Rhaenyra Targaryen (107 A.C. Third Moon)
High Tide - The Hall of Nine
She was still in awe as she walked inside the light-filled hall of High Tide. The hall was built to glorify the great nine voyages of Corlys Velaryon, the richest man in the realm, and some said the world, although she doubted that.
At the dais was a table, where at its head sat Rhaenys, and beside her the future Lord of the Isle of Driftmark, her great-cousin Laenor. Laenor was handsome, although not as handsome as Aemon was. He had grown even more so since his return, and now there was an edge to him that had not been there before.
To her surprise, when she arrived, Visenya and Laena were in a tussle with Aemon; to her own distress, he had learned of their activities and affections.
She had been surprised that Aemon had not taken advantage of the situation. Many a man in the realm would have, yet he had not. Rhaenyra knew then, more than before, that Daemon and Aemon were very different men. Both of the same blood, yet held very different values to heart.
Daemon had always intrigued her, yet over the years, he had become, to put it lightly, an asshole. His treatment of her grandfather's second wife and their children did not sit well with her. Nor did the humiliation he had put Alicent through. Although she would have accepted it if her uncle and her own lady-waiting had married, as she knew Daemon's current marriage had never worked out, unlike her great-aunt Gael, whose marriage had produced three children.
Still, she hoped that perhaps in the future Daemon could mend his ways with the rest of his family.
As she reached the dais, Rhaenys smiled at her. "Princess, welcome. Please take a seat beside me." Rhaenys gestured to the empty seat beside her.
She nodded and sat down, as the rest of the guests who were already at High Tide began to arrive. Lastly came Laena and Aemon. They made quite a pair. She wondered if Laena had been able to speak to him about the current situation.
After they had taken their seats, Rhaenys rose. "I want to thank you all for coming here today, and Princess Rhaenyra for gracing us with her presence."
Rhaenys looked from her to Aemon. "On the morrow, we shall celebrate my future good-son's five-and-tenth nameday, and in a few moons' time, the marriage of my daughter to him. So once more, I thank all of you who have traveled here."
The hall gave a cheer, and soon the dishes arrived.
After the first round of dishes had been served and finished, the dancing began. It was Aemon and Laena who started the dance. It was mesmerizing. They danced as one, like dragons dancing in the sky. She had seen that once with Vhagar and Balerion, and with Vermithor and Silverwing, flying around each other in the heavens.
After the dance was done, she walked onto the floor.
"Princess, may I have the honor of this dance?" a small voice asked.
She smiled when she saw who it was. It was the eldest son of Vaemond Velaryon, Daemion Velaryon. The boy was nine, yet already quite handsome.
"Of course, my lord," she said with a smile as the second song started.
As she danced with the boy, she found he was quite skilled. When the song ended, she thanked him and was then asked again, this time by a knight of the household, Ser Mantos Silverlight, likely named for his silver hair, perhaps a descendant of House Velaryon.
Mantos was not a good dancer. Sadly, he was able to boast about his achievements, which, in her opinion, were not that grand. She was grateful when the dance ended.
To her surprise, Aemon stood there waiting for her.
"It would be remiss of me not to ask the guest of honor for a dance, especially someone who came here specially for me. A shame Alicent and Gwayne could not come. Then we would have had the whole group together."
She smiled. "I would be honored, uncle," she said as he took her by the hand. "And you are right. It is a shame they could not come."
Aemon smiled, and then they began to dance.
As they moved, she smiled at him and looked into his grey eyes, flecked with purple. Aemon's hands felt strong, yet also rough. She knew he worked as a blacksmith, and it was one of the things she had never understood. It was an unusual thing for a prince, or even a lord, to do. Yet she could not deny that Aemon had become strongly built because of it.
As Aemon spun her around, she smiled, and when he let her down in a maneuver, her heart quickened as he looked at her intensely. When he pulled her back up, he said, "You dance well. Better than before. Although Ghost might be more elegant."
Rhaenyra gaped at him and hit his chest playfully, finding hard muscle beneath.
"Well, at least I am not dancing around like a bull."
"A bull is quite strong," he said as he guided her down in another move.
She gasped as he grinned and held her in his strong arms.
"They have to be. To fight other bulls, and to impress females."
He pulled her back into his embrace. Rhaenyra blushed. Oh, she hated that Laena and Visenya had told him about her feelings for him.
"Aemon, I…"
He whispered into her ear, "Not here."
She nodded, and soon the dance ended once more.
Aemon took his leave, now taking Visenya to dance, while Laenor arrived at her side.
"May I have this dance?" he asked.
She nodded.
"You know, you all have put him in quite the spot," Laenor said softly.
"You know?" she asked.
He nodded. "I even proposed part of a solution."
She frowned. Laenor had proposed a solution? She had not heard of this.
"What was the solution?" she asked hopefully.
his trust was broken."
He looked toward Aemon, who was dancing with Visenya.
She swallowed. They had broken his trust, and when it all started, they had not truly thought about what Aemon would think of it. Or perhaps they had, but expected that Aemon would be happy with the situation.
"I know. We did not expect what happened to happen," she said softly. "To be honest, we never really thought it would be a problem. Many men generally like that kind of attention from women."
Laenor smiled and shook his head.
"Not all men feel the same, nor do they accept the consequences of such things easily. If there is one thing I have noticed about Aemon, it is that he does not act carelessly. On the occasions he does lose his temper, there is his battle rage, when he becomes a storm. But when it comes to choices like this, he thinks."
She had not thought of it that way. It was true. Aemon was always restrained. She had simply compared him with Daemon too early. Both brothers, yet one was restrained and the other loose and chaotic.
"I see your point. I think Daemon would have jumped at the opportunity. Yet Aemon did not."
Laenor nodded as the dance came to an end.
"That is Aemon for you. Talk to him."
He gestured toward Aemon, who had walked out onto the balcony of the great hall.
She smiled at Laenor and gave his hand a gentle squeeze.
As she opened the door, the salty sea air hit her. The smell was fresh, unlike many places in King's Landing, although some places in the Red Keep by the seaside were occasionally fresh when the wind blew in the right direction.
"Aemon," she said.
He looked back at her, his hair waving in the wind.
"Come," he said, waving her closer.
She stepped beside him.
"Aemon, I am sorry for all this. I did not expect any of this, nor to feel the way I do," she mumbled.
"Well, you are not the only one. When I returned here, I was happy to see you all. To reconnect after almost three years. Yet instead, I have been bashed in the head with all these revelations," Aemon said with a sigh.
Rh aenyra swallowed hard, and an unwanted feeling crept into her belly.
"I wish now that we had spoken to you before you left, or written. Yet how do you explain all this by letter? Even the smallest change could be disastrous if it were intercepted."
"I understand that," Aemon replied. "And I know any other man would likely have taken you up on the offer. Yet unless I feel something for you and Visenya, it has no purpose beyond empty pleasure. Pleasure is fleeting, and we should not ignore the consequences such an act would bring upon us all."
Her heart broke a little. Even though she knew he did not feel the same way about her, hearing it from him still hurt.
"I love you both as my family," Aemon added, his voice softer. "But not the same way I love Laena. What I feel for her has grown over the years into something that is not kinship. I love her as a man loves a woman."
Oh, that sounded wonderful. To have someone love you that way. Perhaps she had that with Visenya, but was it love, or was it pleasure she wanted from her? She did not know, and Aemon's words made her think on it.
"I wish you felt differently about us," she said.
Aemon smiled sadly and took her face in his hands. She felt the roughness of his palms even more.
"I do find you beautiful, Rhaenyra. Yet beyond that, I do not feel what you wish me to feel. Like I said, I could bed you, but for me it would be nothing other than pleasure. For you, that would not be fair. You deserve to have someone who loves you, truly loves you."
"I want that," she admitted. "Although I will still hold out hope that you change your mind. We dragons are quite stubborn."
Aemon chuckled.
At that, he kissed her forehead. Yet he looked at her a bit more seriously. "Rhaenyra, something else is about you and Visenya."
"No, I don't hear it yet." She said, as she turned from him, but he caught her arm. "I understand, you both love each other. Yet it is not something that can last."
She blinked and felt unshed tears in her eyes. "I do believe that. I still have hope." She, Visenya, and even Laena all hope Aemon would turn around. She was a dragon; she wouldn't give up this easily.
Aemon sighed. "Then think on what I have said. I know stubborn women well enough to know when not to push back too much." He said no more and turned and walked back inside.
She watched him go, then turned back to the blackness of the night, thinking on his words. She would talk to Laena and Visenya. She needed to ask what they felt, and whether what had begun between her and Visenya was love, desire, or some dream they had built around Aemon.
As for Laena, Rhaenyra knew now that Laena would not cross that line unless Aemon allowed it. That hurt, but it also made her respect Laena more.
Laena's Chambers
They all walked back together. Once inside, Rhaenyra did not know how to begin.
"So," she said at last, looking between Visenya and Laena, "I spoke with Aemon. I know now that, for Visenya and me, he does not feel the same way. He never has, nor has he considered it yet."
Visenya sighed as she sat down upon the bed. "I know. He does not. Nor do I think forcing the matter will help."
Laena looked at them sadly. "It will not. I spoke with him as well. I told him the truth, and he made himself clear. If anything ever changes, it must be because he chooses it freely. Not because we corner him, tempt him, or make him feel guilty."
Rhaenyra lowered her gaze.
"I know," she said. "I think I understand that now."
Laena took a slow breath. "Laenor also proposed an option."
Rhaenyra looked up. She wished to know what it was, as did Visenya, who also looked intrigued.
"He suggested that he marry Visenya."
"What?" they both exclaimed.
"Easy," Laena said quickly. "He has a reason for it. Laenor is not attracted to women. So he suggested that he could marry Visenya, and if Aemon one day agreed, Aemon could be the father of the children. You could still be close, but to the world, it would be Laenor and Visenya."
Rhaenyra had not expected that. Then again, Laenor had never looked at any girl the way other men did. Laena's saying this made sense.
"Oh," Rhaenyra murmured. "That does make sense. Yet Aemon still would not go for it?"
"No," Laena replied. "As he likely explained to you both, he does not seek empty pleasure. So if either of you wants him to change his mind, he has to feel something for you. Even then, we must leave him be for now. Let him heal from the secrecy."
Visenya and Rhaenyra both sighed but nodded.
Then Rhaenyra took a deep breath and looked at Visenya. "There is something I have been questioning. When I spoke with Aemon, he spoke of not wanting empty pleasure, and to stop what we have."
Visenya frowns, "I do wish for it either. I know what has been said, it has no future. Yet, in my view, I wish to continue it. I don't think it's empty pleasure alone."
Visenya rose then and took her hands. "I do think that I love you," She kissed her then, and Rhaenyra leaned into the kiss, blush crimson. "I do too. I don't wish to stop. Not until we have to."
Then both looked at Laena, who smiled at them. "I do love the image in front of me. Yet I do think Aemon is right, there might be no future if we can't have him agree. Yet until then, I recommend you both take comfort in each other until you can." Laena said with a cheeky smile.
Rhaenyra and Visenya then both hugged Laena.
Aemon Targaryen (107 A.C. Third Moon)
Aemon's Chambers – Isle Driftmark – High Tide
Aemon woke and looked around.
He was now five-and-ten, or seven-and-thirty. It did not matter how he was judged by the standards of the world he lived in now. Comparing this life to the one he once had was like comparing a dog to a cat. Both could be pets, but they were entirely different.
Here, he had women trying to win his affection, and he did not know what to do about them. Could he, in time, come to love them? Could he bend his honor to do so? Perhaps. But for now, his heart only hurt when he thought of them. It was a worry for them, yet also a worry about what would happen if they didn't act on the love. Rhaenyra and Visenya had for him would turn from him. Perhaps to Daemon?
He would not think that would happen. Yet he would be open to it. As his own betrothed was open to the possibility, the road with Alicent became easier. Yet before he did, he would need to tell her the truth about his past. As for Rhaenyra and Visenya, he would try to find friendship first, but nothing else. If something changed, then he would accept that. If he was too late when that change came, he would accept that too. He hardly expected them to wait for him.
He remembered Maester Aemon's words. What is honor compared to a woman's love? And what is duty against the feel of a newborn son in your arms? Or a brother's smile?
Would he accept his honor being questioned by taking Visenya's honor and siring children with her while not married to her? Would he one day accept Rhaenyra as more than his niece? Would he act against his brother's wishes and marry his daughter as well? Or, if Aemma passed away, would he take some darker path and sire bastards on his brother's wife for the sake of the realm?
He had lived a life as a bastard and knew what that was. But now, he lived as a royal prince and the rider of the largest dragon in the world. His will could become law if he wished to proclaim it so. Yet would that not make him the very thing Joffrey had been? Or Ramsay, for that matter?
He supposed he would cross that bridge when he came to it.
He sat up from his bed and walked through the door, ordering a bath. The water was scalding hot, a habit he had picked up from Daenerys. It made him feel clean, but also warm.
After a while, he dried and clothed himself, wearing a black jerkin with red trousers and a cape with his sigil embroidered upon it.
As he walked outside the door, Ser Harrold and Ser Jeffery were waiting for him.
"Good morning, my prince. Happy nameday," Ser Harrold said, with Ser Jeffery saying the same.
"Thank you, Sers."
After a short walk, and the occasional passerby congratulating him, he arrived at the main hall. He opened the doors and was greeted with loud cheering.
"Hooray for Prince Aemon's five-and-ten nameday!" the crowd echoed.
He smiled as he walked toward the dais.
"What a welcome," he said, giving Princess Rhaenys a smile.
"More than deserved," she replied.
Soon enough, they all took their seats. He sat between Laena and Rhaenys, and then Rhaenys rose.
"We begin today's celebration with this well-deserved fast feast. Afterward, we shall present the prince with our gifts, and during the day there will be small events, archery, and a small melee in the courtyard. The day will end with a feast. Please, all enjoy. Let us rise and celebrate Prince Aemon."
The hall stood as one.
"To Prince Aemon!"
The food came quickly and thoughtfully. His favorite dish sat before him, raspberry cake filled with sweet pudding. He laughed softly and ate two full slices before moving on to eggs, bacon, and bread, until he was well and truly satisfied.
At last, Rhaenys leaned toward him. "Aemon, shall we begin the presentation of your gifts?"
He nodded.
With a smile, she ordered the main table cleared, save for drinks. Guests stepped aside, forming a line that stretched halfway down the hall.
The first to step forward was Laena.
"My betrothed," she said warmly. "Knowing your love of books, and especially histories, I had a volume copied for you. Houses of Valyria in Westeros. It is part of Driftmark's own library, and I thought you would appreciate the work."
She placed the book before him. The cover bore a dragon in gold leaf, the title etched in elegant lettering.
Aemon's fingers brushed the spine reverently.
"Thank you, Laena," he said, meeting her eyes.
The second to step forward were Ser Harrold and Ser Jeffery.
"My prince, we both know you are an exceptional armorer and bladesmith. Luckily, we were able to procure something of great value, especially for a hunter such as you," Harrold said as Jeffery stepped forward.
"A goldenheart bow. We were lucky enough to procure one after visiting many of the merchants of Spicetown," Jeffery said.
Aemon looked at the bow with interest. He had his own specially made crossbow, crafted of ironwood and Valyrian steel, good both in the hunt and in battle. But a bow like this, if he could train himself to shoot from dragonback, could make him even more deadly.
"I thank you, good Sers, both for the gift I gladly accept and for the protection you have given me over the years," he said as he took the bow from Ser Jeffery's hands.
The third was his sister, who looked at him with a bright smile."For over two and a half years, I have missed you. To let you know we can never truly part, I give you this ring."
Visenya placed the ring upon the table. It was golden, the top engraved with half a dragon's head and half a wolf's head. Then she showed him something she wore upon her own finger.
"Do not tell Arya or Mother. I have one for them too," she whispered.
"I shall not, and thank you, sister," he said as he kissed her hand.
Next was Rhaenys. "On behalf of my husband, myself, and House Velaryon, I gift you this tapestry, displaying the combined history of Velaryon and Targaryen since the Conquest."
He marveled at the piece. It was truly a masterwork of sewing. The colors were breathtaking. It was certainly something he would hang in his hall when the time came.
"Thank you, cousin. I appreciate the gift. It shall hang in my own halls, of that I have no doubt."
After that, Rhaenyra stepped forward. "Dear uncle, I have come with gifts from myself, Lady Alicent, my lady mother, and the King."
First, she gave him a golden cup engraved with a three-headed dragon, each of its eyes displayed by a different-colored gem. It was Viserys's gift. It was a fine-looking cup, compared to what he had crafted himself; it was simply a nice addition.
Aemma's gift was more heartfelt. She had given him a black-painted dragon statue, with golden eyes flecked with red, like Balerion.
Alicent had gifted him a handcrafted handkerchief, embroidered with dragons and wolves.
Lastly, Rhaenyra gave her own gift. "Like Visenya, I have missed you, and so I hope you enjoy this necklace."
She handed him a golden necklace with a medallion as its centerpiece. One side bore a black dragon, the other a golden-yellow dragon.
Balerion and Syrax, he thought as he gave his niece a smile.
"To remind us both of our bonds as Targaryens, but also of the Blood of Old Valyria," she said.
Aemon smiled at her. "Thank you, niece, and give my thanks to my brother, good-sister, and Lady Alicent. Their gifts are just as welcome."
After that, the gift-giving went on until the midday sun had passed. He thanked everyone and then suggested they all take their dragons for a ride.
Soon enough, he was at the dragon caves, and he already felt Balerion's presence at the back of his mind. The ground shook as the dragons stepped out of the caves.
"My friend, happy nameday. May your fire burn for many years," Balerion rumbled, pushing his massive head against Aemon's chest.
"Thank you, old friend," he replied. "Ready for a ride? I could use one after all that sitting."
Balerion huffed smoke, amused.
After Aemon mounted the giant dragon, he looked around and saw the rest settling into their saddles.
"Let us ride!" he shouted.
Soon, six dragons danced in the sky.
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