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Chapter Text

He was in a sudden state of shock. 

Witnessing the arising figure of the red she-dragon Meleys, as Rhaenys Velaryon stared intensely into his eyes, having just callously murdered his subjects.

Yet this was not what was surprising him.

The fact that he had already witnessed this, was what truly astounded the Targaryen King. 

Aegon had seen this before.

His eyes had witnessed the brutality of the alleged kind, rightful rulers that were the Blacks, slaughtering the Smallfolk already. Yet that was just two weeks ago, as the most recent memory in Aegon’s mind was the fiery rage he felt upon witnessing the butchered and sliced frame of his poor little boy, Jaehaerys. 

He was just a boy. Not even that, Aegon still viewed him as just a babe.

Having just turned six years just three moons before his grandsire and Aegon’s neglectful father, King Viserys’ death.

Yet he was dead. Murdered by that bastard of a rogue, Prince Daemon. Aegon’s whore half-sister’s husband, of whom she had sired two children, one aptly named Aegon. 

How brazen.

Yet he wasn’t truly gone.

Aegon could see, as he gazed into Helaena’s violet eyes, that there was love, a glistening shimmer of hope that had been lost in his sister-wife in the days leading up to Jaehaerys’ brutal murder.

If Helaena hadn’t lost her light, then surely her children were still alive. His children. 

Jaehaera would no longer have night terrors and crying fits, mourning the adorable scholarly terror that was her brother Jaehaerys.

Helaena no longer frozen in terror, stuck viewing the spools of blood within their children’s chambers, sickening herself with grief and regret.

Aegon then recalled the words of Helaena from just the morn before Daemon’s heinous orders were enacted, having made mention of fearing rats. 

Oh, if only he had heeded her words. But instead he, and his family, ignored sweet Helaena, finding her words to be nonsensical and treating her as though she was a simple-minded little girl. 

Yet, if anything Aegon now thought that she was the most mature of the Greens. How strong she was to live, even while knowing the fate that lies ahead of all her family, yet being unable to do anything. That was a position only a woman of substantial strength could do so. Making Aegon have great respect for his sister-wife. 

But now, as Rhaenys’ dragon lifted itself away from the scene of it’s crime, Aegon could ponder. 

And wonder. 

Questioning what to do in this upcoming war.

One thing is for certain, Aegon knew. That he would never follow his mother’s advice once more. 

War was inevitable. Regardless of whatever twisted love obsession Alicent had for his half-sister, he would not follow her advice in pleading toward the Blacks for peace.

While Aemond was too feral, he had the right of it. 

War was to come. And in battle, there’s no honour. Only the winning side and the losing side. 

Criston Cole was also right too, in that there had to be preparations for warfare. 

Yet Aegon couldn’t support that bastard of a Kingsguard member no more. How flagrant was he, to seduce the Dowager Queen. Not only that, but dismissing the guards protecting the Royal Family all for some lusty escapade with Aegon’s own mother. 

Aegon felt betrayed. These people forced him into this position, yet acted so callously, murdering Rhaenyra’s son and having raunchy affairs together, while it was Aegon who suffered the consequences.

Helaena too. And their precious children.

They were made to be the King and Queen by these people, people meant to be allies, yet instead they treated them as pathetic lackies, when Aegon was the only one truly considering his actions towards the Realm, wanting to effectively don armour for battles, and also acting towards the Smallfolk kindly. 

However, Aegon still had love for his mother, despite her fallacies. 

Just seeing the way she tried to pull him back, defending her son even in the face of a massive destructive force, one that she despised ever so strongly: a dragon. 

But Aegon couldn’t forgive her, nor her partner, for their wayward ways had hurt him greatly. The pain of Jaehaerys’ death left a lingering impression of pain on Aegon’s heart and nothing could heal that. 

Even if it hadn’t occurred yet. 

As the coronation ended and Aegon witnessed his grandsire rapidly take control of the scene, quickly scrambling a retinue of guards to direct the Smallfolk away and in the direction to gather aide. 

Aegon decided to join in his Hand’s ventures, having begun to move aside to the lowered masses of people clung together in fear, but not before turning to Helaena, wanting to comfort his beloved sister-wife, even if he never showed her love before.

She whispered under her breath as he came closer, “The beast arose, spools of green, spools of black, yet the green threads weave a stronger frame.” 

Aegon understood now, seeing the knowledge Helaena’s ever so solemnly aware of.

He pressed his hand before her frail shoulder, whispering in a comfort tone, “Helaena. All will be well. I understand now, I’ll fix it all.” 

Before continuing his mission to reach his grandsire, Aegon turned back toward the crowd, the once joyous group turned bruised and bloody, the results of Rhaenys’ flagrant show of power.

“My subjects!” The Targaryen man declared, wanting to help the folk which he reigns over, knowing that they cared deeply for his family, and were heavily affected by the selfish war tactic of causing blockades across Kingslanding’s ports by the Sea Snake. 

“My people…” He spoke softly, “I will not let you stray! The temptress of Dragonstone is no true heir, for she is willing to place her whoreson bastards on the throne, and usurping the rightful line of an eldest son which the Good King Jaehaerys himself decreed! The Gods will not forgive her transgressions. Nor will I.”

“Yet I will be merciful to Princess Rhaenyra and her bastards, despite vying to steal my rightful throne. But I promise you, the beloved people of Westeros, that I vow to return to her tenfold any atrocities she may act upon my family and my people!” He roared to the crowd, lifting up their spirits and illustrating a kingly kindness that could quickly change to a vengeful fury, one which he was currently feeling but unable to act without seeming as the perpetrator of senseless war.

He then finally lowered himself towards his people, promptly directing his loyal Kingsguards to aide the fallen people, and to direct them towards the almshouses Aegon’s mother had endeavoured to create during her reign as Queen.

Whilst he was doing so, he then discreetly gandered Ser Criston over, feeling a flurry of anger, yet also intent on instructing him as to hold power over the man, his mother’s whore, knowing that Ser Criston was a great boon for the forces of the Green’s, at least until he wasn’t rendezvousing with members of the Royal Family.

Aegon then ordered the man, “Cole. Bring those traitorous Gold Cloaks to the Black Cells, and take Fell, Arryk and Ser Marston if you cannot handle Daemon’s lapdog’s.” He spoke snidely as the Targaryen man couldn’t help but outwardly release the all-encompassing rage he felt toward Ser Criston for his lack of action regarding the Royal children and his whorish deeds towards Aegon’s mother, while telling the new Lord Commander to take the treacherous men that callously trapped the innocent Smallfolk into the Dragonpit, susceptible to the clutches of Princess Rhaenys’ fiery dragon.

He gazed calmly, watching Cole gather over the men and effectively clasp them into the Green’s grasp.

Aegon strolled over back to the centre-figure of the Dragonpit where his family lay waiting, seeing the anxious figures of his mother and sister-wife, beside Aemond, the perpetrator who kickstarted the murder of his precious child to occur.

However Aegon knew, deep within his heart, that Daemon Targaryen was a treacherous man amped up for war, and would find any excuse to murder, especially when it can psychologically damage the family he hates so much, the Hightowers.

How strange Aegon remarked, as any descendants of Queen Alicent’s had much more claim to Valyrian heritage than his wife’s pug-faced bastards. Yet he found Aegon to be lesser, ignoring the fact he was Daemon’s own brother’s direct blood, and visibly Targaryen, much different to the Strong bastards who essentially spat upon the Valyrian supremacy ideology Daemon cares so heavily for. 

He held Helaena’s hand, and gazed.

Watching intensely over the Dragonpit and the people present. 

And deciding on how to act.

Just how greatly could he change the direction of the Dance, leading to the victory of his family, without any lives lost in this senseless war.

The Small Council had convened, with Aemond beside Aegon as his dutiful right-hand man, but the King knew he had to be stern. The actions of his brother in pursuit of foolhardy revenge had disastrous consequences, and Aegon could not risk the calamities that would occur if Aemond succeeded in his vengeful ventures. 

Aegon had to showcase his own power, and not be the lackey of Otto Hightower that many would assume he would be. 

Yet despite that, Aegon knew he had been hasty. Hasty in his decision to exile his grandsire and remove him as hand. While Aegon thought that would be a good illustration of his individual might, he now sees that this was a falsity, for Larys Strong had been manipulating him behind the scene, making him remove a capable figure from his council. 

And for what, Criston Cole, the impetuous man fucking his mother. 

But Aegon still could not let his grandsire bid for all the power deserved of Aegon’s position, so thus had to prove himself to Otto, in that he could be a capable King, who instead of having a pathetic lapdog controlled by the whims of his Hand, like his father.

He had begun this illustration of his sole might, with being at the forefront of leading forces in the Dragonpit, yet had to act further, being the one to direct where his team’s allies, and his family’s dragons may go to gather further allies within the Realm.

While the murmuring of his Green Council commenced, he silenced the present nobles and brought forth his own ideas.

“Aemond. You will be going to treat with the Royces in the Vale. For far too long they have been embarrassed and shunned by our House, and will answer our call, especially after Rhaenyra’s decision to marry the wifeslayer Daemon.”

“Brother, shouldn’t I go to the Arryn’s? They are the Great House that rule over the Vale, so surely-“ 

“No, don’t bother with them, they’re relatives of Rhaenyra and likely to ignore the laws of the Realm for their line to reign supreme. Meet with the Royces and then convene at the Eyrie only if you believe it possible that you can free Arnold Arryn from the Sky Cells while Jeyne Arryn is murdered by her lover.” Aegon responds, in haste, tet with a comex plan illustrating that the King may be a strategic man when not drunk and in lust.

“I should-“ Aemond interrupts, his teachings of honour in battle and the cowardly nature of deception making him unwilling to kill Lady Arryn in a secretive manner. 

“Aemond. This is war! Daemon will sooner put Jaehaerys and Jaehaera to the sword then accept defeat, so we must strike first. Take Larys Strong with you on dragonback if you can’t conjure a way for Jeyne Arryn to falter… permanently.” 

“Right, I shall. Grandsire?” Aemond queried, turning to Otto Hightower, as to contemplate whether Aegon’s instructions are the best cause of action. 

“Yes.” He responds, quickly turning to Aegon in a content yet abashed manner, too indignant of the fact that the King he crowned did not cease control to him, yet proud that his grandson has taken control so effectively, as a true king should. “But Aegon, you have forgotten about the other Realms of Westeros.” 

“I have further plans for that, grandsire. Aemond shall go to Harrenhall upon gaining allyship within the Vale. If Lord Larys is with you, he can tell the truth of the Breakbone’s dalliance with our half-sister, Aemond. Mention the heinous nature of Rhaenyra and her bastards, don’t forget how she wanted to have you sharply mentioned as a child.” Aegon ordered, while Aemond stiffened in his seat in remembrance of that infamous day.

“And I advise that you further reason for this was that you had witnessed one of the numerous clandestine meeting of our whorish half-sister and her Sworn-Shield.” 

“Ah, I see, brother, I won’t be heedless, I will perform my duty honourably.” Aemond quickly gets up, intent to perform the task issued to him by his kingly brother, yet Aegon interrupts. 

“Aemond. Do not spend any time longer in Harrenhall than you must. They too are victims of Rhaenyra’s bastard Strongs, not enemies. Appeal to them. Gather back to Kingslanding quickly without any diversions. We need the might of Vhagar to deter the treasonous Blacks.” 

The One-Eyed Prince then leaves, dutiful and fast in performing his actions, with Aegon hopeful that Aemond’s anger does not get to him. 

“Harrenhall is the centre of Westeros, Aegon, I see the intelligence in your plans.” His Hand and grandsire Otto Hightower states, seeing firsthand Aegon’s might as King. 

“There’s still more footholds we need to gather allies from, Grandsire. I shall treat with the Manderly’s and Starks. Surely they will see that Rhaenyra’s false reign goes against their values, and supplanting true heirs with bastards is despicable.” He speaks, aware that the Starks have never been ruled by a woman. 

“And a Royal marriage may sway them.”

“Aegon- What! You can’t marry Jaehaerys or Jaehaera to the Starks! Marrying each other will strengthen their claim as your heir!” 

“Mother, calm yourself. We won’t be giving the Starks my dear twins, no. Helaena is with child, and that a daughter of ours will be to marry Lord Cregan’s heir.” 

“The song of ice and fire.” Whispered Aegon’s Queen. 

“Yes! Exactly that Helaena, we shall call this the Pact of Ice and Fire, for a Targaryen girl to marry the male heir to the Starks.” King Aegon declared, gaining a bewildered stare from his mother, which confused him greatly. 

He then continued with his plans, suggesting that Helaena should go to Storms End.

“Aegon, she’s just a girl, surely she isn’t needed there.”

“I will not waste our forces just because you don’t want Helaena to leave. She is to defend Kingslanding while Aemond and I are gone and when I am to return, she shall use her dragon. She has Dreamfyre, a mighty strong dragon and we should use our full forces! Rhaenyra is weak and too arrogant to fight herself, Helaena’s strength will undermine that usurper cunt, and I promise that Helaena will not run into any issue in Storm’s End.” 

“I have good faith that Aemond’s favourite Strong will be the only one of the Black present.”

“Ah, so that is why you dismissed your brother so early.” Otto murmurs, understanding that the mere mention of Lucerys Strong can trigger rage within the One-Eyed Prince.

Helaena looks solemn yet Aegon’s sees a glimmer of otherworldliness within her gaze, almost as if she knows how the future may diverge, “I understand, I will do my duty.”

“But-“ Alicent shouts, unwilling to be separated from her beloved daughter.

“Mother, all Helaena has to do is speak to Lord Borros for his allegiance, and offer Aemond’s hand to his heiress Lady Cassandra, she shall quickly ride back and be home in no more than 20 or so hours. She’ll stay here tonight if that brings you comfort, but when I am back from the Northe, Helaena will treat with Storms End.” Aegon stressed, placating the Dowager Queen from the idea of losing Helaena in warfare.

“My Council! You support the rightful ruler! I am owed my Kingdom through precedence and law, that which Rhaenyra spits upon as she sequesters herself in Dragonstone and seeks to steal my throne and plant her bastards on. We have Sunfyre, Vhagar and Dreamfyre. While Rhaenyra is busy pregnant, and with babes for dragons, who have never touched blood.” 

“But not only that, we shall need the allegiance of the Tyrells. Daeron has the might of Tessarion, should the Tyrells decide to join the Blacks. Most likely, they may stay neutral, but that doesn’t mean Daeron cannot gather the forces of the Reach that understand my rightful claim as King!” 

“Aegon, you cannot threaten to use dragon’s so quickly-“

“We are at war! Grandsire, I have seen what shall happen if we do not act! I will not have my claim usurped and my children killed by acting lax, while Rhaenyra’s allies grow!” Aegon decrees angrily, making his intentions visible to the Green Council present. 

He then got up, not before gazing at the marble before him, thinking of his precocious child Jaehaerys. His scholarly babe who was butchered by Daemon’s lackies. 

Except he was alive right now, but the anger within Aegon hadn’t faltered. 

He bolted the marble, memories of the sliced and slaughtered frame of his child erupting in his mind, metallic clanging erupting onto the floorboards of the Council Chambers, as Aegon declared his final statement, “The Council is dismissed.” 

Right now, Aegon had finished his Kingly duties.

He had enacted a plan, one without vengeful murders of the Blacks, and tactical, hopefully causing a boon of allies towards his side. 

Yet he couldn’t stay slack. The man knew vigilance was key, especially during such malignant times. 

But still, Aegon couldn’t help but have his own mission, singular and disconnected to the orders he spoke to his Council. 

And that was to see his children. 

To witness a version of Jaehaera no longer tearful and confused, pleading for her twin to come back and play with her.

And to see Jaehaerys.

His baby boy. 

Chapter Text

Aegon was there.

Standing beside the door leading to his children’s bedchambers. But he couldn’t move forward.

Going inside would make this situation all too real.

Witnessing his children, living and breathing felt like too much for Aegon. After all, just a few days prior, at least for him, he had seen the slaughtered frame of his son laying in his bed. 

But Aegon knew that he had to.

For the strong urge to see his children, living and breathing, was an all-encompassing force within his heart.

And so he did.

Aegon took a step forth, his heavy heart immediately calming itself upon gazing at the two silver-haired children. Immediately he felt a sense of gratefulness, for they were not in their beds, but rather lay right in front of him, playing with little dragon figurines, resembling Sunfyre and Dreamfyre.

“Papa!” 

Squeals of excitement erupted from the duo of six year olds, join seeping through their souls upon their father’s arrival.

“Jaehaera! Jaehaerys! I’ve missed you all so much!” Aegon croaked, tears dripping down his face as he grabbed them both into a hug, intently gazing at Jaehaerys, or rather the lack of thread within his throat.

“My children!” His voice cracked as he continued, “My babes!” 

“Papa, what’s wrong?” A soft voice erupted, Aegon instantly recognising the comforting yet questioning tone coming from Jaehaera, the girl once abandoned and alone in her grief as her other half was butchered, and her parents succumbed to grief. 

Aegon was proud, his girl was so empathetic, understanding her father’s feelings, “I- I just missed you little rascals so greatly!” He joked, wiping his tears off as he hugged the children further.

“Darlings, your father will be going away-“ He spoke kneeling down, lowering himself to the scions of his blood.

“No! Papa you can’t!” Jaehaerys shouted, clinging onto Aegon’s hand.

“Don’t worry, Rys, I’ll be gone just for a day or two, I’ll be back. Your mother will keep you safe while I’m gone.”

“Papa, does this mean that now your King, you will be busy, and won’t visit us anymore?” Jaehaera was pleading, eyes largened with sadness, making Aegon even more saddened over the fact that with war beginning it was likely he wouldn’t have much time for his children.

“Jae, I will always make time for you both. I may be a little busy, but you two rascals will be the future King and Queen, it’s only right that you both join me in some Small Council duties!” As Aegon spoke these words, he was reminded of the time just mere hours before Jaehaerys’ death when he had allowed his precocious little boy to join the Small Council, where he humoured both himself and Aegon with his teasing of Ser Tyland Lannister. 

“I’ll be a good heir, Papa! But will you finally let me ride Shrykos now?” Jaehaerys begged, impatient in wanting to fly into the Westerosi skies as his Valyrian birthright allowed.

“You’re much too young for that Jae!” Aegon spoke, “But I may be willing to let you take a ride on Sunfyre if you do good!”

“Yes Papa-“

“Me too!” Jaehaera interrupted.

Aegon however didn’t want the twins to be too hasty and impatient in wanting to ride, knowing that could increase their energetic actions, “Ah, ah, you both have to be on good behaviour, and your mother will tell me everything! So stay good and I’ll take you both on dragonback!” 

“We promise Papa!” They both cajoled, simultaneously bursting Aegon’s ears with their high-pitched clamours.

But that was sharply interrupted, for a loud knock was heard around erupting from outside the bedchambers.

“Helaena-”

“Aegon! Haerys, And Haera!” The Queen exclaimed, happiness erupting in her tone.

“Mummy!” 

The Queen immediately strided forward, engulfing the children in a large all-encompassing hug, sweeping them off their feet and out of Aegon’s reach.

“My babes!” 

As the children clamoured over Helaena, she turned her gaze towards her brother-husband.

“Aegon, we need to speak of the future, the past. ” She whispered, making Aegon certain that she was indeed a dragondreamer as he had eventually come to believe.

Aegon finds himself rather relieved that Helaena herself was the one willing to initiate this vital conversation, likely having been prompted by her husband’s words during the coronation at the Dragonpit.

“But- the children?” 

“Don’t worry,” She quietly responded before redirecting her voice to the twins as a maidservant walked forth, Aegon foolishly having not noted that she had been trailing his wife. “Annora is going to play with you both, so behave good, or-”

“Or Papa isn’t going to take you on dragonback!” Aegon remarked, making Helaena now aware of his terms for their adorable children.

“Okay, Papa! We promise!” The children nodded intensely, before quickly turning their backs, beginning to play with the dragon figurines.

The husband and wife walk beside each other, exiting through the tunnels to reach their own bedchambers: a private space to talk freely, and without harming the ears of their innocent children.

As they stood within the room, silence erupted within, as neither King or Queen knew how to start a conversation of such great importance. 

Helaena walked forth, away from Aegon’s reach, turning her head towards the window, looking below through the drifting curtains to gaze at the crowds of people walking through the Red Keep, visions and memories of the future blurring within her mindscape. 

“Aegon…”

“Helaena, do you truly know of what lies ahead?” He inquired, wanting to know her thoughts and find camaraderie with his sister-wife.

“I- I once thought I did…” A flash of fear erupting in her lilac eyes, widening so large as she continued.

“…but now, I know much more than I ever thought.”

Aegon was confused. For he had finally realised Helaena inherited the trait of their Valyrian forefathers, but was unaware of what she meant with the words she spoke next.

“What- what do you mean by that?” 

Heaena answered his probing trail of thought, looking away from her husband, “My visions… I had seen flickers of a future lying ahead of us all,” 

“But now… I have experienced the future.” 

“You- you’re like me, Helaena.” Aegon murmured, the shock upon finding out Helaena too had lived through the same experience he had faced too much to bear. 

“We both have seen what lies ahead if we listen to these cowards on our council, and plead for peace with the cunt at Dragonstone!” He stood up, holding Helaena’s arm unintentionally in a harsh manner, as he spoke the words, eyes opening crazily in anger.

“I- I feel for Rhaenyra, but…” The Queen spoke, grief lingering at the knowledge of the casualties on Rhaenyra’s side.

“I can’t help but want her dead.” 

Aegon was shocked. 

His wife, Helaena, the sweet, if dull-minded, girl was wishing death upon someone. Not only that, but her own sister. Albeit half-sister, but nonetheless the point stands to shock Aegon still.

“She may not have wished for our children’s deaths, but she damned us all by marrying Daemon and birthing bastards!” His other half continued, an unusual anger seeping through her tone. No longer the submissive Princess, Aegon sharply noted.

“He’s a liability I admit, but the true fault lies at our beloved King,” Aegon snarked sarcastically, hatred for his sire taking centre in his mind.

“We would always be compared to Rhaenyra since the day I was born and she stole my inheritance. And she made it worse by birthing pug-nosed Strongs, whose image dulled in comparison to our Valyrian looks.”

He continues, ire towards the Blacks shining through, “Daemon is just her rabid dog, but make no mistake, she is just as much to blame!” 

“Exactly, so Aegon we must get through this-”

“I swear to you, I will. Ignoring the nonsensical voices of our mother and the other idiots on our Council, I will do whatever to make sure the future we both witnessed does not come to pass!” He interrupted Helaena’s words, divulging the plans he hoped to carry out.

Aegon watched in interest, looking at Helaena’s face in intrigue to see her response to his declaration, yet she did not open her mouth, yet he saw a response nonetheless. Her eyes lit up, gentle admiration erupting as she turned to gaze at her husband. 

“Helaena- I- I’m sorry for how I’ve treat-” He spoke, wanting to gain a response from his sister-wife after her silence, yet dually finding an urge to speak his regrets towards his wife. The woman, no girl , who he had nothing except dismissive dislike for. But now he knows Helaena is the only one truly by his side, and was affected by the atrocities soon to occur if they did not prevent it.

“No- Aegon, I understand,”

“They pushed us into this marriage for their own gain, pressuring you and I with fear of Rhaenyra’s rule,” She continued referring to their grandsire and mother, “Yet we are the ones who suffer for it. And they go against what they preached, begging for peace talks…”

“…I understand why you became that way,” Alluding to Aegon’s long bouts of alcoholism, feasts and like for whores, “But I still care for you.” 

“Still… I will never go back to those ways. I can’t ever be like our disgusting sire and uncle, and I have a duty to protect our children, and you first and foreformost.”  He pressed his hands to his chest in a stern hold, taking a deep breath before clenching his jaw to speak with anger and a desperate sense of love. 

Helaena’s eyes lit up with admiration, bringing a rare sight to Aegon’s view, making her more beautiful than a thousand whores could ever be, Aegon thought. 

“But to do so, I must leave our family…” He continued, sadness in his tone for it was clear that Aegon never wanted to leave his wife and children alone ever again.

“It’s okay,” Helaena placated, “I have faith that the Manderly’s will accept your advice and aid you well before you set off to the Starks.” 

“And we have guards now watching our every move,” She reassured, referring to the retinue of Knights and Ser Arryk dutifully guarding the children, “ Nobody can dismiss them, we will be safe.” 

“Dismiss them? What do you mean?” Aegon was confused. He was King, the highest authority in all of the Red Keep, so who would dare to remove his family’s protection.

Nobody could but…

The Lord Commander of The Kingsguard.

“That bastard,” Anger seeped through his words, slamming his hands harshly, gripping the wooden column of their tester bed. “So he removed the Royal Guards during a fucking war, just to sleep with our mother!”

“Yes- I- when I carried Haera, after… that,” Helaena whispered, “I saw them. Together.”

A sharp laugh erupted in the room, scoffing at the knowledge, “Ha, those bastards,” Continuing with a grin full of resentment, “I can only imagine what Aemond would think, his precious, loving, pious, mother fornicating with his beloved mentor!”

“Our brother- he’s a good man, this would break him.” 

“Good man, I had to shun him away immediately before he would try to slaughter all the Strongs, as if they aren’t victims at risk from Rhaenyra’s bastards too!” He acknowledged, finding Aemond’s ire to be nonsensically misplaced upon innocents, “Not to mention how he acted in Rook’s Rest-”

Anguish shone in his eyes. Aegon could not find the spirit to continue his words, so Helaena walked forth, moving away from the window, taking his hand into hers with a soft yet firm grasp.

“Aegon, I love you. I know you can save our family from the pain of war.” Admiration in her tone, Helaena diverted the conversation, bringing back the importance of the initial topic they were focused on, rather than the dysfunctional nature of their family and allies.

“I have to leave then…” Aegon’s mind was conflicted, wanting to stay within the comfort of his children, and to keep them safe.

“But the children, I can’t help but want to be near,”

“Aegon, I’ll be with them at all times, with Ser Arryk and multiple other guards protecting us!” The new Queen spoke, placating her husband with reassurances. 

“I- I believe you, I must go, but I will protect our children!”  

He leaned forward, giving Helaena a kiss on the rose-blush of her cheeks, before grabbing her into a hug. Tight and firm, lasting as if for many long moons.

Aegon stood firm, turning to leave Helaena in the comfort of their bedchambers. 

But a tap on the shoulder prevented him from so.

As he turned, he couldn’t help but glance at Helaena’s arm. Or rather, what she was holding in those arms.

Aegon’s armour. 

Aegon The First, The Conqueror. 

He took it with great care, knowing that this had been greatly effective in the battles he fought prior to this, or rather after this. 

But after gaining such a significant advantage, he finally took a stride out the doors.

Never looking back, knowing that he had to be in the forefront of war, all to save his children, and Helaena.

And to start with his plans, he now had to meet with the Manderly’s.

Chapter Text

With his armour, or rather his namesake’s, Aegon strided on forward towards the Dragonpit, where he would meet his old saviour, and dearest friend: Sunfyre.

The one who shielded him from the wrath of Aemond. The brother he may have teased, but expected that within his depths of his heart that his brother would defend him from any foes they may face together.

Yet he didn’t.

Instead Aemond was the enemy which blinded him. His arrogance and resentment, for not just Aegon, but everyone, had turned him into a shadow of his former self. A monster, murderous toward anyone, including his kin.

But Sunfyre was there to protect him. His true brother. A true comrade. 

Once shown to him as a spunky, precocious little child, witnessing the fiery toddler of a hatchling, toddling with it’s spindly legs over to Aegon, burnt-orange wings clamouring onto Aegon’s small self, clasping it’s intended into his clutches. A bond ever so strong was borne. And now as they both grew together, Sunfyre saved him.

Not only during the dreadful battle against Aemond, but in life.

It was the existence of Sunfyre that saved Aegon from fully succumbing to the plights of life and drowning even further in the drinks and whores he desired so deeply. 

Aegon may love Helaena and his children with the fury of maelstrom, but it was Sunfyre that powered him through the trauma forced upon them through the fault of their sire, and his children’s grandsire, the dreaded corpse of a man, King Viserys.

And now he would be sending Sunfyre to war, yet again. 

Praying that this time there would be no treacherous fools, nor foolhardy enemies, who decided to attack his glorious ally.

All because of his pathetic sire who foolishly and unrighteously placed his daughter as heir, all in a twisted way to be forgiven for the sins he committed against his first wife.

Only to repeat his negligence and abuse again, this time only on Alicent Hightower and the children that were borne of her Andal blood.

Blood that he didn’t love.

Blood he had only lechered upon.

And the blood he let seep through the floors of Driftmark with no retribution, for that blood of his son was tainted. Not just with a connection to Andals, but specifically the sin Aemond, and every scion of Alicent’s was guilty for was the most painful of them all in Viserys’ eyes: Being unrelated to his ‘beloved Aemma’.

This the greatest sin that could be done upon Aegon. Not his drunkenness, dislike of history of fondness for whores. But for being but a lacking shadow of Viserys’ hopes and dreams. He was a failure solely for not being his sire’s Arryn Queen’s child.

He was doomed from the start.

Not from birth.

Not from conception.

But on whatever day Viserys had decided to feast his eyes upon the child he had seen grow beside his daughter and declare her to be a woman, one who could lust freely after.

That set the pace for the untold destruction that Aegon saw lying beside him. The Realm shattered to pieces, just as his Father’s shitty Valyrian model had deserved so, which Aegon had quickly delivered on doing as one of his first orders as King.

And now Aegon was to take his first step into  culminating the stale civil war of the Blacks and Greens into true anarchy.

He could only pray to the Seven above that there would be no bloodshed to his family, only his false family and their kin. 

But now one of his kin stood in front of him.

Blindsiding Aegon from his goal of reaching his beloved Sunfyre.

Otto Hightower was in front of him.

“Grandsire,” The King was stern as he spoke, feeling anger at looking once more at the man who had abused and demeaned his figure for many a time, alongside his daughter, and forced Aegon into the position he detested so greatly.

“Aegon.” Otto did not speak any longer after his sole word, instead staring intensely at his Royal grandchild, gazing into Aegon’s eyes with a strong emotion undeterminable to him, neither speaking in response.

A silence echoed throughout the corridor, anger seeping within the King's eyes as he stood firmly in his namesake’s armour.

“What?”

Aegon’s scream bellowed in the area, reaching even the guards at the foremost outer corners of the Red Keep and the Dragonkeepers eagerly whispering in bewilderment.

“I’m on my way to gain us allies, for the war you wanted so badly! You had twenty years to gain allies, and yet it is in these upcoming days that I will be the one doing the most for our side!” He was angered. This man who had caused the uproar and division within his family and divided Westeros was doing nothing but looking at him: The fruits of his labours.

“Aegon- Calm yourself.” His figure was still indiscernible.

“Why should I? I am the King! And your fallacies, my sire’s and mine own mother’s, are the failings that I have to improve upon when you all had decades and I have mere days!” 

“I- I am not interrupting you to show ire-”

“That’s all you do-” Aegon snarked, feeling a sick and twisted irony in how the man who had slapped and demeaned him so greatly in the years prior.

“Aegon, please. I came to speak to you- to apologise.” A rare temperament was burrowed on his Grandsire’s brow, one that brought rage within Aegon. How dare he apologise after all he made Aegon suffer through?

This never-seen-before attitude continued to shock the King, “Speak then. Before I leave and actually do my duties as King, unlike my Predecessor which you cherished so much.” 

“I am proud of you. I fear I, along with your mother, may have been too harsh on you. The toil of our fears regarding Viserys’ wishes led us to push you too far, leading to a vicious cycle where you would become even worse due to our negligence… but you have truly made yourself everything we wished for and more,” Otto spoke his thoughts, spilling all his faults for his grandson to hear, “A good son, good king, and a good father.”

Finally Aegon had gotten the recognition he craved so desperately.

“Much more than I ever thought capable of a scion of Viserys. As much as I loved him, his failings were undeniable, and I curse the day I ever allowed him to entertain the idea that he could romance my daughter!” Guilt was on the entrails of Otto Hightower’s tongue, with Aegon being reminded of his first memory of his mother.

A frail little girl, frazzled with anxiety.

One child in her lap, and many more toddling after her. Alone and abandoned by the one her father had assumed to be a great friend, one whom would be a courteous man.

Only to be the contrary.

“I understand you now see me, but I do not care.” Unresisting to these sweet words, Aegon couldn’t help but find glee in admitting so.

A resigned look was upon Otto Hightower’s figure, brown doe eyes furrowed in an abashed but forbearing shame.

“Grandsire, I do not care for your thoughts on me.” There was no love within his tone. “You are not some familial connection I hold any affection for, but I will respect you only as My Hand. And through this position, you are my inferior, thus I have orders for you to follow.”

Otto Hightower was perhaps reluctant to secede his grandchild’s commands, but it didn’t show on his figure as he nodded in motion as Aegon spoke.

“You will take Ser Criston and Ser Arryk to capture the dreaded White Worm, discreetly, and take any more of Daemon’s lackeys in the Gold Cloaks and permanently render those bastards useless.”

“I see- you understand that is the true enemy. The true evil we know is behind Rhaenyra and her reign.” The Grandsire of the King responded, giving an insight on what drove him to such harsh measures all his life, other than his own greed.

Aegon affirmed this trail of thought, “Rhaenyra is an arrogant cunt, but harmless on her own. But Daemon, the man who bounced her on her knee only to seduce her years later is the malicious force on her side.” 

“Aegon-”

“But regardless, Otto, you will do your duty, and so will I. Leave me be as I take my flight on Dragonback to treat with the Northern Nobles.”

Otto was complacent, seeming ready to heed to his grandson’s authoritative words.

“And so I don’t want your false platitudes and promises, I want you to be my second-in-command, the diplomatic side to the Throne, and cater to the Smallfolk and Nobles alike.” 

The Hightower man then turned back, leaving in the direction Aegon had came from, following behind the entrails of guards at the forefront, having discreetly attempted to listen to the conversation.

And now Aegon was drawing closer to his beauty of a dragon. The most glorious golden beast to ever exist in all of Planetos’ history, beating his elder sister’s dull fat lump of a yellow dragon.

A Dragonkeeper, the second son of some distant Celtigar Lord greeted Aegon, holding his spiry spear firm as he spoke, “Greetings my King.” Saying his words in Valyrian, as befitting of any man working in the Dragon Pit, especially as Aegon knew that this man, from his boyhood in the Red Keep, was infatuated with Valyrian ancestry, despite the little infested within his blood, and thus joined the Order of the Dragonkeepers.

And there laid Sunfyre before his eyes.

“Good, good. Sunfyre, come forward.” Aegon beckoned, as his bonded dragon came forth,

He walked on over, before nuzzling Aegon with his yellowed snout, purring in the meanwhile.

“We are going to fly, my golden boy. I will keep you, my greatest protector safe from harm, but we still have to leave.”

Sunfyre preened yet it was not in excitement, but rather strong annoyance at leaving Dreamfyre, his partial namesake and dear friend, alone.

“Come on sweet boy, Sunfyre we have to protect our family. Your babes Shrykos and Morghul, and mine own babes Jaehaera and Jaehaerys will be in danger if we don’t act.”

With this knowledge, Aegon saw it evident in Sunfyre’s eyes that he understood. As he turned his head closer toward Aegon, nestling it within the hand his bonded was stroking him with.

At this clear sign of acceptance, Aegon tumbled onto Sunfyre, grasping at his saddle’s handles and they took to the sky. 

The blues of the atmosphere coaxed the duo within, and Sunfyre’s golden scales shimmered as they flew off.

On their way to meet the Manderlys. 

Praying that the Northerners aligned with the Seven to tempt the devout oath-followed to go against Rhaenyra. 

As he swept over White Harbour, Aegon couldn’t help but notice shock screams blaring in the air and people ran around in circles in great fear.

“Calm, my subjects. I am here in the name of peace!” Aegon declared as he swivelled around and parked Sunfyre into a now vacant area, as if he was a carriage. 

It was clear as the Manderly’s cityfolk had vacated, that nobles were coming closer to where Aegon had landed. 

“Prince Aegon, what is it you are here for?” A rugged elder man spoke.

“Ah you must be Desmond Manderly, I have heard many great things from my Council about you. I am here because my father, the King, has passed away, and he declared me heir on his deathbed.” 

“My thanks, my Prince, but what about the Princess Rhaenyra-”

“King Viserys knew the Realm could not handle my brutish Uncle Daemon so he elected Rhaenyra as heir, but with my birth, her declaration as heir goes against all law and precedent, but my mother and father still had faith in Rhaenyra, even as her being heir was untoward.” 

Aegon then continued, hoping that the mention of his sister’s acts against her virtue and the order of society would turn a Godly man against her, “But she had birthed numerous bastards, shunned many important nobles, such as yourself, and now she has married the man she was meant to protect against, and when my father saw her for the first time after this unsanctioned marriage, he knew for certain that she couldn’t reign.” 

“So you are King now?” Lord Desmond spoke.

“Yes but I fear my sister, upon the pressure of Prince Daemon, will wish to unrighteously cleave her way to the throne- He had already murdered Lord Vaemond Velaryon in her name, I can imagine he is willing to do much worse.” 

“Lord Vaemond- The shipwright? Lord Corlys’ brother?” It seemed that the Manderly’s had worked with Lord Vaemond with export, as he was in charge of Spicetown, which was a hotspot for Free Cities’ product and Essosi spices and lace.

“Oh you must know him from your great expertise in trading! It was such a terrible shame, how mine own uncle could butcher his children’s own relative, but given how he laughed at his wife Laena’s funeral, perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised.” 

The disrespectful acts of Daemon went against any person’s unvirtuous expectations of their liege-lord and future ruler’s, not only to a man devoted to the Seven, but people of Westeros in general, especially as Prince Daemon was meant to be the King-Consort of Rhaenyra, the true power to her Throne in most people’s eyes. 

“So this is why you are here for me- not to respect the Lords under you, but to force us to swear fealty as you decry your enemies?” With the words of Lord Manderly, Aegon had begun to fear that he was not going through the right route of gaining allegiance, with his remarks towards Daemon appearing slanderous.

“No- no, Lord Desmond, I know you understand the right of ways, after all your heir Ser Medrick is your second child, with a daughter being his elder. And the Manderly’s as a House have been disrespected far too long, beginning with the unrighteous thievery of the Peakes, taking your land and driving you out of the Reach. The reason I am here is that your House respects both the Seven and is knowledgeable of both the customs I follow, but the ways of the North, so how could I not come for yourself for instruction and aid!”

“And what will you offer me and my House?”

“Lord Manderly, if you swear allegiance to my cause and teach me Northern customs to treat with the Starks, then I vow to you that I will return Dunstonbury to the Manderlys, along with the other castles of the Peakes as further reward.” Aegon was hopeful, praying in his eyes that surely this would be enough to sway the Manderlys to his side.

He continued further, turning to sympathy for Aegon’s family, and also decided to speak with high regard toward the Lord’s own house. “Your second son, Ser Torrhen, from your second wife, won’t wish for much, as my siblings had to with my father biased to his Arryn wife’s line, if he is given back the land of your glorious ancestors, creating a branch house of the Manderlys from where you derived from.” 

“You seem greatly knowledgeable of my House and mine own history, and giving us back the land the Peakes stole is a great gift. However you must heed my words as I fear that the Starks may not take your words well, for oaths are greatly important to them, and they swore to follow Princess Rhaenyra.” Lord Desmond Manderly had clearly accepted Aegon’s offer, yet was fearful of his Liege Lord’s wrath.

“My thanks for your advice, but what good is the word of an oath when sworn to one treacherous person who breaks their own oaths and duties to their people?”

“Your flowery words of diplomacy may sway Lord Cregan, I should not have doubted you, but Starks take their oaths and follow through, so there is still chance of Cregan Stark seceding to the Blacks.”

Aegon heeded Lord Desmond’s words, yet had great hope that he could sway the young Stark to his side.

After treating further with the Manderly’s, and meeting Lord Desmond’s two sons, Aegon took his leave, riding on his beloved dragon Sunfyre as he went forth in the direction of Winterfell.

He immediately saw a stern, cold-hearted figure staring above at Sunfyre as Aegon retreated into a safe space of land.

“Prince Aegon, why are you here uninvited?”

“My father, King Viserys has died. I am King now, as he declared me heir on his deathbed-”

“You think I will support you? You forget yourself, my House swore oaths to Princess Rhaenyra and we do not forget them, unlike some.” 

“What is an oath, when the one you’ve sworn to betrays their own oaths? Your family swore to Rhaenyra when she was but a girl-child, before I was born, and she was placed as heir to supplant Daemon’s brutal ways. But after my birth, your vows were never reiterated, and Rhaenyra began to falter, breeding bastards and supplanting them into trueborn lines, and marrying the man she was meant to deter against!”

“Don’t try to sway me to your side with slander-” It seemed as though it was impossible to sway Cregan to Aegon’s side.

“What slander? The truth, I myself, along with many of my siblings witnessed Rhaenyra’s debauchery, with the true reason my brother Daeron was forced out of Kingslanding at the age of five was because he saw her with Ser Harwin, desecrating the Godswood with their rendezvous!”

“The Godswood?-” The sacrilegious action of Rhaenyra seemed to turn the young Lord’s favour onto Aegon’s side, despite it being a lie, with how frequent Rhaenyra was in birthing bastards, it could very well be partially truthful, Aegon thought.

“Not to mention at her ‘beloved cousin’ Laena’s funeral, I saw her fornicating with our Uncle Daemon the very same night! On the beach Laena’s gravestone was taken into the Sea!” 

Their was a disconcerting look within Cregan’s grey eyes that was unrecognisable to Aegon, “I- I cannot fail in my family’s oath, just after a few words, but I will take this into consideration. But the Blacks have Caraxes and Meleys, so what can you offer me to join your side and betray my families’ oath?”

“The Starks- The North as a whole has been neglected by the Crown for far too long. The only memorable moment in recent times was Queen Alysanne’s New Gift, which is detrimental in spite of it’s initial idea. The Starks are a great House that deserve respect, thus I offer the hand of a Targaryen Princess to your son, let’s call this the Pact of Ice and Fire.” Aegon declared, using the knowledge he had received from Lord Desmond Manderly in his diplomatic talks.

Aegon saw that regardless of his personal beliefs, any man would falter in their ways for success and to further their personal ambitions.

“My son- Rickon, he is sickly since his mother birthed him much too early-”

“Lord Cregan, even if you don’t accept my terms, I would be willing to lend Maester Orwyle, who greatly saved my father’s life for many years, and if you would accept, then I would like to have your heir as squire to Prince Aemond and be treated at Kingslanding, with the weather healing him from the harsh winters upcoming in the North, and my future daughter joining him as a ward in Winterfell as he improves in the years.”

Admiration and appreciation shone in Cregan’s firm figure and he strided closer to shake Aegon’s hand.

“If you can help my son, I will strongly appreciate this, but with the likelihood of an upcoming war- I fear how I can leave him in Kingslanding.”

“I can take him at the present but Daemon may cause bloodshed, as he did to his children’s Uncle Vaemond Velaryon, so even with my children’s dragons beside your son, and my Queen’s Dreamfyre, it is understandable why you would want to wait.” 

“I have hope to end the war in just a few months, and if so occurs, then I can have Prince Aemond retreat in the Riverlands, as a meeting point, and take young Rickon to Kingslanding in peacetime.” 

As Aegon and Lord Stark ended their negotiations of terms, and drafted up the Pact of Ice and Fire, Aegon couldn’t help but feel a great sense of relief, knowing that he had gained a great ally on his side. 

But he felt that this diplomacy wasn’t even greatly needed, if his plans to capture Rhaenyra would work and prevent the war from becoming a monumental mess amongst the whole of Westeros.

It is still a great boon, to gain the North on his side, if Rhaenyra lives on to usurp his throne, but the King could only pray that this precaution of gaining allies would not be needed, if he ended her life quickly.

If Rhaenyra dies, all will be fine.

Chapter Text

It was hard.

Time was a torturing torment.

It was painful to wait for Aegon.

Knowing all that would lie ahead.

Helaena couldn’t help but smother herself within the confines of her blankets, reminiscent of the deep depressive state she fell into, triggered by the anguish she felt upon the dreaded day her son was murdered. 

But Helaena knew for certain that she must leave this slumber of pain she was stuck inside.

For how could she sit and watch her children’s fate, and Aegon’s, come to fruition while she selfishly succumbed herself to the torment of knowing the future and being smothered with guilt, while doing nothing to prevent it from occurring.

But she wasn’t alone.

Aegon was with her.

No more would Helaena be stuck witnessing flurries of indiscernible destruction.

No more hard to contemplate flickers of the future. Ones that she was unable to stop.

No longer was she tormented by what could be, but now was aware of what had been. 

Alongside Aegon, the father of her butchered son. 

Now they could work to prevent this. 

But the waiting time in which Helaena had to stay enclosed as Aegon dealt with the Stark lordling was a tremendous blow to her mental wellbeing, for she knew the longer she waited, the more likely it was that she would repeat her past, becoming unable to move as a result of grief for what had not happened.

Luckily witnessing the smiles upon her dearly beloved children helped her overcome the pain she was yet to endure, and the hope that came with the fact she was with child was also a driving force for Helaena to circumvent her womanly emotions and become a force to be reckoned with.

Her maidservant Leora scrambled over with the announcement that  Helaena’s husband, King Aegon had arrived back to Kingslanding, perching Sunfyre in the Dragonpit, both alleged to look fairly well, with no signs of discomfort or hurt on their figures.

She immediately gathered their living children, taking them from their shared room of residence. Jaehaerys was quickly swept into her arms, while Helaena held tightly onto Jaehaera’s hand.

A strong yet soft force, one with deep admiration and love for the girl who was once her only companion in the past. Together in shared grief they mourned and loved for the lost soul of Jaehaerys, while Aegon was solemn, not willing to speak his emotions to his family, instead running off to battle in the upcoming war to get vengeance for the great misjustice laid upon their family.

Not to even make mention of Aemond, and Helaena’s mother.

For all her faults, that which there were many, it was undeniable that Alicent tried to help Helaena, even if she was an unsuccessful balm to her pain. Yet the Dowager Queen was rather just a reminder of that dreadful night for her daughter, especially as she continued in her pursuit for Ser Criston.

Her true comrade in this past venture was Jaehaera, but nothing could heal the torment seeping through Helaena after losing her firstborn child.

“Mother, where are we going? I was having fun playing with Sunny and Dreamfyre!” He lamented as she lost herself in thoughts; the young boy saddened at leaving their dragon figurines behind was gazing up to Helaena with a pleading whiny face, one that she loved so deeply, attempting to persuade his mother to talk.

Helaena answered her precocious boy with a grin, uplifting the ever-so impatient twins with the announcement that their father had arrived, back to their glorious home and ready to see his beloveds again.

“Dearest children, your father is back, it’s likely his made his peace with a treaty, but I won’t worry your little ears with that…” The Queen trailed off, finding glee at Aegon’s likely surely positive venture, yet unwilling to tarnish the innocence of her children.

“…Most importantly, he’ll be ready to take you both on dragonback as promised! Since you were very good in the past hours!” She jubilantly spoke, ready for her children to experience only joyous events, never to face saddened grief the likes of which Jaehaera did in the past Helaena and both Aegon had foreseen.

As they all trailed away from the Heir’s Chambers, Helaena kept Jaehaerys swaddled in her hold, reminiscent of how she had held Jaehaera, while abandoning Jaehaerys to be brutalised.

She could never forgive herself for that.

Even if it was never to occur.

These thoughts kept her mind addled, yet she was still able to reach the Dragonpit safely without succumbing to her disorientated state, aided by Ser Arryk.

“Father!” Jaehaera ran from the confines of Helaena’s hold, releasing her hand and rushing towards her father’s frame with an ambitious sense of childish glee as she saw him atop Sunfyre, stroking her gold scales, with purring chirps arising in the meanwhile. 

“You promised to take me on dragonback!” She spoke as if an arrogant child, befitting more of Rhaenyra and her ill-begotten ilk, yet Helaena saw the intense worry flickering in her daughter’s eyes as she looked at both Aegon and Sunfyre, scanning for injuries as Aegon leapt off his golden bonded and took her into a lofty hug, full of unwavering affection.

“Ah, ah, ah, I promised you and your brother! And only if you were good children for your mother!” 

Aegon remembered his vow, making Helaena glad for he appreciated this miniscule promise, even as the memories of the future were right to be at the forefront of his mind rather than a half-hearted sentence to his children.

Yet this wasn’t any half-hearted comment. 

Helaena now knew for certain that Aegon had changed. While she had a semblance of realisation that her brother was deeply affected by the loss in their lives, it was only in the past days, in which they had been taken back to the day of their coronation, that Helaena had saw for fact that he was not only drawn into battle because Rhaenyra butchered his heir, but rather because Rhaenyra had stolen the life of his child. A small change in wording that meant many a difference to Helaena’s heart.

Jaehaerys slithered out of Helaena’s hold, joining his sister in their bombardment of Aegon, “We were! I promise, right mother?” Turning his lilac gaze to Helaena in yet another pleading stare, contrasting with his soft mannerisms, showing just how devious her little boy is. Or was.

Helaena saw Aegon overcome with love as he gazed at Jaehaerys, taking a moment to reflect upon how important family was before everything, including beating Rhaenyra through war efforts.

But as the children began to ramble about their good deeds, preaching their multitude of stories on duty and respect, Helaena couldn’t help but cross eyes with Aegon.

They looked at each other for a short while, albeit the time dragged on seemingly for decades from the moment their lilac doe eyes clashed. So many words untold were spoken within their gaze, especially as previously their last meeting of great significance, before returning to the past, was one of silence. Staring face to face upon the steps of the Red Keep, unable to comfort one another.

But Helaena knew that this silence between them must end. They were fully capable of speaking before Aegon left for the North, although that initially occurred while her brother-husband was unaware that she too had experienced the tumultuous past. Yet she had hope that if they were so easily capable of speaking just mere days ago, then this barrier would be easy to overcome.

If not, then their relationship would falter even further, and she knew their relationship could not buckle at it’s core, for that would break the foundations the Greens were to build upon after the Dance would hopefully end.

And so she took her first step forward to cease this hollow moment and spoke to her husband.

“Aegon, our children were very obedient!” A smile erupted on the twins as Helaena spoke for it meant they had fulfilled their vow and were likely to be rewarded. The King now turned his gaze away from his sister-wife to stare at the children.

“Oh were they?” Aegon raised his brow with intrigue, speaking in a bemused teasing manner.

“Let them fly on Sunfyre as you promised!” The Queen cajoled, “Why don’t you let the maids change the children into their dragon-riding leathers… and we can talk.” Pausing as she laid her intent to have a separate discussion, away from any lingering ears.

“Yes, I have words to speak of, and something more…” Aegon trailed off, making Helaena confused as to what possible deviances could have occured from the plans during their Small Council talks.

“I see-” She murmured, before turning towards the twins, “Kids! Stay close with the maids and Ser Arryk, ok? Leora and Elys will get you fitted into proper attire, and then daddy will fly with you both!” Helaena got the rambunctious children even more riled up, squealing in excitement as Helaena silently beckoned Ser Arryk over. 

The aforementioned man having stood just a slight bit too far from the Targaryens, breaking the protocol expected for a Kingsguard member. 

However he had a valid reason, for it was unprohibited for people unfamiliar with the dragons to get close and thus only the Targaryen household were to be present, with Dragonkeepers, known to the dragons through their maintenance of the dragonpit, ready to sheath their swords at any moment as pseudo-Kingsguards members in place of the true Knights.

“Okay!” Their firstborn squealed, before turning to his sister in glee, “Haera lets go!”

And now they were alone.

With only the uninterested Dragonkeepers, dealing with Sunfyre’s chirrups and squeals toward Dreamfyre, and themselves.

Husband and wife.

Brother and sister.

Trailing side-by-side in interrupted silence, the Targaryen spouses wandered through the Red Keep, making a haste pace to the King and Queen’s chambers.

“Aegon.” She was soft in tone with the whisper she spoke as they entered through the intimidatingly large doors of their room.

“Helaena, I have news- but I also have something to show you.” His words confused her, for she knew that he had obligations to fulfil on his travels to the North, yet Helaena’s mind was filled to the brim with uncertainty as to what Aegon was wanting to reveal.

“I know your treat to the North is more important, yet I can’t help but wish to see what it is you have for me.” 

“The news you have been awaiting regarding the Starks is simply that our plans have fallen into fruition. Cregan Stark had joined our side, with a Targaryen Princess due to marry his heir, following the Pact of Ice and Fire.” While Aegon claimed this to be simple, Helaena felt this was much more convoluted, especially as she knew the babe she was carrying was a boy and that her dreams were darkened, never reaching a point to which she lived to have another child.

“Is that all?” Helaena queried, knowing that Winterfell was not the only stop on Aegon’s journey.

“Oh well… I did treat with the Manderlys, and I remembered the tales those wiry old bats, like Septon Maryn, droned into my head as a child which helped greatly for I recognised the Manderlys for being previous lords to the Reach, before the Peakes got their hands on them-”

“Fallen death, foxes with pikes, orange sets the green to lie.” 

Helaena interrupted him, for she was now entrapped, visions of confusing flashes shining in her mind.

But Aegon was there to help. She was no longer alone.

“Helaena? A dream- what caused this?” Aegon awoke her with a softened worry, shaking her out of this trance, the whispered words of his wife sending him into an angered temperament.

She was confused, for she thought all her muddy visions had ceased, “I- I don’t know, but I know for certain that we cannot trust the Peakes.”

“Well you’ll be gladdened at my vow to gift the Manderlys the land of those wretched people!” He joked, yet there was a storm within him, for he too, had a sense of lurking knowledge regarding the nastiness of the Peakes. Flashes of silver hair in bloodied clusters, mixed with the smirking glee on an older man, alike to their Grandsire yet with an underlying cruelty.

Helaena couldn’t help but throw her arms over Aegon, holding him with a strong love and appreciation.

Her hands grew closer, caressing his silver locks as she whispered toward his ear, “Thank you.”  

Aegon blushed, faltering at Helaena’s soft touch, jumping in bewilderment.

The Targaryen Queen was ashamed.

For what reason did Aegon have to be so disgusted at her attempting to show admiration and comfort for him? 

“Ah- ah, I just remembered!” He stammered, suddenly shifting sheepishly, turning left and right, as if he was embarrassed by Helaena’s kind caresses. 

Aegon took the hand he once held at her waist, scrambling at the leather bag at his side, “There it is!” 

A glistening gleam was within his hands, as it came closer to her eyesight, Helaena knew for certain the Aegon was a changed man.

Never before had he gifted her anything of great importance. 

“I got you this necklace! As I left Winterfell, I went back to Manderly’s White Harbour… and the tales of their glorious markets were true! For I saw this necklace and knew that this was meant for you.” He rambled on, eyes locked on the blue gemstone in the centre of the necklace, an exact match for Dreamfyre’s pearly scales.

So this was what he ever so desperately needed to show her. 

“You- you really care.” Shock was within her tone. This was the final edge to her realising that Aegon cared, not only for winning the war or towards the children, but he cared for her. 

She grabbed him once more, enclosing Aegon in her grasp, never to escape from her clutches of admiration, as he did so before in embarrassment.

He was befuddled with confusion at her rare touch, for never once had Helaena ever been comfortable with touching another, not even their own mother, with the exception only being her adorables babes.

“Helaena-”

She swatted his arm, “Hush Aegon, let me love you.”

“Love?” He was full of flustered bewilderment, looking up to her as if he was one of the doe-eyed woodland creatures she saw on her treks to the Kingswood.

She spoke a truth that was held close to her heart, never spoken aloud to anyone other than her frail creature-friends, “Love. we are husband and wife, and I love you.” 

“Really?” Aegon held her gaze, eyes open wide while absently resting his hands on Helaena’s frame, bringing their tight grasp even closer.

“Yes, how could I not?” As she uttered these words, her hands trailed his armour, clicking her nails against it’s valyrian metal in an idle manner, yet sensual all the same. She got more greedy, authoritative and filled with a sensation she did not how to describe, however Aegon was not deterred by her actions.

As she did so, Aegon swiftly removed his hands from Helaena’s waist, leaving her with a small sense of bashful humiliation. However this was quickly combatted as it was clear he was not removing himself from her touch not out of disgust, but rather to remove his armour.

And so he laid his hefty armour down, lowering himself below Helaena’s sight, as he delicately kneeled down to drop the armour down beside his leather pouch.

A rush of cravings came within Helaena at full force, overpowering her with the intensity encasing her spirit as she saw Aegon undress ever so slowly in a delicate manner.

His eyes looked above to Helaena and she saw his gaze drift upwards of her body, appreciating the gown she decided to don today, having a feeling that Aegon was likely to arrive and thus decided to wear a rather risqué gown with low cleavage and a bodice fitted tightly with a golden dragon embroidered on the clutches of her waist, in honour of Aegon’s beloved bonded.

Aegon’s stare was at her cleavage, making Helaena smirk at the return of his raunchy attitude now turned toward her. Yet his look then shifted toward her midriff and the semblance of Sunfyre latched onto her silken gown.

“You- this- Sunfyre? You really had a dress made with his look?” He stopped his lusty gaze for but a moment, questioning Helaena with a tear gleaming in his eye. 

“Of course! He means the most to both Dreamfyre and you-”

“No.” Her brother seemed apprehensive as uttered this sole word, yet firm in his declaration all the same.

Helaena was confused.

Everyone within the Realm knew of Aegon’s appreciation for Sunfyre, from the North to Dorne all people knew of their bond. Even possibly a few men in Essos surely must know.

“You are what is dearest to me.” A strange look was within his softened eyes, for he was acting extremely vulnerable, a way he had never willingly showed to Helaena.

Aegon lifted himself up reaching Helaena immediately with his strong arms, which took her into his powerful yet loving hold, as she squeaked with shock at his words, face turning flush with discomposure.

He was restless with energy, his hands manoeuvring her into a tight grasp, yet Helaena herself was strong, having gained strength through riding Dreamfyre for many days on end, and she overtook his authority, tumbling them both atop the bed just behind them.

Aegon however brushed this off with a smirk and propped himself up, reaching up to Helaena’s lips in a seductive kiss. 

His hands reached her with a curious need, groping at her breasts with a relentless force, one unlike she had ever felt before with him. 

They lingered in this semblance of seductive comfort with Helaena overwhelmed with the emotions seeping from her heart, ready to tumble together in the thralls of lust, and love, with Aegon.

But the moment of vulnerability may have been too much for her brother to bare.

A tear came through Aegon’s eye, as they flurried through this intense encounter, one that Helaena understood heavily, for she too was overcome with the hefty duty of saving their family.

This was a moment of love, how could he be so sad?

“Aegon, I understand your pain, but we are here together and those plans of yours have gone to fruition. You need not worry more, lets keep this time we have together for love- no more pain.” Helaena divulged, soft and pleading for her husband to no longer succumb to the dark thoughts of the future, but rather submit to passion.

“I- will- it’s just when Jaehaerys was born, I was enthralled with whores- when he died, I was with my companions heading to Fleabottom-” He turned away from her, eyes flooding further with weeping tears. 

Helaena now knew his reasoning for acting so solemn, discovering Aegon’s guilty composure to be at the forefront for causing his tears.

“He lives now, Aegon.” She stressed, knowing within her heart that all was fine, and would be fine for she had deep trust that her husband could fix all the tragedy that happened in their former lives. “You don’t have to fear.” 

Helaena embraced his silver hair, while Aegon took charge with lust, twisting their bodies within the sheets below them. 

He trailed her body with his hands, moving downwards as he went, until his hands trailed her thighs.

Helaena felt him hike up her gown’s length, throwing it up to her midriff in a delicate, yet seductive manner. His breath was hot on her thigh with a tingle emerging from Helaena’s parts as Aegon’s face grew closer to her cunt. 

He littered a series of kisses on her lower frame, bringing her to a sense of near completion, only felt by her once; not with the awkward fumbling of their wedding night, but rather a night a few moons after, in which their twins were conceived, in a night of passion.

She couldn’t help but release a soft moan, slowly gaining a louder tone as Aegon’s claim to her body took a firmer stance. No longer tender, but shifting to a harsh intensity. 

He whispered an indiscernible series of murmurs, ones that left a gush of soft breath on her body once more, yet left Helaena above, questioning what he had spoken.

However her confusion did not last long, for Aegon began to distract Helaena with his fingers caressing her most sensitive point. Her body betrayed her heart, wanting to release herself from the feeling in her chest, forgetting of the series of queries his unclear words brought her.

She stayed hot and fiery as Aegon began trailing the curvature of her thighs once more with his left hand, while his right stayed dedicated to her bare centre, brushing his calloused hands against her with an experienced touch, turning Helaena into lesser of an amateur.

He coveted her slit with a delirious lust, no longer solely circling her lower half, but rather entering the confines of her entrance, teasing Helaena with the touch she felt from the pad of his finger swirling in bemused experience.

“Aegon-!” She gripped his tangled hair, no longer embracing his locks in lust, but rather in a feisty temperament as Aegon’s efforts became too much for her inexperienced self to bare.

He climbed up above her, finger still within her crevices, and whispered beside her throat with a breathy grin, “We are just getting started.” 

Before he was to return to Helaena’s lower half, Aegon held her face with a tender hold, contrasting heavily with his next move, leaving her with a series of kisses on her throat, getting greedy with power as he continued further.

She jolted at the feeling of hardness that moved itself down her as Aegon trailed down, causing a smirk to emerge on his face, one countered by Helaena breathing a small laugh at her audacity. 

A gasp erupted from Helaena, as another finger joined Aegon in his ventures to bring her to release and he rubbed her mound with a passion ever so strong and seductive. She screamed as her womanhood reached it’s peak, whimpering with a loud moan.

However she quickly became disappointed, as the feeling of something within her dwindled. Aegon’s deft fingers left her depth, and she now felt hollow inside.

He left her immediately upon completion, however Helaena couldn’t help but be frustrated.

He came up to face her, glee in his eyes as he crawled up towards her “Look who’s wet?” 

Aegon held his right hand, leaving Helaena to witness to the fruits of his labour; her own release amongst his fingers. 

“Aegon- let me get you to release, as you had once done to me.” Helaena couldn’t help but plead, feeling a sense of admiration towards her brother, and a need to return the favour, but most importantly she had a strong want to perform an act of love toward him. 

“No- no, this time is all for you!” Aegon pleaded, making Helaena feel even more grateful for her brother, “I have taken my position as your husband for granted and abandoned you, so allow me to dedicate my love and soul to you, in everything, including our pursuits in the bedroom.” 

As she relented, nodding appreciatively with a reddened blush, Aegon ran his fingers on her arms, intoxicating Helaena with his touch.

She saw him lift his body up, loosened undertunic making his muscular frame visible for Helaena to see and long to touch, as he now began to undo the laces of his trousers. 

He lowered himself into position above her, holding his hardened cock in hand before sliding it into her wet entrance with a deep moan; one which made Helaena flush with a pulsing feeling of sexual desire, only exacerbated by his touch. 

He exited for but a moment, leaving Helaena to revel in the feeling of his cock rubbing against her slit in a dizzying tease.

She was consumed with desire, which was aptly tempered by Aegon performing so passionately with a thrust inside her, one that began slowly but surely started to rise in speed, as Helaena urged for more haste with pleasurable screams and nails digging into his muscled forearms.

Aegon kept a steady rhythm, breaking out in grunts in the meanwhile as Helaena raked her nails upwards, only to then bring her hands over to Aegon’s hair, tugging on it furiously in lust, “Gods-!”

Helaena noticed his reaction and responded accordingly, gripping his locks further as their hips grinded together in unison, her crying out in an animalistic furiosity, while he grunted in retaliation to her out-of-character harsh, yet delectable, touches.

“You don’t even know what you do to me-!” Aegon exclaimed, as Helaena felt him push deeper within her, as he set a faster pace.

She felt herself soon to peak, with Aegon buried himself into her body, entwining them together as one.

“Aegon-!” She roared, pulling his hair with such a strong force that his face grew closer to her own. 

Their lips were inches apart as she reached closer to completion, with Helaena breathing in Aegon’s air, a musky masculine scent emerging, creating an atmosphere of strong sexual tension and intense arousal.

“Helaena- I’m going to-!”

Aegon was interrupted in his loud shout as Helaena beat him to release; screaming as the fire pooling inside her pulsed out in ripples.

However, her husband quickly followed suit, tensing up above her, before jerking with a stuttered pause, surging toward her in a breathy grunt which quickly enclosed her lips in his grasp, locking their tongues together in a lustful hold.

They both were silent for a moment, with Aegon slowly removing himself off Helaena’s frame.

Yet that silence, only broken by breathy pauses, quickly ended as Helaena decided to end this quiet moment.

“Seven Hells! I forgot how fun this could be!” She was incredulous, falling to giggles as Aegon turned beside her, caressing her hand.

He turned toward her with a hearty grin, bellowing at Helaena’s rare showcase of happy emotions, “And now you see why I like brothels so much!” 

She gave him a half-hearted stern look in response, a fake anger as she knew for certain that Aegon was in love with her, for his actions proved so.

“Ah- Helaena! I meant used to like!” He babbled, quickly turning his laughter to embarrassment, “I swear I will be devoted to you, for as long as I live!”

Helaena laughed once more, seeing the embarrassment on Aegon’s face as he realised she was joking, yet as she did so, she couldn’t help but feel liquid pouring from her legs.

“Aegon! You released inside of me! You’re lucky I’m already with child or else I’d be angry that you stuck your seed in me!” The Queen lamented in a whine, feeling ire at her sibling’s action, “I feel filthy now!” 

He moved away from Helaena’s, crawling down to her legs, with an unnerving glee that gave her a great sense of confusion.

“Well, I’ll just have to fix that!” 

And so he lowered himself to Helaena’s thighs, seeing the seed she felt splattered on her body. 

“What are you doing?”

“Let me show you a little trick I learned in my many trips to Fleabottom!” Aegon retorted in response before pausing rapidly in motion, flailing his hands as he realised how badly Helaena could take his words, “But I promise I won’t ever go back to whores!” 

She just giggled once more at the pleading words he spoke, urging him to continue, and thus Aegon heeded her orders.

She felt him lick his own seed, his tongue trailing the entrails of her thighs, and reaching closer to her entrance, “Ah-!” 

Helaena continued to moan, desperation in her tone, as Aegon circled her lower half, greedily taking in all of his own spend.

It was the purest form of ecstasy; Aegon’s own touch was addictive, greater than any form of substance in all of Westeros. 

He enthralled her with his actions, with her cunt pulsing with desire, even more so as he lapped her with his tongue.

“Aeg-!” He brought her to release, once more, a man much greater than any husband the Ladies of the Realm assumed a man of his position to be, for he was not greedy but rather an attentive partner, wanting to bring Helaena passion.

“See! I’m not so bad, right?” He joked, poking his head upwards as Helaena’s release ended, only to have her swat him in a half-annoyed manner.

She batted his arm further, “You idiot!” 

“Would an idiot would get you to release three times?” He interjected jokingly.

“Urgh! Why do I even love you?” Helaena bantered back, as Aegon brought himself upwards to her face, deciding to trail her with kisses in response.

“I have no idea… but you do!” He cajoled, bringing himself and Helaena into each other’s thralls, embracing one another with a hug, as she silenced his idiocy with a kiss.

They stayed together for a moment, lingering in the tangled sheets of their bed. 

Aegon corralled himself closer with her grasp, surrendering himself to Helaena firm’s hold.

The King and Queen together, a loving couple unlike ever before.

From unwilling children, to siblings who grew to love each other through all the hardships they experienced.

But now they could prevent many of these traumatic events from ever occurring.

And relish in the love they had for one another.

Chapter Text

Flying on dragonback was a great delight for Helaena, never could she forget how incredible it was to be within the skies with her darling Dreamfyre, watching the sights while feeling peace, all away from the dreadful politicking of life.

But visions occurred to the Queen in a hazy light, from childhood up to now, and in these mentioned dreams, she had a glimpse of the depression she’d face in another life, too depressed to even ride. All if Aegon was not here to prevent such things.

Yet he was.

And for that, Jaehaerys remained. 

Which would always bring a light to Helaena’s life. Never will she have to experience the terror her mind has been inflicted with since she was but a babe crying at her mother’s chest. For this, Helaena would always be grateful, yet the fear of what could come still mustered within her body, but the hope that Aegon could change everything still remained. 

She just had to place her faith in him; her husband, her brother.

Yet also in herself.

Helaena was to be no combatant, not like her siblings, but regardless she knew that she had a duty to partake in the war efforts, gaining allies for the rightful side to rule; but most importantly, to keep Daemon away from the crown.

And so she took ahold of the reins of Dreamfyre’s saddle, flying throughout the Westerosi air. 

Immediately she reminisced on one of the saddest moments of her life, the realisation that one of the moments she believed to be a rare showcase of love was instead a lazy disregard for her. 

Years upon years later upon claiming Dreamfyre, Helaena had decided to read to her father, bringing his grandchildren alongside, and amidst this quiet time, Viserys offhandedly uttered words which broke Helaena’s heart into shattered pieces.

As she spoke of the stories of Targaryen dragons, flying altogether in ceremonious fashion, united as one against others, her Kingly father decided to speak. Telling his grandchildren that the dragon-riding leathers he had gifted their mother as to celebrate her claiming of Dreamfyre were simply just the outgrown fabrics of Rhaenyra Targaryen; his favoured daughter.

This little comment which was barely a mention in Viserys’ mind was in actuality a breaking point for Helaena. After all, for little Helaena of 12 years, knowing that father had gifted her something was the only thing bringing her joy, feeling as though she wasn’t just a neglected child of his as pessimistic, or rather realistic, Aegon would declare himself and his younger siblings, yet know she knew that Aegon had the right of it.

And Helaena had finally realised it was true, but a few moons before he decayed even further, becoming delirious and naming Helaena to be Rhaenyra on his deathbed; something that could not make her melancholic, since at this point she had already come to this realisation with a precise clarity and foresight at the sweet-turned-dreadful night with the children.

But on this journey, Helaena was wearing a new set of dragon-riding leathers, custom made on the orders of her loving mother, and given to her this morn by Aegon who was eagerly awaiting for her to come back, yet wanted to join her departure with great love.

Love carried her on this mission to Storms End and never again would Helaena ride as her 12-year-old self did, with the object unbeknownst to her to be representative of Viserys’ lack of utter respect or love for her.

Caressing Dreamfyre’s sky-blue scales was all Helaena needed for comfort. Well, that and the memories of her children. This was truly all she needed in these upcoming times of potential hardship.

Directing downwards, the Queen steered her dragon towards an empty area of the Baratheon’s Courtyard, noting the faces of peasants plastered with shock in the meanwhile. Likely in awe at the great size of the Mother of Dragons and basking in delight at the silver crests of elegance donned on her body, looking even more beautiful in contrast to the pesky little figure of Arrax and his frail figure which paled in comparison to the sight of Dreamfyre.

Shouts at the arrival of a dragon had quietened at Helaena’s retreat downwards, with the folk getting a view at her peaceful figure.

“My- my lady? Princess?” A shocked figure whispered out, being the sole brave person ready to speak and confront the dragon’s rider.

“Sorry for the confusion, but I am Queen now.” Helaena responded with a smile, “But it matters not what perceptions are, for now, I must speak with Lord Baratheon with utmost urgency.”

“If it pleases you my Queen, I can bring you to Lord Borros, but he is currently speaking to your nephew- Prince Lucerys… Velaryon.” It was immediately clear to Helaena that even a peasant knew and was disgusted at the sheer audacity Rhaenyra Targaryen had with birthing clear bastards with no similarities to their father.

“Thank you…?” In a questioning tone, Helaena spoke kindly to the man beside her.

“Beric, my Queen.” He bowed in appreciation before directing her into the entrails of the castle.

A blast of deep laughter erupted from the room she entered, a bearded man gleefully deriding a small boy in front of him; Lucerys Velaryon. Or Waters, Strong, Rivers and whatever else because the world knows for certain that he holds no Velaryon blood.

“Which is it? King or Queen? The House of The Dragon does not seem to know who rules it.” Lord Borros bellowed in derision.

“My Lord, my mother-”

Taking a stride closer into the view of both brown-haired men, Helaena entered elegantly, shocking them with her arrival, “Perhaps I can answer that Lord Borros.” 

“Bah-! Another envoy!” He screeched in response, “Surely you must have something to offer me, unlike this pup!” 

“I, Queen Helaena Targaryen, wish to mend the bonds broken by my house for so long against the Baratheons, our most loyal house, and my brother, Aemond Targaryen’s hand is free for any of your daughters.” She gave a pointed smile at Borros, giving a strong glance toward him with her beauty, “To join our houses as deserved many years ago.”

“See, that’s something!” He smiled, not before turning towards Lucerys with a smug grin, “You need to learn from your aunt, you mutt!”

“I’m no mutt!” He screeched in return, “And she is no Queen! My mother is the true Queen of Westeros.” 

“How strange is it that your mother can be Queen when she has three trueborn brothers ahead of her. I didn’t know your mother was superior to all the rules and precedent of Westeros.” Helaena queried with a grin, secretly enjoying the rage appearing on Lucerys’ pruning face despite her usual sympathy for the bastard boy, just a victim of Rhaenyra’s hubris and Viserys’ disregard in disciplining her favoured child.

“I- I know what you’re trying to say!” Lucerys couldn’t help but bellow. 

“Oh? Did the word trueborn irritate you?” She sweetly spoke, loving the purpling face erupting from the boy; of whom she felt sympathy for his circumstance but never for his treatment of Aemond. “Don’t worry Luke, everybody already knows that you’re a bastard, and as long as your mother attempts to rule, the more people will agree, in fear of being attacked like poor Vaemond Velaryon or even my brother Aemond.”

Suddenly Lord Borros interjected, “Lord Vaemond was attacked?”

“Not only that, but he’s dead! Brutalised with a slice from Dark Sister by my sister’s beloved husband Daemon!” Helaena replied with a fake tear in her violet eyes, before quietly, as if under her breath but in actuality loud enough for the bearded man to hear, remarking further, “She was mad to think marrying the man she became heir to prevent from ruling was a good idea!” 

“ Daemon murdered Vaemond! How slowly news travels here in Westeros, thank god for dragons I say! But I’m shocked, for they were allies in the Stepstones and now he murders him… for what reason?”

Reluctantly yet with a great sense of urgency, 

Lucerys interjected, “Ah- that’s not important!” 

“Was I talking to you, boy?” Borros was angered at the brown-haired boy’s interruption. “Queen Helaena, you can answer my question.” 

“Lord Vaemond wanted to speak regarding the succession of Driftmark… after all, you must know that the Sea Snake had been injured and with him likely to die with no clear successor, Lord Vaemond believed he should be heir. Yet my sister Rhaenyra interrupted his speech, leading him to get angry and call her… a whore and her children bastards.” 

“Well, are they? This pup cannot be Laenor Velaryon’s son!” Rhetorically questioned the Baratheon lord, not before laughing with his own answer. “But how exactly did this lead to his murder? The King surely would not let somebody murder a Lord in his domain?”

“Well, my father must’ve not wanted to do so, especially as it was his own brother as the culprit! And his own heir’s orders no less!”

“The Princess made the order?” Borros was invested in this now, especially as knowing Rhaenyra engineered the murder of her own kin-by-marriage, he’d be right to be fearful of her reign.

“My mother would never!”

Helaena quickly spoke atop of Lucerys’ innocent words, “Oh- do be quiet Luke, your mother had your sire murdered just so she could marry Daemon, and now you think murder is too much for her?” 

“I- She’s not like that!”

A sigh erupted at his words, with Lord Borros deciding to speak, “Just go home pup. Your mother has nothing to offer me and is a murderer. Not to mention how shameful she is… after all you exist due to her brazen behaviour.” 

“I am not a bastard! I am Lucerys Velaryon, trueborn son of Laenor Velaryon and heir to Driftmark!” Denial was strong within the boy, making Helaena, and even Lord Borros, feel a sense of sympathy for him; doomed from birth as a result of his mother’s arrogance.

”Oh?” Helaena smirked, deciding to channel a little Aemond within her, even if she felt a slither of sympathy. Her face turned pouty with a false shock, “But why is it that I saw her numerous times when I was but a child, fornicating with Ser Harwin in the Godswood! And 9 moons after one such instance, your younger brother was born, with striking similarities to the Commander of the City Watch, pug-nose and all.” 

“See, boy. There’s undeniable proof with your aunt's words, not to even mention the physical proof with your looks.” Borros sighed yet again, likely feeling sad for the pathetic boy in front of him, “Go home and stay with your mother. I won’t fight for her but you are just a small boy, so I won't fight you either.“

It seemed Lucerys was finally beginning to lose all his drive and fight, but the boy simply didn’t want to run back to his mother having failed, fearing disappointment in her violet eyes, of which he had only seen carry maternal love.

Yet Helaena watched his eyes flicker back and forth between her and the Baratheon Lord, seeing his reluctance to leave finally waver, with him now toddling off to fly back to Dragonstone.

And now all who were left in this room were Helaena, Lord Borros and the poor Maester holding onto the letter Borros Baratheon was unable to read.

“My Lord, now that the boy is gone, let us continue our negotiations.” Helaena spoke with a grin, “Have your Maester write to paper that Prince Aemond will marry a daughter of yours, and while the King’s heir will be marrying his twin Jaehaera, I say as their mother that any fruit of their marriage is gladly available to marry a grandchild of yours, born of Aemond’s blood or not, given that their ages are close.” 

A smile caressed Borros's face, slightly hidden within his beard but nonetheless clear for Helaena to see, “Of course!” He then turned to the Maester with an impatient grin, “Well, get to it! Write this down!” 

The Maester quickly beckoned a servant present to bring ink pots from his room, with an awkward pause in the meanwhile as everyone began to wait for the servant’s arrival.

However, as soon as he arrived, the Master quickly got to drafting up the words spoken, even speedily writing up a copy for Helaena to bring back to Kingslanding for the Small Council to see.

“Well, Queen Helaena, I’d like to see you soon. Not for a war of course, let’s pray to the Seven that Princess Rhaenyra sees her foolishness and surrenders! But in a few moons time, let us hope for a beautiful wedding in peace times.” 

“Yes, and one of your comely daughters will be my sister-in-law then. But for now, I have to go back to the Red Keep.” The Targaryen Queen replied, saying her goodbyes to the Storm Lord before leaving to her dragon.

With Dreamfyre back in sight, Helaena immediately gave her a little pet, hearing a sweet trill in response from the blue dragon.

“Hello my girl, I need you to take me back to Kingslanding, okay?” 

Dreamfyre booped her rider with her nose in response and Helaena quickly got into position, ready to fly back.

Ready to see her children.

Jaehaerys. Her precious boy who haunted her life before he even existed. 

Flickers of death haunting her from childhood regarding him, yet she’d seen no visions of him as of late since Aegon changed; she had hope things could change and his dark fate would never come to fruition.

Jaehaera. 

Her poor girl so filled with joy that Helaena had never expected for her visions gave her a glimpse of a saddened, depressed little girl all alone.

Yet she was also excited to see Aegon; their father.

The man who was but an annoying sibling to her, who she grew a tentative yet loving alliance with, but which was now crossing platonic bonds into true love.

And now she had succeeded in the mission he had given her and all she could do was wait… and pray more things would change.

Chapter Text

A hurried knock sent the children into a flurry.

And so Aegon awoke to two tumbling toddlers atop his body querying on the noise they were hearing.

“Ah- Jaehaera?” The King yawned in response to violet eyes peering at his face with wonder.

“Daddy! Somebody is trying to come in!”  

Jaehaerys stepped off of Aegon, leading to a huge grunt erupting, while the boy promptly scurried over to the door, as if to illustrate to his father what his twin sister was speaking of.

He hid, holding onto the side of the door, looking back and forth with a grin, contrasting heavily with his sister’s fear, and then he leaped out and swung the door open.

“I’ll get them-!” He squealed as he did so, only to tumble his frail self into a much larger figure.

It was Ser Rickard Thorne. With Otto Hightower on his side.

“What is it you want? Waking up the King and his children unprompted?” Aegon was disturbed to say the least; heavily saddened at how his spare time for loving his children had been interrupted by his stern grandsire.

It was clear that Otto wasn’t fazed by his King’s word’s, yet there was a presence of resignation within him that lingered from the moment the door opened. It seemed he was used to the virile Aegon held for him.

The Lord Hand looked ready to speak, filled with rage, yet he took a long deep breath, before finally turning towards Aegon’s rising figure. 

Finally knowing his place.

No longer being the authoritative grandsire who could abuse Aegon; no longer an oppressive force onto his mental health, but rather his right-hand man to enact all his orders and be a trusted figure in his council.

Otto spoke with a softened tone, “I was wondering where you were,” However he quickly turned back to his stoic tone he was renowned for, “For the Small Council is soon to convene and yet nobody was able to find you in your chambers.” 

“The King summons himself.” Aegon was not going to act lax with his grandsire, even if he was now attempting to be more respectful. “You all act on my convenience, so if I wish to spend time with my children, then I shall.” 

Otto seemed to hate this attitude of his grandchild, yet understood it nonetheless, and knew he had to respect Aegon if to stay in his good graces. “I see.” 

The Targaryen King was quite bemused at his grandsire’s lack of action and could do naught but smirk, only for this moment to be interrupted by a little tap on the lower-half of his body.

Little Jaehaerys had somehow scurried back over to Aegon and clearly wanted his attention at this very moment. 

And as the King cherished him much more than Otto Hightower, he relented to his heir.

“Jaehaerys?”

His adorably beady eyes gazed up to Aegon with a small grin, “Daddy? Will I be joining you in the Small Council? As your heir?” 

Aegon was immediately struck by the parallels of this moment with the dreadful day before Jaehaerys’ brutal murder. Having offered for Jaehaerys to be in the Small Council just mere hours before he lost his soul on the orders of Rhaenyra’s blackened heart.

This coincidence made him too fearful, so Aegon had to reject Jaehaerys’ request, knowingly expecting a result of sadness, not wanting to disappoint his beloved child but knowing the similarities with the past would make him much too paranoid in the upcoming hours.

“Don’t worry Jae, I’ll be back with you for a ride on Sunfyre! And you’ll join me in the Small Council soon!” 

A small smile arose on the boy's face once more, quickly replacing his little pout of sadness.

Aegon quickly said his goodbyes to the children and beckoned Otto forth, with them both leaving the chambers together despite their dislike for each other.

“Otto.” 

The handsome elder looked over to his grandchild with a querying expression on his figure. “Yes?”

“The Small Council can meet later, but for now I have a task for you.” Aegon had decided to take inspiration from his grandsire, creating an image which would decimate Rhaenyra’s attempted reign. 

“What is it you want for me to do?” The Hand of the King responded.

“You have had connections across Kingslanding for decades,” Aegon spoke, seeing Otto take a small nod in response. ”We can use them to our advantage to hinder Rhaenyra’s cause.”

“How so?” The Hightower man queried.

It seemed Aegon, for all the faults his mother and grandsire preached, had the upper hand and contained plans the strategic Hand would never even consider.

“What do people cherish more so than children?” Aegon confused his grandsire as he spoke, “And what is more detested than the murder of said children?”

It seemed like Otto Hightower still didn’t understand his King’s trail of thought and needed further explanation. Aegon himself barely understood his thought process, but knew deep within his heart that this manipulative act could sway the people on his side, as had occurred before with the public funeral for Jaehaerys.

“Hire some Smallfolk men tonight, with great similarity in figure to Daemon’s goons or some other prisoners in the Black Cells, and I want those hired men to pretend to attack me and the children.” 

It was a risky move, but at least in this time Aegin himself had control of the scenario, which made all the greater a difference in his mind.

“They could get hurt!” It seemed this plan was even too much for Otto, with him having a slither of love in his heart for his great-grandchildren.

“No you fool! That’s why I said to hire men!” Aegon angrily whispered, quickly moving into an empty chamber beside them; Helaena’s. “The children will be safe asleep, and only I and trusted royal guards will see and apprehend the men- the mummers- and then you can switch them out with prisoners in the Black Cell who truly deserve to be executed publicly.”

A bemused smirk was on Otto Hightower’s face, one also filled with shock, for Aegon was acting unlike the figure he had imagined he’d be as King. “A public showcase, smart.” 

But Aegon was no lazy puppet as thought before, he was a man ready to do anything for his wife and children.

“But tonight? It’s so soon.”

“We need to strike now, in this moment of war, we are at a stalemate, just trying to gain allies, but this will fracture the Black faction before they can even rise.” The King’s face became heated, eyebrows stern as he declared his intent. 

But as he uttered his idea, fear encompassed his mind, for he knew he did not want to traumatise the children. Seeing Jaehaera frozen with shock was not going to happen under his orders. 

“Go to Maester Orwyle before the men arrive.” Aegon ordered, “Have him put a little milk of the poppy in the children’s drink in the evening so they won’t arise to see the mummers apprehended in the night.” 

“Yes- that’s a very good plan, for imagine the look on Helaena when she discovers you put the children in this position and had no precautions in place.”  

A shiver went down the King’s spine.

Aegon was a fool.

He did not consider that. At all.

She would be furious.

Well, at least the children being asleep would lessen her ire, Aegon thought. 

“She isn’t present now, so I’ll deal with that later.” He spoke, partly resigned to the anger Helaena may harbour at him, but also intent on continuing in his venture to destroy Rhaenyra’s reputation. “For now, I just need you to heed your King’s words and orders.” 

As Otto was finally dismissed, Aegon was able to gaze at a small smile erupting on Jaehaerys’ face, from watching the great-grandsire who dismissed him and his family, other than Helaena, be put in his place by the man he disrespected so greatly.

“Papa, are you going now?” 

“Don’t worry, I’ll be back soon for you and Jaehaera in the night!” Aegon placated with a grin, before leaving the children in the capable hands of their maidservants.

Upon finishing the Small Council meeting, Aegon donned a smile, speaking with his beloved comrades.

Comrades whom he had learned were abandoned, left to rot as he had done. All on Aemond’s orders. 

Not to mention the death of one of them; for protecting the Queens, only to get no appreciation- not even written in the White Book for the Kingsguard.

But now, Aegon could finally find joy with the one few people who cared for him despite all his faults.

“Ah- Egg, what do you think?” Martyn brought his attention back to the rowdy talk he half-heartedly was listening to, mind being overpowered by the worries he felt for the possibility of life repeating itself with Jaehaerys dead once-more.

Aegon had absolutely no clue what these loveable fools were talking about, and he felt all the more foolish for being worse than the dunderheads in front of him, but unfortunately did not know how to fake awareness of the topic. “Uh- um?”

“You know- with going to celebrate the Magnanimous King Aegon’s reign by going to the Streets of Silk!” Leon Estermont cajoled with an almost seedy-looking grin. 

Aegon couldn’t help but recall what happened the last time he visited that place- a place he once felt so much comfort. Now when he thinks of those whorish places, it is a rather dull sight in his mind, for the love he contains for Helaena overencompasses any desire for whores, and even if he did, the memories of nonchalantly teasing Aemond in such place put a sour taste in his mind as that innocent sibling teasing had turned into the trigger for his brother’s descent into pure maniacal rage. 

“I- I cannot anymore.” His eyes spoke with a genuine truth to them which shocked his comrades greatly, “I am a father, a husband- not to mention a king! I cannot continue this lecherous boyish life of mine- what example would I be setting to Jaehaerys?”

While the Targaryen man was speaking this way as to prevent him and his Kingsguard friends from not being out of bounds from Jaehaerys and Jaehaera’s reach, he was also exclaiming a truth hidden within him. There was a sense of shame festered inside his soul every time he heard the people of the courts talk regarding his actions, and Aegon could only imagine how much this would pain his sweet children to hear.

Not to mention that Aegon’s sole purpose for being a man so frequently in Fleabottom was to gain a semblance of love that his family had never once retained for him. The Seven above knows that Viserys would never care for him and thus he had to take to lesser means to get any level of love. But he would not be the same as that man, for his mistakes would never haunt his children, and Aegon was capable of change in the face of trouble, something his father never was willing to do.

Leon raised his brow, but responded heartedly nonetheless, “I- I see, we’ll just have to take Ser Martyn’s squire sometime else then!” 

“He’s never fucked a woman!” Martyn joked, all the more ready to change that fate for his squire. 

“And neither should you all anymore- I of all people know that you fools will never stop, but I for one will be staying away from the brothels- especially when I have my Queen.” Aegon blushed at the end, feeling almost ashamed at his showcase of emotion, especially with his brash friends from boyhood at his side, “And what man would dare stray from my Queen’s side?” 

The rhetorical question had the men almost stumbling and stuttering with their words from shock, “Oh- oh…” 

“Yes?” Aegon couldn’t stand the dumbfounded looks amongst Martyn and Leon as they glanced at each other. 

“You, my good friend… are in love!” Suddenly a hand dropped onto the King’s shoulder, with Eddard Waters somehow moving closer to Aegon, like during his temporary moment of distraction as a result of the more idiotic of the group.

“I-”

“My friends!” He jumped out, turning toward Leon and Martyn with a laugh, “We are witnessing a change! Beware for the man before he is no lecherous man like you dolts… he’s a loving husband and father now.”

“Hmm, well to be fair, his children are rather adorable. I’d be a good father for them too-” 

“Speaking of my children, another shall be born in a few moons!” Aegon interrupted Martyn’s trail of thought, “I need to see Jaehaerys and Jaehaera yet again- now even! To tell them of this!” 

“Really? Now?” The Estermont man was a little grumpy at his words, pulling a face.

Martyn pulled a grin, seemingly knowing something that Aegon did not, “You just don’t want to go because last time Princess Jaehaera had tied your hair and made you play with her precious dollies!” 

“Really?” This brought a bemused smirk to Aegon’s face, this incredulous situation bringing light to the rather dark time they were in.

“Really!” 

Leon’s eyes were slightly downtrodden with these talks but he quickly turning with energy, “Lets- let just go see those prince-lings and forget about this-”

“Oh I’ll never forget about this Estermont!” Leon joked.

They had slowly begun to reach the chambers, moonlight striking in the shadows of their steps. 

And finally, there they were, outside Jaehaerys and Jaehaera’s chambers. 

There was a lingering sense of dread in Aegon that he’d open the door only to see no mummers before him- but rather the disgusting Goldcloak he once murdered in another life, with the rat-catcher unknown to him, who never got away as all his coworkers were also killed. 

He looked to Eddard, the more responsible of the group, suspicious and putting a hand discreetly on his sword, and finally opened the door.

“Ah!” 

There was no Goldcloak present, but rather a seedy-looking man, albeit with a theatrical style which made Aegon much less apprehensive.

“You foolish King! You have foiled our plans!” 

“Holt!” Screech Martyn Reyne, taking a moment to finally come to action.

“The true Queen Rhaenyra will not be pleased with us!” A mousy man whispered loudly towards the larger. Loud enough for the passing maids to hear.

“Seize these traitors to the Crown!” 

The men immediately grasped the mummers in their hold, Leon particularly holding them in a strong grip, as his eldest brother had been scarred from an attempted ransom which turned violent.

However the Targaryen knew these men were no true threats and thus took the man beside him in a weak hold, giving a nod of recognition to the smaller man who felt much gratitude.

And there they were, Jaehaerys and Jaehaera, sleeping peacefully with not any sense of awareness regarding what could’ve occurred. For that, Aegon was so thankful. 

Even though this situation was fake, it could truly traumatise his sweet babes and he did not want that to happen whatsoever.

But they were safe, sleeping with peace, never having to know of death and murder ever again.

“Behold the work of Rhaenyra The Cruel!” 

Two men stood forth, arms tightly clasped by the Kingsguard’s present, those who weren’t occupied with guarding the large presence of Smallfolk.

Men who were not the people apprehended the night before. But rather the true would-be murderers in Aegon’s last life.

Whispers erupted at the arrival of the King, yet the words he was most focused on were the murmurs of his friends. Yet he knew for certain that even though they’d be confused as to why the culprits they apprehended were not to be executed, they would still heed his words regardless.

He walked forth, back to the place he was crowned not too long before, walking up to the Hand of the King, Otto Hightower, who had been uttering words of flagrant praise towards Aegon and contempt for Rhaenyra.

“My Subjects,” The King finally spoke, “I come here today to show you how Princess Rhaenyra treats her family.” 

The Smallfolk awaited his every word.

“These two men before your eyes were would-be murderers that my half-sister ordered to murder my children. Your future King and Queen!” 

Gasps erupted in the Dragonpit at his words, while confusion was on the faces of the perpetrators who never perpetrated anything yet. However, Aegon had prepared for that and gagged those bastards.

“I told you all moments before that I would be graceful to her… well no longer!” He roared, finally glad to portray his true feelings, “She tried to kill my children and for that, I say death to the kinslaying usurper!”

Screams and cheers were all throughout the Dragonpit, with Aegon noting many smiles at his declaration.

“But first… the traitors to the Crown before us shall be slain, as all traitors will be!” 

He beckoned Ser Criston over, hating him for the personal betrayals yet loving him for the fatherly love he held for Aegon and the protection he gave him all throughout his life. In the past, Criston Cole had failed Aegon, but now he can gain recompense for his shortcomings and slaughter the dreadful murderers of the babe he didn’t protect.

Aegon gave Blackfyre to the man, thankful for the action he was about to do.

Slash.

One man was down.

Claps were screaming in Aegon’s ears, pounding like a drum. But he knew he must focus, to savour the moment. 

The larger man- Blood if he recalled correctly, was now dead, doomed to the Seven Hells.

Yet Cheese, the man who almost escaped his hold once before, still remained. And finally, Aegon could personally deal with him.

“Cole- I’ll need Blackfyre back for this moment,” The King murmured, with Criston quickly being the dutiful man he was and heeding his King’s order.

He lifted the sword, adrenaline fuelling his strength with an intense fury, and he was ready to strike.

Slash.

It was over.

Finally… Jaehaerys would be safe.

Once and for all.