Before the union of Rhaenyra with Ser Laenor Velaryon, an event etched forever in memory took place when Daemon claimed Rhaenyra's innocence in the hidden corners of a brothel, planting a seed of life within the princess rightful to the Iron Throne...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Playing with the enemy Gambling with my soul It's so hard to say no When you're dancing with the devil
In the quiet sanctuary of their chamber in King's Landing, Rhaella and Aemond sat together, a single candle casting dancing shadows upon the cold stone walls. Nestled against Aemond's broad chest, Rhaella, dressed in a soft nightgown, broke the comforting silence with a question that had been nagging her.
"Aemond," she began, tilting her head to gaze up at him, "you seemed to know the man, Rumplestiltskin from the village. What have you heard of him?"
Aemond's laughter filled the room, a soft, comforting sound that made Rhaella's lips twitch into a small smile. "Rumpelstiltskin?" he echoed, brows arching in surprise. "The man from the village?"
Rhaella nodded, her violet eyes shimmering with intrigue. "Yes, that's the one. I've heard whispers in the market, tales of a man like him existing in our world. I never quite imagined myself meeting the man, but I believe it to be a farce. They say he's a trickster, a spinner of gold, a master of deals."
Aemond grew silent, his gaze thoughtful as he considered her words. "I've heard similar tales," he admitted after a moment. "They say he was once a cowardly man, transformed by a dark power into a creature who could spin straw into gold. They say he loves making deals, but there's always a price to pay."
A shiver ran down Rhaella's spine, the chilling tales seeping into the warm air of their chamber. "It sounds like a dangerous man to cross paths with," she murmured.
In response, Aemond pulled her closer into the protective circle of his arms. His voice, when he spoke, was a soothing balm, "Perhaps, but they're just stories, Rhaella. We live in a world of dragons and magic, the man we met was nothing more than a jester—an imp."
The young princess felt a great sense of grief, if anyone of the kingdom could protect the woman from the prophecy, it would be the silk-skinned man. Still, she and Aemond spent the remainder of the night trading tales and legends, the myths of King's Landing becoming more alive in the flickering candlelight.
The night of, in the shadowy corners of King's Landing, Rhaella found herself standing before the rumored dwelling of Rumpelstiltskin. Her heartbeat echoed loudly in her ears as she gathered her courage and called out his name.
"Rumpelstiltskin," she voiced, her words echoing into the dimly lit space. To her surprise, a figure emerged from the shadows, his eyes glinting with an eerie gleam under his hood.
"Ah, the lovely Rhaella. The kingdom's beauty," he croaked, a sinister grin etched onto his face. "What brings you to my humble abode?"
Rhaella swallowed her fear, standing tall. "I seek a deal, Rumpelstiltskin. I've heard of Helaena's prophecy of my demise by the hand of another. I've only just begun to live. I cannot die yet."
Rumpelstiltskin's grin widened, "A deal, you say? I can grant you the ability of fire immunity and the strength of a dragon. But remember, dearie, magic always comes with a price."
Rhaella nodded, determination set in her eyes. She reached into her pocket, pulling out a dark blue flower speckled with gold. It was a gift from the Children of the Forest, a symbol of their trust and alliance.
"Will this suffice?" she asked, presenting the flower to Rumpelstiltskin. He took the flower, his fingers caressing the petals before nodding approvingly.
"This will do," he said, his voice echoing with a tone of finality. "The deal is made, Rhaella. An apple as red as blood," the imp handed the woman. "Feast upon it, and you shall possess the immunity of fire and the strength of a dragon. But beware, for every deal comes with its consequences."
With a nod of understanding, Rhaella took a single bite of the apple, her heart pounding with a strange mixture of fear and relief. Upon her lips reaching the skin of the apple, she could feel a tingle flow throughout her body. A deal she never thought to make, she caved in. The young woman sealed her fate with Rumpelstiltskin, but for now, she had a chance to truly live.
"Thank you, Rumple. I haven't the words to thank you." She reached out her arms for a hug. For a moment, the imp hesitated, his lips scowling. Still, something about the young princess reminded the man of his long lost love, Belle. He sighed, and accepted her kind gesture.
Rumplestiltskin, after a minute, pulled away solemnly. "I apologize. You remind me of someone from my past."
"If you need ever a friend, you may find me in the castle. I am forever in your debt, Rumple." The woman praised the man with a vibrant smile.
The silk-skinned man grinned. "Remember, if you find yourself in a situation that requires magic, speak my name, and I shall appear..." He announced.
One moment, he was standing next to Rhaella, and the next, he stood against the wall, smiling at his actions. "Aha! Here I am," he amused.
"How did you—" Rhaella asked, her eyebrows knit.
He chuckled, a dry laugh. "Well, dearie. I am one of the most powerful in the realm. And now, you will be too. Never quite like me, however."
"Pardon?" The princess asked, her voice strained.
He laughed, once again. This time, humorously. "Buh-bye!" Rumplestiltskin shrilled, vanishing into thin air, followed by a puff of smoke.
In the Red Keep, the tension in the chamber was palpable as Otto stood at the side of Queen Alicent as they debated the future.
"We have relied on one another these many years," Otto began, his voice resonating in the room.
"And now it is the good of the family that we both desire," Alicent responded, her gaze steady on him.
"Whatever our differences, our hearts remain as one," Otto stated, his tone harboring a trace of hope. Alicent's face hardened as she retorted.
"Our hearts were never one," she countered, her voice icy. "I see that now. Rather, I have been a piece that you moved about the board."
"If that is true, then I made you Queen of the Seven Kingdoms," Otto replied defensively. "Would you have desired it otherwise?"
"How could I know?" Alicent threw back, her tone bitter. "I wanted whatever you impressed upon me to want. And now the debt comes due."
"A debt you were happy enough to pay," Otto pointed out."A sacrifice made for the stability of the realm. No king has ever lived that hasn't had to forfeit the lives of a few to protect the many. Though I understand your squeamishness."
"Reluctance to murder is not a weakness!" Queen Alicent exclaimed, her voice echoing through the chamber. "I have Aegon. We'll proceed now as I see fit."
Queen Alicent let out a sigh, her face reflecting the burden he carried. "We will send terms to Rhaenyra on Dragonstone. True terms, such that she may accept without shame. If she lives, her allies will mass behind her banners, looking for her return."
"Then she must not return," Otto interjected, his tone final.
"My husband would have desired this mercy be shown to his daughter," Alicent whispered, his voice barely audible.
"Your husband? Or you, his daughter's childhood companion?" Otto questioned, his eyes narrowing.
"Criston Cole will be named Lord Commander of the Kingsguard," Queen Alicent announced, ignoring Otto's comment. "My son will be anointed tomorrow at dawn. The whole of King's Landing must witness his ascent. He will assume authority. There will be no more dithering. My son will take the crown of his namesake, the Conqueror, and carry Blackfyre, his sword."
