My Life As An SI In King Viserys' Court

I have no idea if I'm doing this right so please correct me if failed.

I stood by my sister and mother as we watched a large beautiful red dragon land in our courtyard at Runestone. A tall man stepped off and removed the dragon winged helmet he wore, showing his handsome face to the world and letting his silver hair flow.

My mother scoffed beside me.

I took a moment to study the man's features as he approached my sister and I, though not before he cast a dirty look my mother's way.

Daemon was the most handsome man I had seen in this life, short as it had been, or the one before it and was prettier than most women; only my mother had him beat.

He was tall and strong but more lean than muscular. His eyes a dark purple and on his lips was a confident smirk. My father wore a black gambeson with a red three headed dragon on the front and on his hip hung Dark Sister.

He stopped in front of me and spoke Valyrian, almost too quickly for me to catch and I knew my sister didn't understand a word of it. It was only thanks to how simple what he said truly was that I caught it at all, truth be told.

"How have you been my son?" He had a faint look of what I thought was pride on his face as he spoke and I was reminded again of how different this Daemon was from what I expected.

I had been born into this world almost four years ago now, the younger of a set of twins.

I had screamed and cried when I came into the world and hadn't been able to stop until I was firmly wrapped in my mother's arms and drinking from her.

Everything had felt so loud and bright and cold that I don't think I even understood what had happened. Though that didn't last for long.

I had died and realized pretty quickly where I was. They spoke English thankfully enough and there were only so many people that a silver haired purple eyed man named Daemon who wore a black tunic with a red dragon could be after all.

My father had proclaimed my name to be Baelon and my sister's Alyssa. He seemed happy in those days, not that he often was seriously angry around me or my sister anyway. But it was the happiest I had ever seen my father and mother be while in the same room together.

My father had only been 16 at the time and my mother 22 but both seemed enamored with the idea of children of their own. Perhaps they thought that with these children they'd be able to make their marriage work and eventually they could find love for each other. But my father and mother had thought the same when I had been born in my previous life and the result was hardly different here.

The two just weren't compatible and neither wished to be married to the other. My mother thought Daemon too arrogant and immature and my father thought his wife overbearing and boring.

The Rogue Prince stayed in Runestone for the first 2 months after my birth, partially to see if any dragons would hatch from the eggs he had given us and partly due to how in love he was with holding something he had created.

It was said constantly of my sister and I that we took after our father a great deal. My sister had his eyes and I had his hair and we both had his complexion.
But we did not take after the prince completely. My sister had the black hair of our mother while my eyes were much brighter than her and father's dark purple, a lavender so bright it looked almost pink in the correct lighting.

Neither of our eggs ended up hatching, a fact which dampened Daemon's enthusiasm slightly but not by much. When we were two months old he took us flying for the first time, a short ride on Caraxes around Runestone.

"My mother did this when I was your age," he always spoke to us wistfully and slowly in Valyrian those days.

Alyssa had taken to flying like a natural, making little sounds reminiscent of giggles and smiling the whole time. I on the other hand had been terrified, though I have to admit it was by far the most exhilarating thing I'd done in either of my lives.

Mother had been the angriest I had ever seen her when we had landed. She ripped into Daemon calling him an irresponsible child and yelling at him to leave and not come back.

The prince had looked genuinely upset by her yelling and I believe that to be the moment they truly realized that they didn't belong together.

Daemon was a sixteen year old boy, young and spoiled who dreamed of nothing but flying and winning battles and glory for his grandfather, father, and brother. Rhea was a woman six years his senior who already understood that her father was rapidly aging and that she, and by extension her children, were his only clear heirs.

It was like trying to put a sophomore in highschool together with someone who had already gone through college and worked a full time job. They just weren't compatible.

"My mother died when I was young," Daemon had said the night before he left, speaking to two babies who he believed wouldn't understand a word he said, the only ones who would listen and the only ones he would tell, "I wish to be a good father more than I've wished for anything before, but I won't take you away from your mother.

I'll come visit as often as the bitch will have me and take you riding when I can. Goodbye for now Alyssa," The boy wiped away unshed tears as he said my sister's name and gained a faraway look as he often did when speaking to her, as if trying to remember something you weren't sure even happened, "Goodbye Baelon."

The Rogue Prince made good on his promise to visit and always made a trip at least once a month. As he grew older he became more like the Daemon I would have expected but always was gentle with my sister and I, though he had never been allowed to take us riding again.

"I have been well father, though I have missed you," I spoke in slightly accented Valyrian, and it was true, for all Daemon's faults he had always been good to my sister and I.

He smiled down at me and ruffled my hair before turning to my sister and pulling her into a hug asking her the same question to which she responded much the same as I in her own heavier accented Valyrian.

"Should you not approach the heir to the castle before her children, Prince Daemon?" My mother cut into the conversation though not unkindly.

"Not when her children are a prince and princess," The Rogue Prince responded, rolling his eyes.

"And what brings another Prince of the Blood to my humble castle?"

At that question Daemon's mood soured.

"My father is on his deathbed," The prince said solemnly, "I would have my children see him again before he leaves us."

My mother's eyes widened at that before softening. No doubt she wondered the same thing everyone else was wondering, who would be the heir now?

I had met my Targaryen grandfather and great-grandfather along with other members of my family only once, when mother and my Royce grandfather had brought my sister and I to King's Landing for the tourney celebrating my great-grandfather's 50th year on the throne.

Had I actually been the one year old I was supposed to be at the time I likely wouldn't remember them but as it stood I did.

Baelon the Brave seemed to be who I took most of my looks from. At least, we had the same eye and hair color. He had been big, strong, and charming. He was quick to laugh and happy to have three grandchildren around him.

The Old King had been old even when I met him three years ago but he had been wise and charming and he too seemed happy with having more of his family around him.

Good Queen Alysanne was graceful and quick witted even at her old age. She had delighted in spoiling her young grandchildren and I would have liked to see her again however she had died the year prior.

The Velaryon side of the family had been bitter that Rhaenys had been passed over even then and so refused to attend.

There had been other Targaryens there but not many and none who had lived to see Baelon die.

"How long does he have?" Mother asked, her eyes soft.

"He was in bad shape when I left. The Grand Maester said he had less than 3 days," The Prince replied.

"You plan to use your dragon then?" Beside me Alyssa took in a deep breath and turned to me with a thousand watt smile, latching onto my arm. I'm not sure how much of the conversation she understood but she definitely got that Daemon planned on flying us somewhere.

"Of course," The Rogue Prince replied sharply, "It has been too long since they have flown. No child of the Blood should be afraid to step foot near a dragon."

My mother seemed worried but unwilling to deny my father the right to take his children to their dying grandfather, "I would have them stay for the funeral then," My father seemed suprised but touched by his 'Bronze Bitch' and nodded her his thanks.

Daemon turned sharply and yelled at a servant nearby, "Your Prince and Princess will need clothes for the next fortnight, go and fetch them."

He turned back to us and ruffled the two of our hair again.

"The journey is going to be hard. The two of you probably don't even remember the last time you flew and now you'll be flying all the way to King's Landing," He was back to speaking Valyrian now.

"We will be fine father," I did my best to assure him, "We are your children, after all."

With those words the Rogue Prince was smiling and practically beaming down at me.

Flattery never hurt anybody.
-
A/N
So there's that. Let me know what you thought and anything you think I can improve on.

I don't have a beta reader so feel free to point out any grammar mistakes or spelling issues or just things that don't read smoothly, somethings are bown to fall through the cracks. Also feel free to ask any questions and I'll do my best to answer them.

Let me know what you think and the next chapter will be out Wednesday.​

 

Alyssa giggled and shrieked as her father made his dragon do complex twirls and dives through the sky. She had never been as happy as she was in that moment, strapped to her father's chest and pressed between him and Baelon who himself was strapped to the dragon's back. Her father was smiling and cheering just as much as her, though Baelon was strangely silent.

"Are you not enjoying yourself, my son?" It seemed that father had noticed Baelon's mood as well.

"I am father," her brother replied though his voice shook, "But this is the first time I've ever rode a dragon," That was true but Alyssa had no clue what it had to do with how quiet he was being. After all, it was her first time too.

"Your second time," father corrected him and Alyssa found herself wondering when he had rode a dragon before and why he hadn't decided to tell her, "There is no reason to be afraid, Baelon. Nobody can harm you while Caraxes and your father are near." Alyssa agreed with him on that.

Caraxes was massive, big enough to carry all three of them and her and Baelon's clothes and looked very ferocious. She couldn't imagine anything challenging him, especially not with her father around.

Despite how big and ferocious Caraxes was her father said that even he could not fly straight to the capital from their home, because of that they were forced to land at a scary castle for the night where Alyssa saw more dragons than she ever dreamed of.

Father hadn't let her watch them for long before putting the siblings to sleep however. Even though she was angry with him for taking her away he was right that she was tired, she fell asleep the moment her head hit the pillow.

The castle was as scary during the day as it was at night but it wasn't all bad, the servants there called her 'princess' and her brother 'prince' while serving them a massive breakfast and dressing them in beautiful black clothes with red dragons styled on the front and back. Back home those things only happened when important people like Jeyne were visiting.

Alyssa had pouted when the servants went about brushing her and Baelon's hair, she had always been jealous that he had been gifted with their father's pretty silver while Alyssa was cursed with the boring black hair of their mother.

Though she supposed Baelon had to get something of their father's. After all, everyone always said that Alyssa had her father's eyes, mouth, nose, and brow. The inverse was true for her brother, his face resembled their mothers greatly and his eyes had been lightened by her pale blue.

Despite how comfortable it was they weren't allowed to stay in the castle long as father strapped them back on to Caraxes and started the second half of the flight to the capitol.

Now that Alyssa had stopped yelling and laughing her father had too went silent for a while, Alyssa was old enough to realise it was one of those silences that Baelon said shouldn't be broken and so she kept quiet.

"With father dying Vhagar will be riderless," Father said eventually and joy flooded Alyssa's chest, she was smart enough to understand where this was going, "Once the two of you turn seven or eight I would take you to try your hand at taming her."

Alyssa didn't try to stop herself from pouting, "Why can't we tame her now?" She knew she sounded spoiled but Baelon and her father often listened to her more when she did.

Father didn't answer for a moment and she feared she had said something wrong, she looked down at her brother but his eyes were focused on father's face.

"You're too young," he said finally, "I had wished to claim a dragon when I was your age as well but it is too dangerous," Alyssa felt tears start to burn at her eyes but she tried to hide them, Baelon would be disappointed if she cried over something small like this.

"Do not cry, my little dragon," Her father said sweetly, wiping away at her wet eyes, "I won't make you wait too long."

Something dark crossed over her father's face and when he spoke next it was with what Baelon called his 'Rogue' voice, "Someone might steal her if I do."

Alyssa didn't know what he was talking about but she knew better than to talk to him when he got like this.

She was quiet the rest of the ride.

-

When the three of them arrived in the capital, father hadn't allowed them to eat, change, or even brush their hair before taking them straight to their grandfather.

Alyssa had been surprised to hear that she had another grandfather and was confused as to why anyone would want to make such a long trip just to have others meet him.

She didn't dislike her grandfather back home but he wasn't as nice as her father and he didn't listen to and teach her like brother did. He wasn't mean but he had never picked her up or wrapped her in a hug. Part of that was due to how often he spent in his bed, Alyssa figured.

Though, this grandfather had allowed for Alyssa and Baelon to ride upon Caraxes and look at many other dragons so she was fairly certain he was better than her old one.

The city that they eventually arrived in was the largest she had ever seen, it was at least two times the size of Gulltown!

Father landed Caraxes in a courtyard and ordered food and water be brought for the tired dragon before ushering them away.

Eventually he had decided that Baelon and her weren't moving fast enough and picked them up, carrying them to a room with a man in white armor standing in front of the door. The man didn't try to stop them and simply let her father through.

Once the door had been opened her father seemed to realise that he had spent that last day and half riding on a dragon and tried to straighten out his hair and clothes before walking in.

Inside the room a man who looked much like her father laid in a bed covered in blankets, though Alyssa noticed that he had the same hair and eyes as Baelon. The man had wrinkles around his eyes and mouth though they did little to detract from his good looks.

Beside his bed a man bigger than her father, though not taller than him, stood. He had pale violet eyes though not as light as her brother's or the man on the bed's. His hair was more golden than silver and was cut shorter than her father's and on his face he had a mustache where her father was clean shaven.

Alyssa didn't think the man standing beside the bed was anywhere close to as nice looking as her father or the man on the bed. Beside her Baelon grabbed her hand and squeezed.

The man beside the bed said something quickly to father that Alyssa didn't quite catch and father responded in Valyrian, saying something she didn't understand.

The man on the bed pushed himself up and a smile spread across his face at the sight of the three of them.

"You probably don't remember your grandfather, children," the man beside the bed said and he was right that Alyssa didn't but Baelon probably did. He never seemed to forget anything, "It's okay, you can come and speak with him," He smiled gently at Alyssa and she began to pull Baelon towards their grandfather, he always had been the more nervous of the two when around new people.

Once they reached the bed the man extended his hand and Alyssa took it hesitantly, "I am your grandfather," he said slowly and softly as though speaking to a scared cat, "My name is Baelon. What about you?" Alyssa was put off to find out this strange and weak man had the same name as her brother but she didn't forget her manners.

"I'm Alyssa Targaryen and this is my brother Baelon Targaryen," she replied in as clear a voice as she could just as mother had taught her, "Why are you named after my brother?" She was allowed to ask questions now that she had been properly introduced.

All the men in the room laughed and Alyssa's cheeks grew red as she realized that they were laughing at her. She was just about to yell at the strange men when her brother grabbed her shoulder and spoke, "It's the other way around, Alyssa. I'm named after him."

She felt slightly embarrassed for asking a question that seemed dumb to the men but when Baelon explained things to her he didn't make her feel stupid the way the septons and maesters sometimes did. He simply smiled at her and responded as though what she said was perfectly reasonable.

Baelon had known more about everything than Alyssa did since she could remember and always did what he could to teach her. In return Alyssa brought him into games with the other children when he was too scared to do anything but sit inside and read.

The man on the bed, Baelon supposedly, broke off her thoughts as he reached down and lifted her onto the bed, still chuckling, "Not only is your brother named after me but you are named after my wife."

Alyssa rolled her eyes at that. Of course she knew that she was named after her grandmother, her father told her stories of her whenever he visited.

"This one has some spirit to her," her grandfather laughed again before placing her back on the ground, "I'm glad to have met you, Alyssa Targaryen," he said and for a moment looked much like father did when he spoke of grandmother.

Alyssa wondered what she could gave possibly done to make her father and now her grandfather scared and emotional to even say her name.

Father reached down and lifted Baelon onto the bed next to Baelon. Alyssa giggled at the thought.

She stopped paying attention to what they were saying and instead walked out onto the balcony to watch over the city. Shortly after she was joined by her brother though he paid more attention to what the men were saying than the game she tried to drag him into.

Viserys and Daemon were speaking low in fast Valyrian that Alyssa wouldn't have understood fully even if she tried to pay attention but Baelon seemed engrossed in whatever they were saying so she tried to understand as well.

They were saying something about cousins, claims, and dragons though for every word Alyssa understood there were 10 she didn't.

Baelon often got like this when the adults forgot that the two of them were there. Personally Alyssa always thought those conversations boring and she knew if anything important was said in them then Baelor would end up telling her anyway, so she looked back down across the city.

"Enough!" The man on the bed interrupted her daydreams of dragons, "I won't spend my last days hearing my sons plot against my uncles and nieces. Daemon, take your children and eat with Viserys, Aemma, and Rhaenyra. I'm sure they are hungry after their trip and wish to see someone their own age," Alyssa was surprised, nobody ever spoke that way to father besides mother.

"Understood, father. I will bring the children around again tomorrow," Alyssa was even more surprised by her father's reaction, he always fought mother when she spoke like that.

"I will look forward to it," Baelon the Boring replied with a warm smile towards Alyssa and her brother.

Despite not knowing him for very long Alyssa found herself thinking that she liked this grandfather more than her other one and was actually quite excited to see him in the morning and play with him once he got better from whatever was keeping him in bed.

-

A/N

The original schedule for this book was supposed to be every Sunday and Wednesday but I've decided that's a dumb schedule so from now on you can expect a chapter every Monday and Friday. Though technically a chapter was posted on early Monday on this site so just take this as an extra chapter.

For those of you who have only watched the House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones TV show this story takes place 2 years before the first episode, less than a year before the council shown at the start.

I'm using book ages and descriptions here though, if things are left ambiguous in the books (which they often are for anyone not a main character) I might look to the show for reference. That means that rather than being a seemingly teenage girl in the first episode of the show Rhaenyra would be only 8 if those events take place here.

It's mentioned in passing here but in the Vale Baelon and Alyssa are referred to as Lord and Lady Royce by most servants, though prince and princess by their fellow lords. So yes, Baelon is heir to Runestone though with how quickly the Targaryens are dying they are more important as prince and princess, and thus possible heirs to the kingdom.

Now I'm going to go and try watching the next three episodes of the HotD, I've always been more of a book, wiki, and fanfic than TV show kinda guy and I find TV shows hard to keep interested in but I thought the first episode was amazing so I hope the rest continues that way.

Next chapter will be on its way Friday.

 

"Who could possibly have a claim as great as yours," My father asked, sounding frustrated.

"Laenor Velaryon is the grandson of the king's oldest son," Viserys was quick to point out.

"Laenor is a child."

"A child dragonrider."

"This 'dragonrider' rides upon a hatchling no larger than a mut," My father was quick to dismiss, "It won't be ready for war for many years still, much like the boy who rides upon its back."

"That boy's mother rides a dragon comparable in size to your own Caraxes. Not to mention that he has the full treasury and fleet of the Velaryons behind him along with all the men of the Baratheons. They have King's Landing surrounded, while we have no natural allies save for the mother of your children."

"We need no allies," My father scoffed, "Jaehaerys will name you his heir and all the lords in the realm will flock to you even if Rhaenys attempts to push the claim of a seven year old."

"And if they don't?" Viserys asked, "If he doesn't?"

"The father of my Bronze Bitch is Lord Protector of the Vale and Warden of the East, he could-" But my father didn't get to finish before Viserys cut him off.

"He can't and won't. If he even tried to pull something like that then he wouldn't be Warden of the East for much longer."

My father was quiet and I took that to mean he agreed. Beside me Alyssa pulled at my arm but I hushed her.

"Vaegon is Jaehaerys' last remaining son," Viserys at least seemed to realize that nothing new could be added to the discussion on Rhaenys and Laenor.

"He has been in the Citadel for too long. He has no allies and no dragons. He has no claim. Even if grandfather wished to name him, he is forty years old and isn't even married," My father dismissed him easily as well and this time it wasn't hard for Viserys to nod his agreement.

"We have an aunt still living besides Jocelyn."

Daemon outright laughed, "The whore? The woman Jaehaerys disinherited because she fucked her way through all her sworn swords and ladies in waiting?" By this point Alyssa had given up on dragging me into whatever game she was playing and was instead looking over the city.

"In the end Laenor is my only true rival," Viserys said, putting his head into his hands.

"Grandfather will name you heir, Viserys," My father assured his brother, "After that let Rhaenys attempt to put her son on the throne and I will fly Caraxes directly to Storm's End, we will see how loyal Boremund remains with a dragon burning his keep."

"Enough!" Alyssa startled next to me as Baelon cried out from the bed, "I won't spend my last days hearing my sons plot against my uncles and nieces. Daemon, take your children and eat with Viserys, Aemma, and Rhaenyra. I'm sure they are hungry after their trip and wish to see someone their own age."

"Understood, father. I will bring the children around again tomorrow," Daemon bowed and leaned forward to hug his father with Viserys following soon after.

It seemed odd to me how disconnected Alyssa and I were from the conversation. One would think that a dad would wish for his children to spend all the time they could with their grandfather before he passed, my mother had in my first life, but both Baelon and Daemon seemed content with the handful of words passed between us.

"I will look forward to it," Baelon replied with a bright smile towards Alyssa.

With that father was ushering us out of the room, Viserys not far behind.

A Kingsguard fell into step behind us as we left while one stayed behind at Baelon's door. The man was old and bald with grey eyes, he looked at least sixty to me and moved as you would expect a man his age in full armor to move

"If you still worry about Rhaenys then don't brother," Daemon spoke up as we walked, "Jaehaerys passed her over once already, he will do so again."

My father's assurances seemed to do at least something to reassure Viserys as his shoulders relaxed and his face calmed.

I wouldn't call Viserys handsome or beautiful like my father or Baelon the Brave. He had some pudge on him and wasn't as tall as Daemon who stood at least six feet. He also had a mustache. He was however pleasant to look at and honestly rocked his dad bod.

After sometime Viserys left us and Daemon brought Alyssa and I to a room we would be sharing, I'm sure we could have had our own rooms but Alyssa would rather be with me at her side while we slept. She snuck into my room so much at Runestone that we practically shared anyway.

"While we are in the capital I will need to find someone to protect you, I can't be at your side at all times," At most times in the Vale my sister and I were protected by our cousin Sir William Royce, the wielder of Lamentation, though for obvious reasons he wasn't with us now.

"Stay in your room for now, I'll send some servants to draw a bath and dress you for dinner in a moment," With that our father was gone.

"What did you think of our grandfather Baelon?" Alyssa asked.

"He was nice enough, though he didn't seem particularly happy to see us," I suppose being on a deathbed changes people. The Baelon I knew had loved his grandchildren well.

"He looked a lot like you," Alyssa giggled, "He even had your name."

I hummed as I continued to explore the room we had been given. It was larger than our's back in Runestone with two separate rooms diverging from the main room which had a table with chairs to take meals and a desk to answer letters and do work. Off to the left was a room with a tub and not much else and to the right was a bed and dressers.

"What were father and the other man talking about, Baelon?"

"Boring things. Nothing a young princess like you needs to worry about," I replied, testing the softness of the bed and sheets, they were better quality than in Runestone as everything seemed to be.

"Tell me!" Alyssa pulled on my arm with all the strength of a four year old girl and turned me around to see her pouting face.

"Stop that, a princess shouldn't pout," She didn't stop, "They spoke of who would become king after Jaehaerys passes."

"Won't the king's son become king?" I smiled at her innocent question.

"The king's last son is currently on his deathbed. He has only grandchildren."

There was a knock at the door, "You may enter," Alyssa spoke up in her most confident voice which was utterly adorable in my opinion.

A few women entered followed by my father and a man dressed in relatively expensive looking armour.

"These are the servants that will take care of you while we stay here," My father said pointing towards the women already filling the bath with warm water and the dressers with clothes, "And this is Ser Steffon Darklyn, he is a gift from your grandfather. Ser Steffon was a man in the guard of the crown prince and now he is yours."

"It will be an honor to continue serving a Prince of the Blood," Ser Steffon seemed to be around the age of my father, though not as tall and not as pretty, he was handsome with a strong jaw. He had grey eyes and brown hair and was clean shaven with a sword on his hip.

"You will be serving a princess as well," I pointed out and my sister puffed out her chest as much as she could with a happy look upon her face.

"Of course, my prince, my apologies princess," Ser Steffon bowed low and spoke humbly. I decided I liked him.

"I will be back again later, we have been invited to dinner with the rest of the royal family," That made me slightly nervous but my father put that to rest, "Don't worry, it's not as though the Velaryons will be there," He laughed at his own joke and Alyssa began to laugh as well though she didn't understand.

Before long my father was gone once again and the bath was full of water, "All of you out, my sister and I are more than capable of washing ourselves," The servants looked hesitant but followed after Ser Steffon who was on his way out from the moment I stated my order. I had never been okay with any servants washing either Alyssa or I as the servants in Runestone knew.

Alyssa stripped naked and soon after so did I before sinking into the bath. I was sure to wash Alyssa's hair with as much care as I could and she… well she was only four.

Before long I had Alyssa and myself dressed and ordered a servant to enter and help to make sure our clothes were in the best state possible before heading to dinner with the king.

-

Father came back to our room after a few hours of Alyssa and I sitting around talking about whatever came to mind, which in Alyssa's case was often dragons.

There were two young Kingsguard protecting the door to the small dining hall which the royal family would be meeting in and as we walked in I was quick to notice we were the last to arrive and the least well dressed, though nobody seemed offended thankfully enough. Daemon had made the meeting out to be casual though it was clearly more formal.

At the head of the table sat an old man with a long beard and white hair that might have been just as much due to his age as his heritage. His eyes were the common purple of House Targaryen and you couldn't ignore how tired they looked. More than likely he was handsome in his youth but now he was pale and thin and was much like I would imagine Gandalf or Dumbledore looking.

Behind him stood another two members of the Kingsguard, though these two were much older than ones in front of the door. One was dornish and slim while the other was pale and built like a bull.

To Jaehaerys' right sat Viserys and beside him was a rather adorable child, she had the best of the Targaryen features. Her eyes weren't light like mine and my grandfather's nor were they dark like my sister and father's but were perfect amethysts, a haunting color. Her curly hair was the perfect mix of gold and silver and was pulled into a long braid and she was dressed in the finest clothes I had ever seen, not even Jaehaerys' own robes compared. She could only be Rhaenyra Targaryen.

To the left of Rhaenyra was a young woman who must have been her mother, her hair was long and golden and her eyes blue. She was pretty, though with the other women I had recently been exposed to I would hesitate to call her beautiful. She was thin and willowy and couldn't be older than twenty but she had sat gracefully.

Across from Jaehaerys was a man with the traditional Targaryen looks dressed in the robes of a Maester. He was frail and had a long face and was the only Targaryen I had met that I did not consider beautiful in their own right.

Father escorted Alyssa and I to Jaehaerys' side where he introduced us, "This is Alyssa and Baelon, your great grandchildren, grandfather," Daemon said bowing slightly at the waist, a move which I was quick to copy and Alyssa followed our example.

"Yes, I remember my grandchildren, Daemon," The old man chuckled slightly but it didn't reach his eyes, "Another Baelon. I'm sure you will grow to be just as brave as the last."

"Thank you, your grace," I didn't look at the Old King and instead kept my eyes pointed towards the ground.

He turned to Alyssa who did not share my nervous air, "You are very old," She proclaimed suddenly. I put my hand on her shoulder quickly to scold her but Jaehaerys just waved it off with a laugh.

"It would seem this one already takes from her namesake well," Jaehaerys continued to smile and chuckle, though it seemed more real this time.

"Sit down already, Daemon, we have spent enough time waiting for you already," Viserys eventually spoke up and my father brought us to the left side of Jaehaerys, himself sitting next to the Old King with myself across from Rhaenyra and Alyssa next to me.

Before long servants had food brought in and the table devolved into separate conversations. Daemon and Viserys were doing their best to subtly needle Jaehaerys about the next heir while Aemma and Vaegon were speaking of the latter's time in the Citadel.

My self of course, being physically four years of age, was stuck talking to the other four year olds who seemed destined to argue over every small thing they spoke of.

"You've rode a dragon?" Rhaenyra seemed very excited by the idea and honestly I don't blame her, "Do you think uncle could take me?"

But Alyssa scoffed, "You're not yet mature enough to ride a dragon, isn't that right Baelon?" Alyssa attempted once again to bring me into the conversation but unfortunately for her I didn't plan on making enemies with Rhaenyra just yet.

"I'm sure the princess is more than mature enough to ride a dragon, though whether she will or not will be up to her father," Alyssa turned to me with the most betrayed expression I'd ever seen anyone wear upon her face and I could even see her eyes water as Rhaenyra shot her a victorious look.

Honestly the amount that Alyssa was affected by other people's comments was sort of ridiculous even for a child her age.

Of course I didn't tell her anything like that and instead reached over to pull her into my arms and pat her head, "Hush now Alyssa. There's nothing to cry about."

"But you're supposed to be on my side," She muttered into my chest.

"Well clearly he has switched to the winning side then," Rhaenyra was looking entirely too smug.

"No he hasn't," Alyssa's tears had turned to anger now, "He was just trying to save your feelings from the truth. Honestly brother you're too nice sometimes," Alyssa didn't seem to fully agree with her assessment of the situation but was also unwilling to think the reason was anything else.

Things continued with this nature for what must have been an hour before a knock was heard at the door.

"Your grace, Maester Runciter brings a message on prince Baelon's condition."

"Send him in," Was the Old King's immediate answer.

The moment the old man entered the feeling changed. His eyes were somber and his body tired, "I'm sorry, your grace. Your son has died." And with him went the Conciliator's final hopes of one of his children succeeding him.

Oh well, it only leaves me in a better position. From here the true game starts

-

An

The only more on the nose I could have been with that ending is if once Viserys takes the throne I have Baelon say "And so begins my life as an si in King Viserys Court." (Which I absolutely will be doing.)

I consider this chapter to be the end of the 'prologue'. From here forward Baelon will be less of a blank slate and his true personality will be coming out more.

Now if you aren't reading this on AH then this next part might confuse you but on AH there was a large debate on whether or not Baelon would be a Targaryen or a Royce.

I try not to enter debates on my story that have a definitive one or the other answer, as it kills the debate by reason of "the author said" but I will say that Baelon will become a Targaryen. If you completely disagree with that and will no longer read my story because of it then I'm sorry but I believe you to be in the minority.

There were good debates and reasons for both sides but for my story and the character I want Baelon to be he would not even think about giving up the most powerful name in the world for his vassals and mothers family.

I'd appreciate if any I told you so or complaints about how stupid this is are kept to a minimum.

Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed, new chapter coming Monday.

 

"We will need a glorious group of knights to protect us from these savage Dornish, my wife. They shall be named the Kingsguard and will protect us with their lives," The young princess Rhaenyra proclaimed in an adorable attempt at a kingly voice.

"That's not how it went!" Protested Alyssa, "It was Visenya who created the Kingsguard not Aegon," Rhaenyra made to scowl though it was more of a pout on her childish features.

Ser Steffon's young charge had been brought by Rhaenyra to her chambers so they could play Aegon and Visenya. Though the game turned into Aegon, Visenya, and Rhaenys when Alyssa insisted on joining.

Ser Steffon would have thought it would make sense for the only boy to play Aegon but Rhaenyra didn't seem to agree with his conclusion and had insisted on being the Conqueror which ended up with Baelon as the Wielder of Dark Sister. Ser Steffon had been roped into being any of the siblings' various enemies, from Harren the Black King of the Isles, to young Ronnel Arryn the King who Flew, even Meria Martell the Yellow Toad of Dorne.

"I'm the king!" Replied Rhaenyra, "If I want to be the one to make the Kingsguard then I'll be the one to make the Kingsguard! Why are you even still here? You should have left after dying in Dorne."

"Baelon doesn't want me to leave," Alyssa proclaimed, "He enjoys my company."

It was amusing for Ser Steffon to see both young girls turn to the young prince for help only to find him yawning with his face in his hand while staring out the window. It was equally amusing the way both girls shot him sympathetic looks, taking his boredom as support towards their side.

"Even if that were true as I'm the king I could order you away."

"Baelon would come with me if you did," Alyssa declared confidently, "We are twins. We won't ever be separated for long, everyone says so," The statement earned another pout from Rhaenyra and it was all Steffon could do to continue fighting the smile that had been working its way up his face since the children had begun the adorable play.

It was true that the twins were seldom seen apart and anywhere one went in the Red Keep they might hear servants and ladies alike gushing over the young dragons.

Baelon was praised for his maturity, quiet wit, and grace while Alyssa was praised for her charming nature and fearlessness, many claimed that she was in nature the replica of both her father and grandmother. Many of those same people claimed that Baelon was the image of Jaehaerys in his youth.

For most they were seen as a spot of sunshine in an otherwise bleak and fretful capital. Most of what the people said of the 'Bronze Dragons' was even true. Baelon seemed quiet and shy at first glance but it would only take a single conversation with him to notice his intelligence. Much greater than that of any child Ser Steffon had ever met before, not that he had met many.

Those in court who did not know the two well would claim Alyssa had Baelon wrapped around her little finger but Ser Steffon had seen first hand that it went both ways. He knew that the reason for the twins always being in close contact was Alyssa, the young girl would cry if away from her brother for too long and always needed to be reassured and comforted by him.

Luckily for her, Baelon was not like most other four year olds and was capable as well as willing to provide his sister the comfort she sought.

A knock at the door broke Steffon from his thoughts and caused him to take a step forward while the Kingsguard tasked with protecting Rhaenyra, Ser Harrold Westerling, fell back towards their young charges.

"You may enter," Rhaenyra called out as she moved to sit beside Baelon.

Of course Alyssa immediately responded to this by moving to sit on the other side of her brother.

"Have you been having fun, Rhaenyra?" Aemma Arryn entered the room with all the grace expected from a noble lady and Ser Steffon along with Ser Harrold gave her a shallow bow.

"Yes mother, Baelon made a fantastic Visenya. Though our Rhaenys left something to be desired," Rhaenyra, as with much that she said, replied haughtily.

"Oh?" Aemma turned her gaze to Baelon with an amused smile, "Did my Rhaenyra force you into being a woman?"

"I'd rather be Visenya than many of the men alive at the time, my lady," Baelon had a polite smile on his face as he often did while speaking, "Speaking of Visenya is there any news on whether Vhagar has left the capital?" Baelon the Brave had died the night before, and he had kept his dragon Vhagar in the Red Keep alongside Jaehaerys own Vermithor ever since he had been named Hand of the King.

Now that Vhagar was riderless, doing so seemed a foolish idea. The Good Queen Alysanne's dragon Silverwing had also resided in the Keep though it returned to Dragonstone along with the queen years before she died. Now the largest dragon in the world was loose in the capital and there was nothing anyone could do about it. All anyone could hope was that Vhagar would fly back to the volcano at Dragonstone, the place she had been hatched.

"Last I heard Vhagar still resided in the Godswood," Sighed Aemma, "Hopefully she will be gone before she can destroy the Red Keep and all of King's Landing."

Ser Steffon thought that the Targaryens were entirely too calm about the fact a dragon was loose in the capital but it was not his place to question the royal family.

"I wonder if I might visit her," Baelon was looking in the direction of the Godswood and seemed to have no clue just what a startle his words gave the adults in the room, "I imagine she is terribly lonely. Perhaps the company of the son of her rider would do her well."

Ser Steffon could feel his face soften from the boy's innocent words. The prince seemed so much older than he was at times that it was easy to forget he was just a child and didn't fully understand why going near a wild ferocious beast was a bad idea.

"A noble idea, my prince," The Lady Aemma spoke up with a soft smile on his face, "But Vhagar is grieving, she is just as likely to lash out at you as to take your comforts well," Ser Steffon believed that Vhagar was just as likely to eat the boy because she was a wild beast but Aemma's take on things certainly helped to spare his young charge's feelings.

"Vhagar wouldn't hurt Baelon," Protested Rhaenyra, "He is a Targaryen! No dragon would harm him!" For once Alyssa and Rhaenyra seemed united on an issue as the former nodded her agreement.

Aemma fought to find a reply for a moment before answering, "You will need the permission of your mother and father in any case and it isn't likely for them to agree. Now children, you must be getting ready for the funeral."

"Yes mother," Replied Rhaenyra before turning to Baelon and pulling him into a hug, "I will see you soon Bael," Alyssa made a face as though the nickname was sour.

"See you soon Rhaenyra," The prince grabbed his sister's hand and with a slight bow to his cousin the two were on the way to their room.

"Do you really mean to visit Vhagar brother?" Alyssa asked after a moment.

Baelon looked back towards where Ser Steffon was before turning again towards his sister and spoke to her in slow simple Valyrian.

Some rich lords could afford a tutor from the Free Cities to come and teach their children the language and some houses were lucky enough to receive a Maester who spoke it but this was far from common.

It was of course easier for the Targaryens to learn the language seeing as they had family members who could speak it to them. It was said princess Rhaenyra's first sentences were a mix of Common and High Valyrian.

Ser Steffon didn't know a word of High Valyrian however and so didn't understand a word of what was said between the siblings, which of course was Baelon's point.

At least Ser Steffon could make out that Baelon was explaining something to his sister before turning back to Ser Steffon, "I need to speak with my father. Escort my sister to her room and help her to pick out her clothes but do not bathe her or dress her."

"My prince, perhaps I should go and get your father while you escort the princess," Steffon was not eager to leave his young charge alone, even in a place of safety like the Red Keep.

"No. I only need to speak briefly with my father, you will take my sister to her room, Ser," Baelon spoke as commandingly as he could and the expression on his face was obviously an imitation of his father's.

"Be safe, Bael," Alyssa spoke while pulling her brother into a hug.

"I'll be fine Alyssa," Laughed the young prince, "I'm only going to visit father."

"Alys, The princess interrupted, "You should call me Alys."

Her brother looked at her in confusion for a moment before amusement flooded his face, "Alys then," With that the prince was gone though his sister stayed in place.

"If you don't mind my asking, princess, where is your brother actually going?" Alyssa looked shocked that he could possibly doubt her brother's claim and Steffon couldn't help but snort.

"He's going to speak with father," She spoke with all the seriousness of a four year old and turned to walk towards her room.

"Will he be doing something that he shouldn't?"

"No!" Alyssa denied, "Baelon said that father would be happy when he found out."

"I see," Now Ser Steffon had an idea of what Baelon was doing. He thought of whether or not he should attempt to stop the young prince but decided not to.

It wasn't his place to question a Targaryen prince's birth right in claiming a dragon and even if Daemon wouldn't allow it Steffon was Baelon's knight, not his father's.

"In that case we need to get you prepared for the funeral. Perhaps the realm will have reason to celebrate in this bleak time," Or perhaps the time would only get bleaker.

Ser Steffon continued to escort Alyssa to her chambers where a black dress was laid out for her. When the time came that the young princess must have bathed or be dirty for the funeral Baelon still wasn't back and so Ser Steffon ushered the servants out and guarded the door while she bathed herself.

He helped the servants make sure that her clothes fit her right and that her hair was properly brushed and Baelon was still missing. He escorted her towards the Dragon Mount where a small funeral would be held among the Targaryens and close relatives before the smallfolk would be allowed to give respect. Baelon was not there when they arrived.

"Where is my son, ser?" Prince Daemon asked harshly once he realized that the young prince had not been brought along with his sister.

"In truth, my prince, I do not know," Ser Steffon had a decent idea but it was not his place to give up the secrets of his prince.

"You left my son with no guard?" Daemon's voice had gotten low rather than rising and Steffon felt that was more worrying.

"He asked me to escort the princess to her room while he spoke with you, my prince," By now the conversation had drawn the full attention of the other funeral goers.

"Alyssa, my dragon," Daemon turned towards his daughter, still speaking in his low, dangerous tone, "Where has your brother gone?"

"He," Alyssa stuttered over her words, "He wanted to visit the dragon."

The room's reaction to this varied greatly. Rhaenyra had a smirk on her face while her parents looked worried, Daemon had a fierce mix of pride and anger on his face, while only the slightest hint of interest could be seen on the Old King's face.

"And why," Daemon spoke very slowly now, "Did your brother say he wished to visit Vhag-"

A roar so loud it shook the whole city broke out from somewhere above the Dragonpit and unless Meleys had returned atop her 'Red Queen' there was only one dragon it could be.

Cries of, "Dragon landing!" Were heard all throughout the pit and all the Targaryens turned to see as one of the outer cage doors opened and in walked the largest dragon in the world with a child of four years old riding on its back.

Ser Steffon could feel his hair turning grey as the young prince Baelon waved towards them all with a happy smile on his face.

-

I'm very sorry how late this chapter came out. I had it mostly done all day but I needed to get blood work done and so didn't get home until about an hour ago. Though, at least for me, this chapter is still coming out on Monday so you can't be too mad right?

With this chapter the answer of what dragon has been answered for Baelon though not for the other 3 Targaryen children.

Not sure how likely a Friday chapter will be. Maybe I'll post one Wednesday before I leave or maybe I will be able to post it while I'm gone but if not I'll get three done next week.

 

"How could you?!" Rhea Royce was thrashing and screaming with her arm caught in Daemon’s hand, the moment he had landed Caraxes in Runestone she had descended upon him without letting him even say a word.

Four months had passed since Baelon's claiming of Vhagar and during that time there was hardly anything else anyone in the capital would speak about, Daemon included. He could be found boasting throughout the city's taverns to anyone who would listen about how great his son was.

The youngest dragon rider Westeros had ever known and he had needed no urging from his father to push him into that decision. 'Baelon the Brazen' the people of King's Landing had taken to calling him, an homage to both his grandfather and his Royce heritage.

Were Daemon to choose which of his children would be so brave as to claim Vhagar he would not have chosen Baelon. His son had always been bookish and preferred to stay inside getting whatever knowledge he could from books than to play with the other children. The maester told Daemon that often the only times Baelon would leave the library was if Alyssa was pulling him along.

That Baelon had not been present in the capital. The boy there had not only claimed Vhagar but made fast friends with Rhaenyra along with any young Lordlings he could and was regarded as a charming and well mannered child. Perhaps it was true that a dragon affected the personality of their rider.

Baelon was the youngest dragon rider the Seven Kingdoms, and possibly the world, had ever seen yet even young Dragon Lords needed to return home to their mothers once all the excitement was done. Baelon and Alyssa had taken a ship back to Runestone along with Ser Steffon while Vhagar flew alongside them.

Now Daemon had finally found time to leave the capital and fly to Runestone and even though Rhea showed no sign of calming down the guards approaching with their swords drawn were enough for Daemon to release her.

Thankfully Daemon's wife did not attempt to attack him again as she stood breathing heavily, her face red from a mix of anger and exertion.

"And what, my dear wife, have I done to earn your ire?"

"What have you done?!" Rhea looked like she wanted nothing more than to take another swing at him but restrained herself. When she spoke again her voice was lower, "Our son, Daemon. You threw our four year old son to the largest dragon in the world on the slim chance that just maybe he would managed to claim it."

Daemon attempted to interject but Rhea wouldn't have it, "What would you have done if Baelon was unsuccessful? Would you have thrown Alyssa to Vhagar after the dragon was done eating her brother?!"

"Baelon claimed Vhagar himself. I had no part in it," Daemon was more than a little proud of that fact.

"You had no part?" Rhea scoffed, "The boy's father only speaks to him in Valyrian. His father has him wear his hair in the Valyrian fashion. His father gave him a dragon egg while he was a babe in his crib. His father took him on a dragon ride when he was barely old enough to open his eyes. And yet he had no part?" She spoke more to herself than to Daemon.

"Baelon loves dragons. He always has. Any scrap of knowledge he can get from the Freehold he consumes greedily," Daemon defended himself, he knew what she was trying to say and he disagreed. After all he had warned his children not to attempt claiming Vhagar.

"Alyssa loves dragons. Baelon loves you," Rhea said with more than a hint of bitterness as they made their way towards Runestone's solar, "He wants to be just like you, he always has. The only thing a boy his age wants to be is their father. So take some responsibility."

"If you want to mark me as the reason for why our son is the most secure he has ever been then be my guest."

"More secure? Don't be a fool," Rhea dismissed, "Tell me Daemon. When the Sea Snake decides that our side has too many dragon riders and potential dragon riders, who do you think he will send assassins after? Fearsome Prince Daemon, wielder of Dark Sister or Baelon the 'Brazen', four year old boy not even old enough to hold a large stick let alone a sword."

Daemon's fist clenched around his sword, "Let any assassin lay a hand on my children and House Velaryon, along with Driftmark, will have naught but a page in a history book as their legacy."

"It is not that simple and you know it. You are no fool, so do the math Daemon. A dragon rider, the best fleet, the largest treasury, and a Lord Paramount. And what does your brother have besides your own Caraxes? A secondary house and a four year old boy? Those are not good odds."

Daemon took a seat and downed a goblet of wine before pouring himself another, "We have the rightful heir."

"Do you? Were the question who was to inherit Runestone and not the Iron Throne, Rhaenys would be the heir."

Less than a fortnight after Baelon left the capital, conversation in the Red Keep had turned to a new topic. A Council was to be held at Harrenhal and every great Lord was invited to take part in choosing their next King.

Daemon thought his grandfather had grown senile in his old age. A King wasn't the High Septon or Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, the people he ruled over didn't get to choose him.

In peace only a King could make another man King of seven kingdoms and in war only dragons could. Jaehaerys had followed this logic well throughout the majority of his fifty year reign, even going against the wishes of his wife to do so. Why now, when the realm was closer to civil war than ever before, did Jaehaerys decide that a weak and indecisive man who let his Lords make decisions for him was a good king?

Daemon could not find the answer no matter how hard he searched.

"But that is not the question and thus Viserys will be king. Rhaenys has already been passed over once before. Her having an infant son changes nothing. Do Saera's bastards have a claim because they were born after she was cast from the family? No. They do not."

Rhea sighed and gave up the argument before it could start, "I assume you are here to secure support in the Vale?"

"Boremund is already preparing his banners and Corlys is readying his ships. They are prepared to fight for Laenor's claim."

"Then you would find more success at Pike or on the Arbor," Rhea scoffed before continuing sarcastically, "Runestone has barely enough men to equal Lord Baratheon, you cannot expect us to match the Velaryon fleet as well."

Daemon rolled his eyes, "There won't be a war so thankfully you won't be called upon to match their strength. But we cannot be seen to do nothing while Corlys threatens us. You will begin to muster your troops and meet with the other Lords of the Vale and be sure they are supporting the right side."

"You do not control me Daemon. Nor do you control Runestone," Rhea glared at him from across the table, "And in case you haven't noticed, I, a woman, just so happen to be the ruler of Runestone and Jeyne Arryn will be Lady of the Vale, what makes you think that we will support Viserys and not Rhaenys?"

"Your son is Viserys' nephew. Whether you sit in Runestone with no support shown towards Viserys or raise an army and lead it in his name that doesn't change. As far as Corlys is concerned Baelon is on our side and thus so are you."

Rhea sighed and Daemon knew she agreed before she spoke, "I will write who I can and make a show of training some more guardsmen, but other than that there is little I can do. Now, will you be staying in Runestone long? Our children have missed you."

Due to everything going on Daemon had been unable to visit his children and had even missed their Name Day earlier that month, "I will stay until the morning and give them their gifts and then I will return to Harrenhal to meet with our allies."

"They will be glad to see you," For a moment the two sat in awkward silence, neither knowing what to say now that they weren't arguing.

"Have you heard the news from Dragonstone?" Daemon asked eventually.

"No, I'm afraid word does not travel as quickly to Runestone as to King's Landing," Rhea sniffed.

"Rhaenys was seen making a trip to Dragonstone atop her Red Queen and she was seen leaving with another dragon accompanying her. Laena has claimed Silverwing."

Rhea snorted, "Well she certainly acts fast. And what was the king's reaction?"

"He was unhappy obviously, but due to his unwillingness to name Viserys heir there is nothing he can do. He gave Baelon no reprimand for claiming Vhagar, doing so for Laena would show clearly who his favored candidate is. Now, on the subject of dragons, where is Vhagar being held?"

"I have had the walls of a stable broken down for her, for all the good it does. She can have no guards and at anytime she wishes she could leave. I would say your Caraxes is welcome there but I fear Vhagar has taken up all the space."

"And my son? How has Baelon taken to his dragon?"

"He goes riding upon her everyday, often with Alyssa," Daemon couldn't stop the proud smirk from spreading across his face nor did he try to. It was good his son had not turned out lazy and unwilling to take the time to properly get used to his dragon, "Go and see him now. He and Alyssa should be finishing their studies now and I have work to do."

-

"Father," Alyssa cried out the moment she saw him and immediately rushed towards him while Baelon hung back.

Daemon wrapped Alyssa up in a hug and took a moment to examine his children's guards. One was Ser Steffon, the Darklyn knight who had served Daemon's father while the other was Ser Willam Royce the wielder of Lamentation.

Ser Steffon was a brave and good knight who had served his father well for five years, he was decent with a blade as well though not one songs were sung of, his true strength came with his loyalty.

Ser Willam had the same black hair and blue eyes of Daemon's wife. He was brave and honest as well as loyal to his cousins. He was a great swordsman and only made better by the Valyrian Steel he wielded. When Daemon wanted a sparring partner while in Runestone Ser Willam was his preferred choice.

If Daemon were to be honest he would say that there were scarce other knights in the Seven Kingdoms he would rather have guarding his children.

"How have you been my dragon?" Daemon asked in Valyrian while smiling towards his daughter.

"Amazing father!" She exclaimed with a large smile, "Bael has taken me riding on Vhagar as many times as I want!"

"Yes, your brother has never been able to deny you anything," He almost spoke Valyrian but stopped himself when he looked towards Baelon and remembered what Rhea had said.

Baelon's face flushed slightly red, "It is a brother's duty to spoil his sister," He proclaimed after a moment.

"Yes it is," Daemon said while ruffling his hair, "And it is a father's to spoil his son. Now come with me and see the gifts I have brought you for your Name Days."

Alyssa looked shocked at his words and a frown spread across Daemon's face, "You did not think I forgot did you?" To which Baelon and Alyssa quickly shook their heads as Daemon began walking towards where he left Caraxes.

Alyssa quickly grabbed Baelon's hand and began dragging him after Daemon with a large smile across her face while Ser William and Ser Steffon fell into step behind them and Daemon found himself thinking that if Alyssa would always smile like that then perhaps even being behind the Velaryons for the Iron Throne would not be so bad.

AN

Well this came out later than was planned so I'm sorry for that. I had a funeral to drive to a few states away so for obvious reasons I was more focused on spending time with my family than writing which I think is understandable.

Once I got back I was focused on catching up with my schoolwork so yeah this chapter is coming out pretty late.

This chapter was pretty short and honestly I'm not super happy with it but I wanted to get something out to you guys so you got this sort of in between chapter before a timeskip. I hope it was still enjoyable.

New chapter coming Friday and at some point I owe you guys an extra update but that probably won't be this week.

 

My opponent raised his sword as quickly as he could but he barely got it up in time before I batted it away and followed up with a strike at the older boy's head that sent him stumbling. I was quick to follow after him and lashed out with a kick that sent him to the ground and knocked his sword out of his hand. I walked after him and brought my sword above my head.

"I yield!" Benedar was quick to yell out and immediately I stopped the strike, throwing my training sword to the ground and tearing off the incredibly stuffy helmet all of us were made to wear.

"Good fight, Ben," I smiled down at the boy and offered him a hand which he used to help himself up, "You've gotten better," I told him and I could hear Wyl Waynwood scoff from the side of the yard while Alyssa and Alayne Lynderly cheered for my victory.

Two years ago, shortly after Daemon's visit leading up to the Great Council, Rhea announced to us that Jeyne Arryn would be coming to foster in Runestone. With her came many other young Lords and Ladies and so Runestone has been more akin to an elementary school than a keep for the past few years.

The most notable of these young Lords and Ladies was of course Jeyne herself. She was an adorable child with long brown hair and grey eyes. Her personality was a lot like my sister's and they had become fast friends which led to me spending the most time with her out of any of the other kids.

"You did an amazing job Bael!" Alyssa was upon me the moment I had the massive bulk of wool and leather off of my body and wrapped me up in a hug, getting my sweat all over her dress.

"You get better everyday, Baelon," Jeyne was much more subdued than Alyssa but from the way she was smiling you would think I had just won a gold medal. It was refreshing how important everything was to children. The enthusiasm they had for a six year old beating up an eight year old with a stick was pretty infectious.

Of course it went both ways and the slightest insult was pouted over for weeks.

"I wouldn't celebrate too much. Little Ben is the worst swordsman I've ever seen and Baelon still is no match for me," Arnold Arryn was seven years older than me and had accompanied Jeyne from the Eyrie. I had tried to cozy up to him just as I had the other children but Alyssa and Jeyne had kept me away from him for the most part.

Understandable considering the way the boy always went on about how much stronger and capable men were than women whenever he got the chance. I wondered if he had any idea exactly who's castle he was in.

"Baelon is still young, cousin. But give him a few years and I'm sure he'll be to your level, perhaps even to the level of Adrian," Adrian Redfort was the best swordsman out of the older boy's and Arnold had never beaten him.

Arnold's face turned red and he opened his mouth to reply in what would no doubt be another long winded argument between the cousins but Alyssa was already pulling me away.

Since the young Lords and Ladies had come to Runestone I had done my best to get to know each of them as well as I could and let them develop some fondness for me. Even if all they could remember of me was, "That kid I used to play with as a child," I would consider that a win.

There was Benedar Belmore, the second son to Lord Belmore, who I was closest to save for Alyssa and Jeyne. He had red hair and blue eyes and like Arnold said he was the worst of us all with a sword, bow, riding, or anything physical. He spent all of the time he could in the library which is where I had most of my interactions with him.

Besides him there was Robar Hunter, heir to house Hunter, who was larger and older than Ben but not by much. He had brown hair and brown eyes and was the fastest of us along with being best with a bow.

There was Jessamyn Redfort, she had blue eyes and red hair and was around the same age as Jeyne. She was very shy however, and hung to Jeyne wherever she went so I only saw her when I was with my sister and her.

There was also her cousin Adrian Redfort, third son of Lord Redfort, who was the oldest, tallest, and strongest of us all. I learned swordplay from him when I could be bothered to ask after our regular training.

The last of the children was Wyl Waynwood, heir to house Waynwood. He was a plan boy a year or two younger than Arnold and if I was being honest he was rather dull. He followed Arnold around everywhere and tended to agree with anything he said.

Despite trying to spend time with the other children however I still spent most of my time with Alyssa. Case in point, her currently dragging me to Vhagar, something she had been doing everyday since she turned five and mother allowed us to ride more frequently.

"Do you think father will come visit soon," Alyssa asked in Valyrian. She always used the language when speaking about our family, a habit she had picked up from Daemon and I no doubt, even when there wasn't much reason to.

I took a moment to consider her question, Daemon had been absent more than usual since the Great Council, which had unsurprisingly gone the way it had originally. The Rogue Prince spent most of his time in King's Landing and though he made time to visit on occasion it was significantly less than he had before and the visits had only dwindled as time passed.

Alyssa was obviously hurt by his absence but I knew why he was gone. The king's health had been declining rapidly since the Great Council and if things continued on the way they had in the original timeline then he would be dead before the year was over.

"I'm sure father wants to visit, Alys," I put a hand on her shoulder as we made our way to the stables which housed my dragon, "He has been very busy lately."

"I know," She responded with a pout, "But mother says you should never be too busy for family."

"Mother is right," I agree, "But father is very busy," Alyssa looked distinctly dissatisfied with my answer but her pout quickly turned into a smile as we saw Vhagar.

The moment I had realized who I was and was old enough to walk I had immediately started reading all the books I could on dragons in the Runestone library. Eventually Daemon had taken notice and was more than happy to provide me any books he could that Runestone didn't have but none of them truly did me any good.

No matter what way you look at it there simply isn't a good way to attempt claiming a dragon. Sure having a good relationship with the dragon might help and maybe if you were descended from its precious rider you would have a better chance. Even the one thing everyone agreed helped, Valyrian heritage, wasn't a guarantee. If a dragon decided you were dinner, blond hair wasn't going to help you. Simple fact was that if a dragon wanted you as it's rider then you would be its rider, if not then good luck not dying.

So I had decided to just go for it. I would never be in a better position or have a stronger dragon to claim so why not make the attempt when I could? It was either I died and got to leave this world before anything truly terrible happened to me or I got a massive boost to my strength and a headstart in becoming a true player in this world.

So I resolved to go to Vhagar and simply approach her before making an attempt to mount her.

Of course the moment I walked into the Godswood and Vhagar set her eyes upon me I was frozen with every thought of mounting her leaving me. For those few moments my brain was stuck between running and making myself look as small as possible.

Eventually she turned her, surprisingly intelligent, eyes from me and scoffed before laying back down. I promptly collapsed to the floor and sat there for what felt like hours before forcing myself to stand on shaky legs. I couldn't get any farther than that, my mind was stuck between approaching the dragon and running as far away as I could.

I ended up spending hours with Vhagar and being late to the funeral and the vast majority of my time must have been spent in that one spot.

Eventually Vhagar got tired of waiting and stood up before stalking towards me. At that moment I had thought I was dragon food and made to run but only accomplished falling over again before she simply laid her head down directly in front of me and stared at me with her eyes that were the size of my entire four year old body. Shakily I reached out a hand and laid it on her head and she didn't immediately swallow me whole. I suppose that was the moment I claimed her, though it would be more accurate to say she claimed me.

Even after two years the sheer size of her was still surprising. I had thought Caraxes massive when I first saw it and I certainly wasn't wrong. At the time he was the largest animal I had ever seen, his body alone had the mass of two elephants to say nothing of his wingspan.

Vhagar was double his size.

She was beautiful, light bronze scales highlighted by green-blue and as we walked towards her she cracked open an eye that was the brightest green I had ever seen.

"Who's the most beautiful dragon in the whole world?" I couldn't help but laugh as my sister treated my dragon as a puppy and not the weapon of mass destruction she was.

Thankfully the servants of Runestone were used to Alyssa and I's schedule so Vhagar was already saddled and ready to take to the air.

Riding a dragon never got old. The feeling of power I had, looking down at farms and towns passing by as specks on the ground, knowing that I could erase them all with a simple command was exhilarating like nothing I had ever done before.

It was strange what owning a nuke revealed about you.

In front of me I could hear Alyssa giggling and screaming, yelling out commands that Vhagar made no move to follow until I repeated them. My sister had always been obsessed with dragons and I had no doubt that once we were in a position for her to make a claim on one she would do so immediately.

Especially after I had received a letter from Rhaenyra in which she told me of how she claimed Dreamfyre. When Alyssa had found out she had wanted to immediately fly off to King's Landing or Dragonstone and claim a dragon for her own. When Rhea had told her no she had come running to me but I had denied her as well.

She swore she wouldn't speak to me for the rest of our lives afterwards but she barely lasted a day before cracking, though she was pouting for the next week or two.

We didn't know how Jaehaerys would have reacted if Alyssa went to claim a dragon, considering both sides were currently equal in terms of numbers if not in firepower. So Alyssa would have to deal with being the only one of the new generation without a dragon of her own.

Eventually we were forced to land and when we did it was to find Caraxes in the stables. Alyssa's mood got even better at the sight, if that was possible, and she couldn't get out of the straps fast enough before rushing off to find Daemon.

When we saw him he was speaking in a hushed tone with Rhea and the two turned to see Alyssa as she came running towards them, though Daemon didn't look very happy and neither did Rhea.

"What's wrong, mother?" I asked once I had caught up.

"You will be going to live with your father in King's Landing for a while, Baelon," She reached down and pulled me into her side with a sigh, "Your uncle, Viserys, is to be king."

-

AN

Chapter is a bit late but hey close enough I feel like lol. There'll be another chapter Monday(or maybe early Tuesday but who's paying that much attention?)

So two year timeskip this chapter, next one will be in King's Landing and the story gets to actually live up to its title. I wanted to put the title at the end of this chapter but I couldn't, it hurt me too much.

Most of the children in this chapter are ones that I created to flesh out the Vale, only Adrian, Jessamyn, Jeyne, and Arnold are in the books. Adrian Redfort becomes a member of Rhaenyra's Queensguard while Jeyne becomes Lady of the Vale and is good "friends" with Jess. Arnold tried to take the Vale from her a couple times.

I know not much happened this chapter but I wanted one between the timeskip and going to King's Landing.

Please point out any mistakes

 

It had been six months since Ser Steffon and Willam had accompanied Baelon to King's Landing and in that time not much had changed from their days in Runestone.

The Prince still spent his hours in the yard training among young Lords, though these ones were from places all over Westeros rather than just the Vale. At first Steffon hadn't thought Baelon had the makings of a good swordsman, the boy spent most of his time in the library and when he wasn't there it was because Alyssa dragged him out.

However the moment that he was made to start practicing Baelon threw himself into his training with focus that Steffon had never seen from someone his age. Now the boy was as good with the blade as any child his age could be and a match to even those multiple years older than him. With a few more years the Prince might become as good a swordsman as his father.

When not in the yard the Prince could still be found in the library or being dragged around by a Princess, though this one's hair and eyes differed from the other's.

Now the first tourney of Viserys' reign had started and an unknown knight had just dragged Dark Sister from the hands of Daemon.

As the mystery knight approached the stands the young Prince and Princess got up from their seats and moved so they could more easily look down on him.

"What is your name, Ser?" Baelon asked with the same charming smile he seemed to always have plastered on.

The knight bowed low, "I am Criston Cole, my Prince," The knight turned to Rhaenyra before again bowing low, "My Princess, if it pleases you I would give you the laurels for today's victory and humbly ask for your favor in the jousts tomorrow."

A smile spread across the Princess's face, "I would be more than happy to provide you this honor, Ser Criston. Though I don't remember a House Cole."

"You would not, Princess," Ser Criston bowed low once more, "My father was a Steward in Blackhaven, hardly someone you should take notice of."

"I see," The Princess's smile dimmed somewhat.

"Then congratulations are in order, Ser Criston," Baelon's smile stayed fixed in place, "For how far you have rose," Smiles and applause broke out through the noble and lowborn stands alike at the prince's words with more than a few Ladies gushing over the 'cute' scene.

The young Prince made friends easily and made peace with his enemies easier still. Though he was an adorable young boy of only six name days who always seemed to try his best at everything he did, so maybe that was obvious.

The Prince was motioning for Steffon to bend down, "I would like you to bring Ser Criston to my room later, Steffon," He spoke quietly directly into Steffon's ear, "A knight of his prowess might find a place among my own employ."

Ser Steffon didn't agree, he had been one of the men from the Crownlands who accompanied Prince Aemon to Tarth. He was there when Aemon died from a crossbow bolt meant for the Lord of Tarth and had taken part in the fighting afterwards, the 'Myrish Bloodbath'. Afterwards he entered the service of Prince Baelon and had served him and his house faithfully for ten years. What did Cole, who had won one melee by raising his flail against the Prince of Dragonstone, know of protecting a Prince and Princess?

"My Prince, I do not know if that is wise. Ser Criston fought well, it is true, but one melee a great knight does not make."

The Prince seemed to consider him for a moment and Ser Steffon was once again caught off guard by the intelligence held in his eyes.

That was what people meant when they called him the Conciliator reborn, Steffon thought. A boy of six shouldn't have eyes like that.

But the moment passed quickly and Baelon looked away, still considering. Weighing the pros and cons of his actions though Steffon couldn't truthfully understand why the decision was so important to the young Prince.

After a moment Bailon's face settled in determination, "Bring Ser Criston to my room," He said as finally as his voice could manage, "And bring the Cargylls too."

While Steffon could understand why the Prince would want the first tourney winner he had ever seen in his service he could not understand what he wanted with the Cargylls. They had not done near as well as Cole.

"I will send servants to fetch them, my Prince," It wasn't Ser Steffon's place to go against his Prince's direct orders. He would give what advice he could but if Baelon decided to employ every Hedge Knight in King's Landing then Steffon would go to every tavern and brothel personally to get them.

"Tell me, Sers, what do you plan on doing once the tournament is over?"

"I cannot speak for the Cargylls, my Prince," Ser Criston started, "But I had planned on traveling and finding other tourneys to compete in," Erryk and Arryk nodded their agreement.

Baelon had told his family that he would be dining privately, a matter which had greatly upset Rhaenyra, before inviting the three knights into his chambers to eat with him.

Steffon took a moment to examine the men sitting across from his Prince. Ser Criston Cole was tall and dashing with tan skin, black hair cut so it barely hung over his ears, and pale green eyes. Ser Steffon could see why the man had quickly become a favorite among the ladies at court.

Ser Erryk and Arryk Cargyll were shorter than Cole and more stocky with dirty blond hair and blue eyes. They were also younger than Cole and barely seemed like men grown but they looked strong enough and Steffon had seen them in the melee so he wasn't quick to dismiss them.

"That won't do, knights of your prowess deserve a place of honor. What would you say if a Prince offered you a job in King's Landing?" Baelon asked with his boyish smile. Ser Steffon couldn't help but crack a smile along with him, his Prince was still just a boy enamored with the dashing knights at the tournament.

No doubt Baelon had heard the comparisons to Jaehaerys and was trying to build a legendary Kingsguard of his own. Steffon wondered which of those storied knights he was to be.

"I would be honored, my Prince," Criston Cole had dropped to his knee with his head bowed low and after a glance between the twin Cargylls they followed his example.

Baelon stood up and walked up to the knights, "Do you swear in the name of the Warrior to protect me from whoever I deem a foe?"

"I do, my Prince," Ser Criston was quick to respond while the twins quickly followed his lead.

"Do you swear in the name of the Maiden to protect my sister and any Lady I deem necessary?"

"I do, my Prince," The three answered quickly this time.

"Do you swear in the name of the Smith to be steadfast in any order given you by me or those I charge you to protect?"

"I do, my Prince."

"Do you swear in the name of the Father to give good and just counsel when I am in need of it?"

"I do, my Prince."

"Do you swear in the name of the Mother to protect my sister and any children that the two of us may have?" Steffon wondered if Baelon understood how that sounded. He got his answer a moment later when Baelon cringed and his smile became just a bit more stiff causing Steffon to crack a grin of his own.

"I do, my Prince," At least the new knights didn't seem to notice.

"Do you swear in the name of the Crone to keep any secrets you hear under me private?"

"I do, my Prince."

"Do you swear in the name of the Stranger to give your life for mine or any of those I charge you to protect?"

"I do, my Prince," Ser Criston swore immediately but the twins were slower once again.

"You knelt as Hedge Knights," Baelon proclaimed dismissively, "Now rise as Sworn Swords to a Prince of House Targaryen."

The three knights rose to their feet and while Steffon could see the pride in the eyes of the Cargylls, Ser Criston looked as though he had just been named Hand of the King and Lord Commander of the Kingsguard at once.

"I will serve you faithfully, my Prince," He swore and the other two were quick to agree.

"I have no doubt you will. Now it is time for you to prepare for the jousts tomorrow. Report here afterwards and Ser Steffon will let you know what your job is."

"Then by your leave, my Prince," Ser Criston bowed low and left the room while the Cargylls rushed to do the same.

The moment they were gone Baelon was loosening the buttons on his doublet and kicking off his boots.

"Do you think that went well, Ser Steffon?" The Prince's grin was gone and if he had been this nervous during the whole ceremony then Steffon thought it a wonder how well his smile hid it, "Or did i make a fool of myself?"

Steffon took a moment to consider the question, Baelon had not made either Ser Willam or himself swear such an oath but he thought it was a fine one, "I thought you did quite well, you looked every part the young Prince."

A grin spread across Baelon's face, this one more akin to the one he wore when around Rhaenyra and Alyssa than to the charming smile he wore for the court, "So you don't think any of them would betray me in the event of a civil war?"

Steffon snorted, what went on behind a Prince's eye's would always be a mystery to him, "No, my Prince, Cole especially seemed eager to please," And just like that his smile was gone.

"Yes, I suppose he would be," Baelon muttered, "He is a nobody from nowhere. As long as I keep him to my side and do not slight him I imagine he could want for little else."

Ser Steffon thought his Prince's words more than a little ill spirited and assumed more about Cole than he was willing to but he said none of this to Baelon, "Well you have five now my Prince, only two more left."
Baelon snorted as he finished pulling his clothes off, "I'm not quite on the same level as the King, hopefully five able knights to go along with my Vhagar will be more than enough," For what, Steffon noted, Baelon did not say.

The young boy fell onto his bed with a sigh, "Outfitting those three is going to kill my funds. It would be easier to just fly them to Runestone and have them equipped there."

Now it was Steffon's turn to snort, "I'm sure your sister and mother would be happy for your visit," At that Baelon's smile slipped once again.

At first when Alyssa had heard Baelon was going to King's Landing she had gone to pack her things as well, so sure was she that she would accompany him.

The Princess had been a terror when it was explained to her that she was to stay in Runestone while her brother went to King's Landing alone.

The two had spent practically every hour that they were awake together, Steffon knew, and he thought separating them an act of cruelty. He didn't know why Daemon had deemed it so but he guessed that with their closeness many would assume that they were spoken for just as their grandparents and great grandparents had been before them.

Daemon had even gone as far as to forbid Baelon from visiting Runestone, permitting him only to fly Vhagar over the Kingswood and swearing that if Baelon left he would confine him to his room and Vhagar to the pit. Steffon didn't know how serious the man was but Baelon hadn't risked it so far.

A knock at the door interrupted Steffon's train of thought, "That must be Ser Willam here to exchange with you, Steffon. You are dismissed."

With Viserys not extending the Kingsguard to Daemon's son Baelon had only two guards in the capital so the two were forced to switch back and forth between each other throughout the day to let the other rest.

Baelon took a guard with him everywhere and required that one of them be in the room while he slept. Steffon thought this paranoia and knew Willam thought the same but Baelon insisted.

"And how did our Prince handle our new comrades?" Willam asked once Steffon had gone to answer the door.

"He handled himself well, the very image of a precocious Prince."

"He often is," Willam paused for a moment, "He will make a great King."

Ser Steffon's eyes narrowed, "I believe I have misheard you, Ser," He said, "Baelon will become a Lord not a King."

"The King has no son."

"What you are saying is treason!"

"If discussing the succession is treason then all the great Lords in Westeros would currently be hanging from a tree."

"The Queen has become pregnant once more."

"The Queen was wedded and bedded at ten and two, she had two stillborn children and one who died in the crib before having Rhaenyra at five and ten," He lowered his voice even further, "How likely is it that this one survives when all the others have died?"

"He has a daughter."

"Have you not paid any attention to the happenings of Westeros over the past three years? A woman cannot sit the Iron Throne before a male cousin or uncle. Should Viserys wish for his line to sit the throne after him then he will marry his daughter to our Prince as Jaehaerys should have done."

"I won't hear any more of this," Steffon made to leave but Willam grabbed his arm.

"Let me remind you, Ser, that you are the sworn sword of Baelon not Viserys, Aemma, or Rhaenyra."

"Aye," Steffon nodded before grabbing Willam's hand and wrenching it from his own, "And when our Prince declares that he wishes to become King I will be the first sword that declares him so," He promised.

"On that we agree at least," Steffon hated the smug look on William's face but he couldn't deny that they were in agreement.

When Steffon fell asleep that night it was to dreams of crossbow bolts and dragon fire.

AN

So… I'm not four hours late this time! Improvement, right?

Sorry about that, a new chapter is still planned for Friday but don't be surprised if it comes out Saturday or early Sunday as it seems I suck at posting when I'm supposed to.

Also please get on my ass about updating, I'm a chronic procrastinator so you guys making me feel bad for missing updates really does help me.

So a bit of a dark question but I've seen it talked about it fanfic about babies being either cut apart or crushed to get them out of the Mother, I also read about it on the Wikipedia about childbirth in the middle ages and forceps but I can't seen to find an article directly about it. If you have one for whatever reason I'd appreciate you sending it to me.

On a lighter note, what did you guys think of the latest HotD episode? I thought the twist was amazing and made me cheer out loud at the end but let me know what you guys thought.

Please point out any mistakes.

 

"You seem upset father," Daemon was breaking his fast with Baelon and his son was once again showing how observant he was.

"That would be because I am upset, my son," Daemon responded, "The King has insulted us."

When Daemon had brought Baelon to King's Landing with him he had sworn to his son that he would be named Hand of the King. Now less than two years later, that had not only not happened but Daemon had been removed from both his post as the Master of Coin and Laws.

"I am Viserys' only brother, the last adult Targaryen still living besides him," Daemon raged, "And not only does he refuse to name me his Hand but he removes me from what little position he could be bothered to give."

"I'm sure you have misunderstood things, father," Baelon insisted.

"There is nothing to misunderstand. The Watch is a corrupt group of underpaid and under equipped criminals. The people of the city hate them, they are more than happy to let a rapist go unpunished for a few copper stars."

"Then change them," Baelon interrupted, "His Grace has left you your seat on the Small Council has he not? That proves he still values you."

"And yet he still won't make me his Hand," Daemon groused.

"Ser Otto has served well and the Hightowers are an important family in the Reach," Daemon scowled at the mention of the man, "But do not think of what you haven't been given, think of what you have. What strength did you truly have as the Master of Coin or Laws?"

"Little," Daemon admitted.

"And now Viserys has given you an army 3,000 strong inside of the capital," His son said, "An army which, as its Commander, you are expected to arm as you see fit as well as place those who you trust in charge of. He has made you the strongest man in the Capital."

Daemon considered his son's words for a moment before a small smile spread across his face and he laughed and stood, "Along with being a great swordsman you give such sage wisdom, my son," He said ruffling his hair, "You will make a great… ruler some day."

Daemon didn't think it was possible for him to be more proud of his son. Already it was said he had the makings of a great warrior and he had been brave enough to claim the largest dragon in the world at four.

He surrounded himself with knights fiercely loyal to him and made friends with anyone he spoke to. The people of the keep whispered that he was a genius not seen since Jaehaerys.

"I'm sure you would have realized it yourself, father," Baelon said, wrapping him in a hug, "You just couldn't look past your anger in the moment," Daemon's smile threatened to split his face as he lifted his son up before pressing a kiss to his brow. At least one of his children didn't resent him.

Alyssa still refused to write and only responded to Baelon's letters. When Daemon had separated the two it had not been out of any malice as his daughter seemed to think. Viserys often spoke of how lonely Rhaenyra seemed in the Red Keep and he had known that Baelon and her shared letters, though it was more them telling servants what to write than writing themselves.

So, Daemon had decided to bring Baelon but, he didn't want to leave Rhea with neither of their children and knew that Alyssa had made good friends with Jeyne so had left her.

He had perhaps underestimated just how attached the twins were, or rather just how attached Alyssa was. Perhaps it was a sister thing, Daemon knew his mother had been the same with his father but he himself had never been that close to Viserys.

Sure he had played with his brother when they were young and hung around him as they got older but when they were separated neither cried or threw fits. Alyssa however, was a terror. She had threatened to set her clothes along with other things on fire and it was only thanks to Baelon talking with her and swearing to visit that she had calmed down at all. Though, she still hadn't stopped pouting when they left.

Of course once they had reached the capital Aemma had put forth the idea that Baelon and Rhaenyra might be betrothed and in an effort to keep the two close, and perhaps keep Baelon and Alyssa from getting any closer, he had forbidden Baelon from flying to Runestone and only allowed him to go riding with Rhaenyra.

He knew Alyssa would be less than happy when she found out but she was a child, she'd get over it. Though from what he'd heard from Rhea she had made good on her promise of setting fire to anything she could get her hands on. The twins' name day would be arriving in two moons, so maybe then Daemon could take Baelon back to visit.

_


"I have plans for the City Watch," Daemon announced as he entered the Small Council meeting late and it seemed he had interrupted something Otto was trying to say, the thought made him smile.

"And what would those plans be, my Prince?" Lyonel Strong was a big and balding man who was Daemon's replacement as Master of Laws. When Daemon had first met the man he had expected him to be brash but instead he found that Lyonel stayed quiet for the most part and thought for a long time before he spoke.

"My men currently number 2,800. I will arm each of them with a spear, dirk, and cudgel along with a shirt of mail, helm, and cloak dyed gold to identify them as members," Daemon took his seat and kicked his feet up onto the table, "And for my officers I will need 28 horses, swords, and full plate sets."

The Council seemed stunned for a moment before Otto, a tall and ambitious man with greying brown hair, scoffed, "And what would you need all that for, my Prince," He added Daemon's title almost as an afterthought.

"Did I not say so when I came in?" Daemon asked without wanting an answer, "I'm the Lord Commander of the City Watch, it's my job to outfit them."

"Quite a costly job, Lord Commander," A small smirk crossed Otto's face as he seemed to realize he no longer had to call Daemon Prince.

"The people of King's Landing have no respect for the Watch," Daemon responded, "They think of them as a corrupt group who they can pay off. Mostly because they are corrupt and they dress like it too."

"The Prince speaks the truth, Your Grace," Lyonel admitted.

"Even so, to outfit these men will be extremely costly, my King," Otto leaned back in his seat and folded his hands over his stomach before sighing and shaking his head, "Unfortunately I don't think it can be done."

"The treasury is full and overflowing, brother," Daemon leaned forward and laid his hands on the table, "There hasn't been war in years, now is the time to invest in the city. Criminals have had their run of the city since Jaehaerys grew weak. If you do what I ask, brother, then I swear the criminals of King's Landing will feel fear like they haven't since our father was Hand of the King."

Viserys' eyes softened at his little brother, "Then let this be the first major change I have enacted in my reign. Your men will have their equipment, Daemon," He proclaimed.

"Thank you, brother," Daemon leaned back with a smirk on his face while Otto looked as though he had swallowed something sour.

"Well, back onto what we were discussing moments ago, Your Grace," Lyonel began, "The Crabfeeder has grown ever more bold from his place in the Stepstones. He demands outrageous tolls from our ships and if they cannot be paid he takes those on them as slaves or whores to be used in the Triarchy. Lord Corlys has written in an attempt to make peace between your houses and proposes to invade the Stepstones and drive the men out."

Daemon didn't pay attention to Viserys response as he let his brain stray to plans of what to do with his new army.

-

"Why must I always be the wife?" Daemon's eyebrow raised as he heard his son speak from within his chambers.

"Because I am my father's heir," Rhaenyra proclaimed, "I'm going to rule the Seven Kingdoms."

"You'd rule them as a Queen," Baelon said, "Not as a King."

"Yes but Visenya did not rule and neither did Alysanne," Daemon couldn't help but chuckle at the young Princess' logic, "Now be quiet so we can get back to the game, Bael."

"I don't see how this can be considered a game," Baelon said, "All we have done is get married and have our knights threaten each other."

"We are playing Jaehaerys and Alysanne!" Rhaenyra stomped her foot, "We have to start with the start of their reign and go on."

"Why don't we just play Aegon and Rhaena again?"

"That wasn't even a game, you just wanted to go flying!" Protested Rhaenyra, "And it wasn't even accurate, we should have flown on Dreamfyre not Vhagar."

"Well I'm sorry," Baelon said, not sounding very sorry at all, "But I thought since I had been the girl every other time I would be the girl then as well."

"Aegon was never King," Rhaenyra said as though it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Baelon rolled his eyes, "I think you just want to be the one in charge," He said disdainfully but Rhaenyra immediately brightened.

"Exactly!"

"I see you two are having fun," Daemon interrupted the children.

"Yes!" Rhaenyra responded immediately, "Bael is really fun! Even if he doesn't always play the games correctly. He's been teaching me how to use a sword!" Daemon raised an eyebrow and from the way she immediately turned to Baelon with an apologetic expression that was meant to be a secret.

"She started forcing me after finding out Alys learns too," Baelon defended himself.

Rhaenyra's expression turned hopeful, "I hope my brother will be like him, everyone says mother will give birth soon."

Daemon gave Rhaenyra a sad smile, she probably didn't remember Aemma's other pregnancies or had even heard of them, "Not so soon yet, she still has a moon left. And what's this about a brother, so sure you won't have a sister?"
Rhaenyra made a face, "Boys are better than girls," She insisted, "Bael is much better than Alyssa after all."

"Hey," Baelon interrupted her, offended on his twin's behalf.

"Sorry," Rhaenyra apologized through her grin, "But father says that it will be a boy."

"I'm sure he does, but it's impossible to predict these things," Daemon said, "Though I haven't come to speak of Aemma's pregnancy. Tonight is the night my Goldcloacks clean out the city," Daemon had spent the last two fortnights retraining his men and finding which among them were deserving of being made officers.

He had barracks built at every gate and beyond that had worked with the Master of Whispers to find who in the capital was a criminal.

The way Daemon had organized his Watch was simple. For every 100 men there was an officer and for every gate there was a captain who himself had command of 100 men and overall command of three other groups. The city was split between seven sections falling under the Captains of the Gates and tonight the 2,800 men of the watch would descend upon their sections and dispense the King's Justice to the criminals found there.

Daemon was sure that by the morning the crime in the capital would have fallen to almost nothing.

"Well good luck then, father," Baelon said, wrapping his arms around Daemon's waist.

"I do not need it Baelon but thank you," He said while patting his son's head, "After tonight give me one more fortnight to finish everything here and we will go visit your sister and mother."

"I would like that," Baelon said with a large smile.

"As would I," Daemon admitted.
_

Around Daemon there was much drinking and laughter from the men of his Watch. They were in one of Willam or Steffon or Cole's taverns, he wasn't sure which.

When Daemon's Goldcloacks had gone through the city many taverns and brothels along with other businesses had been left ownerless for a time due to their owner's criminal acts. Daemon wasn't sure which of his son's knights had come up with the idea to buy up the businesses but all of them had caught on eventually. Now much of the land in King's Landing was held by them.

He never had managed to visit Alyssa. He had gotten held up in the capital planning for the tourney celebrating the birth of Viserys’ latest son, but he still allowed Baelon to go and his son hadn't gotten back yet.

Perhaps that was for the best with what had happened. Though Rhaenyra could have used his comfort, he was sure.

Aegon, the boy that Aemma had given birth to, died not a day after being born and the child took the Queen with him.

Daemon couldn't imagine it, there was no love between him and Rhea but, the thought of holding his son in his arms only for him to be dead within hours was a terrifying one.

He felt bad for his brother, he truly did, but at the same time the death of this Aegon, this child who Daemon had not known, left him and his children in a better position.

I would trade a thousand Aegons for my son to have a slightly better life, the thought rose to Daemon's mind and he didn't try to stop it.

Next to him sat Mysaria, his favorite 'companion', she was as beautiful as any woman in the world could be, tall and skinny with perfect silver hair and purple eyes. Daemon found himself wondering, not for the first time, why his grandmother had married him to Rhea when at every other turn she was focused on purity and tradition. Though with what he had gotten from the match he didn't think to complain too much.

All around him sat the officers of his watch along with a few of the rank and file soldiers and the tavern seemed as though a Prince had just been born. The room ignored the fact that the same Prince had just died as well.

These were the people he was closest to in the capital. Not his brother who refused to name him Hand and dishonored him at every turn and certainly not the Lords who laughed behind his back and called him Lord Fleabottom.

Daemon downed his drink, he had long since stopped counting what number he was on, and stood on shaky legs to get another wondering what his own children were doing at that moment. But as he did the people surrounding him, his Captains, turned to look.

Someone placed a drink in his hand and he was speaking before he considered the words that would come out, "I am sorry to interrupt the merriment you all are engaging in but, there is something I need to say."

Shouting broke out from his Captains as they quieted the rest of his men and in a moment all eyes were on him, he took a breath and opened his mouth.

AN

This didn't come out too late but I think I just need to accept that I'm never going to be able to post on time. I have no intention of quitting this story though, I just can't be bothered to write or can't find the words until right when the chapter is about to come out and then the words just flow.

The urge to start a new story has been growing in me but if I did that then both would be on 1 update a week because let's be honest we all know I'm not dropping 4 a week anytime soon.

But I just have all these ideas I want to do. Maybe one day when this one gets to a good stopping point I'll start working on My Life As An SI In King Daeron's Court but that's far in the future like 80k words in, which with my pace would take like 4 months.

That's kinda crazy to think about, by the time I'd get around to a new one all the good ideas would be gone, though it's not like a Bronze Prince story never was done before I posted it. I'm ranting but give me a break it's really late(early?) for me.

If I knew how to make a poll I'd definitely do that but since I don't I'll just have to ask the question. Does Daemon get dad of the year?

He does love his children and doesn't go out of his way to hurt them but he's also pretty out of touch, expected for this time if we're being honest.

On another note I wonder what Daemon was going to say at the end there? Probably something super cool since he's such a cool guy.

Maybe we'll find out next chapter, also it was really smart of those knights to buy up that land, wonder where they got the money though? Eh it's probably nothing.

Please point out any mistakes.

I'm writing a few more words here because I want this chapter to be 3k words(does it still count as 3k words when like 300 of them are authors' notes?). Fight me if you don't like it.

I'm an NBA fan which you all probably didn't know because why would you and I like the Hawks and Clippers because they have my favorite players but my hometown team is the Pacers. It's pretty much the only sport I follow.

I play Smite which is a MOBA that not many people play even though it's really fun and my favorite color is purple.

And there's 3k words. So see you Monday(probably Tuesday let's be honest).

 

Let me know if I messed anything up okay? It's been awhile. Love you all! Please enjoy!

_

For much of the past year Alyssa had little to be happy about. After all, her brother had been stolen away from her.

That wasn't supposed to happen. Brothers and sisters are supposed to always be together. Especially twins, and everyone said that Baelon and Alyssa would never be separated for long.

Mother had attempted to explain to Alyssa why Baelon had to remain in King's Landing but Alyssa hadn't wanted to listen. She may have gone a bit crazy when she learned that Baelon wasn't allowed to visit but that was a perfectly reasonable reaction to having her brother stolen if Alyssa might say so herself.

Mother certainly hadn't agreed. When Alyssa had set some of her nicer dresses on fire Mother had responded by locking Alyssa in a room without any torches or candles for her to make use of. She had tried to write Baelon and ask him to come save her but Mother had refused to send the letters.

Eventually Alyssa had been let out of her little prison and she'd admit that maybe she had overreacted a tad. Still, Baelon was hers, it was completely unfair that Rhaenyra got to have him for nearly a whole year and all Alyssa could get was a couple letters. She's a Princess too isn't she?

But none of that mattered now because Baelon was coming home.

Two weeks ago Alyssa had received a letter from her twin saying that he would be home for their name day and she couldn't remember the last time she was so happy.

Alyssa wondered how Baelon would look after so long apart. Would he be big and strong like Father? Probably not. Without Alyssa there to drag him outside how was he ever to get any exercise? No doubt Baelon had spent his days in the Red Keep reading books and crying for being separated from his sister. Alyssa wouldn't judge him too much for that, without Baelon around she had hardly anybody to talk to and she had cried just as much as he doubtlessly had.

So Alyssa would make sure he was completely comfortable when he arrived. She ordered the servants to move his old things into her room as Baelon would of course wish to spend as much time as possible with her.

For a moment Alyssa felt another spark of rage at the thought of how long her and Baelon were apart. But it didn't matter, Father had always said that once Alyssa was seven or eight name days old she'd get a dragon of her own and in three weeks she'd turn eight.

She had thought that with her brother having a dragon it would be enough for the two of them to never be split up but clearly Baelon wasn't strong enough to leverage Vhagar into getting the things that mattered most. No matter.

Once she and Baelon both had dragons of their own they'd never be separated again. She'd make sure of it.

_

A roar woke Alyssa from her sleep. It wasn't a high pitched screech like Father's Caraxes but a low and resounding rumble that seemed to shake the very foundations of Runestone. Of course being awoken in such a way did little to scare Alyssa, a sound like this one could only mean one thing. Baelon had returned.

The moon was still high in the sky but there were no candles to light up Alyssa's room due to her mother's reluctance to let her around any kind of flame so when she went to rush out of her bed she found herself tripping over her sheets and onto the cold stone floor. She let out a sharp gasp of pain but still she was undeterred.

Her brother was home and she was determined to be the first to greet him. So she quickly slipped a more substantial dress over her nightgown and rushed out of her room, stumbling a bit from the burning of her scraped knees.

Her usual guards weren't there, no doubt they had raced to receive Baelon with a greeting fit for a Prince like him. Alyssa found herself giggling at the thought. Her brother being treated as though he were a dashing Prince returning from war was a funny idea to her. After all he most likely spent all his days cooped up in the Red Keep doing nothing but reading! It was truly a shame that she wasn't there at Bael's side while he was in King's Landing, Alyssa thought. She would've gotten him up and out of his room and helped him make friends and gone riding with him. She was always the only one who could do those things, it was a perk of being a twin, she thought.

But now what must Baelon be like? No doubt he had turned even more timid and bookish than before without Alyssa's careful guidance. But it didn't matter. Bookish or not Bael was her brother, she'd get him out of his shell in no time and he'd never fall back into it once she was at his side again, just as twins are meant to be.

So Alyssa rushed through the dimly lit halls and out into the courtyard where her brother would no doubt be waiting for her. There'd be a crowd gathered around to see Baelon's return but he'd be too nervous to step from Vhagar's back and meet with the crowd. Alyssa imagined herself being there for him, helping him out of his saddle and introducing him as her twin and the Prince of the Seven Kingdoms to the awestruck crowd. It was a nice thought.

The first thing Alyssa noticed when she entered the courtyard and felt the pleasant chill of the summer night, perhaps unsurprisingly, was Vhagar. The she-dragon was just as massive and beautiful as Alyssa remembered it. Her brother's mount looked more dark green than bronze this time of night but that fact did little to detract from her beauty in Alyssa's eyes. Upon recognizing the dragon as Vhagar, for what other dragon could it be? Alyssa felt a surge of delight. This was real, her brother was really back.

There was a small crowd gathered a safe distance away from Vhagar, and while Alyssa was a bit put out she didn't have the chance to help her brother off his dragon she was more focused on actually managing to see Baelon. She attempted to push her way through the crowd and the people cleared the way for her as they recognized her as the Princess. And then suddenly, after a path had been made big enough for her to slip through she was standing in front of her brother.

He looked like she remembered him, perhaps just a bit older. He still had the same pale lavender eyes and long smooth silver-gold hair pulled back out of his face by a black and red silk strand.

Though his clothes were where the differences started. He wore an expensive looking set of riding leathers with a red dragon emblazoned on the front and he was covered in extravagant looking silver jewelry decorated in rubies. Alyssa suddenly found herself stuck fiddling with her gown and wishing she had brushed her hair or cleaned herself off after falling on the floor at least before coming to see her brother. Her scraped knees burned against her rough gown and she was mortified to think that perhaps Baelon might see her bleeding through it when he was dressed so well.

She just missed whatever Baelon had been saying but it must have been funny because the crowd erupted into laughs. His smile was fixed in place, Alyssa supposed it might have been charming but it didn't reach his eyes and he was hiding his teeth.

When Baelon saw her though his eyes seemed to sparkle with joy, and Alyssa felt herself flush as she took him in. He looks very beautiful, she thought, "Alys, it's good to see you," He said brightly and walked, perhaps a bit faster than a Prince should, towards her for a hug. Alyssa accepted it readily, she found that she was taller than him and a mischievous smile slid onto her face. She'd be teasing him over that later, when there were less prying eyes.

She opened her mouth to speak to him but for some reason her smile was gone and all she felt was a lump in her throat. Despite Baelon still being dressed in his riding leathers and the fact it wasn't proper she pressed herself further against him and dug her face into his neck, her shaky hands grasped his back as though he'd try to run and her breath came out in short sharp bursts. He was wearing some kind of perfume, she could vaguely smell the flowers, but he mostly smelt like sweat and dragons. It was a nice scent, Alyssa thought.

He wrapped his arms around her back, holding her tight and running his fingers through her raven hair, trying to get out the knots as he did when they were younger while her mind was filled with memories of all the times they spent together.

Had those times only been a year ago? It had felt longer and in that moment Alyssa knew that she never wanted to be away from her brother again. They had come into the world together, it was only proper they walked it together as well. And if anyone tried to deny them that right then Fire and Blood would see them correcting their mistake. She wondered if Baelon could feel the way her heart was hammering against her chest or if he knew that the pain she felt had nothing to do with the scrapes on her knees.

She wanted to tell him those things, to say something witty or smart sounding but somehow all that came out was a choked sounding, "I missed you so much," She didn't know how long she stayed holding him like that but when she pulled away there were wet spots where her eyes had been and despite the fact Baelon's ruby rings made it hard for him to brush through her hair she felt more proud of the knots he had left than the times her hair was silky smooth from hours of brushing.





AN

So that was my shortest chapter since the first two, but still that felt like a good place to end it.

In case it wasn't clear this chapter is set before the events at the end of chapter 8 so currently Aemma is still pregnant.

Okay so this was meant to be another Daemon chapter, then it was a Steffon chapter, then a Baelon chapter, then a Rhaenyra chapter, and I only decided it was an Alyssa chapter like last week when I decided I wanted to take the story a bit slower and not just rush off into the next big incident.

At the end of the day this isn't purely a story about the Dance. I want to take it a bit slower from here on because I feel like I've been rushing it a bit. Though that was partly to let half of the principal characters grow up a bit. Anyway I think we'll spend a couple chapters in Runestone before going to Dragonstone or wherever else.

I can't lie, Alyssa's in a bit of a weird place right now. Some people correctly made the assumption when I introduced Alyssa and Baelon that the plan was for the two of them to claim Silverwing and Vermithor. It would make a lot of thematic sense and I thought it'd be cute so I decided to give Baelon a twin sister.

Obviously Baelon didn't end up claiming Vermithor and Alyssa didn't end up claiming Silverwing because Rhaenys and Baelon both decided they'd snatch up the good dragons early.

This has left Alyssa in a bit of a weird spot because there's no real story reason for her to be there. But she's there and I'm not just gonna write her out or something like that. The plan for her from here is to try and make her feel like a real character and not some kind of Mary Sue.

So let me know, what do you guys think of Alyssa and Rhaenyra so far in this story? Why did I ask about those two in particular? Probably a totally random reason.

Anyway it turns out being around babies is really calming for me. I know, me. Who'd have thought?

But seriously all the little guy has to do is smile and giggle at me and all my anxiety and stress is melted away. So if you want to thank anybody for this chapter, thank him.

I won't promise any specific days for new chapters going forward, I think we can all see I'm not very good at keeping those. But I will promise that I still have no plans of abandoning the story and I will not go silent for months like that again. I'll start interacting with the people reading my story a lot more going forward and I promise I won't go silent like that for months.

The way I see it I have an obligation to finish this story now that I've started it and disappearing like that was totally unacceptable. I'll do my best to be better in the future.

Also just because there's no longer a set update schedule doesn't mean to suddenly be afraid to continue pestering me about the next chapter. It honestly does help with my motivation a lot and my chapters are short, there's no reason it should take me weeks or months to write them.

As a side note I'm kinda interested in getting a beta writer or two. There won't be any pay but if you'd like to read my chapters as I write them(and inevitably change them dozens of times), have me bounce ideas off you, and get me to listen to your ideas for the story then hit me up.

Anyway this AN is practically as long as the chapter but there were a lot of things to talk about. If you made it this far then thank you for reading and I hope my story continues to retain your interest.