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Lucerys Valeryon held his breath as another layer of synthetic alpha pheromones was applied to the scent glands behind his ears by his mother. The smell, although not entirely unpleasant seeing as how they were made using his own brother Jacerys’ scent, made him shiver in discomfort. Even if the smell was at times comforting, in the same way that it was comforting to be held and coddled by his older brother, it still smelt unnatural to him on his skin.

“There,” his mother smoothed his dark brown curls back over his nape “all done now my sweet boy. We should hurry to set sail.” She smiled gently at her son, scent soothing, like a gentle summer breeze as they washed over Lucerys. 

“I’ll be alright mother.” Lucerys smiled back as genuinely as he could so as not to worry his mother but he knew that even if his real smell was blocked off by the scent blockers his mother could still read the trepidation written across his delicate features. Lucerys was not, after all, very good at hiding his expressions, especially not from his own mother who knew him so well. 

Rhaenyra sighed, hugging her second child to her front as she kissed his unruly curls. She was loathed to hide her son's true designation as an omega since he presented two name days ago but they were left with little choice. The princess herself knew how omegas were still treated in Westeros. Viserys himself naming her heir did little to quiet the whispers of disdain of a woman, and an Omega no less ascending the throne. 

Lucerys was lucky to be born a man but fate cruelly dealt him an even harsher hand. Female Omegas were rare, but they were cherished by their mates for their high fertility and were thought to bring good fortune and prosperity to their families through their calming and nurturing nature. Rarer still were male Omegas, but as opposed to their female counterparts they were seen as an abomination, a curse from the gods to suffer the fate of woman, the pain of childbirth in a man's body. They were seen as unnatural, a mutation gone wrong, an error of nature. 

Lucerys had cried gut-wrenching sobs the night, four full moons after his 14th name day, when he had suddenly woken up feverish and with slick running between his thighs. His horrified screams had alerted his brother Jacaerys in the room adjacent to his own who was quick to run for help. Lucerys was forever grateful that his brother had the foresight to warn their mother before word could sneak out about the young prince's presentation. Rhaenyra had his chambers immediately sealed with scent blockers and sent away anyone close enough to hear or smell Lucerys’ first heat. Any testimonies to that fateful night were quickly dealt with by Daemon. Rhaenyra had stayed with him the whole night then, brushing soothing cool towels against his sweat soaked skin as she whispered words of comfort to her son. 

Lucerys had caught the glimpse of carefully concealed sadness in his mothers face at having her son share her fate. His own heart had dropped to his stomach that night. He knew it was over for him the night his scent turned from the neutral nothingness of beta to the sweet, tangy smell of omega. An Alpha would have gained the admiration of the people, a paragon of strength and ambition, a natural born leader like Jacaerys. A diplomatic and balanced beta would have garnered him respect as a level headed superior like Otto Hightower, but an Omega? In the eyes of many still an Omega was only good for breeding, useful for their ability to produce many offspring and please their alphas in bed. Lucerys’ face had blanched upon the realization that he would most probably be married off to some Lord and spend the rest of his days relegated to serving his husband and producing pups. 

His mother had gently calmed him through his first night of heat, assuring him that she would never subject him to that fate before feeding him a strange tea that tasted of bitter roots. Later when Lucerys was more lucid she explained that the tea was able to suppress his heat and gently asked if he wished to take it until the ordeal was over. Lucerys had quickly agreed, not willing to suffer a minute more of that devastating heat and insatiable arousal that sat low in his belly. The tea allowed him to function normally, even if he felt weak and drowsy throughout the day. On the fourth day his heat had finally broken and the fire he felt under his skin finally cooled. He had gripped his mothers hands tightly then, begging her to rid him of his Omega designation. Rhaenyra had only shaken her head sadly, a soft crease forming between her brows. 

“My darling, foolish boy,” She gripped his hands equally tight as tears pooled in her own eyes, “this is a blessing, not a curse, my sweet child. I promise you, no one will hurt you,  not as long as I walk upon this earth.” She kissed his temples lightly, but Lucerys could feel her trembling. Even if his mother did believe it to be a blessing, no one else in Westeros would see it as such. “We can-,” she paused, lips pressing thin, “we can still hide it, if you so wish. No one knows yet except for your brother and step-father. We told everyone you had come down with a nasty fever. We can hide it— until— until I am queen and you are ready to claim it” if you ever wish to claim it went unsaid but Lucerys understood all the same. If he were to announce his omegan status now, his family would be further shunned for bearing a male omega and he would no doubt lose all credibility and his claims as Lord of the tides would fall through.

Lucerys shut his eyes tightly, tears falling down the sides of his face. The choice was simple. Either announce to the world he was an omega and lose his claim to everything: driftmark, lord of the tides and be forever mocked and shunned by the kingdom or hide, for as long as he possibly could and live a semi normal life as a prince under the farce of being an alpha or a beta. At least until his mother sat steady on the throne, Lucerys knew he had to make it his first priority to hide his designation, if not for himself than for the sake of his mother, his family and their reputation. Lucerys thanked, not for the first time, that the gods had not chosen him as the first son. The consequences would have been devastating for his family. 

From that day on Lucerys hid his scent carefully. His brother Jacaerys, a true alpha since his presentation on his 12th name day,, had offered his own sweat which was carefully curated into fake alpha pheromones which Lucerys’ would wear everyday on his scent glands along with the most potent scent blockers his parents could acquire to hide his true nature and hormone blocking patches were rigorously applied to his inner thigh every second day to prevent slick from ever being produced. It was tedious work to go through the routine every morning but when Lucerys thought of his fate otherwise as an omega he would shudder in horror and be forever grateful for being able to pass as an alpha.

Lucerys soothed his jittery nerves as they finally set sail. He hadn’t seen the other part of his family back in King's Landing in 8 years, not since that fateful night on driftmark when he had carved out his uncle's eye. Lucerys shuddered at the memory of his own blood mixing with Aemonds on his face as the knife sliced through unmarred skin like butter. He had had nightmares for months after the incident, remembering his uncle's mutilated face every time he closed his eyes. 

He was to defend his birthright in front of the court. Vaemond had managed to convince Rhaeys and the Hightowers to back his claim and so his family set off for the red keep to defend him. Lucerys knew that if word got out that he was an omega, he could not even get the chance to defend his title. He would have been automatically excluded from the succession and forgotten if not to be ‘sold’ to some Lord to secure an alliance. 

The sail from Dragonstone to Kings Landing through the fresh clear air allowed Lucerys to clear his mind. He had to defend himself, if not for himself than for his dear mother. He had to strengthen her ties, otherwise there would be even more questioning of his mother's claim to the throne. With a determined set to his brows, Lucerys prepared himself to meet his adversaries head on. 

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Jacaerys immediately went to his brother and scented him upon arriving. Lucerys laughed as soft cashmere hair tickled his neck as he pushed off his overprotective brother who no doubt wanted to make sure he was sufficiently doused in alpha pheromones before entering the den of vipers of the hightowers. 

Satisfied with his work Jacaerys immediately dragged him off to the training grounds, excited to see the old places they used to play in as children. Lucerys felt apprehensive as he followed his brother, sensing the stares around him. He began relaying his doubts to Jace when suddenly he was caught off guard by a whiff of scent both familiar and foreign to his newly sensitive nose. 

Their eyes were immediately drawn to the two figures dueling where an audience was gathering. Both Targaryen brothers stopped to watch as Ser Cristian Cole dueled with a silver haired youth. Lucerys watched with rapt attention as the young man held his ground against the queen's guard, every move quick, precise and deadly. He blocked a heavy blow with his shield while Lucerys winced at the bone shattering damage it would have done otherwise. Even Jace, who was in his own right a fairly good swordsman, nodded in admiration. Lucerys was just about to question who the young man was when he turned around to face Cole and Lucerys sucked in a shaky breath. There was no doubt it was Aemond Targaryen. 

Lucerys remembers very vividly the night he took the eye hiding underneath the eyepatch. The scar had healed but it was still ragged and ugly, extending from those smooth brows and down his cheek. It had looked worse on the face of the barely 12 year old child back then but the man before him was starkly different to the boy from 8 years ago he remembers in his youth. It’s obvious he has grown, taller and broader since he had presented as an alpha after claiming Vhagar at 12– the last time Lucerys remembers ever seeing him— and he wields his sword with all the cunningness and swiftness of a deadly warrior. 

Jace glances back at him apprehensively and Lucerys can only meet his eye with trepidation 

Lucerys’ breath catches as Aemond dodges a series of rapid fire blows effortlessly before pointing his own sword at his opponent's neck. His uncle is good. Too good. Not even Jacaerys, who trains dutifully almost everyday can come even close to rival the prodigy in front of them. Cole says something Lucerys doesn’t quite catch as he still stares at his uncle, an unnameable feeling churning in his gut. “I don’t give a shit about Tourneys.” He hears his uncle say, voice deep and melodious, just a little winded from his extertion. It does something to Lucerys’ stomach but with how nervous he’s feeling it's hard to identify. 

“Nephews.” He finally addresses his nephews, one pale violet eye uncannily shifting right towards the two boys. When had he even managed to sight them? “Have you come to train?”. His piercing eye lands on Lucerys.

It sends a shiver down his spine as goose flesh raises on his skin. He stares back, not willing to be so easily intimidated immediately upon his arrival, but even Jacaerys can feel the tension in the air. His scent spikes pungently as if threatened as he subconsciously shifts to cover his little brother with the breadth of his body. 

Aemond tilts his head minutely at the gesture, the corner of his mouth twitching downwards. 

The moment is broken by the arrival of Vaemond, who sends a challenging look towards Lucerys before stalking off. Lucerys is ever grateful for the arrival of a guard, who summons the Velaryon boys away toward their chambers.  One cold piercing eye follows him as he disappears into the castle behind his brother. His stomach clenches nervously long after he settles into his temporary quarters

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Aemond had heard of the news from his mother that little Lucerys Velaryon had presented as an alpha after coming into his rut two years ago. He had laughed at the time, thinking of the little runt his niece had been when he last saw him at the age of 7 on driftmark. The little mangy thing had always been tiny and if not for his rather audacious spirit Aemond would have pinned him for an Omega. A beta was the most likely outcome agreed upon by everyone for the little prince so it came as a surprise when he was announced an alpha in his late presentation. Unlike his brother Jace, Lucerys didn’t seem the type to lead. As a small child he liked to tangle himself in his mothers skirts and never presented any ambitions beyond that of occasionally joining in on Aemonds bullying. 

Aemond growled as he remembered his days as the brunt of every joke. He had vowed to never come close to being as weak as he was then and for the most part he had succeeded. Aemond was one of the strongest fighters in the training grounds and more importantly he rode the biggest tamed dragon in Westeros. There was little that could intimidate him now and no one dared so much as laugh in his direction for fear of rousing the young prince's anger. But there was still one little thing that irritated him like a thorn to the side that he could never pick out. 

Lucerys fucking Velaryon. The little pug-faced brat who was coddled from birth, who could do no wrong even when he brutally carved Aemond's eye out with a dagger. Aemond grit his teeth as phantom pain radiated from his eye. He could still viscerally feel the physical pain sometimes but more than that he could feel the pain of being neglected by his very own father who questioned him as he defended his precious daughter and her bastard sons, even if Aemond was the one bleeding out from half his face. 

Aemond had laughed coldly upon learning of little Lucerys becoming an alpha. He couldn’t imagine the little brat filling out as an alpha with his delicate features and soft edges, every part his mother, except, of course, for the dark hair which the bastard surely inherited from his shameless father. 

He had rather looked forward to seeing his little niece and how he had possibly grown into an alpha but was surprised at seeing the same delicate soft round face, only now his features were even more refined, the softness morphing into something more graceful… more tempting. 

Aemond had been caught off guard by his own thoughts as he stared down at his nephew but he didn’t show it. He had always known his little niece was pretty, taking after his mother, the so-called “jewel of the realm” but he hadn’t expected him to retain his dainty looks even after presenting as an alpha. 

He had taken great care to put on a little show for his darling nephews, to intimidate them before they even set foot into his territory once he caught their signature curly hairs out of the corner of his eye. He had wanted to show them he was no longer the young helpless boy he was before and would not hesitate to destroy anyone who dared to taunt him again. Aemond wanted to catch them off guard but was rather himself caught off guard by the scene in front of him. 

Jacaerys looked every part a threatened alpha. His shoulders rolled forward as if he were an animal, cornered, with his hackles raised as he moved to cover his little brother from Aemonds unrelenting stare. His familiar scent spiked unpleasantly as he defended his little sibling. Behind him Lucerys, newly presented alpha, seemed rooted to the sport as he returned Aemonds stare, but nothing on his delicate face nor body showed typical alpha aggressiveness. What peculiar behavior. 

The spell was broken when the boys were called away. Aemond stared after Lucerys’ back as he walked off uneasily. It wasn’t until they disappeared that Aemond realized he hadn’t picked up on the new alphas scent at all. He sniffed the air discreetly but all he could smell was Jacaerys’ lingering pheromones. Aemond scrunched his eyebrows in confusion as he returned to his training. 

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It wasn’t until days later that Lucerys and his family were called to court. Otto Hightower sat on the throne, looking every bit the smug bastard he was as he got comfortable on a throne that he had no right to be on. Lucerys wanted to bare his teeth at him. 

He could smell his Mothers nervousness even if she was trying her best to mask it through a calm she was not feeling. She gripped Lucerys’ hand tightly in her own. Standing tall in front of that family of vipers before him. Alicent and her kids were gathered to one side, grouped together as they watched the scene unfold. 

Lucerys had felt his uncle Aemonds eye on him since the moment they entered, but he pointedly avoided looking in their general direction, remembering Aemonds intimidating stare in the training grounds that first day. He had managed to avoid his uncle so far, keeping to his temporary quarters and visiting his grand sire when summoned. He really did not want to face the man again with his emotions so drawn tight with tension. 

The hearing was arduous, with Vaemond making accusations left and right to his mother and to him. Accusing him of being a bastard and worse yet questioning him on being an inadequate alpha for his delicate disposition. Lucerys’ heart had leapt to his throat, worried that Vaemond somehow found out about his true designation but thankfully his grand sire and grandmother Rhaenys eventually came to his defense. The issue was then quickly resolved by Daemon, who cut off the terrible man's head for calling his mother a whore. Never was Lucerys so grateful before of his step-fathers immense love for his mate. 

After the whole ordeal, Lucerys finally sighed in relief, quickly excusing himself to retire to his chambers for some needed alone time. Though he was immensely grateful that his claim to driftmark had been put to rest, the whole journey to King's Landing had been overly intense and tiring and Lucerys could only handle so many frayed nerves. Plus the scents were really starting to get to him. Everyday he felt overwhelmed by the new smells he was experiencing. Some unpleasant, others neutral and on the very rare occasion a pleasant smell would reach his nose, though he had difficulty identifying them as his own scent blockers and his brother's synthetic pheromones kept his own nose from being able to smell as well. He could not risk getting caught, especially not in king's landing where the hightowers were so ready to strike them all down. 

He wanted desperately to scrub himself down and just feel himself for a few hours but he knew that that was impossible as long as he was here and not home on Dragonstone where he had more privacy and his family to protect him. With a sigh Lucerys got up to prepare for what was no doubt going to be a very awkward family dinner. 

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Jacaerys had personally come to escort him to the dinner, scenting him thoroughly before they left. Lucerys took comfort in his brother's presence, using his calming scent to soothe himself before he was to face his family. 

“It is a happy day, brother,” Jace whispered below his ear. “We have won this battle. You should be happy” 

Lucerys forced a small smile he wasn’t really feeling to placate his brother. Though he was glad, for his family's sake that they could put the whole episode behind them with Viserys support, he still felt shaken up by the whole incident and the constant worry he felt of not only being exposed as a bastard but as an Omega too kept him from truly relaxing all day. 

Gripping his brother's hand tightly they made their way into the dinner hall. 

The Greens and the Blacks sat clearly divided at the long table. Lucerys sat on the far end, facing his mercurial uncle who’s one penetrating eye had not left him since that morning in court. If Lucerys were honest with himself, his uncle terrified him. His glare was keen and Lucerys was afraid that he had accidentally given himself away somehow in the short amount of time they were in the same space together. He met Aemonds stare with an equally taunting one, hoping to look more like his elder brother, as a true alpha would. 

Eventually the tense atmosphere was relieved by a series of speeches. It was not until Aegon taunted Jace with his betrothed that the tension came back into the room. Lucerys glared at his eldest uncle. 

Aegon had always been somewhat depraved, taking pleasure in taunting others either with cruel words or vile insults but he was a hedonistic idiot all the way through. Lucerys thought back to the many devious ways he would bully his own blood sibling as a child. He certainly did not cease to extend such behavior to his family if the rumors were true. Lucerys shuddered in disgust. It was a pity he was a first born as it was clear to everyone in the table he would never amount to anything great even with the title of prince, but to his mother perhaps it was a blessing to have such an oaf for a half-sibling who thankfully had no ambitions of taking the iron throne from her. Fortunately his brother knew to reign in his anger and gave a little reluctant speech of his own, effectively diffusing the situation. 

Helena followed next, giving his blessings to Baela who was to be wed to his brother following an agreement from his mother and Rhaeys. Thankfully his mother had rejected Rhaeys’ offer to wed Rhaena to Lucerys, though the elder princess still seemed persistent on the matter, wanting a rightful heir at driftmark. Rhaenyra had finally managed to convince her by promising to wed any children from Lucerys to Rhaena’s Future offsprings.  It was honestly for the better, Lucerys contemplated. He and Rhaena were  both Omegas and two Omegas after all had no ways of reproducing. 

By the time Jace was dancing merrily with Helena the atmosphere felt a lot lighter, he could even hear his mother laughing with her mate next to her as Viserys looked on fondly before excusing himself from the table. Lucerys released a breath he hadn’t realized he had been holding and relaxed slightly into his seat. Enjoying the dinner held partially in his name and exchanging pleasantries with those around him. 

His uncle's antagonizing stare had finally relented as he turned away, presenting his eyepatch towards Luke and his family. He kept still as a statue, his side profile almost regal looking if not for the ugly scar. 

Lucerys breathed easier for the first time since entering the dinner hall. His uncles stare had been positively unnerving since that first time they met on the training grounds. His one eye never ceasing to stare Luke down and to intimidate him, looking, no doubt, for any possibility to screw him over. 

Luke shuddered. He would not reveal any weakness to his uncle. He had to keep the farce up lest his uncle find any excuse to take his revenge. 

When Lucerys saw the pig placed in front of his uncle he could not help the opportunity to taunt Aemond back for all the intimidation, to show him that he was indeed an alpha and would not be threatened by his uncles terrorizing. 

He laughed, pushing as much mockery into his face as he could. As expected his uncle turned his face towards him, scent immediately growing so thick with anger that Lucerys could smell the sour scent even through the scent blockers. Lucerys stared back derisively, curling the corners of his lips up in an insulting smirk. 

Aemond slammed his fist on the table as he got up, one eye glowing with disdain for his little nephew as he subconsciously growled towards him. 

He caught himself quickly however, raising his wine glass tactically, as if his intention all along was to make a toast. 

“Final tribute.” The whole room fell silent in anticipation. “To the health of my nephews, Jace…” He looked towards where Jace had ceased dancing with Haelena. His brother glanced quickly back towards Luke in concern, “Luke…” 

Lucerys put down his own goblet from which he was drinking from, not backing down from his uncle's intense stare as he held his head high. 

“….And Jeoffry. Each of them handsome, wise—” He paused ominously as his darkened gaze fell fixatingly upon Lucerys. The room collectively held their breaths as they waited for Aemonds next words. “—Strong.”

Lucerys felt his blood boil. He heard Alicent say his uncle's name reproachfully but he went on unfazed.

“Come! Let us drain our cups to these three—Strong boys.” 

“I dare you to say that again.” Jace’s confident voice rang out before Lucerys himself could do so. 

“Why? ‘Twas only a compliment.” Aemond taunted further, striding towards his brother who already had his fists clenched at his sides. “Do you not think yourself strong?” 

Before Lucerys knew what was happening he was already leaping out of his seat to go defend his brother but Aegon had beaten him to it. Smashing his head down into the table as Jacerys threw his punch. 

As Lucerys struggled he could see out of the corner of his eye as his uncle did not so much as flinch, not a drop spilling from his goblet as he grinned, as if the punch were no more than a gentle scrape against his cheek. He pushed Jace back easily, his eyes cocksure as his lips curled into a mocking grin. 

It took his step-fathers intimidating stance to diffuse the situation. Before being sent off by the guards Lucerys took one last glance at his uncle, whose biting smile slipped off his face as he walked off. 

Good, Lucerys thought as he was half dragged away. At least there was one person who could still intimidate his jackass of an uncle. 

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Otto had summoned Aemond to a private family meeting after everyone had left. Aemond glared at his mother as he was dragged off to another family function that same evening, not even having time to blow off his anger from dinner yet. His hands still felt jittery from the adrenaline rush of getting a rise out of his nephews. Of seeing the pug faced little brat laughing at him. 

Otto sat regally on his chair in his quarters upon their arrival. His face unreadable as he stared contemplatively at the small fire burning in the furnace.  He only glanced up once at Aemond as Alicent led her second child into the room. 

Aemond frowned. If his grandfather's intention had been to scold him for his behavior this evening he very well could have done so in the morning. It was late and Aemond was growing tired. 

His grandfather, however, sat silent for a moment. Even his own mother seemed unsure what to do, clasping and unclasping her raw edged fingers in front of her as she waited for Otto to speak. She seemed equally confused as her son by the King's hands sudden convocation. 

After a moment Otto finally opened his mouth only to close it again and to let out a resigned “hmm”  before he stood up, turning to face Aemond unblinkingly. 

“You are to wed Lucerys.” A silence so deafening fell upon the room that Aemond swore his ears began to ring. 

“Wha—“ Aemond began, not sure if he heard him wrong.

“No need to argue.” His grandfather waved his hand in a clear sign of dismissal. “This is your fathers wish, as it is mine. It will be beneficial to our cause.” 

“Wha—“ Aemond tried again, sure that Otto had finally lost his damned mind scheming for the throne all these years, because there was no fucking way his grandfather was asking him to marry Lucerys fucking Velaryon, alpha, bastard, second son of rhaenyra. His dear little niece, who, in true psychotic, spoilt fashion took his eye out with no hesitation at the age of 7.\

“Enough! Have you become deaf as well as blind in one eye boy?” His grandfather bellowed again, patience thin. “You heard me clear as day. You are to wed that second son Velaryon pup of Rhaenyra whether you like it or not. You will perform your duty” 

Aemond had rarely ever been so caught off guard in his life. His one good eye sought out his mother but she seemed equally stunned by the sudden engagement. 

“Why?” Aemond finally managed. So shocked that the implications had not yet truly set in. Why was he to wed the wretched Velaryon boy who took out his eye?

His grandfather set a heavy hand upon his shoulder in a poor execution of consolation as looked up towards his eyepatch, seemingly coming to the same conclusion as his grandson. 

“I know—” Otto sighed uncharacteristically sympathetic, “—I understand it must be hard to wed the one who did this to you but I need you to do this for us. For our family.” The hand slipped off his shoulder as Otto turned to pick up a valyrian steel dagger from the table behind him. “The king sent for me after hearing about the commotion at dinner. He asked me for a way to put an end to the rivalry in his family….. Rhaen—The princess had once proposed to marry Halaena to Jacaerys but it's too late now for that.” His grandfather weighed the dagger in his hand as he turned back around to face his daughter and grandson. “In any case, Jace is also out of the question now. He is to be wed to Baela. A smart move on Rhaenyra's part, no doubt to secure the Valeryon’s support.” Otto’s nose wrinkled in irritation. “Thankfully the other pup is still free, even if his future children betrothed already to Rhaenys’ children.” 

His mother shifted warily next to him “But what has this to do with—“ 

“I have reason to believe” Otto interjected, raising his voice, “that the princess has purposefully refused to marry off her second son as of yet to secure another alliance, perhaps even more powerful than those of the Valeryons. With the temptation of being heir to Driftmark and Lord of the tides, no doubt many will want to marry that barley weaned pup and fall to her side. We must find a way to prevent this. She has been allowed to wield too much power already. We cannot afford another falling to her aid.” Otto turned to face his family somberly. 

“So what? You’re going to marry my Aemond off to that wretched boy? Who might I remind you has also presented as an alpha? You would leave him heirless just for the sake of stopping an advantageous marriage for Rhaenyra?” Alicent cried, indignant. 

Otto hardened his gaze at his daughter. “Alicent! We cannot afford to lose now. Not after all we’ve done already. You think the princess will be so lenient with us? Once she’s on the throne? We must act now or there will be no peace for our family.” He pressed the dagger firmly into Aemonds lax grip. “You must perform your duty, Aemond.” 

Aemond closed his hands unconsciously upon the cold hilt, mind still reeling. “But— but grandsire, you must surely remember that Lucerys too has presented as an alpha. How could we ever—“ 

At this Otto looked down at the dagger. “A second son for a second son.” He recited. “The king has already approved my offer. Neither of you are first born, there is no urgent need for heirs— at least not on your part. BUT—“ he raised his voice as he felt Alicents need to interject. “He has granted you a grace.” Otto picked up the dagger, pressing the sharp end to Aemonds palm, enough to sting but not not to draw blood. 

Aemond understood immediately. He had read the history books, ancient tales of old Valyria where alphas and alphas of Targaryen descent mated through an ancient blood ritual which consented the mating, allowing the bite to take even if both parties were alphas. It had been long since considered taboo. Even for Targaryens, never ones to shy away from taboo relationships, it was considered a last resort. 

“But it is a myth!” Aemond looked up shocked at his grandfather. “There is no guarantee we—“ Aemond choked upon his words, imagining himself mating with the brown haired brat, “—there is no guarantee it would take.” He continued after a brief pause, “even if it did, You truly believe that my half-sister will agree to marry her son to me?” 

Otto raised his hand to placate him. “There is no need to worry about that. Viserys has already gladly agreed to the arrangement. He is speaking to Rhaenyra as of now. I am sure we will hear word of the announcement in the morning. The king wishes you to be wed as soon as possible, before his health degenerates further.” 

“But—but what about my half-sisters promise to wed Lucery’s children to Rhaena? She will surely protest this marriage on this basis alone.” 

“Viserys has asked to name Joeffry heir to driftmark and Lord of the tides after Lucerys. He is to be wed to Rhaena when they become of age and their future offspring will inherit the title.” Otto rubbed his forehead tiredly. “The King has already planned out everything. There is no room to argue. All parties will be placated accordingly.” He looked up into Aemonds eyes. “I need you to do what you must, Aemond. Promise me.” 

Aemond stilled. Out of all the things he imagined in his future, marrying Lucerys seemed almost comically absurd in contrast. 

Otto, sensing his grandson's hesitation, sighed. “You don’t really need to stay by his side all the time, Aemond. We just need the bite to take, after which Lucerys will no longer be eligible to be mated to anyone else as long as you are alive. Then you can both live your separate lives.” 

Aemond considered the outcome. He surprisingly found himself much less adverse to the idea than he was expecting. He still hated the brat for taking his eye out but the thought of making Lucerys submit to him as an alpha, of bearing his bite made him strangely gleeful. It was sure to be humiliating to both Lucerys and Rhaenyra and what better revenge for Aemond than to take away Lucerys’ ability to mate and sire children forever. Aemond himself never had much taste for engaging in such acts with others, preferring to focus his attention on more useful things so really he wasn’t losing out on much. Even if he were to take another mate that was not Lucerys they would only be another political alliance to secure his family's position, nothing more, nothing less. But forcing Lucerys to marry him would not only be beneficial for his family but it would also be a great opportunity for Aemond to torment the little bastard. 

An unnerving smile came upon his lips and he dutifully gave his word to his grandfather and left for his own chambers. He could not wait until the morning to see the look of horror on the strong bastard's face. 

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Lucerys woke in the late morning to a loud flurry of movement outside his chambers. He groggily rubbed his eyes as he got up to get ready for the day. By the time he had finished applying his fake pheromones a maid had burst into the room but before she could speak Jace was pushing past her into the room. His face was flushed in excitement as he dragged Luke away, chirping animatedly about warriors and something about a tournament being held. 

Lucerys trailed after him, still buttoning up his doublet in the process, straining his ears to process whatever Jace was going on about. By the time they made it outside Lucerys had managed to gather that there was to be a tournament held in three days' time. For what occasion neither Jace knew. 

“I’m not too sure. I heard grandsire ordered it organized last night for whatever reason. C’mon, hurry up! You already woke up so late.” He said as he dragged along a still befuddled Lucerys. “Let's get to the training grounds, I want to go watch, maybe learn some new maneuvers. I hear some of the best warriors from kings landing have already began arriving in preparation.`` 

The air was still crisp and a little chill from the night. Heavy clanging sounds could be heard as small groups of people began sparring together, exchanging blows as well as greetings. Lucerys barely recognized anyone, being away from king's landing for so long, but he could discern more or less who was who through their banners. 

Jace suddenly stopped abruptly in front of Lucerys, who had been too busy looking around to notice. “Ouf— Jace, what’re yo—“ Lucerys followed his brother's line of sight and saw Aemond already sparring with a man much older than him. A Strong, by the sigil on his armor. 

He was smirking. That same cocksure expression on his face as the one he held last night when he taunted his nephews. He blocked a blow from the other man with his sword, moving to the side where, with his good eye, he caught sight of Jace and Luke on the sidelines. 

His smile immediately grew wider as he attacked his opponent with renewed vigor, taking only three blows to take him down, despite the other being twice as broad, and a final strike to yield. The people around them clapped politely as the other man was helped to his feet by his squire.

Aemond turned to face them, stance cocky as he leaned against his sword. “Care for a spar, nephew? It is such a fine morning. Would be a shame to waste it just watching.” Jacaerys bristled beside him, again standing straighter to hide his little brother behind his form.

“Piss off Aemond. We don’t want troub—“ 

“I wasn’t talking to you, pup.” He interrupted smoothly, raising his sword and pointing it towards Lucerys. “I was talking to my dear sweet little Luke, the one cowering behind you.” 

Lucerys felt a cold shiver go down his spine. How was his uncle planning on tormenting him this time? He never should have followed Jace down. Now they had an even bigger audience to witness this feud. 

Jacaerys moved in front of him again, scent spiking protectively. Aemond laughed, the sound mocking and biting to Lucerys’ ears. “Why so protective nephew dear? He is barely two years younger and yet you treat him as if he were a maiden. Surely such a strong boy can protect himself?.” His one eye glowed tauntingly, something oddly gleeful in his face. “What are you afraid of nephew of mine? After all, I would not harm my darling betrothed, not so close to the wedding.” 

Lucerys felt blood rush in his ears and his stomach twisted uncomfortably. His breath hitched as he pushed aside his brother to look disbelievingly at his uncle. 

Aemonds eyebrows raised at his reaction. Then something truly jubilant passed over his expression. His smirk turned into a truly unpleasant grin, pearly white teeth on display. “You haven’t heard yet? AHAHAHA.” He cackled, the sound no more comforting than a blade to the neck. “My half-sister sure is late to break the news. How fitting then, that it’ll be me, your betrothed to break the news to you. Hmm? Aren’t you glad? Little husband of mine. We are to be wed soon, in the tradition of the seven.” 

Lucerys felt the edges of his vision darken as he stared at his uncle's amused expression. The blood rushing through his body was no longer hot with anger but icy cold. He felt as though going to the wall would have been a better option. At least there, even if he were to never marry, there would be no one to torment him like this. How could his mother have allowed this? When did they even have the time to decide such a thing? And all without telling him. Lucerys stumbled as he took a step back in hysteria. He could feel eyes on him as whispers traveled through the audience. Even the sound of clanging metal and cheerful greetings stopped and people stilled to watch the scene unfolding in front of them.

Jacaerys seemed to recover from his own shock as he turned immediately to his brother, worry written all over his face as he took in Lucerys’ pale white complexion. “Lucerys? Luke! Luke, look at me.” He soothed down his brother's hair comfortingly as Lucerys tore his eyes away from his uncle to look at him. 

“Did—did you know?” Lucerys asked accusingly, eyes brimming over with unshed tears. 

Jacaerys’ face softened. He hugged his brother close, scent warming to comfort his brother. “No. No I promise you Luke I did not know. I would have protested it with all my might if I had known. I promise! I promise you Luke.” 

—————-

Aemond frowned at the blatant display of affection from his distance away from the pair. He always knew that his half-sisters' children were all soft, nurtured and sheltered little things but he had never guessed they could be this close and openly affectionate. Usually affection was hard to come by between alpha siblings aside from a pat on the back here and there. Jacaerys and Lucerys seemed overly close and the elder was especially over-protective of his sibling despite the other also being an alpha. Also their scents were almost always intermingled, as if Jacaerys scented his little brother on the daily. He had caught a whiff of Lucerys’ scent that day at dinner. He had smelt like his brother, of dragon fire, leather and sea mist  but his own distinctive scent was very faint, indiscernible, lost in the scent of his brother. It was usually normal for siblings to share similar scents but they were never this similar. Aemond had initially chalked it up to their unusual closeness but he was now becoming suspicious. 

Jacaerys suddenly whisked his little brother away, seemingly becoming aware of the audience that had gathered around them and the whispers that had started spreading. He glanced one last time at Aemond, face filled with contempt as he disappeared into the red keep with a shaking Lucerys. 

Aemond followed, some steps behind them so as not to rouse their attention as chattering resumed behind him. He had become particularly good at tiptoeing around the castle over the years, using his stealth to his advantage to find some peaceful alone time. 

Jacaerys pulled his brother into his arms once they were a safe distance inside the red keep, partially hidden in an alcove in an abandoned hallway. Aemond quickly hid himself behind a pillar as he watched the two keenly out of his left eye, careful not to be seen. 

Lucerys was openly sobbing now, gripping the front of his brother's robes as he babbled into the taller boy's neck, snot and tears soaking the expensive fabric.

“H-How could mother. She knows! She knows. How could she...” He wiped his teary face on his brother's neckline, face blotchy as he continued on. “How could she agree to this? She knows our secret, she knows everything! I-If I wed Aemond it’ll be over. Everything will be over.” He broke off into inconsolable tears.

“Shhhh shhhh,” Jacaerys whispered back comfortingly. His arms coming around to wrap around his brother tightly. His scent overpoweringly protective. “We‘ll find a way. Don’t worry Luke, we will. I won't let them take you from us. Those goddamn vipers...” He growled threateningly. “We’ll find a way to convince mother… and grandsire. Shhhh, shhhhh, it will be ok Luke.” 

“No, it's not.” Lucerys whined pitifully. His brother rushed to cover his mouth, looking around warily to see if anyone was passing by to hear them. Lucerys shook his hand off as he continued desperately in a lower voice. Aemond had to strain his ears to hear what was being said. “He’s going to torture me. I know he will.” Aemond could only assume he was talking about himself. “H-He’ll make my life a living hell, torment me for the rest of my days, make me pay him back for his eye—“ his eyes widened suddenly, “—By the Gods Jace! What if— what if he finds out and makes me—m-makes me—“ Lucerys bursts into tears once again as Jacaerys holds him tighter, scent souring unpleasantly at the implication of Lucerys’ words. He must have understood something Aemond does not for he immediately grabs his brother's hand and strides off with determination in his step, no doubt to go find their mother to confront her. 

With their leave Aemond shifts down to sit at the base of the pillar, going through the conversation he just overheard in his head. The little bastard was obviously distressed at the idea of having to marry Aemond. This much he had expected and was truthfully looking forward too. But Lucerys’ reaction was even more dramatic than he had been expecting. Aemond frowned as he thought back to Lucerys’ words. 

“She knows.”

“How could she...” 

“How could she agree to this? She knows our secret, she knows everything! I-If I wed Aemond it’ll be over. Everything will be over.”

“What if— what if he finds out and makes me—makes me—“ 

What secret of his did Rhaenyra know? What would be over with his marriage to Aemond? Aemond thought back to the few days the boys had been here and suddenly came to a daunting, scandalous conclusion.

 Lucerys and Jacaerys were lovers. They must have been. 

Aemonds eyebrows raised at the image the pair made in his mind as he gripped his sword tighter. An uncomfortable feeling unfurling in his chest. 

It would explain everything. The closeness, the constant scenting, the way their smells were almost indistinguishable one from the other, the protective way Jacaerys would stand in front of his little sibling. Aemond growled, the alpha in him unsatisfied at having what was supposed to be his belonging to another person. 

Aemond supposed it shouldn’t have come off as such a surprise to him considering his own two siblings were married with children but even then Halaena was a beta and his brother an alpha. Although a truly matched pair would have been preferably alpha and omega, a beta female could still bear children. It had been good enough for Alicent. But an alpha on alpha relationship? Between brothers? His nose scrunched in displeasure. Probably even Rhaenyra thought the relationship too scandalous to report. If Lucerys had been a female and thus likely a beta or an omega his half sister would have probably allowed it but alas Lucerys was not. There would have been no chance to sire any children between the two. Rhaenyra probably then had her son betrothed to Baela to not rouse suspicion as her sons had their way at Dragonstone. Forever an enabler his half-sister was. She probably had her own fair share of scandalous relationships in her youth if her first three sons were any proof to go by. 

Aemond growled as he went over the scenes of the two together in the past few days. No wonder little Lucerys still looked like that, all soft edges and round features even nearing his 17th name day. He wasn’t truly an alpha, not in any way that mattered. No true alpha would allow another alpha to claim them like that, soft and pliant. 

The conclusions in his head made sense, the puzzle pieces clicked into place and an unidentifiable ugly feeling bloomed in his chest. 

————————

His mother had looked wrought to the bone when he first saw her, in a way she rarely ever did. Upon seeing Lucerys’ face she had immediately known that the news had traveled. She lifted her arms to fold her son into a gentle embrace, even as Lucerys held stiff, angry at her for not telling him sooner. 

“Oh my sweet sweet boy,” she cried, peppering kisses upon kisses on his face. “I tried. I tried so hard to make them see reason but they would not listen.” 

“Who? Who, mother? Who insists on this sham of a marriage.” Jace questioned for him, voice shaky with indignation. 

His mothers eyes sharpened as she looked off into the distance. “The King insists it would bring union to the families. I have no doubt that that snake Otto is behind this. I don’t know what his true motives are. He is sly as he is scheming.” Rhaenyra tightened her fists on Lucerys tunic, resting her head upon her second son's shoulder, voice distraught. “I tried to argue, to reason. You are after all in name both alphas but the king proposed an old tradition to bond Targaryen alpha pairs. He—“ she paused, looking into her son's confused eyes before horrified understanding came upon them. 

“You can’t mean—“

“Listen to me carefully, Luke.” Rhaenyra interrupted as folded her son's hands into her own.” Father has promised me that it is to be a marriage in name only, to unite our families. There is no need to go through with the ritual. I had once proposed to marry Jace to Halaena but they refused. I don’t understand why they are suddenly so keen on reuniting our families now. You must tread carefully, your every move will be scrutinized.” 

Lucerys tore his hands away from his mother. “You agreed?! You’ll let them go through with this?” His blotchy face had begun to redden again, his anger palpable. “You know! You know mother that my secret cannot be safe anymore. H-How could you!” 

His mothers face darkened with sadness, hands falling limply at her side. 

“Lucerys.” His step father called out from where he had been observing the conversation by his mate's side. “We have no choice. If we are to tell them the real reason you are not to wed you would be truly in danger. Your titles will be ripped from you and your reputation ruined. Otto will surely have you married off to some Lord like a broodmare and your mothers claim to the throne questioned. Is that what you want?”

Lucerys flinched, tears falling from his eyes as his situation fully dawned upon him. 

His step-father sighed, his voice softening. “Your mother and I will protect you. We would not let harm come to you. We have to endure it. Just until Rhaenyra is queen, then there will be no one to oppose us, to question you and your birthright.” He came to stand beside his mate, holding onto her as she leaned her exhausted body against him. “Viserys has promised that it is a marriage only in name. You need not truly—“ He sought for a delicate enough word, “—fuck him.” He finished finally, face grimacing despite himself at the idea. “The ritual too, is optional, Viserys would not force you to bond to another alpha if you did not wish it.” 

 Lucerys felt his face turn green at the prospect of not only marrying but also bedding his uncle. 

“Just until I am queen dear,” His mother smoothed his hair out gently, scent tinkering on anger but still she reigned it in for the sake of her son, “then I will annul the marriage as queen of the realm and you will have your freedom again. I promise you.” She kissed Lukes curls. “Can you be strong for me, Luke? Just for a little while more.” 

Luke nodded shakily, burying his face into his mothers hair. He never hated his secondary designation more than he did at this moment. He was a liability, to himself and to his loved ones. Why did the Gods curse him like this? What did he do to deserve it? Was it punishment for taking his uncle's eye at the age of 7?

 Even if his limbs felt ice-cold with dread and terror at what his uncle was going to do to him to exact his revenge, Lucerys knew that he had to be strong, for his mothers sake, for their families sake or they would all suffer a fate worse than death. 

He would endure it. Endure the fake marriage as best he could, until his mother was queen. He would not give the hightowers the satisfaction of taking what was rightfully theirs through this sick game of theirs.

————————

Lucerys did not sleep a wink the night before the marriage. He had taken to brooding in his room the past three days, refusing to step out of his room and taking his meals by himself. His mother had shaken her head disapprovingly at the sight but had not said anything more, except to remind him to eat when seeing the almost full plates being brought back. She had tried consoling him, staying with him that first night but Lucerys had asked to be left alone. He liked her company and his mother tried to be comforting as always but Lucerys needed to be left alone to his thoughts. To gather himself before the wedding. He could hear the preparations being arranged outside his chambers and sometimes his brother would come in talking about a new friend he had made in the training grounds. 

Lucerys tossed and turned in his bed until the first rays of sunlight came steaming in through the curtains. He couldn’t get the image of his uncle out of his head, of the night he slashed his face open. He remembered feeling guilty about it for weeks after but then he thought back to the way Aemond had taunted them, had stolen Vhagar from his cousins, had beaten them and raised that rock to Jacaerys’ head and it helped to justify his actions a little more. Helped to soothe that guilt he carried, buried deep in his heart. 

He could only imagine how Aemond would seek his revenge now that they were to be wed. His uncle had seemed entirely too gleeful at the prospect of their marriage. Was he not angry? At having his possibility to sire heirs taken away? To be wedded to the boy who took his eye away. Was he so consumed by his desire for revenge that he gladly accepted to be married to Lucerys just for the opportunity to torment him?

Lucerys knew that he couldn’t put his guard down. There would be no room for error in this little game they were playing. Any little slip up would be sufficient for Aemond to ruin his life.

By the time the maids had entered with his ceremonial robes, Lucerys had already steeled his nerves, ready to face his uncle head on. He would show them, show the world that omegas were not weak, not something to be taken advantage of for their designation and then discarded. He would marry Aemond with his head held high and maintain his dignity as best he could. 

Lucerys had refused to look at his uncle during the tournament, sitting by his family to the left of the king in their red and black robes, looking every bit the regal Targaryen’s they were. Luke’s own robes with a brilliant blue color, Velaryon, to remind everyone he was heir to the tides, while his cape was a dark red, hemmed in black and decorated with their house sigil. Aemond sat with the greens on the right hand side of the king, his own robes green with a Targaryen cape to match. He could feel Otto’s smug satisfaction even without any scents to indicate it.

His own family sat quietly, somberly. Anyone could tell that they were not pleased with the union but none dared to say a word with the King present. He could feel Aemonds stare on the side of his face but he refused to return it. Sitting with his face rigidly facing the jousting below even if he did not have even half the heart to concentrate on it. 

Jacaerys sat next to him, scent radiating displeasure even if their mother had halfheartedly scolded him for it twice already. It was unbecoming of a prince. He glowered at Aemond several times through the tournament, hands gripping Lucerys own trembling ones every now and then. 

Aemond returned his glare steadily every time, each time more hostile, even if they were seated on the side of his bad eye.

“Look. That’s Cregan Stark, Lord of Winterfell.” Jace indicated a young, handsome man in the final rounds of the preliminary rounds, trying to distract Lucerys from the thoughts of what was going to happen next.

“He seems…strong.” Lucerys tried, even though he could barely see the man from so far away. 

“He is!” Jace announced proudly. “One of the finest swordsmen I ever had the pleasure of dueling with. I bet he could beat even Aemond—“He stopped himself at the mention of said uncle. Stopping to give him another courtesy glare before settling beside Lucerys again and telling him about his newfound friendship with the Lord of the North until the end of the tourney. Lucerys clapped along politely with his enthusiastic brother when Cregan won and accepted his prize with a grin. From up close Lucerys could see that the Alpha was truly formidable. He seemed only a little older than Aemond, handsome, tall and built like a wolf— strong but lean. His grin was charming when he nodded towards Jace and bowed politely before the royal family. Accepting Viserys words of praise with surprising humility before they were all escorted back towards the castle for the feast.

When the time finally came to officiate the wedding at dusk, Lucerys was a ball of nerves. They were wed in front of the high septon with a gathering of Lords and Nobel men. Lucerys felt faint the entire time, especially as Aemond came to stand before him, smirking firmly in place as he rejoiced in Lucerys’ discomfort. His own family stood behind him, scent threatening and if Daemond clutched Dark Sister by his side baring his teeth towards the one eyed youth one too many times, everyone just politely pretended it wasn’t happening. 

Lucerys kept his eyes firmly placed on a very interesting tile on the floor, determinedly not looking up at his uncle as he recited the words the septon read out back to him dully and exchanged cloaks with his uncle. When Lucerys finally looked up towards his uncle, hands shaking as he took his own cloak off his shoulders, Aemond’s face showed nothing but concealed contempt and taunting. 

Truth be told his uncles glare was fucking terrifying but the mocking smirk was perhaps even worse. A glare Lucerys could handle. A glare meant Aemond hated his guts but could do nothing about it with his family protecting him. A smirk, however? The smirk was testimony to the fact that Aemond was not angry at his betrothal. No. If anything his good spirits could mean one thing and one thing only. Lucerys was fucked. His uncle had the upper hand now as his husband and was absolutely going to seize the opportunity to make his little nephew's life a living hell. 

Lucerys swallowed as the septon finally officiated their marriage through words that meant little to the union. It wasn’t until the silence stretched on a tad too long to be comfortable that Lucerys finally looked up in confusion, only to pale as all his blood rushed away from his face. 

The KISS.  Fuck! Lucerys had completely forgotten about it in his brooding but Aemond was already leaning in, one eye wide open as he stared tauntingly past Lucerys to where Jace stood on his left, glowering the whole ceremony. Lucerys blinked. He couldn’t believe his twat of an uncle was using this opportunity to spite them both at the same time. Honestly how childish and —

Before Lcuerys could finish his thought his ability to think flew out of his brain when Aemond grasped his neck, none too gently, as Lucerys gasped in surprise at having his scent glands touched and gave him a quick peck on the side of his lips. 

Lucerys barely felt the press of his uncles lips before he was pulling back, shit eating grin firmly in place as behind him he heard Jacaerys whisper loudly “I’m gonna fucking kill him”. Rustling clothing could be heard as his mother no doubt held him back from raising his fists at Aemond. 

Lucerys closed his eyes with a sigh. If he were honest with himself the whole situation would almost be funny if Lucerys’ whole life had not been at stake here. The room lit up in hesitant applause as the audience in attendance witnessed the scene, not sure what to make of the sudden and odd betrothal of the two princes. Viserys remained willfully blind to the apparent hostility in the room as he clapped in earnest from where he sat, barely Lucid. Honestly, who let his grandfather who was clearly not in his right mind and that scheming bastard Otto Hightower decide on this marriage? It was positively ridiculous. No wonder the realm was fucked if these were the two deciding on everyone’s fate. 

Alicent cleared her throat in an attempt to diffuse the situation, announcing the start of the feast as servants filed in to fill goblets with wine and serve food on silver platters. 

Lucerys sat at the high table next to his family, again to the left of the king as an abundance of food began pouring in. His mother softly encouraged him to eat something but Lucerys couldn’t stand to stomach anything. He drank some of the wine hoping to soothe his nerves but the wine only burned in his empty stomach and made him feel queasy. 

He chanced a quick glance at his uncle who was sitting between his mother and Aegon, attentively listening to something the queen was whispering in his ear. He curled his lips in disdain at something his mother said and after a few moments he could read a very firm ‘No’ on his uncles lips. His mother, satisfied, turned back towards Otto, who sat next to the king and relayed something to him, which made his usually sour face look more sour? To be honest Lucerys had a hard time reading the man. His scent indicated the usual nothingness of a beta so there was usually not much to go on and his face was always scrunched up in displeasure or stoic except for the few times the slimy bastard got his way and showed some human expression besides irritation. 

Before Lucerys could assess the situation further, someone was speaking to him drawing his attention away from Otto. 

“Prince Lucerys! May I introduce myself?” Lucerys turned to the man across the table, who bowed his head in a sign of greeting. It was Cregan Stark. 

From up close Lucerys could better observe his wavy chestnut hair and icy gray eyes which crinkled pleasantly at the corners when he smiled. “Of course! Lord Stark. My brother had nothing but good things to say about your swordsmanship.” 

Cregan laughed, a deep, rich sounding chuckle as Jacerys who sat on the other side of him stopped talking to his step-father and focused his attention on the Stark. 

“Only about my swordsmanship?” He smirked as he turned to face Jacaerys. “My, I didn’t realize I was so boring to the prince of Dragonstone.”

Jacaerys laughed back, a rare carefree smile gracing his lips. “If I said anything else I’m afraid it would stroke your already enormous ego out of proportion.” Cregan huffed easily before he jabbed at Jace’s shoulder fondly over the table. 

Lucerys could see that Jace had formed a rather close friendship with the Lord of Winterfell in the few days that they had known each other. His brother seemed to have great respect for the man before him and Cregan on his end seemed like a genuine and honest person. He was happy for his brother, to have found someone to bond with besides his own family. Jace had always been an easygoing and generous alpha despite his protective streak. It was no surprise that he got along easily with others, even other alphas. Lucerys smiled at the two before Jace gestured at something the Stark was holding in his hands. 

“Oh! Yes. Here, my prince.” The man quickly handed something over to Lucerys over the table which Lucerys stood up to receive. It was a very ornate silver dagger. The scabber had strange runes carved into it that Lucerys could not decipher and the handle was inlaid on both sides with 6 ornate sapphires from largest to smallest. It was a truly beautiful thing, catching the light and shining most eye-catchingly.  “A gift! From the north, to the future Lord of the tides.” Cregan beamed proudly. 

Lucerys touched the runes delicately. “It’s very beautiful, my Lord.” He looked up at the man with a smile. “Thank you.” Lucerys said with as much sincerity as he could. 

“He’s got another one, for me.” Jacaerys said from beside him. Holding up a similar dagger, inlaid with emeralds, equally as beautiful. “The sneaky bastard. He gave me mine this morning. Didn’t say there was another one.”

Cregan chuckled, shaking his head. “Wouldn’t have been as nice a surprise if I did.” 

“Fair enou—“, Jace had been just about to reply when he was interrupted by the booming voice of a servant announcing the bedding ceremony. 

Lucerys blanched. There was no way his grand sire was actually going to allow them to go through with the bedding ceremony, was he? He had abolished the ridiculous tradition when his mother got married to his father. There was no reason to bring it back so randomly now. Lucerys turned wide eyes towards his uncle who seemed to be in a foul mood, hand clenched tightly beside his silver plate as his mother was again whispering things into his ear. 

Otto stood up abruptly before the king had a chance to speak. “Come!” He raised his goblet in a toast. “Let us commence the bedd—“ 

“There will be no bedding ceremony.” His grand sire bellowed. For once some strength in his voice. “I remember I had it abolished since Rhaenyra’s marriage, did I not, Otto?” 

“Yes, your grace…but—“ 

“That is final.” His grand sire stood with some difficulty. “Let’s send the young ones off then. I will leave the rest of the feast to you all.” Viserys was gently escorted out by his servants after waving off Otto once more. 

Lucerys felt his mothers hand on his shoulder gently. “Luke. Lucerys.” She whispered softly against his ear. “Listen to me carefully. You will have to spend the night with Aemond tonight.” At Lucerys’ flinch she squeezed his hand tightly in her own as she felt his small hand begin to tremour. “Don’t worry my sweet boy. He won’t dare do anything to you. I—I had a talk with Alicent. It’s only for show. Your grand sire has promised me that we only need to keep up a facade. At least for the first few days until castle gossip has settled.”

“But he wants to hurt me, mother.” Lucerys whispered back desperately, tears in his eyes as he remembers Aemonds cruel laugh that morning on the training grounds when he told Lucerys of his fate. “He’s going to take my eye out, as revenge. M-maybe he wants to take more than that.” 

His mothers scent sharpened protectively. “If he dares to touch you we’ll take much more from him.” 

Lucerys was quickly whisked away to a section of the castle he knew to be close to Aegon and Helena's quarters after that. His mother had pressed a vial into his hands that he has recognized as the synthetic pheromones he applied every morning. He had quickly understood his mothers meaning as he hid it underneath his sleeve. He was going to be extra diligent with the pheromones from now on. He was going to be sharing close quarters with his uncle for the next few days.

He was taken to a large room which was already decorated and furnished tastefully, unlike his own temporary chambers in the red keep. Lucerys looked around curiously despite his trepidation as the maids started bumbling around behind him, bringing in his belongings to the new room. The fireplace was already lit and the room was aglow in a soft orange light even as weak moonlight shone in through a large window to the east. Lucerys glanced outside the window before a maid pulled the large maroon curtains shut and began lighting candles around the room. The light helped Lucerys discern the room more clearly. 

A large four poster bed sat in the center, towards the far right of the room, beyond a set of folded privacy screens depicting the flight of a pair of dragons. To the left, a soft carpeted area in front of the fireplace with soft armchairs surrounding a low table. The left wall also had a door in the center, leading to what Lucerys assumed was the privy. In the center of the room, in front of the large, ceiling high windows, was a wide desk and a chair to match, upon which sat numerous books, parchments and quills. Next to the window Lucerys found a truly magnificent book shelf of old tomes and new books alike. Lucerys crept closer to check on it. It wasn’t until he was nearly to the desk that a truly terrible thought crept into his mind. This wasn’t a room prepared for him as a newlywed. It was too lived in, contained too many personal touches…

 It was most definitely Aemonds quarters. Lucerys jerked back from the desk, startling a maid who was setting his things down by the bed. He stepped closer to the desk and felt faint when he came upon a discarded eyepatch lying next to an open book written in old Valyrian. There was no doubt about it then. He was to settle into Aemonds quarters as his new husband. Lucerys had hoped, had assumed, that he would’ve gotten his own chambers after the marriage. After all it was only a marriage of interest. All he needed to do was keep a facade, why then had they felt it necessary to go to such extremes to keep up a farce?

The doors to the room suddenly flew open, giving Lucerys a heart palpitation as he saw silver hair but it was only Aegon, who sauntered in as if he owned the place. The maids glanced up at him unsure but ultimately ignored him as he walked on, afraid to draw his attention. Upon spotting Lucerys, Aegon's smile grew, coming up to him to press a bottle of something against his chest. “ A wedding gift!” He announced joyfully, as if there was anything to be joyful about in his current situation. “From me and Halaena. Gods know you will need it for when Aemond finally beds you.” He cackled gleefully as if it were a truly funny thing.  When Lucerys didn’t take it, fingers lax at his sides, he set it upon the table behind him undeterred. 

“What do you want Aegon,” Lucerys sighed tiredly. He was honestly so done with this family and their strange antics. 

Aegon only grinned. “I was only trying to help, dear nephew.” He simpered, sarcasm dripping from his voice. “After all, we wouldn't want our darling Luke’s wedding night to be unpleasant now would we?” At Lucerys glare he only widened his smile, stepping towards the bed where a maid who was laying Lucerys things beside the bed clumsily bowed and left to join the others who had huddled up beside the door, watching the scene unfold before them. “Mhmm.” He contemplated, looking at the bed. “This isn’t going to work. You are going to need a bigger one. Aemond likes to use his sword in bed.” 

One of the maids gasped, dropping Lucerys’ own sword she was carrying into the room. Lucerys swallowed nervously, not knowing how to take his eldest uncle's word. Use his sword? As in he was going to kill Lucerys on their wedding night? He glanced up questioningly at his uncle but Aegon was already walking back towards the table. He picked up the bottle he had set down and beckoned a hand towards one of the maids. 

“Come! Bring us two goblets.” 

“I’m not drinking anything you give me uncle. Do not think me so stupid.” Aegon only laughed, unfazed as he turned to face Lucerys. 

“Very well then. Don’t say I didn’t warn you when you wake up tomorrow traumatized.” 

Lucerys took a step back. “W-what do you mean?” 

“Oh don’t worry nephew dear. He isn’t the salacious type, nothing too scandalous, I’m afraid. A shame really, he has the looks for it.” At this he sighed, seemingly truly sorry for it. Lucerys grimaced. “I’m sure he won’t actually kill you in your sleep, maybe maim you? Just a little! All in the name of good fun.” He smirked again at the floor, seemingly sharing an inside joke with himself. 

Lucerys however could not bring himself to even be angry at his uncle's deliberately vague and infuriating answers. He was too busy imagining  Aemond ripping out one of his limbs in his sleep, or worse still taking his eyes out as revenge. He gulped, hands coming up to fiddle nervously with the strings holding his cloak together 

Aegon pressed the mysterious bottle back into his hands, voice suddenly a touch more serious than his taunting tone from before. “Here take this. Trust me, it’ll make everything easier. My bonehead of a brother has never touched another being in his life.” He shook his head, disappointment slipping into his tone. “So unlike me. All he does is train and read and train and read and all for what? Missing out on the true pleasures of life. I’m sure that blushing virgin wouldn’t know what to do with a cunt if it slapped him in the face.” He cackled at the image it made in his head before he composed himself once more and took one of Lucerys’ hands to wrap around the bottle until he felt that his nephew would not drop it. “Helaena wanted me to bring it to you.” He suddenly admitted, voice devoid of any teasing. 

Before Lucerys could say anything more, Aegon was already rushing out of the room. Lucerys exchanged a nervous glance with one of the maids that had led him to his room but she looked just as lost as he was. The maids got back to work as Lucerys found himself lost in thought 

He was rather surprised at the notion that Aemond was a virgin. After all, he would be twenty and one in a few month's time. It was quite unusual for a man of his standing to still be ‘intact’ at his age. Many lords liked to fool around before settling for a wife and often they would continue to have mistresses and visit brothels even after their marriages, but then again Aemond did not seem the type to take pleasure in such carnal things like his brother. Lucerys wondered briefly if it was because of his scar that had deterred others from approaching him but he quickly ruled out that option. After all, Aemond was still objectively very handsome even with the eyepatch. He was tall and well filled out even for an alpha and exuded confidence with each step. Furthermore he was a prince. If he really wanted someone Lucerys doubted there were many who would not have fallen at his feet, paid or not. 

Lucerys hummed, wondering what to do with the information before the door burst open angrily for the second time that day. The maids stopped what they were doing abruptly as Aemond stalked in, cloak draped over his arm. Upon seeing Lucerys his footsteps stilled as he looked away with a scowl on his face. 

Aemonds one eye surveyed the room as he worked his jaw. His uncle was truly terrifying sometimes. He looked like a wild beast, looking upon his territory and being displeased at someone disrupting it. Upon seeing Lucerys things already set down in his room he growled. “Fucking Otto.” 

Lucerys’ eyes widened. It seemed he wasn’t the only one displeased with that bastard then. What a weird thing to have in common with his uncle.

Aemond turned his one eye to him sharply. “What is that? In your hands?” 

Lucerys looked down. He had forgotten that Aegons ‘gift’ was still in his hands. “Oh! Aegon passed by earlier. Said it was a wedding gift from him and Halaena.” Lucerys took the opportunity to read the label. “Velvet ambrosia?” He read off aloud, hoping Aemond had more of an idea but when he glanced up at his uncle he was just as confused. One eyebrow raised in perplexity. 

“Probably a wine of some sort I assume. Heaven knows my brother would rather spend most of his time inebriated than sober.” His face betrayed his disdain for brother as his lips curled in disappointment. 

Lucerys settled the bottle down again on the table before an awkward silence enveloped them. 

“Um…” Lucerys glanced around quickly. The maids avoided his eyes, finishing their job up quickly before one by one they filed out through the still open door. When it seemed obvious his uncle would not speak, Lucerys opened his mouth to diffuse the tension. “S-should I take the floor then?” 

Aemond searched his face for a moment, seeing the trepidation on his face at the idea of spending the night in Aemonds chambers before he laughed. Hands clasped behind his back as he strode slowly towards where Lucerys was still rooted to his spot, deliberately intimidating. It seemed that his uncle really reveled in making him uncomfortable at every opportunity. 

“I did not take you for such a coward, boy. I can practically smell the fear on you”

“I would hardly call self preservation, fear, uncle” Lucerys responded back in Valyrian as his uncle came to stand in front of him. Even if truthfully, Lucerys could very much say that his most prevalent emotion at the moment was most definitely fear. The last of the maids filed out with a small curtsey, closing the door behind her with a soft thud. The sound felt like a death sentence to Lucerys’ ears, locked in a room with his uncle with no one to protect him and in unfamiliar territory. He swallowed nervously as Aemond came to stand before him and oh—

That pleasant smell. The smell Lucerys had been catching whiffs off here and there through the scent blockers in the past few days came from his uncle. Lucerys frowned at the strange revelation, eyebrows knotting together as he raised his eyes to meet Aemonds.

His uncle hmmd, tilting his head as he observed Lucerys’ odd reactions.

“Indeed. My little Lord Strong. I would say it is wise for you to be cautious in my territory. Who knows if some day my dagger might just… slip and take out that precious eye of yours.” He dragged a gloved hand down the right side of Lucerys’ face as Lucerys flinched away from him. He slapped the hand away and took a step back even as his breaths came in shorter and he could feel his legs shaking slightly in panic.

Lcuerys clenched his fists. He had to be brave. He had to be brave. He chanted in his mind as he tilted his face up to face his uncle defiantly. “You wouldn’t dare. My mother would have your head. The king would not excuse you for your actions.” 

Aemonds eyes hardened, his voice harsh as they slipped back into the less musical sounding common tongue. “As he pardoned yours?” He stepped towards Lucerys angrily, leaving little space between them as their breaths intermingled. 

Lucerys stared back, even if in the back of his mind he knew Aemonds anger to be justified. Lucerys should not have taken Aemonds eye, no matter what the situation had been. He knew he deserved harsher punishment for what he did. He knew Viserys had not been fair to his uncle that night. His conscience had been reminding him of it everyday for the last 8 years. 

Lucerys relented. He dropped his gaze. Staring at the scar tugged at something in his heart that Lucerys did not want to dwell upon at this moment. “I—,” He paused, not knowing what to say. There was too much to be said and so little words able to encompass the profundity of them. “I’m sorry, Aemond.” He settled on finally, even if he knew that it was not enough, that it would never be enough as reparation for what he did. 

His uncle laughed, an ugly self deprecating sound as his gripped Lucerys jaw firmly with one hand and tipped his face up to meet his gaze “Look at me, nephew,” he whispered quietly, breath fanning across his face, “tell me those words again as you look at what you have done to me and convince yourself that they are enough.” 

Lucerys studied his uncle's remaining violet eye, where he found anger, yes, palpable, visceral anger but also a deep sorrow that Lucerys could not hope to soothe with his pathetic apology. His own eyes welled up in tears, in shame, in apology, in empathy, Lucerys did not know as he shifted his own two eyes upon the eye patch and the ugly scar that ran underneath it. It was the first time Lucerys had the chance to properly look at it. To survey his handiwork. It enthralled him. The bumpy uneven scar tissue that bisected his uncle's eye and ran down towards his cheek and marred what was otherwise a handsome face. Lucerys had done that. Had been the one to so cruelly leave his mark like this on a boy, barely 12 years old. His heart clenched in remorse as he once again replayed that fateful night in his mind, each time coming up with new scenarios in which he did anything other than maim his uncle. He reached up his own hand to trace along the scar but Lucerys’ hand had scarcely grazed the tip of it when Aemond suddenly flinched back as if burned and dropped the hand cupping his chin. He stepped back, leaving distance between them as he turned the scar side away from Lucerys. 

Silence bisected the Awkward tension permeating the air as both Targaryen stood still as a rock. They breathed in shallow breaths until Aemond had recomposed himself enough to look back at Lucerys.

“Your smell…” he finally said after a while. “Hmm.” Aemond didn’t elaborate further as he tilted his head inquisitively. 

“What about my smell?” Lucerys asked quickly, wincing as he struggled to mask the panic in his voice. His uncle had been close, almost too close for comfort in those few short minutes. Had he managed to pick up on his scent? Lucerys had been particularly careful when he applied his scent blockers and pheromones in the morning. He frowned, sniffing at himself. If Lucerys could smell his uncle then surely his uncle could also smell his own scent.

————————

Aemond watched as the panicked pup raised his pulse to his nose. He carefully shielded his own scent from Lucerys lest the young boy smell his unrest; the agitation he felt in his body when Lucerys fucking Valeryon, the boy whom he swore to hate, gazed upon his face with such tender remorse that he was tempted to let go of years of building resentment. Just like that. As if he didn’t spend the last 8 years reliving that moment every time he closed his eyes and dreamed of taking one of the bastards eye as payment for his.

Aemond cursed himself silently. He would not be so weak hearted/ He had left that innocent youth long ago on that beach on Driftmark. He refused to cave to Lucerys just because the boy had muttered one single word of apology. The boy already had everyone at his feet, his mother, his step-father, his grandfather, his sweet darling brother… Aemond growled at the thought of Jacaerys. His nephew did not deserve to be so easily spoiled, certainly not by the likes of Aemond. No. He would not forgive the boy. There was much debt to be repaid— his eye, his dignity, his pride— Aemond did not forget the cruel pranks he would partake in with Aegon as a child, even if he had been the one to cling to his uncle as a babe and look up at him in admiration and wonder. When the time came he still banded with the others to humiliate him, despite his promises of friendship just days before. The boy was a dragon in disguise as a helpless sheep and Aemond would not succumb as everyone else did to his nephews innocent farce.

“Why so nervous? Worried pup? That I’ll discover something of yours.” Aemond goaded. Now it was his turn to humiliate the other. To make him taste the bitter taste of misery on his tongue. He knew the secret shared between the Velaryon boys and he planned to make use of it best he could. 

Sure enough the boy paled immediately, looking towards Aemond in apprehension, body language unease. Aemond smirked. Finally he was in a position to torment the bastard. After all, he had so readily agreed to the marriage for this opportunity. 

“Nothing uncle, there is nothing to discover.” The browned haired youth tried, clearly failing to hide his distress as his voice shook. 

Aemond laughed, enjoying the upper hand as he again came closer to Lucerys, who stumbled back with each step until his lower back was pressed against the desk, head tilted up to stare fearfully into his face as his uncle loomed over him. 

Aemond sniffed him again, making a show of it as he lowered his nose to the soft skin of his nephew's neck, where the scent glands were the most prominent. He could feel Lucerys shiver against where their bodies were tightly pressed together, goose flesh rising over his skin as Aemonds breath fell on the sensitive skin of his neck. 

Sure enough he smelt strongly of Jacaerys, his own scent, which was tinged with fear, almost unnoticeable, barely making it through the thick haze of Jace’s own distinct smell. Aemond wondered how much of that smell was actually Lucerys’ scent and how much was due to Jacaerys’ influence. He could barely ever smell his nephew's emotions through it, so thick was his brother's scent layered over them. For the smell to be so thick, even now, Jacaerys must have scented him before the wedding. Aemond subconsciously found himself growling, the more primal alpha part of him covetous of what was rightfully his. Lucerys was already wed to him, did Jace intend to continue their tryst even now? 

Lucerys’ hand immediately went to cover his neck as he pushed roughly Aemonds chest with the other, his hand barely moving Aemond an inch as he grew increasingly more tense. “Aemond, get off!” He cried out. “What do you think you’re doing?” His voice took on a shaky quality in his anger as Aemonds closeness kept him on edge. 

“Hmm.” Aemond mused as he lowered his head “Right now, even as you glower in anger, anxiety clear in the way you tremble against me, I cannot even begin to read your emotions clearly through your brother's scent.” Aemond began slowly, voice pitched low as he spoke close to the red tinged ear of the curly haired boy. “Either you have become a master at hiding your scent, which I truly doubt could come from a pup like you, or you are hiding something from me.” 

Lucerys turned his head sideways, away from his uncle's hot breath against his rapidly burning face. His eyes darted around the room nervously as the implications of his uncle's words set in. Just how much did Aemond figure out? What exactly was he implying? His uncle's words were too vague for him to make heads or tails of them “We are close, Jace and I.” He spoke raggedly, fighting what he himself must know was a losing battle. Aemond could have already put the puzzle pieces together after all and Lucerys reaction was only further confirmation. “H-He’s protective. You know how he is. He likes to scent his loved ones. He does it to Jeoffry too and Aegon and Viserys. Besides, it's normal for siblings to have similar scents.” He finally gathered enough courage to look up challengingly at Aemond, bullshitting through his teeth. 

“Is that so, sweet nephew of mine?” He licked his lips, his nephew following the motion with his eyes. “Then I suppose you wouldn’t mind me scenting you now as your new husband. It is only normal for a newly wed alpha to want to claim what belongs to him, no?”

Lucerys glared up at him, gaze turning sharp, his previous fear quickly forgotten as he straightened his back. “What are you playing at Aemond? We both know this marriage is a sham, a fucking joke more like it. Why are you tormenting us both for it? It’s not pleasant for you either, t-to be so close to another alpha. Just—“ he sighed tiredly, the fight leaving his body in exhaustion. “—Just let me go so that we may both find peace. Please, Aemond.”

“Fine peace?” Aemond snarled, anger suddenly flaring again. Lucerys didn’t deserve peace, not after the years of torment he put Aemond through. “You expect me to find peace in my marriage? To you? To the boy who carved out my eye and received no repercussions for it?” His voice grew louder as he steadily grew angrier. How dare his nephew ask him for peace when Aemond was tormented by anything but peace in the last 8 years. 

“Then why agree to marry me, uncle.” Lucerys asked softly, afraid to rile his uncle up even more. “Why agree to this hell for—“ 

“Because I can!” His uncle hissed. His usually calm temperament only provoked by the boy in front of him. The only person that had ever been able to worm themselve under his skin and stay there, burrowed deep until it was all Aemond could feel. “Everything that you hold dear I will strip it from you. I want you to experience the pain I felt that night, the humiliation I bore as a child. I want you to experience it ten times over until I am satisfied. You are at my mercy now, nephew, don’t you forget it. Once your little family leaves for Dragonstone you will be mine to torment, to do with as I please.” With that he leant down and bit savagely down on the scent gland below his nephews ear, where everyone would be able to see it, even if he hadn’t bitten hard enough to break skin for it to take. 

————

Aemond had expected Lucerys to hit him, to push him off, give him a punch as his brother did but to his surprise Lucerys did none of that. 

Lucerys shouted at him to stop but as his teeth clenched down on the smooth patch of skin he could feel his nephew's body go suddenly limp against him, as if all the fight had drained out of him. Whimpers replaced words as he keened high in his throat, head splayed back, almost in an invitation to bite more. 

Aemond pulled back in confusion. Lucerys’ still lax body following him as arms came to wrap around his neck in an attempt to stay upright.. Aemond supported most of his body weight with an arm around his waist as Lucerys’ legs gave out, face planted firmly in Aemonds neck, where his scent was the strongest. 

“Lucerys? Lucerys what—“ Aemond said, anger subsiding as rapidly as it came to be replaced with genuine worry as he attempted to pull his nephews body away from him only to have the boy whine truly pitifully as his hands clenched tighter against his neck. 

Aemond felt lost, his hands curled around Lucerys lower back as he held his nephew through the tremors, body soft and pliant against his own body. Soft breaths warmed his neck as Lucerys gripped onto his uncle for dear life. 

After a few heartbeats Lucerys finally seemed to come into himself, his hands scrabbling to push Aemond away.

His face was flushed, red lips apart as he panted heavily into the little space he had created between Aemond and himself. A hazy look was in his eyes as he struggled to stand on his own. 

The bite didn’t take. Obviously. Aemonds hadn't even bitten hard enough to break skin and they hadn’t performed the ritual to begin the process of mating but Lucerys had reacted in true omega submission, body limp and neck displayed in invitation. 

Aemond furled his eyebrows at the odd reaction. He had only been intending to intimidate Lucerys a little. To leave him uneasy their first night of marriage but he hadn’t been expecting Lucerys to react that way. Was that how Lucerys reacted when his brother bit him? Were his alpha instincts so repressed he even reacted like an omega at the advances of another alpha? Aemond tried to get closer to Lucerys again, to inspect the bite mark when his nephew suddenly threw out an arm to block him with surprising strength, voice shaking. “P-please Uncle. S-stop. Don’t. No more. N-no more.” His voice broke on the last syllable, sobs wracking his body as tears began to flow from his eyes. He seemed truly distressed, even more so than when he had found out about the betrothal three days ago. 

Aemond paused in his advance, a little taken aback by the scene in front of him. He lifted a gloved hand to move some curls out of Lucerys’ face to better see his face but the boy only flinched, whines growing louder as a bitter smell permeated the air, working through that ugly scent Aemond associated with Jacaerys.

 The arm barred against his chest pushed more insistently, more power in him than Aemond could have ever expected from the soft looking boy. When Aemond tried once more to reach his hand out, Lucerys’ eyes widened in fear and he began babbling again through his tears. “Oh Gods! Please Aemond. E-enough. Enough for t-tonight. I’m I’m sorry for everything, f-for you eye, for playing along with A-Aegons cruel games, for grand sire, f-for never telling you how sorry I am for it all. But p-please please! S-Stop tormenting me so. If it is my eye you want so badly t-take it. Take it! Do it now, quickly! It’s yours, all yours. But p-please spare me from the rest. D-don’t make me submit like this. Don’t force me to share your bed. I-I can’t c-can’t take it.” He choked out between many hiccuping sobs, body almost vibrating against Aemond in his shaking. 

Aemond stood frozen in his spot as Lucerys words slowly sunk in. Did he truly think his uncle so rotten, so monstrous that he would take anyone against their will? Aemond shuddered in disgust at the idea. Even earlier when Otto had relayed to Aemond through his mother to do his duty and mark the younger through the ritual to secure their families power he had refused to nod his head, knowing after a little bit of research that the ritual required a bedding— a true bedding in every sense—. He had been flat out repulsed that Otto had insisted he go through with the ritual that same day, bedding a boy he knew had to be unwilling and terrified. He relayed harshly to his mother that he refused to bed the younger in any manner if the other was unwilling. Even if he loathed Lucerys he wasn’t going to extract his revenge this way, through forcing himself upon the other and making his bite take. Though the idea seemed thrilling at first, to take away the bastard's ability to sire other bastards and be mated, the idea grew less and less appealing as the implications of what it required set in. To do that he would have had to take the bastard, in every way a person could be taken, slash their palms with the Valyrian steel blade and have their blood intermingle as he set the bite in place. Although Aemond wasn’t as repulsed as he thought he would have been at the idea of taking Lucerys, he was still unwilling to do things with another who so obviously would not be into it. His mother had seemed satisfied at his answer but his grand sire’s usually sour face only soured more. Aemond had been truly pissed off when his uncle secretly ordered the bedding ceremony to be done. For once Aemond was proud and grateful at his old decrepit father for stepping in. 

Still, Aemond had been planning on toying with his nephew. To make him suffer the few days they had been relegated to the chambers by order of the king— or rather, what was surley the coaxing of the hand of the king—. He hadn’t actually planned on hurting the other in any significant way. After all, Rhaenyra had made it quite clear to Alicent that any misstep meant Daemon going after his throat with Dark Sister. He had been hoping for a chance to make the bite take without necessarily bedding the others so that his grand sire would be placated, his little Lord Husband securely tied to him and his power secured. 

Lucerys sniffled in front of him, watching Aemonds face wearily through his tears as the silence stretched on. Aemond backed away slowly, hands held out placatingly in front of him. He turned the good side of his face away from his nephew, lips curled into a self deprecating smile. He could still feel Lucerys on edge, the tension thick enough to cut through with a knife. “Don’t worry nephew dear. I don’t intend on sharing my bed with you. I am not my uncle Daemon.” 

Aemond could not help himself from taking a jab at his mercurial uncle. He paused for a moment at Lucerys’ continued silence. It seems the little one was still too shaken up to respond to his throwaway jabs at his family. 

Aemond sighed before continuing on in a softer voice, not wanting to completely fuck things up the first night— well not any more than they already were . “I am not the monster you think I am, Luke.” With that Aemond turned to his bed. He stripped off the topmost layer of fur and dragged it off towards the largest double armchair by the fireplace. “You can have the bed. I’ll sleep here tonight.”

—————

Lucerys watched as his uncle stripped off his layers, leaving only his soft linen undershirt before laying his cloak down on the sofa and settling down upon it, cocooning himself in the furs he stripped from the bed. 

He released a breath he hadn’t realized he had been holding. In the few minutes between Lucerys hiccuping cries had subsided and he now found it a little humiliating in the aftermath to have been crying like that in front of his uncle, who, Lucerys realized, must had been bluffing before, otherwise he would have exposed his little secret before Lucerys had the chance to even blink. It would have been such a good advantage to Otto and his devious plans to know that Rhaenyras precious little second son was not only a bastard but an omegan male bastard at that. That sole small little detail would be enough to put his whole family to ridicule. 

Brain still buzzing and restless with the confusing and nerve wrecking experiences of the day, Lucerys stumbled clumsily to the bed where, after a glance to make sure Aemonds eyes were truly closed, he stripped off his own heavy ceremonial robes in a pile on the floor until he was in the same state of undress as Aemond and slipped under the cool covers of the green draped bed. 

The linens smelt clean, no doubt freshly washed. Lucerys breathed in the confronting scent of lavender as he stretched his sore body out. He sat up again after a moment, considering blowing out the candles which still illuminated the room in a soft orange light but then decided against it. If Aemond was going to try anything tonight Lucerys wanted to be ready and having an unhindered sight would surely be an advantage. He tapped lightly at the dagger attached to his thigh through a garter, making sure it was still securely attached before finally deciding to lie down again. Pulling the other remaining fur from the bottom of the bed to cover himself as a chill was starting to set in and—oh! The pleasant scent was there once again. A scent that Lucerys had not long ago discovered to belong to Aemond. He frowned slightly now at the strange revelation. Of all people… 

Before he could dwell on it much further though Lucerys found himself blinking sleepiness from his eyes as the last few sleepless nights caught up to him and he was quickly lulled to sleep by the comforting scent lingering on the furs. 

——————————

END of part I