Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

A soul rider : a rare phenomenon but not unheard of. It is a bond unlike any other between a dragon and its rider, they are one soul. What the dragon feels the rider feels.


(Valyrian laws : Dragons & their riders)

***

The moment the Targaryen arrived in Westeros most of the laws they were used to had to be adapted. Almost none of the Valyrian laws were kept except for the ones related to dragons, their care and the riders. No Targaryen could ignore them and they all upheld them even if they were not always happy with it because even if the law didn’t apply to everyone it was still to be applied to them.

It was considered a duty to upheld them and no Targaryen had ever considered breaking them and so when a Targaryen had been seen mistreating their dragon he had been separated from its dragon and put to death for such was the law for dragon riders.

***

Caraxes had always been alone. Even as a hatchling he had never gotten along with the others, the reason being a bit more complicated than just him being different. Yes he was different from the other dragons : his body too long, his neck too long, his strange whistle sounding roar and his difficult temper. Even compared to others who all had tempers - they were dragons, being temperamental was the norm - he was especially difficult to deal with as he was often reminded.
Aemon had been his first rider (he should have saved him, he should have done something, he should have been there) but Daemon was special. He was his soul rider, in the way Aemon had not been. He had sworn to himself to be there for him in the way he hadn’t been for his first rider, for Daemon was a part of his soul and not just his rider.

Caraxes was not so lonely anymore, not with his Daemon. They were both needy creatures who thrived on love but ultimately were outcasts. Whether it was their of own doing or due to someone else was not the point, what mattered was that they were together and one. Always.

He dreamt of having a mate one day it was the thing every dragon wanted, and have hatchlings with them but he was realistic enough to know no one wanted him like that. He would be alone and if a part of him believed he deserved it because he was responsible for his first rider’s death well it was no one’s business.

(He hoped his Daemon wouldn’t end up like him, angry and alone).

***

At one point Daemon started to bring another with him. A very small person - a very young child probably, with a golden baby dragon perched on his shoulder something he had not liked at all. Daemon was his. How dare they use him as a perch? He was blowing smoke from his nose and Daemon was not even paying attention to him, instead he was looking at the human child in his arms.

‘'Here you go little dragon, this is my Caraxes. Caraxes, this is Rhaenyra my little niece and the little one here is her dragon’’

The golden baby dragon who did not have a name yet had decided to stop staring at him and started to approach him with an inquisitive chirp. Seeing how Daemon was close to their human he decided to make an effort and whistled slowly to say hello (see he could be nice, he was not just a worthless dragon who got his first rider killed). 
The hatchling, surprisingly, nuzzled him and chirped back as if trying to start a conversation with him. A she-dragon from what he could see. She looked cute he supposed, he liked her colour the most it was like the colour of the sun and of fire, not the same fire as him, a more gentle one. And everyone knew having the colour of fire was one of the most beautiful thing to have for a dragon.

Their interaction made his Daemon happy and anything that made him happy was of utmost importance. His rider finally came closer and started petting him once he was sure the two dragons weren’t going to fight. The baby rider was moving her small fists as if she was trying to touch him or maybe Daemon he wasn’t really sure. His rider took her small hand in his to pet him which was a different feeling but not something he hated. Being petted by his human and the tiny child was pleasant and the baby dragon was cuddled up to him now which was new and unexpected. Oh. Well. Caraxes could learn to like this he supposed.

(He loved it. Was this what it meant to belong ? Was this why his Daemon was so happy with the tiny human in his arms?)

***
If mated dragons are kept appart it is a crime punishable by death. Their riders are not to be kept appart for it is just as much of a crime.


(Valyrian laws - Dragons & their riders)

***

Syrax was Rhaenyra’s and she had been with her from the very beginning. They came into the world together and had grown up side by side. She dreaded the day Rhaenyra would die and preferred to lie to herself about it, pretending her beloved rider would not die (she knew, she knew her rider would be gone one day and leave her alone but a dragon never forgets a rider and they all leave a mark on them and none leaves a bigger a mark than the one who completes their soul and with Rhaenyra gone she would not, she could not…)
She was lucky in a way. Rhaenyra was her first rider and her soul rider the way Visenya had been Vhagar’s and Daemon was Caraxes’. Not every dragon had one which always made her happy and feel special, unique. Nowadays only Caraxes and her were bonded with their riders this way, she knew no other dragons in the Pit was like them. Now that she thought about it, it probably explained why she always loved being near him, he understood in a way no else could for they were not only riderless but also bondless. Of course Syrax was still growing and had not met a lot of dragons but still she felt a special bond with Caraxes.

***

Syrax’s first memory was of her beloved rider. And then it’s Caraxes, for wherever her rider is, Daemon is nearby which means the Blood Wyrm would follow.

And he was so warm to cuddle to and so fast ! She loved being in the sky with him - they would go without their riders as her Rhaenyra was too young and she was too small still, it was when Rhaenyra was the happiest and so was she. They were feeding off each other’s happiness.

Syrax was still a young dragon, she didn’t really get all the nuances and relationships that others had but she was learning and eager to understand. Her mother Dreamfyre kept telling her to stay away from Caraxes as he was unnatural. They were not close her mother and her, even by dragons’ standards, but Syrax listened for she loved to know people’s thoughts.

‘‘There is something wrong with him my golden child. A dragon that can’t roar is not a real dragon let me tell you this ! And his singing… No she-dragon will ever want to be with him’’

She found it funny how her mother always calls Syrax her golden child when she knows she favours her eggs over any living hatchling of her. She was not her beloved child and she knew it. Dreamfyre was strange like that, loving her eggs and their potential more than her living hatchlings. She was always more enamoured with possibilities, reality was not what she liked.
Syrax kept to herself how she loved hearing Caraxes’ songs, how he was warm and kind to her. Maybe it was just to make his rider happy but she enjoyed his attention. She said nothing and kept cuddling next to him when she was allowed. Their riders were close, her Rhaenyra adored his Daemon which meant they spent a lot of time together.

And then they flew together. Properly. Not just practice flights like before.

Her rider was sad, so so sad and was running towards her in a panic. Syrax had just seen Caraxes and Daemon leave in a hurry. She had been sad to see them leave but was not worried because they always came back after all. Judging from Rhaenyra’s panic something was wrong and Syrax was ready. Whatever she needed to do she would do it. She was not sure her flames were really strong yet but she could always bite their ennemies if needed. All that mattered was that what made her Rhaenyra sad needed to go and die.

Rhaenyra had decided to just jump on top of her : ”Fly, Syrax. Follow them’’

And they flew for the first time together. She knew it was to find Daemon and Caraxes and not just for a stroll in the sky, their bond was making her feel all the anguish her rider felt, even as a young child. So she flew and as one dragon and rider cried out for the pair ahead of them.

‘’Kepus!’’ / ‘‘Caraxes!’’

After it was a flurry of movements and they went back to the ground. She barely looked at her rider who was being embraced by Caraxes’ Daemon for she was focused on the red dragon who was whistling lowly to her in anger (and fondness, she could always hear the fondness no matter what he said that grumpy dragon, he was always so gentle with her and she was glad she was not paying attention to what the other dragons said).

‘‘Don’t leave uncle, please stay, I don’t want you to go!’’

***

Caraxes and Syrax had not often been in the sky together since that day. Daemon came and left often and so Caraxes was given a special spot in the Keep where he was alone for the dragon keepers were not fond of him and his temper tantrums. His only visits were his Daemon and sometimes Daemon’s Rhaenyra. He liked her, she made his rider smile and he was always happy with her.

 He didn’t see Syrax a lot, unless they were flying together. The Dragonkeepers had said he would be a bad influence on her which is why he had been moved further away. He had always been fond of the golden she-dragon and he missed her a bit even if he saw her when they were flying together, it just wasn’t the same as sleeping next to each other.

(Sometimes he wondered, could they have been friends ? Maybe more ? For she was a cute baby dragon but she would be a stunning she-dragon once older…)

And then there had been war. Never had Caraxes been so scared - not for him no - but every time he was reminded of what happened to Aemon and how he had failed to protect his rider. It would not happen to his Daemon, he would be there and Caraxes would make sure to keep him alive. If they fell, they would do it together like they did everything.

After a while he was not the only dragon, another one arrived. There was Seasmoke who belonged to Laenor Velaryon (he knew it was weird but he liked knowing who was who, he enjoyed knowledge and then he could use it to his advantage) who was a cousin from his Daemon but he was not very fond of the cocky dragon who was showing off and acting like an idiotic wyrm most of the time. Whenever the young dragon came too close to him he would whistle in a warning tone which was effective. He would rather be feared than friendly with that idiot. Especially when he heard him babble about a beautiful golden she-dragon he saw on Driftmark once when his Laenor’s cousin had been there for a visit (his Daemon’s Rhaenyra then alongside his little Syrax).

He liked looking at the sun for it reminded him of Syrax. It was strange, he knew his rider was missing his Rhaenyra - he could feel it in their bond, an intense longing - and he was, oddly enough, also missing the company of the golden dragon. Like rider like dragon he supposed.

‘‘Do you miss Syrax the way I miss Rhaenyra? Who would have thought I could miss a child so much… The gods know how much I miss her. I get letters but I guess I miss having my little shadow’’

***
His rider had cut his hair and decided to wear a weird crown. It was an ugly thing but it was a symbol that made him proud for it was his rider who got rid of the biggest threat. No one else had been able to do it.

‘‘Let’s go home boy. Our girls are waiting for us’'

The travel to the Red Keep was faster than he remembered and he didn’t know if it was because he was excited to go home or if it was Daemon who was excited to go home. Maybe both.
His Daemon jumped on the ground and started to pet him, as a way to comfort himself and be strong (they were tactile beings the two of them, they loved physical contact)

'‘Wish me luck’’

After a last pat on his snout, his rider left as if trying to convince himself to do something extremely difficult.

Caraxes had just settled in his cave-like dwelling, coiled in a ball with his tail on his nose. His favourite position. He was crooning to himself, something he liked to do since the other dragons always made fun of his voice. It was a bit odd his usual spot in the Pit seemed different, changed in a way. He wondered why. He heard some noise outside and braced himself for an altercation with Dreamfyre but was in no way prepared to see a golden dragon appear instead of the usual annoying one.

She was absolutely gorgeous and he did not know how to react. What do you say to such a beautiful she-dragon you knew when she was a mere hatchling who suddenly looks like every dragons’ dream staring at you? While he was panicking inside - but not showing it of course - he could feel Daemon’s puzzlement and waves of reassurance not really understanding why his dragon was nervous but still trying to help. He loved his human but this was something he had to do. He could face Syrax on his own.

‘‘You are back’’

Obvisouly he was yes. She must not be as smart as he had thought if she was saying obvious things like that. (How do you stay calm in front of such beauty? Caraxes was not good with others and was absolutely terrible when it came to flirting)

'‘I missed you’'

Actually she was smarter clearly. Does it mean she liked him? Could she possibly like him as more than a friend...Should he try his luck?

To stop himself from overthinking he started to sing to her like he did when he had tried and failed to court other she-dragons once upon a time. It was on pure instinct and he wanted to stop because he knew she would not be interested, no one ever was, but he went on and did his best love song verging on a possible mating song. She missed him, maybe they could at least be close to each other if it failed, even friendship would be better than solitude.

***

Caraxes had been a handsome dragon in her hatchling eyes but now? How she wanted him… She had decided he would be the one she would be with. Syrax knew she was a young and beautiful she-dragon, she was not blind to the other dragons’ appreciative roars and their attempted peacocking. They were as appealing as last week’s meat. Of course none of them knew that but just like her rider had chosen Daemon when she was a child, she had picked Caraxes. Not that the silly grumpy dragon knew.

(Rhaenyra and her had a conversation about it once, they were in love with idiots but they would try their best to get them no matter how they would do it. They had a rough outline of a plan of course, they were planning it carefully as if waging war for love was like war. Most of the work fell on Syrax but she could do it, Caraxes had never courted anyone so she would be his first and that was such a thrill to think about…)

She wanted hatchlings with him, beautiful eggs they would then gift to their riders’ hatchlings. Once Caraxes and her were mated, their riders would follow and have hatchlings of their own. It was a beautiful future and she yearned for it.
Nothing was going to stand in her way, not even Caraxes himself.

When she heard he was back she had decided to see him and show him that she was a mature she-dragon now. Look at me, she thought, look how different I am. See how beautiful I am now?
As a rule, it was not her role to start the courting process. But no one ever said she couldn’t push him to start the mating song right? A little nudge was not forbidden.

Of course Caraxes was Caraxes and he was absolutely not doing what she expected. The grumpy dragon was in a ball and crooning to himself. She interrupted him and right after she painfully admitted she missed him (and she did, so much) he started the mating song. Oh my beautiful idiot. She could see him being all awkward and nervous and it was adorable. She was definitely keeping him forever.

(Vermithor and Silverwing have nothing on us, we are going to make the best hatchlings and our riders’ hatchlings will ride them and we will be legends)

She moved next to him and in a break of tradition, because like her Rhaenyra had yelled once when they were flying ‘‘fuck their traditions’’, she decided to just lay next to him, forgoing the teasing and showing off and going straight to cuddling up to the Blood Wyrm. He did not expect this as she saw him startle and like he couldn’t believe it. He tentatively coiled himself around her still crooning but getting more confident as if reassured she would not be leaving.

Who would have thought Caraxes was shy ? According to the other dragons he was a monster who killed his first rider and enjoyed blood too much. Well too bad for them, they were missing out. She moved her snout next to his and started nuzzling him.
Yes. Syrax thought she chose well, a handsome and strong mate indeed. He was going to give her beautiful hatchlings and she was so smug while singing the song back to him to show him she wanted to mate him too that even her Rhaenyra felt it. She sent her happiness and the visual of her and Caraxes intertwined through the bond as if to explain to her her part was done, now it was her turn which made her rider laugh in amusement.

Her red dragon had apparently realised she was very serious about the mating and was doing his best to be as thoroughly coiled around her as possible like he was scared she would escape him. What a silly dragon. Didn’t he understand she had wanted to be caught ?

***

According to Valyrian lore, if a dragon mates with another and one of the rider - or both - has soul bonded with their dragon then the riders needs to also mate for it is an abomination to keep them separated.

***

Daemon and Rhaenyra had wanted to go on a flight together something they hadn’t done since he left for the Stepstones when she was ten years old. She said she missed being in the sky with him and who was he to deny her ?

His niece had changed so much since he last saw her he sometimes couldn’t believe it. He always knew she would be a great beauty but it was still kind of ridiculous how beautiful she was. He almost felt like he was a green boy all over again (not that he would ever show her how awkward he became next to her, he had a reputation after all).
His wife had died during the conflict and not even because of him which meant he was a free man. A very sad widower obviously. His beloved niece was unmarried, and so was so maybe they could find a solution together… He wasn’t blind to how she looked at him but he was greedy. He wanted her in every way, he wanted to marry her and have children with her and ruin her for any man after him. His brother would never give him his daughter, he knew he was stuck. The only way would be to ruin her reputation maybe? A part of his brain was already thinking of possibilities while he was also speaking to his darling niece.

They were headed to the Keep while chatting about where they could go when a Dragonkeeper came in front of them.

‘‘My Prince, my Princess… I am very sorry to disturb you but I bring you news
- And it couldn’t wait after our flight? mumbled Daemon while Rhaenyra threw him and amused look
- It’s your dragons. They are in the same dwelling !’'

The old Dragonkeeper was making them follow him as if to show them something incredible. He saw Rhaenyra have a hint of smile which made him wonder what her Syrax told her. All he got from Caraxes was happiness, contentment and smugness which was a weird combination but he just thought he tricked someone to get more food. There was an overall feeling but no pictures which was not unusual but still. He wondered… Syrax and his dragon used to often be together until the Dragonkeepers warned them that Syrax was still young and impressionable and needed to be alone and not fused to the Blood Wyrm’s side in order for her to grow properly. She needed to be independent.

Daemon only remembered how sad both dragons had been.

What he saw made him stop in his tracks. Oh. So that’s why.
Their dragons were tightly coiled around each other the same way he had seen Silverwing and Vermithor when he was a child. He understood at once and looked at his niece who was already smiling at him.

‘I guess we need to tell your father about this’

She laughed, happy and warm and his. She was going to be his. Viserys had no choice but to obey the dragon law and he would get his lovely niece as a wife. He couldn’t stop himself and kissed her, right in front of their dragons. He felt her hand in his hair, his bond with Caraxes a bright spot in his mind and for once he felt completely at peace.

Chapter Text

Viserys

He liked slow mornings. They were his favourite. He loved taking his time breaking his fast often with his wife Alicent, sometimes with a few friends, more rarely his daughter. His daughter was an impatient one, always running off somewhere with too many thoughts in her head - it meant that speaking with her was an exercise in patience as her mind was jumping from things to things in way that confused him.

Children grow so fast he thought. He had some fondness for his younger ones of course, they were his flesh and blood, but Rhaenyra was special. She was his first born and most important of all she was Aemma’s. His beloved Aemma. He shook his head to focus on peeling his oranges and not on thoughts of his first wife.

(his fault, he killed her, she said no and he did it anyway, he KILLED her, didn’t that make him a kinslayer? And his little girl who reminded him so much of his wife did she blame him? He blamed himself).

Alicent smiled at him, she didn’t notice his inner struggle and went on speaking about Aegon.

’’He is really interested in that wooden sword of his, maybe we should have a few more?
- A little warrior in the making then! Yes, yes we should see to it so he can choose whichever one he wants to use that day’’

He distracted himself with the conversation feeling content.

A Kingsguard (Erryk? Arryk? One of them for sure)announced the presence of a Dragonkeeper who wanted to speak to him urgently. He frowned but agreed to let him in, sharing a worried glance with his wife.

’’Apparently it can't wait after our breakfast my dear…’’

Alicent frowned also worried and only gave him a worried smile. He knew, like him, she was thinking of something terrible. Was a dragon injured or worse dead? What if it was young Aegon’s baby dragon? He knew younger dragons were fragile and his son’s dragon had been quite sickly at first but he was supposed to be healthy now… He held his wife’s hand to reassure her, or maybe to reassure himself, while the Kingsguard let the Dragonkeeper in.

‘’My King, my sincerest apologies to disturb you so but…
- Out with it, if you are here it means something dire happened.
- Nothing bad I promise,'' reassured the Dragonkeeper (Aeros, it was Aeros, he was the one in charge of his daughter’s dragon wasn’t he? Something happened to Syrax, his beloved daughter’s dragon was injured maybe?)

Viserys took a deep breath. Why couldn’t people just speak plainly ? Why did they always, always try to run circles around the subject?
Probably sensing the King’s impatience the Dragonkeeper went straight to the matter at hand.

’’The dragon Syrax has mated my King’’

Maybe he should not have gotten out of bed this morning or maybe his ears were not working properly because he wasn’t hearing that. His daughter’s dragon was not really mated right? Maybe it was a mistake. Judging by Aeros’ face he was hearing just fine and while denial sounded like bliss right now he couldn’t afford it, the consequences were too big.

’’Is that really important to know?’’ asked Alicent

The Dragonkeeper looked at her in horror as if wondering. How she could ask such a thing. Yes how could she ask such a terrible thing, she should absolutely know all the dumb dragon laws we have thought Viserys sarcastically. He always thought those laws were idiotic and outdated but he was going to follow them anyway for he was a dutiful King and most of all a dutiful member of the Targaryen family. His father Baelon had told him time and time again how important it was to follow those laws as dragons were not mere beasts. And he knew, dragons were not pets it's just... He didn't connect to them the way his family did. Horses appealed much more to him than fire-breathing creatures. He knew his brother and his daughter had a rider bond with their dragon making them even closer to them than he had ever been to Balerion but he never really understood the whole thing. His bond with Balerion had been tenuous and he had done less than five flights with him before his death, even then not going too far as the dragon was too old.

(sometimes he felt like a joke of a Targaryen, he had no dragon, Balerion had died so fast. And he had hated every moments in the air, dragons did not interest him at all. He loved the lore and the stories but it was all that. Stories. Reality was terrible and he hated the real Valyria who was a monstrous empire - he was not like his brother who adored all the Valyrian stories even the terrifying one about their empire - , the real dragons did not appeal to him and he never understood how his family could love the dragons so much. They were terrifying monsters and those sharing a bond with them were too unpredictable. It was one of the reason why he was so suspicious of dragon riders in his family. How could you share a bond with a beast and not expect it to change you in some aspects? No, dragon riders were wild and did not listen to reason. And he knew, he knew deep in his heart that it was the one thing he could never say to anyone except Otto maybe or his new wife)

’’Alicent… A mated dragon is not just that. It implies something much more.
- My King is right, if a dragon is mated so must the riders for it is the Dragon Law.’’

His dear wife blanched, understanding at once. She was sharp under her sweet appearance, something he really loved about her. His Aemma had not been politically inclined but he could sense Alicent’s potential for it which made him happy. She would be able to protect herself and their children from possible attacks from people like his brother or even the Velaryon who often thought of people without Valyrian blood as inferior to them.

’’So if it is Syrax it means…
- Rhaenyra yes. Let’s hope her dragon had some sense and mated a riderless dragon so we don’t have to worry much about her marrying someone we did not approve of.’’

Aero squirmed which made Viserys worry right away.

’’…. It’s not a riderless dragon is it? he asked in a defeated voice. ‘’… The only dragons possible would be Seasmoke who is in Driftmark with Laenor or… No. Please tell me it’s not him. Caraxes?! My brother's dragon?!’’

The Dragonkeeper just nodded weakly as if he was also unsettled with the news. A part of his brain was just gone. The other part was just wondering how. Caraxes was temperamental and quite frankly an ugly thing ( a part of him had always found it fitting that his handsome brother got an ugly dragon, he wondered if his dragon’s ugliness was not a reflection of his brother’s heart as dragons were supposed to reflect their riders and then he always felt guilty after that. It was his brother he was thinking about... His baby brother!).
How could such a dragon get mated to Syrax? Arguably he was no expert but he could say his daughter’s dragon was quite a pretty thing - at least she was not all long and differed like his brother's dragon - and most of all the dragon was sweet (exactly like his daughter, sweet and pretty).

Alicent had been struck silent and just stared gobsmacked at the Dragonkeeper who was definitely feeling uncomfortable.

’’Thank you, you can leave us. I will do what needs to be done’’

The Dragonkeeper mumbled something and just left.

’’At least we won’t need to find Rhaenyra a husband, her dragon took care of that for us
- My love you can’t be seriously considering marrying them?! objected Alicent
- Oh my dear… We don’t have a choice. The Dragon Law…
- What Dragon Law?!’’ She interrupted him angrily
- There are laws that all Targaryen follow. I will teach them to our children once they are old enough but the one thing you need to understand is that we have to follow them. We have always done so.
- Who will even check if you follow them?! You can’t base Rhaenyra’s life around a law no one ever heard of!
- I don’t want this either Alicent !’’ Viserys raised his voice surprising his wife.’’But the Targaryen family have followed them since the time before the Fall of Valyria! And yes I could not follow it, because I don’t want to but at what cost? Targaryen laws are inscribed in Westeros, they are under the ‘Dragon’ section and whatever I want doesn’t matter here. If I don’t let my daughter marry my rogue of a brother he is allowed to kill me Alicent. Besides they would both elope as they both believe whole heartedly in those laws. In the end, my hands are tied.
- But… Rhaenyra… She won’t have a choice?’’

Alicent looked near tears. Viserys sighed and took her in his arms, offering her comfort. Her hands were clutching him as if scared. He knew his daughter and her used to be close, she must be horrified to see how Rhaenyra had no choice at all when she had been given the opportunity before with her tour. At least Alicent had a good husband, he feared his daughter would have a very unhappy life with his brother, he had been a terrible husband to Rhea Royce and he was expecting the same fate for his daughter. And while it made him incredibly sad for her, a small part of him rejoiced. I told you what kind of man your beloved uncle is daughter mine, and yet you always loved him the most. Now you will see first hand

‘’I know you worry about her reaction my dear but the only thing we can do is be there for her.
- Viserys…’’ Alicent suddenly looked horrified ‘’What about the throne?!’’

The throne. He had forgotten. His brother would become King consort. He wanted to vomit. His brother on the throne would be a disaster but what could he do? Disinherit his daughter? No. His daughter needed to be on the throne, Aegon’s prophecy dictated it.
He would need to talk with his Hand, Otto would know what to do. He always had good ideas when it came to deal with his brother. The poor man was his brother’s favourite target and if there is one thing he knew how to handle it was his brother and his schemes.

‘’Rhaenyra will be queen that will not change. Daemon will just have to be handled, we will see with your father and Lord Strong if we can find a solution just in case. But his powers as King Consort will be limited, if we need to we will just give her more powers to limit him’’

Alicent looked relieved but not completely convinced. He didn’t blame her. He wasn’t reassured either. They would handle this though, together.

***

Otto

Otto was waiting for something to happen. The moment Prince Daemon came back he knew something bad would happen, and if the Prince did nothing, well. He could always find something. The problem was not in finding something but more how to twist it to make it look the worst and get rid of the Prince. There was always a deep sense of triumph when one of his scheme works and the Prince was exiled.

He did not hate the Targaryen, he just had nothing but contempt for them. Oh he liked Viserys in the same way you liked a rabbit, you keep them around to make yourself feel smarter and it’s kind of cute in its dumbness. You even have affection for them. But Viserys was the King, which made it even better as he could elevate his family and make them richer and more powerful.

(and Alicent had done her duty, marrying for her family’s power. She even got a son too bad that moron of a King had not decided to name him heir but that would happen soon enough. Manipulating Viserys was an art form he excelled at and knowing he would help destroy the family who was ruling Westeros to supplement it with his own? What e delightful thought).

And then the King told him about the dragons mating and the Dragon Laws and the consequential wedding that would follow. And that was how he found himself next to the King and his Queen, facing the Prince and the Princess who both looked suspiciously smug.

(Dragon Laws. Of course he knew they existed - he had seen them - but he didn’t think they would actually follow them. Of course. Never underestimate the stupidity of this family. Dragons were unnatural so of course their laws regarding them would be just as unnatural. Marrying people because their dragon were mated? What’s next, killing someone because they rode someone else’s dragon? If only he was allowed to change them)

***

’’As you have heard father, Caraxes and Syrax mated. As the law states the riders have to follow with their own joining. Therefore we will marry as soon as possible.’’

Prince Daemon smirked (that absolute asshole was smirking, how he hated him, he had never wanted to punch someone like that before. Actually no, he always wanted to punch him in the face, the man had a very punchable face).

’’Yes brother. We can’t go against the laws of our house. We should marry in a few months as it is a royal wedding and I am sure preparations are necessary but we have to follow our dragons’ exemple!’’

The Princess was looking at her uncle like he was a god while the prince looked like he won the biggest price (which he did, he going to be King, King Consort in name only, that silly little girl was not fit to rule, she was handing him the Kingdom on a silver platter and it made him want to kill them both).

’’You will marry in four months, so that we have time to prepare the royal wedding. You will both behave accordingly, and yes Daemon I am talking to you. I don’t want to hear anything about your behaviour - there better be no whores nor fighting. As for you daughter, I am very sorry I couldn’t let you choose your husband…
- I am not’’ Daemon and Rhaenyra said together while the King continued pretending not to hear
- We will see about what it will mean for your throne and while I will not disinherit you, there will be consequences.
- Why ? asked the impertinent girl, ’’He will be the Consort, his powers will be the same as Alicent and unless you mean to say she can overpower your decisions I don’t see why we should do anything’’

The silence that followed was deafening. Prince Daemon was looking at the girl as if she was the sun and moon and stars while Otto stared at the girl as if seeing her for the first time -suddenly realising she was going to try and defy expectations. How dare she? This was exactly why she shouldn’t rule. The only positive thing about her being Queen was her inability to do so -she was a girl it was to be expected- meaning she would be easily manipulable.

’’Well Princess, it is very easy for a woman to…
- Oh it is because I am a woman then. For a moment I worried it was because you didn’t like the thought of Prince Daemon as my Consort.’’ she interrupted him
- Rhaenyra, the King frowned, it is not about this. You can’t deny Daemon’s influence over you…
- Go on brother, tell me how I influence her. Let’s be honest, she is the one influencing me more often than not. But if it makes you feel better then do so. Make me nothing but a pretty face who does nothing all day but sit next to the Queen, I do have a nice face to look at. Though I do think it pales in comparison to my future wife…’’

And the Prince had the gall to laugh and gaze at his niece while the Princess was giggling and was she blushing? Freaking Targaryens.

Of course he would laugh, he was going to warm the future Queen’s bed and whatever he wanted would happen anyway. Girls did not have the right temperament for ruling, always emotional and unable to handle conflict. The moment he would want something she would comply, desperate to keep him happy and in her bed.

But his hands were tied, and wasn’t that a terrifying thought? There was nothing he could do or scheme: their wedding would happen no matter what. Prince Daemon could be bedding an entire brothel and still the wedding would happen. Maybe getting rid of one of them… he thought. Sadly he knew the consequences of getting rid of one would be too much, he had tried for years to get rid of Prince Daemon and it never worked.
The Princess would be easier to get rid of but her father and future husband’s wrath would be incalculable. He liked predictable things which was probably why he had a specific hatred for Prince Daemon he supposed.
No, it was better to root for the Princess and the Prince to marry, she will end up like her mother Aemma or maybe her grandmother Alyssa.

(like mother like daughter, the mother was unable to bring any heirs and he did not expect the daughter to be any different and if worst come to worst well. Accidents happened all the time during childbirth and he might not even need to do anything at all…).

And as the King allowed this unholy union and the both of them looked disgustingly happy about it all Otto could think about was his own plan going up in flame. How fitting.

He still couldn’t believe it. A dragon beat him. A she-dragon even! This is exactly why he hated women and it confirmed it, even she-dragons were annoying.

***

Rhaenyra

Syrax and her had planned things a long time ago. Well mostly her but Syrax had done most of the job, she was the mastermind and her beloved Golden Lady was the one making sure everything worked out.
She couldn’t really say when they had both decided on their plan.

(and yes they gave a name to it because it was fun and they had been young when they had started their scheme and that’s how their ‘catch the dragon’ idea had started. Each of them would get the dragon they wanted and with the law on their side? No one could stand in their way. The most difficult aspect was to catch them).

Rhaenyra had known since young she would marry no else but her uncle, that he wasn’t aware of it didn’t really matter yet. He would change his mind, she just knew it. Rhea Royce, the woman she had hated since she knew of her existence had been taken care (she was almost sad not to have had a role in it but it was an obstacle gone and that was what mattered).
And then he had been back from war. He looked as handsome as ever, and everything she wanted. Syrax and her had decided to act quickly. She was smart her Syrax and would get Caraxes’ attention she was sure of it. The poor dragon was not well liked (she always adored him, he was so cute with his long neck and so needy for affection. He reminded her so much of her uncle) so she wouldn’t get a lot of competition but still. Everything was carefully planned. Rhaenyra had felt her dragon make her move and the smugness of making the mighty Caraxes sing the mating song. Her Lady was going to brag to all the other she-dragons about how she had the best mate. Now it was her turn, Rhaenyra wanted to be the next to be able to brag about having the best mate. Husband. Whatever word he was, she didn’t think a word would truly encapsulate everything her uncle meant to her but she liked them all. As long as she could put her mark on him.

Dragons were possessive like that.

Seeing Caraxes intertwined with her Golden Lady had made her so happy, not just for her dragon but also for herself. Now Daemon could not get away. And he kissed her like she was everything he wanted but wasn’t sure he deserved. What a silly man he was, her uncle, she would always pick him. Always.

And her father agreed. He was not happy but he had to comply for the Dragon Laws were strict and he couldn’t refuse. She saw Otto looking angry next to her father but trying to smooth his features into a sense of calmness. He was next on her to do list, he would disappear. Not necessarily die but he would be gone from Court. He was probably already scheming something, whether it was related to her, her uncle or even her siblings she didn’t know and didn’t really care. What mattered was that he needed to be gone.
She looked at Daemon, who was holding her hand. I love you she thought, And I will never let you go.

Rhaenyra smiled, looking at the Hand of the King. In her mind Syrax was purring, snuggled next to Caraxes sending her thoughts of eggs. Her dragon wanted eggs, which meant she had to do her part too and give her uncle some children, it was only fair after all for her children to get their dragons’ eggs.

You will be gone Otto, whether I have to invent something or not but I will make you leave. And I will marry Daemon not matter your thoughts and be the Queen with him as my Consort. You will get nothing but ashes. Try me and face my dragon’s wrath, Daemon will be delighted to deal with you..

Chapter Text

The Dragonpit

The Dragonkeepers had a precise schedule, it was a routine they all enjoyed as none of them liked surprises, it never bode well for them and the dragons they kept watch over. They loved their charges even if they did not share the bond all Targaryen seemed to have with the beasts.

Of course they all had their favourites, some dragons were easier to work with than others.
One of the favourite was Dreamfyre who was a gentle dragon, very sweet and not fussy. Some of the unclaimed dragons were quite loved but Dreamfyre was always at the top as everyone’s favourite. Vhagar, back when she was at the Pit, always inspired awe but she was old and not easily annoyed something they all tended to enjoy.
The younger ones were always excited to work with her as she was their oldest dragon and there was always some kind of hero-worship when it came to the impressive mount of the former Queen Visenya.

And then there were other dragons. Syrax was not a problematic dragon in itself, she was quite sweet and gentle but she could have quite the temper. One of her oddities was her weird attachment to Caraxes, apparently from the moment she saw him as a mere baby dragon, something that had baffled everyone for the Blood Wyrm was not a dragon that could be qualified as nice or caring. And he had let the baby dragon sleep nestled next to him, he had let her play with his tail, he had shared some of his meat even helping her fly around him, indulging her every whims.

Caraxes was a temperamental dragon, he hated everyone except Prince Daemon it seemed. Princess Rhaenyra was also granted a measure of affection as she could touch him and be in his vicinity without any fear of being bitten. So two people could be next to the mighty dragon, definitely not enough in their opinion.

They had lost a few helpers to his temper and ever since, the Dragonkeepers were very careful and if it was too much of a hassle to deal with him most of them just gave up and either left the dragon be or simply called the Prince to deal with his beast as he was the most equipped to do so (even if it chaffed at their pride to do so, dealing with him was just too problematic and they’d rather avoid any injuries just because they were too prideful, some had been injured before, it was rumoured some had died but no one knew if it was real or just a story to scare the younger ones away).

Syrax’s attachment to the Blood Wyrm was something the Dragonkeepers had tried to prevent as much as possible, dragons needed to be on their own to grow and if they got too attached it would prevent their growth as they would rely on another instead of developing their own skills. And while from an outsider’s perspective the bond between the two dragons was sweet, the Dragonkeepers were terrified that she would follow his exemple and start being temperamental or just not want to eat anything not given by her red companion. Though they were happy to notice quickly she was agreeable with the Dragonkeepers, never making life too difficult for them which made it easy to sneak her a little extra piece of meat or be a little more thorough when it came to take care of her dwelling.

***

One of the young helper who was brimming with curiosity had decided to take a look at the mighty Caraxes - the dragon was quite well-known after all and always induced some awe that bordered on terror. The younger ones loved that feeling of fear and admiration. He had decided to escape from the vigilant eyes of the older ones to indulge on his curiosity and to see if the Blood Wyrm really was as strange as everyone said. He had barely escaped when he heard a weird noise and stopped suddenly fearing this unknown sound and ran back to the others promising himself not to try to escape anymore.

That noise was something most Dragonkeepers dreamt about (and dreaded at the same time): a dragon mating’s song.

That Caraxes had mated was absolutely mind boggling as the dragon was not very sociable and the list of available she-dragons was quite short. But his singing was unmistakable and so the Dragonkeepers waited a bit before rushing and peeking at where the red dragon was usually kept (in a cave-like location, with a direct opening to the sky as he was irritable if kept in the dark. Most of the Dragonkeepers joked he was more snake than dragon not that they would ever repeat it out loud).

And there he was, covering the pretty Syrax with his own body, half of her resting under his wing seemingly quite content with the situation, purring.

The Dragonkeeper in charge of Syrax had been chosen to tell the news to the King, as the poor man didn’t know yet that his beloved child was going to have to marry his brother - the law was clear, and while they were not part of the Targaryen family they all knew of it as they had to inform the King right away in case it happened so that actions could be taken at once.

The Princess would get a wedding after all. And while she did not choose her husband, her dragon took care of it. The Dragonkeepers had no opinion in particular when it came to the Prince, they just knew him as Caraxes’ rider which meant that for them he was temperamental like his dragon but he showed great care for him which was very appreciated but most importantly they were soul riders. And while it meant nothing for people ignorant of dragon lore for them it meant something important. It was an unbreakable bond human and dragon would share, both beautiful and terrifying as it would influence each other. Their behaviour becoming reflections of each other.

(maybe that was why some riders were more watched than others, Prince Daemon and his mount were not calm the way Syrax and the Princess were. Caraxes had terrible fits of temper which implied the Prince was the same, something that terrified the Dragonkeepers quite a bit in all honesty. So yes they tended to keep their distance with the Prince. The Princess was sweet and if the young Syrax had some fits of temper well, she was still young. She was a charming dragon who always got an extra piece of meat because she was too adorable, it was so difficult to say no to her! If that meant most Dragonkeepers had a soft spot for the Princess well… It was not wrong)

Dragons were mirror of their riders, even more so when they were bonded.

They had informed the Prince and Princess who took it surprisingly well (and by that it meant they were kissing in front of their own dragons and even themselves! No propriety at all nor consideration for the Dragonkeepers around them). They were seen leaving the Pit and forgoing their flight, probably going to see the King or do some royal things. The Dragonkeepers did not really care much for things other than dragons so they had no real interest in knowing - except the young ones who were living for the gossip.

***

Aeros, the one in charge of the Princess’ dragon was back from his meeting with the King. Not something he had enjoyed at all.
He didn’t care about the politics much here, all he was thinking about was something much more basic and problematic.

How was he going to get Syrax away from Caraxes?

Today they were supposed to get her some scales care, something they did every week. Which wouldn’t be possible this time, Caraxes was quite determined to keep everyone away from the Golden Lady and to cover her with as much of himself as he could which was cute in a terrifying way. They couldn’t even see her anymore except a bit of her snout - not that she hated it, she was purring and making happy noises.

(hearing Caraxes’ happy whistling had been the single most terrifying thing in his life, he was so so glad not to be in charge of him… The dragon was frightening. How did he manage to seduce a young and beautiful dragon like Syrax was baffling. She could have any dragons and picked him?! Maybe their bond when she was a baby dragon had been more impactful than they had thought… He would have to see to that. Maybe they should change their ways when dealing with young dragons)

He tried to look at the bright side. EGGS. They had never gotten eggs from Syrax before! She had refused all the available dragons, seemingly waiting for Caraxes’ return, not even wanting to lay eggs with an unclaimed dragon. Most she-dragons tended to lay eggs without mating, it was unheard of for a dragon to refuse to do so.
It had not worried him per se but it had bothered him. He had wondered if it was because he coddled her too much? But no apparently she was just an extremely stubborn and determined dragon and in hindsight a few things made sense.

She was always fond of the Blood Wyrm as a young dragon, but once he had been gone she had decided to settle in his spot (had she been looking for him? Or maybe his scent which for Dragonkeepers was impossible to smell but a dragon could, maybe she had wanted his scent around her as a way too soothe herself and they had not known? It would explain her taking over his spot in the Pit and not just her being angry at him and making it her own as an act of petty revenge like they had thought). She had gotten into vicious fights with other dragons who tried to mate her and they had thought her picky (which was adorable really, she always looked down on other dragons as if they were not worthy of breathing around her), a lot of she-dragons were temperamental so nothing unusual.

One funny thing about the Princess’ dragon was that she was a sneaky thing. She was sweet, often getting extra treats by acting cute but the other Dragonkeepers did not know how smart she could be. He had seen her rile up other dragons on purpose just so they could fight and then play the part of a victim as if he had not seen her give them false hopes for an eventual mating.
He had thought it was just him overthinking but now? Now he was wondering how much of a calculating thing she really was. Had she been fooling them all along?

(what did that mean about the Princess? He did not want to think about it as it was terrifying thought…)

Aeros sighed, shaking his head and giving up his plans for the day. He would just let the dragons be, they seemed content after all.

Syrax had curled herself in a ball and was surrounded by Caraxes, both of them rubbing their heads against each other in affection. The Blood Wyrm was whistling in a way that creeped him out (dragons were not supposed to make that noise, it was unnatural). He supposed eggs would come sooner than later, they seemed quite determined not to leave each other’s side.

Aeros was mentally calculating how much meat to bring while seeking out the ones in charge of the Prince’s dragon. They would have to brainstorm how to take care of a mated pair, especially this one as he suspected Caraxes would be vicious to everyone in order to protect his new mate. He had a feeling Syrax, that sneaky little princess, would enjoy it.

Dragons were territorial so they would have to learn how to navigate around them safely. He couldn’t wait to get their eggs, they would be incredibles. He did spare a thought about their future offsprings, if the gods were good they would take after their mother and not their father but if they were cruel? They would be the mix of the worst of their parents and they would all suffer for it, he hoped not to ever be put in charge of those baby dragons.

They had a year maybe before the Princess and the Prince married, which meant a little bit more before they conceived a child. And since they would probably pick an egg coming from their mounts… Yes. He had to convince some gullible helpers to be in charge of the eggs in order not to be in their proximity once they hatched.

Syrax was enough for him.

***

She was very satisfied. Everything had worked out exactly like she wanted. The moment Caraxes had left with his rider, her Rhaenyra had decided to brainstorm with her to make sure they would not escape from them ever again. They would bind Caraxes and his rider to them so tightly they would never leave - nor would they want to. They would make them believe they were in charge when really Syrax and Rhaenyra were running the show.

Their plan had been simple: they both had to show their targets that they were not younglings anymore but very attractive adults. Well, adult enough.

Anyway, the plan started with her. Syrax knew her chances were high but it was still not 100% (she would make it 100%). She had done her due research, no she-dragons thought of Caraxes as worthy, her mother thought he was a creep (she never listened to her endless lectures about worthy males, like she knew anything about it she never mated with anyone, instead laying eggs with unclaimed dragons. Syrax did not want that, she wanted a mate) and the unclaimed she-dragons thought he was either scary or too odd. No one enjoyed his whistling as they thought it disturbing.

(he was cute, his long form was very enticing and he would be able to wrap himself around her perfectly. His songs were what she had adored listening to as a hatchling, soothing her to sleep. He was gruff and a bit of a grumpy old dragon but she adored it. He was always doing what she wanted in the end even if he would deny doing it for her. She remembered he would always let her play with his tail even if he grumbled that she was annoying him. And he was so warm, his wings were perfect to sleep under)

Syrax had been enamoured with Caraxes since she first saw him, all tall, red and magnificent and how could she not fall in love? The old dragon had not realised of course, he thought she was just friendly and nuzzling him as a sign of friendship ever since she was a hatchling. She was not. She was scent marking her territory, warning others away. He was hers.

The young she-dragon grew, and the more she grew the more she became aware that she was beautiful, that she was wanted. She had seen it. She had orchestrated some fights for fun.
Let them fight, none of them are worthy, none of them are him.

The old Dragonkeeper who was the one watching over her - she didn’t need to know his name he didn’t matter - had seen her do it. She knew he thought of her as a sweet dragon, and he had been a bit freaked out seeing her goad two male dragons to fight for a mating bond with her and then fighting the winner and make him bleed and leave him alone and defeated.
She wanted them to desire her and then fight for her. She would then leave them bleeding and broken and she delighted in her power over them. And they thought her sweet. She had realised early on that humouring the Dragonkeepers made them more compliant and likely to follow her will.

Her plan had worked, he had been caught. Now the rest was up to her Rhaenyra and judging from their shared bond she had done it too (and their kissing in front of her, that definitely meant something good, her Rhaenyra had never kissed anyone like this so it had to be a good sign and her rider had been so elated…). Maybe not the full mating part but she had bonded her dragon and the mating would soon follow. Humans and their need to complicate everything.

Caraxes was rumbling, warming her from the inside and wrapping his long body around her. She could feel him, now forever a part of her. A bright spot in her mind next to her Rhaenyra. He was sending her thoughts of love and devotion and she was doing the same making them both purr in contentment. Some of the Dragonkeepers were lurking around, probably staring at her beloved and being in awe of him, she was certainly proud and in awe of him. She was going to brag about mating him and yes mother, she chose the creepy dragon and had no regrets and she would fight to keep him and no one would steal him from her.
Syrax felt a sliver of wonder from her mate at her thoughts before he bit her neck gently to remind her he was hers which she reciprocated happily.

Yes he was right, better to leave a mark for everyone to see.

***

Daemon

Since he came back to King's Landing his life took a completely different turn. He went from widower and Prince in titles only to future King Consort, engaged to his beloved niece (who became even more beautiful, how did that happen?) and with a fierce yet mated dragon (his Caraxes who was such a temperamental dragon had managed to seduce the sweet Syrax, he was still impressed. Apparently his dragon was a much better smooth talker than he thought, he had hidden it well… He was very proud of him, he was literally why he was engaged right now to his sweet niece, just for that his dragon would be getting all the meat he wanted as a thank you for such a good move. And some good head scratches and a lot of petting, he deserved all the love. Maybe he should go with Rhaenyra later…).

He had seen Otto who was looking quite green at the thought of his upcoming nuptials, he would have to take care of him later. Now that he was engaged to his dear niece he would put all his power behind her and that would start with some shadowy help like Mysaria. Time to get her fully on his side. He knew the Hightower cunt had some woman on the side (all the men on the Council did, the trick was finding them - although some of them had a man and it was even better…), he would deny it as being against the Faith but he had urges. So Daemon knew he had a few whores on the side.

It would be a bit cleaner to kill him and quite poetic if it was a woman doing it, everyone knew of his disdain for women.

Alicent looked to be on the fence, they could potentially turn her, she seemed to still be trying to get some kind of friendship with Rhaenyra (that foolish girl, a dragon doesn’t forget a slight nor do they forgive). His brother would take some convincing but he was devoted to his lovely niece so he would realise very quickly the truth of his feelings.

His goal was to protect Rhaenyra now. She was still sweet and innocent in some aspects and he will make sure to be her sword and shield. Whatever she needed him to be. She was unused to scheming, she was not tainted like him, and he would have to help her trick people.

Daemon looked at his future wife, their hands intertwined (propriety be damned, they were just as good as married since their dragons were mated so who cared? He just had to make sure not to get her with child because he sure as hell wasn’t going to avoid touching her till their marriage, it was too far away to even consider it) as they were leaving together to go to the Godswood, a King’s Guard following them from a distance.

Her smile was a thing of beauty, she was beaming at him like he was everything she wanted and that made him feel things he had never felt before. How was it his tiny slip of a niece had him so thoroughly wrapped around her fingers? A smile from her and he was ready to kill anyone who made her frown. It was ridiculous to be this enamoured with someone, surely it was not healthy to be so focused on her and yet the single thought of looking away was painful - not when she was so radiant.

Their children would be perfect he realised. Their sons would take after him and be tricky but would have their mother’s disposition - but the gods forgive him if he had any daughters. If they looked anything like his future wife he would have to forbid them to marry. Yes that sounded like a good plan, many sons first so he could have some help to protect his darling future wife (and his daughters who will obviously be too beautiful and who will need to be protected from other men’s greedy hands).

His mind made up he let the conversation between him and Rhaenyra flow, happy to be with each other after being separated for so long, knowing they would soon be bonded so tightly nothing could separate them ever again. Their marriage would happen soon and no one could object and it was delightful, he had never felt like this before, as if he had everything.

It would all fall into place.

His beloved dragon was rumbling in the back of his mind, a happy sound he had rarely heard from him and he sent him some love, forever thankful for his unknowing help. Caraxes just showed him his beloved’s Golden Lady tucked against him and purring a storm. Both of them looking beyond happy.

Really, what a clever dragon he had.

Chapter Text

Daemon

Even a ere few days after giving birth his wife was strong (and gorgeous, how can someone be so radiant all the time?). Their son - his beautiful boy who was so so perfect with his white hair and purple eyes - was sleeping quietly alongside his tiny dragon.
They had taken the egg from the clutch Syrax had laid. They wouldn’t get any other egg but one born from the union of their two dragons as it was the only that could fit their child.

They had decided to show their Aegon to their dragons so that the dragon parents could also take a look at their own little one.

Syrax had perked up when she saw them and raised her great head next to Rhaenyra, sniffling their babe before rumbling in contentment.

Rhaenyra was whispering to her mount.

“We did it my lovely girl. We bonded our dragons and look. Your hatchling and mine together just like we planned”

His thoughts stopped. Planned. Planned?! What was that supposed to mean? Did she planned to get pregnant at the same time as Syrax - which was quite a feat in terms of timing he had to admit - but he had a feeling it was something a bit more complicated.

“Rhaenyra…”

She looked at him with a devious smile. He loved this smile (he loved them all to be fair) but he rarely saw this one.

“Oh my love. You really thought it was an accident that Syrax mated Caraxes? Or… Did you think Caraxes did it by himself?”

The dragon in question was staring at him and he could swear she was smirking but dragons did not smirk. He must be overthinking. But now Daemon had a feeling he was going to learn something he was not going to expect.

“The male dragon starts the mating song and…
- Nothing was ever said about giving a little nudge in the right direction though” interrupted his lovely wife

He must have looked confused because she continued.

“Caraxes had never been really popular in the Pit as you know, in particular with the she-dragons no matter how many times he tried. I am surprised you never knew that uncle”

He knew some aspects but he thought it was just some dragons he didn’t get along with. Obviously he managed to get a mate so he was popular with the ladies or well she-dragons - at least he had thought so. As if sensing his thoughts his dragon sent him a wave of awkwardness and nervousness with images of him trying to woo other she-dragons. And failing. Every single time.

His dragon had no game.

“What the…”

His beloved laughed at his surprised face.

“Syrax knew he was not popular but she wanted him you know. She had been nursing quite the crush since she was but a very young dragon. And I wanted you. So we decided she would nudge Caraxes in the right direction and make him sing the mating song. Syrax is popular and well. She learned how to get what she wanted from the other dragons pretty quickly, she practices on the unclaimed dragons you know. She did get her way in the end, which meant they were bonded exactly how she had wanted. Of course she told me right away so I could do the next part… You were just back from the Stepstones and speaking with father. And I conveniently wanted to go riding the next day and you were indulging me as you always do, and oh! What an unexpected scene : our dragons together! So we had to follow the Dragon Rules… Very convenient if I might say. I could even go so far and say it was well played.”

And it hit him while she was explaining. She was perfectly aware of everything, she had masterminded the whole thing. Like a general at war she had a plan and was determined enough to get her way.

She had wanted him so much she had planned a foolproof way to have him.

He had never felt so humbled and so loved in his entire life. How could he be worthy of such devotion? Daemon looked at Syrax who was checking on her hatchling, meanwhile his Caraxes apparently decided it was alright for him to ask for a cuddle. He was petting him absentmindedly.

“Did we get hunted Caraxes? Did we get our girls because they planned it and we just did what they wanted us to do?”

Judging by his dragon’s look they did. And they enjoyed the result of it - very much so. Rhaenyra laughed at him.

“Is it a hunt if the prey is willing?”

He was not a prey he was a dragon and he was smart enough to know when someone was manipulating him into doing something and… He got played by his niece. His dragon who was so fierce and terrifying on a battlefield had been seduced and mated because Syrax had decided to do so. What a crafty she-dragon he marveled. And his niece… He had thought her incapable of plotting but it turned out she was going to outsmart everyone.

“My love… We wanted you both since we understood the concept of wanting and mating and marriage. Syrax was very clear she wanted Caraxes and I never hid how much I wanted to marry you. I drove father insane asking him all the time remember?”

Daemon could see his dragon puff up in pride, he had been wanted and chased. He had not realised how lonely his dragon had been, he honestly thought Caraxes had been alone by choice and to know it was not was just heartbreaking. His poor boy…
Wait a second. She had wanted him for so long?! How had he never noticed?! Was he blind?!

“And since she was not alone we talked about it. I wanted you and I knew I couldn’t have you using the conventional ways so the best option was to plan something a bit risky alongside Syrax. We wanted our dragons and we were going to use the Dragon Law. The mating one.”

Rhaenyra had finished speaking leaving him stunned. Their Aegon who had been quite content in his mother’s arms started to move a bit. The little dragon who was still unable to fly yet on his wife’s arms being looked at by Syrax. Caraxes probably sensing his emotions snorted and nudged his niece wanting to get a look at his own hatchling.

“It’s a boy, red like you as you can see. And look he has a bit of gold like Syrax when the sun hits his scales! You two made a handsome hatchling. I think he is going to be a sneaky thing, like my Syrax but I hope he will be just as scary as you can be!“ Rhaenyra was petting his Caraxes and showing off the young dragon who, truthfully did take after his mother dragon.

Now that Rhaenyra explained their plan and how much a scheming thing Syrax was he knew where the little dragon got it from. A good thing for his son, a smart dragon was better. He seemed to take more after his Caraxes in appearance but he was still too young so it was not quite sure yet if he would take more after one or the other. They hadn’t given him a name yet, tradition meant they waiting on their child to name him, for it was going to be his dragon and not theirs.

(and his son took after his wife, the egg hatching in his crib. The two of them sleeping and spending all their time together. He was brimming with pride for it meant a rider bond was slowly in the making between the two and what more could he ask for?)

In one outing his view of his niece had changed, she went from innocent to devious (not a bad change and well she was innocent in some aspects, but to know she could plot like this? It made him feel things. Very good things that needed only the two of them and no dragons around) and he was suddenly seeing his dragon in an entire new way.

All his recent peacocking around the other dragons was just him showing off his mate and not just him being a bit more assertive than usual. But if he thought about it, was Daemon any different? He had not seduced his niece either he realised, he already had her so no seducing on his part had been necessary. And he was showing her off. They really were mirrors of each other in a very creepy way (did that imply he was insecure with women like his dragon?! Because if there was one thing he did not doubt it was his ability to sweet talk women… He liked to think it was something they did not have in common. They were not 100% the same after all).

She could keep on plotting if it ended like this every time.