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Rhaenyra loves his brothers dearly. She was the oldest and she is very protective of them. Their mother is her best friend, after all, she will love them with all his heart.
When Rhaenyra heard that Alicent was going to marry his father, of course, it causes a rift between the two women. Rhaenyra felt betrayed and hurt by her friend going behind her back. It all changes when Aegon was born. The thought of having a brother melted her heart, and seeing Aegon laughing when he touch Rhaenyra's finger made her very protective of the small babe.
They bonded through Aegon. Viserys is almost jealous, as he barely sees his son. Most of the time the princess will steal the prince to play with him. Rhaneya gifted Aegon with a lot of luxurious toys in Westeros, she spoiled the boy rotten. Servants whispered everywhere, that Rhaenyra was like that because she once lost a brother.
As Aegon grew, so does Alicent and Viserys family after Aegon they had a daughter, who looks like Rhaenyra very much. Her name was Helaena, and of course, Rhaenyra love her dearly, Aemond and Daeron too.
They follow Rhaenyra everywhere. As she was the only dragonrider left in King's landing, she bring her brothers and sister with her, riding Syrax.
Alicent would scold them for returning to the castle all dirty and smelling like a dragon, but they all hide behind Rhaenyra giggling. Their mother would no longer be angry if she find out that Rhaenyra was with them.
On their name day, each of them was gifted an egg by Rhaenyra. Aegon has sunfyre, Daeron has Tessarion, Helaena has dreamfyre, and sadly Aemond's egg did not hatch. It broke Aemond's heart, but Rhaenyra quickly comforted him, promising by the seven gods that he will have a dragon and Rhaenyra will help him claim one.
Time changed and Rhaenyra married ser Laenor Velaryon.
They had three sons, Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey. They were born different, as they have curly and dark brown hair. Rumors start to spread around, that Rhaenyra's children were fathered by Ser Harwin.
Alicent and Viserys defended her to death, and those who were brave enough to mention it to the king and queen's face met with heavy punishment. Aegon, Aemond, and Daeron defended their nephew. When they hear people talking or questioning their birthright, the Targaryens will not hesitate to draw their swords.
Aegon and Helaena are very fond of Jacaerys. Being the eldest of their mother, they understand the pressure on their shoulder.
Joffrey would always follow his uncle Daeron everywhere. Watching tournaments or riding a horse, Joffrey would always be there. Of course, Daeron love being accompanied by his nephew, as they share every second of the day with one another.
Aemond and Lucerys would always go to the Dragonpit near the castle, to watch the dragon closely. Lucerys knew his uncle's egg did not hatch, and wanting to impress him, he stole an egg under one of the dragons, to give it to him.
Lucerys was so innocent at that time. He was not aware of the danger it will bring if you stole a dragon's egg in front of them. The dragon act berserk and cause an uproar. The dragon was still small, not bigger than Vhagar, but big enough to harm someone.
The dragon's claw was so close to Lucerys. Aemond did not care for the dragon's egg, as his sole priority was Lucerys. He threw the Velaryon kid away, and the claw of the dragon meet his eyes.
Lucerys dropped the egg and rushed to his uncle's bloody face, who was still screaming from pain. He was holding his eyes as more blood run from an open wound. Their distress was heard by dragon tamers, and they quickly run in their direction. Lucerys did not stop crying and does not want to let go of his uncle.
The servants carried the princes to the castle, still holding each other's hands.
Alicent and Rhaenyra screamed when they saw their children, and Viserys gasped. They called the healer, and Rhaenyra hold Lucerys hand to let the people treat his brother.
Alicent cried to his son's bed, and Rhaenya comforted her. They hold each other, and Rhaenyra could understand her stepmother. The pain of your son is also your pain. When the maesters and healers were done, they said it was impossible to save the prince's eyes, but Alicent did not care.
As long as his son is alive, she felt relieved.
Upon learning about his uncle's condition, Lucerys felt ashamed, and blame himself for the misfortune of Aemond. He was crying to Aemond, begging for forgiveness. Lucerys did what was not expected of him, he pulled a dagger to the king's waist and offered it to Aemond. An eye for an eye.
Alicent and Rhaenyra were distraught. Panickly screamed to get the knife out of Lucerys hand. Aemond was still weak, but seeing what Lucerys hold he gather all his strength to stand up and pulled the knife out of his nephew's hand. Rhaenyra took the knife from Aemond, and Aemond hugged Lucerys, whose crying on his chest, whispering that he forgave him and it was not his fault.
Alicent felt the same way, Lucerys was like her son, and he will not feel any better for blaming a child for the adult's negligence.
Aemond slowly healed but the scar never fade. Aemond secretly loves his scar. He did not think it was hideous, he believed that it was a gift for Lucerys, marking him and Lucerys now owned him.
Moon passed, and their children grew healthy and strong.
Viserys is very proud, seeing his son and his grandson getting so well. They are both great dragonrider, they even surpass Rhaenyra and Daemon. Helaena was a lovely young lady, kind and respectful. Every son of the Lord wants her, but her heart is solely for Jacaerys and Aegon only. Every time Jacaerys would visit his grandsire, Corlys Velaryon Jace would go home bringing flowers to Helaena and Aegon would always give her butterflies or dragonflies. Both princes spoiled the princess with luxury things. At some point, they almost bought a whole ship as a gift for the princess’s name day.
Alicent of course was worried. If the time comes for Helaena chooses a man she will marry, the other one would surely be hurt. Rhaenyra and Daemon disagree. Helaena will not choose someone, as she adored both princes. They suspect she will have both of them.
The way Jace and Aegon care for her, putting her first before anyone else, made Viserys and Alicent calm, seeing their daughter well taken care of.
Rhaenyra barely sees her son Joffrey without Daeron. Those two were like attached by their body. Wherever Daeron goes, Joffrey was there. Even on dinner, feast, or watching tournaments, Daeron would not Joffrey out of his sight.
Daeron is the daring one. Sometimes, he will do things just to impress his nephew. Flying a dragon without a saddle or diving in the sky with Tessarion. Although the dragons like it, Joffrey has put his uncle in line for doing these kinds of things. Alicent feels grateful for Joffrey, as he was the only one Daeron seems to listen to.
Rhaenyra and Daemon, of course, have no problem with whom their sons fall in love. It does not matter to them, as long as their offspring is happy and safe.
Daemon once argued, who is he to stop his son from marrying their uncle or their aunt? He married his niece, it would be strange for him to say they should marry someone else.
But Rhaenyra and Daemon felt uneasy, as Aemond and Lucerys’s relationship is confusing, and is not clear as Joffrey or Jacaerys.
Rhaenyra has a suspicion, as well as Daemon. The secret glances, the holding hands under the table, and the staying up late to each one’s chamber. Daemon knew his son was about to kiss if he did not open the door.
Daemon raised his eyebrow, as he watched Aemond panicky fix his clothes and his hair.
Daemon as a father could see how scared Lucerys is through his eyes, but he was just smirking at them.
Daemon asked why Aemond was staying soo late in Lucerys’s chamber, and the prince gave an excuse for helping his nephew study Valyrian. Daemon nods, pretending to accept their excuses. When he told this his wife, Rhaenyra cannot believe it. Her son is very fluent in High Valyrian and he does not need any help with the language. If he does, he will ask Rhaenyra about it. Ever since that incident, Aemond and Lucerys become more discreet with their relationship, almost acting like they do not know each other.
“I am telling you Alicent, these boys are hiding something,” Rhaenyra said, as she talk with Alicent. Daemon also tried to convince the Queen Consort, but Alicent ignored both of them.
“Rhaenyra, Aemond was just grateful for you. After all these years, he is still thankful for you supporting his claim on Vhagar” Alicent said
Rhaenyra could still remember the night Vhagar choose Aemond. It was not long after Laena Velaryon passed away. It brought sorrow to the family. After all, Laena and Laenor are siblings, and they have high respect for the Velaryon family. She remembers that Daemon’s children were distraught. They just lost their mother, and now they are losing her dragon.
She defended Aemond to the court. Aemond unintentionally claimed the dragon, and he did not mean it to happen. The she-dragon chose him, Aemond having no dragon, was just as happy as Vhagar choose him.
She was glad that Baela, Rhaena, and Aemond reconcile years later. Rhaena and Aemond somehow bond, as they always spent time with Lucerys. While Jacaerys and Baela spent time with Aegon and Helaena. Baela was very fond of Aegon, as they share the same sentiments with their dragon.
When their mother died, they live here with Daemon, and they are very welcome here in Red Keep, but sometimes the girls would love to spend their time on Driftmark, with their grandsire and grandmother. From time to time, Daemon would return to Dragonstone to do his duties, but most of his days are spent with Rhaenyra or their children.
“Alicent, Vhagar choose him, I just helped him prove it” Rhaenyra reasoned.
“I doubt Aemond and Lucerys… relation is more than we see. The boy takes care of each other since they are a babe, it was just their instinct to be close to one another. Remember us? We barely leave each other alone” Alicent said.
Daemon and Rhaenyra remain quiet for a while, but they know what each other was thinking.
Rhaenyra exactly knew how to confirm his suspicion.
Rhaenyra and Daemon were late for dinner. When they arrived, they are already eating.
“Terribly sorry father for arriving so late, I and my husband were occupied with tomorrow’s occasion.” Rhaenyra said as Daemon move a chair for her to sit on.
Viserys smiled aware of his daughter’s plan, and he agreed to it. Viserys like Alicent, still deny the relationship between Aemond and Lucerys. Wanting to prove his daughter wrong, Viserys suggested that it was time for Lucerys to meet a man or woman, as he was already at the right age for marriage.
“What will happen, tomorrow mother?” Jacaerys asked.
Rhaenyra and Daemon hold each other’s hands, excitement rushing through their blood.
“Your brother, Lucerys will meet his suitors tomorrow at the Dragonpit” Rhaenyra said.
Aemond almost spill the wine he was drinking. Aegon and Helaena looked at each other, unsure if they heard the same thing. Daeron was too busy looking at his brother Aemond’s reaction. He was not worried for Lucerys, he was more worried about his brother’s reaction.
“M-mother?” Lucerys softly asked.
“My love, you are at the right age where marriage is a good thing. Since you do not have someone, me and your father insist on helping you out.” Rhaenyra said.
“Do not worry my boy, I only invited the finest lady or lord for tomorrow. One that is fit for the lord of Driftmark” Daemon said.
“My love, if you do not want to attend, It is fine. Do you want me to decline their invitations?” Rhaenyra asked him
“N-no. It’s fine mother. I- It will be a good thing for the family” Lucerys said. He looked at Aemond, but Aemond keep his gaze around his cup. He only eats a few bites, and Aemond stands up. He excuses himself earlier than he usually does. Rhaenyra could see in her eyes that Lucerys wants to follow, but they insist on hiding their relationship.
Lucerys bowed his head, and continue to eat. Silently and slowly, as he just loses every appetite he has…
It was dark, everyone was already sleeping. Lucerys was quiet, walking along the hallways until he reach the chamber of his uncle.
“Aemond?” Lucerys softly said, looking around at the small chamber to see if his uncle is asleep or awake.
Lucerys did not see his uncle hiding behind the door. When Luke entered, Aemond hug him from behind, surprising his nephew.
“Love” Aemond whispered, hugging Lucerys tightly.
“Do you want to escape your suitors tomorrow?” Aemond said.
“Why are we hiding our love from them Aemond? Mother and Father will accept for what we are. Jacaerys is happy with Helaena and Aegon, and Daeron loves my brother, Joffrey. Why our heart should be any different?”
Aemond sigh, and he sat on the bed.
“I am afraid they might see me unfit for you…”
Lucerys hold his uncle’s cheeks, raising his head to meet his eye.
“You are the only one who is fit for me uncle.”
“I am no heir to the throne like Aegon, I am no daring like Daeron. Tell me my moon, would you still want me if I am not born in this house?”
“Is this the reason why you insist on hiding us? On our family?” Lucerys sat on his uncle’s lap. “Targaryen or not my love, my heart will always belong to you. Father and Mother would accept you for who you are, not for the titles you have. You taking care very well of me is enough for them to see you are the only one for me”
"I see no man who will be worthy of me. If I am not going to be wed at you, then I rather die without a husband."
"I too Lucerys. I would not allow anyone to have you. If the Gods cannot give you to me, then no one could have you"
Lucerys smiled at what his Uncle said. Hearing Aemond feral is like a lullaby to his ears. They lay on the bed, not wanting to let go of each other.
“What should we do tomorrow Aemond? I do not want to embarrassed mother and father or our house by rejecting all of my suitors” Lucerys was worried. He regrets letting his mother know that he was not ready to face the suitors, and marrying people other than Aemond does not come to his mind.
“Oh, I will take care of it, my love. Aegon and Daeron are with me for this one. For now, rest.” Aemond kissed Luke’s forehead, assuring his nephew.
Morning came, and a lot of people are already arriving at king’s Landing. Most women wore the shiniest clothes and jewelry, parading their wealth and power. Aemond pitied them. Even if they covered their whole body with ornament, he knew his nephew will never say yes to these people.
“My eyes are starting to hurt from how shiny these people are” Lucerys whispered to Jace and Joffrey who both laughed. “Gods, how I wish I have Aemond’s eye patch. I could not stand the look of these people.” Aegon said, holding a cup of wine. Helaena laughs at his brother’s words. As kind as Helaena wants to say it, his brother is right.
People arriving at Dragonpit seem too desperate to impress Prince Lucerys.
Baela and Rhaena arrived together with Corlys and Rhaenys. Rhaena felt protective of Lucerys. Living here in Red Keep with them, she was aware of things about Aemond and Luke. She would not openly admit it but, she and Baela were hoping that Luke would marry Aemond instead, rather than someone else.
Little by little, the hall is filled with Lucerys suitors. For them to see they are worthy of the Velaryon, they must present a talent to the prince, to know their worth.
Women mostly show embroidery, they are works of art. But Lucerys was not interested. He was impressed at the beauty of it, but not enough reason for Lucerys to choose them as husband and wife.
It all started smoothly, but odd things are starting to happen.
One of the women who was showing off his embroidery of flowers suddenly got chased by a jar of insects. Of course, the woman ran out of the hall, screaming for his father’s name as a cluster of dragonflies chased her out.
Next, a man who was showing off his movement with his sword, slip onto one of the halls and he could barely stand up, finding his balance. His armor and his helmet are too heavy, the guards have to help him stand up.
At first, Lucerys tried so hard to stop himself from laughing. But the way Aegon, Helaena, and Daeron laugh so loudly, he cannot stop himself from laughing too.
The other man, twice the size of Lucerys stands so tall and mighty to him. All armored up, he can be a kingsguard if he wants to for the way he is built. By the Seven Gods, if he want to throw Lucerys at the window, he could do it.
Lucerys is almost impressed. He never saw a man as big as he is, and even if he was not wearing armor, he could easily beat all the kingsguard in the hall.
Everything was going smoothly, but when Tessarion roared outside of the Dragonpit, Lucerys’s suitor screamed, and quickly hide behind the kingsguard.
Aemond and Jacaerys almost died from laughing, he was so big but acts like a babe. The hall was covered with laughter, and the suitors left because of embarrassment.
Almost all the people are leaving one by one, afraid things will go wrong, afraid they will bring shame to their house.
“I am tired, I wish to retire” Lucerys whispered to one of the kingsguard.
Aemond handed his hands, guiding Lucerys.
Slowly, everyone on the Dragonpit left. Rhaena and Baela went with Joffrey and Daeron. While Aegon, Jacaerys, and Helaena wish to go back to the castle, as Helaena misses her crickets.
Aemond and Lucerys were left alone in the hall. The prince asked the guard to wait at the door, as Aemond wishes to speak to his nephew alone.
“My love, I never laugh so many times until today. Is this your doing?” Lucerys asked.
“I will do anything to see those beautiful smiles.”
They were alone with their thoughts. They missed one another, throughout the day they only spent their time looking at each other’s eyes. They crave one another so much, and as soon as they were alone, they hold each other, not wanting to let go.
“It seems, my son finally found the suitor he would like to marry” Daemon and Rhaenyra entered the Dragonpit unannounced.
Alicent and Viserys looked so surprised. They were happy of course, but they are still surprised.
“Father I- Rhaenyra sister, I beg of you-” Aemond quickly hides Lucerys behind him, protecting him from the gaze of their family. He wants to explain, he does not want them to think he was going behind their back, stealing Lucerys from the family.
“Aemond, we know. We already know so much already” Rhaenyra said, holding his brother’s hand. “I just want you to come clean, I will only believe my assumptions if words came from your own lips, both of you” Aemond was so happy for the way Rhaenyra accepted them, he could not help himself, and hugged his sister tightly. Rhaenyra gasped of course, but she hugged back.
“Thank you sister, I am grateful” Aemond whispered to his sister’s ear, still hugging her.
“No Aemond. I am grateful. Thank you for loving my son the way he deserved to be loved, for taking care of him, and cherishing him”
Rhaenyra hugged his Lucerys, and Daemon did the same.
“Y-you are not mad?” Lucerys tearly asked.
“Of course not! We are happy. Who we are to speak against it? Your father, Daemon is also my uncle. I say you are really my son, every bit of me was passed down to you” Rhaenyra attempted to make his son laugh, but instead Lucerys cried for more.
“What did I say?” Rhaenyra looked at Alicent as she raised his eyebrow
Alicent shyly looked away from rhaenyra’s gaze, avoiding the looks of her stepdaughter. Viserys were just happy, reuniting their houses, making them stronger than ever. He hugs his son and his grandson, sharing his happiness with them.
Viserys felt a little sadness, as Corlys cannot witness this moment. The king thinks Lucerys’s other grandsire would be delighted to see his grandson loved and adored by Aemond.