Disclaimer: This is a story based on ASOIAF and Marvel characters and all recognizable characters, plots, belong to GRRM and Marvel. I have no ownership to it.
Chapter 10: House of the Dragon
Kingslanding
Alysanne looked through the open window towards the centre of the Dragonpit where Balerion was resting. She could see her beloved son Gaemon trying to stretch and move his body after recovering from the horrendous wounds he had suffered. It was as if he were trying to use new muscles and getting used to them.
She did not know what to think about the things she had heard when her dear husband came to meet Gaemon. The fact that the king had kept the news of her son even dying when he was born was something that angered her beyond anything. But she understood it was to protect her from heartbreak, and she could see where Jae was coming from. Even now, she could not process the fact without her eyes tearing up. The only thing that kept her happy was seeing her son alive before her eyes. It was one of the reasons she had not moved back to the Red Keep, even after Gaemon has recovered. Then there was the dragon in the room, the apparent life Gaemon remembered living.
Alysanne understood that Gaemon believed he had been reborn in this world, but for the life of her she could not believe it. Dragon dreams were something her family was known for, and with these re-emerging mutant powers, Gaemon could easily have two sets of powers.
"Alysanne." Her thoughts were broken by the sound of her husband's voice.
Jaehaerys approached her side, and she saw him observing Gaemon's movements.
"It is very remarkable, is it not, brother?" Alysanne asked with a proud smile.
Her husband frowned before sighing in tiredness.
"Yes, it is, my dear. It is remarkable indeed, but I would have gladly lived without something this remarkable ever coming back to this world. This is more headache for me and more danger for us. Let us hope my plan to contain this will work and that danger will not come looking for us just now."
"My love, sometimes I wonder whether you are a coward for worrying so much about maintaining this image and peace. Then I remember your own clever saying. What was it?" Alysanne asked with a tilt of her face. "Yes, I remember now. The best art of war is winning without even fighting."
Jaehaerys just smirked. "What can I say, my dear? I live in two worlds, my real life with you all and my life in the game of thrones that I am playing every moment I am seen by someone."
Alysanne scoffed at the playful boasting.
"Jaehaerys, tell me. What do you believe? Is that truly our son or someone else playing the role?"
To her surprise, Jaehaerys answered immediately.
"That is truly our son, perhaps with something more. The fact of the matter is he loves and sees us as family. That is evident after his claiming of Balerion. If he were not family, he could always just fly away. Even without considering that he is our blood as well, just as he said. So, it doesn't matter, whether he has some other people lodged in his memories as parents or not, we are clearly superior by every way possible."
Alysanne looked thoughtful before accepting the words.
"So why are you here? I know you are not here to see to Gaemon's health," Alysanne asked with a frown.
"Well, I am the king and this is my headache now." Jaehaerys said pointing towards Gaemon and recovering Balerion. "We must put on a show before the masses for now, and we need Gaemon to play the part. I will explain to both of you together,"
Jaehaerys finished and started to walk towards the centre where Gaemon had been stretching.
Alysanne grimaced at Gaemon's usual lack of courtesy, but she was glad that he at least decided to hear the plan the king made. Alysanne almost gasped in shock at the king's plan, and she wondered in what world he thought their son would follow it.
As expected, Gaemon scoffed and even laughed in the king's face before answering.
"That is a pure cinematic entry, and I can see the masses eating it up," Gaemon said, and Alysanne wondered what in the world a cinematic entry was. To her satisfaction, even Jaehaerys looked confused. "But there is a slight problem, I will not be kneeling to you or anyone at all, my king."
Jaehaerys just sighed in defeat, knowing this outcome was inevitable. Alysanne, seeing this, decided to at least help her husband somewhat.
"Gaemon, this is our only chance to sell the lie of Balerion healing miraculously. Then there is the fact that the dragons have been unchained and given free reign to fly all over. The people will panic, and even then someone could use that to create unrest. I need your support in this, my son," Alysanne said.
Gaemon was unmoved, and she opened her mouth again when Jaehaerys snapped.
"Enough, dear sister. You are the queen and you have no need to plead before your ten-year-old son. He will not budge without sufficient rewards. Gaemon, you have displayed your disdain towards incestuous marriage, and it will be a topic discussed for years to come until you agree, or until the women of our family try to seduce you later. Do this now for our family and I will make a private announcement among our kin that I will never betroth you to a Targaryen, and you will never have an incestuous marriage. It will stop even your sisters from getting any ideas in the future and save you much annoyance."
Alysanne saw Gaemon's eyes widen in surprise, as if the thought of his sisters trying to seduce him had not even occurred to him. To her relief, Alysanne saw Gaemon thinking about the offer, and she could see the moment he decided to accept.
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Alysanne was sitting beside Gaemon as they had their dinner. Even though Gaemon had almost recovered from his injuries, it still mesmerized her to see such ability. She cursed the Elder Dragons for their curse that such incredible abilities were lost to her blood. Yet she was proud that one of her sons was powerful enough to beat their curse.
"Gaemon," Alysanne called as she decided to ask the question. "You told me that it was the children of Viserys who would cause the end of dragons. Can you please try to remember what happens to your elder brothers and why they are not the king?"
Gaemon grimaced, and Alysanne could see that he was quite unhappy about the answer he was going to deliver.
"I am sorry," Gaemon said. "I tried many times to see what happens, but my other memories are so much more, and I think there is only so much one can remember before your brain gets full."
Alysanne was disappointed by the answer.
"Do you have anything else for me about our family that could potentially save someone?"
Gaemon closed his eyes as he thought, and there was one thing he remembered, but he would not disclose it to his mother. The only other thing besides the Dance of Dragons that he remembered was that one of the king's daughters was banished and became known as a whore in Essos. Gaemon did not know which one it was, but he already suspected Saera because of her pride and hubris. He would never inform his mother about that and would try to prevent it. Gaemon had been teaching both Saera and Viserra to fight once a week ever since he had promised Saera long ago. Gaemon wanted to believe he had taught enough to Saera and Viserra that they would never reach a place where they had to whore themselves out.
Gaemon opened his eyes and looked at his mother, who was studying him.
"I have nothing else, Mother. Believe me, I would try to save everyone I could from our family if I actually knew how. I even forgot my hate for slavery and discrimination for my family. I know how being controlled and chained feels, and it fills me with unending rage if I think about it. You have no idea how much I want my family to thrive and for me to continue this peaceful time for as long as possible. In fact, the only reason I am not flying over to Essos on Balerion and breaking the chains is my overwhelming selfishness to enjoy this time. My only relief now is that in my visions I was never alive, and my presence alone will change the fate," Gaemon said with a tired voice that sounded far beyond his physical age.
Alysanne gasped, hearing the sheer hatred in Gaemon's voice when he spoke about slavery and chains.
"Then, I am grateful to you, my son, for keeping the peace and not starting anything," Alysanne said, as she truly understood how much it affected her son to act selfishly.
Gaemon just nodded, too tired to reply.
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Baelon Targaryen looked at his eldest brother Aemon's face as he entered the balcony where Aemon often spent his time gazing over King's Landing whenever his mind was troubled. His face showed frustration, anger, and helplessness, and it broke Baelon's heart to see such emotions on his beloved brother's face.
"Aemon," Baelon called, hoping to break the brooding.
Aemon did not reply. He ignored his brother, continuing to gaze across the city that would one day be his kingdom. Baelon remained silent, waiting patiently for Aemon to speak first.
"You know, Baelon," Aemon began at last, his voice low and heavy, "I was very glad when I heard Gaemon's cries after the dragon egg caught fire all those years ago. I was the one who held the baby, because his skin was radiating heat unlike anything else, after Father pulled him from the flames. I was glad my brother survived… but now, I wonder if it would have been better had he not been reborn that day."
Baelon's eyes widened in horror. Though Alyssa and Aemon were closest to his heart, Baelon loved all his siblings deeply.
"Aemon," Baelon snapped angrily, "do not be an idiot who spews horseshit like this. This is our brother you are speaking of. He may be rebellious and wild in nature, but he is still our younger brother, whom we must love and protect no matter what."
Aemon only snorted. "Is that so? I remember you almost stabbing Gaemon with Dark Sister that day. Where was your loyalty then?"
"Do not be obtuse, brother. It does not suit you," Baelon retorted sharply. "I was trying to get my brother back, but it was always my brother with some years long visions that he mistook for memories of a past life. Nothing more, nothing less."
Aemon scoffed. "And everyone simply believed him when he claimed that? Is that it? He has proven himself to be a manipulative liar who acts selfishly when it suits him, yet everyone in this family continues to believe him when he still claims to be Gaemon and not a body thief."
Baelon raised his eyebrows in curiosity. "What are you even talking about? A manipulative liar? Gaemon is one of the most forthright people I have ever met. He does not even have a filter on his tongue, brother."
Aemon frowned as he studied Baelon. "Ah. Clearly you have not spoken to Viserys. I talked with Rhaenys, and she told me how Gaemon used her to spread chaos here so that he could claim Balerion. She was promised Dreamfyre so that she could come to me and protect me. She has been traumatized ever since that cursed recurring dream about my death, and Gaemon preyed upon a little girl's fear like that. Even now she refuses to believe that her own blood could use and betray her so."
Baelon remained silent as he processed these words.
"I did not know that," Baelon admitted. "But still, that is not enough to wish death upon our sibling, brother. They are young and foolish—" He stopped abruptly, the thought striking him that Gaemon was not young in mind.
A smug look crossed Aemon's face as Baelon faltered.
"Gaemon may not be young and foolish, but Rhaenys is," Baelon continued firmly. "She will grow out of it and learn her lesson. Still, in my opinion, you coddle her too much. It is good that she learned not to take loyalty for granted, even among family. Perhaps she will remember that when it comes time to make her marriage choice." Baelon finished pointedly.
Aemon's smugness vanished into anger. "What do you mean by that, brother?" he snarled.
Baelon only snorted. "Oh, you did not understand? Gaemon said it was the children of Viserys who fought among themselves for the crown and killed the dragons—not Rhaenys' children. That means there are two possibilities: either Rhaenys dies without children, or she marries someone outside our family. And when you die, which we should prevent somehow, Father names me heir, for we both know Father would never allow anyone outside our bloodline near the throne, even as king consort. Which means Rhaenys chooses someone other than my son Viserys as her consort. Perhaps now she will value loyalty from her blood and not take it for granted."
Aemon's eyes widened. He had not considered this before. Ever since he learned what had befallen Rhaenys, his mind had been consumed only with anger and doubts about whether his brother was truly his brother at all. He closed his eyes and sighed heavily.
"It does not matter what she does or does not do in the future," Aemon said at last. "It does not invalidate my concerns about Gaemon. He has claimed the most dangerous dragon alive, while hiding his healing abilities all this time. Even now, he refuses to use his knowledge to help the realm simply because of his irrational dislike for Father. If even Father cannot rein him in, then what chance would I have when I am king? Tell me, Baelon—what would you do if you were king and knew your commands would fall on deaf ears? We must act now to prevent such a future. You must help me, brother. We need to find a way to separate Gaemon from Balerion. There must be something the ancient Valyrians used to control their kin besides killing them."
Baelon scoffed. "Brother, I love you and support you. But I will not help you in this foolishness. Do you truly think we would survive Balerion's wrath, even if it were possible to sever the bond? Gaemon has a natural affinity with all living creatures. Even without our blood ties to dragons, he could still communicate with them and bend them to his will. You ask me what I would do in your place? It is simple, Aemon. I would never issue a command I knew Gaemon would not obey. He loves this family as any brother should. He would never sever those ties. You simply need to find a way to make him want to help you when you are king. Gaemon himself said he would help you, unlike Father. Perhaps what he did to Rhaenys will prove a blessing. He may come to regret it—and you could use that regret to gain something in return."
Aemon slowly nodded.
"You are right, brother. I may have overreacted in my anger. It is better to keep him as a sibling than make an enemy out of him, especially over the pain he caused his niece. Perhaps the lesson will even serve my heiress well. And as for her future—no, I have decided. Rhaenys will marry Viserys when the time comes. He will be her consort and future king. Perhaps promising her a choice and wanting her having a marriage like mine was foolish from the beginning itself."
Baelon bowed his head respectfully. "Thank you, brother and yes, it was foolish. You are a man who this Andals will accept no matter what. Rhaenys is a woman and It will affect her position very much."
Aemon didn't reply as he remained looking over the streets of Kingslanding.
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Gaemon Logan Targaryen smiled as he patted down the newly healed scales of Balerion, checking them carefully. To his surprise, even though the scales were newly formed, they had the same durability as the older ones. It was calming for him to tend to his dragon while he waited for the signal to make his entrance. Even now he could not stop smiling, still riding the joy of their first flight after leaving the dragonpit and waiting here on the outskirts of Kingswood.
Gaemon had flown in the X-jet, on flights, and even in spaceships, but there was something different about flying in the open with the wind in his face, with only nominal control over where he might land. The sight of the open air stretching as far as his eyes could see, far keener than those of regular men, the ground below where rolling hills and trees looked like a painted canvas—everything about flying on a dragon was exhilarating.
Both had healed completely, and Gaemon had reluctantly agreed to the king's plan. As the king said, not suffering the annoyance of being asked again and again was a godsend for his temper. If this also helped to create a veil before the dangers in this world, and if that reduced the threats to his family, then he was happy to act now.
Gaemon had been genuinely surprised to see his family accept what he revealed at that meeting. Even so, a small part of him felt disappointed that they had not rejected him. That would have given him an excellent excuse to mount Balerion, fly away, wander, and then visit Essos. But now he had decided to enjoy family life for as long as he could tolerate it. He knew that tolerance could be stretched quite far, for he had never once felt fear from his family after they learned the truth. He sensed envy, anger, and even sadness from them toward him, but never fear.
His smile vanished into a glare as he spotted the signal arrow arcing through the air in the distance.
"Come on, Balerion. Let us put on a show this realm will never forget."
Meh, seeing my newly healed scales and my presence is enough to make no one forget it. Balerion's haughty reply came instantly to his mind.
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Valyria
Apocalypse
He woke up with a start and a roar of rage that sent the firewyrms lying on his body flying away in panic. His long neck stretched as he looked around and at his entire body, trying to see what had awakened him from his cursed slumber this time. Last time, it was a Volantene who had finally found his way to the lair, surviving all the dangers along the way. Apocalypse had been happier than he ever remembered, seeing a human that could be used and manipulated as his acolyte. He had already been devising the magical ritual to regain his morphing power when the cursed black dragon came with a silver-haired girl to Valyria.
Apocalypse knew it was the Elder Dragons themselves who had sent their granddrake here. He cursed the Targaryens and their paranoia that made them flee Valyria twelve years before he had tried to usurp the body of one of the Elder Dragons. Apocalypse looked at his cursed body, that of a wingless wyrm, and the insult of it still burned in his heart. The Elder Dragons had cursed him with this form. The pain had long vanished, or perhaps he had become so accustomed to it that he no longer felt anything. His magic allowed him to dream and see what was happening in the world from time to time, but he had lost his greatest power. He had lost all of his mutant abilities—the power he had first usurped using the magical ritual of Absorbtion and sacrificing the one with the power and his entire family to empower the transfer.
There had been countless other powers, and the most powerful of them all was matter manipulation. When he had acquired matter manipulation, he had first thought he could only modify his own body. But later, he discovered he could change all physical things in the world with that power. It was that power that had given him the courage to try and usurp the body and power of an Elder Dragon.
But ever since the curse of the Fourteen, his powers had vanished, and Apocalypse cursed them endlessly. He wondered when his mutant powers would return.
"Wait," Apocalypse hissed, as his thoughts came to a sudden halt. "Mutant powers? Why did I call it that?" It was as if the world itself had branded the anomalies as mutant powers, and Apocalypse, more than anyone else, knew the power of a name. There was a reason he had abandoned his birth name and introduced himself as Apocalypse to the Volantene. He knew the destruction of Valyria was called Doom by the entire world, and he was the reason for it. There was no one more fitting for the name Apocalypse than himself. The moment he named himself thus, he could feel his magic evolving slightly, and he knew he had chosen correctly.
And now, somehow, he had called the anomalies mutant powers.
Why? Why? Why?....
Apocalypse closed his eyes to recall all the dragon dreams he had during his slumber while recovering his strength. Finally, he came upon a memory of a meeting of silver-haired dragonlords beside the cursed black beast who had injured him and killed his Volantene servant decades ago.
The wyrm hissed in laughter as he realized the truth: the youngest prince of House Targaryen had been born with anomalies, and it was he who had named his healing powers mutant powers. Apocalypse laughed in pleasure as he finally understood why he had awakened from his forced slumber earlier than his calculations.
It was because his mutant powers had received a jolt the moment the magic itself named the powers into reality. It had broken the curse of the Elder Dragons, and now his own tremendous powers could not be suppressed by it any longer. It was only a trickle, but it was enough to awaken him. It would take decades to unlock the full extent, but Apocalypse was content, for he had uncounted years to recover his might.
Apocalypse closed his eyes and concentrated entirely on his matter manipulation powers. He began to try and use them so they would develop faster than anything else. He could not even affect his own body for now, but he was patient. Even if it took centuries, he would wait to unlock it fully and change his body back into that of a human, so he could venture into Westeros. After all, his newest perfect vessel and the power of regeneration awaited him there.
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Author's Note: I really really wanted to follow the canon, but what the hell, it will be boring…. So the main reason for rhaenys marriage to corlys, aemon had decided to go back on his word and decided rhaenys will marry viserys…. Lets see what will happen later…
update schedule for all fics is slow because my mother is admitted in hospital and i am the bystander. so access and time is limited....
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