Aemon Targaryen (107 A.C. First Moon)
Driftmark - High Tide
Aemon walked toward the door after he had redressed himself. He was quite grateful for it. The riding leathers were comfortable, but after riding for almost eight hours, it was pleasant to change his clothes. Ghost had gone into the woods of Driftmark, filled with dark coastal pines, trees that thrived on isles such as this and were among the few that survived on Dragonstone.
He opened the carved door of his chamber, upon which another seahorse was depicted. High Tide was decorated with them, though the occasional dragon could be seen as well, most often colored like Meleys. He smiled as he stepped into the main hallway of the family wing. It had been a surprise that he was offered a place here instead of the guest wing, but he did not mind it.
Harrold waited for him, and Aemon suspected he had sent Ser Jeffery off to his chambers to sleep, so that he himself could take the night watch.
As they walked through the halls of Driftmark, Aemon was awed by its splendor. He wondered at the cost of the place. "Tell me something, Ser. Which place looks grander, High Tide or Seadragon Holt?"
"There is a difference, my Prince. Both have their own form of grandeur. High Tide displays its wealth and power openly, both within and without. Even its location, with the tide road leading to this place, symbolizes House Velaryon as Lords of the Tides. Seadragon Holt is different. It holds a stern grip upon the land, a seat grafted firmly into the hill it sits upon, its bones buried deep within. Inside the castle, you display your heritage front and center, the dragon and the wolf, ice and fire," Harrold replied, a glint in his eyes.
Aemon smiled. "Hmm, I can see your point."
As they continued on, they encountered several servants. Most shared features are similar to the Velaryons, though mingled with Westerosi traits. It reminded him of the Celtigars, whose lords had always been close to the Targaryens, though, to his knowledge, had not married into the House of the Dragon before Gael. The most Westerosi Valyrian house, as far as he knew, were the Scales, then there were even other minor lords sworn to the Celtigars, along with even smaller houses or knightly families descended from dragonseeds or far removed branches of second or third sons of Celtigar or Velaryon.
The looks they gave him were a mix of fear, respect, awe, and on occasion, a lustful smile. He smiled faintly at the thought, though he would not indulge in such things. He had not been with a woman since Daenerys, and that was almost sixteen years ago. Even now, he still saw her broken eyes, that haunting look which sought him out in his dreams.
He shook his head, unwilling to let those memories return. Nor did he wish to bed another woman. He knew the pain it could cause within a marriage if he were to father a bastard, and the pain it would bring upon the child itself, even the betrayal of knowledge that he had bedded another woman. That thought brought him back to his talks with Arya and his mother.
No, not now. For now, he would enjoy Driftmark.
"Aemon, is everything well?" Harrold asked.
"Apologies," Aemon murmured. "I was lost in my thoughts."
They continued until they reached the great inlaid bronze doors. Aemon had seen them before, yet they never failed to impress. Seven voyages gleamed in the metal, each panel capturing a triumph of Corlys Velaryon. These were the voyages that had earned his house gold enough to rival even the Lannisters.
The guards straightened as Aemon approached. "My Prince, welcome. The rest of the party is waiting."
When the doors opened, a rush of warm air, voices, and rich scents swept out: roasted fowl, spiced wine, sea salt, burning driftwood.
"Prince Aemon Targaryen," the guards called. The hall stilled at once. All rose to greet him.
Rhaenys smiled from the high table. "Ah, cousin. It seems you have changed."
"That I have. And thank you for the room. It feels homely."
He noticed an empty seat beside her, and on the other side of it sat Laena Velaryon. The sight of her made his breath catch. He began walking forward.
To his left sat several knights in unfamiliar sigils, likely Velaryon sworn swords. To his right stood more Velaryons, including Vaemond and his sons. Vaemond looked as proud as ever, his certainty carved into his expression.
To Rhaenys's right stood Laenor Velaryon. His hair shone silver-gold under the torchlight, and he wore a sea-blue doublet embroidered with the family seahorse. Upon his shoulders rested two dragons, one grey like Seasmoke and one crimson like Meleys.
Beside Laenor stood Aemon's young sister Visenya, clad in a soft grey gown with a red three-headed dragon stitched at its center. The golden thread along the edges caught the light as she smiled at him, her violet eyes bright beneath her long black braided hair, giving her a graceful beauty. Something he notices when she uses a sword: graceful yet precise.
When Aemon reached the high table, he finally saw Laena clearly. Her gown was stunning, a blend of black and red that marked her as an unmistakable future Targaryen bride. The silver seahorse lay across her bodice, flanked by a dragon in the color of the young Jeafyre. Her hair, long and silver as moonlight, curled lightly over her shoulders. Her eyes were a deep, soft Valyrian purple.
Aemon smiled despite himself. A true future Targaryen lady she shall be.
He extended his hand. Laena rose and placed hers gently in his. His gaze flickered downward for a heartbeat, catching the briefest glimpse of her bosom framed by the golden thread of her gown. Heat stirred in his cheeks.
Breaking from his short spell, he bent and kissed her hand. "My lady."
Laena's smile brightened. "My prince, please take your seat."
"Well, thank you, my lady," Aemon noted with a smile as he sat down at her side, and the rest of the high table followed, silk whispering across polished driftwood as the hall settled.
Princess Rhaenys rose again, tall and regal, her silver hair gleaming beneath the great bronze chandeliers. She lifted her cup.
"I want you all to welcome Prince Aemon Targaryen, Lord of Seadragon Point. My future good-son, the betrothed of my daughter, and a friend to House Velaryon. Let us honor him during his stay. Let dragon and seahorse stand proudly together, as they have since the Conquest and beyond."
Thunderous cheers crashed through the hall. Cups raised, tables shook, men shouted their approval.
Aemon felt a warm hand slip into his. Laena's fingers curled softly around his, her smile now unguarded. He smiled back, unable to help himself.
As the hall quieted, Aemon rose.
"Princess Rhaenys," he began, "I thank you for your kind words. I hope that when I marry the woman beside me, whom I have known since I was a babe…" He looked at Laena again, saw her breath still ever so slightly. "…the lines of Aemon and Baelon Targaryen will be joined anew. As they once stood together. Baelon, the sword. Aemon, the ruler."
A ripple of approval moved through the hall.
"So I raise this glass," Aemon said, lifting his cup high, "to House Velaryon and House Targaryen."
The hall rose with him. "To the dragon and the seahorse!"
Servants swept in almost at once, weaving like silver threads through the hall. They set bowls of oysters and mussels at the high table, razor clams bright with lemon, and steaming cups of rich crab broth. Aemon tasted the broth, warmth blooming through him.
Laena leaned in. "Driftmark's waters do not disappoint, I hope."
"They never have," he replied. Yet he gave Laena a lustful look when he did.
Laena's eyes gleamed with pride as she pressed a kiss to his cheek.
Warm loaves of sea-wheat bread followed, along with goat cheeses, honeyed butter, and early fruits from the Velaryon glass gardens. Aemon tore off a piece of bread and found it excellent. Harrold grunted in agreement beside him.
Laena tilted her head playfully. "Better than the bread at Seadragon Holt?"
"No, but different. I suppose it is more salted and lighter," Aemon answered. "The bread baked at Seadragon Holt is heavier, browner, and baked with pumpkin."
Swordfish came next, seared with peppercorns. Silver trout stuffed with herbs. Smoked eel, a supposed favorite of Corlys Velaryon during his voyages.
Laenor leaned forward. "Be glad Father is not here. He would tell you a long story about catching a fish just like this."
Rhaenys smirked. "He would tell two stories."
"Oh yes, I remember hearing once in the Red Keep," Visenya added. "He speared a giant silver-sword fish in the straits of Qarth."
"Indeed, Princess. I think my brother still has a spike of the fish as a trophy in his cabin aboard the Seasnake," Vaemond noted with a ghost of a smile.
Aemon tasted the swordfish and found it firm and rich.
The feast deepened. Roasted birds glazed in honey and citrus arrived, followed by a great boar braised in red wine, its aroma filling the hall.
"The boar, My Prince, was speared by Princess Visenya herself and her wolf," the servants announced.
"You hunt, sweet sister?"
"I do, just like Laena and Rhaenyra, although only on Driftmark. Viserys says it is not appropriate for ladies of court and princesses to hunt," Visenya replied with a smug smile. Aemon gave Rhaenys a look, and she nodded.
"Hmm, a shame. I wonder who brought the idea to him. Mother and Father used to hunt all the time together, riding into the Kingswood," Aemon commented fondly.
"Perhaps it is the Hand. The man holds quite a lot of power in the realm," Rhaenys added.
Aemon frowned at that. "Hmm."
At last came the sweets: lemon cakes dusted with powdered sugar, candied sea-plums, pastries filled with blackberry compote. Servants poured pale sweetwine from Hightide's cellars.
Rhaenys rose once more, lifting her cup high. "To Aemon and Laena. May their union strengthen the blood of the dragon and bring peace to the seas and sky."
The hall answered in booming unity.
"To Aemon and Laena!"
The feast went on for a little while longer, but Aemon rose, thanked Rhaenys for the feast, and retreated to the terrace of the Keep that looked out over the Blackwater. Laena joined him, put her arms around him, and laid her head upon his shoulder.
"I missed you," he murmured as he looked out over the black water, listening to the waves crash against the rocks. Laena squeezed his hand a little tighter.
"You know… it is strange. I have known you as long as I can remember. Yet I do not want this feeling of friendship I felt for you to change into… I do not know, longing." Aemon knew he cared for her, but love was not yet there. He knew with time he would arrive there.
"I know it too. I think ever since we first kissed on Balerion two years ago. I felt different. I did before, but the kiss changed something," Laena noted.
"It did. And like you said then, and a couple of times after that, that you wished to do that again," Aemon said with a grin. As he turned his face toward her, Laena was in the bloom of her womanhood. Almost as he remembered Daenerys being when he met her, but looking at Laena now, she might have been even more of a beauty.
Laena smiled and blushed. "Quite daring for a prince. We are not even married."
"Truly, the daughter of Rhaenys and Corlys is against being daring?" Aemon grinned as he pulled her closer and kissed her. Those lips were familiar but fuller than the last time. He felt her mouth yield to his, and unlike their last kiss, he felt his tongue connect with hers.
Aemon groaned, and after another moment, they parted, both taking in a breath.
"Mmm… I do not mind being daring. I am a dragonrider and daughter of the sea. I have been daring in things you might not expect."
Aemon raised a brow. Yet before he could ask, Laena kissed him again, pressing herself against him. His heart raced as he felt her breasts against his chest, and his own manhood grew at the contact.
"Daring indeed," Aemon smiled as he licked his lips, pulling her close after the kiss.
A cough sounded behind them, startling them both. They looked toward the sound.
"Dear brother, here I thought you were chivalrous. Yet here you are, alone with a lady and kissing her no less," Visenya said with a grin.
"Sister," he said, straightening his posture. "Hmm, I suspect you will be off to bed. Is it not past your bedtime?"
"Bedtime?" Visenya laughed. "I do not think that applies to me since I was ten."
"No, I was looking for Laena. I am staying with her for the time I am here," Visenya said, and she gave Laena a small smile. Yet as Aemon looked into his sister's eyes, he saw a glint of mischief. The same one she and Arya had when they played pranks.
"Although I have been back a week, with our good-sister with child, Rhaenyra has taken over some of the household. Her mother said it would be a good lesson. Alicent and Laena have been a massive help as well."
Aemon looked at Laena. "Indeed, I helped, as I switch my time between Driftmark, learning from Mother, and King's Landing, where I serve as Rhaenyra's lady-in-waiting."
"Good. I hoped my future lady-wife would be well-equipped to run a household. Although my dear, you are far more than that," Aemon said, kissing her brow.
Visenya coughed again. "Brother, perhaps it is best we all retire. It would be a shame if someone saw the both of you. We would not want my friend's honor questioned, would we?"
"Well then, sister, if you allow me, let me escort you both to your chambers." He took Laena's right hand and offered his left to Visenya.
After they reentered the hallway, Harrold saw them and followed. Soon enough, they arrived at Laena's chambers.
"Have a good night. Also, one more thing. Laena, if you would be so kind, dress in riding leathers. I planned something for tomorrow morning." He kissed them both on their cheeks.
"Something planned. I cannot wait," Laena said with a smile as she squeezed his hand.
"Goodnight to you, too, brother." Visenya kissed his cheek, then turned, and they closed the door.
Laena Velaryon (107 A.C. First Moon)
Driftmark - High Tight
She awoke in the morning as sunlight streamed through her windows. It had been a long time since she had slept so well, and it was because she had seen Aemon again. He had grown into a handsome, well built, heavily muscled young man. His silver-gold hair curled down to his shoulders, and his eyes, a striking blend of Stark grey with hints of Valyrian purple, were his best features. Yet what had impressed her most was his maturity. For someone of their age, he carried himself exceptionally well, and kissed well, too. She could not help but think that he was someone she could proudly call her husband, just as her mother did with her own.
Beside her lay Visenya, her black hair spread across the pillow. Laena smiled. What had happened between them was still strange to her, ever since the four of them had drunk too much. They had kissed each other, and it had not been only Visenya. She had felt guilty then, the fact that she had kissed someone other than Aemon weighing on her. Yet it had not ended there. No, it had expanded into something she had not expected. She now noticed the difference between the two things. With Aemon, it had been something pure, perhaps mixed with a touch of lust, but it was something she could build a future on. Something they had done through letters, trying to send one another at least once a week.
With the others, especially with Rhaenyra and Visenya, it simply felt good and exciting. The kissing, and doing other things she had never expected to do, nor thought she would like. Yet here she was.
A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.
At her side, Visenya opened her eyes, clear purple flecked with grey, the same as Aemon's. "My Lady, my Princess," their handmaidens called out.
Visenya groaned, but rose from the bed all the same. She opened the door, and servants entered to help them dress and prepare for the day. Yet they were not the only ones present. Her great cousin Seranella had become one of her closest friends since she had come to Driftmark. Every time she visited, she stayed close. Sera possessed the Valyrian look in a more common, yet beautiful way. Her hair was golden with silver strands, reminding Laena somewhat of the Lannisters.
Seeing her choice of dress, Sera cocked her head. "My brother invited him, dressed in riding leathers. I suspect they will be flying."
Visenya nodded, watching Sera's expression as one of the maids brushed her hair.
Sera, always one to indulge in gossip, could not resist a teasing remark. "Oh, Laena, the Prince has invited you, eh? Are you thinking of stealing a kiss from him? If I know men correctly, he will likely make a move. Or perhaps you should be the one to initiate it, especially with someone like him."
"Stealing a kiss," Visenya laughed, granting her a mischievous grin.
"The Lady Seranella is right. My Lady, stealing is too bad, though," her own handmaiden noted.
"Oh, tell me, Meera," Sera asked.
"I have kissed a boy or two. It is quite nice," the girl said.
Visenya smiled toward her. "Mmm, I suspect my brother has some experience."
Sera added, "Oh, beg your pardon, Princess, but I suspect as much of your brother. With his status and looks, men like him do not lack admirers. I would not be surprised if some Northern maiden or a merchant's daughter at Seadragon Point has caught his attention."
Laena blushed, yet found herself wondering if Aemon might have shared a bed with another woman. Could she truly judge him, when she herself had done the same?
"He could have," Visenya said, "but knowing my brother, he enjoyed your company. Yet as far as I know, there has been no one else."
"Well, you can never be sure," Sera said. "He is older now, speaks with a man's voice, and carries himself as one. Besides, he is part Stark, and they are known for not having disdain for bastards. Some even rise to high positions. Plus, the Targaryens have dragonseeds all over Dragonstone and Driftmark, and I suppose some of the dock workers also carry our blood."
Visenya and the maids nodded.
"You think he might have a bastard in the North?" Laena asked. She did not know what she would do if he had one. Yet she knew such things happened, and she had met bastards before. She would even employ them.
"Doubtful," Visenya replied. "My brother is too calculating for that. If he has one, it was not because he wished to bed a woman."
Laena shook her head, deciding that wondering about it would not matter. After her hair was braided, she rose from her seat. "My ladies, I will see you all later."
She opened the door, and outside waited her sworn shield, Ser Barren Longwater, a knight of fifty years whom she had known since childhood. He had come to Driftmark with her mother when she was a little older.
"Good morning, Ser," she said with a smile.
"My Lady, I see you will be riding," he noted.
"That I shall. Aemon should be waiting for us at the beach," she replied, suspecting they would go to the dragon caves after.
As she arrived, she had expected to see only Aemon, perhaps his guard. Yet instead, Balerion was there as well, and Jaefyre, his blood red scales highlighted with purple flashing in the morning sun. As she came closer, Jaefyre noticed her, and so did Aemon.
"Ah, Laena, good morning."
"I thought we would get the dragons?" she asked.
Aemon shook his head. "No, the beach is just as good a place to depart, no?"
"Ser, you may retreat back inside. I will be safe with Aemon," she told her sworn shield. The knight gave Aemon a look before bowing and retreating toward Driftmark.
As Jaefyre came closer, she smiled. "Good morning, my boy," she said, as the dragon gave out a trill and lowered his head.
"He is impatient, is he not?" Aemon said with a grin, and she could have sworn Balerion puffed out smoke.
"That he is. Ever since we could ride together, neither Jaefyre nor I can get enough," she replied with a smile.
"Well then, let us go and see if the hatchling can fly," Aemon said.
Jaefyre gave out an indignant growl. She smiled at him as Aemon walked up to Balerion and stretched out a wing, one that was likely twice as long as Jaefyre was.
She mounted Jaefyre and, after a moment, secured herself.
Soon enough, Balerion began to rise, and with giant claps of his wings and a small stride, he leapt into the air, his massive wings sweeping up the sand.
"Come on, Jaefyre. Soves," she commanded.
Jaefyre roared and began to stride, then leapt into the air.
Her heart raced as the dragon soared skyward, as it always did, and she watched High Tide come into view below. Balerion followed behind them, and Aemon soon flew past her, much quicker than she had expected from the massive black dread.
He flew low over the water, and Aemon gave a barely audible command. "Dracarys."
The dragon unleashed a blast of black and red flame into the sea, so hot it seemed to make the water boil, a cloud of steam rising high and momentarily concealing the beast before it emerged again. It was a breathtaking sight.
"Well, Jaefyre, shall we try that?" she asked in High Valyrian.
Jaefyre lowered herself and, upon her command, unleashed flames of red and purple. It produced a similar cloud of steam, yet nearly as high.
After their display, Aemon and Laena continued their flight and eventually arrived at Dragonstone, the other ancestral home of her family. Balerion landed on the beach, and she followed suit.
"Thank you, my boy," she said, patting Jaefyre's snout and receiving a contented trill.
"You did well, Laena. Now, how about a picnic?" Aemon asked as he lowered a sack he had brought from Balerion.
She smiled as Aemon laid out the picnic. "So, what are the big things I have missed since I left last time?" he asked once they had sat down.
She bit into a piece of apple pie and thought for a moment. "Hmm, I suppose your brother is becoming commander of the City Watch."
Aemon laughed. "Ah, yes, the man likes violence, and from what I know, he likes King's Landing."
She hesitated. Should she tell him about Alicent and Daemon? It was also important, and it affected his brother and her friend.
"Laena, what is it?" he asked.
"Something else happened. It has to do with Alicent and Daemon."
Aemon frowned. "Yes?"
"Apparently, Daemon and Otto were in talks about forming an alliance, at least that is my understanding from what Alicent told me and what my father said."
"Hmm. Your father wrote something similar. That Otto and Daemon were growing closer. It surprised me at the time. Daemon has always disliked those who hold greater power, or ties to people he considers his or cares about. It has been his way with my father, and now with Viserys," Aemon said.
It did not surprise her that her father and Aemon had been in contact. Aemon seemed to be one of the few people her father truly respected.
"I have seen that look he gives Viserys, and possibly Rhaenyra as well," she added.
Aemon sighed. "I look out for my niece. Although, from what Visenya told me, Daemon's relationship with Rhaenyra is distant. She disagrees with how he treats me, my mother, and my siblings."
Laena smiled, wholeheartedly agreeing. "No, but speaking of Daemon and Alicent, what happened?"
She sighed and explained. "Daemon was courting Alicent, and she even told us about it. But one day, Daemon went too far and wanted more than Alicent was willing to give. Instead of respecting that, he got drunk and went to the Street of Silk, bedding a whore who kept calling him Alicent. Now she associates herself with that, and afterward, the relationship between Otto and Daemon soured. It is quite clear Otto saw Daemon as a chance to place his blood on the throne, and Daemon saw a way to gain the support he needed to annul his marriage to Rhea Royce."
Aemon shook his head. "Fools, both of them. Otto, for all his faults, is a good administrator. I saw his work when he was a steward to my father. Yet Otto and Daemon are like oil and water. They do not mix well. One thrives in order, the other in chaos."
He exhaled slowly. "I shall give them both headaches when I return. Perhaps give my brother a good hammering in the sparring yard, or in the tourney. I will have to crown you my queen of love and beauty afterward."
She flushed. It was one of the things she truly remembered, being crowned. Her father had held tourneys before, and she vaguely recalled being crowned once.
"I like that," Laena said.
Aemon looked at her, the seriousness in his eyes softening. "Then I will do my best to make it so."
The wind tugged at her hair as she rose, bent forward, and kissed him, slow and unhurried. Aemon returned the kiss just as gently, his hand settling at her waist, the moment quiet and warm against the sound of the sea.
When they parted, he rested his forehead against hers. "I am glad you came back early."
"So am I," Laena answered softly.
Together they sat in silence for a while longer, dragons resting behind them, watching the ships sail past as the sun hung in the midday sky.
Hello everyone!
If you've enjoyed my stories and would like to support my work, consider joining my community. Your support means the world to me and helps me continue creating the content you and I love.
By becoming a Patreon, you'll get access to exclusive benefits like:
- Early access to new chapters (Up to Four months ahead)
- Writing and story updates.
- Access to concept art for the stories.
- And, of course, you will support me.
- And much more!
Join now and be part of a community that loves and supports creativity. Your contribution makes a huge difference and allows me to keep bringing you exciting new stories.
If you want to join, go to Patreon. Copy this link : www.patreon.com/HeroDut1998
Thank you for all your support!