𝑾𝑨𝑹 𝑶𝑭 𝑯𝑬𝑨𝑹𝑻𝑺 ˖*°࿐
04. the last dinner
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IT ALL STARTED WITH A DREAM. Valaena couldn't exactly pinpoint why or what the dream meant, but the only thing that she knew for certain is that things were about to change, and quickly. It was a calm morning, her flight was uneventful, breakfast with her siblings, and studying in the library was all she did during the day.

Of course, with a pair of eyes following every move: she really didn't understand him. These past few weeks he has ignored her, turning around the hallway as soon as he caught her figure, not even sparing her a second glance as he walked past her with Baela by his side.

And after a few days, he just changed: it all started with a few looks here and there, when she lifted her head and their eyes met. Nothing more. But it got worse, to the point that it started to annoy her. Why were all men so... men.

She just decided to the same: ignore him.

And as the days went by, she just pretended he didn't exist: she enjoyed her morning flights with Luke, sparring with her brothers when her mother was not watching, listening to Helaena's dreams, and from time to time, spending some time with Rhaenyra.

Now, she was supposed to not engage with her step-sister. But for some reason, Rhaenyra brought her peace, brought her that motherly kindness she craved so often. So she couldn't step away each time she saw her, each time her fingers braided her hair, the way she engulfed her in an embrace.

She started to think that maybe she got it all wrong. Maybe her mother had it all twisted. It could not be the same Rhaenyra she so desperately claimed that wanted nothing to do with her. Certainly not the same Rhaenyra who braided small braids on her hair; the same Rhaenyra who held her face so delicately, so full of love that she might start crying; and definitely not the same Rhaenyra who watched her spar with her brothers, a proud small smile on her face.

No, it could not be the same Rhaenyra.

𓆩⟡𓆪

A dinner. A family dinner. Surely her father had gone mad. As Valaena slowly made her way to the dining room, she tried to shake the nerves out of her. Why a dinner? She wouldn't be surprised if a fight happened before dessert.

As she got closer to the door, she could already hear some murmurs. She stopped close to it, peking slightly as she regarded the people already there: Rhaenyra, Daemon, Luke, her father, mother and Otto, and of course, Jacaerys.

She felt her hands tight into fists as she watched him make his betrothal laugh. Was he even that funny? She didn't understand herself, why she felt so... jealous of Baela of all people! The girl was sweet to her, always complimenting her dresses, always saying kind words to her. If someone deserves a happy betrothal it was her.

– Ao gīmigon eavesdropping iksos quba, dōna mandia. (You know eavesdropping is bad, sweet sister). – A voice behind her said, Valaena closing her eyes. Aemond.

– Ao would gīmigon, ziry iksos mirros nyke gūrēntan hen ao tolī ry, lēkia. (You would know, it is something I learned from you after all, brother). – She replied, a small laugh escaping his mouth. She tensed, as his body got closer to hers.

– Careful now. Jealousy is not something it looks good on you, sister. – His mouth closed on her ear. – Skoros would muñnykeā pendagon lo ziry knew hen aōha feelings syt bona ilībõños? (What would mother think if she knew of your feelings for that bastard?)

Valaena's breath hitched, her gaze turning cold as her brother smirked at her, before stepping into the room. She calmed herself, twisting her fists until she drew blood before she made herself present, smiling slightly at her mother before taking a seat next to Helaena and Aemond.

– Mēre tolī udir bē zirȳla, se ao won't emagon laes naejot urnēbagon issa unehtogho aōha irosh. (One more word about him, and you won't have eye to watch me cut out your throat.) – She whispered sweetly to Aemond on her left, slapping his cheek twice slightly before turning her head to her sister.

This was going to be an interesting evening.

𓆩⟡𓆪

Indeed it was. She could feel Otto's gaze on her as well as Aemond's on her face as she nudged the food on her plate. Her father was giving a slight speech of the importance of family. Valaena tried to listen, truly. But at this point, she felt the people sitting on this table were on opposite sides. She felt the tension in the room, the sharp look of her mother, the deadly gaze of her uncle.

She once believed as a child that her family could be one from her story books, one where they had breakfast together, they went on dragon rides all of them. She thought that if she tried enough, it would happen.

But now, as she looked at their faces, as they regarded each other with caution, with the need to have their hands on their swords in case, she realized nothing could make the crack smaller. She could only smile as Luke clumsily held his cup, blushing slightly as he caught her gaze on him. Yes, maybe they all were doomed to be mad and kill each other. But Lucerys still had time. Time to if he can, fleet this family before they come from him.

– Skoros iksos rūsīr se bōsa laehurlion, mandia? (What is with the long face, sister?) – Aemond asked her. Valaena rolled her eyes.

– Nyke emagon naejot sit hembar naejot aemond, skoros gaomagon ao pendagon? (I have to sit next to you Aemond, what do you think?) – She replied, her gaze stuck on the liquid in her cup.

She swallowed as he slid closer to her, one of his arms going around her chair. She never understood the way he always got so close to her: when they were younger, Aemond always used to sneak into her room because of nightmares, always holding her hand when their mother reprimanded Aegon. She always thought it was because of their close bond and age, because they were siblings.

But now, everytime his hand pushed her hair out of her face, the way one of his hands graced her waist slightly as he walked past her. Valaena tried to give him the benefit of the doubt, but some part of her was telling her that that was not normal.

– ūndegon, nyke ȳdra daor pendagon bona iksos drēje, Valaena. Nyke pendagon ziry emagon naejot gaomagon rūsīr aōha dōna Jacaerys. (See, I don't think that is true, Valaena. I think it has to do with your sweet Jacaerys). – He taunted as her eyes snapped up, her gaze finding him.

It was fire starting to burn in her body, lightly consuming her mind as she watched them, as she watched Jace's hand softly gracing Baela's arm, a smile etching into his features. She felt her fingers clench the cutlery, her heart beating heavily in her chest.

From the corner of her eye, she could see Aemond's smirk on the rim of the cup, swallowing whatever nonsense he was going to say. Of course she had fallen again for his scheming. Did he had some pleasure in making her mad?

– No need to be jealous of someone like him, Valaena. – He commented, leaving the cup on the table. – I am always here if you ever need me.

Valaena's eyes snapped to him. Her face contorted into a grimace, blinking slightly at her brother. What was wrong with him? Before Rhaenyra's arrival, Valaena was lucky if she even saw Aemond once. With all the training, flying, and spending time in his room, she saw him only for important matters.

But now, now it was as if she was begging for him to go away, to do whatever he wanted. She loved her brother, she did. But something told her he had a reason for this behavior. She had a feeling something had happened, as her eyes met her grandparent Otto's. As she saw the small smile on his face, Valaena felt the need to leave. She tried to catch her mother's gaze, only for her to ignore her. She catched Rhaenyra's gaze, her brows furrowed. Valaena smiled, trying to reassure her.

– Stop trying to get me to fall into your tricks, Aemond. I couldn't give a rat's ass what that Velaryon boy does. Leave me alone, I beg you. – She replied, smiling slightly at Helaena.

– I do love to hear you beg, sweet sister. – He whispered, making her turn her head to the side, disgust on her face.

– Aemond I swear to–

– Valaena. – Another voice interrupted her, making her jump lightly. She turned to her right, an open hand staring right at her. She swallowed as the conversations around her came slowly to a stop. Her eyes went up the figure, her heart stopping as Jacaerys' eyes stare at her.

He looked beautiful.

There was something in his features that made him so... attractive. He didnt have the silver locks of their family, or their bright eyes. Hell, he didnt even had the same slim figure her brother's had. But the way his brown curls bounced slightly on his head; his eyes that rich honey brown; that sharp jaw, adorned with the most sweet smile.

He may not have that ethereal looks their family were characterized with, but Jacaerys Velaryon was no doubt made with love. That was one thing everyone could agree on.

– Would you do the honor of joining me in a dance? – He softly asked her, a small smile etched into one of the corners of his mouth. Valaena blinked twice, swallowing as from the corner of her eye she saw her mother's sharp gaze, warning her.

But was it really that bad if she said yes? Why would it be wrong if it felt good? If her heart was telling her, begging her to take his hand, to figure out if his skin was as soft as it was in her dreams; if dancing with him would be as delighted as she imagined; if she could for one last time, be held in his arms like as children before he was to marry someone else.

As her eyes focused on his inviting smile, a small nod to take it, she didn't think, she didn't pay any thoughts to Otto's clenched hand, to her mother's murderous gaze, to Aemond's disgust or Aegon's confusion.

She just let her hand grace his slowly, her mouth parting as their fingers touched each other, her eyes watching as his softly caressed her skin. She grabbed the end of her dress with the other, her eyes snapping back to his, already looking at her.

She ignored the gazes, the murmurs on their backs as they slowly made their way to the small space before the table. She ignored everything as their eyes never left each other. As the music started to sound and their bodies moved without any indication needed, as if for some far away dream they already knew each other.

Valaena's heart jumped as Jacaery's hand found her waist. She tried to compose herself, to follow the rhythm of the music. But she couldn't think of anything else than the golden sight his eyes got as the dim light of the candles graced them.

– You look beautiful. – He said, blinking a few times. She turned her face down, trying to ignore the blush staining her cheeks.

– You don't look so bad. – She replied softly. She smiled as he laughed lightly, guiding her across the small space. – Why did you ask me to dance? You could have asked Helaena. The gods know that she was the better option.

Her eyes returned to his, expectantly as he swallowed.

– But I asked you, Valaena. Not her. – He replied, his hand squeezing hers.

– I don't think your betrothed liked that. In fact you should return to her. – She tried to separate herself from him in hopes to return to her seat quickly. But his grip tightened.

– Baela is aware that I would ask you and she didn't mind. I wanted to know that you are okay. – Jacaerys asked, worry in his eyes.

– Why would I not be okay? – She replied, trying to smile. – I am always okay.

But even as the words left her mouth, she could not pretend they were true. As her gaze briefly went to the table full of people, she made eye contact with Otto, his hardened gaze already on them. And as she saw his hand cover his mouth before turning his face, she knew it would happen again. She knew since that one night he raised his hand at her, she would not be okay.

– Something is bothering you. I know you. – His words made her face him, their dance coming to a stop slowly.

– You don't, Jacaerys. You have never done so. – Her response made him scoff.

– You really believe that? Valaena, I have known you since we were children. I know when something is not good with you if your brows are slightly arched. – His confession made her tense, her eyes growing wide as he stared at her. Could he...?

– Why do you care? You were so blunt to ignore me these past few weeks. Jacaerys, you hate me. Why do you do this? – She asked, confusion written in her features.

Valaena watched as his face contorted, as he opened and closed his mouth several times before one of his hands grabbed a strand of her hair, his eyes zooming on it.

– I do care, Valaena, I always have. I–

– Final tribute. – Aemond's voice interrupts their conversation, making Jacaerys and Valaena turn around. She swallows as she sees her brother stand, the look on his eye not good as he raises his cup. – To the health of my nephews: Jace... Luke... and Joffrey. Each of them handsome, wise.... strong.

– Aemond. – Their mother Alicent scolds, but her son is too busy enjoying the murdering look on his sister's face.

– Come, let us drain our cups to these three... Strong boys.

– I dare you to say that again. – Jace replied, Valaena's eyes moving to him.

– Why? 'Twas only a compliment. – Aemond replied innocently, but Valaena knew better. This came from something. – Do you not think yourself Strong?

And before Valaena could stop him, Jacaerys through himself at him, punching him straight through his face. She gasped, at the two of them, before her anger rose as Aegon smashed Lucerys' face on the table.

She quickly made her way there, grabbing Aegon by the hair making him screeched as she turn him away from the table.

– Don't you dare, Aegon. Not him. – She threatened. She watched for a moment as her brother's eyes regarded her, the confusion morphing into betrayal in his gaze. She swallowed the guilt that started to crawl up her throat, pushing him away before he said anything.

– Why would you say such a thing before these people? – She heard her mother whisper to Aemond. She scoffed, making her way slowly to them.

– I was merely expressing how proud I am of my family, Mother. – Aemond replied, turning around to face them. – Mm, though it seems my nephews aren't quite as proud of theirs.

Valaena had enough. As Daemon stopped Jacaerys and Luke, she stood in front of her brother, one of her hands holding one of her kindjals hidden beneath her dress.

– I swear to the Seven, Aemond. I had enough with your fucking sick games. – She said, stepping slowly up to him. – Gaomagon ao jaelagon naejot ivestragon muñnykeā skorion massitas? Bona bantis ao māzigon ezīmagon issa chambers, hmm? Nyke bet ziry would jorrāelagon naejot gīmigon. (Do you want to tell mother what happened that night you came into my chambers, hmm? I bet she would love to know). – She relished the way his face hardened as she whispered, his steps stopped by the blade pointed at his throat. – That's what I thought.

– Valaena, that is enough. – She heard her mother's voice, her warning gaze, blinking before she lowered the blade.

– Go to your quarters. All of you go, now. – Valanea heard Rhaenyra order behind her, and as the other figures in the room started to leave, she swallowed, looking again at Aemond before abandoning the room as well.

As she stepped into the hallway and turned to the left, she felt herself breath again, the blade once again under her dress as she made her way to her chambers. She had gone too far, she knew that. She knew that it all started when he came back.

But as she recalled the way his hands felt on her body, she couldn't find it in her to hate Jacaerys Velaryon. Even if it was wrong of her, even if he was already set to marry another, she couldn't stop the smile that grew on her face, one of her hands caressing the string of hair that flutter next to her cheek.

But as she arrived at her chambers, a hand grabbing her arm stopped her, the tight grip making her cry out as another hand grabbed her by the throat. She gasp, her eyes widening as the figure of Otto appeared, his hard gaze set on her.

– You insolent child. – He sneered. The grip on her throat tightening as he let go with the other hand. – It seems it does not matter how many times you are told. You will not learn.

Valaena started to feel her breathing stopping, both her hands trying to claw his hands away. She felt the fear in her veins, the beats of her heart accelerating as the realization came to her: he might actually kill her. And she could see it happening: it was no secret that from all her siblings, Otto hated her most. Since the moment she started picking an interest in swords and sparring, he tried to take her in, to make her change her mind. But she never did, and that ended up with consequences.

– I will make myself clear, Valaena. If you dare say another single word to any of those bastards, – she felt the air run out, closing her eyes as he came closer. – I will personally make sure neither of them make it out of the castle walls alive. And for you, well, we will have to heighten our methods, won't we?

Valaena tried to back away, to turn away from him and hide in her room, in her books. She didn't understand why she always did something wrong? Why did it matter so much she befriended them?

– Did I make myself clear? – She tried to nod, falling to her knees as she gasped for breath, sobbing slightly as he stared at her from above. – Ungrateful child you are. This is your last warning, Valaena.

And with that, his footsteps echoed in the silent night, accompanied by the girl's sobs as she run to her chambers, hiding beneath her sheets, tears staining the bed. Valaena always knew she was doomed, but never did she think the others around her would be too.

𓆩⟡𓆪

author's note
hi! sorry for the long time for this chapter (and for being so short)! as i explained before, im a bit busy with uni, and that's why it's taking me so long to write anything. i hope you can understand and that you liked this chapter <3 im also going to ask for the next one for at least 30 comments, just let me know what you're thinking of the story so far (if it's going too fast, too slow...) im happy to read any feedback!
i hope we'll see each other soon! love you all <3