"she's never where she is. she's only inside her head."
–Janet Filch
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Chapter one:
The heart of the sea
Location: Kingslanding
Hisses of a snake that is slithering in her wrist and the birds chippers outside of the library where Aemma's septa, Lyra has been containing her in for the past hours while her mother is going through her fourth labor.
"Princess Aemma? Princess Aemma!" Lyra yelled at the princess who's clearly not listening to her. She snaps her fingers in the front of the girl to regain her attention "princess!" She said sternly.
Aemma snapped out of her thoughts and looked back to the old septa in front of her. Upon gaining the princess' attention back Lyra felt upset of course has she's been telling her about the tale of Aegor the foolish, "we're you even listening child?" She said disappointment lingering her old voice.
"Um.... Yes?" Aemma lied making Lyra sighed disappointedly "gods be good" Lyra mumbled to herself. "If you weren't aware princess, I was teaching you about the tale of Aegor the foolish." Lyra started "I'm assuming that you know about it? Hence why you been staring at the window while I talk about it." Lyra ended anger and frustration in her voice.
Aemma felt bad of course. Being her sensitive self she can't stop but feel bad as her septa is talking to her while she has been doing nothing but daydream. "I'm sorry..." she quietly apologized to the old septa looking down at the orange and white little snake that she sneaked in. "But I do know about the tale of Aegor the foolish." Aemma said looking up to the septa.
Lyra's eyebrow rose up out of curiosity as she hasn't even mentioned this tale to the girl and only talked about it today "do tell" Lyra demanded.
"Well Aegor is the youngest son of Daenys the dreamer and he liked the idea of dragon dreamers having the ability to see prophecies. So when he turned one and five, he became a septon to fool the seven gods into thinking he worship them, but the only reason why he became a septon is to be favored by the seven gods as he thought being the seven god's favorite will make him have the ability to make dragon listeners."
Aemma explained to the septa while she only looked at the small princess across her.
"And what are dragon listeners?" Lyra questioned Aemma impressed by her knowledge of the tale of Aegor the foolish.
"Dragon listeners are like dragon dreamers but except of dreaming prophecies, they hear prophecies. By hearing prophecies I meant hearing strange words from the stranger. Like riddles or stories like words ifrom them."
Lyra nodded hesitatedly to the princess impressed that she knows all about this. "Are dragon listeners seen as gifts like how dragon dreamers?" She asked Aemma.
"Not exactly... some people would say that they are gifts, some will say its a curse. But according to the books, dragon listeners is a curse. It's because the seven gods hated that Aegor took a wife and bore children and took a mistress. Things he shouldn't do as he is a septon."
Aemma explained simply like every Targaryen or Velaryon knows about this old tale. Before Lyra can respond to Aemma, the library doors opened and Ser Harwin, prince Jacaerys and Lucerys came in.
"I am sorry to interrupt septa Lyra but the princes would like princess Aemma's company" Ser Harwin spoke kindly to the old lady.
"Well I have been keeping the princess for some time now. I suppose a break would do Ser Harwin." Lyra said nodding at the commander of the city watch as the dark haired princes dragged the silver golden haired girl from her seat. "But I do expect you to be back later my princess" Septa Lyra said to the princess before standing up from her seat and taking the old book that she took from the dusty library self to put it back.
"Come Aemma, let's pick out a egg for the baby" little Lucerys said to Aemma dragging her from her seat as she chuckles quietly "okay okay, do not be impatient Luke" Aemma fully stood up and held Luke's hand into hers.
"Let us go my princes and princess" Ser Harwin said letting them leave the library first before him "are you escorting us to the dragon pit Ser Harwin" Aemma's eyes perked up to Ser Harwin wanting him to join her and her brothers to the dragon pit as she likes his company. "If you wish it my princess" Ser Harwin said and Aemma nodded eagerly.
A simple ride in the carriage Aemma had to endure while holding her little brother's hand and Jace talking and mumbling all sorts of things, she wasn't truly paying attention too busy letting Hydra slither around her little fingers.
"We're you even listening Aemma?" Jacaerys asked frowning noticing that his sister wasn't listening and only to the snake he hates.
"Sorry Jace" Aemma apologized feeling bad of not listening to him, "Why do you like that snake anyways?" Jace pointed at the blue scaled snake in her hand.
"How can't I? Hydra is very fascinating and very pretty" Aemma said softly, fondness in her eyes making little Luke giggle "It's seems like you like Hydra more than us" he jokingly said wanting to tease his older sister but Aemma didn't take it lightly.
"I would never replace you and Jace over snakes" Aemma said in a defensive tone "Luke was merely joking Aems" Jace chuckles finding his sisters response to their brothers joke funny.
Before Aemma can defend herself Ser Harwin spoke joining the conversation "we are here my princes and princess"
Luke gasped happily almost dragging Aemma out of the carriage with Jace's pleas of slowing down on the background.
Soon enough the dragon keepers introduced them to two dragon eggs. "Can we pick it ourselves?" Jace asked the dragon keeper and he only nodded.
Jace turned to his younger siblings his eyes landing on little Luke looking at the dragon eggs with wonders in her eyes.
"Luke why don't you choose?" Jace requested. Luke turned to Jace with a excited expression "really?" He looked between his older siblings "of course" both Jace and Aemma replied at the same time making Luke giggle a bit.
He turned to the two dragon eggs once more thinking hardly on what he should choose as this is an important decision he will make, for me it is. It is for their new sibling and he gets to be an older brother so he cannot disappoint his new sibling.
"What about that one?" Luke pointed at the dragon egg on the right "that looks like the perfect one" Aemma complimented agreeing to his decision and Jace aswell "Aemma's right, it looks perfect Luke." Jace also complimented Luke's choice.
As all of this happen Ser Harwin can't help but admire hi– princess Rhaenyra and Ser Laenor's children for their thoughtfulness and kindness to each other.
He knew they would all grow up into good children and so will hi— Ser Laenor's new child be. All good, caring, kind, thoughtful adults they will grow up as. He will never doubt that.
After picking out an egg for the babe, all three children went to their mothers chambers as the dragon keepers whom was carrying the egg was following them back to the princess and prince consorts chambers.
After it the egg was delivered, Ser Harwin still stuck around as Jace tell's his younger siblings a story, entertaining them as they wait for their mother and new brother or sister.
Aemma wasn't listening much as she is playing with her pet snake, Hydra. Clementine is a small, blue snake her grandsire, Corlys gave her due to her telling him that she want's a pet snake after hearing her 'friend', to ask for one. She doesn't know why they whispered that to her but having a pet snake might be fun.
Rhaenys was in disbelief of course upon seeing that Corlys gave a girl that just turned six in age a pet predator. But Corlys argued that it was what their granddaughter wants but Rhaenys didn't believed him at first because Aemma was a sweet girl, and sweet girls don't just want reptiles for their name day gift. But when she saw how much Aemma loved her snake, to the point where she even named the deadly thing and having the snake wrapped around her little hands everywhere she goes is enough evidence to know that her sweet granddaughter really did want that snake.
Aemma was no stranger into getting what she wants. Being the first granddaughter and daughter to be born was a luck she loved dearly. Yes, she does accept that she is spoiled but she was still of course thoughtful about other's whom are not princesses like herself.
So she always reminded herself to not be arrogant of getting the things she desires. But in all honesty she does get want she wants in only asking for it once.
Their mother and father does. Once Aemma had asked her father if she can have two rings resembling her brothers dragons, Vermax and Arrax. And Laenor got the prettiest rings he can lay his hands on and hurriedly gave it to his only sweet daughter.
The sound of the chamber doors opening made Aemma and her brother's stood up. It was their mother and father and the new babe. Their mother limped inside the room, she was in pain of course having to go through the same labor once more.
The three children stood besides the dragon egg as Jace opened it "mother look" Jace said looking between the dragon egg Luke chose and their mother "we chose an egg for the baby." Aemma said softy while their mother relay on the couch to stand up.
"Ah, That looks like the perfect one." Rhaenyra complimented as she tried to sit down on the couch, Ser Harwin lending her his arm so she can do it without hurting herself in the process "We let Luke choose." Jace said "thank you Jace and Aemma" Luke replied.
"Not everyday an egg leaves the dragon pit" Ser Harwin said "I thought it best to escort the lads and lass" Rhaenyra smiles "Laenor and I Thank you commander" Rhaenyra thank the man.
Ser Harwin turned to look at the babe in Laenor's hands "Another boy I heard" He said with admiration in his tome, Rhaenyra looked at him with a adoring smile.
"A boy?" Aemma frowned desperately wanting a sister to the point that every night she prays to the mother. Rhaenyra smiled at her daughter's disappointment knowing even if Aemma didn't got what she wants she's still happy to have another sibling, even if it's a boy. "Aemma come" Rhaenyra patted the sit next to her and Aemma quickly went to the mother's side.
"Although I'm glad that you are fine mother" Aemma smiled leaning on Rhaenyra's shoulder and Rhaenyra gently caress her daughters silver locks.
"What a fine knight you are going to make, eh?" Said Laenor who was still holding the boy he named after a special person "Might I" Ser Harwin said wanting to hold the little one in his arms. Rhaenyra looked at him then turned her eyes to Laenor "Ser Harwin wishes to be introduced to Joffrey" Laenor looked up from Joffrey and turned to Harwin. "Of course" said Laenor smiled "Joffrey is it" said Ser Harwin while Laenor hand Joffrey to him.
"Joffrey? Why Joffrey?" Aemma asked confusingly, wondering why her new baby brother doesn't have a Velaryon name. An awkward gaze both Laenor and Rhaenyra shared to each other thinking of a lie to tell but before they did Luke spoke, to the parent's relief.
"Father, please may I hold Joffrey" Luke tried to pat his brother's head gently but Ser Harwin blocked his hands gently and Laenor gently draggd them away.
" No, no, no" said Laenor pulling Luke and Jace away "Back to the Dragon pit you three" said Laenor as he dragged Jace, Luke including Aemma away to the door "Before they send out a search party" Laenor whispered "But I don't want to go to the dragon pit" Aemma whined "then you'll go back to your septa" Laenor said before looking back to Rhaenyra and Laenor who is inside still in the chamber. Laenor gave Harwin a nod before closing the doors.
After he did he looked back to the three children
whom looking up at him.
"Aemma I said go back to your septa, are you even finished with your lessons?" Laenor sighed at his stubborn girl "But it's boring to attend my lessons, I already know most things septa Lyra teach" Aemma frowned "How come you know everything she teach?" Luke questioned but Aemma ignored it not wanting to spill her mischief.
"Then know the other things you haven't learned" Laenor recommended before taking her little hand in his so he can guide the young dragon to the library and guide his sons to the dragon pit "But I'm tired" Aemma complained as she let her father guide her, her two brother's chuckles at the sight but stayed where they are just waiting for their father to take them back to the dragonpit.
"Maybe I should just rest for the rest of the day" Aemma said "I've already spent all my morning in the library" Laenor sighs before stopping on their tracks and kneeled down to her height.
"Okay.. I would allow you to rest for the rest of the day if you tell me what are the things you've learned today if you truly did listen to your septa this morning."
"Well septa Lyra taught me some high valyrian words and made me say sentences in high valyrian, she also taught me about Aegon and conquer and his sister-wives, she also made me read about the dragon listeners."
Laenor stayed silent for a moment deciding whether or not to let his daughter go and play. He didn't exactly know how many hours a girl should study.
"Okay, I'll talk to your septa that you've been studying enough. So you can go play with your aunt Helaena." Laenor said making Aemma smile widely.
Of course she is happy that she doesn't have to go to the library anymore and listen to what her septa says. She kissed her father's cheek before giving him a happy thank you.
"Oh I almost forgot, I want to give this to you because you've been doing your studies well" Laenor took out a small book before giving it to the girl.
Aemma's expression changed to being happy and relieved to confused and curious. She looked at the book her father gave her, it was another book about the narrow sea, smaller version though.
"But father I've already read about the narrow sea, and I already know about it" Aemma said glancing over to her father, confusion in her dark eyes.
Laenor chuckles quietly finding his daughters confusion adorable "open the book at the very end, sweet girl" he said pointing at the dark sea blue book in her hands.
Aemma shrugs and opened it flipping through the pages all the way to the end, curious on what her father is on about. Not long after she was greeted with a blue pearl necklace shaped as a heart.
Aemma turned to her father once more surprised by the gift he gave her. Laenor took the necklace "turn around so I can put it on" he said and Aemma excitedly did. She always has a fondness over jewelry, why do you think she wears two silver rings with big stones in them?
After Laenor put the necklace on her, Aemma spin around and gave her father a tight hug making Laenor almost fall but he just laughed it off and hug the small girl back. Aemma thanked him over and over again.
"Do you like it?" Said Laenor happy that he made his girl happy "yes, thank you again father" Aemma said pulling away from the hug with an adorable smile on her face "glad that you did, my sweet girl" Laenor said pinching his daughters cheek.
"The heart of the sea deserves a necklace that represents a sea, doesn't she?"
Aemma chuckles at her father's words only nodding at this.
"Okay now, you can go to your Aunt Helaena. I'm sure you two will spend the entire day seeking or speaking about bugs." Laenor said before standing up.
Aemma nodding once more before hugging her father one last time and giving him a excited bye and parting ways from her father.
She cannot wait to spend another day with Helaena, she likes her. Helaena would always talk about the great wonders of bugs and sometimes go outside to the garden and look for bugs– well Aemma does, she likes giving Helaena new little bugs so she can smile and thank about them.
She was fortunate enough that the Queen lets her spend time with Helaena when she noticed that she doesn't like her mother very much. And she would sometimes give her brothers a look when they passed by.
She doesn't why the Queen does this but she doesn't really care. She's probably just a biter lady Aemma thinks so.
Anyways, she can't wait to see Helaena again. She wonders if Helaena got new bugs again. She hopes so, so they can talk about it.
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A.N
— Okay so chapter one is finally finished. Sorry if this took a while to write, I was busy with a lot of things in my personal life so.
— also this is a rewritten story and I did publish this a while ago but unpublished it on Friday because I realized I did so many things wrong.
— Also, for those who just finished watching the new ep of s2. Am I like the only one who wasn't surprised much that Rhaenyra and Mysaria kissed?? Like the amount of tension they had when they first talked is like, it's so obvious.
— Also there's still no Benji act here yet but there will be one soon so don't worry and I'll also try and write faster😭 don't worry.
— please like this chapter and don't be a silent reader and just comment.
— hoped you enjoyed!!🫶🏻🫶🏻