OATH OF FATE. / A DRAGON AND A SNAKE

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HISTORY IS A TALE, a story, pieces collected from word of mouth to inkling in pages to ruins that stand tall or in shatters. Graced from every corner, whether highborn or low, no one was spared from its clutches. However, some were fortunate, others adverse, to be remembered in its endless sea cementing their places through will alone or being consumed by the annals. In every story, some are nothing more than a footnote, mere morsels, while others are players of the game. Victors and those conquered, those who were graced with a destiny upon them while others sought for their own. It is with history that we begin.

While not all pieces of a story appear to catch the eye under the shadow of what was to come, many would prove to be fools if they sought to ignore, an idea that those at the center were unable to do.

House Targaryen of Kings Landing, known commonly as the House of the Dragon, was the royal family of Westeros, their reign was cemented nearly centuries ago when their ancestors, Aegon and his sister-wives, Visenya and Rhaenys, conquered and unified the realm of the Seven Kingdoms. A family of pureblood descended from that of Old Valyria, a once great civilization whose power and influence stretched far across the continent of Essos until a tragedy known as the Doom left it in shatters and nearly erased it from existence had not been for a prophetess, whose visions allowed for their line to, not only, escape extinction but carry on with a power never before seen to man. While the Targaryens were an enchanting force with their renowned beauty of pale skin, hair of silver or platinum, and illustrious violet eyes, what provided them such a unique power was their dragons. Scaled beasts that were said to be found within the home of a volcanic bay, a testament that only seemed true when matched with the deadly heat of their fire. Following their ancestors' footsteps, many Targaryens had claimed these beasts and became riders, displaying their power as they flew across sea and land, through desert heat or biting snow, almost nowhere was unreachable. With such a lack of limits and birth from the blood of a conqueror, it seemed only in its nature that this great house would extend its rule no matter the reach.

However, even with such an empyreal power, not everyone was so keen on bending the knee. One notable was that of House Sargen. A formidable house in its regard, a strange outlier to the other kingdoms of Westeros due to its strange customs that left it viewed more as belonging to the east than anything the likes of Kings Landing and the like could provide. While Aegon I Targaryen had met many who refused to submit and bend the knee to his and his sister-wives' rule, few could hold a candle to that of House Sargen, save for the Dornish. Even though, to many, the great house lay close to that of its enemies, resting along the Narrow Sea and hardly a distance from Kings Landing when on dragon back, the rocky plot of land home to Veritas Isle remained strong. Years of bloody battles and slights tainted the history of these two houses, a great fissure that was sure to burst under the weight of time and the vengeful hearts of men. It was said that, even as the great King Jaehaerys and his good wife Alyssane strived to establish peaceful negotiations with the Sargens, and were, for all intents and purposes mostly well received, there remained a shadow that lurked between them as biting whispers and cutting eyes could only bloom further despair.

Knowing this, Jaehaerys came to a decision, one which seemed to be the only way. To seal the rift was to provide common ground, and during a chilled winter's morning, both houses stood united as Jaehaerys third son, Jaegar, younger twin to his brother Baelon, wed the future ruler of Veritas Isle, Lady Selira Sargen. The wedding, however, was anything but joyous. A heavy tension had blanketed the affair as, even with months of consideration and dictating behind closed doors and with the current lord, Kaiuss Sargen pledging to remain neutral and never seek to raise a sword against the Targaryens, uncertainty remained. While Jaehaerys' and Alyssane's two oldest sons, princes Aemon and Baelon, were dutiful and well-loved by the smallfolk, their third son, Jaegar, was a different story.

Even with being named after his father, the young prince was anything but the conciliator nor was he as mild-mannered as his brothers. Seeking rages, the prince was known to find himself in violent squabbles set off by even the lighthearted of jest and was often stated to be eager to fly to battle, thirsting for the opportunity to cut down his opponents one by one, limb by limb. Upon the news of his betrothal, it was said that Jaegar's frequent visits to the brothels grew in up tick and had only been eased when Jaehaerys' swift reprimands nearly snatched him by the throat. For all, it seemed like the match itself might have been doomed from the start.

Neither pair held either in high regard, as evidenced by Selira remarking to her younger sister, Claere, that if she were given the option she would have sought to marry the eldest brother, Prince Aemon, even if he was a few years her senior and the prince had been betrothed to Jocelyn Baratheon, who the young lady was often seen comparing her to that of the sun. Jaegar himself had little care for his soon-to-be lady wife, his striking violet eyes lingering more often on honey curls and lithe voice belonging to Thalina Lannister, an ambitious young maiden who was once viewed as an option for the young prince's betrothal, catching the attention of the prince, who often frowned at his bride's lack of growth, and holding little intent of letting it go.

Even as the pair were wed, Selira was often found residing under the tutelage of her lord father and trusted advisors within the walls of Draydon, whilst Jaegar could often be found taking to the skies or the skirts of other ladies. It wasn't an uncommon sight to see Lord Kaiuss turn red with rage at the mere mention of the dragon prince, only soothed by his daughters who he kept close following the death of their mother. It proved a shock, however, when in three moons Selira had discovered herself to be with a child. A celebratory feast had taken place in her honor, many lords and ladies sending their regards but no more abundant than that of Alyssane, who was said to nearly sweep the young Selira into her arms and beamed at the thought of another grandchild.

The mood soured however whenever it became apparent that Jaegar made no moves to return nor tend to his pregnant wife. When Aemon and Baelon brandished their brother, demanding he go tend to his unborn child, Jaegar was recalled saying, "I would find myself on the piercing end of a blade than I would tend to a child that is not mine." However, he would soon be swallowing his tongue when Selira came to from her labors and birth to a healthy boy, adorning a head of silver curls and violet eyes similar to that of his father. And though he had seemed to avoid Veritas Isle like a sickness, Jaegar flew his dragon to the home of his wife, took the baby into his arms, and declared "He shall be named Daegar," and took little concern with opposition.

For a moment, a tense peace, if it could be called that, befell the young family with Jaegar often being found near his son, who looked the stunning image of his father save for his face which Selira proudly recognized as hers. Though the castle inhabitants had taken note of the shells of unease, many had hoped that the birth of young Daegar would seal the icy rift.

But one could only hope.

Letters sent by raven had reached the Isle, just three days after their arrival at Kings Landing. House Lannister had demanded a meeting and Lord Tymond held no desire to be ignored. A thunderous rage had swept through Draydon as Kaiuss Sargen was torn from his bedchambers after a servant delivered the message, sprouting curses and grievances that his daughters only saw common when regarding that of the Targaryens. "A bastard!" He roared, face turning pink. "He has dishonored this family and its house, and now he makes us a mockery!"

It is important to note that one of the many customs of Veritas Isle that its Westerosi counterparts did not often share came in the form of illegitimate children. In comparison to the latter, it was not uncommon for children to be born outside of the wedlock but, as opposed, they often weren't viewed too highly either. Disregarded, whether accepted or not. On the Isle, however, they were viewed only as a child born from moments of passion, never to be shunned for the acts of their creators. And while Kaiuss had abided by these ideals, although never fathering any of his own, his disdain for Jaegar brought crimson to his eyes and the scrutiny that was sure to follow his daughter had nearly set him into the trenches of battle.

It was Selira's ever-level-headed nature that set him at ease. "Remember, father, remember," she echoed. Leaving her son in the care of her sister, they set sail for Kings Landing where a dark cloud loomed in the air, growing darker and more thunderous as they stood before the king. While Jaehaerys was regarded for his wise council, within that moment as he stared down at his son, the only emotion he seemed to invoke was pure indignation. While House Sargen had missed most of the king's rage toward his son, they were not spared from the remnants.

Three houses stood within the confines of the throne room, each that carried their power and sense of pride that demanded to be seen. A disastrous outcome was on the presabyss, felt by unease shifting of the guards from each station and the hesitant breaths of servants, royal and non, no one was spared from this moment.

A soft coo, however, arose from a cot centered at the left of Lord Tymond. A babe, only a few moons old, lay unaware of the frictions she had brought, the tiny mind too caught up in the silk fabric that bundled her to care. As explained, the lady Thalina Lannister had discovered that she was with child and attempted to conceal the truth until unable, never revealing the paternal parentage in hopes of preventing bloodshed until she held the squealing babe in her arms as the Stranger awaited to take her on the next journey. It was evident that Jaegar had found himself drawn to her, as it didn't take brains to note, but most had thought the nature would stop once his marriage to Selira and the birth of their son occurred. Again, they had been proven wrong.

Selira ignored the slight wetness that lingered in Jaegar's eyes at the mention of Thalina's fate. There were more important matters to attend to.

Jaehaerys remained unmoving. "My sympathies are with you and your house, my lord. However, while my son's actions and belligerence toward not only his house but that of his wife's as well are noted, I shall ask again: what is it that you hope for?"

Tymond stood strong, appearing ever the lion as his house bore even under the unflinching stare of a dragon. "I understand, my dear Thalina had her obligations that she was supposed to attend. This act does not go coveted." His eyes trailed over to the prince, his expression hardening. "But with those obligations, she sought to continue and birth a daughter. And that is what she leaves us in her stead. Now that she rest, this burden must befall on Prince Jaegar."

A choked silence rises from those in attendance, the armored metal groans under the shift of the guards, who, albeit shaken, grip remains strong on their weapons, posed at the ready for the battle sure to come. Court members stare with frightened awe as Jaehaerys rises to his feet, old and worn eyes now sharp and molten with the heat of a fire that could only be contrasted by the icy nature of the Lannister's own. Varying thoughts sprung from each corner: how could Lord Tymond demand such a thing? Was this his way of clawing more power that his family lost when Jaegar wed another? How could the Targaryens refuse him when his daughter shielded them until the end with her dying wish for the child to be known? How would the tentative alliance with the Sargens remain now?

Another small sound draws from the cradle. Jaegar's eyes return to the small babe. Selira notes the soft fondness that renders his gaze and a tremor races through her tightened jaw. At that moment, he carried more love for the small girl than he had for his son. With a guarded glance, she notes the lingering looks sent her way, members of the court murmur amongst themselves as they watch her every move. This act, even with the customs of the Isle, was an insult. To carry on a relationship of such a matter with a noblewoman, from House Lannister at that, carried more weight than had it been from the likes of a merchant's daughter or worker within a brothel. The Lannister viewed all bastards with disdain, the babe before them, possibly even more so.

A part of Selira sneered at the Lannisters for this. Understanding of their desires only reached so far when it was paired with the disregard for her, her standing, and her family. Here they stood with their demands, on the surface posed with the desire for the last efforts of Thalina to be recognized, a just cause to champion. But Selira did not miss the possibilities presented as well, ever ambitious the blood of the lion is, would it necessarily be too far-off of an idea to believe that they would ignore the opportunity presented before them as well? A Lannister with Targaryen blood running through her veins, the daughter of a son to Jaehaerys the Great. They would be fools too not even consider the opportunity presented in their hands. However, Selira's jaw tightened like a vice the more she stared at Tymond and his flock, who had yet to even turn their gaze in the Sargens' direction. She remembered vividly the way in which the loose lips of the lord carried indignities toward that of her house, the insults the lion bore forever pierced into the scales of the snake.

That would be corrected, soon, but Selira had to bide her time.

While some looked with pity, others looked eager, awaiting the next steps in proceeding. And of course, the maker of this mess urged it forward. Even with his bulky disposition, the prince cradled the child with a gentleness that Selira hardly thought to see from her husband. Even with their son and the glimmers of pride in his eyes whenever holding his tiny form, she was hesitant to leave them unattended. But here, there was no question of the care that bloomed between the father and daughter. Honey curls and eyes of mahogany so opposite to that of her father and his house, the traces of her mother ever present. It seemed that the only that mattered was her.

It took the harsh stare from the king and the clearing of a throat for the prince to draw away his gaze. "She's mine," he stated weakly. Then, with more firmness, whatever softness lingered in his eyes hardened and his brows furrowed. "She's mine, your grace. The child is mine, and I shall uphold my duties and raise her as such."

To anyone else, it would appear that the prince rising to the challenge would be a sought-after outcome for the king, eliminating the risk of harming the pride of a house as formidable as the Lannisters. But when the king drifted his eyes toward the space where the Sargens resided, a shift appeared.

"While I commend you for seeking to uphold your duty, the actions of your recklessness remain to be judged." Jaehaerys nodded toward Kaiuss. "Lord Kaiuss, for many years both our houses have remained at odds with a bitter history shared. I had hoped that, through the marriage of both our children, there could begin a new age. However, with the news presented before us today, action must be taken. It is, to my understanding, by the act of your customs, bastards are raised alongside those of their parentage."

Kaiuss nodded tensely. "That would be correct, your grace."

"And while my son remains steadfast to adhere to his consequences, it is with this decision that I leave a choice be made by your hand." The command reigned clear, drawing a seething look from Jaegar and a guarded one from that of the Lannisters. Murmurs drew as Kaiuss focused his attention on his heir.

"I thank you, your grace, for the consideration. As my eldest and heir bears the weight of these circumstances, I shall leave the matter up to her."

If the rage of a look were enough to send one to the arms of the Stranger, Selira was sure that Jaegar would have personally escorted her there himself. However, it did not, and surrounded by the familiarity of her family's court and a decision of power bestowed upon her by that of the king himself, Selira continued to view little of whatever brute strength her dear husband encompassed and sought more for that of her own. It was evident, the deep love the man shared for his child. A bitter part of her begged to be set free, to claw its way out and tear into the flesh of a dragon and see if the stories were true of the liking more to that of gods than men.

However, an action such as that would prove many flaws. From a stain of hysteria on her character to the disappointment of her father to obtaining a new enemy as lions circled her house like prey. But Selira was a Sargen, a snake that slithered its way through the ashes of the burned and emerged in a stronger, more resilient skin. Her venom was just as powerful as that of a lion's claws and a dragon's flames, if not more potent. It held little care for theatrics nor the hard display of its strength. Why should it be when more could be done unaware? A poison that festers in the blood, twisting its victim inside out until madness overcomes. When the course was complete, what remained would be her's to claim.

And here was her first strike.

"I, as well as that of my house, extend our condolences to you and your family, Lord Tymond. I understand the weight loss can have, especially that of losing a mother." A poised smile bore onto her face as she nodded toward the, now, sleeping baby. "Lady Thalina has left us with the last pieces of her, a blessing. And it is with that, I could not bear to separate the child from her father."

She could feel Jaegar's eyes boring heavily into her skull, stalking her every move.

"However, while my home customs do permit for us to allow our bastards to be treated much differently than in Westeros, it has never factored one birth from a noble family." Her brown eyes darkened. "While you demand that my dear husband take his responsibilities, rightfully so, to make a decision without taking my house into account may be read by some as...an insult. But I am sure that is not what you had wished."

Tymond Lannister at least held some manner of reproach, his attention now focused on her. The corners of Selira's mouth twitched at that. "My apologies, my lady. But the child must be raised by her father as was my dear Thalina's final wish."

Selira withheld a snort of disdain at the mention of the woman but withheld her mask.

"And I do not wish to deny her, no matter her transgressions. But as Prince Jaegar is my husband and I, the heir of Veritas Isle, the child must reside under our care." She jutted her chin toward those in attendance. "It is not lost to me how most view my family and our customs. Can you, confidently, say that your granddaughter's future will put you at ease?"

Whilst the Targaryens and Sargens were brought together by marriage, most in Westeros still appraised the house as something other, too far-off to their ideals resembling that of their Essosi relatives than anything of the Seven Kingdoms. While the Lannisters stood intending to declare a wrong be corrected, the way they had easily brushed over the presence of her house, the one in which one of their own would be brought up, was not easily missed. As Selira shared a glance with her father, she saw that he had noticed it as well, and watching the stiffness that consumed Tymond more and more caused both to grow pleased.

After a moment of internal debate, Tymond forced out. "Will you care for her, in the way she deserves?" The underlying demand was evident, synonymous with that of a man seeking security, a grandfather entrusting the care of his granddaughter, the last reminder of his loss.

Selira smiled softly. "I will care for her as if she were my own, raise her alongside her brother and any other child that I shall bear. She will be safe and tended to, on that I swear, my lord."

At this, Tymond Lannister relented. The building bricks of unease that hung over the court slowly began to lift. Jaehaerys declared that the child be raised as. Targaryen, under the care of her father and lady stepmother before the eyes of all those in attendance. The heavy atmosphere that once plagued the court now turned into one of small elations from some, while others could only draw out whispers amongst one another.

In the end, two names would be recorded in the pages of history, their existence never to be forgotten, for better or worse.

Daegar and Aenora Targaryen. A prince bore from the bitter strife of two warring houses and a princess with a lion's roar and a dragon's fire. And for the months following their births, an omen stretched over the realm that only the hands of time would tell.

author's note:
word count: 3788

me after struggling & brainstorming with this chapter:

🫀well, here we are with another chapter update (it's been 84 years....) that we won't even get into how LONG it took me to make, because all that matters are the attempts and the success. And here's the success!...I lowkey don't like this chapter, ngl, but it does address some important details for the rest of this book. Obviously, as mentioned beforehand, the Targaryens and the Sargens don't like each other, to a drastic extent, and everyone knows it (the Sargens are always going to be Targ haters, it's ingrained into their bones). Jaehaerys marries his son J*egar and Selira to attempt to repair the rift. But, of course, leave it up to said son to ruin everything.

🫀I changed the Sargen house symbol to a snake because, my dumbass, didn't know that the Kraken was already used for another house and I can't have that now, can I? So guess who has to make some more edits? Me 😀. But yeah, they're snakes which will be great for future analogies later down the line bc this house is petty with a capital P. To which extent? Maybe enough to ruin an engagement to marry you daughter into the family you despise, get a child out of said marriage and work your way from there. Is this like what Otto had in mind? Yes, but here's a big difference: the Sargens are smarter about it is all I'll say. Otto ain't got nothing on years and years of hatred and distain.

🫀Aenora Targaryen has been a character in the making for as long as her brother (and Lianna) have, and I'm excited to explore her character especially with her place in Westeros and her role during the Dance. She is the daughter of Tymond Lannister's daughter, Thalina (an oc whose name will be edited in the opening) and Jaegar which already is a big no no, even more so with Jaegar, not only, being married and a father, but the fact that Thalina was originally considered to be his betrothed. Now, I'm not all that knowledgeable about how these houses and kingdoms operated back then, but I can assume that something like this would be frowned upon. While bastards are treated far better in Veritas Isle, where the Sargens rule, they do still have some limitations. While Selira and co probably would have been chill if Jaegar had fathered a child with someone of lower status, having one with a highborn daughter, a Lannister at that, is a no go. In their customs, it brings more harm than good, as one can understand. It also doesn't help that the Lannisters low key look down on them.

🫀Veritas Isle and its inhabitants, as stated before, are outliers to the world of Westeros and its practices so some often look down on them or hardly ever even attempt to acknowledge them at times. Selira quickly checked that because she, not only, will be the future heir of her house but if Tymond expects her to raise his grandchild, he better show her respect as well. While she won't place the blame of her parents choices over Aenora, I also want to preference this by stating that her decision isn't one fully from the heart either, especially as the story continues.

🫀Aenora was originally going to be a Stark!oc's daughter, but then I switched it to Lannister and it just stuck. I'm not sure if I'll give her a dragon or not, but only the future will tell. Not like she needs one though, as she's a baddie all on her own.

🫀I also want to preference this by saying that the timeline of, not only this fic, but the actual books vs the show has me in confusion. I'm trying to figure out ages and dates, as well as time and how it works in the asoiaf universe so, please, bear with me. I'm just a girl. I've also been toying with the idea between making it seem like historical/eye witnessed accounts, similar to that of the book (which I'll also be taking inspiration from) and then in the moment, what actually happened for other chapters. This was my first trial, so let me know how you guys liked it! Hope you enjoyed, don't forget to support this book!

dts (thank you all for your support and kindness, sorry for the wait):
viserraisms , nostalgiclogan , gavictrl , jediruins , spaceism , silvcrspoons , -angxlpurity , cuddleysoftbear , heyqueens-

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