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Aemond knew that he should be resting after the night’s events but he needed comfort. Not that he would admit it out loud, but the young Targaryen needed his mother. He sneaked out of his rooms, just as easily as he was able to when he went to claim Vhagar. In the back of his head, he wondered why the guards weren’t more cautious
It was even easier getting to his mother's chambers, another oddity but Aemond didn’t pay too much attention to it. He sought the comfort only a mother could give. However, when he got to his mother’s chambers, something made him pause. Voices inside the room, one he recognized as his mother’s voice. And another. Criston Cole.
It was an odd thing to hear him in her rooms during this time of night. A guard would be placed outside the doors, not in where she slept and dressed. Aemond slowly opened the door. Only slightly, so he could hear better. Enough where the two of them wouldn’t notice.
“It’s not your fault, my Queen.” Criston reassured his teary-eyed mother.
Aemond assumed that they were talking about the incident with his eye. But Aemond wasn’t sure why his mother would be blaming herself. He continued to listen in.
“I was the one who called you in here. Asking for your comfort…”
Criston placed a gentle kiss upon Alicent. “And I agree and would gladly share your bed again if you ask for it.” He paused. “But I was the one to agree, I wasn’t standing guard. It was my fault.”
There was a quiet moment between them and Aemond took that moment to back out and leave. He couldn’t listen to anything more from there. His mother was sleeping with Criston Cole. A member of the White Knights. A man who wasn’t her husband.
All that faith stuff he heard his mother talking about. It was all a lie, his mother was lying to him. Hateful things are being said about his older sister, and his nephews. All hypocrisy-filled words as his mother was doing the same thing. He felt hurt, he felt betrayed. He…had to get out of there.
Aemond practically ran down the halls. Trying to get away. Go back to his room. Thinking maybe if he made it back to his bed he could wake up and it would all be some horrible dream. He didn’t stop until he ran into someone.
Looking up he came across the face of Daemon Targaryen, his uncle. Who was smirking down at the younger Targaryen.
“And why are you running like someone is chasing you, hm?”
Aemond stood there, catching his breath. Not knowing what to say, struggling to find the words.
“I saw…my mother and-“ he didn’t know how to express it fully and was clearly faulting.
Daemon seemed to understand, somehow. “Ah, you found out about that, hm?” There was a pause. “Not so righteous as one would believe.”
The two Targaryen stared at one another, an understanding between them. No one needed to speak to get what they were thinking.
The older Targaryen was the one who broke that silence. “You know I never understood why Targaryen princes would be trained by a lowly born man who has risen to a station some may argue…well.” Another pause. “A Targaryen should be trained by a Targaryen. Don’t you agree?”
Something clicked inside Aemond. He was always fighting to make himself stand as a Targaryen. He had the features, he had the status. But first, it was the dragon, a need filling him to have one. Which he got.
But part of him still felt incomplete. Needing more to connect to his family roots. Daemon’s words made sense. A Targaryen should train a Targaryen. He knew that in his heart and mind.
“And would you be that Targaryen to train me?”
Daemon smirked once more. “Unless you prefer to stay under the teaching of Cole?”
Aemond immediately shook his head no. He didn’t think he could stand being near the man who fed him lies. Lies about purity and the Faith, how a Prince should act. He wasn’t even sure that he could stand being near his mother.
“Good. You have a lot to learn, so you better be a quick learner.”
~~~~~~~~~~
It was easy to convince Viserys to have Aemond train under his brother. Alicent argued towards the decision, not wanting her son to be trained underneath Daemon Targaryen. But Viserys was adamant to allow it, so it was to be done.
Not helping the Queen’s case anyway, Aemond was also adamant about the decision. Something that confused his mother, who tried to talk to him but he coolly brushed her off. She couldn’t understand why her son would be behaving like that.
Criston also noticed the cold shoulder from the Prince. Bearing more of it as Aemond could not speak to his mother, the Queen, as he spoke to Criston Cole. Neither could understand why Aemond was acting this way towards them. Asking him led nowhere.
“Son, why must you train with Daemon? You know how he is. Ser Criston is a far better teacher.”
“I just think it fits that a Targaryen should train a Targaryen, mother.”
“Aemond…” those had to be Daemon’s words. Not her son’s. His uncle must have corrupted him.
“I find it to be better to be trained by someone who will uphold their values. My family values.”
And with that, Aemond left. Ignoring the protests coming from his mother’s mouth. Who couldn’t understand why her son was acting this way.
Criston had less success with Aemond than the Prince’s mother did. Harsh words were being thrown at the Knight who never thought he would hear them from his former student’s mouth.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Criston asked. “Your mother…”
“My father, the King, has agreed to this. So it will be done. Besides, I want to be trained by my uncle.”
“My Prince…Daemon is-“
Aemond cut him off. “My uncle, Daemon is a Prince of the Realm. A Targaryen. He will be shown respect and you will watch your tongue.”
The Prince has never spoken like that to Criston. And as he looked down at the boy, Criston only saw rage in his eyes. Rage directed at him and he couldn’t understand why.
With those conversations, Aemond surrounded himself more with Daemon. Pulling away from his mother and his former teacher. He was still unsure about his older sister and his nephews. Still feeling hurt and resentment towards them. Especially with his nephews, one in particular. But with a new bond with Daemon forming, others will soon follow.
~~~~~~~~~~
It had been a few weeks of training with his uncle and Aemond had started growing closer to the older man. He was a good teacher and he didn’t just teach him the way of the sword. Teaching Aemond about their family history, traditions, and such. Even took him out flying on their dragons together, Aemond needing to get used to flying with one eye.
Aemond had also started growing closer to the other children as well. The twins were the hardest to get along with, with the whole incident but soon they formed a bond. Joffrey was easy to get along with and even though Jace was stubborn at first, he too started to build a relationship.
Lucerys, however, it was hard. There was resentment that help felt for the younger boy. Luke was the one who cut out his eye and it was a hard thing to look past. Though the Velayeron boy did try to build a relationship.
Aemond was reading his book in peace, in his favorite spot when he heard the door open. Briefly looking up, he saw the face of Lucerys. Turning his face away as soon as he saw.
Lucerys decided to sit next to the older boy, not too close as to not provoke him but close enough that Aemond could feel the presence of his nephew.
“They told me that you would be here.” Luke started. “And I just wan-“
“Go away.” Aemond spoke without looking up to the younger boy.
“Uncle, I am so-“
“I said go away.” Aemond repeated, again not bothering to look up to him.
With tears in his eyes, Luke forced himself to get up and turned to leave. But not before sliding a book to his uncle.
“I got this for you…I saw it on one of my trips with Grandfather Corlys, and I thought you would like it…”
His nephew then turned and started to leave and when he was just out the door, Aemond softly whispered “Thank you, nephew.”
The older Targaryen didn’t think that Luke had heard him, but he did. Putting a small smile on his face.
~~~~~~~~~~
Many years later…
Aemond groaned as he woke up, hands rubbing his face. It was going to be a long day and he wasn’t ready for it. Rhaenyra and her children went to visit the twins and Rhaneys in Driftmark for a few weeks after hearing that Lord Corlys had fallen ill. Vaemond, Corlys’ brother had used that time to pension for the Driftmark Throne. Claiming that Lucerys had no right to it.
Otto, in place of Viserys, was going to make the decision. Aemond knew how that was going to go and he knew it was going to be a mess. Rhaenyra and her children were coming for this as well as Rhaneys and the twins. Even Daeron was invited back from Oldtown for this.
There had been tension throughout the years and this succession issue. Rhaenyra had stayed in Kings Landing with her family once Aemond had started training under Daemon. Later when Laenor had died, after the appropriate mourning period, Viserys had allowed Rhaenyra and Daemon to marry. Knowing they would have done so anyway without his permission.
Between their marriage, the couple had produced two sons. Aegon and Viserys, with Rhaenyra being pregnant once more. Both Daemon and Rhaenyra were hoping for a girl this time. Helaena especially wanted a niece as she wanted a playmate for her daughter.
Aemond’s relationship with his nephews and cousins had only seemed to grow over the years. The more he pulled away from his mother and former teacher, Criston Cole, the more he grew closer to his sister’s side of the family. Even Lucerys, their relationship had grown a lot stronger.
In fact, his feelings towards his nephew had changed into something different. He wanted Luke as he would want a woman. As his wife. Underneath him. Fully his. He didn’t know where those feelings started and at first, it scared him. But now it utterly possessed him and he just wanted.
Picking up the well used book that Lucerys had gotten him all those years ago, he placed a kiss upon it. His one eye closed, and he imagined his nephew’s face. His inviting smile. His body.
Aemond let out a shuddering breath. Reaching his hand down, the Targaryen grabbed his cock. Letting the thoughts of what he would do with Luke underneath him fuel his movement, Aemond started to stroke his hand up and down his length. Losing himself in the fantasy and unashamedly letting out moans from it.
How he wished to call Luke his wife. Feel his body surrounding his cock as he plunged into him. Just wishing for a taste of him. Though he wasn’t sure he would want to stop after just one taste. Either way, he let himself get lost in the pleasure, throwing his head back when he felt his release.
He groaned with the feeling, the name Lucerys on his lips.
~~~~~~~~~~
Aemond dodged the attack coming from Daemon as he lifted his own sword and swung. That attack was swiftly dogged by the older Targaryen as they each breathed heavily. Each comparing themselves, a look of understanding between them.
Training was one of his favorite pastimes, learning and getting better at the sword. It helped that Daemon was a better teacher. Having real experience in battle and passing that training to him. Aegon, when he even bothered to show up, still trained under Ser Criston. Aemond couldn’t help but feel smug that he was chosen over his brother, even if Aemond was younger.
The two of them continued on, feeling the rush of it all. Swords clanging, breathes shared between them and it got more tense. Training as it was, the two of them still put up a fight. It was something that Aemond needed to learn. Training or not, he needed to act the same way as it would be in a real battle. Daemon was going to give him that.
In the end, Aemond disarmed Daemon first. Something he had only recently been able to do. And he isn’t always able to do so. Daemon praised him like he always did when Aemond beat him.
“Keep this up and you’ll be winning real battles in no time.”
Aemond simply nodded, a faint smile on his lips. He then turned to his nephews, Luke and Jace, who had been watching them, his smile growing. His eye though, focused on one nephew in particular.
There was something different about Luke. Something different about the both of them, but his focus was mainly on Luke. When nephew noticed Aemond’s eye on him, he blushed. Aemond decided he liked to see his nephew with a flushed look and wanted to be the cause of that more.
Clearing his throat, his smile turned into a smirk. “Nephews, come to train?”
Luke softly shook his head. “I just wanted to say hello, uncle. I have to” he let out a sigh. “Prepare for this whole trial thing.”
Aemond nodded in response, turning to Jace who had a smirk of his own. “Of course, uncle. Ready to lose?”
A small chuckle came from the older Targaryen.”Are you sure you’re not rusty being away from Daemon’s training for two weeks?”
“I assure you, Aemond, that I can handle my sword well.”
“Let’s see, shall we?”
With that the two of them gathered themselves ready, turning to face each other. Aemond spoke casually to his nephew, a smile placed on his face.
“Daeron told me he was excited to see you again, it’s been a while hasn’t it?”
Jace felt a blush creeping on his face. “Yeah..it will be nice to see him again.”
“Nice, huh?” Aemond smirked. “Sure it won’t be more than nice?”
With that Jace blushed even more. “Shut up.” He got out. “Don’t pretend that we cannot see how you look at Luke.”
Now it's his turn to be embarrassed. Aemond cleared his throat. “So, training?”
Jace’s face filled with a smirk. “Let’s go.”
~~~~~~~~~~
For the trial, Aemond decided to stand with his sister and nephews. Something that his mother tried to argue with, but Aemond wasn’t budging. This whole thing was a farce anyway. Vaemond was petitioning for something that didn’t belong to him. Corlys, as Lord of the Tides, had the right to name his heir.
Even if one would argue that Lucerys didn’t deserve the title, using his parentage, it still wouldn’t go to Vaemond next. The twins had more of a right to the Driftmark throne than Vaemond did. It was a clear power grab. But with Aemond’s father out of commission and Otto taking his spot, Aemond knew it was going to be a hard task for Lucerys and his mother.
Aemond barely paid attention to the whole thing. Vaemond going on and on about something that shouldn’t have been brought into question. His eye focused more on Luke, who stood beside him. His poor nephew was nervous and unsure. It was times like these that Luke needed to take more charge. To not allow himself to feel frightened.
He continued to look at his nephew throughout the whole trial, only being interrupted by the sounds of the doors opening. Behind the door, is what shocked the court. Viserys, crippled as he was, came to save his daughter and his grandson’s birthright.
Aemond could feel the anger coming off from Otto and Alicent. It also came off of Vaemond in waves, with the King here there was no hope for him to win this. Aemond became more focused on this whole thing, as it wouldn’t be such a losing battle.
In the end, Viserys upheld Lucerys’ claim. Proclaiming him as true born and the next Lord of the Tides, whenever Lord Corlys passes. Vaemond did not take this lightly.
Vaemond in his anger, started spewing his hate towards the situation. It was his last words that struck Aemond the most, however.”Her children…are bastards!” A pause “And she…is… whore.
And how dare he? Aemond felt the anger fill his body with the words that spilled out of Vaemond’s mouth. Speaking of his sister, his nephews, his Luke.
“I…will have your tongue for that.” his father managed to get out, standing from the throne.
There was no need for that as a sword came through the air and cut Vaemond down. Aemond’s sword.
“There will be no need, father. He may keep his tongue but not his life.”
Aemond put his sword away and backed off before anyone made a move towards him. He made it known that he would cut down anyone who made a comment like that towards his family.
Daemon’s face showed pride towards him, a gentle clap on his shoulder. His mother and grandfather, on the other hand, did not have the same reaction. A look of unease from Otto and one of sadness from Alicent. Aemond ignored them both.
There was a moment of silence in the hall. Rhaenyra took this time to bring up another matter to her father.
“My sons, Jacaerys and Lucerys have begun to show signs that they, like some Velaryon men, could produce children. Both have express desires to marry men if matches could be found.”
Alicent couldn’t help but hold back from this statement. “But surely…with the Faith-“
“Targaryens and Velaryons come from Valyria, mother. We have little thought of what the Faith thinks of our traditions and customs.” He turned and looked towards his nephews. “I hope that you both find a perfect match.”
His mother turned to open her mouth once more but his father, the King, spoke out “I think it’s a grand idea, if that is what my grandsons wish we shall start looking for suitors soon.”
Aemond began to hope that he would be a potential suitor for his nephew…
~~~~~~~~~~
He had every intention to go to his sister to speak about a betrothal between Lucerys and himself. That wasn’t fulfilled, however, when his brother Daeron interrupted him.
“Aemond!” Daeron called out. “I was sent by our mother to speak to you.”
Aemond resisted the urge to roll his eye. He didn’t blame Daeron for this. Only feeling love for his brother. His annoyance was for his mother. She had continued throughout the years to try to connect with him. Even getting his grandfather to try a hand at it. Aemond wanted nothing to do with either of them.
He still felt hurt and betrayed by his mother and Ser Criston’s actions. And he wasn’t ready for any reconciliation between them. Besides, he felt a real family connection with his sister and his nephews that he hadn’t felt in a while. He was still close to Helaena and hoped to have a close relationship with Daeron but for the rest…it didn’t appeal to him.
“And what is it that she wished for you to bring up to me?”
“You killed Vaemond. What you said to her about the Faith.” Daeron paused. “She’s worried about you.”
Aemond scoffed. If she was so worried about him she wouldn’t have slept with Criston the night he lost his eye. She would have comforted him instead of going into the arms of the man who failed to protect him.
“All those things mother had spewed about the faith are all lies. ” Aemond hissed out. “Mother is a hypocrite. Sleeping with a man who is not her husband while going on and on about our sister and nephews”
“What…” Daeron stuttered out. “Who…?”
“Ser Criston Cole.” Aemond growled out. “That is why I have been training under Daemon. It is what is best after all. We are both Targaryens.”
“Aemond…mother-“
Aemond looked more closely to Daeron. “Come with me. Helaena wanted to spend time with our nephews a little more before this dinner we are supposed to have as a family. Talk with us. I know you wanted to see Jace again.”
Daeron blushed after hearing their nephew’s name. “I-yes. But you have a lot of explaining to do.”
“And I will.”
~~~~~~~~~~
Viserys had wanted the family to eat dinner together after the trail business had been dealt with. Even though Rhaenyra still lived in the Red Keep with her family, she didn’t often eat dinner with Alicent and most of her children. Aemond tended to eat less with his mother and more with his sister and nephews.
Daeron was also here from Oldtown and Viserys wanted to have dinner with his youngest son, who hadn’t been back to Kings Landing after leaving for Oldtown. Aemond was glad that his brother was here with them, he quite missed Daeron and was happy to spend some time with him.
When Aemond entered the dining hall, his mother’s eyes met his one. There were two empty places left. One closest to Alicent, her eyes seemingly telling her son to choose that. And another next to his nephew, Lucerys. He chose the one next to him. In that choice, Aemond had caught the disappointed look his mother gave.
Choosing to ignore it, he turned and conversed with the younger boy. It was going very well, catching up with his nephew after weeks away. Aemond even caught some blushes gracing his nephew’s face.
The rest of the family talked amongst themselves nicely as well. Aemond could make out that Daeron and Jace were getting along well, smiles gracing their faces. Aemond was glad for it. Jace and Daeron would do well together. Even if Aemond’s mother disagreed.
Viserys was also in great spirits. Even the pain he felt throughout his body couldn’t marr the happiness he felt seeing his family all together.
Turning to his daughter, he smiled. “It seems like we haven’t spent any time recently together, Rhaenyra. I am glad we can tonight.”
“Yes. It seems like I have been busy doing my duties. And I have little time in between Daemon training Aemond to spend with my husband. But I am glad to have this with you and the family, father.”
Alicent, deciding to use that moment, spoke up and she faced Viserys. “Perhaps it would be best for Aemond to stop his training with Daemon. So that he and Rhaenyra could spend more time together. Ser Criston is still available to be a teacher for our son.”
Before anyone else could speak up, Aemond spoke out instead. “Daemon is still a good teacher. He has done well and will continue to do well. Better than anything Ser Criston could teach me.”
There was a moment of silence that followed, with only the sound of Daemon’s amused laugh breaking it. Alicent just stared at her boy, wondering why he continued to side with his sister’s family. It didn’t sit right with her at all.
The moment of silence was then fully broken with Viserys speaking out. “I am sure Ser Criston could still do an adequate job training our son. But it seems like Aemond is content with Daemon training him and I have had no complaints from my brother in doing so.”
Aemond took in his mother’s defeated look, and then turned back to the King. “Thank you, father. There is, however.” He took a pause “Another matter I wish to discuss.”
“If it would please my sister, I would like to offer my hand in marriage to my nephew, Lucerys.” From the corner of his eye, he noticed the blush creeping up on his nephew’s face. Aemond quite liked that reaction.
Before Rhaenyra could answer, Daeron couldn’t help but blurt out. “I wish to marry Jace!” His face turned bright red quickly after.
Their sister couldn’t help but chuckle at that. “If it pleases my sons as well as our father, then it would please me too.”
“No.” Alicent spoke out, turning to Viserys. “You cannot allow our sons to be married to them. It is not right.”
“If it is my sons and grandson’s wishes, who am I to deny them? It also brings our family closer, something we all need.”
“But-“ Alicent started.
“I think those are both great matches, your Majesty.” Otto cut off his daughter. “If you would like, we could discuss betrothal plans later.”
Aemond used that moment to turn to Luke. A smile was on his face. “Does a marriage to me please you, nephew?”
There was a deeper blush that graced his nephew's face. “It very much does.”
~~~~~~~~~~
The night of his father’s death was a frantic mess. Aemond was sleeping soundly in his chambers when he heard his doors opening and saw his grandsire rushing in.
“Wake up boy, your father is dead!” Otto harshly whispered out.
Still, in the midst of confusion, Aemond asked pointedly. “And why are you waking me up in the middle of the night? Shouldn’t you be preparing my sister to rule?”
Otto let out a cruel laugh. “Your sister is a mere woman. Not fit to rule the Seven Kingdoms. We have plans for your brother, Aegon to rule.”
Not letting Aemond fully process, Otto continued. “I have placed well trusted people to make sure your sister and her family are well secured until your brother is crowned and secured as King. With Vhagar, you will be an asset to this.”
Aemond let out his own dark laugh, thinking about how his grandsire could believe that he would agree to this plan. That he would side against Rhaenyra and her children.
He sat up from his bed, calling out to the guards stationed at his chamber doors. “Guards!”
When they came rushing in, Aemond gave one final look to his grandsire. “If you could detain him for me, he had just spilled to me traitorous plans to usurp my sister from the rightful place my father had granted her.”
“Aemond you cannot- '' but it was useless, Otto was led away but Aemond knew that it wasn’t the end. He was glad he was able to stop the plot, but it was far from over.
The next few weeks during the accession of Rhaenyra to the Iron Throne was just as hectic as the night his father died. Aemond tried to help as much as he could, to show his support.
Aemond and his siblings all bent the knee to their half sister, saving them from the block. Aegon never wanted to be King, so he gladly let Rhaenyra take the throne. And neither Helaena or Daeron wanted to fight against their sister and her family. Helaena even seemed quite pleased, like she knew something bad would happen if Aegon were to ascend the throne and was glad that it didn’t occur.
Otto as well as other traitors conspiring to take the throne, were sentenced to death. Aemond felt no loss of his grandsire, who he had grown apart from over the years. Alicent was the only member of their family who seemed to cry.
Alicent herself was spared. It was found out that she knew of what her father could have been thinking planning but had no involvement of said plans. Rhaenyra didn’t want to see her childhood friend be put to death and they allowed her to go to Oldtown. Ser Criston was even relieved of his duties to go with Alicent if he wished. Which he had.
Aemond even had to admit that while he still felt hurt and anger towards his mother, he never would have wanted her dead. He was glad that she got to live and hoped that his family’s future would continue to be well.
He let out a sigh, thinking this over as his nephew turned to him. Since Rhaenyra’s coronation, the two of them have been spending more time with each other.
“I am glad you chose to side with us.” Luke said softly.
“I am glad as well, beloved.”
~~~~~~~~~~
Weeks into Rhaenyra’s reign as Queen is when Aemond started to officially court Lucerys. It was such a busy time with the plot that Otto had tried as well as the aftermath and getting Rhaenyra crowned. There was little time for Aemond to spend some quality time with his nephew before their marriage.
Aemond wanted to do things right and proper with Luke, wanting to make sure he felt special before their marriage. But he still felt the growing heat towards his nephew. Couldn’t want to take him to bed and make Luke, his . Fully
Currently, Aemond had Luke pressed against a wall in a quiet hallway. Pressing kisses against his lips and neck. Grinding against him.
“We should wait before we go any further-“ Aemond paused after a particularly loud moan from his nephew, which pulled a groan from himself. “but you are so irresistible. ”
“You know.” Luke said in between breaths. Both boys were breathing heavily against each other. “We don’t…we don’t have to wait. If you ask my mother, we could have the wedding sooner.”
Aemond pulled back slightly, moving the curls away from Luke’s face, and placed a kiss on his forehead.
“I want to do this right. I want to properly court, make you feel special.”
Luke looked up at Aemond’s face with a smile. “You make me feel special every day. Even if you don’t court me, it won’t make me feel any less special.”
Aemond looked down, thinking about it. It just felt right to do so. But what they had was special enough…he supposed they didn’t have to.
His nephew continued on though. “But if your heart wants to go for it, I would appreciate whatever you give. Just would have to wait a bit longer to bed me.”
Aemond held back a groan with that. Knowing that to be the truth. “Then I suppose we will have to wait. That just means talking you to bed will be so much sweeter.”
Luke pressed a deep kiss against Aemond, letting out a content sigh. “I cannot wait.”
~~~~~~~~~~
Jace enjoyed these quiet moments with Daeorn when they had the chance to get away from the busyness the Red Keep provided. They usually took walks outside, still guarded by the castle’s walls but it was a much more quiet place.
They often talked about little things, how their day went, and plans for the week. They rode their dragons sometimes, and played games. Jace was content with the upcoming marriage to his uncle. But he couldn’t help but wonder why Daeron chose him.
It was one of their walks when Jace decided to ask him. “It had been so long since we saw each other, years in fact. But when you came back, you wanted me. My hand in marriage. I guess I wondered why.”
Daeron couldn’t help but let a smile fill his face. “I always felt this connection with you. We were born on the same day.” Daeron's face filled with a blush. “We were milk brothers. We grew up close together and did everything together until I was sent away. I never forgot that. I always thought of you.”
Jace felt his own cheeks turn red and hot, letting his own smile fill his face. It was a sweet thing that Daeron had thought about him all this time. That he still wanted Jace after all those years apart. He couldn’t ask for more of a perfect husband for him.
“And what about you?” Daeron asked. “What made you accept the proposal?”
Jace thought of that for a moment. Finding the right words to describe why. “It just felt right. I felt a connection just like you I suppose. I wanted to say yes because of it.”
Daeron reached for his betrothed’s hand, still with a sweet smile on his face. “Then I am glad we found ourselves in the same place and time. To share this life together.”
Jace’s own smile grew even bigger. “I couldn’t agree more.”
~~~~~~~~~~
Many years later…
Aemond often wondered about the night he found his mother and Criston Cole together. He wondered if he never came across them, if he would be where he was right now. Would he have sided with Otto and supported the plan to usurper his sister? Would there have been war and destruction because of his grandsire’s wants to put his blood on the throne?
He looked over to his son Valarr, who had just begun his more serious sword training. Aemond let a proud smile grace his face, moving his one hand to grab onto the hand of his husband, Lucerys. Aemond figured if he never found out about Alicent and Criston, he would never have this. He would never know what true love would be like. And while finding out about what his mother and former instructor were doing that night hurt him deeply, he was glad for it. It led his life to turning into this.
“I received a letter from Jacaerys and Daeron.” Luke spoke beside him. “They’re offering a marriage between their daughter and heir, Daenyra with our youngest son, Rhaegal.”
“They did?” Aemond took a pause. “I assumed they would have paired their oldest daughter with their oldest son.”
Luke gave a brief nod, seemingly thinking the same thing. “I would have thought too. But it seems Rhaemon, like our son Valarr have interests in marrying another man. Valarr has begun showing signs of being able to carry children just like my brother and I. It would be a good match.”
Aemond agreed. Both marriages would do the realm and their families nicely. Uniting them even closer. “We should write back to discuss these proposals outside of letters. And it would be nice to see our brothers again. It’s been a while.”
“I agree.” Luke smiled up at his husband. “I’ll draft something up later today.”
There was a pause, a moment of silence save for the sounds of Valarr’s training.
Breaking the silence, Aemond turned to Lucerys. “So far the only proposals are for the boys, right? Nothing for Viserra?
Luke let out a laugh and Aemond knew why. It was no surprise that the older man was protective of their only daughter, Viserra. Not wanting any man to take his daughter away. His husband found it adorable.
Moving his hand out of Luke’s hold he placed it on his husband’s growing belly. He couldn’t help but wish he would be blessed with another girl. Fitting their family nicely.