Dragon Dreams

by ItspronouncedJulia

Chapter 30: Epilogue

“She looks mad,” Visenya whispered, a shiver of fear running down her spine as she gripped the back of her seat. Their carriage was swaying side to side, jostling with each bump the large wooden wheels hit as they slowly moved through King’s Landing. Aenar was kneeling beside her, both of them peering out of the wooden lattice carved into the front of the carriage.

“How can you tell?” Aenar whispered. He squinted his eyes, trying his best to get a glimpse of Aemma’s expression. It was near impossible though given how far away their grandmother was. “I can hardly see her!”

“When you’ve known Grandmother for as long as I have, you can always tell,” Visenya whispered back. “I can almost smell her anger.”

“...What does it smell like?” Aenar asked with a frown.

“It smells…stinky,” Visenya said wisely, causing Aenar to giggle.

“Visenya, I think that was me!” He chirped, causing Visenya to break out into laughter.

“Visenya, Aenar.” Laena scolded as she looked over at her eldest children. She, Rhaenyra, and Puff were sitting across from them with Rhaenyra holding the baby. “This kind of behavior is unbecoming of a prince and princess. Sit back down and no more crude jokes.” Visenya and Aenar nodded, both turning and plopping down in their seats. 

“Sorry Mother,” Visenya said gently as she leaned back in her seat, trying her best to keep her giggles bay. It was difficult though. The only thing funnier than a fart joke was being forbidden from making a fart joke. 

Beside her she could tell Aenar was trying to hold back his laughter as well. Neither were doing a good job. Laena and Rhaenyra both shared a look at their children’s giggling. While Rhaenyra seemed amused, Laena was visibly annoyed.

However, that had less to do with Visenya and Aenar and more to do with returning home. She was a nervous wreck as she anticipated what they were walking into. She had an idea both from past experience and from the scathing letter her father had sent her a few days ago. The rough boat ride back hadn't helped her mood either. She had been miserable the whole time and she would have much preferred to ride Vhagar but at the moment she was in no condition. 

Luckily Rhaenyra and the kids had elected to join her on the ship, the dragons flying ahead of them to King’s Landing. They hadn’t wanted Laena to suffer through the ship ride alone, which still warmed Laena when she thought about how they all had happily loaded onto the ship with her though she knew Rhaenyra and Visenya would much rather be flying, just like her. And while Aenar didn’t like flying, he hated sailing more. He always got seasick. 

Still, he hadn’t complained when he got into the ship with them. Instead, he had just given her a sweet smile before heading to the cabin. 

“Maybe I could have let the fart joke go,” she thought with a small smile as she turned back to Aenar and Visenya. However, as quick as her smile appeared it slipped off her face as the carriage passed the large gates that lead to the castle's main courtyard. “...Maybe not…” she thought as she remembered Corlys's letter and his demand to know why she and Rhaenyra had such little control of their children.

She hadn't bothered to write back to her father. She hadn’t shown the letter to Rhaenyra either, knowing how incensed her mate would be if she had read it. Reaching up she pinched the skin between her eyes, her head beginning to pound at the thought of speaking with her parents again.

“Are you alright?” Rhaenyra asked gently, pulling Laena out of her thoughts. Laena picked her head up and turned to look up at her wife. Rhaenyra was giving her a knowing look, almost as if she could read Laena’s mind. 

“As alright as I’m going to be,” Laena whispered back. Rhaenyra nodded and managed to lean forward and peck Laena’s cheek right before the carriage jostled again. 

“Visenya and Aenar Targaryen!” They heard Aemma shout the moment that the carriage came to a full stop. Visenya and Aenar’s eyes went wide as they turned to look at one another. Rhaenyra nearly burst into laughter before Aemma shouted, “And Rhaenyra Targaryen don't think I’ve forgotten about you either?!”

Rhaenyra visibly cringed as she lowered her head a little. She glanced over at Laena nervously as tension began to fill the air. The kids turned to Laena as well, naturally expecting to hear Aemma shout at her next. 

A few moments passed and when Aemma didn’t shout again, the younger omega visibly relaxed. 

“Hey, she’s not going to yell at you?” Aenar whispered, pouting up at Laena with a wounded look. 

“That doesn’t seem fair,” Rhaenyra added, causing Laena to shrug.

“I’m your mother’s favorite,” Laena said simply. Rhaenyra rolled her eyes while Aenar’s pout grew.

“I thought I was Grandmother’s favorite,” he whispered as Visenya hesitantly stood up and looked out through the lattice again.

“She’s moving! She’s coming this way!” Visenya turned around as she relayed the message, shooting Rhaenyra a frightened look. Rhaenyra frowned but a second later her eyes lit up. 

“I have an idea,” she said to the kids.

“We go back to Dragonstone?” Visenya asked as she sat back down. 

“There’s an idea,” Laena said sarcastically, far more relaxed now that she knew she would at least be safe from Aemma’s wrath. 

Rhaenyra ignored her wife and focused on their children. “You two hop out of the carriage and distract your grandmother.”

“This sounds like a trick,” Visenya said quickly, causing Laena to laugh.

“Let me finish, I am your father…I would never set you up,” Rhaenyra said quickly.

“I don't know about that,” Laena said under her breath. 

Once again Rhaenyra chose to ignore her wife, “You two go out there and distract her and while you're taking the verbal lashing, I’ll come out with your sister and show her the baby. She’ll fold immediately.”

“How do you know it’ll work?” Visenya asked.

“Because babies make everyone happy,” Rhaenyra said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. “And it worked when you were a baby.” This seemed to convince Visenya who simply nodded in understanding. 

“But we have to get yelled at?” Aenar said with a frown. 

“She’s going to yell at you one way or the other,” Laena said quickly. “Even if your father’s plan works, you’re only delaying the inevitable.”

“I want to delay it!” Visenya said quickly.

“Me too! Me too!” Aenar said with a nod of his head.

“Smart kids,” Rhaenyra said with a smirk. “Okay, you two go out and your sister and I will be right behind you!” Visenya and Aenar both nodded before they pushed themselves up to their feet. Visenya, naturally, moved first. Slowly she reached for the handle of the carriage door and opened it.

Very courageously Visenya made her way out of the carriage. She turned and her eyes immediately found her grandmother. Aemma was making her way over to her, looking more furious than Visenya had ever seen her. She felt her stomach drop and she swallowed thickly, her entire face turning red.

“How dare you! How dare you?!” Aemma said, causing a fresh wave of guilt to come crashing over Visenya. She opened her mouth, immediately ready to apologize but Aemma didn’t give her a chance, “I don't want to hear it! Visenya, do you have any idea how reckless you’ve been?!”

Visenya was going to say 'yes' when Aenar suddenly came out of the carriage. He stopped when he saw Aemma, his eyes wide. He then blurted out, “I’m here to Grandmother!” Aemma was taken aback by not only Aenar’s sudden appearance but also by his calling attention to himself, almost as if he was begging to get yelled at.

Aemma quickly recovered, her shocked expression turning into a scowl. “And you’re lucky you are, Aenar. Do you know how much danger you and your sister put yourselves in?” She demanded. 

Aenar’s face turned pale and he quickly turned to Visenya for help. Aemma was ready for that as well, “Uh no, don't look at your sister for help young man. I want an answer from you, not from your sister.”

Aenar turned back to Aemma, looking absolutely petrified. He said the first thing that came to mind, “Grandmother, please don't yell at us! We’re just supposed to be distracting you!”

“Oh! Aenar!” Visenya said as she smacked her forehead. In the carriage, they could hear Rhaenyra let out a loud peel of laughter. 

Aemma’s eyes went wide but once more it was immediately washed away with anger. “Do you all think this is some kind of joke?!” Aemma snapped. “Distracting me, like this is just some kind of game.”

“We don't think it’s a game,” Rhaenyra said as she finally stepped out of the carriage. “What Aenar really meant was- look at the baby.” Rhaenyra turned so Aemma could get a look at the little one. 

Aemma went quiet, narrowing her eyes suspiciously. Quietly Aemma moved over to her daughter, both Visenya and Aenar scrambling out of the way. Aemma came to a stop in front of Rhaenyra, her eyes dropping down to the little bundle in her arms. Aemma let out a soft gasp, her heart fluttering as she looked down at her newest granddaughter.

“Oh, my beautiful baby.” Aemma cried as she reached forward and took the baby out of Rhaenyra’s hand without question. “Oh, look at you!” Leaning down, Aemma placed a soft kiss on the baby’s forehead. 

Aemma picked her head up when she noticed Laena stepping out of the carriage. Her eyes immediately softened.

“Oh Laena,” Aemma said happily. “How are you feeling my love?”

“Like I’ve been chewed up and spit out,” Laena said as she leaned forward, a warm smile stretching across her face as Aemma kissed her cheek. “Aemma we need to apologize-”

“-Oh Laena, don't even start,” Aemma said quickly. “You have nothing to apologize for none of this is your fault. I don't blame you one bit, you poor thing! You should have been here with me and your mother for your labors, instead you were busy cleaning up Rhaenyra’s mess.”

“My what?” Rhaenyra asked.

Aemma ignored her as she leaned forward and kissed Laena’s cheek again. At this point, Laena was basking in Aemma's kind words while Rhaenyra’s brow knitted together. Rhaenyra cleared her throat as she crossed her arms over her chest.

“How exactly is this all my fault?” Rhaenyra demanded. 

“I knew this would happen,” Aemma told Laena. “I just knew something like this was going to happen after Rhaenyra whisked you away to Dragonstone, it was only a matter of time.” 

“Oh you did, did you?” Rhaenyra asked, sounding completely unconvinced. 

“I did,” Aemma snapped, turning to give her daughter a piercing glare. Rhaenyra put her hands up in surrender. Aemma turned back to Laena then, “You know this whole mess started when Rhaenyra was born-”

“-Really, Mother?!” Rhaenyra exclaimed as she dropped her hands to her sides while Laena let out a musical laugh. Aemma turned to her daughter-in-law and smiled, gently rocking her granddaughter. Rhaenyra let out a heavy sigh as she motioned down at her youngest daughter. “Can you just look at the baby and be distracted?”

“You would like that, wouldn’t you?” Aemma demanded as she turned back to her daughter with an unimpressed look. 

“I love it actually,” Rhaenyra grumbled. “...It worked with Visenya.” She mentioned again, causing Laena to chuckle.

“Yes, well that won't work on me a second time.” Aemma declared before looking down at her granddaughter, a wide, warm smile stretching across her face as she did so. She was sleeping soundly, unaffected by the carriage ride or all of Aemma’s scolding. “Does she have a name yet?”

“Aemma,” Rhaenyra said quickly. 

“Rhaenyra!” Laena scolded. She turned back to Aemma who was looking back and forth between them, a curious look on her face. “She does have a name but it’s not Aemma,” Laena said gently as she moved closer to Aemma’s side.

Aemma shook her head as she shot Rhaenyra a disapproving look, “Put ‘Lying to your mother’ at the top of the list of things you need to be ashamed of, Rhaenyra!” Rhaenyra groaned as she reached up and rubbed her face.

“I'm sure that's already on her list,” they all picked their heads up and turned to see Rhaenys approaching them. “Laena my love.” Rhaenys put her arms out and Laena smiled as she immediately fell into them.

“Mother…”

“How are you feeling?” Rhaenys asked as she pulled Laena to her side.

“Awful.”

“Well you look as beautiful as ever,” Rhaenys said gently as she reached up and gently cupped Laena’s face. As Laena and Rhaenys spoke, Rhaenyra immediately looked for Visenya and Aenar realizing they had been oddly quiet this entire time. She found Visenya and Aenar were a little bit further away from the carriage, their heads bowed and their faces looking fully abashed. 

She glanced over at Rhaenys and knew immediately that she had gotten to them both and given them a thorough scolding. She might have felt bad for them if they had committed a lesser offense but she thought they were due for a few scoldings. 

Rhaenyra wouldn’t have helped them get out of their scolding from Aemma either if not for her mother’s anger at her.

That had been more self-preservation than good parenting. 

She turned to Aemma and watched as her mother cooed down at the baby. Rhaenyra couldn’t help but smile as she stepped closer to her, deciding to test the waters. “She looks like me, doesn’t she?” 

Aemma chuckled, “She has your chin…but I see more Laena in her.”

“Ah yes, Laena. Your favorite child,” Rhaenyra said, her smile growing as she teased her mother.

“She is my favorite,” Aemma said without shame. “She is the only one of you who doesn’t give me any trouble.” 

“She gives me trouble,” Rhaenyra teased.

“Good, she should give you a little hell,” Aemma said with a smile of her own. “You never told me my baby's name.” 

“Your baby?” Rhaenys asked as she moved to stand beside Aemma. Leaning forward her smile grew as she looked down at the newest member of the family. 

“Indeed,” Aemma said happily, turning so Rhaenys could get a better look at their newest grandchild. 

“She looks healthy, you did well Laena.” Rhaenys praised. “...A bit of a large head.”

“Just like Rhaenyra.” Laena said seriously, trying her best not to break out into laughter as Rhaenyra shot her another look.

“I know, your labors must have been difficult,” Aemma said sympathetically. 

“Is everyone going to just beat up on me?” Rhaenyra demanded.

“Don't pity yourself Rhaenyra,” Rhaenys scolded. “It’s unbecoming. Now, has the baby been taken out on her first flight yet?” Rhaenys asked as she turned to Laena. Both Laena and Rhaenyra shook their heads as they turned to one another, trying to suppress a smile as they turned back to their mothers.

“We thought we’d leave that honor to one of you,” Rhaenyra said.

“Trying to gain some goodwill?” Aemma asked.

“Just a little,” Laena admitted, giving Aemma a sweet look. 

“Well it’s working,” Aemma said. “I’ll send someone up to the Dragonpit to let the Dragonkeepers know to get Silverwing ready.” Rhaenys raised her eyebrows as she turned to look at Aemma.

“Oh, you’re taking her?”

“Naturally.”

“And what’s so natural about it?” Rhaenys asked.

“You got to do it last time,” she reminded Rhaenys. “With Aenar.”

“That was his second ride,” Rhaenys said. Which was true, Laena and Rhaenyra had given their eldest children their first rides. Aemma was a little surprised both had given that tradition up when it came to their newest baby, even if it was to earn a little favor.

“Yes…well still, you got your hands on him second so…it’s my turn,” Aemma said happily, Rhaenys gave her a long look before she smiled. 

“You’re lucky you're my favorite cousin,” Rhaenys finally said. “Here.” Rhaenys held her hands out for the baby and Aemma happily handed her over. Aemma reached up and placed her hand on Rhaenys’s shoulder. However, a second later Aemma locked up and she sucked in a deep gasp.

“Mother?” Rhaenyra asked as she hurried to Aemma’s side. “What’s wrong?” 

Aemma opened her mouth to say something but the words got caught in her throat. She was keenly aware of Rhaenyra, Laena, and Rhaenys all coming to her side but even though they were right in front of her, she felt like they were all in her peripheral vision as an explosion of pure euphoria swept over her. 

Shivers rolled down her spine and goosebumps immediately rose along her arms while all the hair on the back of her neck rose. Her heart began to thunder in her chest as she looked up at the sky, her eyes growing wide. 

“Silverwing,” she whispered, as she once more felt another rush of pure exhilaration from her dragon. It was dizzying and overwhelming as wave after wave of pure joy crashed into her.

“Silverwing? Is she hurt?” Rhaenyra asked as she reached up and placed a hand on Aemma’s shoulder.

“I-”

“WOW!” Visenya shouted, causing them all to turn and watch as Visenya began to jump up and down. Her head was craned up toward the sky as she took off toward the gates of the courtyard stopping just in front of her parents and grandparents before leaping up again. 

Like Aemma a feeling of unfettered joy was rushing over her. Vermithor’s excitement was filling her up and causing her to jump as she was overcome with a sudden burst of energy. 

Everyone else instinctually looked up at the sky to see what Visenya was looking at. A second later they all heard a loud roar pierce the air. Visenya jumped up again, a smile splitting her face as Vermithor’s massive shadow covered them. He let out another roar as he circled the castle, his bronze scales glittering in the sunlight.

“Look at that,” Rhaenys said softly. “...Vermithor hasn’t flown over King’s Landing since Jaehaerys was king.” 

“Hi Vermithor!” Aenar called out as he waved at Vermithor while he flew above them. A moment later they heard a familiar trill filling the air as Silverwing came soaring overhead. Aemma laughed, her voice rough and craggily. She hadn’t realized until then that she had been crying.

Now though she could feel just how wet her face was and could feel fresh tears of joy coming down her cheeks as Silverwing followed after Vermithor. “No wonder you're so happy, my girl.” Aemma thought as Vermithor and Silverwing climbed higher and higher in the sky, twisting and turning around one another as they soared through the clouds.

The sight was awe-inspiring. Aemma couldn’t remember the last time she had seen something that had taken her breath away. 

“Wow, just wow,” Laena said, breaking the silence as she reached down and took Rhaenyra’s hand in her own. A large smile stretched across her face as Rhaenyra gave her hand a tight squeeze.

“They’re really having fun up there, huh!” Aenar observed innocently.

“They’re happy,” Visenya reported. “Vermithor loves Silverwing…he’s been really lonely without her.”

“She’s been lonely without him too,” Aemma said back as she reached up and wiped the tears from her eyes. They watched the two dragons for a few more moments until eventually they both flew away from the castle and toward Blackwater Bay. 

After a few more moments Rhaenys gently nudged Aemma’s side, “It appears Silverwing is busy at the moment…”

Aemma laughed as she wiped a few more tears away, “I suppose that means you’re going to have to take the baby on Meleys.” 

“Do you hear that little one, it looks like you’re stuck with me,” Rhaenys said gently as she picked her head up to look at Rhaenyra and Laena, both of who were watching Visenya and Aenar dancing around the courtyard. She cleared her throat to get their attention. When they finally turned back to look at her she said, “Before we go, perhaps your parents can finally tell us your name.”

 

---

 

Rhaenyra’s stomach twisted into knots as she made her way down the familiar hallways of the Red Keep. It had been nearly a two weeks since she had been here in the castle but it felt like it’s been longer, like a year and a half had gone by. 

Rhaenyra found herself missing Dragonstone and the friendly faces that lived in the halls of her castle. While everyone she passed in the Red Keep smiled at her politely and bowed their heads none of their smiles touched their eyes. She could see their cold judgment just barely concealed behind their mask of courtesy. 

Despite this, she held her head high as she moved through the hallways. This was her home, after all, everyone she passed by were just guests. She was the heir to the Iron Throne and the future Queen, she would not allow herself to be bothered by their judgment and that certainly was not what had her stomach tied into knots.

Everyone had broken up into groups. While Rhaenys was taking the baby on her first flight, Aemma had gathered up Aenar and Visenya and ushered them back into the castle. Aemma didn’t specify but Rhaenyra was sure that her mother was currently tearing into them.

Rhaenyra had taken Laena back to their chambers where Laena had promptly climbed into bed and fell asleep. Rhaenyra was supposed to join her but couldn’t sleep. She was surprised Laena was able to, given how anxious she had been to come back home. Though given how much Aemma and Rhaenys had fawned over her, Rhaenyra was sure her wife was feeling a lot less ill at ease.

Which made Rhaenyra feel less ill at ease as well. As much as Aemma and Rhaenys’s comments had irked her, she would much prefer to take the heat than Laena. 

She wanted to rip off the bandage and see her father who had been noticeably absent when they had arrived home. She knew he was upset. In fact, she was sure ‘upset’ was an understatement. She was dreading having to face him, dreading what he was going to say about Visenya and Aenar running away.

Laena had offered to go with her but Rhaenyra had insisted she rest instead. Laena didn’t need to be chastised by Viserys, just thought made Rhaenyra’s blood boil. 

“Your Highness.” Rhaenyra slowed down, her ears pulling back as the familiar voice of Ser Erryk pulled her out of her thoughts. Her lip curled into a sneer, her anger welling at the sight of him. 

Rhaenyra was well aware that Visenya and Aenar’s escape was a failing on both her and Laena’s part but she was still beyond furious with the Kingsguard, more specifically, Visenya and Aenar’s guards, for not noticing their young charges were missing.

Ser Erryk particularly was the source of most of her ire. Twice now, Visenya had managed to escape her chambers under his watch, each time leaving chaos in her wake and nearly getting herself and her brother killed in the process and maiming Daemon beyond repair. All well Ser Erryk was supposed to be watching her.

The sight of him made her skin crawl. “You’re still here?” She demanded as she came to a stop in a hallway.

“Princess?” 

“You’re still here?” Rhaenyra snarled this time, the bitter scent of anger rolling off of her in waves. “You have not been dismissed from your position?” Ser Erryk’s face went pale as he bowed his head to Rhaenyra.

“The King-”

“-Should have sent you to the wall,” Rhaenyra said harshly. “What use is a Kingsguard who can not guard? ” She demanded, her voice echoing down the halls. 

Ser Erryk bowed his head further, “Your Highness what happened with Princess Visenya and Prince Aenar was a-” 

“-Was a disgrace,” Rhaenyra finished for him. She didn’t want to hear him speak, she didn’t want his apologies or his excuses. Just the sound of his voice shredded her last nerve. “If it was up to me the whole lot of you would be trading in your white cloaks for black, it is clear you do not have the ability to protect my family.”

“Princess Rhaenyra…” was all he could say, his eyes downcast.

“If you had any honor you’d dismiss yourself, not wait for the King to do it.” Rhaenyra said before adding, “Or me.” 

And with that, she hurried up the staircase and toward her father’s office where he was bound to be at this time of day. Ser Erryk had lit a fire deep in her belly and as Rhaenyra headed down the familiar hallways part of her wished she hadn’t interrupted Ser Erryk after he had said ‘The King’ because she was now filled with the incessant need to know what reason Viserys had for keeping them here. 

“...It does take longer than a week and a half to find a whole new guard.” But she couldn’t understand what merit they held. What reason was there to keep them around and not just replace them with regular guards until they could find new knights? 

“Your Highness,” Ser Westerling greeted as she approached the door to Viserys office. She ignored him as she rapped her knuckles against the thick oak door.

“Come!” The King called out.

Rhaenyra wasted no time sweeping into the office. She slowed down when she spotted her father sitting at his desk and her brother sitting across from him.

“And the Prodigal Daughter returns!” Baelon exclaimed, causing Rhaenyra to tighten her jaw. “What do we owe this…honor, Rhaenyra?” Rhaenyra promptly ignored her brother as she turned to Viserys unsure of how best to start. 

Viserys looked weary. But more than that, she could see in his dull blue eyes a disappointment that made her chest ache. She figured it wasn’t best to come out the gate demanding to know what had been happening in the Red Keep since she and Laena had left to go and get their children.

“Father,” Rhaenyra said gently as she lowered her head. 

“Rhaenyra,” he said in the same tone. “It’s nice to see you, your brother and I here were just discussing preparations for the wedding.” Rhaenyra snapped her eyes over at her brother who was grinning at her widely.

She felt her back go up. “The wedding?” She asked. “That’s the first thing he speaks about?” She had been expecting him to ask if Visenya and Aenar were okay or about the baby. She knew that Visenya and Aenar had done a great deal of damage by running away and ruining Baelon and Laenor’s wedding; they had embarrassed the King and the whole of the Royal Family.

But they were still his grandchildren, regardless of what they had done. Their safety was paramount. 

“Yes, you know that thing your children ruined? In the same manner in which you ruined,” Baelon pointed out.  

“I’m aware,” Rhaenyra said, addressing her brother for the first time but not sparing him a second glance. “...Both of whom, if either of you were curious, are both alive and well. As is my newest daughter.” 

“I figured,” Viserys said as he turned back to the scroll rolled out across his desk. “You’d be in more of a state if they weren’t.” Rhaenyra clenched her jaw tightly, Viserys phrasing aggravating her.

“You could still ask,” Rhaenyra said, causing Baelon to chuckle while Viserys just shook his head, the tension in the room rising. 

“Perhaps now isn’t the best time for you to be telling people what they can and can’t do,” Baelon mock whispered to her. Rhaenyra flared her nostrils as she turned to her brother, a single thought crossing her mind. “Fuck it.” 

She turned back to Viserys, “You intend to keep the current Kingsguard?”

“What?” Viserys asked, his voice prickly.

“Well considering they failed to protect my children in any capacity,” Rhaenyra shot back, “I think they should all be replaced.” Viserys snapped his head up, his expression one of shock before it turned into anger.

“You also failed to protect your children and keep them in their place,” Viserys pointed out. “But we aren’t replacing you.”

“Yet.” Baelon snickered. 

Rhaenyra turned to her brother again, her eyes narrowing. “Are you threatening me?”

“Oh of course not,” Baelon said, putting his hands in the air in mock surrender. “I would never dream of threatening you, oh powerful one.” 

“Honestly Rhaenyra,” Viserys snapped, pulling both of their attention back to him. “Enough. Baelon isn’t threatening you, your position isn’t in question. But neither is that of the Kingsguard, they will continue their duties as normal and that is the end of it.”

“How could you-”

“-That is the end of it!” Viserys snapped again. “What happened was not the failing of anyone else but you Rhaenyra and your wife!”

“My wife?” Rhaenyra shot back, immediately seeing red. “What, you can’t say Laena’s name anymore?” 

“Oh enough, you know what I mean! You two have failed as parents, this is on you both Rhaenyra, and no one else!” Viserys declared the words were like a dagger to the heart. Her frustration and hurt grew as she felt her face growing hot. 

“I will not be lectured about my parenting skills by any fucking person in this room,” Rhaenyra lashed out. “Least of all you, Father.” 

“Watch yourself Rhaenyra,” Viserys warned as stood up. He picked up his hand, pointing a finger at her as he continued. “How dare you. How dare you come barging in here, incensed and remorseless after what your family has done, again. You should be coming here humble, apologetic, at my feet begging for forgiveness but instead…” He scoffed as he spread out his arms. “You come to me making demands, telling me I should be nipping at your heels and asking about your children?”

“My children are your grandchildren,” Rhaenyra nearly shouted. Reaching up she pinched the skin between her eyes. “Perhaps it’s best we speak later.”

“Perhaps,” Viserys agreed. 

Rhaenyra said no more as she turned on her heel and hurried out of his office, slamming the door behind her so hard it rattled the paintings that hung on his walls. 

“That could have been worse,” she thought to herself as she retreated back to the safety of her and Laena’s chambers.

 

---

 

“Your father will come around Rhaenyra, he always does,” Aemma said as she reached forward and plucked a grape from the platter of fruit in front of her. She and Rhaenyra were sitting in Aemma’s chambers, eating lunch together. Rhaenyra had been on her way back to her chambers to join Laena when Aemma intercepted her.

Rhaenyra was all too glad to join Aemma for lunch, happy to be with one parent who still seemed to like her. 

“He’s upset, I'm sure he didn't mean anything he said.” Aemma continued to say, “As we all are, Rhaenyra. He feels he's been humiliated in front of every Great House in the country… again in nearly the same manner that it happened last time.”

“I know, I know,” Rhaenyra said quickly as she reached up and began to rub her temples. She could not hear this same speech again.

Aemma hummed softly as she popped another grape in her mouth. She watched Rhaenyra closely before saying, “How did he take your apology?” She asked, giving Rhaenyra a scolding look…almost as if she knew that Rhaenyra hadn’t apologized at all.

The alpha winced before admitting, “I didn’t apologize.”

“I knew it.” Aemma sighed. 

“You did?” Rhaenyra said as she reached for a grape herself, only for Aemma to slap her hand away. Rhaenyra frowned and when she looked up at her mother again she saw that she was scowling at her.

“Of course, I did, seeing as you gave neither Rhaenys nor myself an apology when you arrived,” Aemma said. “More than that, I know you Rhaenyra. You're slow to apologize.” Rhaenyra scowled herself as she looked at her mother.

“Can I ask you something?” Rhaenyra demanded. “What exactly do I have to apologize for? What Visenya and Aenar did was wrong but I didn’t tell them to go running off to Dragonstone, Laena and I had to go and get them. I’m sorry it ruined Baelon and Laenor’s wedding but my children are more important.”

“Of course they are,” Aemma said just as passionately. “No one is saying that they aren’t and no one is saying that you and Laena shouldn’t have gone to go and get them, Rhaenyra. But you should be apologizing on behalf of your children and their actions and your own actions that failed to stop them.”

“I tried!”

“Not hard enough,” Aemma snapped. Rhaenyra growled as she slumped back in her chair, turning away from Aemma with a frustrated look. Her hackles were up and she was on the defensive. “You are their father, Rhaenyra. You are responsible for their actions-”

“-I understand that,” Rhaenyra snapped at her mother for the first time in a very, very long time. “I don't need fucking lecture.” She added as she pushed herself up to her feet with the intention to leave.

However, she stayed rooted in her spot as Aemma glared up at her. Rhaenyra’s heart skipped a beat and a sheepish look came over her as she carefully sat back down, her face growing hot. “I’m sorry Mother, I lost my temper.”

“And your mind it seems,” Aemma said coldly. Rhaenyra’s blush deepened as she looked down at her hands. She could feel the weight of her mother's stare and finally she took a deep breath before forcing herself to look back up at her mother.

“I’m sorry,” she said again, her voice gentle. “I apologize for what Visenya and Aenar did and I apologize for my inability to rein them in. I apologize that they’ve ruined the wedding.” Rhaenyra very carefully reached forward and took Aemma’s hand in her own. 

Aemma didn’t pull her hand away but was still giving Rhaenyra an expectant look. After a moment she snapped, “And?”

Rhaenyra winced before quickly recovering. Clearing her throat she said again, “I apologize for losing my temper and for cursing at you.” 

Aemma let out a little ‘hmph’ as she turned her head and raised her chin. Despite this, Aemma squeezed Rhaenyra’s hand. The alpha fought back a smile as she relaxed a little, squeezing Aemma’s hand before she leaned down and gently kissed it.

“...Can I have a grape?”

“I suppose,” Aemma muttered as she gently pulled her hand away. “You’re lucky you’ve apologized, I was ready to throw you into your trophy room with Visenya and Aenar.”

“Is that where they are?” Rhaenyra asked. “What do you have them doing?"

“Polishing all the armor in there until it shines,” Aemma said, causing Rhaenyra to chuckle. 

“That’s their punishment then?”

“The beginning of it, at least for Visenya.” Aemma sighed. “Oddly enough, Aenar seemed excited to be polishing your armor. He said it’s the first step on his quest to becoming a great knight.”

Rhaenyra raised an eyebrow as she reached forward and plucked a few more grapes from the platter between them. “And you left him there?” Rhaenyra asked, giving her mother a small smile. “I’m surprised you aren’t finding an actual punishment for him.”

“Oh, his time will come,” Aemma promised. “But I’m leaving him there with Visenya because I could tell his ramblings were getting on her nerves.”

Rhaenyra laughed out loud as Aemma continued, “She needs to suffer a little…that child,” Aemma shook her head. “I nearly had a heart attack when I learned they had run away. I’ve never been so scared.”

Aemma’s tone was gentle and Rhaenyra found herself sobering up as she saw the tired look in her mother’s eyes. Aemma finally said, “I’m not letting them off the hook until I’m dead.” Rhaenyra chuckled again but she knew her mother was being serious. 

“I wouldn’t laugh if I were you, young lady, I’m not letting you off the hook either,” Aemma said.

Rhaenyra groaned, “Mother-”

“-Don't ‘mother’ me, Rhaenyra. You need to be punished too.” Aemma huffed. 

Rhaenyra raised her eyebrows at this, her stomach twisting at Aemma’s words. “I’m almost afraid to ask what punishment you have in store for me…” Rhaenyra muttered. 

“Not one you’ll be happy with,” Aemma said stiffly. “...Nor will your father.”

Rhaenyra frowned, “After our last conversation I’m sure Father will be happy with any punishment you give me.”

“You’d be mistaken,” Aemma said softly. “...I need you to do what your father refuses, I want your Uncle out of this castle and this city by nightfall.” Rhaenyra was stunned by Aemma’s words and for a few moments said nothing. Of all the things she had expected her mother to say…that wasn’t it.

“Daemon…why do you want me to make him leave?” Rhaenyra asked after a moment, causing Aemma to let out an annoyed sigh.

“Am I the only one who remembers that he is currently banished? At least technically.” Aemma demanded. “He shouldn’t be here.”

“I know, I know,” Rhaenyra said quickly, her voice gentle as she tried to calm Aemma down. “But with his recent injury…I would think you’d have a bit more mercy on him.” Aemma gave Rhaenyra a look as if she had sprouted a second head.

“Mercy? On your Uncle?” Aemma asked as she narrowed her eyes. “The man who has been openly defying your father by refusing to adhere to his banishment? Who brazenly walked back into the castle with no fear of repercussion because your father-” Aemma clenched her jaw shut as she turned away to collect herself as she turned back to Rhaenyra.

“I have no sympathy for your Uncle,” Aemma finally said. “And neither should you…and the fact that you have any sympathy for that fool lets me know that you are not privy to what happened between him and Visenya.”

That caught Rhaenyra’s attention. The alpha straightened up a little as she gave Aemma a confused look, “Of course I'm privy to what happened, I spoke to Visenya myself…”

“...As did I but I also spoke to the knights and men that saw what happened,” Aemma said. “Their accounts all matched what both Visenya and Daemon's…only with a few more clarifying details.” Rhaenyra let out a deep growl, her entire body tensing at her mother’s words.

A protective feeling began to well up in her at the idea that something else had happened between Daemon and Visenya without her knowledge. Aemma shot her a knowing look as she leaned forward.

“What did they tell you?” Rhaenyra demanded.

 

---

 

“I think I might be the only person who's ecstatic right now,” Laenor proclaimed as he poured himself and then Laena a goblet of wine. “In fact, I feel like I’m walking on air at the moment.” Laena let out a low yawn as she reached up and wiped the sleep from her eyes, still tired from her nap.

“I’m happy to hear that,” Laena said softly as she reached for her own goblet. “And utterly unsurprised.” She added before taking a large sip, the cool liquid soothing her dry throat. 

Laenor chuckled, “I will admit, it has been an awkward two weeks. Having to smooth over what your rambunctious little whelps did with the Great and Lesser Lords of the realm wasn’t exactly fun but I am not upset with those little tykes.” 

“Is that so?” Laena asked, trying her best to suppress a smile.

“It is so, any delay of my impending union to my… Prince is welcome.” Laenor said before taking another sip of his wine. “Spending the last two weeks with him has been…nothing less than nauseating if I’m being honest.” 

“I’m sorry,” Laena said, her tone filled with sincerity as she reached forward and gently grasped his hand. 

“Oh don't be it’s not your fault I have to marry that crab,” Laenor said softly before a look of realization came over his face. “Actually… yes it is.” He laughed as he reached forward and pinched her nose.

“Hey!” Laena laughed. “How is it my fault you have to marry Baelon?”

“Because he should be married to Rhaenyra right about now,” Laenor said as he began to gently shake her face back and forth. 

“Alright, alright!” Laena said as she pulled back her face. “God, you're so annoying.”

“As are you little sister.” 

Laena smiled as she rested her head in her hand, “I must admit as much as I feel sorry that you’ll be shipped back to Driftmark with Baelon soon - I will not miss his presence in the castle. He’s like a phantom…always stalking around.”

Laenor hummed, “Well don't be too relieved yet. We won’t be leaving for Driftmark right away. In fact, we’ll be staying in King’s Landing for the foreseeable future.” Laena frowned as she placed down her goblet.

“What? Why?” Laenor picked his head up, a smile stretching across his face as his eyes twinkled.

“Ah, yes you’ve been removed from court politics for nearly two weeks.” He said, causing Laena to groan.

“What did I miss?”

“Lord Beesbury has taken leave back to Honeyholt,” Laenor said. “He’s fallen ill. Baelon is currently taking over as Master of Coin until Lord Beesbury recovers.” Laena groaned as she reached up and began to rub her temples.

“Is Lord Bessbury going to make a recovery?” She asked partly because she was concerned for the older beta and partly because she didn’t want to see Baelon ascend to the Small Council and stay in the Red Keep. She wanted to be free of his constant presence. 

“I’m unsure,” Laenor said. “Don't look so miserable, sister. I know you like Lord Beesbury but I’m sure he’ll be okay.” He teased, causing Laena to shoot him a frustrated look. Laenor chuckled as he shrugged. 

“On the bright side I’ll be here for an extended time as well,” He added, his chest puffing up a little. 

“Joy.”

“Indeed,” Laenor said happily. Laena couldn’t say she blamed him, the Red Keep was far larger than Driftmark. The longer Laenor and Baelon stayed here, the more space Laenor could put between himself and his new husband. 

In theory anyway. Laena had always felt like she could never escape Baelon’s suffocating presence, no matter how much distance she tried to place between them. Though Laenor didn’t seem to have that same issue if his excitement about staying in the capital was anything to go by. 

A hard knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. Laena and Laenor turned to the door before exchanging a knowing look. That knock no doubt belonged to Corlys. Laena’s stomach twisted at the thought of seeing her father again, remembering his scathing letter.

She was tempted to ignore his knock but quickly dismissed that idea. She couldn’t hide from her father forever. Clearing her throat she called out, “Come!” A moment later the door swung open and Corlys strode in. He raised his eyebrow as he spotted Laenor sitting with Laena. He nodded at his son before making his way over to her.

She was about to stand but he put his hand up, “Don't push yourself.” He said as he leaned down and kissed her cheek. 

“I’m not made of glass,” she teased as she gave him an awkward side hug. Corlys smiled tightly as he sat down beside her.

“You look good,” he said. “Your labors went well?”

“They did,” Laena said as she glanced over at Laenor who seemed extremely curious in one of the tapestries that hung on the wall. She fought the urge to roll her eyes as she turned back to her father. “The baby is doing well.”

“Good, good. I hear you and Rhaenyra had another girl,” Corlys turned and looked around the room. “The little one is not here…?”

“No, she's with mother,” Laena said softly. “She’s taking her first ride with Meleys.”

“That’s exciting, I can’t wait to meet her,” Corlys said before clearing his throat. “I saw Visenya and Aenar on my way here, I was happy to see them all in one piece.” Laena smiled gently.

“Did you give them a good talking to?” Laenor asked.

To both Laenor and Laena’s surprise, Corlys chuckled. “No, no. They looked fairly humbled when I passed by. I figured they must have gotten it enough from everyone else, they don't need their Grandsire adding to it.”

“Well, that was kind of you,” Laena said as she turned to her father. “Does that mean you haven’t come to lecture me?”

“Oh no, that’s why I’m here,” Corlys said matter of factly, causing Laenor to snicker. Laena nicked him under the table, causing him to yelp. 

Laena sighed as she turned back to her father, “Well, no need for any more awkward small talk. Let’s just get it over with.” Corlys surprised Laenor and Laena again by letting out another chuckle. Unfortunately for them, Corly's chuckle quickly faded as he launched into his lecture.

 

---

 

“We’re going to be the bravest knights ever!” Aenar cheered as he polished the chest plate to one of Rhaenyra’s old armor with more excitement than anyone shining armor had any right to have. “I’m going to be Aenar…the Brave Boy Knight!” He declared, causing Visenya to roll her eyes.

She was in charge of shining one of Rhaenyra’s old helmets. If Visenya had to guess this was one of Rhaenyra’s helmets from when she was Visenya’s age, if not a little younger. It certainly wouldn’t fit Rhaenyra now.

“Aenar the Brave Boy Knight,” Aenar began to sing, causing Visenya to pick his head up. She shot her brother an unimpressed look. Aenar the Brave Boy Knight had been working on her last nerve for the past hour and a half.

“You got a better name for yourself than that?” Visenya asked as she turned back to the helmet. Her hands and arms were cramping and the tips of her fingers were beginning to sting, further souring her mood. Aenar turned to Visenya with a wounded expression. Visenya’s heart sank and she felt guilt creep over her.

“You don't like it…?” 

Visenya cringed a little, feeling like the world's biggest jerk. “No! I mean…yes! I do like it I just…well it’s not fitting because you won’t be a boy forever! Maybe…just Aenar the Brave?” She suggested, waiting with bated breath to see if she had successfully unwedged her foot from her mouth. 

And then suddenly a wide smile stretched across his face, “Aenar the Brave! I’m going to be Aenar the Brave!” He said happily as he began to dance around. Visenya let out a low sigh of relief before she turned back to Rhaenyra’s old helmet. After a second an idea sprang to her mind. Visenya pushed herself up to her feet.

“Aenar the Brave, huh?” Visenya asked as she walked over to her brother. “Well, every knight needs a good helmet.” She proclaimed as he came to a stop in front of her. Carefully she reached up and placed Rhaenyra’s old helmet on his head. He let out a sharp gasp as the top of it fell over his eyes.

It was a little too big for him but as he reached up and adjusted it, Visenya could see a huge smile written across his face. He quickly hurried over to a large mirror sitting in the corner of the room to admire himself.

“Wow…! Visenya…I actually look like a knight!”

“Yeah you kind of do,” she said kindly as she hurried over to his side. “Father’s helmet almost fits you.” 

Aenar’s chest puffed up, his eyes widening with excitement. Visenya was beginning to feel like a good older sister again when he said, “Do you think I can be a brave knight, just like Father?”

“Of course,” Visenya said without hesitation. She rested her elbow on top of his helmet, causing it to sag forward as she leaned up against him. “Under my tutelage of course.” Aenar giggled happily.

“There seems to be a lot of giggling for a Princess and Prince who are supposed to be in trouble,” Visenya and Aenar both spun around to see Baelon standing in the doorway, his arms crossed behind his back. Aenar cringed and inched behind Visenya for protection.

“Guess he’s got a long way to go before he’s Aenar the Brave,” Visenya thought as she glanced over her shoulder at her brother. Feeling Baelon’s eyes burning a hole into the side of her head, she turned back to her Uncle. Her stomach twisted and turned as guilt began to wash over her again, only this time it was much stronger than it had been with Aenar.

Visenya swallowed thickly as she inched forward toward her uncle, Aenar shuffling behind her.

“Hey Uncle Baelon,” she said weakly as she finally came to a stop in front of him. Her heart was rapidly beating in her chest and her palms were beginning to sweat. She wanted to apologize…to ask him for forgiveness for causing him so much trouble and ruining his second wedding but the words were stuck in her throat.

He looked…annoyed. But no more annoyed than Baelon usually did. She was afraid he would start yelling at both her and Aenar and unlike any other time he yelled at them, she’d have no right to defend them. 

She knew they deserved to be chewed out. Just like they had deserved it when Rhaenys and Aemma had. “You need to do the right thing…” She told herself. She thought of Vermithor whose happiness she could still feel echoing throughout her. She held onto that feeling and onto him, just the thought of her dragon made her feel braver.

“Uncle Baelon, um, I…I wanted to tell you something.” She began, her throat closing up with anxiety as he looked down at her with a critical eye. “Well, I apologize for ruining your wedding to Uncle Laenor.”

“Y-yeah we apologize,” Aenar parroted. She had almost forgotten he was there but she was happy that he was copying her. 

“Oh?” Baelon asked as he brought his arms around and crossed them over his chest. 

“Yeah I…I feel horrible about it.” Visenya said.

“Yeah horrible,” Aenar added.

“We didn’t…well, I didn’t think it through like I should have. I should have listened to my parents and I should have waited and not ruined things for you and Uncle Laenor.” Visenya said softly. “We hope you can forgive us.”

“Yeah, we hope you can forgive us,” Aenar said softly as he clutched the back of Visenya’s tunic. Baelon raised his eyebrows and gave them both an evaluating look.

After a moment he nodded as he folded his arms behind his back. “I appreciate the apology.” He grumbled as he glanced around Rhaenyra’s trophy room.

He always thought it looked gaudy. The large room was filled with Rhaenyra’s old armor, all standing guard at the different large, stone pillars throughout the room. Large platforms and tables were filled with Rhaenyra’s most prized game, the most notable being a large brown bear and the boar she and their father had been hunting when Viserys had accidentally run her through with his spear. 

Then were was the sheer amount of weapons that lined the walls and cases of the large room. As well as a showcase of Rhaenyra’s odd obsession with shields, spears, and strangest of all the skulls of the few deformed hatchlings - most from Syrax’s clutches. 

“Rhaenyra is so strange.” He thought as he wrinkled his nose, looking down at one of the small misshapen dragon skulls sitting closest to him. He shook his head and turned back to Visenya and Aenar who were still looking back at him with nervous expressions. Baelon flared his nostrils and fought the urge to roll his eyes.

He picked his hand up and waved at them dismissively to back up. They both shuffled backwards. He waved them again with the same result.

“...Uh…are you going to forgive us?” Visenya asked.

“Perhaps,” Baelon said as he waved at them again, causing them to take another step back. “Is your grandmother going to make you polish all of your father’s armor?” 

“Yes,” Visenya nodded.

“Yes, yes.” Aenar nodded quickly. 

“Hmph,” Baelon grunted as he glanced around the room, causing Baelon to wonder how many sets of armor one alpha could possibly need. “Well, you better get back to work then.” He suggested before turning around quickly and heading out of the room, a thoughtful look written across his face.

Visenya and Aenar shared a look and shrugged before doing what Baelon suggested and went back to their task. As they did so Baelon was making his way down the hallway, back to his chambers. He was beginning to start up the stairs when he saw Rhaenyra barreling down them, a furious look written across her face.

“Where’s the fire?” Baelon asked as he leaned up against the railing to get out of her way, not wanting to get knocked over. 

“I’m looking for Visenya,” she snapped, causing Baelon’s eyebrows to shoot up. He couldn’t help but wonder what he had missed.

“She and Aenar in your god's awful trophy room.” He explained. Rhaenyra grunted and he figured that was where their conversation ended. He was about to head back up the stairs when Rhaenyra called out to him;

“Baelon.”

He turned around, “What now?” 

Rhaenyra pursed her lips, an unreadable look crossing her face as she looked up at him. Her anger seemed to have cooled for a moment. “I just wanted to say…I apologize for everything that happened, and what the children did. I’m sorry we…ruined your wedding. Again.” Baelon felt his eyebrows nearly hit his hairline. 

He was shocked into silence. He couldn’t remember the last time Rhaenyra had apologized to him, for anything. 

“Yes…well, thank you.” He said a little awkwardly. After a moment he added, “I’m glad your children aren’t dead.” 

Rhaenyra scoffed though he could see the trace of a smile tugging at her lips, “Thanks. I’m glad to.” She watched as Rhaenyra turned around and began to make her way to the trophy room in search of Visenya.

“...She’s so strange.” He thought again as he turned around and headed up the stairs once more. 

 

---

 

Rhaenys spent more time in the Dragonpit than she had expected. She held her youngest grandchild close, rocking her gently. They were standing in the center of the Dragonpit with Meleys standing before them, saddled and ready to go. Rhaenys could feel the dragon’s curiosity tugging at her as she stared down at her rider and the little bundle in her arms.

Rhaenys smiled as she stared down at her granddaughter, “Beautiful, isn’t she?” The beta chuckled as she looked down at the baby whose little blue eyes were wide with something close to awe as she stared up at Meleys.

“Meleys is truly the finest dragon in House Targaryen,” Rhaenys said gently. “Don't let anyone try and tell you different…and believe me, they will all try and tell you differently. Everyone thinks they have the best dragon - but Meleys and I know the truth.”

Above her Meleys snorted, her hot breath washing over Rhaenys and the little one. It smelled hot and like sulfur. Rhaenys made a face at the smell and the little one in her arms trembled but didn’t cry.

She was still looking up at Meleys with wide eyes, her little hands waving back and forth and she softly grunted. 

“You remind me of your mother,” Rhaenys said fondly as she rocked her granddaughter in her arms. Rhaenys felt warmth spreading throughout her chest, remembering when Laena had been a baby. Remembering taking her on Meleys for her first dragon ride. 

Meleys snorted again, shaking her massive head causing the baby to let out another string of grunts and whines. 

“You’re a sweet little thing,” Rhaenys said softly, feeling a wave of nostalgia and adoration as she looked down at her. This was why she hadn’t flown yet, taken with how taken the baby was with Meleys. 

She stayed like that for a while, rocking the baby and speaking to her softly. After Meleys let out another snort, Rhaenys could feel her tugging at their bond. She naturally leaned into it and felt her dragon-growing impatience. 

Rhaenys chuckled again, “Alright, alright.” Rhaenys said, getting the hint. She moved around her dragon, tightening the baby's swaddle as she did so. Once she was sure that the baby was secure she began to climb up Meleys side. Her legs were burning by the time she climbed into the saddle. 

“That climb used to be a lot easier,” she muttered as she reached down and chained her legs into the saddle. She made sure the baby was secured in her swaddle one more time before grasping Meleys reins.

<<Forward, Meleys!>> She commanded. The she-dragon let out a loud roar before she began to move forward, the ground shaking. Below the Dragonkeepers opened the massive doors to the Dragonpit. The sunlight began to flood in, causing Rhaenys to wince as her eyes adjusted. Once they were outside, she took a deep breath.

She glanced down and smiled at her granddaughter, “Are you ready to see the world as only a dragon can, my sweet Vissera?” The baby let out another little whine, her entire body seeming to vibrate as she looked around them with wide eyes. Rhaenys smiled as she tugged on the reins. 

“Good, make sure to keep your eyes open my beloved.” She said softly as she leaned down and kissed the crown of Vissera’s forehead. She looked up and pulled Meleys reins once more. <<Fly!>>

Meleys let out another roar as she began to rush forward. After a moment her wings spread open and she pushed off the ground, taking to the air. In the swaddle, Vissera let out a noise somewhere between a cry and a grunt as they climbed higher and higher into the sky.

That was until they leveled out and began to soar over the city. From the swaddle, Vissera let out a little giggle. 

Her first one ever. 

 

---

 

Daemon was fast asleep when his chamber door slammed open. His eyes, which were droopy and heavy from all the milk of the poppy he had consumed earlier, were slow to open. His vision blurred and doubled for a moment as confusion caused his head to swim. It took him a moment to gain his bearings and understand what was happening.

He squinted as he saw a figure coming upon him. His heart nearly jumped into his throat and he instinctively grasped for his sword. Daemon had fallen asleep in his armchair, Dark Sister resting on the table beside him right in reach. However, his arm was moving slower than he thought it should. His hand, the one Visenya had maimed, was burning and stinging from moving it too quickly. Or as quickly as he could in this state.

He glanced over at the figure now standing over him. He squinted as he saw the swath of silver hair coming from their head. They were blurry still but he was sure of the silver hair. “...Baelon?” He crooked out a guess. 

“Not quite,” Rhaenyra snorted.

“At least my hearing is still working,” he thought. Even his thoughts felt slow and heavy. “...Never…that much milk of the poppy…again.” 

“Ever heard of knocking,” he asked tiredly as his head fell back against his chair. It was pounding now and he had gone from fear to anger. “Go. I don't wish to be disturbed.”

“Disgraced Princes don't dictate the Heir to the Iron Throne,” Rhaenyra said in a steely tone. Daemon grunted as he opened his eyes again, Rhaenyra coming more into focus now as she sat across from him. 

“So…she’s pissed…” He thought weakly as he glanced around for the pitcher of wine he had left on the table. 

“Apologize your Grace,” he muttered gruffly. “...Aren’t you supposed to be at Dragonstone or something…?”

“Father asked us to come home for the wedding,” Rhaenyra said matter of factly. “...Speaking of places we should be, why are you still here? Shouldn’t you be back in Runestone by now?” 

Daemon’s brow furrowed and he felt his mind quickly sharpening as anger and confusion coursed through him. His eyes flickered back open, “Excuse me?”

“What about my question confused you?” Rhaenyra demanded. 

“You know why I’m here,” Daemon grumbled as he pushed himself forward. “But I’m not going to waste my time going over that again with you.” He said through clenched teeth, his head pounding harder now as he glared at his niece.

His niece who had promised to help him but had failed. His niece whose daughter had sliced off two of his fingers, on his dominant hand. He would never be whole again, might never be able to fight again. His anger grew as the thoughts began to swarm through his mind like angry wasps. 

“Besides I can’t leave now even if I wanted to,” Daemon snapped as he picked up his wounded hand. “Remember? I’m recuperating from my fight with your daughter.” Rhaenyra’s lip curled in disgust and she gave Daemon an angry look. It caused Daemon’s anger to swell.

“Is there a problem, my niece?” Daemon demanded.

“Visenya told me what happened as did my Mother,” Rhaenyra said to Daemon, unable to contain her own anger. “She came to you for help and instead you belittled her, you mocked her, and pushed her face in the dirt.”

“I was teaching her a lesson!” Daemon snarled. “She thinks she can disrespect me constantly and then come crawling to me for help-”

“-You're her Uncle!”

“And I did her a favor,” Daemon shot back. “Anyone else would have been far harsher with her, and what do I get in return? She takes off my fingers! And you’ve come here to defend her. Did you want me to take the child to Dragonstone? I did you a favor as well-”

“A favor?!” Rhaenyra shouted. “A favor, spare me. No, I’m not defending her,” Rhaenyra said quickly. “But I will not pretend like you have no culpability here. You are an adult and she is a child, you should have known better. You should have known better!”

“No, you spare me!” Daemon spat. “It’s that little cunt who-” Rhaenyra felt something in her snap and she smacked her Uncle with enough force to send him sprawling onto the ground.

“You should not be here!” Rhaenyra raged, seeing red all around her. “You’ve been banished and yet you callously disobeyed my father and returned on your own accord, well I will not stand for it. Leave, continue your banishment back in Runestone!”

“Despite what your father may say, he doesn't seem too upset with my callous disregard!” Daemon taunted. "As you can see!" 

“Is that what you think?” Rhaenyra shot back. “Last I spoke to him he declared you a stain on his legacy!”

Daemon snarled as he pushed himself back to his feet, “Is that what he said to you?! He has neglected to share that opinion with me! He has neglected to throw me out of this castle, clearly he doesn’t want me to leave!”

“My father is weak.” Rhaenyra snarled, causing a heavy silence to fill the air between them. Daemon scowled as he moved forward, anger coming off him in waves. Though they both knew it was true, he would not stand for the insult.

“He is your King,” Daemon said dangerously. “You will not disrespect him in that manner.”

Rhaenyra scoffed, “As you have? You think because you don't say the words out loud that means you don't disrespect him? Callously ignoring his banishment, continuing to stay after he told you to leave, treating his only son like a whore under his roof, whelping bastard on Baelon-”

“-And since when do you care about Baelon,” Daemon demanded.

“My point is, my father may allow you to run roughshod but I will not. He might allow you to disrespect him but you will not disrespect me. He may allow you to hurt his children but you will not come into my home and hurt mine any longer, and you will not call my daughter a cunt not because she got the better of you, not under any circumstance, less you want to keep that tongue in your head. It ends now, leave now.” Rhaenyra warned him.

Daemon snarled again, “As I said before, I’ll leave when the King decides. Not when his heir deems fit.” Rhaenyra curled her lip. “Come command me when you are Queen, Rhaenyra. Until then, I’ll do as I please.”

Rhaenyra shot her hand out and grasped his wounded one. Daemon howled as she dug her fingers into his stitches, ripping his wounds fresh open. His blood burned as it spilled over onto her hand. He shouted again as she tightened her grip, causing him to fall to his knees.

“Don't make this more difficult than it has to be,” Rhaenyra said through her teeth. “I am being generous and allowing you to leave with the little dignity you have left, Uncle. But if you refuse to heed my order, then it can get ugly.” 

“Is that so?” Daemon asked as he panted heavily. “You think I’m afraid of things getting ugly between us?”

“No, but I can assure you that I am no twelve year old little girl, Uncle.” Rhaenyra spat. “I’ll be taking more than just two fingers.” Daemon snarled again as he glared up at his niece, betrayal, and rage coursing through him. 

“You’ll regret this.” He hissed.

Rhaenyra snarled again, “My only regret is not doing this sooner. From not protecting my daughter properly, from you.” Daemon curled his lip and he hissed in unspeakable pain as Rhaenyra dug her fingers deeper into his wound. 

“Your Father-” He tried to say but Rhaenyra swiftly cut him off.

“-Already wants you gone, you disgrace.” Rhaenyra hollered a hatred that Daemon had never thought she capable of feeling toward him burned in her eyes. He felt his heart break…and then harden. He didn’t feel like he was looking at his beloved niece but at this moment an enemy. He reached up and grasped her wrist. His hand was throbbing and burning as sweat slid down the side of his face.

Daemon's eyes hardened as the two glared at one another.  

“I guess I have no choice but to do as the King commands, then.” He finally conceded knowing he truly had no choice. He knew Rhaenyra was right, he had been pushing both Viserys and Aemma to the limit with how long he had been lingering in the capital. He had felt a little more secure knowing that Rhaenyra had been an ally to him. 

Now he realized with all three of them against him, there would be no way for him to get away as he had been. Especially as he looked up at Rhaenyra, the bitter look in her eyes mirroring how he felt. 

“Leave by tonight,” Rhaenyra commanded as she finally released him, his blood dripping from her fingers. “If you’re here in the morning-”

“Yes, yes. Heads, rolling all that.” Daemon spat. “...It might be a little easier to leave if you hadn’t torn my hand open.” Rhaenyra gave him an unsympathetic look as she moved to turn around. He stopped as she turned and glared down at him. 

“If you try and hurt one of my children again…” she let the threat hang in the air. The truth was Rhaenyra wasn’t sure what she would do if Daemon had ever tried to hurt one of her children again. She just knew something would happen, something he would live to regret. “...Goodbye, Uncle.” She finally said. 

“Goodbye, Rhaenyra.” He said to her back as she swept out of his chambers.

 

---

 

“I’ll kill him,” Laena offered, her tone filled with anger. She was holding Vissera close to her chest as she carefully paced throughout their chamber. It was late at night, the moonlight shining through their open windows. 

“I wanted to,” Rhaenyra said as she stepped back into their chambers from the privy. She had just finished recounting to Laena everything that had happened. From what Aemma had told her, the confirmation Visenya had given her, and her confrontation with Daemon. “I could have snapped his neck when he called Visenya cunt.”

“You should have,” Laena declared as Rhaenyra came to a stop in front of her and Vissera who was still awake! Neither minded, they couldn’t sleep either, and rocking their newborn cooled their heads a little bit. “If you had told me all of this when it happened I would have run him and the Bloodwyrm down with Vhagar.”

Rhaenyra chuckled softly, “I know that’s why I didn’t tell you.”

Laena shot her a dirty look. They had seen Caraxes taking off in the moonlight about half an hour ago. It was what finally spurred Rhaenyra to tell Laena what had happened, knowing her wife was no longer able to confront her Uncle. 

Just because Rhaenyra wanted to kill Daemon, didn’t mean they should. And she knew that Laena would actually follow through with chasing him and Caraxes down on Vhagar if she knew what had really happened between Daemon and Visenya. 

Laena finally sighed, “If he ever shows his face back in this city-”

“His head will roll?” She asked as she remembered what Daemon had said during their last conversation.

“Yeah,” Laena said with a nod of her head. “Something like that.” Rhaenyra nodded and leaned forward, kissing Laena’s cheek.

“Can I hold Stinky?”

“Stinky?!” Laena proclaimed, a small smile spreading across her face. For a moment her anger seemed to fade. “Can you believe your Father just called you Stinky? That’s not fair.”

“She is stinky,” Rhaenyra laughed as Laena happily put Vissera into her arms. Laena clucked her tongue as Rhaenyra held her close.

“You make a big mess in your diaper nearly every night before bed and suddenly you get the nickname Stinky!” Laena proclaimed, causing Vissera to look up at her with wide eyes. The corners of her mouth dipped up just a little causing both Rhaenyra and Laena to laugh. 

It made Vissera smile a little wider in reaction to them. Rhaenyra leaned down and gave her a soft kiss on the forehead. She began to rock Vissera as she started to walk around the room, hoping it would help her fall asleep. 

Wanting to shift the conversation away from Daemon, Rhaenyra turned back to her wife. “My mother likes her name, she thinks Vissera suits her.” Laena hummed softly as she picked her head up with a toothy grin.

“My mother isn’t a fan-”

“-There’s a surprise,” Rhaenyra said with a roll of her eyes. 

“She thinks it’s too close to Visenya,” Laena chuckled. “But I also got the impression that she doesn’t like the name itself.” 

“Was she not the biggest fan of Princess Vissera?” Rhaenyra teased, causing Laena to shrug.

“I'm unsure but if she didn’t like Vissera she certainly kept that to herself,” Laena said before letting out a yawn. She began to make her way over to the bed and dropped herself onto it. Rhaenyra smiled as she glanced down at Vissera. 

Rhaenyra herself loved the name. In part because Visenya and Aenar had suggested it themselves. Admittedly the reason had been vain, Aenar admitting he wanted to name her Vissera because her predecessor had been renowned for her beauty, Aenar figured that this would mean their sister wouldn't grow up to be ugly.

Visenya’s reason wasn’t much better. She wanted to name her Vissera because it sounded close to Visenya. 

Laena for her part though the name was pretty. That and the omega had always been sympathetic toward Princess Vissera, understanding the desperate position that Vissera had been in that ultimately led to her untimely death. 

“I love you,” Rhaenyra said softly as she looked down at Vissera lovingly. “And soon you’ll have a little brother or sister of your own.” On the bed, Laena let out a laugh of disbelief! 

“Where did you get that idea!”

“I thought you wanted more children,” Rhaenyra laughed as she picked her head up to smile at her wife.

“Not any time soon,” Laena grumbled, though she did have a soft smile on her face. “And I’m not sure if I want any more children…perhaps just one more child.” Rhaenyra chuckled as she moved closer to the bed. 

“Perhaps two?” Rhaenyra asked. 

Laena snorted, “Only if I get pregnant with twins.” 

Rhaenyra’s entire face lit up, “Twins? I wouldn’t mind that.”

“Of course you wouldn’t!” Laena laughed. “You wouldn’t have to push them out…and their large heads!”

“Will you all stop with the big head jokes!” Rhaenyra demanded, causing Laena to laugh and Vissera to weakly smile again. Rhaenyra looked down at the baby, “What are you smiling at Big Head?” Laena let out a soft, playful hiss.

“Don't call my baby Big Head.”

“You’re the one who started it,” Rhaenyra said with a smile.

“Well that’s because I had to push out that big head,” Laena chuckled before her face softened. “Now put my little one back in her crib and come to bed, it’s late and I’m growing tired.” Rhaenyra chuckled as she looked down at Vissera. The baby was still awake, not looking the least bit tired. 

“But Vissera and I aren’t ready for bed,” she teased.

“Rhaenyra,” Laena whined softly as she stretched out across their covers, causing an adoring feeling to come over the alpha. “Come to bed and cuddle like you promised to do this afternoon.” Rhaenyra straightened up a little. 

“You’re right, I do owe you.” Rhaenyra, predictably, conceded to her wife. She gave Vissera one last kiss on the forehead before carefully moving to the crib and setting her down. “Goodnight my little love, and remember your Father loves you more than your Mother does-”

“-Rhaenyra!”

Rhaenyra chuckled again, stealing one last forehead kiss from Vissera before turning and moving to get into bed, blowing out the candles on her bedside as she did so. As she crawled into bed she happily wrapped her arms around Laena and pulled her in close. 

“Are you sure you want to go to bed?” Rhaenyra asked, her tone flirtatious. “Perhaps we should practice on those twins.” 

“Rhaenyra don't annoy me before bed,” Laena chuckled as she pulled Rhaenyra in closer. 

“Apologizes my love,” she said softly. “Good night.”

“Good night my heart,” Laena murmured back as she leaned back and dropped a soft kiss to her alpha’s cheek. 

 

---

 

“How long are you guys going to be gone for?” Visenya asked with a frown, leaning up against the railing as she looked down into the courtyard below. 

“A few hours at least,” Eleanor Hightower said, craning her head up as she spoke to Visenya, her sometimes best friend. Eleanor Hightower looked a lot like her father Alicent. She was short and had long auburn hair that fell over her shoulders in waves, pale skin, and an expanse of freckles along the bridge of her nose.

She was currently wearing a long flowing dress in the colors of her house; a dull white and grey. Behind her, her younger siblings were all milling about as they waited for Eleanor to stop talking and join them.

The rest of Eleanor’s siblings looked just like her with their fiery auburn hair, pale skin, and soft brown eyes. Visenya found them to be considerably less annoying though. And yet despite how annoying Eleanor was, Visenya found herself annoyed that her friend would be gone for so long. After all, it wasn’t every day that her sometimes best friend visited the capital. 

“Wait, did I hear that right?” Lucky demanded loudly as he came up to Visenya’s side and leaned to peer down the railing. “What are you going to be doing in the Sept for hours? ” 

“Praying, what else?” Eleanor demanded. 

“Come oooooon,” her little brother Thomas whined, turning to give Eleanor an annoyed look. Eleanor rolled her eyes before pointing up at them.

“Don't do any fun while I’m gone,” she commanded. 

“You’re going be gone for hours,” Lucky pointed out with a frown.

“You want us to sit around and be bored while you're gone?” Visenya asked in the same tone. Eleanor nodded her head as she crossed her arms over her chest.

“If I have to be bored, so do you, that’s what being friends is about!” Eleanor complained. “Besides I’m the alpha of the group now, you whelps have to do as I say!” She proudly before spinning around and marching over to the rest of her siblings. Both Visenya and Lucky gritted their teeth as they shot each other annoyed looks.

Suddenly Visenya wasn’t bothered that Eleanor would be gone for a few hours. Her shoulders slumped forward as she and Lucky turned around and began to make their way down the hallway.

“She’s not going to let that alpha thing go,” Lucky groaned as he smacked his forehead. So far neither she nor Lucky had presented as an alpha or an omega. Though neither of them was sure what that transformation would look like…the two were eagerly awaiting the day they would wake up as alphas.

Neither had thought much of it until Eleanor Hightower, who was staying in the capital for Laenor and Baelon’s wedding, had announced she had presented as an alpha since the last time they had seen her. 

Not much had changed about Eleanor, only she was stinkier now and had a justification for her domineering attitude. The worst part was it wasn’t just Eleanor who had presented recently it seemed like everyone their age was waking up as either an alpha or omega. Visenya and Lucky felt like they were being left behind.

Visenya’s nose twitched as the thought crossed her mind. Almost as if summoned by the thought a gaggle of girls hurried around the corner.

Visenya’s face flushed and a scowl pulled at her face as she watched Daenaera Velaryon and a group of other young girls quickly approached. Despite being younger than Visenya by three months and two days, Daenaera had already presented as an omega the summer before. She was just as annoying as Eleanor was about it! 

Daenaera glanced over at Visenya, her eyes twinkling with mischief. Visenya felt herself locking up a little as her face flushed redder…with what Visenya was sure was frustration! Daenaera giggled again and said, “If it isn’t the runaway princess.” This caused all the girls around her to break out into laughter causing Visenya and Lucky to cringe.

Visenya swallowed thickly and she felt her mind go blank, watching as Daenaera and her friends hurried down the hallway. Both Lucky and Visenya let out a breath they weren’t aware they were holding once the girls were out of view. 

“That was humiliating,” Visenya said as they began to make their way down the hallway again. Lucky nodded his head quickly.

“I was humiliated and she wasn’t even talking to me…” Lucky muttered as they began to make their way down a set of steps. “...Man, your cousin is brutal.”

“She’s not my cousin!” Visenya said quickly.

“She’s a Velaryon isn’t she?”

“Yes.”

“She’s Vaemond Velaryon’s granddaughter, right?”

“Yes.” 

“...He’s your Uncle right?”

“Great Uncle.”

“Uh huh,” Lucky said as he looked at Visenya as if she was stupid. “So…that makes her your cousin?”

“Once removed…”

“...Because that matters.” Lucky scoffed.

“Oh shut up!” Visenya snapped. 

“Visenya,” both Visenya and Lucky came to a stop as they heard Laena’s voice. They both turned and saw Laena standing by the foot of the stairs. They cringed as she shot them a disapproving look. Laena waved them over with her finger, causing them to drag their feet as they walked over to her. As they got closer they realized she was standing with Rhaenyra and Lady Alicent. 

“Why are you telling Lucky to shut up?” Laena asked once they stopped in front of her. 

“Um…he was being annoying?” Visenya asked, causing Lucky to snicker.

“Visenya,” Rhaenyra spoke in a scolding tone now. 

“Hmm, why are you with Lucky anyway? Aren't you supposed to be writing lines with your brother?” Alicent cut in, causing a look of realization to come over both Rhaenyra's and Laena’s faces. Visenya groaned and slapped her forehead. 

“Thanks, Lady Alicent,” she said miserably.

“You're welcome,” Alicent said happily.

“Off with you,” Laena said strictly. “Before I add another sheet of lines to your punishment.” This caused Visenya to straighten up considering she and Aenar had to write 2,000 lines at the moment for their official punishment…

…Even though polishing all the armor in Rhaenyra’s trophy room, mopping down the kitchen floors, and even cleaning out the chamber pots in everyone’s room felt pretty much like an official punishment to Visenya.

Though considering those had all been given by Aemma, Visenya supposed it didn’t count in her parent's eyes.

“Hey, think about it this way,” Lucky said with a smile. “If you're stuck in a room writing lines with your brother, you can’t be humiliated by your cousin.”

“She’s not my cousin,” Visenya huffed.

“Whose humiliating you?” Rhaenyra asked curiously.

“Daenaera Velaryon,” Lucky answered for Visenya. “She laughed at us.”

“Why?” Alicent asked.

“Because she’s annoying too,” Visenya said quickly. “And…and I’m definitely banishing her once I become Queen!” 

“You can’t banish someone for laughing at you,” Rhaenyra said kindly. “Or at least you really shouldn’t.” 

“Yeah but her laughter was cutting!” Visenya said quickly.

“Omegas have cutting laughter,” Lucky agreed quickly.

“Enough,” Laena said.

“It’s true!” Lucky continued. “I feel like they damaged my young masculinity!” Visenya nodded her head seriously. 

“Alright, will you two go,” Rhaenyra said, trying her best not to laugh. “Visenya go work on your lines and Lucky, do something useful.” Laena punctuated her mate's words by waving them off with both hands. 

Visenya and Lucky shrugged before turning and hurrying down the hallway. While Visenya turned the first corner, Lucky continued, both of them saying goodbye over their shoulders as they headed off to their separate task, neither of them understanding why Alicent, Laena, and Rhaenyra were laughing so hard.

 

---

 

“You’re finally here!” Aenar chirped happily as Visenya slipped into Aemma’s chambers. Her grandmother had happily volunteered her chambers for their punishment of writing lines, wanting to keep a sharp eye on them still. Visenya glanced around for their grandmother but found she wasn’t there. Only Aenar, Septa Marlow and Vissera. 

Septa Marlow shot her a judgemental look but Visenya ignored her as she made her way over to Vissera. She glanced down at the baby who she thought might be sleeping in her crib. Instead, Vissera was wide awake and glaring up at her.

“Hey, what’s with the look?” Visenya asked her sister. “It’s Aenar’s fault you're here, not mine. I told Mother not to punish you with us!” Vissera grunted and continued to glare at her. Visenya figured her sister must just be mad at the situation and not her.

She hoped so anyway. 

“Visenya, I’m twenty lines ahead of you,” Aenar said happily as Visenya walked away from the crib and over to her desk. Aemma set up two of them for Visenya and Aenar by the window that looked out the garden. 

“You’re way too excited about this punishment,” Visenya said with a shake of her head, remembering how excited Aenar had been about polishing their father’s armor too. “You’re not supposed to like being punished.”

“I know,” Aenar said as soft whine came from under Aemma’s bed. Visenya turned and knelt down to see Scratch curled up under the bed, his tail thumping as he looked up at Visenya. Scratch had been staying with Aemma since they had left him in the Dragonpit. If he wasn’t sticking to their grandmother’s side he was hiding under her bed.

Aenar and Visenya had been trying to coax him out and get him back to Aenar’s room but Scratch seemed reluctant to be away from Aemma. Visenya knew that Aenar was upset about it but Visenya just felt guilty more than anything else. Leaving Scratch behind and in danger in the Dragonpit was just another mistake they had made. Another way they had hurt someone they loved.

They would have to do their best to make it up to poor Scratch, just like with everyone else. Visenya reached forward and gave him a little ear scratch. “Good boy.” She said softly just as Septa Marlow cleared her throat. Visenya rolled her eyes as she pushed herself up to her feet. She moved over to her desk and sat down. 

“Where’s Grandmother?” She asked as she picked up her quill and turned toward her parchment, picking up on where she had left off last night. 

“She went to go and speak with Grandsire,” Aenar said. “She was frustrated you didn’t come right away, just so you know.”

“I’m sure I’ll get an ear full when she gets back,” Visenya sighed. She glanced back over at Aenar who was bouncing in his seat as he happily scrawled his next line. 

“I’m twenty-one lines ahead of you now,” Aenar said happily.

“Congratulations,” Visenya huffed, convinced that Aenar being here was more of a punishment for her than him. “Why are you happy about this again?” She demanded, causing Aenar to turn and give her a sweet look.

“Because I get to practice my penmanship while being with my sisters, how could I not be happy about that?” He asked, causing Visenya to smile. 

“You’re weird,” she laughed as she turned back to her paper. “But I love you anyway.”

“I love you too!” Aenar proclaimed. “And Vissera too!”

Septa Marlow cleared her throat again, “Get back to your lines, especially you Princess. You have a lot of work to do to catch up.” Visenya fought the urge to roll her eyes as she turned back to the parchment.

“Yes, Septa Marlow!” Aenar said happily.

“Yes, Septa Marlow…” Visenya said in a less happy tone as she began to scrawl out her next line;

506. I will not go into the dragonpit without supervision. I will not run away again. I will not disobey my parents. 

Visenya felt a soft tug to her bond with Vermithor. She opened herself up to it and was suddenly filled with warmth. She nearly let out a rumble as she basked in his presence, feeling comforted by it.

507. I will not go into the dragonpit without supervision. I will not run away to Dragonstone. I will not disobey my parents.

“You were worth it, Vermithor.” she thought as she began her next line. 

 

End.

Notes:

And so officially ends Dragon Dreams!

Again thank you to everyone who has read this far, I hope you've all enjoyed reading the story as much as I enjoyed writing it and I hope you all tune in for the next stories in the series.

Thank you!

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 1 of The House of The Dragon