Fist meets Mouth

Haemon 114, Hightide

It was midday when I arrived at Hightide, and I was met by the entire Velaryon family there. Laena's betrothed included. He didn't look like much, he had a thin bravosi sword at his waist and seemed annoyed he had to be there. Princess Rhaenys' hair was still as black as coal, and I could see slight crow's feet around her eyes. Vaemond looked angry and his family seemed to not care for me. Lord Corlys was at the front, and he had a small smile on his face and Seafoam at his waist, his hair more white than silver and his shoulders seemed to sag a bit. But he still looked healthy as a bull. Laena was at his side and the years had done her wonders. She had a bright smile on her face, and I could hear Vhagar and Gaelithox reintroducing themselves in the distance.

"Lord Corlys. I don't mean to intrude on your household. But news reached my ear, and I simply couldn't wait." My black dragon and a red one proudly on my doublet with a purple sash across my chest.

"A king demands such an audience." I only winced

"I am a king no longer. Just a prince now. Legitimized by my father. The seat of Bloodstone given princedom in exchange for my crown." I said this and everyone's eyes went wide. Laena's smile seemed to get brighter.

"I see. What news brings you Driftmark then?" He asked as my eyes locked with Laena and he didn't seem to notice. But Rhaenys did.

"Perhaps we could discuss this privately husband. I'm sure Prince Haemon here is tired from such a journey." He only looked at her than at me and nodded. Beckoning me to follow him with Rhaenys by my side.

"Princedom suits you Haemon, a shame I couldn't see you with a crown. At least one of us had the privilege to wear one." The Queen who Never Was didn't seem truly upset about that, simply acknowledging the facts.

"The crown wore heavy on my head, and it was your husband who gave me the idea princess." Rhaenys seemed surprised at that. Strange I had thought he would at least tell her.

"Still having a hold on the Stepstones is no small feat. And please, just Rhaenys. We are of equal standing now. No need for titles, especially in this place, where spies are so few." Spies. I should probably start my own network of some sort. It seemed like a smart plan, it only made sense. By the time she said this we were in Corlys' solar. Him standing near the fireplace, holding Seafoam in his hands carefully placing it on the display above the fireplace.

"It is truly good to be back Lord Corlys. It seems nothing has changed on Driftmark." He smiled and held his arm out.

"Please, we bled together on the Stepstones, I taught you, Knighted you..." He seemed to look at Rhaenys for a second before saying.

"...Crowned you at Bloodstone. You have given many blessing upon House Veleryan. We are friends." I grabbed his hand and nodded. He went to grab cups for the three of us.

"Good, good. Now you are here because of news? I'm sure Driftmark staying the same did not need you and Gaelithox to make a personal appearance?" He said handed me a cup and one to his wife. I quickly downed it.

"No, I'm afraid not." He sat down at his desk and gestured for me to do the same. Rhaenys still staring into the fire, sipping her wine sparingly.

"Then what is it? Speak freely, you've earned that." I only opened my mouth and closed it trying to formulate my words. Rhaenys did not give me the privilege of speaking for myself.

"He means to marry our daughter Lord Husband." She said her eyes snapping away from the fire, looking at me. I felt like the same little boy, who was by Daemon's side first meeting her. Her eyes seemed to burn in me.

Lord Corlys looked at her than at me. "Do you boy?" He growled out.

"Yes, my lord. Laenor made me aware that Laena and the bravosi haven't married yet." He slammed his hand against the table and stood up.

"You dare boy! Friend you may be, but this is my daughter you are speaking of!" This was getting out of hand quickly.

"My lord the bravosi was only useful during the war, even then he himself did not fight. On his father's death, he did not become Sealord. Only spent away all the money that was left to him. Through our marriage if you decide to marry Laena to me, you will not only have blood on the iron throne, but blood at Bloodstone. All your grandchildren shall be princes and Princesses." I said rising slowly to stare at him evenly. He was still glaring at me, when Rhaenys walked over to him and held his hand.

"It is a good deal, husband. By the smile on Laena's face today. It would not displease her. She hasn't smiled like that since Laenor left". He seemed to soften at that.

"One does not simply call off a marriage deal." Things would be tough if he did. No, it would be better if I handled the Bravosi.

"I already have a plan for that my lord." He only looked at me, silently asking me to continue. I thumbed the handle of Darksister.

"I hear the Bravosi like to duel. I'm sure some servants will 'come up' as witnesses to him badmouthing the Lady Laena. I will be duty bound as a prince to defend her honor." Rhaenys smiled at this. Good, it seemed I wasn't the only one who didn't like the scum. Corlys only nodded.

"I'm sure some servants will come soon. I'll send some men to collect him tomorrow for his 'accusations' towards my daughter." He held out his hand and I shook it.

"Your old room has been prepared for your return. I'm sure you will find it suitable for however long you are here. I'll send some servants to prepare you a meal for the night." I only nodded and left with a bow of my head. As I closed the door, I could hear him give a long sigh and sit in his chair. Rhaenys giving a light laugh.

The halls of Hightide were filled with exotic silks and great tapestries. Most telling the exploits of the Seasnake, while other newer ones showed him reclaiming Seafoam. There was a great portrait of the main family above the main hall's fireplace and sitting in the main hall was the driftwood throne. A pretty thing. Looked to be made of Sandstone or something of the sort. I could see seahorses etched into the throne along with ships and dragons. I quickly shook my head and went to my room. Nodded at all the servants as I passed. Greeting the ones, I remembered.

When I got to my room it was the same as I left. Though every sheet and blanket were replaced with something new, and the room smelled of perfumes that burned my nose. I sat at the desk picking up one of my old books and starting to read it. Before long I heard a knock at the door. It must be the servants.

"Come in!"

"Your food my prince" I didn't recognize the voice.

"Yes, just sit it down at the table. I'll call you when I'm finished" I heard plates being placed down.

"Will that be all my prince?"

"Yes, thank you" I still haven't looked away from the book. Then I heard footsteps approaching me.

"I believe the prince could use some help relaxing form such a long journey."

"As much as I appreciate the offer. I will have to decline..." I said turning around to see Laena smiling at me.

"Hello, my love" I was stunned. My mouth agape, as my eyes wondered to her body.

"What are you doing here Laena? It would be improper for you to visit me at such a time." I asked not fully caring about what other people would think. She merely shrugged and placed her arms around my neck and sat in my lap.

"I'm sure I could ask you the same question. After all these years, now you visit. May I ask why?" I could feel the heat of her breath, and I could feel myself get aroused by her slow grinding hips.

"Laenor told me you were still unwed. I mean to change that." She stopped her teasing and stared me in the eyes. Before kissing me fully. And we sat there with her head on my chest.

"I must go. It wouldn't be unwise to be seen here before my marriage is ended. It would be such scandal, wouldn't it?" She asked with a giggle than leaving me with a kiss. Gods it would be hard to sleep tonight. I finished my meal and called some servants to clean up the plates. There was much to do in the coming days, I have to be ready. As I closed my eyes to sleep, I dreamt of a black dragon with chains around his body being surrounding by a thousand swords.

Haemon POV (A few weeks later) Kingslanding

The king decided to join mine and Laena's wedding with Rhaenyra and Laenor's. Lord Corlys seemed to not have a problem with it as he would still be marrying into the royal blood regardless. Queen Alicent however did. Stating 'it be improper for such a thing. As marriage is sacred between two souls.' Father seemed ready to change his mind, but I denied such a thing, stating I had to return to Bloodstone soon anyway, so the quicker the better.

"Bloodstone? You've only just returned. You'll wait a couple more moons, so you can finally be with family". He said smiling. I only shook my head.

"But father I've been gone for too long already. Bloodstone is not yet ready to be left alone for so long..."

"That's exactly why you must stay! You are a prince now. Your place is here by my side!" His face was red.

"My seat is Bloodstone. It is my reasonability. I can't simply sit here and do nothing as tensions rise over there. You gave it to me, for my children and their children" Alicent seemed nervous as both of us were yelling at this point.

"Nonsense, it will do fine without you. I'll send men to reinforce it. Your place is here, and here you will stay. I will give you a place in my court suitable for your new position as prince"

"Is this the King's command?" I said thumbing Darksister. He simply grabbed a cup of wine.

"Yes".

"As you say. My king" I gave a shallow bow and he seemed to regret his words. Alicent didn't look pleased as well. I didn't care though, I walked to the training yard. I needed to hit something. Ser Criston was there teaching Aegon how to hold his sword.

"Ser Cristion!" He looked at me as I unstrapped Darksister and handed it to one of the squire boys around.

"Up for a match?" Grabbing a tourney blade that seemed to closely match Darksister.

"The Queen has tasked me in teaching Prince Aegon. My prince" He said looking at the blade in hand.

"Then this will be a good learning experience for him. Two battle proven men fighting." He still seemed unsure but narrowed his eyes at my comment.

"Your uncle was a battle proven man yet never beat me." Brave to speak of the dead.

"I'm sure the maidens love hearing you boast of beating my dead uncle. I still wish to test your blade. Come on. One match isn't too much to ask of a legendary Kingsguard. Unless you want to keep your winning streak against wielders of Darksister". He gave Aegon a look who seemed interested in watching us fight. Then looked back at me.

"One match than I resume training the Prince" He pulled and unstrapped his belt and handed it to Aegon telling him to watch him carefully. I was just mindlessly swiping my blade in the air to warm up. A crowd seemed to form around us.

"What shall it be my Prince? First blood or yield?"

"I think yield shall do." I said looking around at the crowd.

"Ah Ser Harwin. You shall call the match if things get out of hand." The giant of a man came out with Rhaenyra and other important members of court when they heard the commotion. Looking at Rhaenyra for permission who simply nodded with a small smile.

I initiated the fight by throwing a sharp stab at Ser Criston who defy countered it with a slice to my waist which I stepped back avoiding it. We circled, Ser Criston holding his blade at the ready while I only rotated it in my wrist. The weight felt unfamiliar. I missed the weightlessness of Darksister. I was knocked out of my thoughts when Ser Criston came rushing towards me blade held low. He feinted a low stab and slashed up instead. I was lucky though as my sword was still in the way of blade and responded with a punch. Which turned his head to the side, he moved in that direction for a few steps, and I heard Rhaenyra laugh in the background.

"Surely you can do better than that, Ser Criton? Not a worthy showing of a white cloak don't you think" I said which caused a few spectators to laugh. He glared at me, rubbing his chin. Raising his guard again, He made a slow approach towards me. Gods was he boring. I sighed and did the same, falling into a stance with sword held to my eye level waiting for him to strike again. He never did though, seemingly waiting for me to make the next move. I can't well disappoint the man, can I?

I led with an overhead strike which he blocked but it seemed he wasn't ready for the kick that followed.

"And you beat my Uncle? I expected much better for a man sworn to defend the king". That seemed to be the last straw as he quickly opened with a flurry of moves that I had a hard time flowing. Random strikes left, right, up, and down with no pattern. He seemed to be focused as well. No emotion on his face and his breathing normal. He made a hitch in his movement, and I went to grab his sword arm, but it seemed it was a bait as his sword came crashing down on my wrist making me drop my sword. He kicked me in the stomach causing me to fall and held his blade at my throat than.

"Do you yield my Prince?" I gave a chuckle as I stared at him.

"I'm afraid not Ser" He looked at me confused. His confusion was quickly replaced with a cry of pain as I kicked his leg and threw dirt into his eyes. The crowd gasped at my display of such honorless tactics, what do they know of war? Ser Criston dropped his sword as he went to free his eyes from the dust. I simply kicked his sword away from him and grabbed his collar. Laying 4 blows to his face before Ser Harwin called the match and pulling me off him.

When I came back from Hightide with the Velaryan family, Rhaenyra told me of their falling out and how Ser Criston offered to run away with her. What a cunt. Thinking he could not only abandon his duties as a Kingsguard but also running away with my sister. Then to top it off, becoming the swornshield to the Queen. Not only did I dislike him for boasting of beating my uncle on every occasion he could, but he switched his allegiance just because Rhaenyra wouldn't fuck him. Speaking of the Queen she was standing beside my father with a sour look. Funny, I didn't notice they came to attend. I only walked off the yard hearing a call for a Maester and Ser Criston groaning in pain.

I ended up in the gardens staring at the city. Gods. The smell never got better. In all of Jaehaerys' good and long reign he didn't think to make a decent sewage system. I was joined by Rhaenyra and Ser Harwin who was carrying my belt. Shit.

"That was a mighty show of arms brother. It appears in your battle lust you forgot your belongings." She said with a smile. I grabbed the belt from Ser Harwins hands.

"It appears I may have over done." Ser Harwin snorted.

"I think that would be an understatement my prince". Funny

"I thank you for ending the match, Ser Harwin, I fear I might not have shared the same sentiment towards him" It was true. I wanted to fight him. I wanted to kill him. The spar was not only to let out anger, but it was to see his skill at arms, if a duel were to break out between us and I was still unsure on who the victor would be.

"I just did what was asked of me, my Prince"

"Leave us Ser Harwin, I must speak to my brother alone for a moment." Ser Harwin only bowed and waited at the door. We walked further into the gardens before sitting on a bench.

"That was not very smart Haemon"

"I know"

"Ser Criston is the Queen's man. By fighting with him in such a manner it would lead people to question where you stand." That was foolish.

"What is there to question? I wear the Black dragon on my chest do I not?" She only nodded her head.

"I am not questioning your loyalties. I am only warning you that court is getting more divided since you returned. Surely you have noticed some of the servants wearing green. Members of court are seen starting to wear green. Court is not the same as war, where you stab people with the pointy end of your sword Haemon." I only looked at her and sighed.

"Since when did you know so much?" She looked at me and gave a sad smile.

"Since my father remarried" she said softly, and I grabbed her hands.

"I'm sorry I could not return to be by your side when you needed me most. But the king has requested I stay in the capitol for a little while longer. To be married on the same day as you and Laenor." She looked shocked before quickly scoffing.

"Since when do you listen to the requests of father?" I only frowned

"Since the king demanded I stay. He left me no choice in the matter." She opened her mouth to say something before looking past my shoulder.

"Ah, Lady Laena what a pleasant surprise" I quickly turned around to find Laena breathing heavily looking as if she ran.

"Princess Rhaenyra. You look well. I merely wanted to have a word with my betrothed for a moment." She said with a courtesy. Rhaenyra only smiled and nodded, leaving me with a 'we shall talk later brother'. Laena seemed to wait until she heard the armored footsteps of Ser Harwin walking away before slapping me.

"What was that for Laena." I said with a hiss.

"Not a week in court and you've already gotten on the bad side of the Queen." I only looked at her before simply responding.

"Rhaenyra will be Queen after my father's death." She still looked angry.

"Yes that may be true but Rhaenyra does not sit the Iron throne yet and is still without heirs. While the Queen has given 3 boys and a girl to the king who are, need I remind you ahead of you in line of succession. Your power lies behind being the favored son of the king and being brother to an heirless heir. Court already looks down on you for being a bastard now you fight the Queen's champion. Already whispers flood the Red Keep about where you stand, and by extension me". She had a point.

"Rhaenyra is my sister and Laenor is your brother. Our loyalties have already been set for us" I told her and she still looked away at that.

"That is true. But Aegon is your brother as well. Should the Queen try to place him on the throne, what would you do then? He is by law the heir." I only snorted.

"The king has made Rhaenyra heir and has not changed it in the last eight years. Why would he do so now? If I had to choose between the two I simply wouldn't choose."

"Sometimes you can be so slow headed sometimes my love" I looked at her confused.

"With your fight you have already chosen. You think the Greens side with Queen Alicent? No, they kneel for Aegon, that is her power. Yes, he may still be a child, but they would rather see a cock on the Iron Throne that someone without. Just as they did with my mother" I grabbed her hands and looked in her eyes.

"I'm afraid war and court are two separate things. I could fight off three men at the same time yet stumble with my words." She only chuckled.

"That is why you have me. You shall be the brawn and I... the brains, no?" She said with a smile as I pulled her closer.

"Shall I lead Rhaenyra's armies while you lead her court then as well?" I said with a chuckle.

"If the queen will have me in such a prestigious position, how could I refuse?" I laughed out loud at that.

"By all the seven gods, what I have I done to deserve such a women to wed?" She kissed me then.

"I'mcurious as well love. Blessed by the gods you are" She, said smiling throughour kiss. It quickly got more earnest before she broke it, stating she stillhad to see her mother before the day ended. Right, the sun looked like it wassoon to approach the hour of the Bat. I quickly returned to my chambers notbefore having a servant prepare me a meal. I ate at a lazy pace as I looked outthe window. Waves were happening in the water. I could feel it.