Eight Years Later

"Extend your arm," Aemond called over the sound of metal clashing. "You will hurt your shoulder like that."

"Tired of fighting?" Jaehaerys smirked at his cousin.

"You wish!" Maegor groaned and pushed Jaehaerys back.

Aemond watched his son and nephew taunt one another, making sure the taunting never went too far. He looked up at the same stoop his father and Lord Strong would watch as Aegon, Aemond, Jace, and Luke would train. His father had thought they were all training as friends and brothers, picking each other up as one would. But his father never paid enough attention to know the truth.

So Aemond made it his duty as a father and a teacher to be hands-on with his children's training and lives. He made sure Maegor and Jaehaerys were like brothers, and that he led every lesson. Only one thing came between the two boys during training.

"You call that fighting?" Laenora giggled as she stood behind her father.

He rose a brow and looked at her. "And you call that a hemline?"

She looked down at her failed attempt at a dress. "The Septa said the sooner I finished the dress, the sooner I got to come out here."

"Laeny, I have seen your mother stitch better than that and she usually stabs herself more times than she stitches."

"Well, it is good that Queens are not required to stitch. Training, however, if my brother is to fight like that when he is king, he will need me to defend him."

"You know the rules."

She rolled her eyes and walked over to the table, putting on a padded chest plate. He handed her a tie for her hair and she groaned. "If you would let me cut it off, I would not need to braid it."

"I told you that decision was up to your mother."

"Let Maegor have the pretty hair, Papa, short hair is easier to ride in anyways."

"Laenora, stop arguing and just do what he asks!" Maegor sighed.

Laeny finally pulled her hair back and looked at her father for approval. He nodded and called for Jaehaerys to let Laenora go against her brother.

"I swear we birthed another Alyssa and Baelon," Visenya said behind him. He looked at her with a smile and nodded.

"It seems we did. Not shocking, but still proud. Maegor acts like he struggles but he is quite exceptional for his age. And Laenora is just wild."

"She will be Queen Consort, she may be as wild as she likes as long as she may balance responsibility."

"Would you just let her cut the damn hair?" He whispered.

She sent him a glare and looked at her eldest children. Maegor's was just above shoulder length, just as Aegon's was before the war. "As long as it is no shorter than Maegor's. The two are already so similar."

Aemond kissed her forehead and kept his eye on her while the twins sparred. "Anything worth noting ?" He asked in reference to the small council meeting she had just left.

"Maybe if you had attended, you would have known."

"I clearly have more important matters,"  He raised a brow.

"Clearly. Cregan is departing for Winterfell on the morrow, he said his time here is over and that I am ready to make do without his council."

"I never understood you wanting his council in the first place."

"You say that out of jealousy. You know why, you always have. He is smart and has been a leader since he was much younger than I, and he brought balance to an inexperienced council. War was over, I needed more advice from people who had led during peacetime. His experience in Winterfell is what has helped me maintain peace when many would not have it. Stop making me have to relieve your jealousy. I have no interest in wolves."

"It did appear appetizing for the realm to see your mother's strongest ally submit to you and willingly offer council. If the honorable Stark could so swiftly forsake her, anyone could."

"She was publically executed, they had no choice."

They both watched as Laenora finally got her training sword to Maegor's neck and he surrendered. They set their swords down and playfully shoved each other as they walked up to their parents.

After Daemon's death, Aemond had decided to hang up Blackfyre and take Dark Sister as his blade, seeing as Blackfyre would have to go to Maegor when he was ready. Aemond did better with Dark Sister, and he knew that if Laenora was to keep up with her progress, she would ask for it.

"Mother," Both of her children nodded.

"My loves," She smiled and kissed their foreheads. Both twins were taller, making it difficult to do so. Maegor was almost as tall as Aemond at just four and ten, and Laeny was just an inch or two taller than her mother. Visenya liked to believe she had always been short, which was true, but Laeny was taking after her father with her taller slender frame.

"Tonight we have a banquet to celebrate Lord Stark's permanent departure from King's Landing. Since his eldest son has been here on several of his trips down, he has become quite acquainted with Aemma despite his betrothal to Vharra, so I will need to address that. And we shall announce your own betrothal."

Laeny leaned against her sword and frowned. "Please do not send Vharra away, Mother."

"I am going to give all three of them the option, but one of them shall marry the future Lord Stark such as I promised."

"When shall Laeny and I marry?" Maegor asked.

"After your sixteenth nameday. Is this still okay? I would understand if you felt uncomfortable to marry. You could still marry Jaehaera."

Laenora's eyes narrowed. "This knobhead is mine, no one else could put up with his moronic ways."

"Thanks," Maegor rolled his eyes. "Laenora and I are one, Mother. We always will be. No one else would be able to put up with her."

Visenya smiled at them. "Go wash up. Laeny, your gown is in your room, make sure to burn the one you are wearing, even I could stitch better than that. From now on you shall no longer have to stitch. You shall be Queen one day, and you will be an active member of Maegor's council. You shall take the appropriate lessons for such, and it gives you more time for flying."

"Thank heavens. Verlys is restless. Thank you, Mama." Laenora kissed her cheek and rushed inside. Maegor was right behind her, throwing a worm down her dress. "Ass!"

"My girl is almost a woman grown," Aemond sighed.

"We have plenty more. Sleep content knowing she shall always be here."

During the dinner, it had been decided that Aemma would marry Cregon's son instead of Vharra. Laenora celebrated by dancing with her sister. Laenora loved all her siblings, but her soft spot for Vharra never faded. It fit, seeing as she named her.

When Visenya announced the betrothal of her eldest children, they both rose from their seats and shared a dance together.

"They make quite a handsome pair," Aegon said next to her.

"They have a bond I have never had a chance to understand. They share a brain, they seem to speak without words. At first, I wondered if it was surely familial or if there was any romance, but one night I walked to the library and caught them sleeping in the section of our family histories. Nothing compromising but I know they share love."

"They learned from good parents."

She turned to face her brother and sent him a smile. "How is my favorite depraved brother?"

"Oh, you know, just terrorizing the handmaidens with Helaena's bugs. Last night, I put a cricket down Jaehaera's lady-in-waiting. Much to my shock, Haera found it quite amusing."

Visenya let out a laugh. "Want to go riding after this ridiculous affair?"

"I shall never deny the opportunity. I miss when Daeron could join."

"I could never imagine losing Grey Ghost. It would kill a part of my soul."

-

After the dinner party retired for the evening and Visenya made her speeches, Laenora changed into training attire and snuck into the empty training field. She grabbed a real steel sword, not one of the blunted training blades.

"You know you are not allowed to sneak away from the guards," Aemond said behind her.

She turned with wide eyes. "I hate their constant shadow, I just wanted to breathe."

Aemond nodded. "I know. I wish you did not have to. One of the few benefits of being a second son was solitude. I found my solace in the library and out in this very field."

"Is that why no one else has guards?" She asked.

"For many reasons, Maegor and yourself are constantly guarded. It did not start until shortly after your mother was crowned."

He sat down on one of the stone ledges and she sat next to him. "The more time that passes, the less I remember about the night they almost killed us."

"She does not talk about it often anymore, but your mother had a prophetic dream. They killed you, that was what we were destined for. She saw our whole lives in the aftermath, and we still won the war but at a great cost. We never emotionally recovered, and it tore us up every day until our death."

"They were not there to kill us both?" She asked softly.

"No," He shook his head. "They were only going to kill you. Maegor would be torn forever, he would marry Haera but they were never truly as connected. Everything from that moment became about your survival. I love all of my children equally, but you will always hold a dear place in my heart. Before you were both born, I never showed any emotion. I did not see the need when I needed to protect myself and later your mother. But when I held you and your brother, everything changed."

"I can imagine a scary, aloof father," She giggled. "Uncle Aegon tells me stories of you between his brothel stories. Did you know he fucked a woman with an extra tit?"

"Seven fucking hells," He groaned. "I love our talks, but if your mother ever heard you use that language, I would pay the price."

"Good thing I reserve it for training. Do you think we could go flying tomorrow?"

"Always." He stood and pulled Dark Sister out of its scabbard. "Would you like to try?" He asked.

Her eyes widened. "You would let me use Dark Sister?"

"She could be yours one day. Maegor will be on the throne, you could be the second warrior Queen Consort. Ride Verlys into battle. Remind everyone who conquered all Seven Kingdoms. She is a light blade, made for a woman's hand. Your grandsire wielded her for a long while, I find her easier to use as a more flexible fighter. Maegor is already developing a sturdy and thick frame, he shall do well with Blackfyre."

Once she took hold of Dark Sister, Aemond removed a pair of sheers from his vest. "Your mother has agreed to you cutting your hair."

Her eyes widened and she smiled. "Thank you, Papa!"

He stood behind her and cut her hair off, a bit shorter than Visenya gave him permission. He personally did not see the appeal of short hair, he found it easier to braid or tie up. "I remember when your mother cut her hair this short."

"Mother once had short hair?" Laenora asked with a shocked expression.

"Just once. We had been trying to have a child and things were not looking successful. She cut her hair the morning of our Valyrian ceremony. Then all was in balance with the gods and they blessed us with you."

"And Maegor," She grinned.

"Depends on the day."

Two Years Later

"This was my first wedding dress. We had to alter it for the height difference, but it looks marvelous," Visenya smiled as a handmaid helped Laenora dress for her wedding.

"Maegor and I also wish to have a second private ceremony like you and Father did, one before the Gods of Valyria."

"I was hoping you would. My personal belief is that the heir should be married in both faiths. Grandmother Rhaenys has the robes, and she can perform that sacred duty."

Visenya looked at her daughter, smiling with tears in her eyes. She was her perfect girl, strong and beautiful. Whereas Visenya grew up looking like her mother until adulthood, Laenora was a perfect combination: Aemond's nose and cheekbones, Visenya's lips and jaw, and the scared violet eyes and ethereal aura. Valyrians, no matter how much inbreeding they may do, were a beautiful race.

"Do not cry, Mama. I shall still reside here, I shall still be home every day," Laeny smiled and walked up to her mother, grabbing her hands.

"I know. I cherish every moment, never taking a day for granted with you, but you grew too fast. I blink my eyes and you grow taller, smarter, and more mature each time."

"I just wanted to make you proud," Laenora whispered. "You may not be a warrior with a sword but tales of your battles on dragonback still echo each day. My mother is a warrior in her own right and I am your first daughter, I did not want to disappoint. What good is it being the daughter of Visenya and Aemond Targaryen if I do not train with a sword and master my time with Verlys?"

"You could have been a simple and quiet girl like Helaena and Jaehaera and I would not have minded. It would have likely saved a few headaches. You and your brother had the energy of ten children in one small body, I could never keep up."

"Uncle Egg could. He discovered some of our hiding spots and when he ran, he would meet us there and talk to us until he could convince us to come home and give you a break."

Laenora's eyes welled with tears and she nodded. "Uncle Egg was always there, he'd always heard the arguments and helped us calm down."

"If anyone understands despising duty, it is your uncle. Except his hiding spots were in brothels and taverns."

"You do not hate your duty?" Laeny asked.

Visenya pursed her lips as she tried to think of a good answer. "Some say the Iron Throne cuts whoever is deemed unworthy, but Aegon the Conqueror had said a King should never be too comfortable. When I was a girl, my mother told me our job is to carry royal babes, she told me her mother once told her that we have royal wombs and that the childbed is our battlefield and we must face it with stiff lips."

"Hm," Laenora snickered.

"Precisely, I did not believe in that philosophy. But in other areas, it is sound advice. That throne put me in a dangerous position and I face it with a stiff lip because it must be done. I know that the gods chose me and our bloodline to lead, a piece of knowledge I shall give you and Maegor after you are married."

"So you do not enjoy it but you do not hate it?"

"Exactly. I know that I have led the realm into a new prosperous era, that the birth rate has gone up and taxes have gone down. I have made sure to visit one of the kingdoms every year, and share our resources. and lessen crimes as much as possible. That part I like. But I do hate daily council meetings when there is nothing to report, I would rather spend that time flying or with my children."

"You always made sure to be at meals with us and spend the rest of your time with us. You are a good mother, and I am glad I was able to grow and be raised by you."

Visenya tried to stop her tears as she pulled her daughter into a hug. "I would save you a million times over."

Visenya escorted her daughter to the Grand Sept, the only place big enough to house all the Lords and Ladies that had traveled. The wedding of the heir was a far more grand affair than her own wedding, Visenya nor Aemond were heirs at the time.

Aemond stood in front of where the wheelhouse stopped, smiling at his daughter and wife. "Are we ready?" He said before kissing his daughter's forehead.

They stood on both sides, escorting her down the wide aisle to where Maegor was waiting.

Visenya had a smile on her face during the whole ceremony. When it was time for the reception, they made their way to the royal gardens and courtyard, with enough tables and seating for all in attendance.

"Make sure the kitchen staff knows that any and all leftover food goes to the orphanage and Flea Bottom," She whispered to Rhaenys.

"Yes, Your Grace," She nodded and walked away.

Visenya sat at the head of the table, taking a look around the crowds of people.

Aemond was making comments under his breath at the absence of Alyn Velyron, made Lord of Driftmark in exchange for bent knees. He had proposed his daughter be wed to Maegor, but Maegor was already betrothed. She would deal with the insult on the morrow but Aemond was almost fuming.

Visenya turned to her other side and smiled at Maegor. "Please inherit a bit less of your father's fury and impulsivity."

"I believe myself to be patient," Maegor grinned at his mother.

"You certainly do not get that from either of us. I may have sense, but I get quite bored and impatient easily."

"You were a patient mother."

"That is different, something you shall understand. You could be the most impatient, impetuous, and uncaring person in the world but when you have a child, you would change anything for them. Just look at your father," Visenya teased.

Aemond sent her a sideways glare. "I was not uncaring. I hid my emotions because I cared too much."

"Yes, darling, whatever you say." Visenya stood with a smile, waiting for the courtyard to silence. "My great lords and ladies, on behalf of my family and the Crown, I thank you all for your attendance to witness the marriage of my son and heir, Prince Maegor to Princess Laenora."

She waited for the applause to silence before speaking again. "As you all know, this year marks the tenth since the war's end, and I believe the realm has not prospered as such since the days of Kings Jaehaerys and Viserys, but that is not to say there have not been difficulties. I hope I have proven myself capable of your loyalty and your service and your queen, no matter man or woman."

She could tell the applause was a tad bit quieter, some lords not taking part. But it did not matter, House Targaryen had no lack of dragons. Despite the toll of the war, Sunfyre, Seasmoke, Grey Ghost, Meleys, Vhagar, Arrax, and Dreamfyre were the adult dragons that lived from the war, and that did not account for all younger dragons bound to Visenya and Aemond's nine children, Helaena and Aegon's three, Daeron's two, and Lucery's son. And flying somewhere between Dragonstone and King's Landing, Vermax flew unclaimed and lonely.

"With today marking my son becoming a man, and at the advice of my Hand, I shall be passing the honor from Princess Rhaenys to my son. It is time for him to use his voice and begin to learn the responsibilities of ruling the kingdoms, a task not to be taken lightly or for granted. There is no seat as dangerous as the Iron Throne, and no role more perilous than the one that sits it."

She reached for his hand with a smile. "Congratulations, my boy."

Maegor stood and kissed her cheek. "Thank you, Mother."

"With all my nonsense out of the way, I believe some music and dancing is in order!"

Everyone except the royal family stood to dance. On the other side of Maegor sat Laenor, and then Vharra and Aemma, the only other children old enough of Visenya and Aemold to attend. The younger children, Jacaerys, Aegar, Rhaegon, Alysanne, and newborn twins Baelon and Area, were in the castle with the nursery maids. A wedding was no place for toddlers or babes.

Vharra shook Laeny's arm, whispering in her ear. "When will Mama tell me about the war?"

"When you are a bit older. Father tries to avoid the subject."

"Be lucky you do not have any memories of it," Maegor added, having heard the question.

"Memories of what?" Visenya asked, having heard Maegor.

"The war," He replied.

"This is no place to discuss it, Maegor," Aemond frowned.

"If we do not discuss it, we shall be doomed to repeat it," Visenya told him.

"Don't you ever wonder about certain things?" Maegor asked his mother softly.

She nodded. "I think about my mother all the time. I think about before she lost her soft touch, and I think about what could have happened if she'd never married Daemon and sent Laenor away. I think of how she would have been an amazing grandmother, and how much she loved children. Just for some strange reason, I did not get that for long."

Unlike the younger children, Maegor and Laenora had every piece of information about the war and what led to it. They had been old enough for many memories to stick, and the questions began to rise after the war was over.

"Do you think about your brothers?" Maegor slowly asked.

Visenya's eyes grew glossy as she looked at her son again. As he kept growing, she could see even more of her family in him, but held more of Visenya and Aemond's traits. It was her son Jacaerys who had more Daemon in his face.

"I think about my brothers almost every day. I think about the littles and how young they were. It makes me sick just to think about how they never got to live a life, and how a war does not discriminate who it takes from us. It makes me hate my mother and Daemon even more. I get filled with rage, like I could kill them all over again. I think about how I am all that is left of Daemon's line, and Lucerys and I are all that is left of our mother. But I think about Jacaerys more."

"I do not remember meeting him," Maegor said.

"You did once when the whole family came to the capital before Viserys' death. It was brief. He was made to dislike me but before Daemon's influence, Jace was quite the rowdy one. He and Luke were always playing and getting into trouble. But Jace was protective of all his siblings. He picked out Joffrey, Aegon, and Viserys' eggs, and he used to let me sneak into the dragonpit to see Vermax because he knew I was sad not to have a dragon. I wish had more time."

"And one time when our mother was not looking, he put bugs in your mother's pies," Lucery said behind them, bowing to Visenya.

"Do not put any ideas in any heads!" Visenya laughed.

"Thank you for the idea!" Vharra smiled.

"Your Uncle Jacaerys was fun and kind at his core, he just lost his way after losing two father figures. But his memory lives on in the happiness and peace we have created here. That is how I have made peace with his loss," Luke explained.

Visenya and Luke exchanged a look. Between his blue eyes and her violet, a million words were spoken. Two siblings who lost everything, but gained the world.

-

Aemond, Visenya, and Aegon walked through the tunnels with a cloak over their heads, making sure to conceal their hair. When they wanted to escape to their dragons without an entourage of guards, they snuck through the tunnels.

It had been a year since Maegor's wedding, and Laenora was heavily pregnant. Visenya and Aemond were struggling with the fact that they would be grandparents, and that time kept moving faster each day. She missed when Maegor and Laeny were small and it was just the four of them. Before the world became a complicated mess of succession.

They walked down the steps to Blackwater Bay, enjoying the peace of the quiet waves hitting the shore. The sun was barely beginning to rise and the world just felt ... calm.

They all three sat in the sand, their presence waking Grey Ghost and Vhagar. Visenya thought back to the first time she found this spot. Most people see cliffs around Blackwater Bay, with no beaches. But one of the secret tunnels led to the stairs that led down to a large sandbank, and this was where she made her home. So many countless memories down here, so many escapes.

It also became a home for Grey Ghost. The sun hit the sand banks in the morning, making it a good sleeping spot for the dragons. Thankfully it was a large area, but Visenya still marveled at the size of Vhagar.

Sunfyre flew above them, trying to find a spot to land. Visenya leaned her head on Aegon's shoulder, watching their dragons mingle along the shore.

She noticed Aegon's breathing get heavy and she tilted her head to look at him. "What is it?"

He shook his head. "Moments like this make me realize I almost missed it all. That I could have missed it all."

"But you did not, that is what matters. The whole point of all my actions was for this. You and Laeny, I could not comprehend losing you both. Sometimes I think back on that dream, how it seems so long ago. I spend more time trying to enjoy the present than worrying about the past."

"In a world with no happy endings, I think we got as close as possible," Aemond added.

"And it still was not a happy process. We are all that remains of the world before. Most of our family is dead. Our children grow without knowing a grandparent's love." Aegon said softly.

"My children know Laenor and Rhaenys, but the older ones know they are not of our blood. But does blood matter when the love exceeds expectations? I mean, truly, was Viserys a good grandfather? Jaehaerys and Jaehaera have no memory of him, and quite frankly his presence did not stand out in my youth, nor my brother's. He was there on occasion."

"Gods know he was shit as our father," Aemond mumbled. "Your mother's shadow loomed over us all our entire lives. Rhaenyra this, Rhaenyra that."

"And to think you married her daughter," Aegon snickered.

"It was not my choice!"

"Hey!" Visenya squealed. "I am sitting right here."

"We did not choose to marry, and had we not been forced together, we would have never fallen in love."

"I believe we would have found another way. Two flames of the same fire, Aemond. Our souls burn together."

"I have never met two people more perfect together," Aegon said. "I love Helaena and I know she loves me, but the love you two share is rare."

Aemond and Visenya looked at one another with a knowing smile. Their love had always been intense, and their journey was one for the books. She'd hoped all her children would be able to feel even a fraction of what she did with Aemond.

Visenya made eye contact with her dragon, sending him a smile. "We've all come so far. I never would have found myself with an ally in Aegon when I arrived here."

"Had it not been for my favorite hobby of accosting my mother, it might have been a different story."

Visenya let out an unexpected giggle. "'She wants to know if you've been fucking your dragon'!"

Visenya and Aegon broke out into a fit of laughs, almost brought to tears. Aemond looked confused. "What?"

"You would not understand, you were not at that dinner."

Above them, a roar rang through the sky as the sun shone off Verlys' purple scales. Laenora's dragon had been restless with her pregnancy, but she was being awfully annoying that morning.

Aemond suddenly stood. "Grey Ghost always acted like this when you went into labor."

Visenya's eyes widened as Aegon stood and offered her his hand. She pulled herself up and her eyes saddened. Not only was she about to be a grandmother, but her poor girl was about to experience the worst pain there was.

She sent a silent prayer to all the gods as they went back into the castle, making their way to the birthing chamber, and sure enough, she was pacing the room.

"My darling," Visenya rushed to her side. "How far apart are they?"

"Too close," She groaned and leaned into her mother's touch.

Laenora's labor did not last long, no more than four hours. Maegor and Visenya were by her side, holding a hand each. The babe was born, a screaming boy.

Visenya left the room to let Laeny rest, letting the midwives take the babe to clean and swaddle.

Hours later, she and Aemond entered the room to meet their grandson. Aemond sat next to his daughter, offering her a smile. "Well done, my dear. I am glad to see you well."

Visenya could see the words in his eye, but he did not speak them. I do not care about the babe right now, I care about my daughter. It was something that would heal generations of abuse and pain. Something she hoped Maegor would pass down.

Laenora passed the boy to Aemond and he looked down. Born with white whisps of hair to no shock, and violet eyes to match. "We finally decided upon a name."

"What is the name of our future king?" Visenya asked.

"His name is Aemon, after Father."

Aemond looked up from his grandson to see the smile on his daughter's face.

"Aemon," He whispered. His remaining eye glossed over but never released a tear. He was humbled and shocked

"Prince Aemon Targaryen, the future king. We should start planning a feast on his behalf. A new heir has been born."

In the older days, an egg would have been placed by his cradle, but Visenya did away with such traditions. Each egg would hatch on its own in the hatchery, and each Targaryen would be free to claim any dragon. Visenya and Aemond both knew the pain that came with an egg not hatching, they did not want the same for others. An egg hatching was no true indication of Valyrian nobility.

The weeklong tourney to celebrate Aemon's birth went without incident, unlike many tourneys and celebrations before. The realm came together to celebrate the birth of an heir, and Visenya knew the celebration was grand because the lords secretly celebrated the fact that it would be another male ruler.

At the end of the week, Aemond grew somber. He could tell something had seemed different with Vhagar, that her time was drawing near its end.

"I want to take Aemon for a ride on Vhagar, I want him to be able to say he got to ride one of the largest dragons and one from the conquest."

As Aemond helped Visenya swaddle Aemon to her chest, Laenora watched with worried eyes. "Are you sure he is secure?"

Visenya looked at her with a smile and gave her a chuckle. "Darling, I had you and your brother both wrapped on my chest as your father took us all on Vhagar within a week of your birth. I believe we shall be fine with Aemon."

He leaned to kiss her, placing one of his hands on the swell of her hips. "Se jēdri emagon daor dulled aōha ability naejot ōños ñuha desire."
*The years have not dulled your ability to light my desire

She grinned against his lips. "Calm yourself, you hold our grandson."

"Gross," Maegor rolled his eyes.

Visenya and Aemond mounted Vhagar and she could tell the large dragon was moving much slower. As they soared over King's Landing, Visenya placed her cheek against Aemond's back. She enjoyed the rush of the wind and the feeling of having Aemond close to her. The days felt so long in the small council room but here is where she felt free and happy. She belonged in the sky, the feeling of scales beneath her and the wind singing the same song around her.

Laenora inherited that same trait. If she could, Laeny was on Verlys. Her purple dragon was much smaller in comparison to Grey Ghost and Vhagar, but still large enough for Laenora to enjoy. Verlys was calm and sweet in temperament, always nudging Laenora for any sort of contact.

They flew past King's Landing, flying over the Riverlands and over the burnt Harrenhal. Vhagar got close to the water, splashing water on the three of them. Visenya's heart filled with pride that she would be honored to be on Vhagar's last ride. Visenya the Conqueror was her first rider, and Visenya the Crowned Queen would be her last.

Vhagar eventually flew back and when she landed at her usual clearing in the Kingswood, Visenya cradled Aemon in her arms. "I shall give you some time, my love."

Aemond nodded and placed his hand on Vhagar's snout. Visenya placed her hand next to his. "Kirimvose, uēpa riña. Ao dohaertan īlva sȳrī. Kostā rest sir."
*Thank you, old girl. You served us well. You can rest now.

The realm mourned the loss of the last of the Conquerors' dragons. A pyre was lit for her in the Kingswood, her skull taken and put in the Keep. With Meraxes skull at Dragonstone, and Vhagar and Balerion's skull at the Red Keep, the shadow of the Conquerors still cast over the realm.

"I am so sorry, my love," Visenya walked up behind Aemond as he stood on their balcony. She wrapped her arms around his torso from behind and rested her head against his back.

"That night all those years ago, I told my mother I claimed two dragons. I still have one, for I am not truly alone or broken. For as long as you breathe, I still have purpose."

It would be six years before Aemond ventured down to see Vhagar's skulls in one of the Keep's many rooms. He'd avoided the sight, the pain still fresh in his mind. But it would be the curiosity of his grandson that would make him do it.

"Mama says you wode the biggest dwagon."

"Your mama is right," He said as he entered the viewing room. Aemon's eyes went wide at the sight of the skull, and even Aemond was taken aback. It was larger than he remembered.

"Wow!" Aemon gasped.

"Do you remember your new history lessons?"

Aemon nodded. "Vhagar was an old dwagon."

He nodded. "She was one of three dragons who conquered Westeros. We were once divided kingdoms on one soil. But King Aegon and his sisters -"

"Uncle Egg!" Aemon giggled.

Aemond laughed. "Yes, Uncle Egg is named after him. Many names in our family are used. Aegon and his sisters, Rhaenys and Visenya, have names that have been used. It is considered an honor to be named after them."

Aemon leaned against his grandfather as he gaped at the dragon skull. "You wode her?"

"I did, as did you as a new babe."

"I want a dwagon."

"Learn to properly say it first and then we shall see about getting you one."

Aemon reached for his hand as they walked to the throne room, specifically interested in seeing the whole castle. He had naturally done his own exploring but it was different having Aemond with him and giving him history lessons.

When they reached the room, Aemon's eyes went wide with wonder again. He had not been allowed in the throne room yet, this was his first time. Aemond picked him up as he sat on the throne with Aemon on his lap. He watched carefully, making sure he did not pierce himself on the swords.

"You shall sit here one day, Little Dragon. When your grandmother and I are long gone, and your father's time has passed, this shall be your seat and the realm will fall under you. That is far off, but one day. Thankfully, you shall not have to face the same troubles as your grandmother. To be a man in this world is an easy task. I trust your father to teach you kindness."

"Where is Papa?" Aemon asked.

"With our Queen in the city, serving the common folk. When you are a bit older, you shall join them. Visenya won the hearts of the people long ago, and she has to keep it. We owe the people everything to keeping the Pretender locked out when she tried to invade."

"And they like Papa?"

"They have loved both your parents since they were children."

"Why not me?"

"They have not met you yet. They will, I promise. We instilled your father with our beliefs and I believe he shall unto you. Just have patience."

"The lack for patience runs in the family," Visenya said as she entered the throne room with Maegor and Laenora behind her. Visenya watched them with a smile, Aegon's crown on her brow.

Aemon jumped off Aemond's lap and ran to Laeny. Maegor had the crown of Jaehaerys on his head and the Hand of the Queen broach over his chest. It had not been customary for the heir to wear a crown but Maegor had asked, and Visenya could not say no to him. Luckily his interest was in the crown Visenya did not like. He was the perfect image of a king, a slimmer figure like Aemond but muscled enough to prove his physical abilities. Blackfyre already rested at his hip, all the more worthy of his title.

"Warming my seat?" Visenya asked, approaching Aemond.

"I can think of a much better seat," He grinned, grabbing her hips.

"Hm, tell me more," She smirked.

"Cover your eyes, Aemon, I would hate for you to be subjected to the torture we grew up to," Maegor teased.

"Careful, they will start to stay the usual 'at least you grew up knowing your parents were in love'," Laeny grinned.

"Or 'my mother and father never showed affection'."

"Or 'we just want our children to know what love is'."

"Are you both done?" Aemond rose a brow.

Maegor kissed Laeny's cheek and pulled her close. "Not even close."

"To be fair, at least you knew what love was, and now you are all the more happier for it. I never saw your father's parent show any affection," Visenya grinned.

"You are insufferable, Mother," Laenora laughed. "Well, that was enough people for the day. Anyone care to ride?"

"It is about time we had a rematch," Maegor responded.

"You are just mad that Verlys beat Veraxes in the last race."

"Verlys is smaller, she is naturally going to be faster. But Veraxes is larger, so he is better."

"Grey Ghost bests them both," Visenya chimed in.

"He's old," Maegor scoffed.

"Oh heavens, you are asking for trouble," Aemond mumbled.

"Firstly, neither of your dragons would exist without Grey Ghost. He is fast, smart, larger than most remaining dragons, and he is skilled in battle. He has killed more dragons than any other has."

As the years passed, so did the pain from the war. Visenya lived in the happiest moments. She enjoyed the family in front of her, not dwelling on the family behind her. She felt pride as her son was called Maegor the Kind, breaking the curse of his name. She enjoyed all her children and all her grandchildren. She enjoyed her brothers and her sisters.

But she was still meant to end the same. She had hoped changing the course of their lives would give her more time, but at four and fifty, she still suffered a stroke.

"When I die, I still wish to be surrounded by you and Grey Ghost." She said to Aemond.

"I do not wish to speak of your death," Aegon frowned.

"It is going to happen," She said weakly.

"Is this how you died in your dream?" Aegon whispered.

She nodded, offering half a smile. "Yes," Her voice broke. "I was a fool to believe I had changed it. But maybe I changed Aemond's."

Aemond still looked out the window, unable to face her. "I will not even last a year without you."

"But you have more to live for now. You have Laenora and Aegon."

"So do you, Visenya! But the gods are still cruel enough to take you! I will kill them all, I will save you!" He shouted, tears falling down his cheeks.

"Our daughter still needs you. Aemon needs you. Aegon needs you."

"They need you, too," His voice cracked. He finally faced her and shook his head. "You are my purpose. There is no life without you."

Laenora and Maegor entered the room, both with somber expressions.

"I know a mother is not supposed to have favorites, but you never love anyone like your first child, or children in my case. I know it will not be easy, but you need to prepare to be king, son. My time is almost up and I need to know you are ready."

"Do you think I am?" Maegor asked.

"I do," She said softly. "You are kind, strong, and fair. I have had the pleasure of watching my children turn into exceptional people."

They talked for hours, trying to prolong the inevitable. When the sun began to set, Visenya lied and said she would still be there in the morning. She did not want them to go through the pain of knowing this goodbye would be their last. Visenya watched Laeny leave the room with a smile, proud to see her girl as an adult. All of this was for her, and it was worth it. All she'd wanted to do was see her daughter and Aegon live and they did.

Laeny and Maegor were happy together, they belonged together. They loved their children to the stars and back. Aegon was a good father and his children and grandchildren knew love.

She reached for Aegon's hand before he left. "Thank you?"

"For what?" He asked in confusion.

"For being the brother I needed in a time when I had none. For being my best friend. I knew you believed you never deserved it, and I am happy to have shown you otherwise."

When all were gone, Aemond took her down to the bay to sit with Grey Ghost.

She knew morning would bring pain to the castle. Laenor would have to lose his daughter, nine children would lose their mother, men and women would lose a sister, and a man would lose his soulmate.

As Aemond held her against Grey Ghost, he choked out a sob. "I will try to stay for Laeny and Aegon, okay? I will not make a promise but I shall try."

She looked up at him, her body already growing cold. "We got our happily ever after."

He gave her a genuine smile as she took her last breath, a smile remaining on her lips. "Goodnight, my love. Thank you for being my world."

Once again, to all of my readers, thank you. Thank you for giving me hope of being an author, hope that my writing is decent enough to evoke many emotions, and all your kindness. Your love is the reason I chose to write this alternate ending. Visenya and Aemond are my babies and all I want to do is write them. I have been unable to write anything else since them. So enjoy my gift to you all!