272 AC
Daemon Pov
Dining in the Tower of the Hand, I found myself in esteemed company, seated alongside Tywin and Joanna Lannister and their two children.
Cersei and Jaime bore striking resemblances, their features mirroring each other in a way that spoke of their close bond as siblings. When I had greeted them upon their arrival in the city, Jaime seemed somewhat reserved while Cersei exuded confidence.
"It's remarkable to see how much you've grown," Joanna Lannister remarked, her smile as enchanting as ever.
Her words caused a warmth to spread across my cheeks. "You're too kind, my lady," I replied, feeling somewhat bashful under her gaze.
"Tywin has often mentioned what an excellent cupbearer you are," she continued, her eyes sparkling with pride.
A small smile tugged at Tywin's lips, a rare display of approval. "He can do much better," he stated matter-of-factly, though beneath his stern exterior, I detected a glimmer of admiration directed towards me.
In that moment, I couldn't help but feel a sense of validation, knowing that despite Tywin's high standards, I had earned his respect.
Turning my attention to the Lannister twins, who were quietly engrossed in their meals, Jaime focused on his plate, while Cersei's emerald green eyes bore into mine.
"Are you enjoying your stay in the capital?" I inquired, looking directly at them.
"The city stinks," Cersei remarked bluntly, prompting laughter from Jaime and Joanna.
"Well, your father and I are working to ensure that the city stinks a bit less," I replied with a grin.
Shifting the conversation, I turned to Jaime. "So, Jaime, I've heard that you aspire to become a knight," I said, noting the immediate brightness in the boy's face.
"Yes, I do!" he exclaimed, a genuine smile spreading across his features.
"I'm sure Ser Barristan the Bold would be delighted to impart some wisdom to you," I suggested, and Jaime's eyes widened with excitement.
"That would be amazing!" he exclaimed, rising from his chair.
"Jamie, mind your manners," Tywin interjected sternly, and the boy promptly sat back down.
As the servants continued to serve us, presenting dish after dish, we immersed ourselves in the enjoyment of the meal. However, I couldn't help but notice Cersei's lingering gaze on me.
"Cersei, do not stare at the prince like that," Joanna gently scolded her daughter.
"It's fine, Lady Joanna. I believe she wishes to ask me something," I interjected.
Cersei, undeterred, continued, "Your eye looks the same as mine." Tywin nearly choked on his drink, and the room's temperature seemed to drop.
The smile faded from Lady Joanna's face. "Are you half a Lannister?" Cersei boldly asked, causing an uncomfortable tension to settle.
"Cersei, apologize to the prince," Joanna insisted.
"But, Mother, I..." Cersei began to protest, only to be silenced by her mother's stern reprimand.
"I am sorry," she said, looking downcast.
"It's fine, Lady Joanna. I was not offended," I reassured them, and we continued our meal in an uneasy silence.
"Prince Daemon, can I ask you something?" Jamie spoke up.
"Just call me Daemon, Jamie," I replied, offering him a warm smile.
"You must be close to your brother. Do you think I could meet him?" Jamie inquired eagerly, his enthusiasm momentarily dampening my mood.
"Close to my brother? What a joke," I muttered under my breath, feeling a pang of bitterness.
"Yes, I would love to introduce you to my brother, Jamie," I said aloud, forcing a smile to mask my inner turmoil.
Excusing myself from the table, I addressed Lord Tywin and Lady Joanna, "It was lovely dining with both of you and your children, but I have some work to attend to," I explained as I departed from the Tower of the Hand.
I made my way toward the godswood of the Red Keep, seeking solace in its serene surroundings. Upon entering, I noticed a young brown-haired boy sitting quietly beneath a tree.
As I approached, the boy acknowledged my presence and rose to his feet. "Prince Daemon," he greeted me, and I recognized him as Ned Stark by his dark grey eyes.
"Just call me Daemon," I replied with a friendly nod as I settled down beside him.
"How do you like the city?" I inquired.
"It stinks, my prince," he replied bluntly.
"Everyone says that, and also I told you, just call me Daemon," I chuckled lightly.
"Understood," he acquiesced.
"Do you come to the godswood often?" he asked me.
"I do," I confirmed. "It's the only place where I can find a semblance of peace."
"I agree," he replied softly.
"But with Robert next to you, you must be getting no peace at all," I remarked, a smile tugging at my lips.
"Robert can be quite loud," he admitted.
"That's an understatement," I chuckled, and we shared a moment of laughter, appreciating the shared understanding.
We sat in comfortable silence, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.
"You should come to Winterfell sometime, Daemon," Ned suggested.
"I surely will, Eddard," I promised.
"Ned," he corrected me gently.
"What?" I asked, slightly puzzled.
"My friends call me Ned," he explained.
"So Ned it is," I agreed with a nod, acknowledging the newfound camaraderie between us.
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The Great Hall was adorned with splendor, filled to the brim with revelers, and an abundance of wine and food flowed freely. I found myself seated among my companions.
At our table, Oberyn regaled everyone with tales of his adventures, while Robert seemed determined to journey to Dorne.
The atmosphere was vibrant, and I relished in the festivities. Seated alongside me were Oberyn, Mace, Robert, Ned, Stannis, and Jaime.
Meanwhile, at the high table, my father presided, flanked by my mother, Tywin, Joanna, and Rhaegar.
Rising to his feet, my father lifted his glass, and the clamor of the hall subsided.
"Today marks a momentous occasion, not only as the anniversary of my coronation a decade ago but also because my son, the Crown Prince of Westeros, has achieved knighthood, demonstrating his strength to all. The Seven have blessed me with three dragons in the form of my sons, and the might of House Targaryen has never been greater," my father proclaimed, his words causing me to struggle to maintain composure as I sipped my drink.
"Let us feast, drink, and revel in merriment!" he declared, his voice booming over the assembled nobles, who responded with resounding cheers.
Say what you want about my father being a whoring idiot but he had one thing and that was his charisma.
But amidst the revelry, I alone harbored the knowledge of what could unfold in the next decade if circumstances remained unchanged.
Gazing at the gathering of the falcon, direwolf, fish, and stag, seated together, I couldn't ignore the threat they would pose in the future, particularly with House Targaryen bereft of dragons.
The original rebellion hadn't been merely about ousting the Mad king and the foolish crown prince; it was about eradicating House Targaryen root to stem.
However, with me in the picture, their plan would never come to fruition. I would ensure it.
This time was different, especially with Aerys having three healthy children. Marriage alliances could strengthen our position, and I was determined to prevent Aerys from descending into madness in the future
Yet, if he did succumb to madness once more, I vowed to take whatever measures necessary to safeguard the realm.
"Boys, it's time to dance," I declared as the bards struck up their melodies, igniting a flurry of movement among the nobles.
We all rose from our seats, eager to find partners for the dance.
"I would love to dance with you, Lady Janna," I offered to Mace's sister, extending my hand.
We twirled and stepped gracefully across the floor, my gaze occasionally drifting to the high table where Rhaegar sat with his usual solemn demeanor. The man seemed incapable of enjoying such festivities, no matter how hard he tried to portray otherwise.
After each dance, I changed partners, enjoying the company of various ladies throughout the hall. Eventually, I made my way to the high table.
"Mother, would you care to dance?" I asked, extending my hand to her. She accepted with a smile, her guidance having greatly improved my dancing skills over the years, all the while Rhaegar remained stoic.
As the partners shifted once more, I approached Lady Joanna for a dance, and I couldn't help but notice Aerys's proud expression as he watched me emulate his own longing for Tywin's wife. It was a sight both amusing and unsettling.
Lost in the music and the joy of the moment, I allowed myself to dance freely, relishing in the energy of the celebration. Eventually, I returned to our table, where I found Ned sitting quietly, a steadfast presence amidst the revelry.
"Come on, Ned, go dance with someone," I urged, but Ned remained hesitant, his shyness apparent.
Noticing his gaze, I realized he was eyeing Ashara Dayne across the room.
"Just go and ask her for a dance," I encouraged him, giving his back a reassuring pat.
Though she looked toward me expectantly, I paid her little mind. Girls like Ashara yearned for attention, and the moment you gave it, they'd discard you. Instead, I reveled in the envy I sensed from Jon Connington and Rhaegar.
As Ned approached her, I half-expected her to decline, but to my surprise, she accepted, her eyes still lingering on me.
Unfazed, I watched as the song ended, leaving poor Ned stranded on the dance floor as Ashara made her way over to me.
"Will this become a usual occurrence, me asking you to dance?" she quipped with a hint of annoyance.
"Who knows, Ashara," I replied casually, unfazed by her demeanor, as she huffed and led me onto the dance floor.
As we danced, her movements were graceful and fluid, complementing my own with ease.
"I heard you send a letter every moon to Princess Elia," she remarked, her tone casual.
"Well, I send it to Oberyn as well, among other friends," I replied.
"After you left Dorne, I thought you might write me a letter," she admitted, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "After all, we spent so much time playing together in the Water Gardens."
"I thought your brother might burn any letter I sent," I chuckled, attempting to lighten the mood.
"And why would Arthur do that?" she inquired.
"You should ask your brother that, as he seems to dislike me for no particular reason," I shrugged.
"It doesn't matter. You will write a letter to me every moon," she declared, her violet eyes locking with mine, their intensity captivating.
"Very well, Lady Ashara," I acquiesced, kissing her hand before excusing myself for some fresh air. Leaning against the window, I felt the breeze from Blackwater Bay, gazing up at the night sky, and contemplating the complexities of the world below.
I heard footsteps approaching from behind, and as I turned, I found Rhaegar standing there.
"Did you come to push me off, Rhaegar?" I quipped, a smirk playing on my lips as I eyed him.
"No," he replied earnestly, confusion flickering across his features. "I would never harm you."
His sincerity caught me off guard, and I burst into laughter. "Oh, that's quite a good joke, brother," I chuckled.
"Daemon, despite our differences, I do not wish to hurt you. You are my brother," he insisted, his tone genuine.
Unable to contain my amusement, I continued to laugh. "Daemon, act serious for once," he urged.
My laughter subsided abruptly, replaced by a wave of anger. "Fuck off," I retorted sharply, the mirth draining from my face.
"I still remember the day you called me a bastard, you cunt," I spat out, my fury evident in my voice.
"Congratulations on your knighthood, Rhaegar. You can kindly fuck off," I added sharply, unable to contain the resentment that simmered beneath the surface.
"Don't talk to him like that!" Jon's angry voice erupted from behind me, and for a moment, I thought he might strike me. However, it was Arthur who restrained the fiery red -haired boy.
"Arthur, I am disappointed in you," I remarked, locking eyes with the future Sword of the Morning.
"We both know you could easily defeat Rhaegar here, but you didn't. Instead, you purposely lost so that Rhaegar could be knighted," I accused, a mixture of admiration and disdain evident in my voice.
"That was quite a brilliant plan, Rhaegar, I have to admit," I conceded, acknowledging the clever manipulation at play.
Arthur looked dejected, realizing the compromise he had made for my idiotic brother.
"So, be honest and tell me why you have come to me," I demanded, shifting my gaze to Rhaegar, curiosity tinged with skepticism.
"A Targaryen alone in the world is a terrible thing," Rhaegar stated solemnly, his words echoing with the weight of history.
"Maester Aemon Targaryen said that to me in his letter," he continued, his expression serious.
"He told me about a prophecy, brother," Rhaegar added, his gaze intense.
"It was about the prince who was promised," he explained, and I felt a knot tighten in my stomach.
"Do not believe in prophecies, Rhaegar. They are half-baked pies," I retorted, trying to dismiss the gravity of his words.
Rhaegar shook his head, undeterred.
"Brother, I hope you can forgive me for what I said. If you cannot, then it is alright. But I need you to know that the House of the Dragon must be united," he implored, his sincerity evident.
"Whatever I do, I do for our house, Rhaegar. You do not have to question my loyalty to our house," I reassured him, feeling a sense of duty wash over me.
"Thank you, brother," he replied gratefully before departing with his friends.
Once alone, I couldn't help but laugh bitterly. "Even burning the fucking prophecy did not help," I muttered, remembering the day I had burned the scroll in a futile attempt to prevent Rhaegar from being consumed by ancient prophecies.
"Fuck," I exclaimed, my worry mounting as I closed my eyes, envisioning Rhaegar's earnest face.
"I will push that idiot from the wall," I vowed, my thoughts drifting to the foolish maester atop the Wall.