Year: 115 AC

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"Come on, Aemond! We mustn't keep Grandsire waiting! Tonight's story is going to be the most exciting!"

Five-year-old Daenys Velaryon sprinted through the bustling corridors of the Red Keep, her pale hair streaming behind her. Once or twice, she stumbled, tripping over the hem of her nightgown but her hand was clasped firmly in that of her dearest friend, Aemond Targaryen, and he was there to steady her every time. Her other hand clutched a large leather-bound book to her chest, arms almost trembling with the effort as she led the way to her grandfather's chambers for their nightly routine.

Prince Aemond, also a child of five, but with a more reserved demeanour, trailed behind his spirited niece, his steps hesitant.

"Slow down," he scolded, tugging at her hand. "If you trip again, I'll just let you fall this time."

Daenys turned around and stuck out her tongue at him playfully, "You would not!"

"I would!"

"Okay, okay, I'll slow down, but I'm blaming you if Grandsire gets upset that we're late."

"It's not like Father ever gets upset with you anyways," Aemond rolled his eyes, a hint of wistfulness in his voice.

As they approached a grand set of ornate double doors, Daenys slowed her pace, casting a quick glance back at Aemond. Sensing his apprehension, she paused, concern filling her bright eyes, watching him carefully as he fidgeted nervously.

"You...you don't have to come if you really don't want to," she mumbled.

"No. It's just. I think I should go see Mother. I promised her I would."

"You don't wanna hear the story?"

"Maybe I'll come another time. Mother's been so busy with Daeron and she's so tired. I don't wanna make her sad by not going."

Daenys' shoulders drooped, disappointment etched across her delicate features. Her small hand slipped out of Aemond's grasp.

"But, I wanted to hear the story with you."

Aemond laughed, reaching out to pinch her cheeks and she scowled as swatted his hand away.

"I told you not to do that!" she pouted.

"Well, I'm older than you so I can do whatever I want!"

"No, you can't! You're only..." she held up her fingers trying to count, "some moons older."

"You don't even know how many," he teased.

"Well, do you?"

"Yeah, but I'm not telling!"

"Bully!"

"See you tomorrow, Daenys," he pinched her again and scampered off down the hallway before she could chase him.

"You better tell the baby I said hello!" she hollered after him before pushing open the heavy doors, revealing the stately room of her grandfather, King Viserys.

The chamber was adorned with rich tapestries, towering bookshelves, and a roaring fire that cast a warm glow across the room. The scent of aged leather and parchment fills the air, creating an atmosphere of wisdom and comfort. His diorama of Old Valyria took up a large chunk of the room, and as always, it took Daenys's breath away with its intricate detail and sheer scale.

The King was seated in his armchair in front of the fire as usual and his face beamed when he saw his granddaughter.

"Ah, my little princess, you've come! And what tale have you brought me tonight?"

Daenys bounded toward him, her book still clutched tightly in her arms, and leaped onto his lap with a contagious giggle. The King's eyes twinkled with tenderness as he enveloped her in a warm embrace. When she handed him the book, his eyebrows arched in surprise as he glanced at the title, The Tale of Aegon the Conqueror.

"We're in the mood for a tale of battles and conquest tonight aren't we?" he mused. "Haven't we read this one before though?"

"Yes! I want to hear it again. Please Grandsire."

"And what do you find so fascinating about this particular story, Daenys?"

"Visenya! She's the best. And she has a sword!" Daenys exclaimed, bouncing in her seat. "She's so brave, Grandsire, and I want to be brave too!"

"Ah, so you have a fascination with Visenya and her sword, do you? Well, she was indeed a remarkable warrior. But remember, my dear, bravery comes in many forms. You possess your own unique strengths."

"But I want to be brave with a sword too! Why can't I learn to fight like Visenya?"

The king leaned back, his expression thoughtful as he considered her words, "You know there are other important skills that you can excel at. Knowledge, diplomacy, and the ability to inspire others can be just as powerful, if not more so. You are the heir to the Iron Throne, those talents will serve you better."

"But I want to be strong like Visenya! And Father! I want to protect the realm too!"

"And you will my dear. Strength isn't always measured by the swing of a sword."

"Father said he'd teach me. When I get older. He says I'm too small to wield a sword, which is silly. I am plenty big enough."

King Viserys smiled warmly, "Well I for one am in no hurry to see you grow up, my Daenys. I like you just the way you are. Now let us read."

He kissed her forehead and she nestled closer to him, eager to dive into the tale of Aegon the Conqueror and his fierce sister. As the king began to read, Daenys's imagination soared,

As King Viserys's soothing voice filled the room with tales of battles and conquest, Daenys's imagination transported her to a world where dragons roared across the skies and heroes rose to meet their destinies. She listened intently, her eyes closed, imagining herself as the hero of such a tale. Amid the story, Daenys couldn't help but interrupt her grandfather, her curiosity getting the better of her.

"Grandsire, Visenya had her own dragon too right? Like Aegon did?"

"Indeed, Daenys. Visenya, like her brother Aegon, rode a magnificent dragon named Vhagar. Together, they were an unstoppable force, uniting the Seven Kingdoms."

"Aunt Laena rides Vhagar now doesn't she?"

"Yes, she does."

"How wonderful! She must be so strong, just like Visenya. I saw her you know, when she came to visit Mother last year."

King Viserys hummed in acknowledgement, content to just hear her prattle on about the various members of their household and their dragons.

"I wish I could ride a dragon too, Grandsire. Imagine soaring through the clouds, seeing everything from up above," her excited expression dropped. "Father took me once. It was lovely."

The king's gaze softened as he watched his granddaughter, empathizing with her longing for a dragon companion. His thoughts flickered to the old dragon he himself had claimed long ago.

"You know, even Jace's egg hatched, and mine still hasn't."

"My dear, I understand your sadness. Having a dragon bond is indeed a remarkable gift, but it is not something that can be forced or controlled. Dragons choose their riders, just as riders choose their dragons. It is a connection that goes beyond our understanding."

"But why haven't any dragons chosen me, Grandsire? What if I'm not worthy?"

The king gently took her small hand in his, reassuring her with his touch, "Oh, my sweet Daenys, your worthiness is not defined by the presence of a dragon. Dragons are magnificent creatures, but they are not a measure of one's value or greatness. Your worth lies in your heart, your kindness, your strength, and the choices you make."

Daenys nodded, and the king smiled. He reached into the pocket of his robe and drew out a wooden figurine which he handed to her. Her fingers traced the details carved onto the wooden dragon, eyes shining with curiosity.

"What's this, Grandsire?"

"A dragon of your very own. For now at least, until you claim a real one," King Viserys grinned. "Do you like it?"

"Oh, I love it! Thank you!"

"Anything for you."

"Then will you tell me about your dragon? I've heard stories of Balerion the Black Dread, the mightiest dragon of all. Did you really ride him?" Daenys continued.

King Viserys's eyes gleamed with a mixture of fondness and nostalgia as he delved into his memories.

"We did not have much time together, Balerion and I. He died but just a year after I claimed him."

"Did you never claim another dragon, Grandsire?"

"Hmm, I suppose I never cared for it. A Targaryen only ever bonds with one dragon in their lifetime. There was no one else for me besides the Black Dread, and even though he died, that did not change."

Just then, a timid knock sounded at the door. One of Daenys's handmaids peeked her head in after a moment, her voice soft.

"The hour is late, Princess. It is time for bed."

Daenys cast a longing glance toward her grandfather, her eyes filled with reluctance. She didn't want the magical evening to end.

"Do I have to go, Grandsire? Can't I stay a little longer?"

"Fear not, my dear. I will be here tomorrow night. And on that eve, I shall tell you the tale of Daenys the Dreamer, the visionary after whom you were named."

"Truly? There was another Daenys?"

"Indeed, my dear. It is a tale steeped in prophecy, dreams, and the power of foresight. I think you will find it quite fascinating."

Daenys's handmaid stepped forward, her presence a reminder of the passage of time, "Princess, it's time for bed. You may continue your stories tomorrow night."

With a heavy sigh, Daenys allowed King Viserys to set her down on the floor and her spirits were lifted by the promise of another enchanting tale.

"Goodnight Grandsire," she planted a soft kiss on his weathered cheek.

"Sleep well, my brave princess. Dream of the wonders yet to come. And tomorrow night, the story of Daenys the Dreamer we shall unfold."

Once outside the king's doors, Daenys turned to her handmaiden with a pleading look in her eyes, "Edith, may we stop by the gardens for a moment before bed."

"Princess, it is late and the gardens are chilly. You'll catch a cold if you go outside in your nightgown."

"I know but it's important, please. I just need a moment in the gardens. I promise I won't stay out for long."

"Very well. I will accompany you, but we must make it quick, and you mustn't linger."

Daenys nodded eagerly, her eyes sparkling with gratitude as they made their way toward the moonlit gardens. The cold night air kissed her cheeks, but she paid it no mind. Her focus was fixed on a single purpose. As they entered the gardens, she moved between the blooming flowers, her small hands carefully plucking blossoms of various hues.

"What on earth are you doing, Princess?" Edith frowned at the sight of Daenys on her hands and knees in the grass.

"These only bloom at night. I wanted to take some to Mother. She's been so tired and grumpy lately. Maybe these will cheer her up."

"And how do you know that these only bloom during the night, Princess?"

"Aemond told me," Daenys returned in a matter-of-fact tone.

"The Prince? He told you?"

"Yes. He knows everything about everything, so he must be right."

Edith chuckled, "I suppose he must then, but we really ought to head back inside."

As Daenys and Edith made their way back through the castle corridors, Daenys suddenly deviated from the usual path. Edith, puzzled by the change in direction, quickened her pace to catch up with the determined princess.

"Where are we going? This isn't the way to your or Princess Rhaenyra's chambers."

Daenys glanced back at Edith, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes, as she continued on her determined path, "I have one more stop to make, Edith. It's a secret surprise."

Edith's confusion transformed into curiosity, and she followed Daenys down familiar hallways and staircases until eventually, they arrived at a grand door adorned with ornate carvings. Edith hesitated, unsure if it was appropriate to call upon the Queen at such a late hour, but Daenys, brimming with anticipation, raised her fist to knock.

"Enter!" came a tired voice from inside.

Edith stayed hidden behind the doorway as Daenys made her way into the spacious chambers. Queen Alicent sat by the fireplace, rocking her youngest son as he dozed fitfully, occasionally letting out a whimper. She was startled when she saw Daenys, straightening up.

"Daenys, my dear! What brings you here at this late hour?"

Daenys approached the queen with a shy smile, holding out a small bundle of flowers, "I brought these for you. I thought they might make you not be sad anymore. Aemond said that you were tired."

Alicent threw her second son a curious glance where he was comfortably seated on her bed with a book in his hand, "Oh did he now?"

"Yep!"

Alicent's eyes warmed as she accepted the bouquet from Daenys and ruffled her hair, "Thank you, my sweet."

"May I say hello to the baby?" Daenys peered curiously at the sleeping child in Alicent's arms.

"Be careful not to wake him. It took quite a while to get him to settle down."

Daenys nodded solemnly, pressing a finger to her lips in a silent promise. She shuffled closer to Alicent's chair, eyes roving over Daeron's pale hair and minuscule features.

"He's so so tiny. Just like Jace," she whispered in a hushed tone.

Alicent rubbed an affectionate thumb over the babe's cheek, "I suppose he is."

"Do you think they'll be friends, Queen Alicent? Like you and my mother, and Aemond and I?"

Alicent glanced at Daenys through the corner of her eye, noting her childish hope and naiveté.

"Perhaps," she answered vaguely.

"Goodbye baby Daeron," Daenys mumbled softly before making her way toward the main reason she had come to the Queen's chambers.

Meanwhile, Aemond, who had been sitting in a corner of the room, perked up when Daenys approached him.

"Aemond! Look what I brought you!" she whispered.

"Why are we whispering?" he leaned his head closer to hear her better.

Daenys rolled her eyes as she brought out the carved dragon King Viserys had given to her.

"Look at this, isn't it lovely? Grandsire gave it to me, and I thought you might like to have it."

Aemond's eyes widened in panic, "Wait no. I can't take this. Father gave it to you."

"And now I'm giving it to you. I was feeling sad about not having a dragon and it made me feel better so now I want you to feel better too. Grandsire said that it doesn't matter if your siblings already have dragons. You'll get one soon too!" her voice held a slight lisp as she spoke quickly, tripping over her words slightly.

Aemond shook his head, pushing the figure back into Daenys's hands, making her frown.

"He could've just said that to me himself..." he mumbled under his breath.

"Do you not like it?"

"It's not that."

"Would you take it if it looked prettier?" Daenys reached up to pull her red ribbon out of her hair and tied it into a bow around the dragon's neck. Her hair came tumbling down around her shoulders, some of it falling into her eyes.

A small laugh escaped the young prince as he watched her try to blow it away with pursed lips. He let her press the newly decorated toy into his palms.

"Thank you Daenys."

Daenys poked his cheek, "You don't need to say that to friends silly."

"I told you I'm older than you. I can do anything," he flicked her forehead.

"One day, I'll be older than you!" she huffed.

"Who's the silly one now? You can't ever be older than me."

"I'll find a way!"

"You can't!"

"I'm leaving," Daenys announced. "You're a silly silly pigeon Aemond."

"You can't call me that!"

"Well, I just did."

Daenys grinned at being able to use the newest word she'd learned earlier that day.

"Silly pigeon Aemond," she sang as she waved goodbye to Alicent's amused form.

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Daenys's next stop was her mother's chambers, much to Edith's chagrin as she followed the little princess around the dark castle halls.

"Princess, your mother is surely asleep by now. It is late and being with child means that she needs all the rest she can get," Edith cautioned.

Daenys slowed to a halt in front of her door, hesitating, "I won't bother her."

"If she's sleeping, your arrival will wake her up."

"I'll be really quiet. I promise. I'll just take one little look and if she's sleeping, I promise I'll leave."

After Edith's reluctant nod, Daenys cracked her mother's door open ever so slowly and stuck her head just enough to take a look inside. Candlelight spilled out from her mother's chambers, indicating that she was still awake.

"I can see you," Princess Rhaenyra sighed from her place on her bed, hand resting gingerly on her swollen belly, a look of weariness etched on her face. But as soon as Daenys entered the room, her tired eyes lit up with a mixture of love and surprise.

"Daenys, my sweet girl. What brings you here at this hour?"

Daenys rushed to her mother's side, her arms outstretched, flowers in hand, "Mother! I brought you flowers! They're to make you smile."

"Thank you, my little flower, but you're all I need to make me smile."

Daenys clambered onto the bed and nestled herself beside her mother, snuggling against her, seeking the solace of her embrace.

"Mother, can I sleep with you tonight? I miss you, and I want to be close to you."

Edith, ever watchful of Princess Rhaenyra's well-being, stepped into the room, concern evident on her face, "Princess Rhaenyra, you are due soon. We must ensure your comfort and rest."

Daenys's bottom lip trembled, her eyes pleading, "But Edith, I want to spend time with Mother. I promise to be careful. Please, oh please. I promise I won't hurt the new baby."

Rhaenyra observed the exchange, her heart melting at the sight of Daenys's longing. She reached out, pulling Daenys into her embrace. She kissed her forehead and tucked her daughter's face into her neck.

"Edith, thank you for your concern. But I think I'll be fine. Daenys can sleep with me tonight. It will bring us both comfort."

"Very well, Princess Rhaenyra. But please be careful and let me know if you need any assistance during the night," Edith bowed low before closing the door behind her as she departed.

Daenys's face lit up with joy, her heart dancing with the prospect of spending the night with her mother. She snuggled close, finding comfort in her warmth and the rhythmic beat of her heart.

"Do you want to feel the babe?" Rhaenyra smiled at Daenys, taking her small hand and placing it on her stomach.

There was a slight kick under Daenys's palm and she yanked it away as if burned.

"Does it hurt you?" she frowned. "It feels weird!"

Rhaenyra laughed, "Not so much anymore."

Daenys's frown grew deeper as she wagged a stern finger at her mother's belly, "You better not hurt my mother, or you'll be in big big trouble!"

"Oh Daenys, he's not hurting anyone."

"He? Do I get another brother?"

"Yes, I think so."

"How do you know?"

"A mother's intuition, love."

Daenys was silent for a moment before another question spilled out, "Did I ever kick you?"

Rhaenyra tugged on her ear playfully, "Oh, yes. You were a terrible kicker."

"I hurt you?" Daenys's lips turned down and she threw her arms around her mother, kissing her cheeks fervently. "I'm sorry I hurt you, Mother. I'm so sorry."

"You could never hurt me you sweet thing. Now let us go to bed. Between Jace and the new babe, your brothers seldom let me get a wink of sleep."

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In the midst of their peaceful slumber, Daenys was abruptly awoken by her mother's restless movements and grimaces of discomfort. Daenys bolted up in bed, her heart racing as she observed her distress. She gently shook her awake.

"Mother, what's wrong? Are you okay?"

Rhaenyra's breathing was laboured as she attempted to sit up and lean against the headboard. The candle had long burnt out, leaving the room in utter darkness and Rhaenyra fumbled with her bedclothes, feeling the trickle of something warm between her legs. The ache in her lower stomach intensified and she let out an agonized groan.

"Mother! Should I call someone? Should I call Edith?"

Rhaenyra, her voice strained, reached out and grasped Daenys's trembling hand, "I need the midwives. Only they can help. Hurry, my love."

Daenys nodded, her eyes filled with determination. She slid out of bed and darted out of the room. She tripped at the door in her haste, her face slamming into one of the chairs nearby. At the sound of the crash, Rhaenyra groaned in pain again.

"Are you alright darling, did you fall?"

"I'm fine. I'm fine," Daenys scrambled up, shoving the chair out of the way.

She didn't know where to find the midwives so she went to the only other place she could think of, Queen Alicent's chambers. She banged on the door with urgency, and Alicent opened it after a few moments, yawning and rubbing sleep from her eyes. Concern coloured her face as she saw Daenys's distraught form and the blood trickling from her nose.

"Daenys, what's the matter?"

Daenys, barely able to catch her breath, spoke in haste, "Something's wrong with Mother! She's hurt! She said she needs the midwives!"

Alicent's eyes widened as she gathered her robe around herself, "Right. Okay, you stay here, I'll get them."

Within the next few moments, the entire castle had awoken and that is how her father found her, hours later, sitting forlornly in the dimly lit corridor with her arms wrapped around her knees. Her hands were clapped over her ears to muffle out the echoes of her mother's shrieks that reverberated throughout the castle.

"What's wrong? Why are you crying?" Laenor Velaryon crouched down to meet her teary eyes, taking out his handkerchief to dab at her nose delicately.

"Kepa!" she wailed, hiccupping through her tears. "I hurt Mother. She's hurt because of me. Because I didn't listen to Edith!"

"You did not hurt her. You could never hurt anyone. It is just the babe. Babies do a little damage sometimes. It is time for your brother to come into this world, that is all."

"But what if I hurt her, Father? What if I made things worse?"

Laenor swept her into his arms and stood, stroking her hair as he walked toward Rhaenyra's chambers.

"Your mother is going to be just fine. Let's go check on her shall we, maybe that'll make you feel better, if you see her?"

"Is she okay now?"

"Yes, the most difficult part of it is over. She is just resting now."

"Okay."

Laenor pulled back to examine her face closely and then he tapped her on the nose.

"And why are you bleeding Daenys? How did you get hurt?"

Daenys's face scrunched up once again at the reminder of her fall and she threw her arms around her father tighter, "Kepa! I-I fell and I hit my face on Mother's chair. It-it hurt so much but I was brave and I didn't bother Mother with it."

"Oh, you were so brave. My brave little girl. We'll ask the maesters to get you something for the pain okay?"

"Okay," she sniffed morosely.

Daenys's tears slowed and halted once they entered Rhaenyra's chambers and she saw her mother. Rhaenyra lay in bed, looking weary but radiant, cradling the newborn in her arms. Laenor walked over and deposited Daenys next to her.

"Someone here was very worried about you," he grinned.

"Daenys, my darling, would you like to meet your brother?" Rhaenyra beckoned to her daughter.

"No," Daenys crossed her arms over her chest and frowned, turning her face away. "I don't like the baby. He hurt you!"

Laenor snorted and Rhaenyra smacked his arm with a roll of her eyes.

"My love, I know you're upset with the baby right now, but he didn't mean to cause me pain. It's just a part of how babies come into the world."

"It seems you're quite protective of your mother, aren't you? Your anger towards the baby is quite amusing."

"Do not encourage this behaviour, Laenor!"

Daenys's pout slowly transformed into a hint of a smile. She couldn't resist her father's teasing and giggled despite herself.

"I warned him, Father. Just before we went to sleep earlier, I warned the baby not to hurt Mother."

"Oh did you now?"

"Yes!"

"Well, he is very sorry that he didn't listen. But it would make us so very happy if you greeted him properly. Do you think you can do that?" Laenor pressed the furrow between her eyebrows to smooth it out.

"Okay. But he has to promise to be good to Mother."

"Oh, he'll be lovely. Don't you worry about me, my sweet girl?" Rhaenyra leaned forward slightly to reveal the tiny squirming bundle in her arms.

Daenys's breath caught in her throat, at the sight of his tiny face, still flushed from birth, and it tugged at her heartstrings. She noticed the delicate curve of his lips and the tiny fingers that curled instinctively. As she studied him, an unexpected wave of tenderness washed over Daenys. The anger and resentment she had held began to melt away, replaced by a growing sense of protectiveness.

"What's his name?" she breathed out in wonder.

"Daenys," Rhaenyra smiled. "Meet Lucerys Velaryon."

"Lucerys," Daenys ran a hand atop the smattering of dark brunette curls on his head and grinned. "He looks just like Jace."

"Yes he does," Laenor flicked her forehead. "And he looks like you did too."

Daenys extended a gentle finger to touch Lucerys's tiny hand, her touch as delicate as a butterfly's wing. Even though his eyes remained shut tight, his fist clamped around her finger and she giggled.

"His hands are so pretty Mother. He is so pretty. How can he be so pretty?"

"All babies are beautiful my love."

"No, they're not! Some babies are ugly!"

"Oh really, and how many babies have you seen?"

"Jace."

"Daenys!" her mother chastised sternly as her father tried to stifle his laughter.

"What?" Daenys protested. "I'm not saying he's ugly. He's lovely now, but when he was born he was all squishy and red like an overripe tomato."

"Daenys!"

"Lucerys is not like that though. He's a pretty baby. But it's okay. No matter what they look like, I'll protect them," she hovered her face right above the baby. "You hear me little Luke. I'm your big sister, Daenys. I promise to protect you and love you just like I do with Jace."

"Anything else you'd like to say?" Laenor raised an amused eyebrow.

"Hmmm. I hope you'll make Mother happy, Luke. And if you cause any more trouble, I'll be there to keep you in line."

Laenor and Rhaenyra exchanged a glance of relief and shared a tender smile at her comical words.

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A/N: Light by Sleeping at Last is their song frr (Daenys and Luke)
Also wow would you look at that, I have risen from the dead T_T
But srsly, sorry for disappearing lol, life got rough for a hot minute. I'll try and get a regular-ish update schedule for this story soon. Thanks to everyone who stuck around. I love yall, and would love to hear your thoughts.