral scents from the bath wash over me and I relish in her sweet smell, nuzzling my nose into her damp hair, "I'll always be here."

***

A week had passed and Elaena was a ghost, physically here with me but mentally checked out, somewhere else entirely.

Baela had taken Rhaena to Driftmark to pick up the remainder of her belongings to live full-time at Dragonstone and without the girl's help, Lucerys and I were doing our best to keep her spirits up.

Thankfully the sun sat high in the sky today, giving my song the sunshine she so desperately needed and this afternoon we took to the libraries, scavenging through books for any mention of our bleeding star.

Sitting on the windowsill, I clamp another book shut adding it to the pile of 'bad luck' we'd designated in the middle of the table.

"Perhaps we've exhausted this section, my love. Where was it that you found the song in the first place?" I ask, crossing my arms over my chest and I lean against the table next to where she's sitting with Lucerys.

"There was a section about Old Valyria folklore and songs but I can't find them anywhere. It's almost like they never existed," Elaena huffs, leaning forward to rest her forehead on the third book she's combed through this afternoon.

"I'm beginning to think I've gone mad imagining it in the first place," Luke adds running both hands through his dark brown curls.

"About that, Lord Strong... your sister and I have been meaning to talk to you-"

Elaena doesn't miss a beat smacking me on the arm but not with nearly as much force as she usually does and even Luke's laugh is cut short, both of our smiles falling when she hardly reacts.

"We should be at these small council meetings, Aemond, planning our next attack. I have no reason to be mourning more so than Lord Corlys himself." She sulks, avoiding my gaze as she stares out the window instead, "I'm pregnant, not incapable. My mother of all people should realize that."

Both Lucerys and I share a look behind her and a deep frown sets in my mouth.

"Your mother has almost lost both you and Lucerys, and now she's lost her Aunt. She only-"

"Wishes to protect me. I'm aware, husband. It's not as if I'll-"

"Fly away on your dragon and find your revenge yourself? No of course you'd never do such a thing, my love."

A smirk tugs at my lips but I fight it, that is until Elaena crosses her own arms over her chest and blows out an exasperated breath, accepting defeat.

Luke chuckles, "He has a point."

"Hmph," my love turns in her chair narrowing her eyes at her little brother in annoyance, "I'm beginning to see the flaws in this alliance you two have formed,"

Luke bursts into a fit of laughter and I stifle my chuckle, stepping forward to press a kiss to my pouting wife's forehead.

Distraction deemed successful, I'd say.

But our bubble of positivity doesn't last long, with footsteps rounding the corner Jacaerys' serious expression deflates the mood before he says a word.

"What is it? Is something wrong?" Elaena asks, cradling her swollen belly as she stood to greet him but Jace shakes his head to calm her, almost confused by her reaction.

"Nothing, El, calm down, would you? Baela and Rhaena have arrived home. They have a surprise for you." Jace smiles, regarding his sister softer than I've seen before.

Elaena instantly turns her head, her warm smile finally gracing us and it's as if I've been holding my breath since the last time I've seen it.

There she is.

Mirroring her joyful smile she hesitates a moment but I nod, urging her on, "Go on then."

Luke drops his book to the table not wasting another moment eager to see his betrothed and Elaena tilts her head to the side as she has a thought and then reaches out to grab my hand, interlocking our fingers.

"Come with us, the servants can put the books away just this once Aemond." She asks so sweetly I almost forget we're not alone, staring at her selfishly for a long moment as she waits for my reply.

"Of course, Princess. If that's what you wish," smoothing her hair back I press a chaste kiss to her forehead and follow them to Baela's rooms, Elaena's fingers interlocked with mine.

Baela and Rhaena's chambers sat on the opposite end of the castle overlooking the town and its shipping ports. One would say it was the perfect place for them, being the first to know when the Velaryon ships appear on the horizon.

I keep to myself as they greet one another having grown accustomed to being the odd one out but when Baela and I meet eyes she offers me a sympathetic expression.

"Well? Jacaerys says you've brought us gifts," Lucerys grins, inching toward the locked chests by the open balcony doors but Rhaena swats at his hand tugging him away.

"I'm afraid you won't have much use for these gifts, darling." Rhaena giggles, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek and the little lord's cheeks flush at the small sign of affection.

Baela kneels by the chest, flipping open the locks to reveal the assortment of fine fabrics folded neatly in stacks, "Grandmother had an assortment of dresses as you know. Some even date back to when she was a young girl."

Elaena's grip on my hand tightens before she reluctantly let's go, taking a step toward her sisters.

"There were some in particular that Baela's insisted were more your style." Rhaena takes my song by the arm, guiding her closer, "This lot is for you, sister."

Elaena goes to object but Baela stands, clamping a hand over her mouth with a mischievous grin much like their fathers.

"We'll share if it means all that much to you, but there's one we must show you,"

Baela and Rhaena look at one another, their eyes glistening with excitement, as they both bring up the dress to the sunlight, Elaena and I both gasp.

It's almost a replica to that of the dress she'd worn the night of her betrothal dinner, but it was... elevated. With touches of silver chains around the waist, the shoulders would be bare much like what my Aunt Laena would've worn in her youth.

My heart flutters when Elaena turns to see my reaction with unshed tears lingering in the corners of her eyes, "Aemond, it's..." 

"I know, my love. I'd have to agree with them, it's exactly something you'd wear." I narrow my eyes at her, the mental image of the thin cloth draped over her body bringing a sweat to my brow.

Elaena notices the shift in my demeanor, a light blush coming to her cheeks as I watched her while making a mental list of the ways I'd ravage her tonight once I got her alone.

"You were just as much her granddaughter as we were, Elaena. And this isn't everything, we've got more... would you like to try some on with us?" Rhaena suggests, piling the dresses onto the bed with Luke and Jacaerys' help.

She looks at me as if to ask for permission and I close the distance between us to push back her stray hairs, admiring the beautiful smile I'd missed so dearly.

"Take all the time you need, hm? I won't be far," I assure her, pressing a kiss to her forehead. 

"You're sure?"  She asks, well aware of my protectiveness but I tug the back of Luke's collar, pulling him to the door with a smug grin. 

"I'm sure, my love. Your brother's been neglecting his sword lessons since we've been home. Jace? Care to join us?" 

Jacaerys isn't quick to accept my invitation but once he glances back over his shoulder at the giggling girls he changes his mind instantly, following us out the door.

I turn to say goodbye but my beloved is already holding up another dress to the sun, fawning over its jewels with her sisters, a captivating glimpse of her happiness prior to this loss she'd suffered... and I would do anything to keep it this way, to keep her happy. 

Leading the brothers down the stairs they both exchange a glance behind me, thinking me blind.

"This isn't the way to the courtyard, Aemond-"

"We're not going to the courtyard Lord Strong." I sigh, already growing annoyed with the pair of them. "We're going to the cells."

"And what exactly for?" Jace persists but Luke answers for me, his voice gruff as he prepares himself for the inevitable. 

"He's finally going to kill Ser Arryk." 

***

Thank you to the amazing @PhylliCheese for helping me with this cute AI picture of the dress mentioned <3