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Chapter Text

Androw could feel himself slowing down, his whole body sluggish from his morning filled with mock duels. Everyone wanted a chance to fight Androw the undefeated, desperate to strip away his moniker and forge anew for themselves. Though, Androw would never let that happen. For he was far too skilled and the gods had blessed him with a tall, muscular build. So when his newest opponent lunged at him and swung in quick succession, Androw merely swatted away each strike as if he was dealing with an annoying fly.

The crowd circling them jeered at the poor lad causing him to lose focus. Before, when Androw blocked his attacks, his footwork stayed stabilised and he was quick to move away. Now he would lose balance and stumble back, each time getting redder with embarrassment.

“You move like your balls are tied together!” A man shouted particularly loud, causing the entire crowd to roar with laughter.

The boy sent the fat, ruddy faced man a glare. Though he would soon find it would be his demise as Androw unarmed him, the shock causing him to fall on his arse.

He murmured something while storming off but Androw couldn't quite make out the obscenities he was no doubt saying.

Androw felt bad for the kid which is why he went easy on him but soon forgot about the duel when the crowd began cheering for him. He basked in the compliments for a moment before announcing his departure.

As soon as he stepped inside the keep Rhaena ran to him and embraced him in a tight hug. She snuggled into his chest before telling him he did brilliant today as always and as always, it made his chest swell with happiness.

From across the hall he could hear small footsteps making their way over. He already knew who it was before looking as she was always with Rhaena to the point where her nickname became little shadow. The two were inseparable. "Hey! Make some room for me!”Aerea demanded before leaping into the hug, knocking everyone to the floor. ”You gave us no time to move, you rascal!” Androw said, causing her to laugh while saying ”you should be quicker on your toes, old man!” She loved Mayhem… a little too much, it is no wonder why Balerion took to her.

Speaking of Balerion, Androw noticed they were both wearing their thick, black riding leathers. It always stank of dragon: a mixture of wet dog, brimstone and charred meat. Androw couldn't help but contort his face in disgust. Even now the stench was assaulting his nostrils, though he would never tell anyone. Nothing would be more heartbreaking to him than seeing Rhaena sad or embarrassed. He would always protect her from anything negative like the great husband he is.

Rhaena seemed to notice his gaze on her leathers once she was done gently pinching Aerea’s cheek; revenge for pushing them over.”You must join us! It's a sunny day- on Dragon stone of all places! It's a miracle” she said with a wide grin. He agreed, of course and as he and Aerea trailed after Rhaena to the horse stables they decided to place a bet.

”Let's race to the Dragonmount! If I win then I get cake all week, whenever I please” she then shook her head suddenly ”wait! I mean a fortnight! Yes, a fortnight!”

"A week” Androw replied firmly ” And when I win, you will paint Siren galloping along the coast.” Androw loved Siren, the greatest steed that ever lived. Apart from his wife and daughter he reckoned it was his greatest companion. The midnight coloured horse always seemed to know when he was in a mood and would comfort him by nudging and licking him playfully. As for when he was happy, Siren knew she could gallop until the end of time. Androw even thought to compare his bond with dragons and their riders at times.

”Ugh… fine” Aerea pouted before sprinting towards her horse. Androw would have shouted that cheating isn't proper for a Lady but he let her have the extra minute. It will make winning taste all the sweeter, he thought with with a mischievous grin.

As soon as he was saddled on Siren she took off like a lightning bolt. His long flaxen hair whipped in all directions and his ears roared with wind as Siren thundered forward.

He was quickly closing the meger distance Aerea made as he was a great rider and knew Dragonstone’s terrain well. For when he wasn't thrashing knights in the yard he was hunting or riding along his gloomy island home, searching for any new nooks or crannies left undiscovered. He loved an adventure and was left rather bored without one.

When the inevitable happened, and he sped past Aerea, he was about to cheer in victory however just as he opened his mouth Rhaena charged ahead shouting,” if I win you both get nothing” this time she was the one with a mischievous grin.

And win she did. She stood at the Dragonmount laughing her arse off, mind you her merriment only grew when she saw two annoyed faces making their way towards her. Rhaena was skilled in everything she did no matter how little she spent at whatever activity she found herself doing, it seemed. Androw felt at times that people like Rhaena were only put on this world to win, while people like him were put here to admire the winners and work hard to dream some day they would be half as decent as them.

His distain did not linger though, it never did. As quickly as it came it would just as quickly vanish. For he did truly admire his wife and knew only someone like him would be fit to stand alongside someone as extraordinary as she. That was plenty enough for him.

Aerea stomped her foot, crossed her arms and sighed before announcing how much she longed for lemon cake in her typical haughty tone. Her woes did not last long though as Balerion’s thunderous footfall made his incoming appearance known.

She instantly perked up and readied herself to ride the mighty beast. When she first claimed the black dread it would take her nigh on ten minutes to reach the top, as she lacked both the strength and speed to scale a dragon. Though not many people were well practised in such a task anyhow.

This time, though, when he came out she climbed up quickly. It seemed she found some short cuts and better ways to grip the chain attached to Balerion since the moon she claimed him.

”Join me on Dreamfyre, we are going to Driftmark today. Apparently the Pentoshi circus is back." She smiled fondly, “ I used to love them as a child, I remember seeing so many new animals I hadn't even known existed. Alyssa practically had to drag me out of the tent.”She laughed, "I wanted to pet everything there so bad, even the most poisonous snakes” She looked at the ground shyly, almost like she still wanted to pet her demise.

”Well it’s a go-”

Suddenly a mound of dust was kicked up into the air, obscuring both Rhaena and Andrew's vision and making them cough. Balerion took to the sky.

They both looked at eachother irked however just like Aerea, Rhaena’s annoyance vanished as soon as she saw Dreamfyre poke her head out.

Dreamfyre always welcomed Rhaena by tilting her head down and expecting to be stroked. Rhaena always complied, of course, and would whisper about her day, how she felt and most importantly, complimented Dreamfyre. Every honeyed word was met with a purr-like sound. It was their ritual. It seemed Dreamfyre always wanted to be treated like a human or at least recognised for her intelligence and her ability to understand people's emotions. The complete opposite of Balerion. Balerion just wanted Aerea to hop on so he could zoom away. Dreamfyre wanted to be pampered before taking a leisurely flight.

It took nigh on a year for Dreamfyre to warm up to Androw but warm up she did. He came close to her and rested his hand on her scales. As always it was unpleasantly hot but he didn't mind. He liked feeling the soft yet hard scales that twinkled like gems. Depending on the direction one would look, you would see aquamarine or azure painting the she-dragon. Androw still thought Siren was prettier though.

After Rhaena finished telling Dreamfyre how she was the height of decency, they both climbed up the beautiful beast.

Androw could feel himself getting nervous so he hugged Rhaena tightly. He still wasn't accustomed to leaving the ground but he thought any sane person wouldn't be so he didn't feel too bad about feeling this way. Every man has his doubts, he rationalised.

Rhaena, somehow, noticed his nervousness so she placed her hand upon his. It calmed him down. Rhaena knew this too . She always seemed to know when he was stressed and how to comfort him. She is the most perfect wife anyone could hope for

Knock knock

The weather seemed to not be as smooth sailing as they initially thought it would be. Wind gust-

Knock knock

Wind gusted in all directions making it hard to hear atop Drea-

"Oi! Androw! Oiiiiiii!”

Elissa's voice snapped Androw back into reality.

Chapter Text

Androw never liked being pulled away from his daydreams. He wanted them to run it's course until he found a spot he was happy leaving them. Or better yet he would never leave them. He was happy to stay locked away in his head until his dying breath. His true family was there. It didn't matter that they were not real. It's how reality ought to have been- it's what was owed to him and he would get his dues one way or another.

More than that, though, it was easier to live in his head.

Even now he could feel his heart pounding, his posture crumbling inward as if he needed to protect himself and his palms were already slick with sweat. It wasn't his sister making him feel this way either. Her short stature and light, playful smile screamed 'I would never hurt a fly.'

No, it was the thought of leaving this room, the one no one came in, his safe space; the chamber of the painted table.

It was a big room and completely void of anything but a table carved out in the shape of Westeros and a few luxurious chairs dotted around. There was a chair, nigh on throne, more opulent than the rest placed right next to Kingslanding. It was umber and had a dragon engraved at each armrest with purple sapphires for eyes. The seat itself had an indigo cushion with patterns Androw had only seen on Dragonstone, though he never paid them much mind.

It was Aegon the conquers chair. No one was allowed to touch it out of respect. It was where he died from a stroke after all, where his grandsons watched him take his final excruciating breaths. Androw would stare at it sometimes pitying the long dead king, his grandfather by law. He would wonder what Aegon would say to him, he would no doubt recognise his potential. It took an extraordinary man to see it after all.

"Are you ever going to answer me?" Elissa said leaning against the table, picking up one of the wooden stags.

"Y-yes I- I apologise... I was just thinking..." Androw stuttered out just barely above a whisper while fidgeting with his hands, looking anywhere else but her eyes.

"About what?" She tilted her head, "planning to conquer Westeros?" She japed.

Androw could feel heat stinging his cheeks, he knew his whole face went red instantly. Androw always found himself to be the butt of all jokes even between the help. He would never plan an invasion! Well... Not for real anyhow. His daydreams were different though. He conquered it a million times over and so what if the figurines on the table made it more realistic? It's not like it was hurting anyone.

He looked down at his hands, still fumbling with them. "Of course not" he whispered with a frown pulling at his lips.

Elissa almost audibly sighed. She didn't like speaking to her brother at all. He was pathetic and a downer on top of it all. She would never say that though, at least not to his face. He was like glass, you had to handle it with care and gods forbid you forget for even a second, else it would break.

She would have acted indifferent towards him long ago if it weren't for her guilt. It was the only reason why she was friendly towards him and went out of her way to do things together. It was the least she could do for someone who has no one.

Speaking of her guilt, it was actually getting worse lately and she didn't know why. Being in Rhaena's arms outweighed every negative feeling until a moon ago, which is why she was happy Rhaena came up with a plan to negate this. Soon things would go back to normal.

She put back on her sweet smile while saying "Rhaena wishes to speak with you in her chambers. I thought we could play some cards first but I just remembered I promised Aerea a game last night." She lied with ease, she honestly could not be bothered to spend time with him today.

Androw stood up immediately, beaming with joy. Rhaena never wanted to speak privately... Let alone in her chambers. He whipped his head to the window realising it was dusk. Don't couples normally have intercourse around this time? Maybe she finally wants to...

He was grinning when he said "do not worry at all. That is fine and I do hope you have fun."

He raced out of the chamber towards Rhaena's. He overindulged himself ever since his father died. His whole body was round and fat to the point where even his jaw lost it's definition and blended into his neck. Though he still put effort into his appearance: buying clothes that suited him, perfuming himself with jasmine and following a rigorous haircare routine which consisted of various types of essential oils. He liked to be pampered.

He had started to doubt this day would ever come. Rhaena had seemed to care less for him each day that passed.

When they first married she seemed elated and finally at peace after the things Maegor put her through. Androw felt he was the lighthouse Rhaena was desperately searching for after being lost and alone in Maegors cage. He would gladly be her light too by being the complete opposite of Maegor.

He claimed his rights just hours after being married, Androw would wait until she was ready. Maegor would snap his fingers, expecting her presence at a drop of a hat but Androw would never disturb her from what she was doing. Maegor was aggressive to her just to release his pent up rage. Androw wouldn't so much as raise his voice to her.

It was all finally paying off too. He knew he could build up enough trust with her so that she could fully move past Maegor's transgressions and have a fresh start with Androw.

Though , truthfully , he was surprised. For a few moons now Rhaena significantly decreased the amount of time she spent with him and when they were together it felt out of obligation. She made him feel like his very presence was an annoyance to her and in turn, it made Androw retreat to the painted table and into his mind.

It all made sense now though. It wasn't distain that created an awkward tension around them, it was her apprehension about this. She probably didn't know how to bring up this subject after so long. Androw puffed out his chest as he continued to rush through Dragonstone's dark halls. I'll take the lead, he declared.

Androw was thinking about baby names when he finally reached Rhaena's door. The tall sentinel was surprised to see him and peaked his head inside to ask Rhaena if she summoned him before allowing entry.

It would have annoyed Androw had it not been for the anxiety gripping his chest that he just barely managed to swallow down. It's time to take the lead, he reminded himself.