145 AC
The Second Day of the Third Moon
Braavos
Jaehaerys' POV
I woke to the first rays of the morning sun spilling into our room, casting a warm glow over the bed. Alyssa stirred beside me, her body instinctively curling closer as she mumbled sleepily, "I want to sleep." I couldn't help but smile as I leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her brow, savoring the peaceful moment.
"It's our nameday, love," I whispered, brushing a few strands of hair from her face. Her eyes fluttered open, gleaming with that familiar mischievous sparkle. Before I could react, she pulled me closer, her lips capturing mine in a kiss that chased away the remnants of sleep and replaced them with a growing heat.
"I don't want to become old," Alyssa murmured against my lips, her tone carrying a hint of a pout as she pulled back just enough to look at me, her expression almost childlike in its sincerity.
"Thirty-four namedays," I teased, my voice light as I brushed my thumb over her cheek. "You've become an old woman now."
Her eyes narrowed playfully at my words, and in one swift movement, she straddled me, her hands finding their way to my throat, but the pressure was light, almost teasing. "Mind your tongue, dear," she warned, her voice a low purr as she leaned forward, her lips hovering just above mine.
"Or what?" I challenged, my hands resting on her hips as I met her gaze.
"Or else you'll be sleeping alone for the next year," she retorted, a smug grin spreading across her face.
I felt a shiver run down my spine at her words, but before I could respond, her hands slipped beneath the sheets, finding their way into my pants. "I doubt you'll manage to sleep alone," she whispered, her lips brushing against my ear as her hand moved with a deliberate slowness that drove me wild.
As our lips met in a slow, lingering kiss, I felt Alyssa's body relax against mine, her warmth seeping into me. The morning sun bathed us in its soft light, making everything feel even more intimate, as if the world outside had paused just for us.
"Alyssa," I murmured between kisses, trying to bring myself back to reality. "The children must be awake by now. They'll want to surprise us."
"They can wait," she whispered huskily, her breath warm against my lips. Her hands, gentle yet insistent, began to trace a path down my chest, sending shivers of anticipation through me. The world outside ceased to exist as she slipped her hand beneath the sheets, her fingers deftly finding their way into my pants.
My heart raced as our kisses deepened, each one more urgent than the last. Her touch was both familiar and electrifying, awakening a need that only she could satisfy. I could feel the tension building between us, the room growing hotter, the space between us shrinking as we moved closer, desperate to close the distance entirely.
But just as we were about to surrender completely to the moment, the door creaked open, shattering our bubble of intimacy. In a panic, I quickly rolled to the side, throwing Alyssa off me with more force than intended. She landed with a soft thud on the other side of the bed, her surprised gasp turning into a stifled laugh.
Before either of us could react, our children burst into the room, their faces alight with excitement, oblivious to what they had interrupted. Alyssa shot me a mock glare, her lips twitching with amusement as she scrambled to sit up, quickly smoothing down her disheveled hair.
I couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of her, my heart swelling with affection. The moment might have been interrupted, but as our children clambered onto the bed, their laughter filling the room, I realized that this—this chaotic, imperfect, and utterly beautiful life—was exactly what I wanted.
Alyssa, catching my eye, flashed me a mischievous grin that promised revenge for tossing her aside. But for now, as I wrapped my arms around my family, I was content to simply enjoy the happiness that filled the room.
"Kepa, muna, take us flying!" the twins shouted in unison, their voices filled with excitement.
"Rhaegar, Rhaella, calm down," I said, addressing my eldest children, who had just celebrated their sixth nameday. The two of them were a force of nature, their energy and enthusiasm a reflection of their mother, Alyssa.
"Kepa will take me flying first!" Visenya chimed in, her tone tinged with the fierce determination of a four-year-old. Her little face was set in a stubborn expression as she declared, "Kepa promised!" The children's playful arguing quickly filled the room.
"All of you, calm down," I said, though my words barely reached them as they continued their squabble. In the midst of the commotion, I noticed a servant entering the room with my youngest son, Aelyx, who was two years old. The little one was busy gurgling happily, his tiny hands grasping at the air as Alyssa took him into her arms.
"Do not worry, my children," I said, trying to soothe their eagerness. "Your mother and I will take all of you flying."
"Until your dragons grow big enough to carry you themselves," I added with a smile, and their silver hair and purple eyes sparkled with joy as they cheered, their excitement renewed.
"Kepa, why is muna's hair all messy?" Rhaella asked, her innocent eyes wide with curiosity.
"And why aren't you wearing a shirt, kepa?" Rhaegar chimed in, his little brow furrowed in confusion.
I exchanged a glance with Alyssa, who was barely able to contain her laughter, her lips twitching with amusement.
"Well, your mother and I were… busy wrestling," I said, trying to maintain a straight face as the children looked at us, their faces a mixture of confusion and intrigue.
"I want to wrestle too!" they shouted, climbing onto the bed and launching themselves at me, their small hands pushing me down as they tried to pin me beneath them.
"Oh no! The little dragons are too strong for Prince Jaehaerys!" Alyssa exclaimed with mock concern, her laughter ringing through the room as I playfully fended off the children's enthusiastic attacks. Their giggles filled the air as they grew more determined to "defeat" me.
Seeing them I remembered how my brothers and I used to fight on my nameday as I grew melancholic.
"All right, children, that's enough," Alyssa said, stepping in with her authoritative tone, though her eyes still twinkled with amusement. "We can all beat your father later, but for now, go and break your fast—otherwise, no flying for any of you!"
With that, the children scrambled off the bed, racing out of the room to eat, their laughter echoing down the hallway.
Alyssa handed Aelyx to me, and I held my youngest son close, his tiny fingers gripping mine as he contentedly chewed on them. I watched as Alyssa moved to get ready for the day, her presence filling the room with warmth.
A knock on the door drew my attention, and I called out for the person to enter.
"Happy nameday, my prince," a familiar voice said as the door opened. Gaemon, the youth who stood before me, bowed his head respectfully.
"Gaemon, how many times have I told you not to address me as 'prince'? 'Uncle' will suffice," I said, walking toward him with a gentle smile.
Gaemon was the bastard son of my eldest brother, and he had been sent to Braavos by my brother to serve in our household when he was just thirteen namedays old and now he was a man grown knighted by me. Though he was a good-hearted boy, I knew the burden he carried from not being trueborn, and it pained me to see how much it hurt him.
"You are too kind, my prince," Gaemon replied, his head still bowed. "But I cannot, in good conscience, call you anything but that."
I sighed softly, understanding the struggle he faced. Placing Aelyx on the bed, I moved closer to Gaemon and gently lifted his chin so that his violet eyes, so much like mine, met my gaze.
"Look at me," I said, my voice firm yet warm. "You may not have my name, but you have my blood, and that is all that matters."
A small, soft smile tugged at his lips as he looked up at me, and I could see the gratitude in his eyes.
"Now, give your uncle a hug," I said, opening my arms to him.
Gaemon hesitated for only a moment before stepping forward and embracing me. I wrapped my arms around him, holding him close as if to shield him from the harsh judgments of the world.
"Thank you, Uncle," he whispered, his voice filled with emotion.
"Always, Gaemon," I replied, my voice gentle. "You are family, and that will never change."
"There was a missive, Uncle, from the Sealord's palace," Gaemon said, his voice carrying a note of unease as he handed me the sealed letter.
I took the missive, feeling the weight of the wax seal beneath my fingers, and broke it open. As I read the contents, my expression darkened, the words on the page casting a shadow over the lighthearted morning.
"What is it?" Alyssa asked, her voice tinged with concern as she approached me, sensing the shift in my demeanor.
"The Sealord has summoned a meeting of all the various magisters," I said slowly, my eyes still scanning the parchment. "As well as the keyholders of the Iron Bank. He wishes for me to attend as well."
Alyssa's brow furrowed as she tried to decipher the meaning behind the summons. "Does he wish to convince you to fight the Pentoshi?" she asked, her tone serious.
"No," I replied, shaking my head slightly. "He knows well the agreement between the Free Cities concerning us—the Targaryens—and the use of our dragons." My voice was steady, but there was a tension underlying my words. The Free Cities had long kept a wary eye on us, knowing the power we wielded.
Alyssa nodded in understanding, though her expression remained troubled. The unspoken fear between us was palpable; the Sealord's invitation carried with it a gravity that could not be ignored. What could he possibly want that required the presence of so many powerful figures? The question lingered in the air like a dark cloud.
"Tell the children that we will have to postpone our flight for later," I said, my tone apologetic yet firm. Alyssa nodded, her eyes lingering on mine, reflecting the unease we both felt.
She stepped closer, placing a hand on my arm. "Take care," she whispered, leaning in to give me a gentle kiss. Her lips lingered against mine, as if trying to ward off the ominous feeling that had settled between us.
As she pulled back, her eyes softened slightly. "I have a surprise for you tonight," she whispered into my ear.
------
As my ship docked in the shadow of the Sea Lord's Palace, I took a moment to admire its grandeur before disembarking, Gaemon by my side. The journey to the palace had taken some time, as the manse gifted to us by the Sea Lord lay on the outskirts of Braavos, where the dragons could roam freely without causing the Braavosi concern.
Awaiting me was the Sea Lord himself, flanked by his First Sword and a colorful menagerie of attendants.
"Prince Jaehaerys," the Sea Lord greeted me with a broad smile as I embraced him warmly.
"Sealord Amadeo," I replied as we exchanged pleasantries.
"I know this meeting was called rather suddenly, and my wife wishes to strangle me for it—she was eager to meet your wife and the children ," he said with a light laugh.
"I'll pray for your soul, old friend, for your wife is as terrifying as mine," I responded with a smile, and we shared a moment of camaraderie as we walked into the palace.
As we made our way toward the hall where the meeting was to be conducted, Amadeo turned to me.
"How long have we known each other, Jaehaerys?" he asked.
"Well, it must be close to fifteen years. Braavos was the first Free City we arrived at after leaving Westeros," I recalled.
"Aye, those were the days," he said, his voice tinged with nostalgia.
"You were younger then, without a single grey hair," I teased, earning a mock glare.
"And you have barely aged," he retorted with a chuckle.
But as we approached the hall, his tone shifted. "Onto other matters, the magisters are pushing for war," he said, his words heavy with concern.
Hearing this, I stopped in my tracks. "Is that why I was called?" I asked, my voice growing cold.
"They've been breathing down my neck, Jaehaerys," he confessed. "But this is just a meeting, and those who wish for war are few in number," he added, though his reassurance felt hollow.
We entered the hall, and the moment we did, everyone rose from their seats. Amadeo ascended to his throne as the magisters and keyholders of the Iron Bank paid their homage. Yet, I couldn't help but notice their eyes lingering on me, filled with something more than mere curiosity. A sense of foreboding settled over me as I realized that the shadows of war were not as distant as I had hoped.
"I have called this meeting to decide Braavos' course of action regarding the impending war among the Free Cities," Amadeo announced, his voice resonating through the grand hall.
All eyes were on the Sea Lord as he continued, "Due to the shifting tides of power, the future of the Free Cities hangs in the balance. After the Triarchy's resounding victory over the Velaryons, the bond between the three cities has only grown stronger. United by blood and fire, they have worked together to weaken their ancient foe, Volantis. For fifteen years, they have waged a proxy war, using pirates as their pawns. But now, the game has changed. A series of assassinations of high-ranking members on both sides has ignited the flames of war."
Amadeo paused, allowing the gravity of his words to settle. "A war between the Triarchy and Volantis will lead to instability across the Narrow Sea," he said, his gaze sweeping across the room. "But this war does not concern us. Let the Free Cities fight among themselves and bleed each other dry."
The Sea Lord's words sparked an immediate response, a chorus of voices rising in opposition.
"We should strike Pentos!" one of the magisters demanded.
The Triarchy had initially focused their attacks on Pentos, seeking to bring the city to its knees. But when Volantis entered the fray, their attention shifted, leaving Pentos in ruins, barely able to sustain itself after paying off a Dothraki horde.
I observed the magisters, their eyes gleaming with greed as they envisioned Pentos as ripe for the taking, despite its weakened state.
"Even weakened, Pentos is still a Free City," Amadeo countered, his voice firm. "How many men and ships will we lose if we attack the Pentoshi?" He turned his attention to the keyholders of the Iron Bank. "What do you say?"
The keyholders conferred among themselves before one of them, an elder with a face as cold as the coins he hoarded, stepped forward.
"The Iron Bank has always acted in the best interest of Braavos," the keyholder began, his voice as smooth as silk. "And right now, the best course of action for Braavos is to free the Pentoshi slaves."
The room fell silent, shock rippling through the gathered assembly. Even I felt a jolt of surprise, and I could see the astonishment in Amadeo's eyes.
"Sealord Amadeo, our victory is assured," the magister Gerrio chimed in, a sly smile playing on his lips. "After all, we have a dragon." His gaze shifted to me, and I could feel the weight of every eye in the room following suit.
"There has been an agreement among all the Free Cities regarding the Targaryens' presence in Essos," Amadeo said, his tone sharp. "And that agreement is that the Targaryens will not ally with any Free City in the event of war."
Gerrio's face reddened at the Sea Lord's words. "Words are wind, Sealord," he snapped. "Have we not given sanctuary to the dragons and their kin? It is time we make use of them."
"Magister Gerrio," I interjected, my voice calm yet edged with steel, "I am not a weapon to be wielded at your convenience. I will not break my word to the other Free Cities."
"Prince Jaehaerys, I did not realize you were such an honorable man," Gerrio sneered, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Where was your honor when you murdered your own sister and her entire family?"
A cold silence settled over the hall. Gaemon, standing beside me, clenched his fists, fury barely restrained.
"Mind your tongue, magister," Gaemon growled, his voice low and dangerous.
"Calm down, nephew," I said, placing a hand on Gaemon's shoulder. My gaze then locked onto Gerrio's.
Amadeo's voice cut through the tension like a blade. "Magister Gerrio, you stand in my court remember that," he said, his words laced with warning. Gerrio lowered his eyes, the bravado draining from him.
But as the magisters resumed their debate, I could not shake the feeling that darker forces were at play. The shadows that clung to the corners of the hall seemed to grow deeper, and the scent of treachery lingered in the air. War was coming, whether we wished it or not, and I feared that Braavos would not remain untouched by its fires.
I walked toward the field that lay beside my manse, a haven where the dragons could stretch their wings and my children could play without fear. In the distance, I saw them—my children, laughing and carefree, their dragons by their side, with Alyssa watching over them. Vermithor and Silverwing were coiled together, a symbol of our bond, their great forms at ease in each other's presence.
As I neared a lone tree at the edge of the field, a servant girl approached, carrying my youngest son, Aelyx, in her arms. I gently took him from her, his tiny body warm against mine as I settled beneath the tree's shade. He was fast asleep, his face serene, and I couldn't help but press a soft kiss to his brow.
I looked out at my other children as they played with their dragons, their laughter ringing through the air like music. Gaemon, ever the dutiful nephew, joined in their games, and soon enough, the children pounced on him, wrestling him to the ground. His laughter echoed across the field, infectious and full of joy. Even Alyssa, though her face was marked with concern, couldn't suppress a small smile as she watched them.
Aelyx stirred in my arms, giving a soft cry. I cradled him closer, whispering gently, "Did you have a nightmare, my son?" His small eyes met mine, still clouded with sleep. "I have nightmares too," I continued, my voice barely above a whisper, "and someday, I'll explain them to you."
I felt the memories begin to rise, unbidden, as they often did in moments like this. Memories of fire and blood, of losses too great to bear. But then Aelyx reached out, his tiny hand brushing against my cheek, and the darkness receded.
"But I will tell you how I survive them," I said, looking into his eyes. "I make a list in my head of all the good things I've seen, of all the lives I've changed, every little moment of kindness I can remember."
I closed my eyes for a moment, letting the warmth of the sun and the sound of my children's laughter wash over me. "It keeps me grounded," I continued softly. "It's not always easy, but it helps."
When I opened my eyes again, I smiled down at Aelyx. "When I look at you, your siblings, your mother… I find the strength to go on," I said, my voice thick with emotion. I kissed his forehead once more, holding him close as if I could shield him from the world.
Alyssa caught my eye from across the field, her earlier worry giving way to a gentle smile. She knew the weight I carried, yet she also knew how much these moments meant to me. As if on cue, the children turned their attention to her, shrieking with delight as they tackled her to the ground. Their laughter filled the air, and even Alyssa couldn't help but join in, her laughter mingling with theirs.
I watched them, my heart full, knowing that these moments—these fleeting, precious moments—were what kept me whole. The past would always be there, a shadow I could never fully escape. But here, in this field, surrounded by my family, I found solace. And that, for now, was enough.
I gently tucked my children into bed, placing soft kisses on their foreheads before quietly leaving the room. As I walked toward our bedroom, I saw Alyssa sitting in front of the mirror, combing her hair.
"The children are asleep?" she asked, her voice warm and familiar.
"Aye, they are," I replied, a soft smile tugging at my lips. "I had to tell them about our adventures in Yi Ti."
Alyssa let out a short, lighthearted laugh. "We had more adventures than we could count," she said, standing up and walking over to me. "And we both grew up together, so I can tell when you're hiding your emotions."
She gently placed her hand on my face, her touch as soothing as ever. "What is it, my love? Are the nightmares returning?" she asked, her eyes searching mine with concern.
I closed my eyes for a moment, then opened them, feeling a heaviness in my chest. "I miss them, Alyssa. I miss my brothers, my nephews and nieces, especially the ones who were born after we left. I miss Mother," I admitted, my voice trembling.
"I used to be a brother once, a son, an uncle... You know how much I love our children, and how much I love you," I continued, my heart aching with the weight of all I had lost.
"but I have not seen them for the past fifteen years, my own flesh and blood", I said.
Alyssa's expression softened, and she took a deep breath. "There's something I need to tell you, Jaehaerys," she said quietly, her tone laced with sadness.
She walked over to the table and picked up a letter, handing it to me with a trembling hand. "I received this a day ago. Grandfather passed away in his sleep."
I felt the world shift beneath my feet, the shock coursing through me like a wave. Before I could fully process it, she spoke again. "And Aegon… Aegon is coming to Braavos."