Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Lucerys has many plans to make sure that his family will survive, the Targaryen were powerless without their dragons, and he knows it and sees it as the Baratheons' destroyed his family's legacies. But he was just a kid, he may know the future, but he has limited power now.

He needs allies, and if not allies, he needs them not to be enemies. 

He was angry at the first years of his death, he remembers trying to kill Aemond or his family, but his ghostly hand only passed thru their bodies. And as years passed by, and his youngest brother inherited the crown, his anger died, and he began contemplating his life. He knows that if he didn't inflict Aemond's injury, despite the reason why they fought, then he knows that his uncle would let him go that night when they encountered the Storm's End. His number one plan is to make his uncle his friend. 

He also knows that he needs Rheana should claim Vhagar if he wants his side to win. That dragon has killed so many of his family members.

That is why he's getting the eggs he remembers seeing when he was a ghost and randomly touring the hidden parts of the castle. It was a warmer place, and even though no one was taking care of it, the eggs were still alive and ready to hatch, just like Daenerys's eggs at her wedding. 

It's a dangerous place, but he already died a painful death. He's ready for whatever is coming. 

-

He heard so many screams as he ran towards the Dragonpit, where he knew Aemond usually was. He's excited to show his uncle a dragon's egg, thinking he's solving two problems with what he's going to give. 

The three boys were already there, Aegon and Jake's laughing at Aemond, whose staring at the pig. Luke suddenly remembers this moment; he pushed on and greeted them. 

"Uncle! Look what I got you!" Luke presented Aemond with two eggs in his hand, "Now, when the eggs hatch, we can train together!" 

But Aemond isn't looking at the eggs Luke is giving him; he is looking at Luke. 

"Uncle?" Luke calls, looking at his other uncle and brother, who wears the same expression Aemond has. "What's the problem? I got you an egg. It was hard, but I got it for you so that nobody will tease you that you are not a Targaryen-"

But his speech was cut-off when he felt something tricking on his face. He tries two swipe it, but when he looks at his hand, he sees it is full of blood. The screams got louder, and as he looked around, the world spun, his brother was running towards him, and he felt himself falling, but Aemond could catch him. 

"Uncle? This is nothing; I've got worse." Luke asks as he tries to swipe Aemond's tears from his face, but he ended up smearing his blood in his uncle's face, "It's just an eye! Why are you crying? It's a fair exchange, my eye for your egg."

He can't hear anything, but he can see his uncle trying to say something to him. But he's so tired that he can feel his eyelids already dropping. He didn't fight it. Then everything blacks out. 

-

Aemond was at the door of Lucerys's chamber, clutching the egg Luke had given him. He was not allowed to enter as they tried to save his nephew's eyes. 

He looks at the egg he was given, warm but stained with Luke's red blood. His nephew loses his eye and almost lost his life trying to provide him with a dragon egg.

Because Luke wants to stop everyone from teasing him as an adopted while he lets the rumors fly that his nephews are all bastards. He was ashamed of what he's done and grateful because out of everyone in his family, his nephew showed he cared for him. The very same ones his mother told him were their enemy.

He cried like a child, weeping, kneeling at the door as he clutched the eggs. He was crying hard that he didn't see his sister carry him inside. He hugged Rhaenyra as he saw Luke sleeping face, his beauty marred with the scar he got because of him.

"I'm sorry." He cried on his sister's shoulder.

"Nothing is your fault," Rhaenyra tells him, shushing his crying as he puts him in the seat near Luke's bed, "It's not your fault; Luke told me that all he wanted was to fly with his favorite uncle. That's why he searched for the eggs. He loves you. And it was not your fault he's careless. He should've called a maester to get him, but he told me he got excited thinking about you two flying together." 

"He told you that?" Aemond asks

Rhaenyra giggled, "He was awake moments ago, he was just given sleeping tea because he needed to sleep to heal, but he was asking for you. And he keeps on telling me that he had worse. Silly boy."

But he can hear tears in her voice. Aemond continues to listen to what Rhaenyra is saying as his cries turn into hiccups until Leanor brought up their food. They ate in Luke's room, with everyone that Alicent had told him to stay away with. He sees how different Rhaenyra is compared to his mother. He listens to their story as he silently ate his food.

He looks at Luke's sleeping form and promises the gods that he will do his best to fulfill Luke's dream. 

----

Thank you!

Chapter Text

Italic - Valyrian

-

When Lucerys becomes a ghost, he stays his age, meaning he might consider himself hundreds of years old because he stays till Daenarys's death, but his mind and heart remain a teenager. But that doesn't mean he didn't know how to plan.

And it helped that he was not the only ghost that stayed, though he's not always with them, as ghosts always travel. From time to time, his grandmother Aemma and his great-grandmother Jocelyn Baratheon visited him when they met roads. And so does Sir Harwin Strong, and they talked, and he knows, and the truth is that deep down, he knows he is his biological father even before his untimely death. Sometimes when he visits his mom, both his legal and biological father is present, trying to console Rhaenyra for the death of her children; his siblings, but what can a ghost do but watch and suffer? 

The ghosts helped him understand everything that transpired, even when he was still alive. They told him that the dance was already starting even before his death, and that was because of Alicent's confusion when his grandfather uttered the name Aegon. And he understands as time pass by why his grandfather utters the name, seeing that it was his two younger brothers that inherited the throne. Aegon and Viserys, his last two brothers, inherited the crown.

They may win the war, but at what cost?

Though not everyone becomes a ghost, Leanor told him that when the hurt and anger are too much, the gods take them away to a place where they can heal; that's why he only sees Harwin, Leanor, Aemma, Jocelyn, and his cousins from Helaena. The others do not become a ghost when they die. But not everyone stayed. Some were also taken to finally rest, just like both of his fathers when his mother died.

He remembers constantly muttering to his ghostly family that if the gods give him a chance to return, he'll make sure they will all survive. They smile sadly at him, though some will provide him with ideas on what to do to fix everything. Armed with that knowledge, he took his first step and had already planned a timeline until his grandfather's death.

He already knows what arguments to use for his legitimacy, which was taught to him by Leanor and Jocelyn. And that is what he will use now that they will have a feast on Driftmark. A dinner that includes the Baratheons, who invited some great lords of the North like the Starks and Arryn. 

He looks out the window, where he can see some of the ships starting to arrive. Luke suddenly remembers everything he changes after giving his uncle the eggs. 

-

When he woke up, it was Alicent sitting on the bed together with his mother that greeted him. She was crying, thanking him, and apologizing for him noticing the hurt his son was feeling for not getting a dragon for getting hurt for his son's sake. And as he hugged her, he remembered his grandmother telling him that everyone was a good person. They only change because of the circumstances that surround them. 

"But isn't that what family means? Mother always tells me that I should always look out for her siblings. And that no one should be left behind," He says as Alicent looks at him with tears running down her face. "Always helping each other. And he's my favorite uncle-" but whatever he was going to say next was stopped when Alicent hugged him again. This time tighter.

And his mother also joins the hug. Lucerys was sandwiched between two mothers, two friends, who use the situation to mend their broken friendship. And at that time, Lucerys thinks it was a win for them and that he's already mending the rift between the two women. 

And when he looked around the room, he saw his uncle standing near them, looking at him. Luke grins and reaches out his hand, and it takes a few seconds before Aemond takes it. 

When Aemond took it, he thought it was for a handshake, but he yelped when he was pulled-in in the hug. He was about to scold his nephew, but as he felt his mother's and sister's arms engulfing him and Luke's giggle vibrating near his chest, he melted and let be part of the hug.

Their relationship started to change. He always includes Helaena in their games as Aegon and his brother train. The five of them become a group, though he always sees Otto looking at them like he's planning something. But Luke always looks back at him with his smile, which looks menacing according to his aunt Helaena because of his eye patch. 

Their training with Sir Cole also changes, especially when Alicent changes, and there's no one telling the knight to be mean to them. And sometimes Sir Harwin trains them too. 

Later, the betrothal of Jacaerys Velaryon and Helaena Targaryen is announced, and that is when Luke manages to breathe out his anxiety.

-

But of course, they were Targaryen, and they were made to suffer even when Luke holds the knowledge of the future. The fire still happened though this time he knows that Alicent didn't plan it, and his aunt still died, which is natural though it still hurts, and deep down, he knows that his father will still leave them soon. That is why he spends time with Leanor as much as possible, learning about the ways of the sea. Because in the past, even when he was still a ghost, Leanor and his great-grandmother Jocelyn declared him as their own. And that the salt of the sea runs in his veins. 

The funeral happens, though Alicent is with them this time, and so are her children. Jake and Helaena are holding hands, and he can feel Aemond standing directly behind him while his cousins are with their grandmother.

He stays cool when some Valeryon keeps on giving them looks. But when Vaemond started insulting his parentage at his aunt's funeral. Luke loses control, "I don't think my aunt will appreciate your speech about other people when we are supposed to mourn her. Lord Vaemond. If you are done with your speech, then maybe let my cousin, her daughter speak."

Everyone's eyes were suddenly on him, and he almost flung himself at sea for what he's done, because at this age in the original timeline he never learn Valyrian, only when he was a ghost he received a formal lesson on the said language.

But Daemon laughed, "Thank you. Lucerys, Valeryon's fierce blood surely runs in your veins, and if my wife is here, she will approve of you."

He felt his mother's hug firming on his side, and that's when he notices Aemond's hands at his back. And when he looks at him, he almost sees the same face Aemond had when he killed him, but this time his uncle is looking at Vaemond. 

That night, instead of Aemond sneaking in, this time, it was all of the children, and they helped Rheana claims Vhagar, they were reprimanded, but the incident caused the seven of them to become friends. Just like how he plans. 

- 

Luke knows the exact moment his mother and Daemon will place the fake body in place of his father, and he knows where his father is at that exact moment. His father's ghost told him, that is why he ran as fast as his tiny legs could when he saw the boat that two men were mounting. 

The two men, specifically his father, stopped when he saw him, and his partner looked at Lucerys. Leanor was about to say something, but Luke started speaking first. 

"Thank you, father, for loving my mother and me even though your heart belongs to another. Thank you for giving me a name and your blessings. And I want you to know that I am happy and accept you. And I wish there comes a time when the world accepts that love is love. Goodbye. And never go to the south. There's a storm coming."

And Luke ran as fast as he could, not looking back, covering his ears so that he would hear what his father was yelling back at him.

-

Aemond is acting very differently, and Luke understands he's not the same Aemond from his past. But the overprotectiveness is overbearing.

"Uncle, I can handle a sword. I'm going to be the Lord of the seas, and I needed to know how to fight." Lucerys, though he tries not to, whines at his uncle. "So please, give me back my sword."

"You only need some basics. I will always be at your side, and you don't need to carry a sword." Aemond counters. "And we'll ride Arrax and Seasmoke, and if Ajax and Bagor are big enough to ride, they'll fly with us too.

Which is very illogical for Luke, "All the lords knows how to fight. I need to be strong."

There was a peal of quiet laughter in the courtyard after Luke said the word 'strong.' And immediately, Aemond's whole demeanor changes. 

"Who says that?" Aemond almost growls, looking at all sides of the yard.

"It's okay, uncle," Luke tries to calm Aemond down, "Don't mind them. Why don't we visit our dragons? Seasmoke would probably need adjustment since you just bonded with him."

Aemond relaxes but still glares daggers at the people around. 

They turn around, and Luke immediately engages his uncle in a different topic, "it's unfair that now you fly 'cause you have a bigger dragon than me."

Aemond looks at him and then asks, "You're not angry that Seasmoke bonded with me rather than you?"

"Not really." Luke answers, "I'm happy that of all riders, he chose you. Father loves Seasmoke. I was initially nervous that they would give him to another rider or that he'll stay at the pit forever, but now that he's with you, I'm more than happy." 

"Ajax and Bagor are still my favorites," Aemond says after a minute of silence. 

"As you should!" Luke laughs, "I gave them to you!"

As they walk towards the dragonpit, he felt his uncle's hand against his back. "I won't let them hurt you."

"I know," Luke sadly smiles, knowing what Aemond is referring to.

- 

They wouldn't be together for long. Though they were not separated because of the conflicts of their mothers, they were separated because of duty. Lucerys needed to learn how to lead the Driftmark, and because Aemond is not part of the Velaryon house, he cannot come with Luke.

"It's okay, uncle; I'll send a raven to you every day." Luke tries to console Aemond, but his uncle never speaks that day. And Luke also need to say goodbye to the other member of his family. 

His biggest surprise was Alicent crying for him. Though thru the months that he tries to get close to her, it's not surprising they got close. "Grandmother, please don't cry." Luke tries to console Alicent. 

"Oh," Alicent kneels so they can look at each other. She wipes his tears and kisses his face while her tears also flow down. "Be a good boy, and please don't wander alone. Write to me and your mother too, not just Aemond. And make sure not to skip meals. I'll tell the ladies to keep an eye on your food schedule. And don't forget to take your eyepatch every time you sleep."

"I will," Luke promises. He never thought that he would love Alicent, but he remembers that she was also only manipulated by all the men surrounding her. But now they were the ones surrounding her, and now he could see that she was a kind person. 

Then it's her mother's turn, "I love you. I'll try to visit as much as I can."

"I love you too, mum."

The hugs made it harder for him to walk away, but he needed to. He needed to learn, and he needed the power to make sure that the peace that they had would remain. And though he knows that it will be hard as he's now alone in a place where only his grandfather is his only ally, he knows that the ghosts of his family and their lessons are with him. 

- 

And now, back at present.

It's been months since he went to Driftwood, and if he remembers it right, two years from now on is the death of his grandfather, the spark of the beginning of the dance. Though confident that he had already averted the problem, he knew that he needed to be ready and eliminate all possible threats to his family's peace.

His grandmother's birthday is coming, and a feast is being made. All of the houses' blood that runs in her veins is coming to Driftmark. This is his chance to present himself as a legitimate heir to the house of Velaryon. Jocelyn Baratheon's word comes into his mind as he watches them enter the castle. He did look like them. 

He looks as the noble houses of the North come in one by one to the great hall, and most look at him. And truth is that he held them with great respect, especially the Starks, who in the end won the game of thrones. 

When the dinner started, he uses his age to be able to get away with the speech that he practiced for ages. He went to the table where the Baratheons are seated and pick the girl that looks like him the most. Even though there are rumors flying, a child is a child. And he was greeted with kind smiles.

"Prince Lucerys." One of the greeted, the wife of the current head of the house. 

He produced some tears and went near, "Can I seat here?" He asks, using his doe eyes and childish voice. 

"Of course!" The ladies immediately answer. "But aren't you going to be missed at the main table?"

"I don't think they will miss me, and for the first time, I can be with people who looked like me," Luke answers, eyes cast down, and a little pout on his lips. 

And with that everyone in the room looks at him, and he knows it's show time. 

Lady Baratheon immediately went to him and grabs his chin to make him look at her. "Oh, sweet merciful gods. You have Jocelyn's eyes." She whispers, but loud enough for Lord Stark and Baratheon to look at him too. 

Lord Baratheon instantly lifts him up and laughs out loud, and Luke suddenly remembers his descendant Robert Baratheon. "Baratheon's blood is so strong that it carries thru generations!" He speaks out aloud. "Look! People of the North! This boy carries our blood!"

And everyone claps and shouted with joy.

Lucerys catches a glimpse of his grandparents. Corlys looks proud, and Rhaenys, his grandmother whom he already forgave for not giving him and his brothers an ounce of love look at him guiltily. Rhaenys looks at him with acknowledgment. 

And he knows that it's a lie. But Jocelyn and Aemon was the one who gave him this lesson. Probably because even though he's not blood, Leanor still considers him a family that's why they consider him as one of theirs too. And he knows that their ghosts are present this time, he just wishes they were happy now. 

Real tears fell down his face and Lord Baratheon sees it, "Hush now boy. People probably question you a lot, especially the Velaryons. But don't worry, the North is behind your back. We don't leave our own."

The party ended a lot merrier and the rumors were never touched ever again. Though he still sees Vaemond wary glances towards him.

When he retires in his room, his grandmother is already there. No words were exchanged, but there were tears. and a lot of hugs. 

- 

Years passed and though the Baratheons and most of the North backed his legitimacy, the rumors never die. That's why on the same day he was still summoned back to the castle to answer for Vaemond's accusation about his illegitimacy. 

He was now more confident seeing the support that he has, but what he was worried about is that Aemond never did visit him in the past six years that he's been away, and even his letters were scarce. Alicent visits him together with his mother and Daemon, Aegon who's learning side by side with Jake visits when they are free of their duties. Baela, Rhaena, and Helaena visit whenever they can since they are the freest.

But Aemond stays away. Aegon assures him that there's nothing wrong and that Aemond is just having his phase, but Luke is still worried.

That is why when he landed in the capitol, the first thing that he does is visit Aemond, who if the first timeline is still true, is having a practice with Sir Cole. And they were, but when Luke sees Aemond his heart drops. 

It's like he's reliving his first life, because there his uncle whom he tries to save from an injury, has now the same injury as before. People hear his gasps because everyone is now looking at him. 

"Nephew." Aemond who was looking at him with an expression that Luke can't read greeted him. "Welcome back."

"Prince Lucerys it's been a long time!"Sir Cole, who's a lot friendlier and exchanges some letters with Luke welcomes him. And when he sees Luke looking at Aemond "Ah, I think he wants the same look as you have, -"

Lucerys wasn't able to listen to the explanation the knight is giving him about his uncle's injury.

He breaks down, "No. No. No, why? Why?! Who did this to you?!" 

Chapter Text

When Aemond dies, many things run thru his mind. Anger, deep hunger for violence, but most of all, regret. He regrets many things, a feeling he never thought he could have. And when his body plunged into the waters, his last thought was about his nephew. 

And Aemond wonders what their relationship could have been if they were on the same side and if he accepts the apology that night before they went to dragonstone.

- 

Aemond wakes up in a familiar room and jolts hard that he falls on the floor. Battle reflexes make him quickly stand up and survey the room. It was his childhood bedroom. He quickly looked in the mirror and saw his teenage face looking back at him. He was about to look around when the doors opened widely, and his mother entered hurriedly.

His mother still has a younger face—Alicent, in her prime. But there was something different in her, her walk, her stance, and the life in her eyes.

"Aemond? I know you're still sulking, but what you're doing is making it harder for Luke and yourself." Alicent scolded his son, but Aemond could see the fresh track of tears falling down her face. 

"Luke?" Aemond asks, knowing that his mother never calls his nephew that way. It's always 'bastard' and nothing else. 

"Oh, my love." Alicent's lips wobble, something that his mother will never do. She kneels and hugs Aemond. "I know it's hard. It's hard for me too. But we all have duties. And Luke is the future Lord of Driftmark. He needs to know all about the land that he will govern." 

"How can he govern Driftmark?! He's a bastard!" Aemond responded his emotions were all over the place, and he couldn't seem to control them.

Alicent gasped. She quickly looked at her son, "Aemond! I know you're hurting, but hurting him isn't going to help. He doesn't want to go. But duty calls. And he needed to answer. You know he loves you so much. And I know that Luke doesn't like it when I always bring this up, but he loses an eye for you. Best remember that."

Aemond doesn't understand what his mother means by that, and he opens his mouth to say something. There were things that he wanted to say, so much information from the future. But he then remembers a memory that isn't his, Luke with a bloodied face and his left eye almost gone out of its socket, happily showing him the eggs he got for him because he wants his favorite uncle to fly with him. Because he doesn't want others calling him an adopted Targaryen.

Aemond felt himself cry, wail, and scream, even though he was still confused. Alicent hugs him back, and he uses his mother's embrace to ground himself as some memories are suddenly flung at him, and now he has two lives' worth of memories playing in his mind. It's like there's another Aemond screaming at him at the back of his mind to feel things that he never knew he could feel. 

They go to say goodbye. He wants to see if his memory is correct and if Lucerys truly lost his eye. But he was greeted by another unfamiliar scenario. Rhaenyra immediately hugged his mother as soon as they saw each other. Aegon whispering with Jacaerys. His cousins with Daemon are with Helaena, comforting her as she cries quietly. And as he looked around, he saw Lucerys, with an eye patch that was supposed to be on his face, smiling sadly at him. 

His nephew immediately throws himself at him, his arms moving on their own, and immediately catches Luke. He's horrified at how this child carries a scar that was his, how his surroundings changed, how the memories playing in his head are different from his first life, and how he loves every second of it. 

Lucerys says goodbye and promises to write to him every day. But he can't answer. Luke is saying goodbye to an Aemond that is not him. Luke also requested for him to take care of dragons that were not in his first life, Seasmoke, Leanor's dragon that he's now riding, and two hatchlings. Ajax and Bagor. The dragons that hatched from the eggs that Luke got for him. He then remembers an excited voice; It's a fair exchange, my eye for your egg.

He stays standing until he can't see the boat that is carrying Lucerys and the rest of the Velaryons. He stays even though his family tries to coax him. He waits until he remembers everything that changes from his first life. 

He may not be the Aemond of this world, the one that the Lucerys of this world have loved. But he will do everything to stay and make this his.

-

He trains harder. Because he may have his memories of the past war, but his body is still new. And he needed to train now that he had two eyes. But that makes him deadlier than before, and now that Daemon is staying at the castle, his training is now being overseen by him. 

He always reads every letter that Luke has been sending him and cherishes everything that is being sent to him—keeping it in a box near his bed. But he never got a heart to reply; Luke was sending it not to him but the Aemond of this world. And when they visit Luke on Driftmark, he never goes with them. Even with so much nagging from his mother and his sister, he never went. His brother is giving him looks, and Helaena just giggles, but he promises himself that he will earn him. That Luke will love him and not the other Aemond. And he wants Luke to look at him, truly see him. 

- 

There was an invitation for Rhaenys nameday, and the Baratheons and most of the North will come. They know that the invitation is for formality's sake, but the feast is a personal one. That's why they didn't go. He can still hear Aegon whining about missing free food, but they all know he's just missing Lucerys. 

And that makes him hunger more because Luke didn't just give him an egg. He saved his family. And for that, he'll be forever grateful. Because he never thought his sister could smile so freely like that. Or that his brother is truly intelligent without his cruelty. Or that his mother can laugh with no care because, finally, his friend is with her. 

Then a raven came; it was a letter of apology addressed to his sister. It's from Lord Baratheon, with the sigils of the houses of the North, apologizing for listening to rumors about Lucerys true parentage when he's a carbon copy of the late Queen Jocelyn Baratheon with the facial feature of the Northern men. 

He never thought he would see his mother and sister look at each other like they had just found the best cover-up in the world. And that got him thinking, what if this Lucerys is like him? And that excites him more. Because if this is his Luke, and the first thing that Luke does is redeem him, isn't it a sign that they were always meant to be? He wants to know, but Lucerys can deny it easily, and Aemond doesn't want that; he needs a plan.

In the morning, he asks for an eyepatch. His mother looked at him like he was a madman, but he answered, "I miss him." His request was immediately approved.

-

Six years have passed, and he has now been declared the greatest knight of the realm. One thing that he never manages in his first life, Daemon is truly a brilliant knight and teacher. 

"Tomorrow, our sweet Lucerys will come home." Daemon was looking at him, trying to get a reaction.

"Why?" Aemond asks, even though he already knows why. He read about Vaemond's request for an audience with the King. 

"His legitimacy is being questioned." Daemon answers, still looking at him. 

"Even though half of the realm is on my nephew's back?" 

Daemon smirks, finally getting what he wants. "Lucerys honor will be questioned tomorrow; he maybe not be my blood son, but I love him nonetheless, and I will kill for him." Daemon declares, and Aemond stops himself from snorting, that he knows how sharp the blade of Daemon is when it comes to protecting his children. 

"I know." Aemond answers.

Aemond and Daemon look at each other intensely, and Aemond finally gives in to the animal that's inside his chest, "But he's mine to protect." 

The courtyard was filled with Daemon's laughter, and most had avoided that place.

-

That morning, he went to what had transpired in his first life. He wore his eyepatch and requested Sir Cole for a match. 

"Would you like me to mop the floor, my prince?" Criston asks, "You know you've already passed my level regarding fighting."

Aemond knows, but he wants to stay faithful to what happened. He wants to see if this Luke is his Luke. 

The moment Aemond saw Luke’s grief-stricken face, he knew. This is his Lucerys. And when Luke broke down, Aemond rushed to catch him. Aemond didn't look back at the people in the yard. He carried a screaming Luke into his chamber and made sure that it was locked. Luke continues screaming. Aemond went to the bed and put the boy down, shushed him, and took off the eye patch. 

"Hello, nephew. Missed me?"

Chapter Text

Not an update, just an announcement that I will update this on Thursday. I will be super busy with University activities this Monday to Wednesday but will be posting an update on Thursday (I already drafted the next two chap). 

Thank you!~

Though I would really really like to update or release a chap before the next ep. Because i really feel like that is the start of the dance. But study first.

Chapter Text

Alicent dies in the underbelly of the castle she once ruled. She died a bitter woman full of anger, resentment, and guilt. She died wishing for many things. For her sons to be alive, for her daughter and grandchildren never to witness such horror. For her to stand up on her own and not listen to her father's control.

Alicent loves her children, but sometimes when pangs of hunger and pain are too much, and when her minds wander, she wishes she didn't marry Viserys and she stayed on her friend's side. She wishes she took Rhaenyra's hand and fly to an unnamed island on the dragon's back and ate nothing but cake.

She dies with her best friend's name on her lips, asking for forgiveness, and love.

That is why when she came back the first thing that she's done is ask for the date, and when she finds out that she can still save everyone she immediately went to find her friend and tell her everything and ask for forgiveness. She hurriedly went to Rhaenyra's room and as she opens her door, she sees her son in her arms.

Alicent got confused because she knows that there was nothing like this in the past. But as Rhaenyra looks at her smiling, carefully angling Aemond to show that he's unharmed, that the blood on his cheeks is not his, and that she only cared for the crying boy who doesn't want to go back into his room until his nephew wakes up, Alicent breaks down. 

But no words have come thru her mouth. Leanor has to get sleeping Aemond from his wife's arms so that Rhaenyra can go to Alicent and get her, hug her, and ground her. And when Alicent's felt her friends around her all she can say is her apologies. And even though Rhaenyra didn't understand, and Alice didn't want to talk, being in each other's arms is enough that night.

Laenor puts Aemond on the nearest resting couch and watched the two best friends mend each other's wounds without saying a word. But even though he's liking whatever is happening, he needed to put the ointment in Luke's wound. He tiptoes around the woman who notices what he's doing. 

Alicent looks at her friend, "What happened?"

Rhaenyra who's also crying cannot formulate her thoughts, that's why Laenor took the liberty to talk proudly about his son. "It’s my fault. He told me that he will get some dragon’s egg he found somewhere in the hidden parts of the castle to give to his favorite uncle.”

“Favorite uncle?” Alicent asks.

Laenor laughs, and answers with a teasing tone, “Aemond! Who would’ve thought that the reason those two are always fighting is that Luke had a crush on his uncle”

Rhaenyra scolded her husband who scoffs, “They are children Rhaeyra, let them be. And its nothing harmful.”

Alicent smiles at the interaction, relaxing into Rhaenyra’s hug.

Laenor then continues “I thought the eggs were just his imagination, but it’s real, it's hidden deep into the floorboards of that abandoned war room, its almost decaying and have many large splinters. He got the eggs, but he fell down.”

Alicent gasps. Luke’s a kind child, and Alicent didn’t really hate the boy, she was only manipulated to hate him. Alicent then felt Rhaenyra squeezing her shoulder, which Alicent almost laughs because here she is being comforted by the mother of the child who got hurt.

Laenor continues the tale, “I don’t know how he was able to climb back up, nor how he was able to go from here to the dragon’s pit without noticing that there’s a large wood poking his eyes. But he did, went towards the boys, and give Aemond the eggs.”

Alicent looks at Lucerys, who’s face is bandaged. She has many thoughts, and one of them is that liker her Luke has come from the past. “Why would he do that?” She asks aloud, why did Lucerys give her son an egg instead of going to his mother and tell her everything. Why risk his life to give Aemond, the one that will kill him an egg?

Her question was heard by Laenor and answers, “Luke told me that some people at the court are making fun of his uncle Aemond for not having a dragon, they're teasing him as a bastard."

"What?!" Alicent asks, angry and confused because he never heard about the teasing in her past life. Laenor puts his hands up as a shield from the angry mother.

"I already told father, and he already banished them from the courts," Rhaeyra answers,

Alicent looks at Rhaenyra again, "Why?” she asks as tears are renewed from her eyes.

"Because he's my brother, and I know that you have never been unfaithful to father." Rhaenyra answers, confused as to why Alicent will question her love for her family.

Alicent face crumples and cries again, apologies flowing from her mouth again. She's apologizing for numerous reasons, for not noticing Aemond's problem, for not noticing Rhaenyra's love and devotion towards her siblings, for even swaying away from her side, for hurting her friend, and for being one of the master planners on how to kill her Rhaenyra and her family. 

Rhaenyra lifts her friend's face, smiling like when they were children vowing to be always at each other's side, "Oh Alice, there's nothing to apologize for. You know I would do anything for you and your children."

The friends ended up hugging again, this time laughing and crying at the same time. 

Laenor fakes a cough, and when he got the ladies' attention, he started narrating what happened to Luke. Because he's a proud father, and even though he doesn't like what happened to his son, he's still proud.

When Lucerys woke up the next day, Alicent and Aemond were there to welcome him, hug him, and thanked him. Alicent felt grateful for many things but at that moment she was thankful because this child who died at the age of 14, at the hands of her son, choose to save her son rather than despise him. She’s thankful that Lucerys has a big heart and chose to save her family too. 

Alicent sees her family grow. Her children together with Rhaenyra’s, grow side by side, loving each other as they should be. She sees her children be children, she sees them be happy. And Alicent vows to protect them with all of her power. 

-

Many things have happened, and Alicent doesn't really know if some of the things that are happening also happened in the past or if something changed because she knows Lucerys is changing things little by little. 

Aemond hatched two dragons, which he names Ajax and Bagor.

Laena still die, and Laenor they help escape and be himself.

Vhagar was claimed by Rhaena.

Aemond claims Seasmoke, with the help of Lucerys.

Rhaenyra marries the man she truly yearns for.

And with all of the supposed incidents averted, Alicent was able to calm herself.

She witnessed Helaena bloom and be accepted by Daemon’s girls.

She watched as Aegon laughs with Jacaerys while training and studying rather than drinking till he passed out.

She watched Aemond’s heart grow big as Lucerys shows him how to love. She watched as Aemond who’s known to be sadistic become gentle to everyone and smiles freely without the cruelty the past Aemond has. 

She watched herself fall in love with the boy who have given her a second chance, she watched herself be protective to a son that she didnt give birth too, but loves like he’s hers.That is why whenn the news that Lucerys needs to go to Driftmark because he’s the heir, she was heartbroken. 

And also scared, because from that point she’s sailing unknown waters. With so many changes she doesn't know what would happen in the future. And she hopes that Lucerys knows how to navigate it.

-

Alicent notices a change in her son when Luke sails away. He didnt speak to Luke when he went away, which Alicent thought was Aemond’s way of showing frustration. But when she notice him observing others before engaging with them, she properly observes him.

She then noticed some hints of her old son resurfacing back. But she hopes that the memories of the things that have changed are enough for Aemond to not go back to how he was. She hopes that Luke’s love is enough for her son to see that their life now is enough.

But as days, weeks, months, and years have passed on she notices that future and past Aemond is starting to blend; he’s cruel to those that is not his family, he’s cunning and resourceful but not taking advantage of the situation unless needed, and he’s talented not only on his studies but also in training, enough for Daemon to train him when Aemond defeated and surpasses Sir Cole.

She smiles as she hears her children forcing Aemond to visit Luke but she knows that he won’t come. She’s his son and she knows what’s running into his mind, she just hope that Luke is ready on what’s to come. 

-

Rhaenyra came back the moment a raven gives them a massage about Rhaeny’s naming day. She was looking at her son, Aegon’s eye before looking at the dragon that was about to kill her when suddenly was facing Alicent who was looking at her with concern.  And then her memories of the new present came and she fells down the floor. 

She then wakes up with Alicent who’s crying while holding her. “Rhae?”

“Alice. Please, please tell me this is not a dream. Please tell me all of this is real.” Rhaenyra pleaded.

“It is. It is real.” 

And both friends hold each other as they talk about everything, and really anything. 

But their hug was interrupted by Daemon knocking on the door. They both got up worried because Daemon rarely knocks. 

They where being called by the King to have a family meeting, and on the King’s room, he handed Rhaenyra the letter that was written by Borros Baratheon, apologizing for ever doubting Luke’s legitimacy. 

“Our son just got supported not only by the Lord of Storm’s End but also by the Northerners.” Daemon smiles proudly.

Rhaenyra and Alicent looked at each other and shares a secret smile. 

-

"Hello, nephew. Missed me?" Aemond grins, excited about having his nephew here with him. His nephew who despite being killed by his own hands chose to save him, love him, and be with him.

But Lucerys didn't want to look, he was scared, scared of losing everything that he worked for, scared of losing his family. And more importantly, losing his uncle. 

“Luke,” Aemond calls Lucerys, he looms above his nephew, their bodies only a clothe away from being skin to skin. “Look at me,” he growls, angry at what’s happening. “I said look at me!”

“No!” Luke shouted, and when he felt his uncle’s shocked gasp, he uses the advantage and pushed Aemond away from him and onto the other side of the bed. He rolls until he knows that there’s space between him and Aemond. He then opens his eyes only to see that Aemond still has his two eyes. 

Aemond is looking at him with so much anger and sadness, that Luke immediately felt guilty. “Uncle, I’m sorry. I though you was hurt and that someone injured you. And I cant. I cant have you hurt.”

Luke scoots over to where Aemond is and traces his uninjured face, he smiles as he holds Aemond face between his hands. “I missed you so much”

Aemond scoffs fondly and rests his face in his nephew's hands. “I’m sorry about the eye patch, I truly just want to match you.”

“I'm sorry for reacting that way. But please, never ever do that again. My heart can’t take it.” Luke counters. 

Aemond grabs Luke’s hands and kissed them, then kiss his fingers one by one. Luke blushes, not knowing what’s happening. “Uncle?”

“You’ve got calluses.” Aemond states as he rubs his lips on Lucerys’ fingers, his eyes closed as he memorized every detail. “You’ve been training.” Aemond states again, this time voice tinged with a warning, he then opens his eyes and looked at Luke. “I thought I told you, that you don’t need to.”

Once Aemond opens his eyes, Luke’s heartbeat beats as twice as hard, like horses raising in the field. He stutters,  “I-I am the heir t-to Driftmark, I”, but he wasn't able to finish what he’s saying as Aemond’s stare become to much for him, he puts his body forward and pushes it until he’s almost hugging Aemond. 

Luke hides his face into Aemond’s neck and whispers “Sorry uncle. I won’t do it again.”

Aemond laughs, his voice as deep as the sea and as real as the sun. And since Luke’s hugging Aemond his laugh reverberates into his own chest. Tickling his heart.

Luke felt his uncle caressing his back and ruffling his head, “You’ve lost your curls.”

“Sea water.” Luke simply answers. Feeling safe and contented inside his uncle’s arms he fell asleep.

When Aemond felt Luke’s even breathe, he smirks. He puts his nose into his nephews hair and breathe it, he then arranges his nephews body to be able to hug it properly, and as he feel his skin touching his, he felt whole. 

Luke still doesn't know that he too came back. Though it hurst, because he wants Luke to love him as him and not the other Aemond, he’s willing to wait. Because good things come to those who waits.

Chapter Text

-

Aemond doesn't know what peace is; his past life is full of anger and regret. And when he woke up, it was the day that Luke’s sailing away from him. It was a tortuous six years, much more painful than his first life because, for six years, all he has is the memory of the other Aemond being with his Luke. His.  

Some may call him ungrateful when Luke lost his own eye to save him and his family when Aemond literally murdered Luke at Storm’s End, but it was not him . It was the other Aemond, and he hated it because he wanted his nephew to look at him.  

But having Luke literally sleep while on his lap gave Aemond a taste of peace. And he will never let it go. 

He caresses Luke’s hand, which has now callused from training with swords, and Aemond would probably need to talk to his sister about forbidding Luke from training. He knows it's a stretch and not reasonable, seeing that Luke is the heir of Driftmark, but he doesn't want his nephew to touch or even look at things like that. Lucerys didn't need that because he had Aemond by his side.

Aemond rearranges Luke in his lap to be able to observe Luke properly. Lucerys is beautiful, Aemond thinks as he traces his nephew’s face. His fingers glide from Luke’s brows up to his chin, lightly brushing Luke’s lips. He rested his hand on the cheeks of his nephew.

“I’m sorry,” Aemond whispers as he notes that this is what Luke’s face was when he murdered him. Crippling guilt suddenly crawls into his chest as he remembers that night. Remembers that he knows what the people around him will look like when they grow old, but not Luke’s. And it was his fault. “I won’t hurt you, not this time. I vow that no harm will befall you as long as I’m on your side, so please, if I told you the truth, don’t cast me aside.”

- 

When he was still a ghost, Luke was almost always with Daenarys and the Stark girls. They were Luke’s safe place when he was still a ghost. All the lessons they’ve learned, he, too, learned. 

But out of everyone, it was Tyrion’s lesson that he remembers the most, and as he dreams, it was when Tyrion and Daenarys first stepped foot on Dragon’s Stone. 

But instead of Tyrion telling it to Dany, he was facing Tyrion, “Good. You're in the great game now. And the great game's terrifying.”

-

Luke wakes up with his face tucked into Aemond’s neck. He’s close that he can feel and hear his uncle’s pulse. He’s so close that he can smell Aemond every time he breathes. And it was an addicting scent. 

“Uncle?” Luke calls out as he tries to move his head, only for Aemond to place his hand on his head, forbidding Luke from moving. 

“Let me have this, please, Lucerys. Let me have this.” Aemond pleads with Luke, who notices that Aemond is crying. 

Luke can only nod as he relaxes into his position once more. “Okay, you can have everything that you ever needed.”

Aemond chuckles, voice still tinged with tears, “Oh nephew, you don’t know what you’re offering. You don’t know what I want.”

But Luke knows he may be a kid, but he stays longer as a ghost. He knows what desire looks and smells like. He knows many things that happen in someone's chamber, and though he doesn't really like looking at or watching those kinds of things, there are times when his ghost body restricts him from moving from one room to another. 

And Luke knows what his uncle desires. He can feel it touching his lower back since he’s in Aemond’s lap. Feel it in his skin as it burns. And though it baffles him as to why and how they are Targaryens, and their customs have always been queer. 

But it scared Luke, he knew that Aemond would never harm him, and no matter the sudden change in his uncle’s whole persona, he knew that Aemond would never hurt him, rather he would be protected. 

But he was still large compared to him. And then suddenly, he felt like Vhagar was chasing him, and the rain was hitting his skin as he tried to look ahead. He remembers the wind rushing into his body as he tries to call out Arrax’s name. He remembers the pain when his body plunged into the cold water. He remembers being pulled by the current as darkness swallows him. 

“Luke!” Aemond shakes his nephew, who suddenly panics and hyperventilates. “Luke!” Aemond calls out as he places his nephew on the bed. He taps Luke’s cheeks, whose eyes are very far away. “Lucerys!”

And on Aemond’s last shout, Luke draws in a large breath, like being pulled from the waters and given air. And as both calm down, Aemond lies beside Luke, who immediately takes his uncle’s hand.

“What happened?” Aemond asks, 

“I don’t know.” Luke answers, his uncle stays quiet, but he knows they will talk about that later. 

Wanting to sway his thoughts into his past death, he asks about the eyepatch. 

Aemond handed it to Luke and said that it was custom-made. When Luke properly inspects it, Aemond sees the slight flinch Luke makes when he sees it very familiar. That cemented that this Luke is truly his Luke because that is the same eyepatch he had when they were at Storm’s End. Not that he ever doubted it, from how Luke solves problems that have a more significant impact in the future or how he panics around him. 

But it’s okay. Aemond’s going to make up for his past sins.

“You don’t mind me wearing that during your trial later?” Aemond asks as Luke carefully strokes the eyepatch. 

“You make it sound like I’ve done a naughty thing, uncle,” Luke teases Aemond, “But no, it’s your life. You can do what you want.”

“I want whatever you want.” Aemond answers, looking at Luke with all the seriousness that he has, who looks back at him with twice the ferocity that he’s giving him.”

“Then I want you to be happy,” Luke answers, then he puts the eyepatch into Aemond’s. Tracing it with his tiny fingers, then caresses Aemond’s face, tracing a scar that wasn't there.

Aemond’s breath hitched as he understood what Luke was doing. The hunger that he was feeling for his nephew came back twice as strong. Aemond doesn't know if he can control himself anymore, so to sway his thoughts about devouring Luke right there and there, to mark him so that if the trial starts, the world can see who Luke belongs to, he asks “So, dearest nephew, it’s been six years. Any tale that you can share?”

Aemond sees how Lucerys’s eyes light up immediately, how his beautiful smile is quickly there like they didn't even leave his face. “Oh, I have plenty! Where do I start?”

“You can start with the Baratheons.” 

Lucerys laugh immediately filled Aemond’s chamber, as well as his heart. 

‘So this is peace,’ Aemond thought, ‘I want it.’

-

“Don’t you think we should barge in? They’ve been there for hours.” Alicent asks, worried about Luke and her son.

Rhaenyra squeezes her friend’s arms, “Let them have a few more. It’s been years since they last saw each other.”

Alicent groans, “But I want to see him too.”

Rhaenyra laughs, “We always visit him whenever we can. Aemond didn’t.”

“Aren't you worried? It’s my son, and I love him. But he’s still Aemond, and we know he also time-traveled like us.”

“I’m not. Aemond will never harm Luke. He changed, just like us. I’m only worried if Luke can handle him on the bed.”

“Rhae!” Alicent scolded her friend, who laughed back at her. “You Targaryens really do have queer customs.” 

“Ha! That we do. Let’s finish this cake and then we can go and disturb them.”

Alicent snickers, “Just like when we were children, and we innocently barge into Lord Beesbury’s room?”

“Yes,” Rhaenyra laughs uncontrollably. “Innocently barged in.”
-

Alicent followed by Rhaenyra as she opened Aemond’s door, worriedly looking around the room. Still, when they see Luke safely lying on the bed with his legs and feet on Aemond’s lap, Alicent smiles while Rhaenyra smirks at Aemond.

“You’re supposed to knock.” Aemond reminded his mother.

“And you’re supposed to share him with us.” Alicent counters, looking from her son to Lucerys.

“I don’t like sharing.”, Aemond smirks as he sees Luke blushing from head to toe. 

-

The trial was almost the same as before, but this time there were no two noticeable sides. Alicent and her children were at Rhaenyra’s side even though Otto was sitting on the Iron throne. The other side was filled with men, but not because they were against Luke; instead, there was no more space on the other side. 

Alicent is at the front with Rhaenyra and Daemon, while Aegon, Jace, and Helaena are standing side by side with Lucerys, while Aemond is at his back. 

Luke can feel the murdering aura of his uncle behind his back, he tries looking back, but a hand on the nape of his neck prevents it. 

“No need to worry, nephew. I’ve got your back.” Aemond whispers and moves closer that Luke can feel the body heat of his uncle seeping thru their clothes. But that is why he wants to look; something in his gut tells Luke that Aemond may be like him, a traveler. 

Luke’s attention comes back to the present when Otto asks something. 

Daemon openly laughs, while Rhaenyra hides her smile as she feels Alicent’s rage as she’s the one who’s answering the questions Otto’s questions. 

“Father, have you forgotten that I’m great friends with Laenor and Rhaenyra? It’s absurd that you’re tainting not only my friends but also my credibility. I was also there when Laenor held his son. If he’s alive, he’ll be waging war for even thinking that his son is a bastard!”

Borros Baratheon was not present, but a Rhaenys represented both the Baratheons and the Velaryon’s house, “Must I remind the hand of the king that I have already given you enough proof that Lucerys, my grandson, looks very much like my mother?”

“Lady Rhaenys, please understand that we are looking at your other grandchildren compared to-” 

But Otto was cut off by Rhaeny’s scowl, “Are you telling me that my son Laenor is a fool? And don’t forget that my granddaughter and your grandson will be wed the next fall.”

When it’s Rhaenyra’s time to speak, King Viserys appears and what happened to the past almost repeats itself. 

Vaemond was in the middle of his speech when Luke saw his eyes turn from anger to fear. He feels Vaemond fear as he looks at Daemon and then at him. It was fast but slow in motion in Luke’s eyes. Vaemond unsheathes his knife and runs in his direction, ready to aim when suddenly, Aemond grabs and spins him into his back. 

Aemond then grabbed Vaemond’s hands, snatched the knife, and stabbed Vaemond instead. The man didn’t die instantly, and his screams filled the throne room. Soldiers immediately filled the room, and Luke felt many hands trying to get him away from the scene. But one strong and familiar hand has grounded him.

“Get your hands off of him!” Aemond growls. “He stays with me.”

Daemon finishes the job of killing Vaemond, and then he looks at both of his boys. They are his boys because, despite their horrid past, Daemon still raises Aemond six years in this present life. 

“Easy, Aemond,” Daemon tries to appease Aemond, who looks like losing himself in rage. He makes Aemond look at him as he speaks to him on high Valyrian, “Calm down, son. Everything is okay.” 

Aemond seems to calm down and loosen his hold of Luke enough for Luke to see Aemond’s face. 

Aemond and Daemons seem to be talking by their stare, and they don’t notice Luke’s face, the recognition that both men came from the past just like him. He looks away, feeling so many emotions all at once.

But Rhaenyra did. She saw how Luke realized what had happened and what was happening. She also saw Vaemond’s recognition. 

Alicent ran to Aemond and Luke, trying to see if they were harmed, but she saw too. She saw, and as she looked at Rhaenyra, they both understood. Their peace will end soon, and they need to move.

-

After the commotion, Rhaenyra and Alicent went into Alicent’s room to talk. They calm themselves by playing some board games. Even after all those years of knowing war and death, being as close as what happened today still makes their nerves be in a wreck.  

“You should go to Aemond,” Rhaenyra tells Alicent, who’s looking at the board.

"Luke already went to visit Aemond.” Alicent replies, and as she moves her piece, she then looks at her friend, “And you need me too. I’m only worried about what will happen with those two.”

Rhaenyra smiles, getting her friend's hand and squeezing it with thanks. "Luke’s already got a clue that Aemond is his uncle . Let them talk. 

Alicent nodded, "My father is already moving. Don’t you think it's a dangerous game that we are playing? We should tell the others; some may have come back too." 

"It's the Iron throne. Danger has always been part of it. Daemon suggests that we observe who our allies are." 

Alicent frowns, thinking of suggesting to her friend just to kill everyone that was their enemy before but stays silent, thinking that she was an enemy before.

Rhaenyra then speaks, breaking Alicent’s thoughts. "Cole is also on the move. I think he knows that Jace is his. What am I going to do?"

"You've got me. I won't be a puppet, not anymore. We’ll win."  

-

Far away from the royals, there’s a room in the red keep where a bunch of old men is having a meeting.

“We must move. They must have someone who knows about the past because they’re changing the timelines.” 

“Your daughter joined forces with them!”

Otto, who remembers the look of Aemond while protecting Luke, smiles, “What do you think dragons do if they can't get the treasure they most covet?”

“What?”

“Destroy them because if they can't have them, then better kill them.”

Sir Cole, who's one with the shadows spying on the men who are having a meeting, emerges from the shadow and walks away. 

-

The Northerners were woken up by thunders coming from the ground, and when they looked outside their windows, they were greeted by hundreds of men riding their horses with dire that most would think there was a war going on. 

They have no banners indicating where they come from or what house they belong to, but people can say they are not common folks. Some men are wearing clothes fit for winter, but most are not. That’s why they can say that most are from the South. But as people look at the castle and see its light open, they know they are guests. 

The men with the horses were welcomed at Winterfell. The guards and stable men were already waiting for them and led them into the castle. They walk the halls into the great hall with an urgency that they do not greet each other. 

“We mustn't waste more time. Prince Luke’s already changing the wheel.” There was a voice already booming in the room, and it was Borros Baratheon’s.

There was a snort, “So it’s prince now?”

“I’ve made plenty of mistakes in the past, Stark. But with time, I was able to clear my head, and I know a king when I see one.”

The men enter the room, and inside it, Cregan Stark is already sitting at the table.  “Welcome, good men of Westeros. Shall we begin?”

Chapter Text

—

Being the second-born son, Aemond has to fight, claim and even steal everything he has in his past life. From his position in the family, his dragon, his worth, his name, everything. That is why he got furious when his Lucerys lost his eye to give this world’s Aemond an egg. 

Angry at the world as to why can’t he have those things. But he was born a fighter, and if he needs to fight to be at his nephew’s side, he will, even if he needs to fight Luke himself. 

His thoughts are interrupted when Lucerys enters his room. 

“Uncle, we need to talk.”

“Why does nobody in this family knows how to knock?” Aemond laughs, “What is it, dear nephew?”

“Who are you?” Luke asks with a straight face, but Aemond can see it cracking. 

His sweet, selfless nephew is crying. And Aemond can’t help but laugh because it hurts; it hurts that Luke’s crying because the other Aemond is gone and has been replaced by him. Tired of faking and hiding behind the other Aemond’s mask, he simply let him be him. 

And Luke sees it as Aemond’s facial features becoming serious and cruel, and his body becomes bigger and broader like a predator. The air around the room became thin, the same as when his uncle asked him to cut out his eye when they were at Storm’s End and when he chased Luke around the storm with Vhagar. 

Aemond stands up from his bed and stalks Luke, circling him as Vhagar did with Arrax. 

Luke can’t move, his mind doesn't work, and he feels betrayed. But then he felt his Aemond right in front of him, so close that their clothes were touching, and Luke needed to look up to see his uncle’s eyes. 

"It is you. You are my uncle. The one who killed me." Luke whispers as he trembles with fear.

"I am." Aemond whispers in his ear. Aemond encircles his arms around Luke, feeling his nephew shake like a newborn kitten.

And as he felt Luke hugging him back, he dunked his head into Lucery’s rich curls and inhaled his scent, finally feeling at peace without stealing it. 

Noticing that his nephew is way too small and might get more intimidated because of their height difference when standing, he leads Luke into his bed. His nephew let Aemond lead, let him be arranged in the bed to be sitting face to face, and let him grab his chin to see Luke’s face properly. 

Luke’s submission and utter trust in him make Aemond’s hunger for something unholy resurface, and he doesn't know if he can control it any longer. That’s why he focuses on Luke’s eyes, filled with nearly falling tears. 

Then suddenly, his nephew looks straight into him, and Luke’s eyes are filled with anger and fury, “You killed me. Chase me around like a game when you know that Arrax is still young. Ask me to pay a debt I only caused to protect my brother. And now you played me around like a fool.” 

“Luke, I-” Aemond drops his hand from Luke’s face. Instead, he grabs his nephew’s hands and squeezes them; he exhales and lowers his head. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, Luke. I didn't mean for you to feel it that way. I just don’t want you to hide from me.”

“Why? My death, I can understand. And I’ve already forgiven you. But now, I can’t. Help me understand. Why didn’t you say anything at all.”

“What did you say?” Luke’s words surprised Aemond, making him look back up again, smiling desperately, wanting to heat it again. “Please, I want to hear it again.”

“Why did you hide it?” Luke asks, the fury almost diminishing as soon as it appears.

“No, the other part.” Aemond insisted, a genuine smile appearing on his face, closing his eyes, wanting to memorize Luke’s voice.

“I’ve forgiven you.” Luke says, with utmost sincerity, “Uncle, look at me.” 

And when Aemond did, Luke added, “I remember you calling my name as I fell down the sea, your desperate screams for Vhagar to stop. And as I hear you, I know that a part of me has already forgiven you. And I don’t think I can ever hate you for that long. You have been my favorite ever since I can remember. Isn't that why you’re always angry at me, because I always follow you around.”

“I’ve always got into trouble because grandfather doesn't like me being around you or your brother.” Aemond laughs, then get serious and squeeze his nephew's hands. “I swear I will never leave your side to the old gods and the new. I’ll always be there, for better or for worse. My life is yours.”

“Uncle!” Luke gasps at his uncle's vows.

Aemond’s right hand went back into Lucery’s face and gently caressed Luke’s scar and eyepatch. “You’ve given me a part of yourself when you lost this, went the extra mile to give me an egg. Save my family by simply being kind to us. What else can I give but my devotion and love to you.”

“Aemond, no. That’s not what I want; I only wanted you to be happy. I want you to have a normal life, to fall in love, and to have a family.” Luke tries to counter, but Aemond shakes his head. 

“Nephew, even if it is against the faiths. I have fallen in love with you.” 

“But how about Alys-”

Aemond Luke when he heard the name of his past lover, “Who?”

“Alys Rivers, your lover.” Luke says confidently, looking straight into Aemond’s eyes, almost laughing at Aemond’s confusion, “You know, I’ve already forgiven you for a long time while I was a ghost, then I see you caring and loving a Strong bastard, when you’ve done nothing but taunt me from our past life from having the same look as Harwin. I got angry for a while, But you two look good together. I wish you a happy marriage this time.”

 “How? How?!” Aemond grabs Luke’s arms so suddenly that Luke almost screams at the sudden change.

“Oh. You didn't become a ghost, then?” Luke asks. 

But Aemond is not listening. He’s livid about everything. But what he’s furious about is the sincerity of Luke when he tells Aemond about Alys. About them getting together and being married.

“That wench?!” Aemond almost screams

Luke angrily slaps his uncle. “She’s your lover! And she was pregnant before you died!”

“Wha- That’s not mine! I make sure she drinks tea everyti- wait, how did you know?!” Aemond angrily asks.

“I was a ghost before I came back. But that’s not the point. She’s good for you! She calms you. I saw it!”

“Is this your technique to cast me aside?” Aemond asks, shaking Luke, “You’ll never get rid of me! I vowed to stay by your side, and no witch will sway me.”

"That is not what I meant.” Luke stutters. “I just want you to be happy.”

"Look at me." Aemond commanded, “I said look at me!”

But Luke didn't, scared that his past death experience would resurface. 

“It’s because I’m not him, isn't it? It's because I’m not the Aemond that you want! What should I do for you to look at me that what that you look at him?! Should I burn Harenhall to prove that my love is only for you? Should I conquer Dorne and make it kneel to you?”

"Look at who? Uncle, please, you’re scaring me." Luke asks, confused and mortified at what Aemond is saying 

"That man who's wearing my face. That weak, pathetic boy who loves you but has no gut in getting what he wants." 

"What?! But uncle-" Luke counters but is stopped by Aemond, who suddenly stands up.

"But what? That Aemond is weak. I’m not. I swear you’ll look at me and only see me." Aemond walks away, not stopping even as he hears Luke’s cry.

He sees his sister going in the direction of his room. Knowing that Luke is crying, he asks Helaena to check Luke. 

“Where are you going?” Helaena asks

“To Uncle Daemon, I’ll ask him to spar.” Aemond then walks away.

Helaena enters the room gently, then kneels in front of Luke, who’s trying to wipe the tears away. "Plan didn’t work?" 

Luke tries to smile but fails, “We should change the plan. Aemond didn't turn into a ghost before coming back.”

“Oh, so he’s like me?” asks Helaena.

“Yes.” Luke answers, smiling gently as he remembers the day that his aunt returns. She’s visiting Luke on Driftmark on the first year that he went away; they are eating, then she collapses then the next thing Luke remembers is her anguish cry for remembering the past and the present changes. 

Luke remembers her unending gratitude for saving not only her but for making sure that she will not experience the death of her children again. That’s why he proposes Jace and Helaena’s engagement because he knows it will be painful for Helaena to look at her twins. But with the new couple, who seems to love each other honestly, his Aunt will have a new future. 

“Please tell me you have a plan.” Helaena sighs as she helps Luke clean his face, “We can’t change the plans every time something new happens.”    

“Don't worry; I’ve got good teachers.” Luke smiles at her assuringly 

“Ah, Tywin and Tyrion Lannisters. Teacher, both alive and dead.”

Luke smiles, “Yes, Tyrion teaches me even though he doesn't know that I exist, I learned from him by simply following around. While Tywin teaches me while we wander around as ghosts.”

“Did he ever forgive his son?” Helaena asks. “Forgive himself?”

“He did, though he’s still bitter about where Tyrion killed him.” Luke laughs. “But he’s more remorseful, and I think he’s starting to see that Tyrion is his son.” 

“Must be nice.” Helaena sighs dreamily, then asks, “Why did Aemond look like that?”

Luke looked at the window, “I told him about Alys, and he got angry. I told him that they looked good together.”

“Oh, Luke. I told you he only got together with her because she look like you.”

“I know that now.” Luke sniffles, then smile secretly, but Helaena sees it. 

“What are we going to do now?” Helaena asks

“I’ve sent letters to the North and the South, even in Dorne. But only the North and the Storm Lands respond.”

“Ah, the North always remembers,” Helaena says as she goes near her nephew by the windowsill and hugs him. “I’ve got something to report too.”

“About what?” Luke asks.

“Uncle Deamon. Your suspicion is correct. He traveled too.”

-

Otto can’t help but smile as he sees his ravens fly. “There’s no weight to the crown if there are no people to rally behind it. Remember that, Ser Criston. 

But Cole isn’t really listening to what Otto is saying. His mind is elsewhere, to a boy named Jacaerys. He felt nothing but guilt about how he treated the boy in his first life, on how he, a knight, bullied his own son. That’s right. Cole knows that Jace is his; he’s been a fool for not seeing it the first time. The boy’s height and weight don't have Strong features, only his. 

He’s angry at himself for ever planning the machinations of the downfall of the fruit of his and Rhaenyra’s love. 

But not now, and as he listens to Otto’s plan for the downfall of the Targaryens, Cole is planning on how to make sure that Jace will have the crown.

-

“Do we really need to get this fucking undead? Wait, what do you call them again? And who told you this is a good plan?” A southerner asks.

Cregan sighs but answers, “Wights. And yes, we need to. The South would never believe in us if we didn’t show this to them. Prince Luke didn't tell me what to do, but he did tell me what happened at the Battle of Winterfell because he was there when they killed the night king.”

“If only I had known that we’ll win the battle of Winterfell, I’d also be there, but it so happened that even when we are a ghost, I can still feel the chill on my bones.”

Cregan laughs, “I know; I fled Winterfell that night too. Only Eddard and his dead family stayed for the sake of their last living relatives. But there are two ghosts that stayed at Winterfell asides from the Starks when the night king attacked.”

“Oh, maybe he can help. Prince Luke, and?”

“He will not be alive in this generation. But Tywin Lannister is his name.” Cregan then looks at the sky.

“Oh, him.”

Cregan laughs again, “Yes him. And from what I know, Luke was taught by him during the siege.”

“So that’s why even at this age, he’s that smart.” 

Another voice joins the conversation laughing, “You’re telling me that we all had collectively adopted Prince Luke when we were a ghost?”

Cregan laughs, this time it’s so loud that it makes the snow trembles, “Have you seen his eyes when you ever say ‘No’ to him?” 

-

Many things are running into Luke’s mind and emotions too. It hurts him that his step-father and uncle didn't tell him they time-traveled too, like him. He feels betrayed and cheated, and most of all, he feels like a pawn again in a board game. Because if they are already here, why act as if nothing has happened in the past? He feels like a fool, trying to save everyone when apparently they’re also here with him.

That is why even though it’s the middle of the night, he roams the castle with the intent of talking to Aemond, and when he finds out that both his uncle and step-father are in the courtyard, training and releasing some tension, he thinks that it is better since he can talk to them both.

He was about to ascend the stairs when he felt a hand on his mouth and sharp pain in his stomach. He grunted as he felt another stab in his abdomen, it hurt, but like what he always tells his mother, he had worse. 

He elbowed the man behind him, and once he got free, he screamed for help and, at the same time, ran. But the pain hinders his speed as he stumbles downwards the stairs, the very stairs that lead into the courtyard where Aemond and Daemon are. 

Luke tries to stand up and look at his stepfather, “Father!” he screams, but as he stands up, his legs buckle and go down, but Daemon was able to run to him and catch him. “He stabbed me.” He whispers. 

“Who?!” Daemon asks as he tries to stop the bleeding. “Luke! Who?”

Luke wants to answer, but the pain is becoming too much. He thanks the gods who gave him a quick death in his first life. 

“Luke! Don’t you dare die on me!” Aemond screams, kneeling on the other side of Luke, “Guards! Maesters! Anyone!” He then screams in the empty courtyard. 

Luke tries to divert his attention from the pain by looking at the two men panicking over him. Two well-known warriors, dangerous and fearsome from their past and this new life, are panicking like ladies in a play. 

Luke laughed hysterically, “My first death has made you enemies, but it seems that my death now will be the reason for you to bond.” 

The two blonde stops what they are doing and looks at Luke. 

“Lucerys.” Daemon starts, anger and something else that Luke doesn't know seeping into his voice. “Not now.”

Luke smiles and squeezes Daemon’s hands. “The man upstairs. I didn't see him, but he’s wearing the same vambraces as the king’s guard.” Luke explains as blood as he starts vomiting blood. 

As soon as Aemond hears what Luke has said, he immediately stands up, ready to run, but armored men suddenly surround them. 

“What is the meaning of this?!” Daemon demanded. He gathered Luke into his one arm, dragging and carrying him, and unsheathed his sword in his other arm. 

Luke was amazed at how strong Deamon was, to be able to carry him with only one arm. Luke sees how Aemond uses his body to shield him and Daemon. “Uncle, be careful,” he whispers. He sees Aemond twitch, meaning he heard him. 

And as Lucerys blacks out, he hears swords clash, the screech of a dragon, and men screaming from pain. 

-

Chapter Text

—

Four men were struggling to put a screaming undead on a box, while eight more surrounded them, ready to strike if the undead ever escaped. Giants and men wearing furs also surround them, weapons at a ready.

“You said there where an army of them! It took us a week just to find this one.” 

Cregan snorted, “That was a hundred years in the future, boy; they only grew when the wall was weakened.”

“You’re worried about the wights. I’m worried about these free folks and giants.” 

“You don’t need to worry about them.” Borros answers, “Some of them were also gifted like us. What we need to do is go back to our homes; some might get a wind that we are doing something here at the north, and my daughters won’t be able to hold off Hightower any longer.”

“Aye, aye,” Cregan answers as he secures the ropes of the box. “What did the king of the free folk say?”

“They say they will join in the fight if and only if Little Luke goes to the North.” 

“I swear that boy has been busy during his death. He’s the only ghost with a connection to everyone who has become a ghost. Don’t tell me he also influences the east.”

“He does,” a meek voice answers, “I was with him when he went to Essos to ‘explore.’ Some monarchies from the far east also knew who he was. That’s why I feel they might visit Westeros soon.”

“No rest even when you’re dead.”, Cregan laughs again, startling the gentle giants at the back, “I don’t know if I’m grateful that he died young and full of wonder.”

“We should be thankful that it’s him. That he died early and is the first one to come back.” An old man speaks, sheathing his sword, “War changes everyone. If he’s not the one making the changes, if he didn't send the letters, I’m certain that we’re already at war today, or we’re probably dead.”

“What a merry folk,” Cregan commented.

Borros snorted. 

—

Fire and blood. Those are the words of the House of Targaryen, his family. And that is what Daemon will deliver. He will kill Aemond, and even if it results in his death, he’ll gladly embrace it means avenging his son. 

But as he plunged his sword into Aemond’s skull and felt the wind as he fell, all he could think about was his failure to be a father. He should’ve stopped Lucerys from going to Storm’s End; he should’ve requested Rhaenys to accompany Luke there, especially since she has the most connection to the Baratheons’. So many what-ifs and should have running in his mind. 

He missed his boy, a son that was not blood but his nonetheless. His sweet son who’s too pure for the world. Sweet but mischievous. The light and happiness in their house. His children are his pride, but many know that Luke is his joy, the one that brings gentleness to his soul and can make him laugh at the little things in life. 

They all died the day that Luke died. 

They may still be moving and breathing, but their soul and will to live left when they received that letter. Rhaenyra becomes blinded by the sole purpose of sitting on the throne that she forgets what the crown means, Daemon becomes blinded with rage, only wanting revenge, and their children suffer the loss of a brother. 

But instead of death, he opened his eyes again. There were noises just outside his door, children laughing at something. Their voices are familiar that soothe something in his soul.

Looking at the door for a few seconds, he immediately stands up. He looked around in a state of panic, bumping into things and making everything scatter around the room. The room is his room with Laena. 

The noise stopped, and there was a knock, “Granduncle? Grandpa says I should wake you up.”

Daemon looked at the door like a trap because that was Lucery’s voice when he was young. Then another voice joined the conversation. 

“Maybe he’s not in his room. We should go to the beach. Maybe he’s there.” That voice Daemon recognizes too. 

He heard them running away from the door. He quickly got his sword and dashed outside the room. And what he sees makes him tear up. It was a young Lucerys playing with Aemond as they descended the stairs. He unsheathed his sword, ready to kill, maim and make sure that his nephew would never harm his son when a hand stopped him. It was Alicent. 

“You!” Daemon growls, “I will fucking kill you!”

“It’s me, but please, let me explain. Give me a minute. Daemon, please.” Alicent begs tears already in her eyes. “Please. Don’t destroy everything that Luke has saved.” 

Alicent hurriedly explained to him that they time traveled, but they were not the first to arrive. Luke, his son, arrived first and started to fix everything. Alicent told him that she was observing from the sidelines, afraid that if she did something, everything will crumbles. 

“A wise decision. We must plan first before we take action,” Daemon found himself speaking, “Does this mean that we are on the same side?”

“Yes. You know how much I truly love Rhaenyra. I didn't mean to start a war. Even before I decided to put Aegon on the throne, there’s already a council planning on Rhaenyra’s demise.” Alicent sighs, “But I’m not moving my pieces yet. Just because we know the future doesn't mean we know everything.”

“Let’s enjoy the peace while it’s here.”, Daemon nodded, then looked at where Lucerys and Aemond were, “Tell me again the tale of how Luke got the eggs.”

Alicent can only laugh, telling Daemon the same story that Laenor had proudly told her and Rhaenyra. 

-

Vaemond is insulting Rhaenyra and his sons again, and before he can even laugh to sway the snake's speech, Luke angrily halts Vaemond by speaking in high Valyrian 

"I don't think my aunt will appreciate your speech about other people when we are supposed to mourn her. Lord Vaemond. If you are done with your speech, then maybe let my cousins, her daughters speak."

Lucerys wasn’t supposed to be fluent in their mother tongue at this point, and even before his death, Luke could only speak a few phrases. It was a lesson that Daemon was still giving him. Daemon laughed, "Thank you. Lucerys, Valeryon's fierce blood surely runs in your veins, and if my wife is here, she will approve of you."

Another thing that surprises Daemon is the intensity of the glare that Aemond is giving to the Vaemond. He should probably warn Luke about the possessiveness of Targaryens when it comes to their loved ones. 

This time Daemon laughs. He can see Alicent’s glare at him, but he doesn't care. He’ll be having fun watching Aemond and Lucerys dance. 

-

Lucerys is leaving for Driftmark, and Daemon is angry. He can’t protect him if he’s not there with him. And he can’t understand why his brother can’t make Corlys agree for him to stay there. 

“You can always visit him there whenever you like, but he needed to learn as he is the heir of Driftmark,” Viserys explains to him, not that Daemon didn't know that, still, out of all the deaths, Lucerys is the one he mourns the most, and seeing him gone is like a dagger going into his heart.

But another thing that grabs his attention is the sudden change in Aemond’s personality, and when he confronts Alicent, she confirms that she, too, saw the difference. He observes the boy, and when he sees the skill that Aemond is showing in training, that solidifies that Aemond, like them, has returned. 

Daemon wants revenge, but Luke’s letter that was sent to them through ravens every single day has softened his heart and reminded him how many sacrifices Luke made for all of them. He didn't want to erase every kindness that Luke had shown to each member of their family. 

And Aemond is his nephew, his blood. That is why with the permission of Alicent, he took Aemond under his wing to train.

-

Rhaenyra gets her memories the moment she reads the letter from Borros declaring Luke as Jocelyn’s great-grandson. 

They celebrated not only their pride in the bold move that Luke made but also celebrated that the three of them were now complete. Who would have thought that the three of them would be this close to the point that Daemon is not irritated that it’s the three of them in the room? 

-

Aemond is improving to the point where he already beat Criston Cole and was declared the best knight of his generation, something that Daemon is proud of. Six years of being with his nephew have made their relationship more familial and funny because now he sees Aemond as one of his sons. Something that Alicent and Rhaenyra always tease him about. 

Though he feels incomplete, seeing that Luke is not present. Not wanting to dive into the sadness of his life, he focused on teaching and ensuring Aemond was on the right path.

"Tomorrow, our sweet Lucerys will come home," Daemon says while looking at Aemond. He wants to see if his nephew’s mask will crack.

"Why?" Aemond asks, making a face that Daemon knew pretty well. 

"His legitimacy is being questioned." He answers, still looking at Aemond, prodding at their house's possessive and dangerous side. Targaryens are dragons thru and thru, and dragons like hoarding their treasure.

"Even though half of the realm is on Lucerys’s back?" 

Daemon smirks. He hears the change of tone when Aemond says Luke’s name, finally getting what he wants. "Lucerys honor will be questioned tomorrow; he maybe not be my blood son, but I love him nonetheless, and I will kill for him." Daemon declares, reminding Aemond that he will always put Luke first.

"I know." Aemond answers.

Aemond and Daemon look at each other intensely, and Aemond finally gives in to the animal inside his chest, "But he's mine to protect."  

The courtyard was filled with Daemon's laughter. It’s like seeing himself and Rhaenyra all over again.

When Luke arrived in the morning, he hugged him but let him go to Aemond, knowing they would need time. But what’s funny are the red face of the Alicent and the smirking smile of his wife. 

-

The trial still happened, but this time the room was full of supporters for Luke. But what unnerved him was Vaemond’s eyes; before unsheathing his dagger, Daemon knew that Vaemond had regained his memories too. And that got him thinking if all of the people knew the past, who was their ally and who was their enemy. 

But as of that moment, he needs to ground Aemond and be present. While hugging both Aemond and Lucerys, he looks at his wife and their friend, and by the look in their eyes, they, too, see and probably understand that their peaceful life will end. And they need to move before their enemies strike first.

-

They were in the courtyard in the middle of the night; Aemond asked him if he could spar, and Daemon obliged; that’s when their enemy struck. 

“Father!”

Seeing Lucerys run, calling for him while holding his bloodied abdomen, makes Daemon want to burn everything and anything. He catches Luke before he falls to the ground, something that he never managed to do in their first life. But he felt helpless when Luke’s blood escaped his makeshift bandage. 

“He stabbed me.” 

“Who?!” Daemon angrily asks. 

But whatever is happening is happening fast, and when he sees the shadows of men surrounding them, he carries Lucerys with all of his might, sword at a ready, and Aemond, who’s shielding them. 

One of them steps forward and strikes, only to be blocked by Aemond, and as the other men steps towards them, a dragon’s screech is heard, together with some men trying to catch the dragon. 

It was Arrax, no one uttered a command, but he shielded them and burned those traitors down. Arrax then looked at Daemon and sniffed Lucerys before giving a mighty screech. He flaps his wings and looks back at them.

“My Lord?” some of the guards that were able to catch up to Arrax called out, “Is that Prince Lucerys?” 

Daemon was looking at Arrax when he felt Luke’s body being pulled away from him. Aemond was carrying Lucerys into the castle, and on his trail were guards shouting for maesters for help. But Daemon remains, his clothes soaked in Lucery’s blood. 

“You came back too, didn't you?” Daemon asks the dragon, which bowed at him and growls, pointing his muzzle toward where Aemond and Luke went. Daemon nodded and rushed to where his sons were.

He hears Arrax’s screech being joined by Caraxes.

Hours passed, but Luke didn't wake up. His wound was already closed and not bleeding anymore, but he won’t wake up. There is no infection nor any poison, but it seems like something is preventing Luke from waking up. 

He can hear everyone panicking. His daughters pace the room, Jace holding hands with Aegon whispering comforting words. Alicent's empty eyes looking at Luke, who looks like a minute before death. 

“They will pay! I will put their heads on a spike and put it all around the castle!”

Viserys shouted. He looks like he is dying mere moments earlier but is now standing and shouting his commands. “Find them! Find them!”

Daemon hugged Rhaenyra as she wailed, almost collapsing to the floor if he didn't have her in his arms. “I can’t, Daemon, I can’t! Not again! Please. Not again!”

Daemon is almost grateful that they’ve decided not to have Visenya this time. Her death is one pain that they don’t want to experience anymore. 

Aemond is by Lucery’s side, kneeling in silent prayer, eyepatch on the ground, face swollen from hours and hours of crying. When their eyes met, no words were needed; this world would know what Fire and Blood mean. 

When hours go by, and Luke is still not waking up, that is when Daemon stands up. And went to the maesters that are whispering. He grabs their collar and shakes them furiously. “Pray that my son wakes up because I will burn Westeros down if he doesn't!” Daemon screams with fury matching Caraxes’s own screech.

After another hour, a guard entered the room and handed Daemon a scroll where some names were listed. He grabs his sword and walks out. Even though the room was full of crying and hushed whispers, his steps could be heard by everyone. It radiates murder. 

Jacaerys and Aegon followed him. 

“Daemon,” Alicent calls him; she’s holding Rhaenyra’s hands. “Make them pay.”

Daemon nodded.

—

Helaena rushed to the room and threw the book at Rhaenyra’s feet, “Sister! I found a way to wake Luke.”

“How?” Rhaenyra stands up, clasping Alicent’s hands. 

“We need to bind Luke’s soul into someone’s else soul. Like an anchor to a ship!”

“We need to study it first. We don’t know if it will backfire-” Rhaenyra tries to explain but is cut off by Helaena.

“It’s an old tradition from Valyria. It’s the most sacred ceremony in our culture. It’s a wedding. It’s real!”

“I volunteer!” Aemond quickly shouts, standing so quick that he falls again. “Let it be me.”

“Aemond-”

  “Sister, Marry us.” Aemond pleaded.

“Aemond, even if he loves you too, and I know that he does, it’s without consent. And we don’t know if that magic is real.” Rhaenyra explains, her voice thick as she was crying the whole night.

“I can’t lose him.” Aemond folded, crying while still holding Luke’s hands, “We’ve got nothing to lose, bind his soul to me, and if the magic is real, then he’ll wake up.”

“And if it doesn't?” Rhaenyra kneels beside her brother, wiping Aemond’s face, feeling his pain as they are both losing Luke. “What if the soul bond isn't real?”

“It will work. Sister, it will.” Aemond reaches his sister with his free hand, desperate and full of anguish. “It will.”

“Okay. We’ll call the maesters to do the soul bond.”

—

Three dragons flew above King’s Landing, screeching and roaring for revenge.

—

Chapter Text

I've been looking at this page for minutes until I realize that I don't need to explain myself. Still, for all of those that read and supported all of my fics for this fandom, I think I at least have an obligation to say as to why I'm abandoning every lucemond fic that I have. But first, let me thank you for reading my works and supporting me and my visions since the start. Thank you so much. 

But the happiness that I've been getting writing for these two is not worth the stress that I've been receiving on return. And knowing that this ship will float with or without me is more than enough for me.

It's been a draining weeks, my stepbro died, I'm all alone, my finals had just finished and when I thought I can finally write suddenly the trolls show up? No. I'm old enough to know when to walk away. 

I'm not a good writer nor a native English speaker, but I have never been bombarded with hate that much, and I've written for many fandoms before. One or two is still okay, but that many? (though I left some that make me laugh, like the waste of time and the meh one) 

I'll just post what this chapter is supposed to be, and the art my friend draw for this. 

But that's it. I'm done.

-

—

Luke is awake but as a ghost 

Talking to the ghosts of his family that he cannot see anymore since he’s not really dead-dead. 

Sees the binding process and is angry that Aemond sacrifices his freedom for Luke

Luke wakes up angry

-

“When I said I want your happiness, this is not what I meant! I love you, but this is not what I want. I want our relationship to be free of the past that has been a burden for us! And you, binding your soul to mine, is not it!” Luke screams.

But Aemond is not listening; his face has the goofiest smile Luke has ever seen, “You love me?”

Luke lost all the patience he has, he sarcastically laughs, "At this very moment, no."

-

It was Cole who send the list and letter to daemon. 

Daemon hunting Larys into the crown’s land. While Killing some minor lords who plans a coup de ta to kill the dragons. 

Otto is using the common people as shields.

Aegon and Jace calming Daemon. Not seeing the scorpion. 

Cole uses his body to tackle the scorpion and shield Jace, he’s still alive enough to ride the dragon with Jace to say farewell and apologize.

Aegon uses this moment to pacify the people. While Daemon kills some traitors. 

They comeback with an injured Otto and Mutilated Larys. 

Rhaenyra’s turn to be a dragon. (angry dragon mom)

-

Aemond and Luke is still talking when the letter from Stark arrives telling him they are marching South. 

Cue in jealous Aemond, because.
He doesnt know that Luke becomes a ghost before time travelling.

But thoughts only since he doesn't want to scare Luke. 

-

Lucerys becoming serious  and wearing his proper eyeptach. 

Winter is coming

- 

and that folks is my writing process 

----

Again, thank you so much for everything. Sorry for abandoning this. 

And for all of my Twitter and Tumblr moots and friends (cause I'm clingy and I'm all calling you my friends.) thank you so much. And I love you all. 

Chapter Text

—

“Why can’t I go back to my body? The maesters say that I’m not in a critical condition anymore, so why can’t I wake up?” Luke screams at nobody, and he’s now back to the start. A ghost that has no agency to help his family. 

Luke looks around and sees his family’s devastating and grieving faces and curses at the gods. “It’s going to destroy everything that I have built! Why can’t I wake up?!”

Tired of seeing the same despairing scenario repeating when he first died and now with his situation, he walks out of the room and tries to find his great-grandparents - Jocelyn and Aemon, but when he goes to their usual room where their ghosts stay, he can only faintly hear then unlike before where he can even hold each other. 

“Princess Jocelyn?” Luke calls out, but he can only feel a faint touch of a hand on his cheeks before a ghostly voice says something that he can’t quite understand. 

“Oh no. Is this what Aunt Helaena was talking about?” he whispers as he touches his cheeks where the hand touched him; he panics as this is a new door opening to him, “Princess Jocelyn, Prince Aemon, what should I do? My family will - our family will face the dance again, all of our hard work- everything that we have done will be lost. We’ll be at war again.”

The ghostly touch on his face increased like he was being pushed in a direction; out of option, he followed it. He sees a room that is lit with a candle; he enters and sees men dressed in blue and green talking. They are talking about killing his family while they grieving Luke’s situation. 

We should kill their dragons while their riders are grieving the death of their bastards, then kill the mighty dragon while their snout is still muzzled and they can’t breathe fire. 

Luke has to do something, or the dance will be cut short, and their blood will color the Red Keep more red, come morning. He almost ran out of the room to scream, bang, and knock on everything he could when he saw Criston’s shadow trying to exit the room discretely. Their eyes don’t meet, and Luke knows that Criston doesn’t know that he’s there, but he tries his best to distract the other men so that he can exit the room. 

A loud shout from grown men was heard as Criston exited the room, smirking as he wrote the names of all the men inside the meeting.

Luke follows Criston as he changes into a lower-ranking guard and goes to the room where his family is; he gives a scroll to Daemon, and all hell breaks loose. 

—

Daemon, together with Jace and Aegon, reigns terror in the skies as they hunt down the men who planned Luke’s assassination. 

Not wanting to hear the dragon’s screech again, he stayed in the room and watched his family mourn him, that is, until Helaena entered the room and told them about the binding process. 

Helaena rushed to the room and threw the book at Rhaenyra’s feet, “Sister! I found a way to wake Luke.”

“How?” Rhaenyra stands up, clasping Alicent’s hands. Luke stands with them, hope finally filling his chest again.

“We need to bind Luke’s soul into someone else’s soul. Like an anchor to a ship!” Helaena exclaims with great excitement, but Luke only feels dread filling him. 

“No. No. Not that! I don’t want anyone sacrificing for me!” Luke screams, but no one can hear. 

“We need to study it first. We don’t know if it will backfire-” Rhaenyra tries to explain but is cut off by Helaena.

“It’s an old tradition from Valyria. It’s the most sacred ceremony in our culture. It’s a wedding. It’s real!”

“I volunteer!” Aemond quickly shouts, standing so quick that he falls again. “Let it be me.”

“Aemond-”

 “Sister, Marry us.” Aemond pleaded.

“No!” Luke screams, trying to push his ghostly hands toward his family. 

“Aemond, even if he loves you too, and I know that he does, it’s without consent. And we don’t know if that magic is real.” Rhaenyra explains, her voice thick as she was crying the whole night.

“I can’t lose him.” Aemond folded, crying while holding Luke’s hands, “We’ve got nothing to lose; bind his soul to me, and if the magic is real, he’ll wake up.”

“And if it doesn’t?” Rhaenyra kneels beside her brother, wiping Aemond’s face, feeling his pain as they are both losing Luke. “What if the soul bond isn’t real?”

“It will work. Sister, it will.” Aemond reaches his sister with his free hand, desperate and full of anguish. “It will.”

“Okay. We’ll call the maesters to do the soul bond.” Rhaenyra resigns, wanting his son to wake up. 

Luke, blinded with rage, screams all throughout the ordeal. His eyes open with rage filling him, and he screams as he lounges himself towards Aemond. 

“How dare you!” Luke screams as he clings to Aemond’s arms; hands are trying to pry them away from each other, but Luke claws anyone trying to separate them, “How dare you!”

“I dare!” Aemond ferociously screams back, “I dare because I cannot lose you. You said you want my happiness! How can you promise me that if you’re going to die and leave me alone again!?”

“When I said I want your happiness, this is not what I meant! I love you, but this is not what I want. I want our relationship to be free of the past that has been a burden for us! And you, binding your soul to mine, is not it!” Luke screams.

But Aemond is not listening; “Say that again,” his face has the goofiest smile Luke has ever seen, “You love me?”

Luke lost all the patience he had, and he sarcastically laughed, “At this very fucking moment, no.”

Alicent and Rhaenyra, having enough of their antics, hugged them, squishing them two together with the three girls. 

-

When Daemon was handed the names of those who planned their house’s demise, he did not think of a plan; all he wanted was to burn those traitors down and show the world why their house was the strongest of all. But Jace and Aegon’s presence calms the fire on his loins, and he cannot just attack without any plan; he did not win the wars before just by attacking. 

“So, what do you suggest, Prince Jacaerys and Prince Aegon?” He asked the two princes, who looked at each other and grinned. 

“They would anticipate your attack, but a second dragon - Aegon would be your surprise attack; I would be on land and attack those that will escape your fire - Vermax might not be big, but we’re faster than Caraxes and Synfyre.”

“Your plan is good - great even. But I’m not  comfortable with you being alone on land.” Daemon says, worrying for his son. 

Jace grins, “It’s not my first battle, father. I won many battles before my death.”

“Huh.” Daemon can only lift his eyebrow as Aegon and Jace fist-bumped each other. 

“Your death was stupid.” Aegon snickers while Jacaerys kicks his shins. “At least I was remembered for dying because I saved my brother, unlike you, who died because his men poisoned him.”

Aegon laughs gleefully, “Low blow, nephew, low blow.”

—

Their plan was going well; they already hunted multiple lowly lords when they were able to locate Otto near the King’s land. The poor soldiers did not know that Otto’s orders were fake, and now they’re being labeled as traitors. And now Otto is using the soldiers as shields. 

Aegon and Daemon landed near the cliff, and Jace’ joined them shortly. 

Daemon stopped his attack, not wanting to burn those poor souls who did not know anything, but while Aegon and Jace were pacifying Daemon’s anger, they did not see a scorpion - whose arrows were aiming directly towards the three while they were discussing. 

Cole, still in his low-ranking garb, uses his body to shield Jace as he pushes him out of the way.

Screams were heard as Jace held Criston Cole’s body as he heaved his last breath. “You have your mother’s kind eyes. I’m sorry, my son.” 

Aegon uses this moment to pacify the people, using Jace’s image as he holds low-ranking men in his arms - the arms of the future King. And Daemon uses the shock to kill some traitors. 

They come back with an injured Otto and mutilated Larys. He was dragging them in court for everyone to see.

Now it’s Rhaenyra’s turn to be a dragon.

—