Chapter Text
They went back to boat for kings landing Dameon holding his girls hand rhaena glaring at Aemond though a bit of sympathy both Alicent and daemon made them apologize rhaenyra glaring at her uncle and Alicent in her mind daemon betrayed her for not standing by her side demanding HER sons punishment over her half brother having lucerys having to go with them as punishment for Aemonds eye as his cupbringer in his past years daemon might have cared of his niece tears not anymore
As they boarded the ship, the tensions between the families remained palpable in the air. Rhaenyra's gaze was cold and calculating, while Alicent and Daemon's demeanor remained calm and composed. Rhaena glared at Aemond, a mix of anger and hurt etched on her face, while Lucerys kept his head lowered.
Daemon led Alicent and his daughters onto the ship, his free hand lightly gripping her waist guiding her in a proper way hiding the affair He could feel her tension, her mind spinning with questions and worries. He knew they would have to discuss their situation soon. Rhaenyra didn’t understand the new found loyalties with her uncle
Lucerys followed behind, his eyes still rimmed with tears from the events of the day. He was young, innocent, and ignorant of the complexities of the situation, but the air of tension was palpable even to him.
Alicent looked at the boy cold she was supposed to take care of him now that he was was to be her sons cupbringer “you will behave accordingly the way you would behave with your mother”
The young boy looked up at Alicent, his expression a mix of confusion and nervousness. "Yes, my queen," he mumbled, his voice trembling. "I will behave."
Alicent nodded coldly, satisfied with his response. "Good. You will serve my son faithfully, and you will obey his every command," she said, her voice stern and commanding.
Viserys walking over with his cane placing his hand on his grandsons shoulder alicent clenched her jaw not wanting to see this walking to daemon Daemon watched silently as Viserys approached his grandson, placing a hand on his shoulder. Alicent's jaw clenched, her irritation evident in her expression. She silently stepped away, moving closer to Daemon.
She leaned back on the ship “he cares more for his daughter’s grandchildren then his own child” technically Aemond wasn’t his child but daemons but no one knew that she viserys obviously favoring to rhaenyra showed that night
Daemon scoffed, his tone as sharp and biting as a whip crack. "He's blind to his own son's needs, but he's all too quick to tend to his grandson's wounds."
He turned to face Alicent, his gaze locked on hers. "He doesn't know what he has right under his own nose." She leaned to him “when we get to kings landing you will fuck me” she mutters he cracks a smiled did his Hightower just curse
Daemon was taken aback by her straightforwardness but quickly recovered, a smirk creeping across his lips. "Is that right?" he responded, his voice tinged with amusement.
He leaned closer, his breath warm on her ear. "I'll gladly oblige," he murmured, his words a promise. "But we'll have to be discreet. The Red Keep has many eyes and ears."
Alicent nodded, her cheeks coloring slightly at the thought of their impending tryst. She knew they would have to be discreet, that their affair was forbidden and dangerous. But her desire for him, always burning beneath the surface, had only grown stronger over the years.
Daemon chuckled, his eyes glinting with desire at her reaction. "Don't worry," he murmured, his voice low and rough. "I'll find us a quiet spot."
Helaena walked over showing daemon her bugs alicent told him last night that Helaena was his as well As Helaena approached, carrying a small box filled with bugs, Daemon's expression softened. He knelt down to her level, gently taking the box and peering inside.
As he peered at the creatures within, a sense of familiarity washed over him. This was his daughter, his blood, and he saw the resemblance to himself in her face, in her mannerisms.
Alicent watched the interaction from a distance, a small smile on her face. Daemon looked up at his daughter, his gaze tender despite his gruff exterior. "These are some fine bugs you have here," he said gruffly, gently poking at one of the creatures with his finger.
Helaena smiled shyly, her eyes wide and curious. "They're my favorite," she said quietly. "I like to watch them move and crawl. They're like little friends." Alicent had told him their daughter was more quite and withdrawn she was a Targaryen princess he would not have his daughter having any less attention she would need a swarm of ladies
Daemon's gaze lingered on Helaena, taking in her quiet demeanor. He understood a little better now why she seemed withdrawn, why she found comfort in her little bug friends. It was a world she could control, where she could understand the rules and the creatures within it.
He nodded to himself, already mentally planning the changes he would make. "She'll need a swarm of ladies in waiting," he muttered, more to himself than to Alicent.
Alicent nodded in agreement, a hint of concern in her eyes. "She's so soft spoken, so quiet. I worry she doesn't have many friends her age."
Daemon grunted, his mind already turning over the possibilities. "She needs companionship," he agreed. "She needs friends who will bring out the best in her. And someone to keep an eye on her."
“Uncle daemon” Helaena mutters “I wish you were my father” “father viserys is never There” “you protected Aemond” Alicents blood runs cold at the 13 year old
Daemon's heart swelled with a mix of pride and pain as he heard Helaena's words. He looked into her eyes, seeing the disappointment and longing there. He knelt down, his gaze softening. looking at his daughter from his affair
"My sweet girl," he murmured, the nickname foreign on his lips. "I cannot be your father in name, but I will always protect you."
The words felt heavy on his tongue, the truth of the situation weighing on him. He reached out a hand, gently caressing her cheek, a gesture of affection.
"No matter what happens, remember that," he said, his voice gruff but sincere.
Helaena looked up at him, tears glittering in her eyes. "Why can't you be my father?" she asked, her voice trembling. "Why can't I call you father?"
Daemon's heart ached at the question, the truth too complicated and painful to explain to a child. "It's not that simple," he mumbled, his gaze flickering to Alicent.
Alicent stepped closer, her hand resting gently on Helaena's shoulder. "Helaena, sweetheart, sometimes things are complicated," she murmured, her voice tender. "But I promise you, Daemon will always be there for you." Helaena looked up at Alicent and then back at Daemon, her gaze flickering between the two adults.
Helaena looked between Alicent and Daemon, her expression solemn. "I don't understand," she muttered, her young face scrunched up in confusion. "Why is it complicated?"
Daemon sighed, his hand still resting on her shoulder. He looked to Alicent for guidance, unsure how to explain the situation to a child who deserved more than he could give it’s not as if she knew he was ACTUALLY her father she only wished it was
Alicent knelt next to them, her expression soft. "Helaena, my darling," she began gently, her hand gently stroking your daughters hair. "Sometimes, families aren't what you expect them to be. Sometimes, we wish things could be one way, but they're really another way. "
"But that doesn't mean you aren't loved," she continued, her gaze flickering to Daemon. "You are so loved." She takes Helaenas hand moving inside the ships cabin for her to rest smiling sadly at her lover
Daemon watched as Alicent led Helaena away, a mix of sadness and frustration etched on his face. He knew they needed to talk, to discuss their situation and the future.
He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the conversation to come. He knew it wouldn't be easy, that Alicent would have questions and concerns.
He followed her into the cabin, closing the door behind him. The room was small but cozy, lit by a single oil lamp. Alicent sat on the edge of the bed, her expression weary.
She looked up as he entered, her gaze meeting his gaze. "We need to talk."
What if someone finds out about us Daemon” she mutters
And our children” she asked. He sighed, nodding in agreement. "And our children," he echoed, his expression growing serious. "We'll need to be extra careful to maintain the fiction that they're Viserys children"
I’ve done that for years daemon” shs sits up kissing him. He returns the kiss, his arms wrapping around her, pulling her close. "I know you have," he murmured, his voice hoarse with desire. "And I admire your courage and dedication."
"But now," he continued, breaking the kiss and looking into her eyes, "things are different. We are different. We need a plan, Alicent. A solid one."
Alicent nodded, her brow furrowed in thought. "What do you suggest?"
Daemon paced the small cabin, his mind racing. "For now, we continue as we have. We maintain appearances. You are the Queen, and I am the... troublesome uncle. We find moments, stolen moments like these, but we must be more cautious."
"And Helaena?" Alicent asked softly, her voice filled with concern. "She senses something. Her words..."
Daemon stopped pacing and knelt before her, taking her hands in his. "Helaena is perceptive, more than people give her credit for. We must be careful with her, gentle. We shower her with affection, both of us. We make her feel secure and loved, without revealing the truth."
"And Aemond?" Alicent's voice was barely a whisper.
Daemon's jaw tightened. "Aemond... he is more difficult. He is sharp, observant. We must be more guarded around him. Let him believe what he sees on the surface."
A knock on the cabin door interrupted their hushed conversation. "My Queen? We are nearing King's Landing," a muffled voice announced.
Alicent and Daemon exchanged a look, a silent understanding passing between them. The fragile bubble of their private moment had burst, and the harsh realities of court awaited them.
"We will speak more when we have the chance," Daemon murmured, rising to his feet. He offered Alicent his hand, pulling her up gently.
As they stepped out of the cabin and onto the deck, the familiar sight of King's Landing came into view. The sprawling city, with the imposing Red Keep at its heart, seemed to pulse with secrets and intrigues. Alicent and Daemon stood side by side, a united front against the storm that lay ahead. Their affair, once a hidden spark, had ignited a dangerous flame, and navigating its treacherous path would require all their cunning and resolve. The arrival at King's Landing was not an end, but the beginning of a new, more perilous chapter in their intertwined lives