Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Daemon’s eyes lit up when he saw his aunt. He knew she was still out there after all she was a dragon; she was a Targaryen she would not allow herself to be caged and chained to some old man lacking Valyrian blood. His Aunt held herself differently as if she had final accepted, she was a dragon through and through. His Aunt was of fire, of blood and of sky. He remembered Vis’ disgust when she heard of her impending marriage, and he could not blame his aunt because she was a Targaryen why would she wish to be shackled to a sheep?

In truth he had little memory of his mother, he had been rather young when she died. His aunt had been a constant in the following years until she was driven away by the ‘Good Queen Alysanne’. The same Queen that wished to deny him his right of a valyrian bride. He had heard the whispers of how they wished to chain him to a woman of common blood. He like his aunt would not allow himself to be chained to one undeserving of his name, his hand and his protection.

As soon as the girls stepped forward, he knew without a doubt that they were his father’s that much was clear. The girls were obviously of pure Valyrian blood, that much was evident and there were few adult male Targaryens in the keep for when the girls would have been conceived in the Red Keep five years. His father, Uncle Aemon, Uncle Vaegon and Grandfather were the only possibilities. Uncle Vaegon had not visited the Keep in over a year when Aunt Viserra disappeared ruling him out and it was certainly not his grandfather for that was weird even for them. They were adamant about keeping their blood pure, to ensure that the magic that allowed them to bond with their dragons was not lost but a relation between parent and child was a blasphemy to the Fourteen Flames. Besides his aunt was not his grandfather’s type anyway for the Wise King fucked whores featuring the same qualities s his wife blue eyes and golden locks.

That left his father and Uncle Aemon. There was no way it was Uncle Aemon the man was honourable and would never betray Aunt Jocelyn like that it was a known fact that the Pale Prince would not stray from his wife’s bed, many had tried to advance themselves by sending their daughters to seduce him for it was clear Aunt Jocelyn would not bear a son anytime soon, but the attempts were it no merit the Pale Prince loved his Lady Jocelyn and was content with the one living child she had borne him which in turn left his father.

He did not fault his father his aunt was a beautiful Valyrian women. Due to his father, he could now have what he truly desired a sister wife and now he had the choice between not one, not two but three darling sisters.

Viserys looked between his aunt and his father, his father had a face full of guilt and regret upon his face it seemed the rumours about Viserra’s, and his father’s fortification held truth. It was a great shock to see his aunt standing before him when she was thought dead for years, but it was a welcomed surprise the keep had become rather boring in her absence.

Though logically he knew that his father had slept with his aunt it had never occurred to him that the night may prove fruitful, it was one night after all and yet there stood three young girls all seeming to be about four years old factoring in his aunt being with child for nine moons the timeline fit. His suspicion was supported when the girl declared they were four name days old, so proudly. He could see his father in them, his sisters.

The Red Keep had become cold in his aunt’s absence perhaps, just perhaps his aunt and sisters could breathe some new light into Red Keep.

Gael paused when she saw her sister she was not sre what to think all she had heard about her sister had mostly come from her mother whose opinion before and after Viserra’s supposed death had varied upon the discovery of Viserra’s chambers her poor mother had blamed herself and yet here Viserra was. Viserra had caused their mother pain by staying away and yet she could not find it in her to be completely mad about it.

She loved her mother but at times she wished for some freedom, some space. She had spent little time with her sister without the Queen’s presence, but the memories were found. Viserra use to do her hair and read to her, taking to the role of a big sister like a fish to water her mother would say.

Her sister looked happier, she must admit then she did when she resided within the Red Keep and her face had a full and healthy glow to it. She was no longer as thin and delicate as she uses to be, and she seemed surer of herself. It was good and she would admit it seemed to suit her elder sister.

Rhaenys in truth did not know what to think when she saw her aunts nor her cousins though part of her was relieved not just because her aunt was safe and healthy but that some of the pressure would be taken off her. Her aunt had borne three healthy girls proving her fertility and she was obviously related to the dragons in some way, there was no way her grandfather and Viserra’s father: the King, would allow her to pass through his fingers not this time. She would likely be married back into their house to bear purer Valyrian children.

It may be a struggle though because while Balerion, Meleys, Dreamfyre, Grey ghost and Sheepstealer may belong to House Targaryen there was no telling if the hatchlings did and the unique dragons, the books remaining in valyrian certainly did not in truth they had been long though extinct. It was also certain that the larger two dragons flying with Balerion did not belong to House Targaryen they certainly would have noticed.

The girls perhaps already had dragons as did her aunt likely and her grandfather would not allow dragons to get outside their house if he could help it, not that she could blame him. It was said that when a Dragon rider bonded to a dragon their blood became stronger, increasing the chances that their offspring would bond with a dragon, those girls likely had two dragon riding parents if both her suspicions proved correct.

In truth she could not wait to see the dragons up close for some of them she genuinely believed she would only see in her dreams and now the chances of her child, her heir becoming a Dragon rider increased with the abundance of dragons. As long as they kept the dragons in their house no one would dare to face them, and no one would match the strength of House Targaryen. They were descended from Daenys the Dreamer, who saved their entire family, and they were the last Dragonlords they must stick together for the only thing that could bring down the House of the Dragon was their house itself.

When she saw Aemon help out a lady from the carriage she in truth had thought the worse for just a miniscule of a second she knew her husband loved her and their daughter but there were still those who attempted to tempt him with their daughters and sought  to put her aside to wed a younger, more fertile lady who could give him many children, many sons like her sister had given her brother.

She let out a breath of relief when she saw just who exited the carriage, her Viserra, her practice child who she thought long dead stood before them all. Her silver hair was longer than she remembered reaching past her good sister’s arse, in the beautiful long silver ringlets she adored. In truth she wished little Vis would have worn her curls out more, but she could see why she did not the curls made her look more like her sister, Viserra’s Aunt, Rhaena the King and Queen would forget to beath occasionally when she looked too much like their late sister who they wronged dearly.

Viserra had put on some much-needed weight and her face looked fuller and healthier, she looked healthier overall. She looked happier as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Happiness was all she ever desired for Viserra, and it seemed she had got it. She had never understood the foolishness of betrothing the poor girl to Lord Theomore.

She has Viserra a bright smile and she smiled back just as brightly and that was when she registered the flash of silver from behind Viserra and that when they stepped forward three beautiful young girls all looking the same age. They must be triplets. Three girls in one go? She lost babe after babe beside one and here her good sister was after with three babes. She was content with Rhaenys, but it felt as if the gods were laughing at her, and she didn’t miss the look her brother gave her.

She barely registered Baelon words his daughters it made sense they were around the right age, the middle of the girls or who she assumes to be the missile of the girls had declared their age just moments beforehand. One night and three babes? How could her good sister be that lucky not even her goodmother, her sister, was that lucky.

Viserra was back, the girl she thought of as her own daughter was back and yet she could not but help feel a pang of jealously she bled and sweated to birth just one healthy babe and here her niece was with three.

She could not help but feel things were about to change. Whether things were changing for the better or the worse well that would remain to be seen.

Her heart stopped the moment she saw her daughter her sweet, vain, beautiful Viserra. She had believed the mother had taken another child from her, payment for her sins, payment for trying to make Viserra pay the price for her own childhood arrogance and yet here stood her darling girl, her second youngest surviving child.

She had not been there for Viserra as she should have between Viserra and Gael she lost two sweet boys her little Gaemon and Valerion who were both taken far too soon, recovering from the difficult birth of her two sons and dealing with the grief of losing both Viserra and Saera had fallen through the cracks. After little Gael was born, she devoted most of her time and energy to her little girl, her little miracle. After she lost Daella and Alyssa within years of each other her need for Gael to be within her sight.

She loved Viserra she truly did. She was her little girl after all. The Manderley marriage had never been to punish Viserra but to repent for her sins. She had shunned her kin the Baratheons and due to her actions, the mother above took more and more of her children as the years passed. When she thought Viserra was gone she realised how cruel, how unfair it was to have Viserra repent for her sins. Her prideful little girl in truth it hurt to look at the girl for more reasons than one.

Why had Viserra been allowed to live why she lost her sons? Why had the two boys after Viserra lived while she was hail and healthy? Jaehaerys desired sons to secure their dynasty and it was her duty as his wife to bear him as many as possible and why would her husband not desire sons? Daughters were nice but sons carried on their legacy, they carried on the Targaryen name and after what they went through with Maegor, after her brother the third son of their father King Aenys I Targaryen became King it was no wonder her husband desired as many sons as possible to prevent their dynasty from dying and yet she had borne him more daughters then sons, more daughters than sons survived. She bore a healthy princess than two weak boys who died in the cradle. Why had Viserra lived while Gaemon and Valerion never got the chance to even reach their first name day?

Viserra, she brought back to many memories when she was in her presence to long, she reminded her of a younger version of herself, of a younger Jaehaerys and more so of their sister Rhaena, in certain lights she could swear she saw Rhaena rather than her daughter and it seemed as sweet sly Viserra grew so did the resemblance. The girl looked so much like Rhaena now if she had not birthed the girl from her own womb, she would swear the girl was Rhaena’s.

She had been so mad when she found out what occurred that night as Alyssa and Baelon reminded her so mush of herself and Jaehaerys but after she though she lost her sweet amethyst she had realised that Baelon and Alyssa were their own people, they deserved their own happiness and to move on. Alyssa certainly would have that girl was not made to be alone and Baelon well who better for Baelon to take to wife then another sister?

Her regret only grew when she saw a flash of silver hair behind her daughter, her heart stopped it couldn’t be. No no no no no no no it couldn’t be this couldn’t be real.  Three young girls, four years of age if she had to guess, stepped out of the carriage they couldn’t be. Could they?

Muña?” The girl who she assumed was the eldest asked “Who are these people?”

No… no. no no no. Those girls were her granddaughters, they were her granddaughters. She was their grandmother and she had missed the first four years of their lives. She missed the entirety of Viserra’s pregnancy, her baby girl had to face the birthing bed alone and it was all her fault.

This couldn’t be, she knew deep down those girls were her granddaughter twice over, they were Baelon’s girls, the girls he had so long desired and because of her he had missed out on the first four years of their lives. Baelon would slaughter a thousand men if it meant a chance at having a daughter and now, he had three, she had no doubt he would burn down towns if it meant keeping them safe. Her son, her boy had missed the first four years of their lives. He had missed their first words, their first steps and no doubt their first flights, something he had longed to do for more than a decade. Ho could her son ever forgive her. It was her fault after all.

She watched as her brave sons’ fell when the girl announced they were four years old, likely having suspicions which were now confirmed, his face fell as he did the math in his head, and it was all her fault. It was all her fault. Her grandchildren were bastards, and it was all her fault.

Aemon watched as realisation upon realization descended upon his family. He felt a regretful amount of joy as he watched his mother’s face fall at the realisation that they were her grandchildren twice over and because of her arrogance her grandchildren, the daughters her second eldest son had longed desired had the ‘stain’ of bastardry.

It filled him with a sick sense of pride to see their reactions, to know that Viserra had not only survived without them but had survived and Flourished, His brother looked like he was going to be sick, his face full of regret and guilt.

He could not find in himself to care really his sister was safe and happy.  Viserra was happy and she was thriving. She was truly happy for the first time he could remember, and it brought him joy. Viserra was his sister, a practice daughter if you would.

It was true that he had stopped intervening on her behalf when it was threatened Rhaenys would take her place because as much as he loved his sister if one of them had to be wedded and bedded before their time, he would rather be his sister than his daughter. It could be seen as cruel, but Rhaenys was his only child. However, despite that he did not wish to see her unhappy perhaps now she could make peace with their family, perhaps now she could get closure.

Jaehaerys felt as if he must have stopped breathing when he caught sight of his jewel. It was strange she Viserra she looked the same and different at the same time. No introductions were needed he would be able to spot his darling dutiful daughter anywhere. She was unmistakeable among her sisters with her fine features long silver curls, her amethyst eyes, her pale skin and her bright smile. It was no wonder why she was called the most beautiful of his children. The lordling who compared her to a goddess was not completely wrong. It was often said that Tragaryens were closer to gods than they were men.

Alysanne had not liked that she was called the most beautiful of all their children because in Alysanne’s mind all their children, their babes were equally as beautiful. He would like to say that was true but some of his children shone brighter than others.

He often wondered what would have happened if he had just listened to his dutiful daughter. In truth the girl had asked for nearly nothing in her life besides for the occasional dragon ride and yet the one time she came to him asking him for something, begging truly, he had denied her because he was so shocked to see his usually well-kept daughter so distraught and so dishevelled. He never should have listened to Alysanne. They had driven their daughter, their second youngest surviving child away. They had driven her from her home.

Viserra looked healthier and happy, he had to admit. Her face was full, and she had put on weight but not unnecessary weight, it was needed she had been so tiny, so delicate that she was starting to resembled Daella in figure. Why was it now, after she left that she looked healthier? Had he missed something within his own home?

He hoped that she would stay as her absence was felt within the Red Keep. As he lost more and more of his family the Red Keep became a shell of itself and in part it was his fault. He married Daella off too soon, too young given how delicate she was, and he pushed Alyssa to bear another son, she had wanted to wait another year or so before she and Baelon began trying again.

Maegelle had not wished to go to the faith and yet he did not intervene when Alysanne promised her. He allowed Alysanne and the Faith to push that Andal religion down her throat, it was no wonder she was religious, she was so devoted that she gave up a royal title!

And Vaegon, his son, after what he forced Baelon to do, after allowing Alyssa to humiliate him it was no wonder his son made himself scarce. He felt as if he was unwelcomed within the Keep. He had been working on that and they had made some progress, but it was not enough, not yet. It had never occurred to him that Vaegon was horrendous with a sword simply because he did not wish to put his efforts towards learning it thoroughly.

He had many many regrets, but they only grew when she saw the whisk of silver locks from behind Viserra…. The night must have been fruitful. Honestly, he never should have moved up the Manderley marriage after that night he should have wed Baelon to Viserra it would have solved a lot of problems and saved them heartbreak.

House Targaryen was dwindling in numbers he had thirteen children and yet only seven remained to him: Aemon, Baelon, Maegelle, Vaegon, Saera, Viserra and Gael. He only had four grandchildren from those marriages. He should have order Baelon to wed Viserra, he could have spent the last five years with grandchildren, Viserra likely would have given him three or so more if he had married her to Baelon but yet he let Alysanne convince him.

He felt so stupid. Baelon only had two sons and he was second in line for the Iron Throne until Aemon had a son, it was imperative that Baelon had more heirs. And who better for Baelon to wed then another sister?

Saera, well he had a lot of regrets with her as well Viserra. It him too long to realise they had just wanted attention from their parents and yet neither he nor Alysanne gave it to them it was no wonder things turned out the way they did. He did not even notice that his daughter of only two and ten was arriving to court drunk.
But Viserra was here now and there was still time to fix things. It was not too late; he knew it was not too late. It couldn't be. He would not allow it to be too late.

Chapter Text

He stood there stuck in shock as he saw just who his brother helped out of the carriage, their darling younger sister Viserra. By the Fourteen Flames, he knew why she was compared to a Valyrian goddess. He thought it impossible for her beauty to grow and yet here she stood, more beautiful than the last day he laid his violet eyes upon her.

Her once soft pale, almost sickly white, skin now had a healthy glow to it. Her amethyst eyes shone brighter than when she last saw them, there was happiness there something that had been lacking during her time within the keep. Her once small delicate figure, a future that had rivalled simple Daella’s, now held a healthy weight, her waist and bosom had grown, that much was clear. It truly was a healthy weight for his sister as he had seen what she looked like beforehand, their mother’s limitation of portions had impacted her health, she had been in her early years of her moonblood and food was essential within that time, he was glad to see his mother’s oversight had been rectified. Viserra looked so much healthier and stronger than beforehand, and her face held a determined, confident look. Her eyes still had the same mischievous light as beforehand and her full, plump lips shone red. Truly a Valyrian goddesses.

Viserra’s long silver curls were mostly free cascading down past her waist, she always did love her hair that women, the rest was intricately braided. Her riding leathers were blue and black, hugging her figure and her smile, her beautiful smile, remained the same. It made him want to smile.

He had long regretted his actions for after they slept together, he should have stood up against his parents hastening her marriage to Theomore Manderley, truthfully, he should have stood up against the marriage in the first place for he had lost enough sisters, enough siblings and he should have intervened. By the Fourteen Flames he should have intervened.

He was one of thirteen: Aegon, Daenerys, Aemon, himself, Alyssa, Maegelle, Vaegon, Daella, Saera, Viserra, Gaemon, Valerion and Gael. Aegon died at only three das old, Daenerys was taken by the shivers at seven when he was only three years of age, Alyssa was taken by the birthing bed their young son soon following her, Maegelle was at the Faith never returning home unless it was necessary, Vaegon visited less then Maegelle and that was partly his own fault, Daella was taken by the birthing bed, Saera was across the Narrow Sea, and his brothers Gaemon and Valerion were both taken in the cradle. In truth he really only had three siblings left to him in the Red Keep: Aemon, Viserra and Gael. He did nothing to protect the sister who remained to him. She was his sister he should have intervened solely for that reason and yet he did not. He did not and that was something that would haunt him for the rest of his days for what if Balerion really had taken sweet little Vis?

To learn that Viserra was right that her marriage to Lord Manderley was a punishment, a way for their mother the Queen to seek forgiveness from the gods for her own sins, for shunning their kin, for disobeying her mother. To know that his mother thought that Jocelyn’s miscarriages and the loss of so many children was all because she was young and wilful shocked him. To know that she wished for Viserra to bear her unhappiness in hope of appeasing the gods horrified him, Viserra was her daughter, her own flesh and blood yet the Queen sought to sell her off in the hopes of repenting for her sins.

After Viserra was lost to them he same to some startling and horrifying realizations about his parents as did Aemon. They did not have the same parents not in truth, his parents had always made time for him, for Aemon and for Alyssa. They were never too busy for the three of them while Viserra and Saera had to fight tooth and nail for a slither of their attention. To know that all the jewels, all the expensive dresses that Viserra had was not her being careless with her allowance but gifts from the King and Queen because she had made an appointment with them or they had promised to do something with her and then suddenly cancelled, broke his heart. He never had to fight for his parents’ attentions. Aemon never had to fight for their attention and yet the had failed Viserra and Saera so much. They all had.

Saera was coming to court drunk at only two and ten and yet none of them noticed, that was horrifying for he knew had Saera had been his daughter he surely would have noticed. To know that the reason his sister was so skinny was because their mother limited her portions repulsed him. She was nowhere near a healthy weight and yet the Queen continued to limit her portions because ‘A beautiful bride is worth more than an ugly one Baelon, the same is true for weight a skinny bride is worth far more than a fat one’ it haunted him, and it made him sick. She was casually talking about selling her own daughter for the highest price possible as if Viserra was not a Targaryen Princess. As if it was not such an honour for House Targaryen to offer such a precious thing upon a house: A Targaryen Princesses hand in marriage.

To know that Viserra was one of his only sisters to have her portions limited fuelled a fire in him. Daenerys had not had her limited because she died at seven. Alyssa was free from it because she was already set for him, with her marrying back into the family there was no point limiting her portions. Maegelle was spared it because she was promised to the Faith, her weight did not matter. Daella was spared because she was simple, and so delicate already. Saera was a rambunctious thing who would have just snuck into the kitchens to eat afterwords, but Viserra, darling little Viserra, listen to their mother even when she was hungry and even when she felt as if it was impacting her health because she though it was her duty. It angered him to know the Queen would never, never even consider limiting Gael’s portions, he was grateful for it, do not mistake that however it was clear she favoured some daughters over others.

He knew his mother resented Viserra. Some whispered it was due to her beauty, Princess Viserra was blessed with all the Valyrian beauty while the Queen looked common, an outsider in looks within the family and perhaps in part it was true. He partly thought it was due to her physical resemblance to Queen Rhaena, his aunt and her sister, it was clear to him that the resemblance only grew as Viserra aged. Queen Alysanne had the ghost of the sister who she and her husband had wronged so many times, staring back at her. It seemed Rhaena truly did get the last laugh.

He knew she also resented Viserra for the fact she survived. It made him sick; it disgusted him. Viserra had no control over the fact she survived her first name day while their brothers had not. It was well known that Targaryen girls were stronger than boys, actually it was more common around the realm for female babes to survive than male babes. Gaemon was born more than a moon and a half early, he was scrawny sickly little thing, not even half the size of Vaegon when he was born. It was a surprise he made it to three moons, if his mother truly desire for him to survive she should have had a hatchling or cradle egg brought to him for it was known that Targaryens were stronger when they had a dragon, they shared their health and strength, there was a reason that his father requested that a hatchling be brought from Dragonstone when Daenerys fell ill. Valerion was of similar physique to Gaemon it was a miracle he made it passed three moons, he two should have had a hatchling if their graces wished to increase the chance of survival of their boys. His mother also lost a boy inbetween Gaemon and Valerion at four moons. His mother declared Gael a miracle because after the loss of three babes Gael was born healthy and hail but scorned Viserra for the same reason.

His attention was taken away from Viserra by silver curls behind her, three young girls exited the carriage. Three young girls with his eyes, if not in colour than shape. Viserra had been gone for five years, the girls looked a little over four years old. Considering she was a maiden when they laid together and factoring in a nine moon pregnancies, their parentage was rather clear to him.

“Muña?” one of the girls asked, likely the eldest from the way she held herself, the way she positioned herself in front of the other two. She confirmed the suspicions of Viserra being their mother. “Who are these people?” His family had varying degrees of disbelief across their faces although, his father quickly glanced at him obviously coming to the same conclusion about their sire as he did. He felt rage course through his veins, his brother obviously knew about his girls or else he would not of stayed the extra moon to ‘ensure the Myrish did not come back’, to know his brother knew about his daughters and did not tell him, that Aemon kept this from him angered him. Not only did his elder brother keep the existence of his daughters from him, the daughters he had desired since he was a young princeling, but he also kept Viserra’s survival from him. He had spent years hating himself for how he hurt Viserra and Aemon knew she lived. Aemon kept him from making amends with Viserra. He knew it would take a while to earn her forgiveness, something he quite frankly deserved. He could have used the extra moon tha Aemon had robbed him off.

Another girl stepped forward, the youngest he would wager from the way the eldest and the other stalked around her. Her soft voice spoke “Hi I am Daenerys, and these are my older sisters Rhaenyra and Vhaella. We are four name days old.” The girl- his daughter Daenerys had all but confirmed her parentage without knowing it. “Who are you?”

His heart practically broke in his chest when he realised, she did not know who he was, none of his daughter knew they were their family. He had missed the girls first steps. He had missed their first words. He had missed their first flights. He had missed the entire pregnancy. He did not get to help pick out their names. He was not by Viserra’s side through one of the arguably most terrifying parts of her life. He failed her more than he thought and in truth he could not blame her for running, for hiding their existence.

He glanced across at his family, he watched the realization of their paternity, of their sire travel across the group. His mother looked completely beside herself at the realization. His father looked gilt ridden and his sons well his sons looked pleased, especially Daemon.

He knew he was their sire, but he needed her to say, he needed Viserra to confirm it “I have daughters” he whispered, “I have daughters.” Viserra’s face was all he needed to see to confirm it she looked torn, wanting to protect the girls but also knowing how much he had wanted a daughter.

Viserra, his darling sister positioned herself in front of Danerys and the two other girls completely blocking the girls from his view. From all their view in truth. “They were conceived that night, yes” Viserra spoke. His sister’s voice seemed strong, but he could hear her voice waver, as if he thought he may deny the girls. He would never, he had waited for these girls for years, he thought he would never be a father to a daughter let alone three and yet here he stood. He was not about to give this up. He would not fail his daughters as he failed their mother. His eyes locked with Viserra, caught in a staring match. They were daring the other to look away. They remained staring into each other eyes for a few minutes not that he minds, he could star into those amethyst eyes for hours without getting bored. Daemon, however being Daemon just had to interrupt with the worst possible thing he could have said.

“Does this mean I get a sister wife?” Daemon asked.

“Absolutely not” Baelon quickly replied without tearing his eyes away from Viserra. He likely had no right to, but he had just met his daughters, truthfully, they had not even been properly introduced he was not about to betroth the girls. He had not even known of their existence for an hour. Daemon, his wilful son was overstepping besides they wanted Viserra to stay at least he certainly did. He did not wish for her to be scared away.

Viserra tore her eyes away from him and honestly, he wanted to wack Daemon around in the yard for drawing her attention away from him. She smiled at his son fondly and laughed slightly “Oh my little warrior perhaps you could one day if your father married once more but you cannot have one of my daughters.”

“Why not?” Daemon demanded. In truth he had wanted to know why she would refuse he may not like the idea of Daemon wedding his daughter but if Daemon was to wed who better than a sister wife? He knew least of all that Daemon would cherish and care for his sister wife.

“Oh my little hero, you my boy are a prince of the realm, a Targaryen prince who I have no doubt shall take to the skies upon a mighty dragons like your father and mother before you my girls however, my Rhaenyra, my Vhaella and my Daenerys well my darling girls may be the daughters of a prince and a princess but they are bastards, my dear. You cannot wed a bastard girl” Viserra responded.

His mother’s face broke further if that was even possible. He hated that it was facts the girls were bastards whether or not he liked it, and it was all their grace’s fault. He missed everything and it was all the Queen’s fault.  His daughter should be Targaryen Princesses and as far as he was concerned, they were, he would cut the tongue off of anyone who disagreed. Those were his daughters, his hatchlings and he refused to let them go again. He let them go once without even knowing about them, now that he did, he would allow them to slip through his fingers once more. They were his daughters, they should have all the riches in the world, the best education there was and have the chance fore anything and everything they desired. He would not allow that to be denied that.

And Viserra, his darling sister, all he desired for her was for her to be home with her family. He wished for her to live befitting of her status, he would do anything for her to stay the children: Gael, Daemon and Viserys, had missed her terribly. He had missed her too; the Keep was not the same without her.

“Rhaenyra, Vhaella, Daenerys, this is my family” Viserra said “This is my father King Jaehaerys I of House Targaryen and my mother the Good Queen Alysanne.” She gestured towards their parents and then to Rhaenys and Jocelyn “This is Lady Jocelyn and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen Velayron, she is the Lady of Driftmark. Lady Jocelyn is your Uncle Aemon’s wife and Rhaenys is their daughter, your cousin.” She gestured towards Gael, Daemon and Viserys, “This is my younger sister Princess Gael, she is your aunt and beside her are your half brothers Princes Viserys and Daemon of House Targaryen” Viserra turned her eyes to him “This is their father and your father, Prince Baelon ‘the Brave’, my brother.”

“Your brother?” Vhaella murmured. She did not look disgusted at the realization just confused. “Oh, right it is to keep the magic that allows us to ride dragons in the family. To ensure we may continue to use the gift the Fourteen Flames granted us for generations to come. Kessa?”

“Kessa” Daemon replied softly. It was something unusual for him usually he would have snapped at someone for asking that, but he was purposely softer with girl, Viserra noticed it too shooting his son a grateful smile. “It is a privilege to meet you three, I have always wanted sisters and now I have three. Three sweet and gorgeous sisters at that. I have no doubt one day you may rival your mother; you know my Aunt Viserra, your mother was once hailed the most beautiful maiden in all the realm?”

She was still one the most beautiful women he had laid eyes on. Viserra and Alyssa they were beautiful in different ways. Viserra rolled her eyes and chuckled at his son’s words.

“That I was although things have changed, I have put on some weight and well I am no longer a maiden” she replied. She gestured to his daughters “If it was not obvious” She smiled brightly “I have no doubt you shall catch the eyes of some fine men when you are grown. You are my daughters, my darlings, my everything. Your happiness is all I desire.” All he desired was his girls happy and the chance to know them. It was all he wanted; it was all he desired. He wanted to right the wrongs of his past. He wanted his family all together again and whether Viserra liked it all not she was a part of that family.

“Daemon, Viserys, Gael. My little hero, my little historian and my darling sister could you do me a favour and show your sister’s, and your nieces around the keep? I have no doubt you three are the best for this job.” Viserra then turned to their daughters “Would you darling girls mind going with Gael and your elder brothers, there are several valyrian tapestries they could show you as well as other artifacts of our history. Viserys here is the go-to for Valyrian history and your brother Daemon knows everything about dragons. Your Aunt Gael, well I have no doubt she has a lot to show you, my sweet sister was always exploring the keep” More like running from their mother, Gael always tried to find some time for herself, to escape being their mother’s shadow. He had seen her escape attempts increase as the years passed.

The girls quickly agreed after that, eager to see what remained of Valyria in the keep. The children were quick to agree with Viserra’s request eager to get to know the girls, his princesses. He saw so much of Viserra in them as the eldest, his Rhaenyra, battered her eyes and demanded to be carried Vhaella and Daenerys quickly copying her actions. Rhaenyra was hoisted into Daemon’s arms quickly; Daemon following her command nearly instantly, Daenerys in Gael’s and Vhaella in Viserys’ before they made their way back into the Keep.

It was only once the children were inside once more, that Viserra spoke “I know I have a lot to explain. I know you have a lot of questions, but I hope you may be able to wait a little bit longer your grace?” Viserra looked at their father “I shall explain everything to you all, in your solar later but I feel Baelon, and I are long overdue for a discussion. We have a lot to talk about and if anyone is owed an explanation, I feel it is my brother and I feel we must do it in private. He deserves to hear it first.”

Their father’s eyes softened in a way he had not seen in years “Of course my jewel, we shall all wait for you in the King’s solar although do make haste, if possible. We have missed you terribly”.

Viserra smiled and walked over to their father placing a kiss on his cheek “Of course kepa. I am sure Aemon can explain part to you while Baelon and I talk.” She responded and their father’s face lite up in joy.

“Come brother.” Viserra said nodding her head forward. He followed instantly. There was so much to say and so much to apologise for. He failed her miserably.

Chapter Text

Viserra walked through the Red Keep with ease. Although it had been five long sun turns since she resided within the Keep, she still knew every hallway and every passageway like the back of her hand. Baelon followed behind her like a little hatchling, in truth she found it amusing that their roles had been reversed. It was she who had the upper hand. She held all the cards and all the power. She determined if and when he got to see her little girls, the darling daughters he had long desired.

It was nice to be back within the Red Keep on her own terms. This was her choice. No one and she meant no one would ever take away her choices again. No one would ever force her hand. She was in control; she was in charge. She was in control of her fate, of how things would remain for now and forevermore when it came to her family and her children. Baelon my have sired them but they were her children, her babes. She grew them in the safety of her womb for eight moons. She fed them from her own breast and changed their diapers. It was she who fed them, who educated them, who loved them. It was her who raised them. Baelon allowed her to be thrown away liked she was nothing, but Fleabottom trash and he would regret it. She did not care that he was unaware of what he was relinquishing, that he was unaware of the life growing within her. She was his sister; he should have protected her simply for that and yet he did not.

Her father had allowed her to be sold to an undeserving, unattractive, lowly lord as if she was Saera. She had done her duty to her father for years. She was graceful and grateful. She was kind. She was dutiful and graceful. She knew her duty, never stepping a toe out of line, never daring to shame her house; her family, her ancestors the way her sweet sister Saera had. And yet what had her devotion got her in return? It got her a betrothal to an old fossil undeserving of her presence and even more undeserving of her hand. She was a Targaryen Princess for fourteen sakes. She was a scion of Old Valyria, the Blood of the Dragon descended from Aegon the conqueror and his sister wives.

Lord Manderley was ancient. Theomore was old enough to be her great grandfather! He was fat, unattractive and an unknown character even for all the Old Queen’s reassurances. Even now five years free of that conniving woman her voice still echoed in her head “Theomore is a good man, a wise man, with a kind heart and a good head on his shoulders. His people love him.” Really if the Queen was so taken with him then she should marry the old Lord of White Harbour, he was far closer to the Queen’s age then her own.

The man already had an abundance of heirs from his four previous wives. His first wife Lysaera Blackmyre had died birthing their sixth son and eighth child. His second wife Jeyne Umber gave the man three children before dying in a horsing accident. His third wife Lyra Stane died from childbed fever from birthing her only child, a son. His final wife Alysane Blackwood gave him two sons before she was taken by the winter fever. Theomore had nine sons, five daughters, three sisters, two brothers, fifteen niblings, twenty grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and had even welcomed a great great grandchild recently. Why the Queen thought he would be a decent match was beyond her, they would have had nothing in common to build a marriage upon and he was not even nice to look at! If she were to wed, she should not have to bring all the looks and wits to the marriage.

 Her Queen treated her as if she was Saera come again. The ‘Good Queen’ treated her as a threat to the family. Was she not family? The women looked at her with such disgust back then, stalking her every move. The women would lose it if she was within two feet of her own brother. Her grace beloved she sought to replace her darling little Alyssa. For the fourteen flames Alyssa was her own sister, she would never seek to replace her in anyone’s life! Alyssa who protected them from the King’s foul moods. Alyssa who taught Saera and herself about womanhood when the Queen could not be concerned. Alyssa who taught them about what marital relations would require so when they were finally wed, they would not come to there wedding blind, like she had. Despite what people thought the children of the Old King and Queen loved each other more than anything else. They were the only ones who truly cared about the others. It was up to them to love each other for they had no one else.

It was Alyssa who taught them what they needed to know about womanhood, about marriage. It was Alyssa who protected them all even from each other. It was Alyssa who would show up to her tea parties along with Baelon and Aemon when the Queen could not be damned, despite hating anything and everything ladylike. It Alyssa who spent at least an hour each day helping her do her hair in the most complicated braids despite likely preferring to be anywhere else. It was Alyssa who listened to her gush about the latest fashion trends. It was Alyssa who would clap and cheer as she showed off all her new gowns. It was Alyssa who would play with her in the garden. It was Alyssa who was there for her when they lost little Valerion. It was always Alyssa and never the Queen.

It was Aemon who raised them alongside Rhaenys. It was Aemon who kissed away her tears when she injured herself. It was Aemon she ran to when she had nightmares. It was Aemon who fought against her betrothal to Lord Manderley. It was her darling brother who fought Baelon for the first and only time, in her honour; for allowing the King and Queen to move up her marriage to Lord Manderley rather than marrying her himself. It was Aemon who apologised over and over again when he discovered her children’s existence, punishing himself for allowing her to endure battling the childbed on her own. It was Aemon, she recently learned, who had planned to ruthlessly have Lord Manderley murdered to save her the embarrassment of such a match. It was Aemon she saw when she pictured her father.

It was she and her siblings who remained vigilantly by Valerion and Gaemon’s side when they were sick and weak. It was them who was with them in their final moments. She had only been two and yet she remained by Gaemon’s side more than the Queen and King in his last few weeks. Their graces had been aware their son was getting closer to Balerion each and every day, unable to bear the sight the Queen specifically made herself scarce from the royal nursery.  It was little Gaemon whose eyes followed her around whenever she was in the room. It was little Valerion who always found comfort in her arms, and it was Balerion who greedily stole them away.

It was Gael who always use to seek solace and escape within her chambers. It was Gael who shadowed her when possible. It was her darling little snowflake who would sneak into her chambers when the Queen was deep in sleep for a bedtime story. It was little Gael who sought freedom from the Queen even five years ago. It was Gael’s prospects the Queen was ruining. It was darling Gael who was so sweet, so kind. Gael was the reason she fought against the betrothal so hard, she was not only disgusted with the Queen’s choice in bridegroom, but she sought to help Gael, which meant she had to remain close to home. It was Gael who she abandoned when she knew just how the Queen treated her. It was Gael she would fight tooth and nail to help. It was Gael who had her whole life ahead of her; It was a life she would ensure was not cut short.

It was Daella who they all loved above all. It was Daella who was smarter than she looked. Did Saera play some cruel pranks on their little flower? Why of course she did but that did not mean Saera did not love Daella, that they all did not love each other above everything. Saera only played those cruel pranks in retribution for the pranks Daella played like the time Daella, their sweet gentle flower swapped Saera’s shampoo out with glue ensuring Saera had to cut her hair. Of course, their prank war started accidentally but that did not mean Daella was any less a player than Saera. It was Daella who was pushed into marriage too early. It was Daella who choose Lord Arryn as her husband because he reminded her of their father. It was Daella who died from Childbed fever birthing her only child: their darling falcon Aemma. It was Daella’s daughter who would soon share her fate unless someone intervened, and it was clear she needed to be that person to intervene.

Vaegon was the smartest person she knew. He was the brother she often spent the most time around when she was just a girl. Vaegon was the one who would read to her despite his reluctance at first. He despised being the company of Baelon and Alyssa, likely due to their history but still made time for her. Honestly, she believed his acceptance of her company came from the excitement and awe she would express at the things he read her, likely glad to have someone who shared his interest. He was by far her favourite brother, even after she escaped Tarth they exchanged letters. Vaegon was one of her educators, well her and Saera’s but Saera only lasted twenty minutes before running to Alyssa. She however stayed and appeared at every lesson until Vaegon went to the Citadel. Though some people found Vaegon unlikable she found his bluntness and harsh honesty refreshing, in the viper den people were rarely honest.

Maegelle’s banishment to the Faith was what brought them all together. They all raged against her being promised to the faith ‘in thanks for the mother blessing me with many children’ was what the Queen had said. Meleys was responsible for the Queen’s many children and yet she shunned their gods for the false gods. Balerion must have been offended on his daughter’s behalf scarcely three days later little Gaemon was cold in his crib. She exchanged letters with Maegelle as often as possible however she ached to see her sister in person. The keep never felt the same without Maegelle and Vaegon as residents. Maegelle was a sweet soul who loved helping people through her work however she resented the Queen promising her to the Faith of the Seven without even consulting her. She felt as if the Faith restricted all the good, she could due. Maegelle felt robbed and only returned when she had to and honestly, she could not blame her. Did their graces not see the recklessness in wronging their children, their children with the capability of claiming dragons? Resentment could be a dangerous thing.

Saera was her main protector, she always had been, and she had no doubt that if Saera was still residing within Westeros, if was still apart of the family rather than the sullied exiled princess she would have intervened. There was no way in the fourteen hells Saera would ae allowed the betrothal to be made, not if she had a say in it. Saera was always the most loved of the King’s daughters, others may doubt it, but she knew it was true. When Saera lost her maidenhead, the King was willing to let her choose between the three men she whored herself out to. Even after her scandal the King was willing to forgive her. Saera was always the favourite. She loved Saera, she truly did and despite Saera’s cruelness, she was angry her sister had abandoned her in the viper den, but she understood why Saera left. She really did however it did not mean it hurt her any less when Saera escaped their prison. Saera was more than her sister she was her best friend; despite their age difference of four years, they were inseparable. They were often mistaken as twins. It was not common for the two of them to disagree. At one point Saera had been her everything and now Saera was gone.

Baelon helped protect them from their grace’s foul moods. He tried to shield her from the vipers in court as much as he could but there was only so much, he could do. Baelon was everything and he was nothing. He was caused her great pain but also great happiness and no matter what happened between them he had given her the greatest gift she had ever received her daughters. Her pride, her joy and her jubilation. His presence revived many mixed feelings. Fourteen flames it has been years since they were alone. He offered safety and comfort and security. Despite everything in the end, the Queen only saw one thing.

Her grace, the Queen only believed she was grasping for the throne. That the only reason she could possibly desire Baelon, a well like and handsome man, was for the throne. Every woman in the Red Keep had been grasping for his attention since their darling sister Alyssa’s death, the conniving disrespectful hens, really it was as if their septa never taught them anything pouncing on a recently widowed man as soon as he debuted in public as if Alyssa’s corpse was not only newly burnt. She had not desire for the throne, only a fool would want to sit on the ugly iron chair or be consort to the man who did. Really why would she wish to be Queen? It was not as if Alysanne made it look particularly appealing. The throne had caused the King and Queen an abundance of quarrels. She would like to stay as far away from the Iron Throne as possible honestly, she pitied Aemon. Who would wish to have the burden of everyone’s well being on their shoulders? A ruler’s work was never done.

Alysanne saw her night with Baelon as proof to her words and not as it was, her one and only rebellion. For years she followed the rules, and it got her nothing so for once she did something for herself and granted herself one night of rebellion. One night where she only thought of herself and not of her duty to the realm, to the people and to House Targaryen. It was not her fault the Queen had projected her relationship with the King onto Baelon and Alyssa. Really it was quite disturbing.

Baelon offered her protection. He offered her the chance to stay home; that was all she had truly desire to stay within the red keep: to remain close to home with her niece Rhaenys, her nephews Daemon and Viserys as well as her darling baby sister Gael who desperately needed her help. Gael needed her help now too. Her Gael, her little snowflake, her daring icicle needed her help. It was harmful off the Queen to force Gael to trail her, to act as her little shadow. Gael would be flowering soon and still now she slept in the Queen’s bed. By keeping Gael dangerously close for her own the Queen was ruining her daughters’ prospects of a good marriage, she would never be respected if she continued to be mummy’s little shadow.

The chance to remain within the Red Keep amongst her kin was not the only reason she sought Baelon. Her brother was a decent man, especially compared to the tales of other Westerosi men she had heard of. She knew he would never intentionally harm her. She was his sister; he would not raise his hand against. He would not mistreat her as though he may not have been in love with her, her still loved her in sibling light.

There was a great basis to build a marriage on. Many noble women married men they barely knew but she had known Baelon practically since she entered this world. She was well aware of his character, his personality and is beliefs. They were familiar with each other, and she had trusted him. Yes, it would have been a great basis to build a marriage on.

A marriage to Baelon would have granted her freedom, granted her choices which in truth was all she truly desired. She would not have to live in fear of marital rape like the wives of King Maegor the Cruel. Even if she was called upon unlike Lord Theomore Manderley Baelon was an attractive Dragon rider, his skin sun-kissed from all the time her spent in the training yard. He was well built as well and at least pleasing to look at.

And her brother already had two strong, healthy and hail sons, her beloved nephews Viserys and Daemon there would have been less pressure for her to battle the childbed, less pressure to sire a son. No doubt any other man she married would desire as many sons as possible with royal blood. Baelon’s doted on his sons and his desire for a daughter was well known so no matter the gender of her child, she knew he would have loved them, accepted them regardless. They had already lost two sisters to the childbed so in the chance she did not wish to face the childbed he would be far more understanding than others.

But that was five years gone now. Right now, the safety and happiness of her darling Rhaenyra, Vhaella and Daenerys was her biggest concern alongside securing her sister Gael and niece Aemma’s safety and health. She could not believe the Queen that women declared Daella too young to marry, too young to face the childbed at six and ten, and eight and ten respectively but then sought to wed Daella’s only child at only one and ten, no doubt the King would hope the marriage consummated in the next few years when Aemma would be far too young and yet the Queen still supported her match knowing all she knew about her husband.

The Queen, if the rumours were true arranged the match, even suggested the match herself. If she did not interfere now there was no doubt Aemma would share Daella’s tragic fate. Aemma deserved a life of happiness, and she had no doubt that if this marriage was consummated early Aemma would have difficulties bearing a child, a common issue amongst girls who were bedded before their wombs had the chance to strengthen. She would not allow Aemma to live a life as a broodmare, whose to say she would share the Queen’s, the poor things grandmother’s, blessings when it came to children? She could be like Jocelyn who bleed out nearly all her children, whose babes never cried! No Aemma was far too young to be a pawn in the Queen’s plans.

She would protect her daughters, her little falcon and her snowflake. The world was particularly cruel to girls of any age. The girls needed someone in their corner. They needed someone looking out for their best interest and it was clear I would not be Good Queen Alysanne.

She sighed as she recognised the entrance to her chambers, it was now or never. There was no turning back now but she had to do this if for nothing more than her daughters’ sakes they deserved to have a father figure in their life even if she was not certain their Kepa deserved that chance.

Chapter Text

Please mind the awful grammar and punctuation I’m writing this on my phone:

Hey guys. It’s been a long time. I’m in a good place now after my parents separation, my parents are getting divorced as soon as they reach a year of separation and my dad even has a new girlfriend. Furthermore I have nearly finished my 1st semester of my nursing degree.

Ive recently started updating my other multi chapter fic A mother’s rage and I plan on coming back to this soon. It will be undergoing a rewrite as some of my ideas have changed.

it will take some time but I promise I won’t leave this unfinished. In all honestly my favourite Viserra ship has changed from Vis/Bae to Vis/Vaegon after reading footnotes in history and the dragonless.

And I honestly considered continuing this story as a Vaegon/Vis fic with Vis coming back and letting Baelon be apart of the girls lives but marrying Vaegon in the end (he would be released from his vows at the citadel)

However I understand a lot of you read this as you wanted a Vis/ bae fic so you shall receive in due time.i reiterated this is a Baelon/Viserra Endgame. I still love the ship just not as much as Vaegon/Viserra. Again Vis and Baelon will be endgame. Who knows perhaps I’ll write an au with a Vis/Vaegon au for my own amusement but this shall remain a Baelon /Vis fic. I still adore the ship, just a bit less then I use to, so the chapters may take longer as I wish to due Vis/Baelon justice. They deserve it.

Thank you for understanding and I will soon start rewriting the chapters. I will be posting here under chapters 4-6 overall of this fic and then chapter 7 will in reality be chapter 4.

This is so anyone who wishes to look back at the original chapters can. You will see I did the same thing with a mother’s rage it says 3 chapters but in reality it’s ch1, remastered chapter 1, and ch 2.

first up for the rewrite is part 1 of this series his saviour, Hopefully the new version will be out in the next 2 weeks. Feel free to leave a suggestion you of what you would like to see in the comments. Thank you all again for understanding and I hope you have a lovely morning, evening or night.

Edit: the rewritten part of his saviour (part 1 of this series) should hopefully be up by august 22nd.