Chapter Text
Daemon insists on taking to the skies after the ceremony. The crisp sea breeze whips against Rhaenyra’s cheeks but it does not dim her happiness as she smiles broadly, watching her husband fly circles around her on Caraxes, the dim glow of the fading sunset their backdrop as they race through the skies. He is showing off, pushing himself and his dragon to the limits, no doubt eager to put on a show for his new wife. For the first time in years, Rhaenyra feels a weight lifted from her shoulders.
The cliffs at Dragonstone are just as windy when they land, the chill finally seeping through Rhaenyra’s garments as they dismount. She does not have her feet on the ground for more than a heartbeat before Daemon is at her side, pulling her into his chest and holding her tightly. His lips press against the top of her head, his hands wrapped around her tightly, as though he fears she might disappear in front of his very eyes.
His innocent embrace soon shifts, his hands roaming and lips pressing against every bit of her exposed skin. Were it not so cold, Rhaenyra would not hesitate to hike up her skirts and demand he take her where they stood. She pulls aways, grabbing his hand and leading him to the castle. The servants duck into corners as the pair pass by, unable to contain their smiles and restrain their wandering hands as though they are still in the throes of passionate youth. Rhaenyra pauses at the top of the stair landing, taking a step away from Daemon.
“I can have your chambers prepared,” Rhaenyra says hesitantly, gesturing to the door across the hall from her own. It is a half-hearted gesture that she does not wish for him to accept. The crackling of the lit sconces echoes in the hallway as she awaits his reply.
“My chambers?” Daemon looks confused, his forehead creasing as he studies her. “No,” he says simply, brushing past her to enter her chambers. Rhaenyra breathes out a laugh, following him and shutting the door behind her. He is studying the room, though it was once his, he has not seen it in years.
“What do you mean, no? Where do you mean to sleep?” she asks teasingly, her heart racing as he takes a step backward toward her bed. He has his classic devious smirk plastered on his face as his eyes focus on her.
“Has my wife already tired of my presence? We have been wed for mere hours yet you seek to banish me from your bedchamber?” His tone is of mock offense. Rhaenrya blushes, hearing him call her his wife feels like a fevered dream. The backs of Daemon’s legs hit the bed as she continues stepping toward him in the path of his retreat.
“Should you wish for your own space, away from me, it would be no trouble to have the servants ready the other chambers.” She reaches him, standing toe to toe. To anyone else, Daemon would appear calm and collected, but his eyes hold a bit of sorrow, his chest rising and falling with deep breaths as his expression softens.
“It would be some trouble, considering I do not wish to be away from you for even a moment of my waking time,” he brushes a strand of hair back behind her ear before leaning down and gently kissing the tip of her nose. “I have had too much time away from you,” he breathes, tilting his head to press a kiss to one cheek and then the other. “Ten years was far too long to be without you.” His voice is strained, as though it is difficult for him to admit such pining. But Rhaenyra is no stranger to this feeling. Though she found happiness in their years apart, she always felt a piece of her was missing. Standing in her chambers with him now after binding herself to him in the tradition of their house confirms to her that he was what she needed all of these years.
And now she no longer has to continue on without him, pretending as though the lack of his presence in her life does not bother her. He belongs to her, and she to him, until the last of their days. Rhaenyra’s heart feels fit to burst from her chest as she smiles at him, pressing up on her toes to bring her lips to his. He grips her hips tightly, pulling her closer. It is a brief kiss, not nearly enough to sate her desires.
“I must confess I would like nothing more than to have you remain here with me always,” she murmurs against his lips before he lifts her into his arms and turns to the bed they now call theirs.