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Laena Velaryon (106 A.C. Second Moon)
Driftmark – High Tides Courtyard
Laena stood waiting for Rhaenyra to arrive as she thought on the past two days, and those had been strange ones. She had been balancing her relationship with her friend and lover, Visenya, and her relationship with Aemon, a man she knew she loved. Yet it was difficult. All would have accepted Visenya being Aemon's lover, but it had not been that easy, as she had expected. She had seen Aemon's face, one that had been full of betrayal, and she had her Visenya and Rhaenyra.
She had hoped that helping Visenya gain Aemon's affection would work. Yet it seemed Aemon was not like other men. She knew he desired her, and he told her as much. So why did he not desire Visenya, even at twelve years? She was only three, and nine moons younger than they were. Also becoming quite a beauty, if Laena herself was to judge. But Aemon had not acted on it when Laena had helped Visenya gain access to the bath, which were linked to her father's and mother's chambers.
Visenya had returned to her room crying, telling her that Aemon did not want her, and Laena had soothed her then, telling her she was lovely, and even bedding her again. Even if Aemon had said it was dangerous, turning her away was something she had not desired.
The evening meal had been awkward as well. During it, it had mostly been Laenor who struck up conversation, speaking of his excitement for the upcoming tourney and taking pride that he was being Aemon's squire, even if Aemon himself was not a knight. Bennard had joined in the delight, stating the same, and saying he wanted to see the Dragonpit and the Iron Throne.
The following day was much the same. Aemon trained, yet he had not sought out her company, regarding both her and Visenya with indifference. Yet Laena had hoped that with the arrival of Rhaenyra, the cloud around them would disappear.
Rhaenyra's advance party arrived first, with Ser Steffon Darklyn leading the royal procession, arriving with cargo and gifts meant for Aemon's nameday celebrations.
Then a roaring announcement, and the flash of yellow, gold, and orange in the sky, heralded Rhaenyra's dragon. It landed beyond the walls, and seeing her friend, and her supposed lover, upon dragonback made Laena smile.
Ser Steffon walked through the gates of High Tide, and a few moments later he arrived with Rhaenyra. Her silver-gold hair was braided in the pattern of the traditional Valyrian braid.
She wore red, black, and blue riding leathers, with a badge of a split House Arryn and House Targaryen upon her chest.
"Princess Rhaenyra, I welcome you to the Isle of Driftmark, and the hospitality of High Tide is yours," her mother announced with a small nod.
"Thank you, Princess Rhaenys," Rhaenyra replied with a smile. Then her look fell upon Aemon, who stood beside her brother. "Aemon!" Rhaenyra exclaimed, rushing toward him.
Aemon smiled, ah that bright smile Laena had not seen for a while. "Niece," Aemon said as he took her into an embrace.
"You have grown. You look a lot like your mother now, you know that? A true beauty. Like her, a true Targaryen, except for the fact you have your father's eye color," Aemon said with a grin. Rhaenyra blushed.
Laena did not know what she thought of that compliment, as Aemon knew that Rhaenyra liked her then. Then again, Aemon had not seen them for almost three years. They all had changed, and both Visenya and Rhaenyra had grown into their womanhood, Visenya quicker than most had expected, despite her age.
After greeting her, Aemon introduced his cousin. "Princess, may I introduce my page and future squire, Bennard Stark?"
"It is an honor to meet you. They all have spoken with high praise," the boy said.
Rhaenyra laughed. "Thank you, Lord Bennard. I am quite sure you will do well as my uncle's page."
"I shall," the boy added.
After Rhaenyra embraced Laenor and Visenya, she came to Laena. "Oh, Laena, I missed you." Rhaenyra embraced her, and she cheekily kissed her neck. Laena smiled as she returned the embrace.
"Me too. Ah, let me introduce you to my own lady-in-waiting when I marry Aemon," Laena said, and Rhaenyra looked up in surprise.
Seranella stepped forward. "Seranella Velaryon, my great cousin, the only granddaughter of my uncle Vaemion, and daughter of my cousin Malentine, who sadly is not with us anymore," Laena said, giving her cousin a comforting smile.
"It is an honor, Princess. I hope to get to know you better in the coming days," Seranella replied, giving a short curtsy.
"I hope so too," Rhaenyra replied as she took Sera's hands.
"Laena, why do you not escort the Princess to her chambers in the family wing? We always keep a couple rooms for our closer kin," her mother noted.
"I shall, Mother," Laena replied.
The crowd began to depart. As it dispersed, Laena took Rhaenyra by the arm and, together with Visenya, escorted her to her chambers, followed by Ser Steffon. They chatted lightly as they walked.
"Aemon's room is the one further on," Laena remarked as they entered.
"Hmm," Rhaenyra said as she sat on the bed. "So how has it been, having him back?"
"It's… interesting," Laena replied. Visenya looked saddened.
Remembering Aemon's words, Laena closed the door. "Aemon found out about all of us."
Rhaenyra's eyes widened as she looked from Laena to Seranella. "She knows?"
"She does," Laena said. "I have known her most of my life. She would not betray us."
Rhaenyra nodded slowly. "Does that mean she partakes as well?" she asked, glancing at Seranella.
Seranella's eyes widened. "No, Princess. My tastes lie with the opposite sex, nor do I judge. I care for my cousin and wish her happiness. I only hope that one day I find someone to hold my heart. I have more freedom than most, being only the daughter of a third son."
Rhaenyra smiled at her, then turned back to Laena.
"How did Aemon find out about us?" she asked.
"We made the mistake of not locking the door," Laena admitted. "Aemon heard us. Normally, he would knock, but instead, he walked in and saw us in the act. After that, we told him about us, and about how and when it happened."
"You told him that?" Rhaenyra hissed, burying her face in her hands. "Damn you both."
"We are sorry, Nyra," Visenya said quickly. "But we had to tell him how and when it happened. I do not think I have ever seen my brother that angry before. Not even when Daemon was being an ass."
Rhaenyra sighed. "I suppose you had no choice. That explains dinner, then, and why he was so distant with you both."
They nodded.
"But why?" Rhaenyra asked. "Aemon has kissed you, and not innocently. Why would he disapprove?"
"He told us we were reckless," Laena replied bitterly. "That it has no future."
Visenya looked down. "I even went to him in the baths, to try and persuade him. Yet nothing. He told me I was a woman now, that I had flowered, but he did not feel the same way. He would not even look at me. He looked toward my face. He said it could not happen. I told him he could marry both Laena and me, as Aegon did."
"And he still refused?" Rhaenyra said softly, then smirked. "Any man would find you beautiful, as I do." She kissed Visenya's cheek. "He even told us both we were becoming beauties, yet he has not taken another woman to bed," she added.
"Well, both my uncles were always different. It seemed both were in that regard as well. Yet I did not expect it. He is a man, and many have needs, and they even bed without need for children. My mother told me that. The septa told us something similar. I suppose what we are doing is similar," Rhaenyra said, frowning.
Then Rhaenyra looked at them with a look Laena knew well, mischievous. "Well then, I suppose perhaps the four of us can persuade him of a different course."
"All four of us?" Seranella asked, surprised.
"Don't want to help persuade a handsome prince?" Rhaenyra asked. "Small question, do you fancy my uncle too? I think he might be the most handsome Targaryen man of our generation. I mean, did you see how fit he's gotten? Bigger too, his hands as well. They felt so rough," Rhaenyra gushed, as she looked at Sera seductively.
Seranella blushed. Laena had never asked her, but she supposed it made sense. "Really, Sera? Why didn't you tell me?"
"Well, he is your betrothed, Laena. I did not want to bring up any ideas in my head," Sera noted.
"Hm. Well, I am not against sharing someone, especially because I love Aemon enough. What about you, Visenya?" Laena smiled. She could accept Sera also being a lover of her future husband. She accepted it of Rhaenyra and Visenya, so why could she not do the same for her cousin, whom she liked?
"Of course. I suggested Aemon marries us both in the first place," Visenya countered.
"So, how do we persuade him? I do not want to be rude, but Seranella is of the other branch of the Velaryon family. She could become Aemon's concubine. Taking concubines is widely accepted in the realm. Would your family accept that?" Rhaenyra asked.
Seranella looked thoughtful. "I do know my name would be shamed. I doubt my grandfather and uncles would allow it."
"Well, likely some form of agreement will be drawn for that, although I doubt my father will be happy," Laena noted.
"Well, I was just thinking about all this. It is all fine and good if we make plans, but first we need to make sure Aemon wants this as well," Visenya added.
"True. Quite true," Rhaenyra agreed.
Aemon Targaryen (106 A.C. Third Moon)
Isle of Driftmark – Beach near High Tide
Aemon sat on the beach beside Laenor, explaining his situation. Laenor had noticed his behavior and confronted him. Laenor was his best friend, and Aemon trusted him with the truth.
"Well, I did not expect it from my sister, yet then again, I also have different tastes. I am still grateful for you not rejecting me, not calling me odd, or other things."
"I would never have done so, Laenor. We all feel the way we feel. I never thought of laying another woman beside Laena." Although it was not strictly true, it was more of a last-ditch attempt to weaken a potential claimant if the Dance still happened.
"I know. I saw the looks the eldest daughter of House Glover gave you during the last feast at Winterfell." Laenor said with a smirk.
Aemon smiled. Thinking on it now, he could have done it. He could have lain with her. Yet what would have been the point? He did not care for her. She was quite pretty, yes, but that was it. Empty pleasure. He knew, somewhere deep down, that was not what his sister, Rhaenyra, and Laena were doing. It was more than that. He had seen it in their eyes when they spoke. There was affection there.
"I wonder if this is what my father felt like when he could not return the affections of Viserra. Then the guilt he felt after she died. What if Visenya does something stupid?" Aemon said.
Laenor nodded, then something sparked in his eyes. "There might be a solution to our problems. As my father's heir, I am expected to marry and have children. Yet I have tried, in the past, to think of women when I help myself, and nothing happens. Any woman I marry will be miserable."
"If you are inclined to be open to having a relationship with Visenya, I could marry her. You could sire my children, and in the future, we could wed one of your children with to Laena mine. That way, the blood of House Velaryon stays on Driftmark."
Aemon looked at him wide-eyed. Historically, either Rhaenyra and Laenor had been unlucky, all their children looking like grandparents and great-grandparents, or they had all been sired by Harwin Strong. What Laenor was suggesting, even at three and ten, could work. He trusted Laenor enough for it. Yet could he start to feel differently about Visenya, to look at her as a lover instead of only a sister? He had noticed her becoming a beauty, but noticing beauty was one thing. Laying with someone was another.
Then there was also the other option, the one he wished he could keep open. Yet knowing the feelings Visenya held, could he truly expect her to marry his older brother? No, he could not, at least not anymore.
"Aemon?" Laenor said, pulling him from his thoughts.
"Sorry, I was thinking. But Laenor, I am not sure if I can. Yet I thank you for the idea. I shall think on it." Laenor nodded.
Aemon's Chamber
Aemon prepared himself for the feast as one of the grooms of House Velaryon helped him dress. He missed his own staff, people he knew and trusted. Yet they would arrive with the rest when they traveled to King's Landing for the wedding.
Tonight was a small feast to welcome Rhaenyra. Tomorrow would be his six and tenth nameday, six and thirty technically. Yet it was not something he thought of often. Here he was, six and ten again, as he had been in that other life. That life faded more and more into distant memory. Some voices he had forgotten how they sounded, and some faces were long forgotten. Sadly, some never disappeared from his mind, like those clinting blue in the eyes of Bran.
Then came a knock, just as his groom finished his work.
"Thank you, Arelex." The man nodded and opened the door.
"Lady Laena asked for entry, Prince," Harrold stated.
"Let her inside," Aemon said.
Soon she was there, clad in a pretty light blue dress, with a red three-headed dragon embroidered on both shoulders.
"Laena, what do you wish for?" he asked as he closed the door behind them.
"To heal the rift that is between us."
Aemon frowned. "It is a funny thing. We talked together, and not long after, my sister ambushed me in the baths. Apparently helped by my own betrothed. I told you both that what was happening between you could not continue. Yet here we are, both of you still trying to make it happen."
"Aemon, we both love you. I know Visenya is younger than both of us, but this is not a childish crush, nor is Rhaenyra's. We all wish to be one because we are all drawn to you. Even Seranella is," Laena said.
Even Seranella had taken a fancy to him. The eight and ten-year-old future lady in waiting for Laena. What did they expect to happen there?
"You should know, the pack is stronger together. Visenya speaks of it all the time. With us is our Targaryen side. A Targaryen alone in the world is a terrible thing. Why not embrace it? I would never hold it against you, nor would the others," Laena said.
"How do you see this working, Laena? Rhaenyra is the daughter of the King, unmarried, third in line after me. Visenya comes after her. Nor would your father accept me marrying someone else," he said.
Laenor's idea played in his head, yet it did not solve the fact that she also wished to be with him. He grinned slightly. He supposed this was something about Stark or Targaryen women, that many of them were extremely headstrong.
"Well, my mother and father are receiving reports of increased activity in the Stepstones," Laena began.
Aemon knew Corlys and Daemon would eventually launch an invasion. Piracy had increased there, with the blessing of the Triarchy, who had replaced the pirates only to become pirates in their acts themselves.
"I heard about it. The Triarchy has taken the Stepstones, and the tolls to pass through the seas are rising, instead of fighting the pirates who were there before."
"I know. So I was thinking, Rhaenyra is her father's favorite, and Aemma always liked you. I think we can convince them of the match. So when the situation in the Stepstones gets bad enough, my father can be persuaded to accept your marriage to Rhaenyra. Exchange for support to invade the Stepstones."
It made some sense.
"So what did you plan to do with Visenya? That I marry her as well? Me marrying three highborn ladies, two of them princesses, would not go over well with the realm. The last man to do so was Maegor, and he is the worst King we had, although Aenys was a close second," he asked. Part if him knew Maegor had been too ruthless, yet he had brought the Kingdoms to heal, even if his rule wasn't a good one, and that he lost himself in the pursuit of power. Balerion even told him much he never knew about the man, and the most significant change came after the man had almost died during the trial of Seven.
Laena looked down, and he sighed. He knew they wanted this. To be honest, it would strengthen his House, yet it was not well thought out.
Then Laenor's proposal surfaced again in his mind. Could it work? Could he love his sister not only as a sister, but as a lover, as the mother of his children? He could still marry her before she married Laenor, making the children legitimate.
"Laena, I may have an idea. There is something you must know about your brother. He was the one who suggested this."
Laena frowned. "You spoke with Laenor about this?"
"I did. He is my best friend. I know I can trust him." He paused and then looked at Laena. "Laenor suggested that he take Visenya to wife," Aemon said.
"Really? Laenor never took much interest in girls. He mostly hangs around boys, if I recall," Laena replied.
"There is a reason for that. Laenor's appetites, so to speak, lie with the same sex. Unlike you, he does not feel the same about women as he does about men. He spoke of it because he knew it was unlikely he could sire a child who would inherit Driftmark. He suggested I take Visenya as a lover and sire children on her to inherit Driftmark. Then one of our children would marry his, so Velaryon blood would still sit the Driftwood Throne."
Laena's eyes widened. "He is a… what is the word?"
"Sword swallower. Yes. Though he truly only came to understand it in the North. Laenor kissed me once, but I did not feel the same. Nor have I been attracted to the same sex," he explained.
"He kissed you?" Laena asked, shocked.
"He did. I told him off immediately, but afterward we talked. I told him he could count on my support. He needs it, as it is not something accepted, no more than the relationship you have with Visenya and Rhaenyra."
"So you would be willing to take Visenya as a lover?" Laena asked.
"No, not yet. As I said, I do not feel the same. Nor do I with Rhaenyra. I never thought of it. Yes, they are becoming beautiful women, but I do not have feelings for them. I could lie with them, but what then? Pleasure is all well and good, but unless there is a connection, it does not last."
He had loved Daenerys. He had felt something when that bond was broken. The couplings had been amazing, yet it was the connection that mattered. Afterward, her attempts to sleep with him did not work, because he did not want to.
"So you would not accept them then?" Laena asked.
"Currently, no. And what of your great cousin? What is she supposed to be, my concubine? Our Valyrian ancestors took them, as do some in the Seven Kingdoms. Yet their children would be bastards, as would Visenya's, for that matter. I am not sure I wish to sire them. Their lives would not be good ones."
"Even if you cared for them and treated them right, they would be accepted, especially if I did," Laena countered.
"That may be, but would your father accept bastards sired upon his great niece? Or your uncle upon his granddaughter? I doubt your mother would," he said.
He had considered such a thing with Alicent, but only to undermine a potential claimant, one who could undermine a future successor to Viserys. If the child were not a boy, if Aemma died, if Viserys remarried and named Rhaenyra still, or someone else, or even himself. Even then, it was not something he desired.
"Laena, I shall speak to them all. Yet for now, I am inclined to decline. So let me think on all this." He took her hands in his. "Yet know this, I do love you."
"I love you too," Laena said with a smile after the kiss. "I understand, Aemon. You are a different man. I think many men would jump at this opportunity. Yet you did not, and for that I love you even more."
He smiled and kissed her once more.
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