Chapter Text
JAEHAERYS
The sight of Kings Landing crested over the hill of the king's road and Jaehaerys had to stop and take it in. While the smells of the city left much to be desired, its sights were still breathtaking, he could never understand how his ancestors built it. He hasn't seen the city or the Red Keep in 6 years since he was little more than a boy of 14 still letting the whispers of the word bastard bring the sting of tears to his eyes.
He went North to be fostered by his uncle Lord Eddard Stark and his kids. His time north was amazing, getting to see the sights the North had to offer and getting to hone himself as a warrior. At least that was what he thought before he went to war. "Cold feet my prince?" His travelling companion, sworn sword, and close friend Ser Jaime Lannister asked from atop his horse. They were both road-worn having spent the last moon on horseback and the Lion was sprouting a beard in desperate need of removal. Even Jaehaerys had begun to grow one but it likely wouldn't get to live long either
"Not this far south" Jaehaerys commented dryly from his steed, earning a small smirk from the older knight.
"There will be an escort and a whole show" Jaime started but the prince shook his head stopping him.
"I know I know, I just wish it over with sooner than late" The two continued their travels with a third silent member of their party, a dire wolf, snow white with blood-red eyes and not a sound from him. Jaehaerys was thankful the old gods didn't scorn him for being a dragon, then he couldn't help but feel himself foolish for thinking the gods were petty.
Once they reached the gates a royal procession waited for them. The prince quickly turned down the offers to ride in the carriage and soon he found himself alongside Jaime riding through the streets of Kings Landing. True be told he was glad to be off the road, a warm bed to sleep in, and cooked meals. The danger was never an issue he had to worry about on the king's road, Jaehaerys lacked the colouring of a traditional Targaryen instead having black hair and grey eyes, something he thanked his mother for each day. As well he and Jaime could more than handle themselves.
"Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen, heir to Dragonstone" The Prince fought the desire to grimace at his title, he wasn't the Prince of Dragonstone that honour belonged to his older brother Aegon, Jaehaerys was simply the spare.
A voice from the crowd stole his attention, "The white wolf!" which was followed by a few other people.
"Praise to the white wolf!"
"The hero in the North!"
"Hail the Dragonwolf!"
"hmmm Dragonwolf is a new one" Jaime commented idly leaning over in his saddle slightly.
Jaehaerys shot him a look. "One I welcome just as much as the others"
"So one you don't?"
"Aye," the prince and the royal procession cut a path through the crowds straight to the Red Keep. The prince knew he wouldn't get time to clean up or change before he was meant to be paraded around court for the good of his father. He wore all black road leathers with his sword Longclaw on his hip, a cape that had a fur collaring he received as a gift from his oldest cousin Robb.
I wish Father would let me come north with you, the next time I see you, you'll be all in black
It was always my color Stark
Jaehaerys couldn't help the small smile that tugged at his lips thinking about the Starks, how Arya and Rickon clung to his legs begging him to stay when the time finally came to come home. Those thoughts carried him to the steps of the red keep. He dismounted alongside Jaime and the procession continued on foot. Banners of the red and black dragon lined the halls as servants stood on either side of the grand doors to the throne room. The doors slowly pulled open and he was announced one final time.
"The Prince, Jaehaerys Targaryen, heir to Dragonstone, and second in line for the throne, and his sworn sword Ser Jaime Lannister, the White Lion of the Kingsguard" the man by the door yelled out as Jaehaerys and Jaime walked down the path to the throne ghost following close behind. Targaryen soldiers stood lining both sides of them even scanning the crowd he could tell a few familiar faces that he could remember from his last visit, The Tyrells and Ser Loras who he had a budding rivalry before his departure and his sister the the left of him who was smiling slyly at the young prince.
The Queen's niece and nephews Arianne, Quentin, and Trystane Martell. Along with her brother Oberyn and the oldest 3 of his bastard daughters, the entire set of them stared venom in his direction. None of them liked him for the circumstances of his birth, which he always found ironic. The part of the kingdom most open to sex hated the royal bastard, former royal bastard. Mayhaps if it didn't start a war that killed Lewin and nearly killed Elia and her kids, his mother did not survive to receive their fury so he did in her place.
Tywin Lannister along with his daughter and named heir Cersei and her children Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen Lannister all fathered by Cersei's late husband who watched in a bit of awe save Joffrey, who stared with contempt.
Soon his eyes were drawn to the left of the throne, where stood his family. Rhaenys and Aegon his older siblings alongside their mother Elia and my uncle and aunt Viserys and Daenerys. He couldn't help his eyes lingering on Rhaenys and Daenerys, he hadn't seen them in years and they had both grown into their beauty greatly. He and his sister were always distant, she wasn't among his bullies growing up but she was no ally either. Daenerys however he was always close with, she used to follow him around the Red Keep night and day. And more than once he'd wake to find that she had climbed into his bed in his sleep.
Then the King himself, his father Rhaegar, first of his name. He sat on the throne with his kingsguard lining the bottom steps just in front of the Hand of the King Jon Connington. Jaehaerys came to a stop and knelt alongside Jaime.
"Rise" the prince and his sword did meeting the eyes of the king. "My son, when word travelled of you going north of the wall with Lord Stark and the watch, all of us here in the capital prayed for your triumph" he spied his uncle whisper something to Aegon who stifled a laugh in return. Aegon was his biggest bully, always quick to remind him of the paroles of Daemon Blackfyre and Jaehaerys his place amongst the family.
"Thank you, your Grace, it was hard fought but the deep north has been brought to heel, in your name" Jaehaerys didn't want any more glory than he had already been graced with.
"Was it in my name you sought out the king beyond the wall in single combat?" He asked with a proud smile growing across his lips. "It has already been decided there will be a tourney in your honour" he announced to the applause of the throne room. Jaehaerys didn't fight the slight frown that tugged his cheeks down but said nothing on the matter. He didn't desire a tourney to be held in his honour, he rather the war and his exploits be forgotten.
"Thank you father" Jaehaerys replied instead. He was sure he saw his father's smile widen slightly.
"Connington, ensure no expense is spared for my son's tourney" his father instructed, the Hand only nodded in response. "Now please my lords and ladies, I have some matters to attend to," Rhaegar said, dismissing the room who all began to filter out whichever opening was closest. Jaehaerys gave one last glance over his family before returning to the chambers he hadn't called him in years. They were just as he remembered leaving them, the bed tucked and made, whatever plants he kept while young had long since wilted and crumbled. He could see a thick layer of dust over everything except the bed, it was most likely no one had been in here in years but he was unsure why his bed would have been touched recently.
He went to his balcony overlooking the Blackwater Bay, his stomach churned at the sight of the ocean. As the sun reflected the water it almost looked white, like he was looking out from on top of the wall again.
I should have thrown you, from the top of the wall boy!
Aye you should have
Jaehaerys shuddered at the memory as he pushed off from the ledge and left his room in search of a meal.
DAENERYS
"He's grown rather comely from his time with the wolves hasn't he?" Margaery said as she passed by the table and plucked a vine of grapes on her way to lounge on one of the settles in Dany's solar.
"You just think him handsome now that he is a hero who wields a valyrian blade" Daenerys commented, not looking up from her book. Marg merely sighed wishfully in response and The silver-haired princess shook her head with a smile tugging at her lips. Jaehaerys had been back in the keep all of 3 hours and he was all any spoke of. Even now as she sat among her close friends Margaery, Myrcella, and Myranda Royce.
Dany thought back to her nephew and the ice-cold feeling he had left in the throne room, she remembered the intensity in his gaze and a distant look at them as well. Like he was staring at something, it was clear he had filled out well, and even under the worn leathers, she could tell Jaehaerys had grown strong. She hadn't seen him in 6 years but her feelings were the same, the very look of his eyes caused her heart to flutter and thighs to quiver. Dany had been in love with Jaehaerys since she knew what love was.
"I always thought him comely, Mother says I should acquaint myself with Jaehaerys," Myrcella said next and Daenerys felt a sudden pit in her stomach at the thought. Myrcella and her family's mountain of gold to swoon Jae she'd be his wife and give him gold hair beauties of children. He deserves silver-haired babes not golden.
"Methinks the princess is not a fan of that idea, Myr" Margaery said, catching Dany's attention. She glanced up noticing both pairs of eyes on her, and suddenly Daenerys realized she was gripping the edge of the book so tight she might bend the cover.
"I know not what you mean," she said, holding the book up more to hopefully hide any blush on her face.
"No even with your queer valyrian customs?" Randa giggled and now Daenerys was sure she was blushing deep red. Her family indeed had a tradition of marrying brother to sister, cousins, and even uncle to niece. Though none had wed aunt to nephew, though usually, they aren't so close in age Jae being older than Daenerys by a few weeks. The girls did not get the opportunity to continue as a knock cut their conversation short. Dany glanced at her ladies once over and called out.
"Come" and soon her once peaceful solar was filled with five new annoyances as her nephew and brother entered followed by their friends Joffrey, Quentyn, and ser Harrold Hardying the heir to the vale.
"Can you believe his gall sister? To bring that beast into the throne room like that? The thing should be locked in the kennels" Viserys huffed before snatching an apple from the table and taking a large bite.
"Or put down, we shouldn't risk such fine ladies like yourselves to appease the bastard in the North," Harry said. Dany had to bite her tongue but felt blessed Margaery felt like speaking up in her stead.
"Rich talk Ser, do you yourself not have a few bastards?" She questioned.
"Rumors by those who don't wish me to find a suitable match" he responded waving it off before plopping down into the space next to Myrcella earning him a scowl from Joffrey.
"Are they now? I did not notice you while the prince returned, mayhaps you'd like to tell us where you were?" She pushed and Hardying stuttered.
"Th-there was a matter of personal means I had to see to," he said after a minute, Dany didn't need to look around to know how many believed him. Suddenly Daenerys felt a presence slide next to her. She turned and was greeted by the sight of Joffrey Lannister.
"Princess" he started before glancing at the book she was holding before brushing it off quickly. "I was hoping for the pleasure to escort you to the feast, and mayhaps a dance?" He asked and suddenly she felt all eyes on her.
"I- uh" she started.
"Speak up sister, less a cat has your tongue" her brother snickered.
"Or a lion," Quentyn jokes, joining Viserys in his laughter.
"Why don't we make a gathering of it? Joffrey you can escort Dany, Uncle you can escort Myranda, Quentyn you and sweet Myrcella here, and I will bring the lovely rose of High Garden" Aegon spoke up his eyes falling on Margaery. Dany understood the game she was a pawn in, Aegon knew her demure and likely had set the scene to earn his evening with her friend.
"What about me?" Harry asked.
"Mayhaps you can bring that personal matter" Aegon shot quickly causing a chorus of laughter and giggles amongst the chamber.
"Mayhaps you can bring the bastard's beast, if he does not bring it himself," Viserys said next and Dany's fist balled in her lap at the insult.
"I heard he likes his women a little wild," Quentyn said and the rumours of his time beyond the wall swirled in her head.
The plans were all but set in stone with little interjection from the ladies and the boys saw themselves out once Aegon had achieved his goal. Myrcella had to attend a meal with her family but Margaery had offered the princess and Myranda a place with her to watch her brother train, which Dany accepted.
JAIME
The white lion made his way from the White Tower to the king's quarters having just been summoned there. His first day back in Kings Landing had been entertaining if at least getting to see his charge pushed out of his comforts. He had just seen the prince off and had a few moments to eat and tidy himself before arriving at Rhaegar's chambers. He knocked firmly and heard the king's voice beckon him in. Rhaegar looked tired, not the same exhausted then he had after winning the war and crushing Robert on the Trident. This was an exhaustion that came with stress and age, the same look he had spied on his father in moments when he thought no one saw.
"Your Grace," Jaime said softly, they weren't alone joined by the king's personal guard Ser Arthur Dayne who Jaime nodded at in recognition.
"Please Jaime" he didn't need to say more for the message to be clear, there was no need to continue with the formalities here. "How, how is he?"
"How were you after your first war?" He asked the king in return who could only sigh.
"I didn't want this for him, You should have dragged him south when I sent the order," Rhaegar said, his fury threatening to spill.
"What and put my hands on the prince? Sounds like a good way to earn a free boat ride to the wall" Jaime joked trying to ease the moment to no avail.
"This is no laughing matter Lannister, what if the Prince had died? Or was taken or-" The sword of the morning spoke but was quickly cut off by A risen hand from Rhaegar.
"Look Rhaegar, I could try and spin some story of how we wanted glory and honour and the prince had a death wish or a desire to flee you but," he began before pausing to let out a sigh, had exhaustion started to take him as well? "100,000 wildlings had intended to throw themselves at the wall til it toppled, and when Lord Stark and had sent an army Jaehaerys all but demanded to lead it, not because he wanted glory, not because he was a prince of the realm, but because innocent people could die if he did nothing" Jaime explain, it wasn't the full truth, but Jaime knew that the truth might actually get him sent to the wall for letting it happen. "You should have seen him Dayne, the stuff the singers write about," he told his sworn brother.
"Did he truly take a wildling lover?" Rhaegar had to ask next and Jaime grimaced but shook his head.
"I-I, that's a delicate matter, mayhaps he should tell you about her" when Rhaegar's brow creased with confusion but didn't ask further on the matter. "If I may Rhaegar, one can never summit a mountain by asking others what the journey was like, seek him out and talk to him, you might find the two of you have a few things in common" he advised Rhaegar who nodded before sending Arthur for a bottle and enough cups for the three of them.
The old friends all sat together and shared a couple of cups as Jaime told him his accounts of the fighting north of the wall.
"I swear to the smith"
"Please, do wildlings wear armour made of bones? What use could that even serve?" Arthur said in disbelief. All Jaime could do was chuckle and nod.
"Really, and there was this red-bearded one who was huge, thought he'd take my head clean off" he continued remembering the battles.
"Westerlands, the King's Wood, the iron islands, now beyond the wall? Where will you seek blood at next white lion?" Rhaegar asked, leaning back in his chair slightly more relaxed after their initial conversation. Jaime finished off his final cup before letting his finger trace the rim while he put a pensive look on his face.
"I have always wanted to fight pirates in the step stones," Jaime said before a cocky smirk filled his face joined by the other two.
"I'll draft the declaration of war tonight" Rhaegar quipped, earning a chuckle around the table. "My son, the war hero, every father wants to hear such words, but never do they wish that price be paid" he finished dolefully
"Remember when we were the boys running off to war? When did we age so far?" Arthur asked, bringing a hand up to scratch his stubbled chin.
"Speak for yourself Dayne, I'm still in my prime," Jaime said, his gaze now shifted over. "I'd wager my charge could best you in your greying years" Jaime japed.
"I would wager mine could beat yours" When Jaime's eyebrow went up the older knight continued. "I've taken Loras Tyrell under my wing, you will find he is quite good"
"On the morrow then Jaehaerys could use the win to cheer him up," Jaime said and noted how the statement pulled Rhaegar's attention. Jaime put his hands on the table and stood, "If it doesn't bother you my king, but I've been on the road the last month and could use a bath and a real bed" Rhaegar waved him out and Jaime was gone. He returned to the small bathhouse of the White Tower and cleaned himself with haste. By the time he was done, the sun had begun to set, despite his previously stated desires he had one more destination tonight.
Jaime soon found himself walking the familiar guest quarters of the red keep silently praying they had yet to move chambers. Soon enough he stood in front of a door and once he was sure no prying eyes lingered in the hall he opened it and slipped inside sliding the lock in place. He was greatest by the perfume-filled solar of his sister. She sat at the vanity in a simple red silk robe, her hair down as she readied herself for bed when their eyes met in the mirror.
"You took your time, and here I believed mayhaps the North had stolen your resolve," she said softly with no real venom to the words.
"Never" was all he could say. It was either of them needed to say after 6 years, she had stood and turned to him by the time he was halfway across the room. They met somewhere by her vanity as their lips came crashing together in a hungry kiss. Cersei clawed at his shirt to get it over his head or rip it off, failing the first choice. Soon it was gone and he lifted her by the thighs to put on the edge of the table the mirror sat on. He peeled the robe open before her voice cut through his unholy thoughts.
"Not here, I'll not have you fuck me like some whore on a counter, take me to the bed," she said and he willingly obliged. Jaime lifted her from the vanity, her legs wrapping themselves tightly around his waist. She continued to press kisses to his lips, jaw, and neck during the short journey. Soon she was on her back, and Jaime knelt between her legs. His hands roamed her newly exposed skin while hers furiously untied and tugged at his breeches until they came loose.
His hands left her body long enough to free his cock which Cersei quickly wrapped her delicate fingers around. Jaime couldn't stop the gasp of pleasure that spilt from his lips as his sister started pumping slowly. She didn't need to work hard, in the last 6 years he never laid with another. He'd have prayed to the seven she hadn't either but the gods were more likely to strike them down for their acts, not that he would care.
She lined them up and he brought his hip forward til he entered her. It was her turn to whimper and let out a husky moan as he bottomed out in her.
They were whole again
MYRCELLA
Myrcella had dinner with her brothers, mother, and grandfather and after some time in her solar, she sought out her mother's chambers hoping to spend some time with her before they slept. She was about to knock when she heard a faint breathy moan slip out from behind the door and her hand froze. She took a few steps back before turning on her heel and walking away with haste. Myrcella knew her mother hadn't had a lover since her father passed, always saying she never needed another man. But Myrcella knew the truth of the matter, it was due to that same truth she had learned to stop questioning things less her and her brother's lives could be forfeit.
The same truth that made her stop asking why they chose to live in the capital instead of Casterly Rock. The same truth that caused her to no longer wonder why Joff, Tommen, and herself bore no resemblance to their "father". Grandfather refused to see the truth, Joffrey was blind to it still, and Tommen was still young but even he was asking questions she didn't know how to answer. It didn't bother her like it should, part of her was glad actually that Jaime was her father. He was an honourable and kind man who she looked up to, the gods let the Targaryens love brother and sister her parents weren't hurting anyone.
Myrcella walked idly through the red keep late in the evening. Most servants were gone, and any members of court were gone to bed, or getting into activities not for daytime. She walked to the higher levels not quite reaching the royal quarters. There was a balcony she often sought that overlooked the city with a beautiful view.
Instead, Myrcella found herself freezing once more, this time however a pair of large red eyes stared back into her own. The large white dire wolf she had spied in the throne room sat upright on his hind legs directly behind Prince Jaehaerys. Who was leaning on the balcony she sought out, almost like he could see through the eyes of his wolf the prince spoke.
"He won't bite, but I can leave if you'd prefer"
"No," she said way too quickly and felt her cheeks warm slightly. "I- you needn't go my prince, I was simply surprised to find you here," she said before gathering her courage and trusting the prince wouldn't lie to watch her get bit. She approached and the eyes of the wolf followed her the entire walk, never once did he make a sound. She now stood side by side with the prince, he had changed into a much more simple attire, his dragon pommel sword hanging from his hip still.
She stared out at the city in the deep blue sky of the evening. From this high up the common folk looked like ants on a platter of sweets left out far too long, there were times she wondered if they looked up and thought the same of us. She couldn't help her gaze drifting over to the prince as a breeze tousled his black tangled hair. He had the beginnings of a beard but it wasn't like that of a man fully grown yet. He had beautiful piercing grey eyes that closely inspected looked like they had a sliver of indigo to them. He wasn't looking at the city but the sky. Suddenly his gaze flicked her way and their eyes met, over more she blushed sure it was obvious given the distance between them now.
"I worried I may have missed a spot in the bath, but your actions confirm my fears my lady" Jaehaerys japed causing a smile to drift over her lips.
"No, no, that's not it"
"Pray tell what had your attention then my lady?" He asked and she knew she couldn't simply admit she was admiring him up close.
"What were your adventures North like?" She asked instead hoping the topic might take his attention. Which it did but not how she'd expected, most men she had met basked in their glory from war. When she asked Jaehaerys his already indifferent look faltered slightly, his lips tugged downward just an inch, and his gaze shifted over to the streets of flea bottom.
"You've heard the stories" Of course she had. How he travelled north of the wall with Lord Stark, a Northman army, Ser Jaime, and the Watch to beat back the entirety of the wildlings. He spent two years north of the wall on the campaign doing what she did not know. But all knew of the battle of the frost fangs, he had sought out the king beyond the wall amid chaos and they duel on the highest hill in the field the snows running red with blood.
They said their swords sang for nearly an hour when the King fell to the Prince. When the clans learned of their king's fate they scattered and were ridden down by the combined forces of the north. Jaehaerys would forever after be known as the hero in the North who broke the king beyond the wall and earned a valyrian steel sword for his efforts.
"I'm asking you, my prince," She said quietly, curious why he didn't act the legend the stories painted him as.
He was quiet for a moment before finding his words. "It was, amazing, I've never seen a place so beautiful as the deep north, and when the sun hits the wall just right it looks like it's weeping" He reminisced, his eyes drifting back into the sky before his lips turned upwards into a soft smile that complimented his eyes well. "And the view from the top of the wall my lady, it is breathtaking" The look on his face reminded her of when her grandfather mentioned her late grandmother. Something he'd loved but never get to experience again. He continued to tell her the sights both north and south of the wall, the Wolf's Wood, the Rills, Winterfell's hot springs, White Harbor, and Karhold his stories seemed endless of the places and people his travels took him to.
She smiled as he turned and looked at her, their gazes held for a few moments. Before either of them could say or do anything the wolf she had all but forgotten let out a low growl. Jaehaerys turned to the opening behind them and his hand went to his pommel, her gaze followed him and they both stared into the empty dark corridor. She knew she should feel uneasy at the prospect of them being snuck up on but she couldn't feel more safe in the prince's presence.
"Umbagon lēda nyke," He said in high valyrian, she couldn't understand the words but watched the wolf stand upright and position close to them. "It's getting late, I should see you back to your chambers my lady," he said and she couldn't help but nod, she wasn't sure how much time they had spent talking but being caught alone with the prince may draw undesired whispers.
As they walked the halls his direwolf seemed at attention scanning every passage they walked by and giving a death glare to any servants that were still about. "Where did you get him?" She asked her eyes on his white pelt.
"Ghost? A few years into being fostered by my uncle we were hunting and came across a dead direwolf and her pups, at first we only spied five and Theon wanted to kill them but I noticed there was a pup for each of the Stark kids and Lord Stark was swayed to keep them" He explained smiling at the memory. "At first we didn't see the ghost, his fur almost blended him in with the snow and he didn't make a peep, it was only when I thought I heard something I checked once more and saw a pair of small red eyes staring up at me"
"Thought you heard something?" She asked, an eyebrow going up slightly.
Jaehaerys nodded, "Everyone swears he didn't make a peep but I thought he did" the Prince explained and she smiled at the thought, some outside force causing him to look back almost like fate.
She enjoyed the walk and felt herself get a tad disappointed when they stopped in front of her door. "Thank you, my prince, your honour and chivalry are not done justice by the songs," she said clasping her hands behind her, he let out a small smile and lowered his gaze.
"The feast, after the tourney, mayhaps if you desired an escort," he said, trailing off blushing slightly, likely unsure if he should finish the question.
"Yes!, I-I mean, it would be an honour, my prince," she said, Quentyn would make a huff about it she was sure but she couldn't bring herself to mind at the time.
He smiled down at her, "Jaehaerys, call me Jaehaerys my lady" he requested.
"In return, Myrcella" she smiled before he bid her goodnight and she slipped inside the door. A giddy smile grew the moment she was alone in the dark solar and lingered as she lit some candles and readied herself for bed. By the time she was under the blanket her cheeks were starting to ache but it bothered her none as sleep took her smile still on her lips.
RHAENYS
The princess's eyes fluttered open in the morning light and she let out a soft huff that turned into a sigh. She threw the blanket off of her and rose to dress, she never liked having servants tend to her like a child who couldn't dress themselves. Today would be a sunset orange dress she got from Dorne that exposed her midriff and caused most squires and some knights to glance her way twice when she passed.
Unlike her cousins the sand snakes she never partook in advances men would make on her in passing, even if she enjoyed the attention a Princess of House Targaryen couldn't offer herself to just anyone. However, as she brushed her hair any thoughts of the advance of the men at court only brought the face of her younger brother to the forefront and his haunting grey eyes. She shuddered at the thought of them putting the brush down, no one in court caught her eye there were plenty attractive enough. But she sought more than a pretty face with the man she wanted to share her bed with, she wanted someone who could stir her heart like they could stir her loins.
Once her morning ritual was done she traveled to the dining room for breakfast without her sworn sword Ser Arys Oakheart, who was likely abed with her cousin Arianne again. The princess was used to enjoying breakfast in a comfortable silence as she rose earlier than most, but today Rhaenys stopped in her tracks at the door. Jaehaerys sat at the table, his wolf tangled in between his legs under the table, his gaze shifted up from his meal and locked with hers and she felt her throat go dry under his look.
"Rhaenys" He muttered a form of acknowledgement, exhaustion still hanging on his tone. He stared at her through his dark curls, something she always liked that made her feel like they shared a bond being the only Targaryens with dark features. The wolf lifted his head slightly to peer at her before going back down and resting at his feet.
"Jae, I didn't know you rose early," She said, unsure why she felt like explaining herself. Her eyes dropped to the table in front of him, his plate was full with a few sausages cooked dark, toast with jam spread, a couple of eggs, a fried fish, a bowl of porridge, and a lemon cake. Beside the plate of food was a book opened most of the way through it.
He simply shrugged, "You always need to rise early in the North," he said before taking a bite of a sausage. She joined him at breakfast and they sat in a comfortable silence at first as she filled her plate and ate. She glanced at him from time to time but he seemed plenty interested in his book. She noted his sword sat leaning against the table and wondered if he went everywhere with it like her uncle Oberyn. She wondered about making small talk but didn't know what to say.
"What book is that?" She asked, it was the only thing on the table, literally. He paused before answering even after he swallowed, to lean down and slip his hound one of the sausages.
"Battles and sieges of the century of blood," He said between bites. She knew the book, it told the stories of the Kingdom of Sarnor, specifically how they fell to the horse lords in the east. But Jaehaerys didn't offer her further information about it, he simply turned the page and kept reading while he ate. She didn't know her brother was one for the histories, then it pained her to realize she didn't know Jaehaerys at all. They were never close as kids, her uncle and cousins filling her head with cruel things about him due to their disdain for his mother and the war that Robert started over her.
Their breakfast returned to being quiet, Jaehaerys seemed to eat fast, splitting some of it with his pet. "What's his name?" She asked.
"Ghost" her brother replied, she could tell it was fitting she had yet to hear the beast make a peep. Once he was done with his meal he stood and tied his sword back to his hip, he let ghost lick the plate clean while he marked his spot in the book.
"Where are you going?" she asked quicker than she intended.
"To warm up, Ser Jaime has graciously arranged a duel between myself and Ser Loras Tyrell come noon" He explained. His tone when saying graciously made it obvious his opinion of it but he went off all the same. A surly Viserys entered close to the same time, she was sure they passed each other but heard no greetings from beyond the door.
"Ah niece, you had to suffer through breakfast with the bastard and his beast I see" her uncle stated before taking a seat rather hard.
"The North hasn't turned Jae into a savage like you seem to think," she said before glancing at his slightly dishevelled state. "Surely you did not lose yourself in your cups last night uncle?" Rhaenys asked and Viserys shook his head.
"If you are curious I was enjoying my eve with a pair of whores, one Dornish and the other resembling a valyrian, though her eyes weren't violet," he said before leering eyes looked over at her and she felt a crawling over her skin. Once she and her aunt had come of age Viserys made it clear he intended to marry one of them, more than likely his sister Daenerys. Her father had no Targaryen family members to marry but her uncle intended to take advantage of the two he had. Not that it would be her, Rhaenys stood abruptly not wanting to spend any more time in her lecher of an uncle's presence.
Rhaenys wanted to follow her brother to the training yard, but he hadn't offered her a spot to spectate and she had no intent to lurk where she was unwanted. Instead, she strolled to the place where she usually spent most of her time. Her uncle's solar which typically housed his daughters on any given day. This morning she found Tyene and Obara, the first of which was toiling over a set of vials and flasks on the main table. There were powdered, dried, and wet ingredients which she took from periodically as she worked while her older sister watched with a bored expression.
"What is this?" Rhaenys asked, looking between the two sand snakes.
"Ty is concocting something new she claims" Obara sighed.
"I'm going to see if I can get Ser Boros Blount to shit himself at the feast," Tyene said with a mischievous grin on her face. Rhaenys eyebrows went up as she looked over to the older snake who merely shrugged.
"You should slip something to Jaehaerys instead" Obara snickered and Rhaenys' eyebrows came together as she frowned at her cousin. "Just to make him sick, or a little too tipsy, something to cause the hero in the North to make a fool of himself" she explains, putting an exaggerated tone on his title. That didn't help Rhaenys' mood but she softened her gaze, why he must face ridicule even after his triumphs she didn't understand.
"He is going to duel today" Rhaenys mentioned and when her cousins turned and glanced at her she realized she had no reason to bring the matter up. "Mayhaps Ser Loras will make a fool of him for you" she quickly continued.
Obara snorted, "The only people the Knight of Flowers embarrasses are the women who flirt with him shamelessly," she said, earning a laugh from the other two girls.
"I don't know, he did unseat the hound and the mountain" Tyene countered before sprinkling an odd oak brown power into her creation and watching as the once blue liquid began to bubble and turn a shade of Dornish Red like the wine.
"And he can hold his own very well against the Sword of the Morning, I'd dare say in a few more years he will be better" Rhaenys added. "Either way you get to watch either Jaehaerys or Loras become the jester in front of the entire yard" she finished causing Obara to concede and nod. Rhaenys had to hide her smile, she already had wanted to go but explaining it to her family would have caused her headaches.
A few moments later the door behind her opened again, she turned and was met with her other cousin Arianne and a giddy smile on her face. "Oh Rhaenys, I believe Ser Oakheart is looking for you to resume his duties," she said with a husky tone that Obara laughed at.
"You are going to get that man cut and sent to the wall you minx," she said as Arianne rounded past her for a seat.
"Better ensure he enjoys the price of his punishment than shouldn't I, dear cousin?" The heir to Dorne replied. "How about you Tyene? I heard you had gotten rather handsy with a newly christened knight"
"Something was christened alright" she giggled, Rhaenys instinctively tuned out her cousin's debaucherous activities.
MARGAERY
The duel had been the talk of the red keep all morning once word had spread. She walked alongside Daenerys and Myranda arm in arm to the training yard, her silver-haired companion was shaking with nerves the closer they got. Marg had long since given up trying to calm her but her friend had been convinced something bad could happen after Aegon made a passing joke about it trying to earn a laugh from the Rose of High Garden, he did not.
She had wanted Myrcella to accompany them to the match but she was nowhere to be found. It wasn't until they reached the yard she knew why, Myrcella was already in the yard, with Jaehaerys and his wolf. The prince was sitting putting on the last of his padded training armour, Myrcella stood next to him, her hands behind her back fidgeting slightly. Jaehaerys said something and they shared a laugh, Margaery could suddenly feel the princess tense up next to her.
"Uh oh, methinks the princess is not a faaaaaaan," Myranda said drawing out the last word in a teasing tone, Margaery smiled at it but Dany did not. Margaery scanned the yard and was impressed by the turnout. The king and the entire royal family were here and of course the kingsguard. The sand snakes and their father, the lions of the West as well, were all in attendance. Some of Prince Aegon's companions Quentyn, Harrold, Ser Gerris Drinkwater, and Lord Monford Velaryon all crowded around him.
She saw her brother on the other end of the courtyard who was also readying himself. Like Jaehaerys he was not alone with him was Renly Baratheon, the "esteemed guest" of the crown If one also considered Theon a guest of Winterfell. The truth of it was he was here to ensure Lord Stannis never raised his banners against the crown. Renly was meant to be traded for Stannis' heir one day, but Lord Stannis has yet to have a son and Renly never left. Not that her brother was complaining, even Renly had settled into a comfortable life as a prisoner since he caused no trouble; he had been given more and more leniencies as time passed. Now one could call him a guest and likely not be far off from the truth, but the unspoken fact remains that if his brother declared war then Ilyn Payne would take his head.
"Hello," Myrcella said, pulling Marg from her thoughts. Her eyes were immediately pulled down to the white mass of fur that had padded over to them with their friend. "Oh uh, Jaehaerys didn't want him to jump into the fight so he assigned him the task to watch me" she explained, her flawless cheeks turning more and more red with each word. With the flush on her cheeks and the gold of her hair, Myrcella could wear her house's colours even while naked as her first nameday.
"Ja-Jaehaerys?" Dany asked almost possessively, when Myrcella had gotten to a first name status with the prince she couldn't even guess.
Myrcella somehow grew more red, "I- we talked last night" Her eyes went a tad wide at the implication. "Be-before bed of course" Thankfully she didn't have to stammer much longer, the yard quieted down as Loras and Jaehaerys approached each other.
"Good luck to you my prince" Her brother called out with a smirk as they got close.
"And you Ser" The Prince returned his face impassive. Then like the rest, they grew quiet as they circled each other blunted swords in hand. Margaery didn't know much about the intricacies of battle but Loras seemed far more relaxed in his stance, his arms outstretched and the prince was low and held his weapon close at an angle. Loras attacked first, he lunged at the prince with a surprising suddenness. The Knight of Flowers wasted little time laying out a full-on assault on Jaehaerys, to the young prince's credit he held his own as Loras pushed him back. Margaery could hear Dany's breath hitch as her brother rained blow after blow on his foe.
Margaery even felt her own heart leap into her throat as she watched the prince's foot catch on something and he was sent plummeting back first into the ground. Jaehaerys hit the ground hard and she heard Myrcella gasp, Loras ever the good soldier pressed his advantage.
"He's yours Loras" she could hear Renly cheer out from across the yard faintly. Loras brought the blade down but even from his back Jaehaerys wasn't left defenseless. He put the end of the blunt blade in his other hand and held the weapon up to defend himself. Loras brought the sword down so hard that Dany's hand on her arm clenched, and the sound of the two swords rang out through the courtyard.
"You'd carve up your palm" Loras challenged his act while towering over the prince.
Jaehaerys only smirked up at him while bracing the sword up, "A palm for a life then" he returned. Loras pulled back to swing but Jaehaerys didn't let him, quickly putting his boot into her brother's stomach to build space. He was forced back as the prince rolled to his feet so quickly she was sure she had blinked and missed it. Loras still staggered from the blow to his gut and it was like a spark caught fire in Jaehaerys as he quickly went on the attack. Loras struggled to get his blade up as the tables turned and he was now getting forced backwards and losing ground.
"Gūrogon zirȳla ñuha zokla" she heard Daenerys mutter quietly and Marg made a note to ask her about it later. Jaehaerys didn't let up in the intensity of his swings but instead started to leave a gap of time between the strikes. Loras noticed it and bided his time to swing and he swung big. But it was a trap the prince had laid, once Loras took the huge swing Jaehaerys backstepped it and leaned to avoid the swing instead of blocking it. Suddenly Loras was off balance and over swinging, Jaehaerys stuck his leg out in the way of his path to correct himself. He went tumbling face and chest first into the dirt so badly even Margaery had to wince. The Prince merely dropped on his back straddling his torso and brought the end of the weapon to his neck.
"Yield?" He asked now above.
"Yield, I yield, I yield, seven hells" Loras groaned as the Prince stood up. Jaehaerys offered her brother a hand up which he accepted to the cheers of the yard. The two shared a few words about something before sharing a handshake before going separate ways. Loras looked back at her with a head shake and a grimace, she knew he wanted to be alone and sulk, almost alone anyway, as Renly followed him from the yard.
She then watched as the Prince turned and started walking towards their group of maidens, his expression still stoic. Marg caught Myrcella wiping her hands off and putting them behind her, as well as Daenerys tipping her head back and shaking her hair back. Margaery had to hold in a giggle at her companions' actions, but even she suddenly felt unready to speak with the Prince.
"Māzīs" Jaehaerys said in their direction and she felt Dany attempt to take a step forward before stopping suddenly and blushing furiously as the wolf rose from its spot at Myrcella's feet and trotted over to him. Jaehaerys knelt and scratched behind his ear, calling him a good boy before returning his attention to them once more, specifically Myrcella. "I hope he behaved well my lady," Jaehaerys said, continuing his approach with the wolf now at his side, Myrcella nodded quickly.
"Very well, my prince, much like your performance" She gushed. And she felt Dany tense once more, looking at the poor girl whose eyes were glued on Myrcella and Jaehaerys as they spoke. From the corner of her eye, she spied another group approaching them, Aegon, Viserys, and Quentyn. Hardying and Drinkwater she imagined went looking for some maids to entertain themselves with. Before they could arrive Myrcella's younger brother Tommen came barreling past them, her older one not far behind him.
"My Prince, that was spectacular, please if I may, I wish to learn from you," The Young Lion said slightly out of breath.
"Who'd want to learn how to fight like a savage northerner?" Viserys said from behind Tommen drawing all eyes his way, something she was sure he always enjoyed. Jaehaerys seemed content to remain silent but like always Margaery wanted to speak in his place.
"I wouldn't look down on the Northmen my prince, after all, it was only them who beat back the Andal invaders," She said in a sweet tone to not sound as though she was talking back.
"We are no Andals, my lady, none can withstand Valyrian strength" Aegon spoke up, his eyes dragging up and down Margaery's body. She didn't shy away from the looks even if she found the crowned prince's gaze a little leering. Her grandmother had made it very clear she was to do anything and everything to sway Aegon's tastes to her. Which wasn't difficult ever since her bosom started to grow the next king had his eyes firmly on her. Now they were of age and it was very likely he would seek her hand, which she wanted, she would be the queen one day. It was only a shame she had no notion of faithfulness from her husband, if only Jaehaerys was the crowned prince, she quickly shook the thought before it became more. "You should come out with us brother, drink, and see the sights of King's landing, they have grown rather, entertaining now that we are older," Aegon said, throwing an arm over his brother's neck.
Jaehaerys had a surprised expression at the offer, "Uhm, I'm not sure, I am not one for festivities" he tried to decline but Aegon quickly shook his head not accepting the answer.
"Because you have yet to fest with King's landings finest," Aegon said before pulling him away with the rest of them.
"The street of silk nephew, you must see some of the beauties it has" she could hear Viserys say as they walked off. Daenerys' shoulders fell slack as she watched them leave, the yard was clearing out as many people began to vacate. The Princess's white knight Ser Balon Swann quickly joined them and silently shadowed the four ladies as they journeyed to a lounging hall for the afternoon. Tommen elected to stay in the yard wanting to train with his uncle.
"I hope your brother's pride survived the fall" Myranda giggled before plopping down into one of the lounging chairs, Margaery waved her off without a reply after taking a seat next to the Princess. Soon they were joined by more ladies of court and a buzz of gossip started swirling about who else of course but Jaehaerys.
"I heard his wolf killed a hundred men in the war"
"I heard he slew a giant north of the wall"
"I heard he's bedded a dozen maidens, stealing a flower from half the northern houses" They continued on stirring rumours til they turned fact in some of these girls' heads especially the younger ones who blush easily. Daenerys was never much for spreading gossip but she was unusually quieter than normal.
Marg leaned over to her friend, "You have not taken ill suddenly have you?" She asked.
"No," she said quietly before her eyes flicked over to Myrcella with a gleam of jealousy in them, "I stood right there and yet he didn't even address me" She paused. Margaery didn't need to seek clarity; it was the dark-haired prince that caused strain for her best friend. "And now he's been dragged off to the street of silk to exhaust himself on some common whore" she grits before her already quiet voice dropped to barely above a whisper. "I would gladly sate his desires instead"
Margaery's eyebrows shot up and the Princess turned redder than the eyes of the wolf Jaehaerys kept close."Oh my, I never knew you so brazen" Marg told her trying to stifle a giggle.
"He makes me feel different," she admitted.
"If I may, princess, mayhaps turning that newfound bravery in his direction may yield desired results" She and Dany shared a fit of giggles.