Jace panted heavily, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. Sweat dripped down his face, stinging his eyes. The three older squires circled him like wolves, wooden swords ready to strike.
"Fights will rarely be fair!" Daemon's voice boomed. "If you can't fight multiple people at once, you'll never be a true warrior!"
Jace nodded, gripping his wooden sword tightly. He watched his opponents carefully, trying to predict their next move. One of the squires lunged at him from the left. Jace blocked the strike, his muscles straining with the effort. He countered with a quick jab to the squire's ribs, causing him to grunt in pain.
Another squire swung at him from behind. Jace spun around just in time to parry the blow, the wooden swords clacking loudly. He managed to land a hit on the squire's shoulder, but before he could follow up, a third squire slammed his sword into Jace's back. Pain exploded through his spine, making him stumble forward.
"Keep moving, Jace!" Daemon yelled.
Gritting his teeth, Jace forced himself to stay upright. He ducked under another swing, feeling the rush of air as the sword missed him by inches. He retaliated with a swipe at the squire's legs, causing him to trip and fall. But there was no time to celebrate. A wooden sword cracked against his ribs, making him gasp in pain.
Jace swung wildly, trying to fend off the attackers. He managed to hit one of them in the arm, but another sword struck him across the face, splitting the skin above his eyebrow. Blood trickled into his eye, blurring his vision.
He tried to wipe the blood away, but the squires pressed their advantage. One of them kneed him in the stomach, knocking the wind out of him. He doubled over, only to be struck on the back again. He cried out, falling to his knees.
"Get up, Jace!" Daemon shouted. "Don't you dare give up!"
Jace pushed himself up, his body screaming in protest. He blocked another strike, but his movements were slower now, more laboured. He swung his sword, but his arms felt like lead. The squires took turns hitting him, each blow sending waves of pain through his body.
A sword smacked against his thigh, making his leg buckle. He fell to one knee, trying to defend himself, but it was no use. The squires rained blows down on him, hitting his back, shoulders, and arms. Blood dripped from a cut on his lip, and his vision swam. One of the squires kicked him in the chest, sending him sprawling to the ground. He tried to get up, but a sword cracked against his ribs, making him curl up in pain. He could hear Daemon's voice, but the words were lost in the haze of agony.
Finally, the squires stepped back, leaving Jace lying on the ground, battered and bleeding. He lay there for a moment, gasping for breath, his body trembling.
Jace had gotten used to only having one opponent that he could focus his entire mind on. He had never split his focus before in such a way and found it difficult to do. Tracking two of his opponents was difficult but manageable, but the third one was always able to take him by surprise. His fight with Cregan had made him arrogant. If he couldn't beat three mediocre squires when they ganged up on him, what kind of warrior would he be? As he lay there on the ground, chest heaving, Daemon walked over and looked down at him. "You've been sparring for a quarter day now. I think you've earned a break. Go clean yourself up and get some lunch," he said before turning and heading back into the keep.
Jace sighed heavily, closing his eyes for a moment to regain his strength. The warmth of the sun bathed his aching body, but soon two shadows loomed over him.
"You doing alright there, friend?" Cregan's voice broke through his thoughts.
"Fucker looks half dead," Sara said with a snort.
Jace opened his eyes and saw the familiar faces of Cregan and Sara looking down at him. He managed a weak smile, despite the pain.
Cregan extended a hand. "Come on, let's get you up."
Jace grabbed his hand, and with a grunt of effort, Cregan helped him to his feet. Jace's legs felt like jelly, but he managed to stand with Cregan's support. "I would've thought you'd take a break for today," Cregan said as he sat Jace down in a seat in the shade.
"I can rest when I'm dead," Jace replied, making Sara snort.
"Have you been checked by the Maester?" Jace asked.
Cregan nodded. "This one here kept giving me an earful until I did," he said, pointing at Sara, only to get a thump in the arm.
"You got beaten by a man twice the size of you. Only a fool would not see the Maester," Sara replied with a scowl directed at her brother.
Cregan just waved her off. "You are speaking much for someone who's going to get a bloody good hiding when they next see Father," he said, making Sara then slightly pale.
"It's his own fault for forbidding me from coming," Sara said, crossing her arms indignantly.
Cregan sighed and put his head in his hands. "He will expect me to apologize to the royal family for this."
Jace looked at Sara and could see her face go red, from anger, embarrassment, and the sheer injustice of the situation. He didn't know, but he couldn't help but sympathize with her. "I don't think an apology is necessary, nor will sending her back," Jace interrupted.
Cregan looked at Jace, narrowing his eyes slightly. "These are matters of House Stark, Jace. My father will not want you to involve yourself... nor would I."
Jace nodded. "I wouldn't involve myself in the dealings of your House, but as far as I'm concerned, Sara is not a Stark," he said, causing them both to be silent.
Sara eventually barked out a laugh and said, "He's got you there."
Cregan looked unhappy, however. "She has Stark blood, and that's what matters."
"If it did, then we wouldn't be having this conversation," Jace retorted.
"Why are we having this bloody conversation?" Sara intervened.
Jace looked up at Sara. "Should you wish, I'm sure I could find you employment in the Red Keep. In that case, you wouldn't have to go home."
Sara waved him off. "I don't think I'm cut out for cleaning out your chamber pots and wiping your golden arses," she replied.
Jace rolled his eyes, and Cregan sent her a warning look. Despite how close they had become, Jace was still the future King of Westeros, and a bastard talking to him like that in public would cause trouble. "Sara..." he said, giving her a warning.
"It's fine, Cregan. I'd say after our little adventure, she's earned the right to a few familiarities," Jace said. Sara stuck her tongue out at Cregan.
"My thinking was more being a handmaiden. Daella has yet to make many friends apart from Helaena and myself. It would be good for her to interact with others."
Cregan hummed. "From what I heard a few days ago, she refused to meet with the Lord's sons again." Jace frowned at that. He hadn't heard such a thing from her or Helaena. He'd have to investigate that some more. "I'll think about it," Sara replied.
Jace nodded. "What happened to the slavers?" Cregan asked.
"I burnt their ship," Jace replied.
Cregan laughed. "Good. They deserved it."
"Ate the cunts deserved a lot worse," Sara chimed in.
Jace nodded, then changed the subject. "Will you be well enough to fight in the upcoming tournament?"
Cregan laughed again. "Don't think I'll let you win so easily. I'll be in perfect health by then," he replied.
As the three of them talked, they were approached by two of the Four Storms, Maris and Floris. Maris spoke first, her voice softer than usual. "Jacaerys, would you like to join us for lunch?"
Floris, blushing, added, "We would be honoured if you could join us." She then extended the offer to Cregan and, a bit more reluctantly, to Sara.
Jace normally would've declined, but seeing the looks on their faces coupled with the exhaustion he felt, he accepted. He wasn't planning on doing anything important today, and this would at least get his mother off his back.
"I shall see you in the gardens then, my prince," Floris said softly, her eyes lingering on him. After they left, Cregan and Sara both laughed at Jace.
"I shall see you soon, my prince," Sara mocked, faking a girlish voice.
"Ooooh, my prince," Cregan followed.
Jace scowled at them before standing up. "You are cunts," he cursed at them, taking a word from Cregan's vocabulary.
"Sorry, my prince," Cregan said with mock seriousness, though the smile on his face gave away any kind of seriousness.
As Jace walked away, Sara and Cregan both followed him, doing their best impressions of Floris, saying, "Ooooh, my prince," and "Have lunch with me, my prince." "Ooooh, lunch, my prince." "Ooo, do you want me, my prince?"
As he moved to leave the courtyard, Edryck stood there, guarding the entrance. "Is my prince hungry?" he said with a blank expression.
Jace just sighed, wishing he had said no.
——————————————————
Alicent looked down on the courtyard with her father Otto standing next to her. She had watched Jace's entire sparring session just to make sure her daughter never tried to approach. "What does she even see in him, to have this level of obsession?" Alicent said as she rubbed her palms.
"You're letting your anger blind you," Otto commented. "Jacaerys is smart, good with a sword, and if the master of whisperers is to be believed, he's starting to buy buildings in King's Landing. He's also the future king. As of now, he's the most desirable match in the Seven Kingdoms," Otto stated bluntly.
Alicent wrinkled her nose at the "future king" part. "For now. Aegon will show his qualities as he grows. The Seven Kingdoms will look to him by the time Viserys passes."
"Perhaps," Otto said as he rubbed his chin. He hoped his daughter would not compromise the work he had done to ensure Aegon's succession. He had enough to worry about with Jace. Jace was proving to be quite popular among the smallfolk and lords alike. The story of his travels to Valyria had spread like Dragonfire, and he even believed there were a few songs. He would grow up to be a dangerous adversary. This left him with two choices: he could urge the marriage between Jace and Helaena, which would guarantee his family's safety if Rhaenyra ascended, or he could continue to make alliances with other great houses. The Lannisters and the Tyrells would make powerful allies when the time came. It took more than dragons to win wars, and dragons were not as invincible as everyone believed. The Dornish had proven that, which was why Otto had invited them to feel out the possibility of an alliance. It had been a hundred years since Aegon and his sisters attacked Dorne. He hoped the hate between them could be set aside. Perhaps they could even be brought into the realm through marriage.
"Has Aegon been taking to his lessons with you?" Alicent asked.
Otto shook his head. "He'd rather be out having lunch, training with Ser Criston. He's started to show interest in women as well."
"He is approaching his twelfth name day. It is to be expected," Alicent commented.
"Indeed, though he must be watched. I don't want to have to deal with any bastards he fathers on handmaidens or servants," Otto stated.
Alicent did not reply and instead kept watching the courtyard where Jace sparred with three squires. In the corner, she saw two of the Baratheon daughters looking at Jace as if he were a prime cut of beef. It annoyed her more and more until she finally couldn't take it. "I'm going to talk to Viserys," she said as she turned on her heels and started walking down the corridors. Otto frowned as she did this but did nothing to try and stop her.
Alicent walked down the corridors to Viserys' recreational room. Inside, the King was chipping away at his model of King's Landing. As she entered, Viserys smiled at her but continued his modelling. She did not smile back. A heavy silence fell between them as Viserys focused on his task.
"Alicent, are you well?" he asked.
"I am not," she replied as she walked over to a pitcher of wine and poured herself a cup.
Viserys frowned and put down his tools. "Is there an issue with which you need counsel?" he asked.
Alicent took a deep drink. "I find myself accosted from all sides and my husband nowhere to defend me," she said almost angrily.
"What do you mean?" he asked as he leaned back in his seat.
"Our daughter is being spurred on to rebel against her own family by Rhaenyra's wretched spawn," she spat out.
"Careful, Alicent. That is my grandson you speak of and the future King of the Seven Kingdoms," Viserys said with a frown on his face.
She looked towards him. "Do you not see what he does? How he hangs around our daughter nearly all moments of the day? Even Helaena believes she will marry him," Alicent said with a humourless laugh.
"What would be wrong with that?" Viserys commented as he struggled out of his seat and approached his own pitcher.
"The way I see it, Helaena and Jace marrying would solve all the conflicts I've seen brewing in the family," Viserys stated.
Alicent had to stop the look of displeasure from showing on her face. She wouldn't let any of her children, let alone her precious daughter, marry into Rhaenyra's blood. Most of her children were bastards. If not for Jace taking his father and grandfather's eyes, she would think the same of him. She had to play this differently, hide her hate, for the sake of her family. For alliances for her children when Viserys inevitably passed away.
Taking a deep breath, she walked over to Viserys. "You would take away the fruits of my hard work," she questioned.
Viserys looked at her questioningly. "It was I and my father who organized this tournament. It is us who invited all the great lords of the realm and their children to King's Landing. There are many matches for our children all here at our behest, and you would throw that away by betrothing Jace to Helaena."
"The realm is at peace. House Targaryen has never been stronger. This is all unnecessary," Viserys commented.
"And how do you think we will maintain that strength? Jace and Helaena are already bound by blood. You would simply waste two matches that could be made by betrothing them," Alicent reasoned.
Viserys hummed. "That is true. We could make a much more effective match. The Velaryons are already bound to the throne. Perhaps a Tyrell or Lannister match," he wondered.
"I believe after the tournament we should foster Helaena with my family in Oldtown," Alicent stated.
"Is that not a little extreme?" Viserys replied with a frown.
"She will be closer to the Lannisters and the Tyrells and will be able to continue any courtship," Alicent said as she stepped closer.
"She's still young. She shouldn't be away from her family," Viserys said. He had a soft spot for his daughter, and while this would be a good time for fostering, he was still reluctant to do so.
"She is only a few years away from flowering. She will be married a few years after that. This is what's best for her," Alicent said as she took hold of Viserys' hand, rubbing it.
Viserys sent her a warm smile. "Perhaps you are right. I shall think on it."
"That is all I ask," Alicent replied as she placed her cup down and left Viserys to continue his activities.
——————————————————
Helaena brushed her hair as she looked in the mirror. Daella stood behind her, untying the plait she had worn that day. Seeing the sad look on Helaena's face, Daella leaned in and whispered, "It'll all be fine. Jace will not let them separate you," hugging her from behind.
Helaena gave Daella a weak smile. In some part, she agreed. Jace wouldn't let them be separated. But she remembered what he had said to her when he had spent the night. 'Be a dragon,' he had told her.
"I shouldn't be a burden on him... I am the blood of old Valyria. I shouldn't be afraid," she thought to herself.
'Be a dragon.'
"I'm going out, Daella," Helaena said, surprising the girl.
"Where are you going?" Daella asked.
"The Dragonpit," Helaena replied as she stood up, wrapping a cloak around her nightdress. Like Jace, she knew all the tunnels of the keep and so she didn't have any problems leaving the Red Keep.
Helaena moved through the secret passages with ease, her heart pounding in her chest. The cold stone walls were familiar, comforting in their solidity. She avoided the guards and servants, her footsteps light and quick. The city was quieter at night, the bustling streets now empty and still.
She made her way to the Dragonpit, pulling her hood down as she approached. The tamers and guards recognized her immediately and did not challenge her. She walked into the pit, her eyes adjusting to the dim light. She saw the familiar shapes of Syrax and Caraxes, their scales glinting in the torchlight. As she ventured deeper into the pit, a large torrent of flames erupted in front of her, accompanied by a deafening roar.
Helaena felt herself go stiff, fear gripping her body. Her legs trembled, and she nearly fell to the ground. The dragon's roar echoed in her ears, and she felt a cold sweat break out on her skin. But she forced herself to stand up, summoning the courage to continue.
She trembled as she got closer to the source of the flames. This was Dreamfyre, the mount of Rhaena Targaryen. The dragon's eyes followed her every move, its growl resonating in the cavernous space. Smoke curled out of its nostrils and mouth, the heat palpable even from a distance.
"Calm, Dreamfyre," she said in Valyrian, her voice shaking. ("Rijes, Dreamfyre.")
Helaena reached her hand out, her heart pounding. She moved forward slowly, her steps hesitant. "Calm," she repeated in Valyrian. ("Rijes.")
She touched the dragon's snout, feeling the rough scales under her fingertips. A deep rumbling sound came from Dreamfyre's throat, and Helaena smiled slightly, feeling a warmth spread inside her. She moved along the dragon's neck, her confidence growing with each step.
Summoning her courage, she climbed up on Dreamfyre's back. The dragon leaned down, allowing her to mount more easily. Once she was seated, Dreamfyre stood up, and with a powerful rush, the dragon burst out of the pit, making Helaena scream. The dragon flapped its wings, taking to the sky.
At first, Helaena was terrified, clutching tightly to the dragon's scales. The wind whipped through her hair, the city below a blur. But soon, the fear was replaced by exhilaration. She screamed for joy as they soared over King's Landing, the stars above and the lights of the city below creating a breathtaking view.
Dreamfyre flew gracefully, the night air cool against Helaena's skin. She felt free, untethered from the worries and fears that had plagued her. They flew over the city for what felt like hours, the dragon's powerful wings carrying them effortlessly.
Eventually, Dreamfyre began to descend, landing gently in a courtyard. Helaena's eyes widened in surprise as she saw Jace standing there in his nightclothes. He had seen the dragon in the air and came to investigate. She laughed and jumped into his arms, feeling a rush of happiness and relief.
"It's all going to be okay," she said, her voice filled with joy. "They can't keep us separated anymore," she added.
(AN: Not much happening in these chapters basically just building up the time skip. Next chapter will be a mini time skip after Jace starts training with Maegor and Daemon two of the most skilled Targaryens in history. Anyway I hope you enjoyed the chapter.)
If you like my stuff consider supporting me.
Patreon.com/captainalfie78works