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Joffrey is prepared for the man to push him away after he accidentally collides into him, his feet having tripped over the cobblestones on the pathway, and he's irked that he's managed to make a fool of himself. But that just stops being significant because of the person he's bumped into.
He isn't stupid enough to not notice the way he's been stared at, with disdain, as if he's beneath them, his uncles mostly ignore him though. It's Jace and Luke that gets most of their attention. But his uncle glances down with his only good eye narrowed as he takes a step back so they're no longer touching, and then he huffs as his lips lift into a smirk. Nothing about it is kind but Joffrey stares curiously. Like a fool that's waiting to get bitten.
"Run along now, little strong boy," his uncle says as he brushes his doublet off as if Joffrey had been dirty enough to stain it.
Well there goes that. He crosses his arms and glowers up at Aemond. He has started to understand what these taunts mean, that every compliment is veiled with an insult, to expose the fact that he and his elder two brothers aren't true heirs. They're bastards. But Joffrey doesn't understand why it matters. His mother is the heir, the crown princess, one day she will sit the throne, and he and his brothers share her blood. They're still princes.
Though he can understand why anyone wouldn't want Luke as the heir of Driftmark, their late father Laenor was really adamant about Luke being a true Velaryon who would make him proud one day. He claimed them as his and even Grandsire Corlys is in support of Luke.
And something about Aemond's tone just rubs him the wrong way. It has him standing taller as he plants himself firmly on the ground. He will not cower away from Aemond. Even though Jace has all but told him to stay away from their uncle because well, he's unhinged.
"Oh," Joffrey says in a faux casual voice as he shrugs, "you think me strong, uncle. Thank you for the compliment, though I have yet to prove it. I happen to find your eyepatch fetching. It suits you well."
Joffrey has never been told that he was good at keeping quiet because he has poor self-control and the impulsiveness that almost puts Daemon to shame. His own mother had scolded him once when he's done a particularly bad thing. And he knows he doesn't stand a chance against Aemond if his uncle decided to get violent in retaliation, he had caught a glimpse of his uncle's formidable spar that had most of the audience gasping in awe even his own brothers were amazed at first before they realized who was dancing around with a sword. It proves furthermore that they're outclassed and need to continue training harder.
As expected, Aemond's lips tighten into a severe line and his eye blazes with anger but then the man releases a chuckle. It causes Joffrey to shudder. "How kind of you, nephew," his voice is quiet and there's a threat in it, as clear as day, but as he steps forward, and Joffrey's mind flashes with regret as he braces himself for an attack, he's suddenly pulled back by the shoulder, so his body is moved out of the way.
He's surprised for a moment before he recognizes his brother.
Lucerys stands between them, his chin held high in defiance as he stares up at their uncle.
Aemond stares without moving for a moment but then shakes his head and turns slightly away. "Keep a leash on a dog that only knows how to bark," he says in that quiet but foreboding voice.
Then he's striding away with his long legs.
Joffrey's heart beats hard and fast as he swallows the lump in his throat. He had seen the intention on Aemond's face. He is certain that he would have gotten beaten. So why does he still want to chase after the man and taunt him some more? It's that bizzare impulse to fight, even though he has nothing to show for it yet.
"Joff, did you not listen to what Jace said?" Luke turns to him, and this time its like he's facing his mother again. Luke has gotten the hang of scolding him frighteningly uncannily to their mother, his face taunt with seriousness and eyes expressing disapproval.
"I didn't seek him out on purpose," he says mulishly. It really was a coincidence though he should have kept his mouth shut.
Lucerys raises his brow in that knowing manner.
Joffrey clears his throat and ignores the way his face flushes. Fortunately Lucerys let's it go as he releases a sigh. He only tells Joffrey to be careful and more mindful of his surroundings next time, before dragging him back to their quarters.
They need to get ready to leave tomorrow.
Aemond is frightening, and Joffrey is properly intimidated but his heart lurches at the sight of the man and inexplicably he wants to go up to him and prove something. Have him eat his own words mayhaps for mocking him the way he did but Aemond doesn't even glance in his direction.
Then there's a voice in his head that's telling him not to do it, but he ignores it completely as he stalks over to his uncle.
The man is alone with his hands folded behind his back and his expression is just neutral as he gazes at the sky with intent. But the closer Joffrey gets, the more he hesitates as his pace becomes slower.
It's the sun, Joffrey thinks in a daze. It's shining off his uncle's hair and making it glow. Daemon has always said that Valryian blood made them look different and he doesn't just mean their silver hair and violet eyes. It was their skin that held a radiance. Their mother seemed to have that sheen to her too, if Joffrey squinted and stared hard enough because he honestly couldn't really notice otherwise. Mayhaps he's gotten so used to seeing it that he can't perceive the difference.
But Daemon's words crash back into him when he stares at Aemond because his uncle has an ethereal glow as if he was an angel when he's the furthest thing from being something so pure and divine. His hair is more of a dazzling silver under the light and his face as stern as it is only shows grace.
Joffrey is not certain why his mind is letting him think all of this, it has him blushing hotly and wanting to run away and hide from shame. This is Aemond.
Not some maiden.
Nor an omega.
….right?
But he stares like he's caught in a thrall and his original intention becomes forgotten as he stands there. Yet Aemond remains blissfully unaware.
And it's as if his brother as a compass with his name on it because Luke arrives by his side moments later and shakes him out of his stupor by gripping his shoulder.
"Come on, Joff, it is time for us to depart," Luke's voice is a little strange, strained like he's carrying a heavy burden but that snaps Joffrey out of his trance. Mortified, he ducks his head and pretends he wasn't staring at his uncle like a creep but as they turn to leave, Aemond's head turns, and they freeze when he gazes at them sharply, and that beautiful painting is torn into shreds immediately without any remorse when the man sneers.
He doesn't say anything, just gives them a deep look of contempt and whirls around on his heel to walk away with his long hair flipping behind him.
"...."
"...."
Joffrey wants to shout from brewing offense.
His uncle has the demeanor of a peacock. But Luke merely chuckles. Then he's leading Joffrey away to the docks so they can sail to Dragonstone.
Despite himself, Joffrey glances back as if he can catch a glimpse of his uncle. But the man is nowhere to be seen.
King Viserys's health had been worsening so Mother visits the Red Keep often, and Joffrey and Luke tag along with her more than Jace does. Their elder brother stays behind to practice managing the castle in Mother's absence.
However Joffrey had been listening to Jace's warning. He didn't seek Aemond out and he avoided being alone with the man, though he found his eyes drawn to him if they were in the same enclosed space. But right as Joffrey had rounded the corner to explore- he's bored out of his mind and he barely remembers being here in his early childhood- he bumps into a solid body.
And he just knows before he looks up that it's Aemond again.
How much misfortune does Joffrey have to be in another incident like this?
But his uncle isn't so quick to react. He doesn't withdraw immediately as his body stays peeled to Joffrey's front, his head bent low as he breathes heavily into Joffrey's ear and he's even trembling.
Then the man's pheromones hit him in full force. A blast of something sweet and heavy.
He is an omega, Joffrey realizes after inhaling. More awed than surprise.
The warmth from their contact becomes even more heated and Joffrey feels like his skin is burning off, his face certainly is too close to the sun-
"Uncle," he says in a strangled voice. "A-aemond," he tries again when there's no results, but the man only keens out a noise as his hand curls around Joffrey's waist.
"Alpha," Aemond purrs as he nuzzles against his neck.
Oh?
Oh.
Does he mean Joffrey?
Can Joffrey be Aemond's alpha-
"Aemond, release him."
He's both relieved and disappointed that Luke had arrived because he was close to losing his mind, but he doesn't quite want this to end either.
Luke stops for a moment though to take in the situation and his expression oddly flickers as his nostrils flare but then he's rushing in to separate them. He grabs onto Aemond's hands to snatch his fingers away from where they'd been clinging intimately onto Joffrey. Aemond doesn't struggle throughout even though he's being roughly handled by the nephew he hates so much, in fact, he latches onto Luke, even more tightly it seems than he had with Joffrey. With a fervor, the omega nuzzles Luke's neck and his arms wrap around him so he's locked in this cage.
But Luke doesn't shove their uncle away.
Joffrey waits there, astounded.
"Alpha mine," there's that claim again but Aemond sounds more possessive, and releases more pleasantly sweet purrs and Joffrey clenches his hands. Did he lack anything that made him less appealing than his brother?
Luke hums, and grabs the back of the omega's head, stroking his locks. It's too familiar like he's done it before but Joffrey cannot begin to understand how. Aemond would sooner strike out with a blade than ever allow Luke to touch him this way.
But that's admittedly false in this exact moment since Aemond is allowing it to happen, and even clings onto Luke. His brother is not giving away anything as blatantly as he usually does, for once he's unreadable but Joffrey gets the sense that Luke is too confident right now.
"You can go ahead, Joff," Luke says almost as an afterthought, his hand clasped onto the omega's back, keeping him in place.
Joffrey could leave and pretend this never happened, but the omega's pheromones are stuck to him, and he's not sure he wants to forget this moment at all.
So he blurts out, "Can I have him?"
Then he shakes his head when he realizes what that sounds like. And Luke has even paused briefly before staring back at him, with those too serious eyes and the effect isn't even ruined by the omega that's hanging off him like an overgrown cat.
"It's awkward for you, isn't it?" He says, knowing that it doesn't seem true at all but he let's himself believe it is, convinces himself that Luke only meant to help him. "I can bring him back to his chambers." If he sounded too eager then Luke doesn't make any indication of it.
Luke simply blinks. Then he smiles. "I know where his chambers are, so I will take him back there, don't worry Joff. Head back to your quarters before the guards find you."
It's a dismissal that stings a little, but Joffrey doesn't argue since he understands that there's nothing he can do that Luke doesn't know better. It's not like he knows anything personal about Aemond.
But why does Luke?
Joffrey doesn't even know that he's doing it at first.
It's something so instinctive that he's unaware of the way his body leans towards the omega whenever he's around and he's always tracking his movements. And soon, he's leaving the omega trinkets whenever he finds him at the training yard. Oh that is what wakes Joffrey up. When he's bought something from a vendor, a comb or hairpin, and he's humming when he returns to the Red Keep-
That isn't normal for him, so even on an instinctive level he can't ignore it but that doesn't stop him from daringly dropping the trinket of the day on Aemond's cloak. His uncle leaves it hanging off a stone bench when he prepares to spar. Joffrey doesn't know what the omega's reactions are because he isn't brave enough to stand around afterwards, afraid of his gifts being thrown away, but he still earnestly continues choosing the prettiest of hairpins that he believes will look nice adorning his uncle's long hair and even some gloves so his hands can be protected; he's seen the omega's long and slender fingers and felt the urge to hold them and make sure they don't get too calloused from his training.
Even if Aemond doesn't end up appreciating them, Joffrey feels a great sense of accomplishment for his own courage.
When all seems for naught, a boyish fantasy that would never come to be, he spots Aemond wearing those dark blue gloves embroidered with the three-headed dragon sigil of House Targaryen, he had bought for him- specially commissioned to be made of a thick leather and fur at the wrists to keep the omega's scent glands covered and warm.
His heart does a flip as his stomach swoops, it's the same impact he'd gotten when he first rode Tyraxes, the euphoria overtaking his senses as he gleefully laughed while soaring. This time his lips tremble into huge smile and he preens for as long as he's aware of the omega wearing his gloves throughout the day. His own scent imbued in it so it's the same as staking a claim.
And Aemond accepting that claim.
Later during their feast at the dining hall, an accustomed routine during their visits, even though Grandsire is too frail with his illness to sit there for long, so he retires early with the queen, and then it's Mother sitting there awkwardly with her half-siblings and Luke and him on either side of her, their section of the table is even divided, yet all of that becomes distant to Joffrey as he focuses intently on Aemond.
The omega is tilting his head in Helaena's direction, his eye flickering to his niece and nephew that sit on a long bench between their parents. Their mother is more attentive to them than Aegon but Aegon also let's some treats slip onto their plates when Helaena is looking away then he'd sipped out of his wine cup with a mischievous look more befitting a trickster. Joffrey had thought this was fascinating before. How utterly normal his uncle is but he realizes that Aemond is the same, he indulges whatever requests the little twins ask of him and never complains as he patiently listens, even with his reputation of cruelty, and quickness to take offense to anything that slightly mocks him, there was a soft side to him when hes dealing with family.
He'd gotten angry at Luke their first trip here in years, but Luke had gone after the omega to apologize so there was some sort of truce between them but it seems frayed. One thing can snap it entirely however Luke doesn't seem inclined to repeat that incident as he keeps quiet and avoids their uncle when it's not necessary for them to interact. Even Jace encourages this.
But Joffrey knows that Aemond holds a grudge because of the way he speaks to Luke and regards him, yet that's not something Joffrey gives much attention to now. He wonders if his brothers will see this as a great betrayal, his feelings for their uncle, even though he hadn't really put a name to them yet. Just that he can't look away and his heart flutters. And there's an alpha urge to be the one that provides and makes sure that the omega is doing well.
Mayhaps if he is able to create any sort of bond with the omega then there's hope-
Luke starts choking for whatever reason on his drink and Mother pats his back, turning to him in concern while Joffrey looks away from his uncle to his brother, too. His brother's face is a little red from struggling to catch his breath, and his eyes are wide.
However he hears Aegon release an undignified snort.
"Luke, slow down," Mother chides gently, and takes his goblet away from him. Apparently he had tried to down Arbor Red, the same liquid that Aegon cconsumes like he's inhaling air.
This isn't the first time Luke has drank wine, but he had taken ale and beer easier even though it's stronger because it doesn't have that fermented taste, or as he said, "Rough texture," whatever that meant. But Joffrey didn't like the beer, too fizzy and it burnt his throat.
"Oh, no," Aegon says in a lofty voice, "that is the most entertainment I've received in this dull place, sister. Let us have a competition-"
"You are the only one here who drinks like a Braavosi Sealord," Aemond unexpectedly speaks up curtly, but he's staring intently at the rim of the goblet he's holding up. Joffrey's heart skips another beat even as he resumes digging into his feast, roasted beef, potatoes and some greens that he pushes to the corner of his plate.
Aegon merely chuckles and takes another swing of his goblet while Mother clears her throat.
"It might as well be time for us to retire," she says stiffly. Helaena offers to walk her back to her quarters, saying she wants to speak to her and Mother nods, offering a small smile that's genuine. She's more fond of Helaena than her brothers. And Jaehaerys and Jaehaera cling onto their mother's skirt after giving their father kisses on the cheeks, something that Aegon takes with indulgence and patience, he even tweaks his son's nose and tickles his daughter so they giggle.
Luke and Joffrey don't immediately leave after their mother when they're left there at the table with their uncles.
After a moment of stifling silence, Aegon yawns and stretches his arms while Aemond sits there and doesn't acknowledge anyone.
The tension is heavier when Mother is gone but there is no awkwardness, just the calm before the storm.
"So," Aegon starts somewhat lazily yet his eyes are sharp and piercing, "which one of you were bitten by the love bug?"
Joffrey almost chokes but Luke releases a strangled noise before he shakes his head and says in a strained voice, "What do you mean, uncle?"
Nice one, Luke, Joffrey thinks, a little embarrassed by his brother, but he's sure he's unable to hide the warmth creeping onto his own neck and face. He's blushing a deep red no doubt.
Aemond doesn't noticeably react, his gaze never lifts up to focus on them either, it's as if that goblet is the most interesting thing in the room with how he's staring at it.
Aegon hums and leans back in his chair then he's turning his head to his brother in a very telling way before turning back to stare at them with a devious sort of smile. "It may not be obvious, but Aemond is an omega, and there have been suitors. Old lords who want him for-"
"Enough," Aemond says, slamming his goblet on the table as he stands up, and he's tense. "This is not amusing," he says to them, and his voice is cold and full of dark intent. "Profess now, so this farce may well be done with."
Joffrey would have professed anything, because of the way Aemond looks right now, somewhat desperate despite his ominous words and glare, the omega wants something reassuring yet Joffrey doesn't know what. He doesn't understand what farce his uncle is talking about, cluelessly he glances around for any hint, and he knows he's being an idiot, but he's hopeless, and wants the omega to stop looking like he's awaiting for an elaborate ruse to be over.
But instead of Luke denying his involvement with anything because he's innocent; Joffrey knows that Luke would not go out of his way to purposefully upset Aemond during these fragile times, however his brother leans up in his seat and stares at Aemond's hands with an intensity of a hound noticing red meat.
"What is that?" Luke demands, and it's surprising enough to even make Aemond flounder. Aegon barely covers up a chortle.
Jotffrey furrows his brows and stares too, wondering what is so offensive to Luke.
Then he sees it.
Them.
The gloves.
Does Luke know that Joffrey is the one that gifted those to Aemond? Is that why he's so upset?
Joffrey's lips are stuck together as his mind buzzes so he's unable to speak up or defend himself.
He would have professed that he's done it if only his brother can stop giving Aemond such an accusing stare; the omega is innocent! He didn't seduce Joffrey! Joffrey was the one who fell hard for the omega-
Oh, that. That is something he is not ready to accept but apparently he does like his uncle like that.
Aemond lowers his head though so it's hard to read his face but the next moment he stares back up at Lucerys, lips pursed and face a shade paler.
"You don't know," the omega states. A revelation.
Luke shakes his head bewilderedly, but his displeased frown doesn't go away.
A shuddery breath escapes Aemond as he clenches his eye shut.
"I am glad," he says, though he sounds far from it. He opens his eye again and whatever emotion he had is casted away. Without another word, he decides to leave the room and a moment later after a thoughtful silence, Luke is springing up from his seat and running after the omega.
Joffrey can finally breathe but he doesn't feel any better.
Less so when Aegon gives him a knowing look mixed with pity.
Joffrey had not meant to eavesdrop or spy on his uncle and brother but the moment he saw them enter a secluded room together, he had followed on instinct through one of those secret passage ways that were good for sneaking around. He was able to peek into the dim room only lit by a candle that was close to sputtering out and listen.
Luke has yet to grow taller even though Jace promises that he would, it was in their blood he'd said with full confidence once, but Luke remains shorter than Aemond. Even as an alpha he is not towering over anyone else but there's a silent strength to him too, his arms are stronger than they look and it's proven again when he's able to trap Aemond between them, up against the wall. Though Aemond also seems drained so he's not up for a fight.
"You thought it was me," Luke says as a matter of fact, but there's satisfaction in his voice. "That's the reason why-"
"No," Aemond says through gritted teeth, "I do not have any hope for you. I was relieved. I thought it was a jape but there genuinely is an alpha that-"
Luke growls.
Joffrey has to swallow back the gasp that bubbles in his throat but the small hairs on his nape stand up as goosebumps appear on his skin.
That hadn't sounded like his brother.
Nor did it sound human.
But Aemond is calm, his jaw set stubbornly, "I have accepted this courtship, to whomever had intended for me to-"
Joffrey's heart stops for a moment as his stomach churns. He should be happy, he thinks, hearing that, but he can see the challenge in Aemond's eye, the provocation to spark a flame, and-
Luke gives Aemond what he needs.
A searing kiss. To shut him up, and to claim him.
Then Luke breaks away only to stare up at Aemond with whatever intense feelings are contained in his eyes.
The kiss had been short but Joffrey had heard the slick noises to know it'd been one of those steamy ones, tongues and all, and Aemond's cheeks are red and lips wet.
Even though his heart hurts, he's not as surprised as he should be, mayhaps it's the heartbreak making him numb, but he realizes that it's not that simple either.
He thinks he's always had this suspicion but denied it.
Luke had touched Aemond too familiarly and Aemond had gone looking for his alpha. Joffrey just happened to look like Luke at a passing glance or to any drunk person. And the omega had been in heat.
He sighs quietly and drags his feet away, not keen on watching. Even if he wanted to see the omega in such wanton states, his brother being there won't give him any enjoyment.