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There was little time to admire the room he was led to. All he knew was that it was sea themed and there was a large four-poster bed with their names on it. Everywhere on High Tide smelled of the sea, but this room was all Lucerys. Everywhere. After being apart from him for so long, Aemond was overwhelmed by how much his mate dominated the air around him. 

And now his space, Lucerys turning around and instantly pushing himself into Aemond, vanilla following the movement. 

His little omega had grown so much, had bloomed so radiantly that Aemond scorned every second he had missed. He should have been there. His hands cradled Lucerys’ face, bringing it closer to him. He traced the freckles on his sun-kissed cheeks, the pretty moles along his jaw that had become sharper in the two years, but even so he was still soft under Aemond’s touch, pressing his body against his. 

“Kiss me, Aemond,” Lucerys breathed, his own hands coming up around Aemond’s neck, thumb sweeping over the claim mark. “Don’t keep your wife waiting anymore.”

The need was mutual and their mouths were hungry when they met. Aemond lifted Lucerys into his arms while his legs went around his waist. He could smell Lucerys’ slick and groaned against his soft mouth, the scents he missed so deeply finally filling the air around him. 

Lucerys was laid back into the bed with Aemond attached, both grunting softly at the impact. His mate was working on removing his outer layers as Aemond pressed kisses against his cheek, his jaw, along his ear. Kissing him once was not going to be enough, not for a while, not when Lucerys chased after his mouth for more, whimpering against him when he got what he wanted.  

Aemond pulled back only to roughly yank Lucerys’ leggings off, his hands sliding up his smooth skin to push his tunic up and off. Lucerys was left in only the pearl necklace he sent him, legs parting as he spread out on the wide bed, naked skin glowing in the white sunlight cutting through the tall windows. 

To call him beautiful was nearing insult. Ethereal was not even enough. Lucerys was designed by the gods themselves. It did not matter which ones, the Maiden, the Mother, any of the Fourteen Flames of Valyria. He was the first royal male omega in generations, he deserved to be cherished and celebrated. If he wanted the stars in the sky he should have them without question.

Aemond could admire his mate’s body like this as he stripped, returning to kiss along his soft stomach and waist, up to his puffy little tits and hard nipples. Lucerys sighed when his hot mouth sucked on one, gave the prettiest whines when his tongue swirled around the tender bud. He was sweeter than he remembered and Lucerys’ voice was full of embarrassment when he gasped, “oh, gods!”

Aemond froze, looking up at his mate's distress. Lucerys was pointedly not looking his way as his face turned scarlet so Aemond looked down. It wasn’t much but milk beaded at Lucerys’ nipple, dribbling down when Aemond’s curious hand cupped his small breast and gently squeezed. 

“Aemond!” his mate was scandalized, sitting up on his elbows to give him a mortified look. 

He only smirked, tongue coming out to clean the mess he made of him. “What? Only our daughter gets this?” 

Lucerys squirmed and mewled under his tongue. He bit on his lip to quiet the noises he was making, falling back to the mattress with closed eyes. “This is so…” His reluctance didn’t matter when Aemond put more of his weight onto him, grinding his hips down against his while sucking hard, drinking in his sweet milk. Lucerys bucked into him, hands clinging to his shoulders. He whined openly, his spine arching as Aemond went to his other nipple. 

He could hear his mate purring softly, legs wrapped around his waist as he rocked his wet cunny into his cock. Aemond kissed his soft breasts before lifting his head, feeling warm hands holding the sides of his face and pulling him closer. Lucerys kissed him hard before opening his mouth, licking at his lips. 

He wanted a taste. Aemond chuckled against him before slipping his tongue into Lucerys’ mouth, grinding harder against the boy as he licked and sucked Aemond’s tongue. It was wet and sloppy and so good that Aemond never wanted it to end. He wished to be sucked completely into Lucerys, to crawl around in his skin, to wrap around his beating heart and stay there. 

Aemond trailed to Lucerys’ neck, letting the boy get air. At first he just breathed him in, his nephew tilting his head back and to the side, letting him have the full expanse of it. His submission made Aemond all the more eager to claim him again. 

Lucerys gasped, his entire body shuddering when Aemond did not hesitate to sink his teeth into him. Then he moaned, seeking more of him until Aemond was laying against him entirely. 

The hot taste of blood on his tongue and the rush of their bond anew filled Aemond with indescribable need for his wife. He held Lucerys against his chest, groaning against his neck between long licks against the bleeding bitemark. The soft laughter into his ear made him all the more in love with this boy.

“I missed you, too,” Lucerys whispered, trailing fingers in his long hair before grabbing a fistful and tugging. Aemond followed the urging and was rewarded with Lucerys’ warm lips at his neck, feeling the hot rush of his breath before his tongue traced the indentations he left. There was only molten heat between them as Lucerys bit down, reclaiming him as well. 

Blood was on Lucerys’ lips and smeared on his teeth. Aemond hunted his mouth down with his own, teeth clipping his lip. Lucerys’ nails dug into his shoulder as he surged up to kiss him back, groaning softly. 

The wet slide against his cock picked up and Aemond felt starved for a taste. 

After two long years, Aemond returned to his favorite place kept waiting just for him, kissing down Lucerys’ body to reach it. Lucerys legs went around his shoulders, his enthusiastic moans matching how he rolled his hips up already, his cunt getting soaked from his breath alone. 

The first taste of his slick was so intense that Aemond was positive his brain stopped functioning. Then quickly he was gripping Lucerys’ soft thighs and holding him closer, drinking in the sweetest nectar and coating his tongue in addicting honey. He was better than any wine or any dessert. His tongue split between Lucerys lips and speared into his hole, getting a rush of slick into his mouth straight from the source. He groaned, causing the boy to twitch, his cocklet leaking where it rested stiffly above his cunt. 

“Don’t stop,” Lucerys begged as if Aemond was even thinking of that. He was perfectly content right where he was. “I needed this, Aemond. I missed you so much. Nothing I did was the same.”

The thought of Lucerys laying in bed stuffing himself with his fingers had been one of the many thoughts he had while stripping his cock in exile. Aemond showed him how badly he needed Lucerys in return, licking into his cunt and lapping up his slick, his wife getting his face wet while his nails scratched against Aemond’s scalp. He licked up to his cocklet, giving the flushed head sucks and licks, tasting the boy as he dripped into his mouth. 

Lucerys’ thighs were squeezing his head and he couldn’t help himself, turning his head and biting down. His nephew gasped, jolting at the unexpected flash of pain, one that was soothed by Aemond’s tongue. 

“Not enough,” Lucerys whined breathlessly, his head thrashing around on his pillows. “I need more.”

Aemond hummed in agreement. “I need to knot you, sweet thing.” His pretty wife shuddered at that, nodding his head so fast his hair flew around. Aemond kissed back up his body, Lucerys’ wet quim twitching as he rubbed the length of his cock against it. His boy wasn’t going to get his fingers this time and he didn’t seem to care, gasping at the hard heat that rubbed against him. 

“Wait!” Lucerys gasped and Aemond immediately stopped, worried he hurt him. Lucerys had his hands on Aemond’s chest, sweaty palms sliding up to his shoulders. “I want to be on top.” 

Aemond easily swapped their positions, Lucerys smiling down at him before meeting him halfway in a deep kiss. Then Lucerys pulled back, forcing Aemond down until his back was firmly against the bed. Aemond reached between them, stroking himself against Lucerys before angling the head of his cock to his fluttering hole. 

Aemond could feel Lucerys’ slick dripping down his cock as he pressed the tip against him, massaging his way in. The loud moan Lucerys let out as he was finally pushed into was joined with his own, “fuck, Lucerys.” 

He was so hot inside, burning like a furnace that was desperate to consume all of Aemond. He would let it, willingly drown himself in this heat even if it was the last thing he did. 

“Finally, gods…” Lucerys sobbed, expression seemingly pained but he was dedicatedly taking in each inch. “Aemond, I want all of it,” he demanded, tossing his head back as he wiggled his hips down. “Everyday, for the next two years, you’re putting this in me.” 

Aemond could only nod, rendered speechless. He watched Lucerys take him inch by inch until he was sitting in Aemond’s lap, so full of him Aemond saw his belly protrude from it. His omega yearned for more, whining and rolling his hips to get comfortable. Then he was lifting himself and dropping back down. Aemond’s hands on his hips guided him and quickly they found the right rhythm.   

His slick walls clung to him, sucking him back in hungrily. Looking down he could already see his cock shiny with slick and precum. Lucerys was so tight but Aemond could feel him loosening up for him, taking him better with each stroke until Lucerys was riding him without restraint. 
 
This was exactly what Aemond had wanted. His omega turned into a mess, holding him down as he took everything that he wanted. Lucerys cried out when Aemond gripped him by his ass and thrusted up hard into him. He would moan or gasp sweet little ah’s with every plunge into his cunt, his hazel eyes barely visible where they rolled back. But the best of it was when his boy would moan his name, singing it prettier than any birdsong.  

“Aemond…avy jorrāelan, Aemond!”

His hands were gripping Aemond’s shoulders so tight his nails drew blood. The sight of Lucerys fucking himself on Aemond was breathtaking, he was so lost in his own pleasure. He must have really missed Aemond, taking him in at an almost painful pace but he wanted to be filled so badly. Aemond would give him what he needed. 

He held the boy down and fucked up into Lucerys hard, the sound of their skin slapping loud and wet. Lucerys nearly screamed, drenching Aemond in his slick and desperately trying to meet Aemond’s hard thrusts. He could tell the boy was going to come soon, so he pulled out until only the head was in, hearing Lucerys’ upset whine in response to being empty, before slamming back in. 

Lucerys instantly broke, the sounds coming from him no doubt loud enough it was no secret how their reunion was going. He collapsed on Aemond’s chest as the man did it again, whining and squeezing the head of his cock for more. “Knot me, Aemond. Fuck…I want you to fill me.”

Aemond yanked his head up with a fistful of his hair. “What did you just say?”

But Lucerys was far too gone for that, only content when Aemond slid his cock in to the base, the telltale stretch of his growing knot making the boy moan. He was already so out of it he was drooling on Aemond’s chest, purring like a contented cat. Aemond rolled them over, his weight settling on Lucerys as he beared down on him. That coil of heat steadily tightening finally snapped and he filled the boy, giving them both what they desperately needed. 

Lucerys’ nails left scratches along his chest and arms, the burning not registering as Lucerys’ cunt milked his knot. His moans weakened down into broken off whimpers, burying his nose against Aemond’s neck. They would be locked together for a while, just as they should be. Aemond made himself comfortable and Lucerys wrapped himself around him, kissing the bite on his alpha’s neck. 

“I missed this feeling,” Lucerys murmured into his skin. “Missed being full. I was so empty.”

“Don’t worry,” Aemond panted against his sweet smelling hair. “I’ll change that.” 

Lucerys giggled quietly at his eager response. “Mm, you better.”

༺◦༻

They would not have a celebration for Aemond’s return. That would be in poor taste, even Aemond knew that. Truly, he did not want anything of the sort. He had been welcomed by his wife and child, he was fine with that. 

But there was a dinner the night after and they all sat around the long table in an awkward silence until Lord Corlys broke it. “Those are fine ships you brought with you.”

“They are a gift.” Aemond did not know how to speak with the man knowing what he had done and chose neutral diplomacy. “As well as the relationship between Lorreo Drae and his son.”

It seemed to be working as Lord Corlys nodded. “We heard all about your time in the Stepstones, Addam and Alyn were eyewitnesses to the whole thing.”

Aemond glanced at the two men sitting down at the table. He did not like knowing his omega was making friends with two unmated alphas, especially not two who might one day decide they deserved High Tide for themselves. “I had wondered who the Queen’s audience was. Did you enjoy the show?”

Addam looked uncomfortable and had nothing to say. His brother was not so shy. 

“Your dragon is slow.” Alyn told him, though with no dragon for himself Aemond did not care to listen. 

“She does well enough.” The words died on his lips and he froze. It was a careless thing to say and he immediately regretted ever opening his mouth. 

Lucerys felt his shift and quickly spoke about meaningless things, flying through topics until one stuck, like the discount to Myrish goods and how he would definitely learn to sail now that he had two fleets to himself. It served as the distraction it needed, though Aemond had felt the look Lord Corlys gave him before his grandson’s words of sailing brought his attention elsewhere. He was not a man who forgot or forgave and Aemond had just bragged of his dragon’s prowess in front of him. 

He should walk into the sea and let it take him at this point. 

Unexpectedly it was not only his mate that came to his aid, he watched his brother turn in his seat with a smirk and a daring glint to his violet eyes. It was a good thing Daeron had started to grow into his new life, having enough of a bond with one of the former Hulls to suggest they rematch their race. “It didn’t count since Dreamfyre won and Helaena wasn’t even riding her.”

“Just admit you lost and get over it, High-” Addam’s eyes cut to Aemond quickly then away. “Daeron.”

Lucerys giggled into his hand and he was not the only one who found it amusing. Even his sister was smiling at the two. “We could all race and still you two would lose.”

Aemond witnessed how that set Daeron off, who steadfastly believed he was the faster out of the three. They were all consumed that they did not notice Lucerys putting his hand under the table and taking his. He squeezed before interlocking their fingers and Aemond was grateful for it. Much had happened in two years and it went without saying that Aemond needed time to adjust. 

Firstly, he needed to somehow apologize to Lord Corlys without further making a fool of himself. As much as he loathed the thought, he could not remain here without speaking to the man alone. Though before that, he would need Lucerys’ guidance. 

The man loved his grandson in ways deeper than blood. If there was any chance Aemond could make being a part of Lucerys’ life easier for anyone here, he figured he would try for the man who could have advocated for his death. He would have deserved it. Instead Corlys allowed him under his roof and at his table. 

Lucerys’ response that night was not exactly reassuring. 

“He needs time.” Lucerys said while changing into a soft slip, Aemond unwilling to look away. “It’s only been a day. I think focusing on sealing that agreement with Pentos and Myr will help. Be useful to him.”

Aemond sighed and his mate came to him, lifting his arms and interlocking his hands at the back of Aemond’s neck. Lucerys could feel the frustration rolling through him and soon the air between them was sweetened. “In the meantime, you can show him that you’re a proper consort to me.”

His nephew was brought even closer by his waist. He could not keep his hands off this boy even if he tried. “And how should I do that?” 

Lucerys smiled cheekily, his eyelashes fluttering. “By keeping me happy. I am precious to him. If you treat me right then he will have less cause to hate you.”

Aemond laughed softly while leaning down to nudge his nose against Lucerys’. “It all comes down to you in the end.”

His mate hummed in agreement, hands now pulling Aemond down while he stood on his toes. He kissed Aemond softly. “If you’re looking for ways to keep me happy, I can show you a few.” The next kiss was deeper, his mouth parting to taste him. 

“Go ahead.” Aemond followed Lucerys' insistent pushes towards the bed. He sat back onto it with Lucerys climbing onto his lap. “Enlighten me.”

༺◦༻

“Kepa.”

There was something smacking his face, on his good side at least. Then a familiar low giggle followed by another attack. Of all the ways to be woken up, this had to be the one he least favored. That was until he registered the tiny voice and his mates' quiet laughter and it suddenly became the best.

“Kepa!”

He blinked, turning his head and seeing his daughter smiling next to him, Lucerys laying on his side behind her. “Ow.”

“Good morning.” Lucerys smiled at him, still rumpled from sleep. “Aemma wanted to wake you up.”

“I can feel that.” Aemond sat up and away from her wild little hands. But he gave her his hand, her grip tight around his thumb. 

The sun shining into the room made Lucerys hair glow like honey, his cheeks warm and flushed. His eyes were fondly watching them, his smile expressing the happiness he felt in that moment. 

Aemond watched, utterly transfixed. He had seen Lucerys as happy as he could be, as content as he would ever be as little more than a hostage. But never in a way like this - completely vulnerable and unafraid with pure bliss reflected in his eyes, thumbing at Aemma’s cheeks and giggling along with her. 

He felt the urge to ask, to make sure. Are you happy? But the words were trapped in his throat, leaving him only capable of staring like he had no control of his body. Aemma clumsily leaned forward and pressed a wet kiss to Lucerys’ cheek, leaving him with a smear of drool that Lucerys only laughed at and it was another painfully sweet hand closing around his throat. 

“You silly girl, you giving kisses to muña?” Lucerys whispered. “Give kepa some, too, he looks lonely.”

Aemma turned to him expectantly and Aemond leaned down obediently, offering his cheek. As she gave his scarred cheek a wet little kiss, he told Lucerys, “I’m not lonely.”

“No,” his mate responded, the look in his eyes reflecting that he was entirely devoted to keeping that true. “I will not let you be.”

It might not have happened at all how Aemond wanted it and at some point he considered it a futile and foolish dream, but it did. That same dream had expanded around him this sunny morning, in his mate and daughter being right there to wake him. 

This was all he ever wanted. All those impossibly small fragments coming together to form a beautifully whole boy who could smile and laugh without regard. This feeling was enough to crush him and who would have known that all it took to weaken him was that all encompassing warmth he held for this precious boy coming into sharp focus. 

He loved him so much it hurt. After everything they had been through, he couldn’t imagine being without Lucerys or the family they were growing. As much as being with them was all he wanted, it cut deep how easy it could be to lose them. Lucerys looked up at him knowingly and Aemond barely blinked when he felt his mate’s warm hand brush away the wetness on his cheek. 

“You’re here now. I will chain you to me and throw the key into the sea if anyone dares to take you away. My mother included.”

Aemond leaned into his palm. “I believe you.”

Lucerys urged him down to the bed, corralling him and their daughter into his arms. Aemma was content between them, her stuffed seahorse held in her hands while her parents held her. It was a warm feeling like no other and Aemond could easily fall back asleep just like this. 

In spite of all of that, there was an odd undercurrent to the joy he felt. Aemond settled it by leaning around Aemma and to Lucerys, sniffing him. His mate gave him a strange look, shrinking back nervously. “W-what?”

“You smell…different.” Not bad, but slightly off. He could not place it. It was like a blanket covering his natural scent. “Are you wearing blockers?”

“No?” Lucerys blinked a few times before lifting his arm and sniffing himself. His eyes narrowed before widening. “Oh!”

“What is it?” 

Lucerys chuckled to himself before leaning up on his elbow. Aemond leaned back as well, feeling light kicks at his thigh from Aemma. Lucerys was smiling at him, not unlike before, that darling curve of his lips and hazel eyes looking at him under thick eyelashes. “Well, the last time my scent changed like that was when I was pregnant.” 

The boy shrugged like it was nothing, like the reveal did not sweep the earth from under him. “Now that I think about it…it has been past when I should have bled.”

It was then that Aemma was demanding attention, wiggling around and crawling up to Aemond where he lay. He held her in his arms while staring at Lucerys, visibly shocked. He hadn’t even been back to Westeros for a month. “You never took your tea?”

Lucerys shook his head, meeting his look with a coy smile. “I must have forgotten.”

Reaching out, Aemond cupped his warm cheek, feeling him lean into his touch. “Little creature…I thought you wanted to sail?”

“That will have to wait a while, I suppose.” Lucerys kissed his palm, nuzzling with his nose. “I wanted this more.”

The weight on his side tumbled back, the little girl babbling as she clutched her seahorse, already sticking the tail in her mouth. Lucerys was full of fondness when he brushed her pale hair. “You’ll have a little brother or sister to play with. I hope they’re as sweet as you.”

Aemond did not think this morning could get any better and still he tested the boundaries. 

“Marry me,” Aemond said quietly and Lucerys scrunched his eyebrows at him, a cute twist to his lips. 

“I already did?” The upwards inflection and laugh combined made Aemond sigh, looking away before back at Lucerys, who had his attention on Aemma’s little hands wrapped around his slender finger. 

Tilting Lucerys’ chin towards him got the boy’s attention back. “What I mean, what I’m asking, is for you to marry me because you want to.” His thumbnail slid down the center of Lucerys’ bottom lip. “Did it even count before? If you were forced to?”

Other than the noises their daughter made, it was quiet between them as Lucerys wrapped his hand around Aemond’s wrist, thumbing over his pulse point. It was still there, even after all this time. It might not be so strong but that storm that brought them together had yet to settle, still it tossed them through endless whirlpools. 

Their wedding night, Shipbreaker’s Bay - those moments had defined their relationship into what it had been for years and yet Aemond still believed they could find ways to heal. Instead of reminiscing on his tearful wedding, Lucerys could remember the one they planned together, one they both could have without regret. 

Lucerys kissed his thumb and met his look, the beginnings of a smile curving his lips. “Then, yes. I will marry you.” Afterwards, his smile grew cheeky. “But you’re taking my last name.”

After all that, Aemond would not let a surname get in the way of his happiness. “Fine. Any other demands, my prince?”

“Mhm, it has to be a Valyrian wedding. Right here on the beach.”

Aemond sat up on his knees and Lucerys giggled as he hovered over to kiss him, muffled between his mouth he cried out, “Aemma is here!”

“She’s fine.” Aemond kissed him lightly on his button nose. “She’ll grow up with very loving parents.”

Lucerys continued to laugh as he was kissed, in the end giving up and letting Aemond cover his face with them, holding Aemond down to give him his own. 

༺◦༻

Two months into his return, the Queen requested Aemond at court. There was really only one reason she had to see him - to further stress how he was still only at her mercy. As much as he’d like to put it off, he could not refuse but did not hesitate to voice how much he did not enjoy the prospect. 

“She has nothing good to say,” Aemond insisted the day of, to which Lucerys only sighed from where he laced his boots. He knew the boy was tired of hearing his complaints but he would not stop until this day was over.

Head down, Lucerys reminded him, “it’s the perfect time to tell her about the wedding and the baby. We can do it in person and then there are fewer letters we have to send.” He stood, reaching out for his cloak next to Aemond.

Aemond gave him a pointed look while taking the cloak, instead laying it over Lucerys’ shoulders himself. “And how many people do you actually expect to arrive?” The guest list was not large to begin with. Their family, half of which already lived on High Tide, and the heads of only a few houses nearby were even considered. 

The boy shrugged, hands fidgeting while tying his cloak. “It can be small. It doesn’t matter. It’s our day. If it ends up just being the people on Driftmark, then so be it.”

He acted strong, but on this Aemond knew it was the opposite. Lucerys would be devastated if even then his family could not support him. Or as Lucerys would stress, them. Aemond knew if they ever did a kind thing to him, it would only be for his mate’s sake. 

He could understand the sentiment. 

Drawing Lucerys closer, Aemond scented him before saying, “it will not come to that. They would not miss it no matter what they think of me.” 

That had the desired effect of relaxing Lucerys, who rested his weight into him with a quiet groan. He allowed a few breaths of comfort before he stepped back. “Then let’s go. This is going to take all day. I still want time with Aemma when we get back.” 

When they left, Lucerys made a definitive right turn away from the docks. Aemond followed him in confusion until he caught sight of dark green wings unfurling. “Lucerys, wait.”

The boy did not but he turned his head, lifting an eyebrow. “She’s slow but she isn’t slower than a boat.”

Aemond reached out for his arm, holding him back. “Lucerys…I would never ask you to do that.”

Lucerys stubbornly wrenched his arm back, giving him a steady look. “It will be faster. I cannot be afraid of her forever and I cannot ignore her here like I could in the capital. And…it’s been years since I’ve flown.” 

“What happens when you cannot take it and we’re flying over the sea?”

“Then you will just have to distract me.” Lucerys smiled brightly. “I know her harness is big enough for two. So, come on. We should not make the Queen wait.”

Sighing, Aemond took the boy’s outstretched hand and led him to Vhagar. The old dragon had rested enough since they had come back and this should be no problem for her. A large yellow eye tracked them as they approached. Aemond glanced down when he felt Lucerys’ hand grip his tighter. “We do not have to do this.”

When Lucerys let go of his hand he expected him to turn back to the docks, instead that hand went to Aemond’s upper back, pushing him in the direction of the hanging rope. “We are doing this.”

He could not exactly get away with tossing Lucerys over his shoulder and taking him to the docks, not here anyway. He climbed halfway up and glanced down, watching Lucerys’ tentative first steps onto the rope. Vhagar grumbled, but Aemond had a feeling it was more out of annoyance from Lucerys’ hesitation than anything. Aemond continued up to the saddle, turning to reach down for Lucerys as he climbed. 

The boy was only slightly shaking as he was guided onto Aemond’s lap. He took in deep breaths as Aemond held him from behind, nuzzling into his neck, hand stroking over his belly. “It’s still not too late, taoba.”

“I’m not a coward, uncle.” Lucerys settled himself against Aemond, hands unsure where to go if not to the handlebars. He would stubbornly see this though. 

Aemond chained them in and took the reins. “Then hold on.”

Lucerys scrambled to grip the strips of leather attached to the saddle. Once they were wrapped around his fists, Aemond called out, “Sōvēs!”

Vhagar’s lift off was more of a violent vault into the air after several thunderous steps forward. Aemond knew what to expect from many years with her, anticipating just when she would take off to the sky. First timers always had a tough experience, especially ones used to the fast but graceful rise of smaller dragons. Aemond wrapped an arm around Lucerys’ torso and secured him against his chest when it happened, hearing and feeling Lucerys’ sharp intake of breath. 

Wind rushed past them, they felt each momentous push of Vhagar lifting her weight and keeping it there, bodies following the push and pull movement. They were high above it all, above High Tide. In the distance behind them, the smoke of the Dragonmont darkened the clouds, it made going back look like a dead end. The only way was forward. 

Lucerys had let go of the leather straps in favor of clinging to Aemond’s arm, his eyes closed tight. The wind did not allow his scent to linger but Aemond knew from the bond alone how much that had been for him. 

“Open your eyes, Lucerys.”

It took a moment of apprehension before Lucerys peeked through one eye. Then he opened both eyes, tilting his head back to look up at Aemond. “That was absolutely horrifying!”

“I told you so.”

Lucerys leaned back, secured by the wind and his arm. “It was not that. I’m not afraid.” He said that as if he was not trying to embed his nails through layers of leather. “It’s been a long time since I was in the air. I forgot…how that felt. It’s different riding a dragon you are not bonded to.”

“I’m sure you were not expecting to fly again on Vhagar.”

“No,” Lucerys said immediately. “Is it always that rough?”

“You get used to it.”

“Gods.” Lucerys stared off at the clouds, growing quiet after that. 

By the time they arrived at the capital, the sun was high in the sky and baking the red brick. No matter the changes made or who sat the Iron Throne, the silence between them was not for a lack of knowing what to say. Every inch of this castle came equipped with a memory, from their years spent together and beyond. 

The yard he trained in until he made sure he no longer lost a fight. The hall he overheard his mother and Ser Criston discussing his half-sister, the knight's shame and regret of which he blamed the young princess for. The solar he found Aegon forcing himself onto a maid. Turning right led to the hall of tapestries, left to the dining hall, but they walked straight to the throne room. 

The stain of Aegon had been long since wiped clean. If not for the darkened steel at the foot of the stairs it would be as if it never happened. 

It was surprisingly less guarded than Aemond expected. Neither Daemon nor Jacaerys were present while the Queen sat the throne, though he supposed his nephew was still on his tour. Only her Queensguard were present, standing before the dais and between the columns depicting previous kings. 

There was no tender meeting of hugs when Lucerys and Aemond stood before the throne. Lucerys bowed and Aemond begrudgingly followed suit, though he remained outwardly neutral. Lucerys lifted his head with one of the sweetest smiles, smelling of dragon and hints of milky lavender. “Good day to you, muña.”

Rhaenyra smiled softly for him. “Good day to you, ñuhys qēlos.” The Queen’s smile noticeably shifted as did her eyes, landing on Aemond with frosty neutrality. “You’ve returned in one piece. We all rejoiced to hear the news.”

The fact that his sister still chose to be insufferable was almost enough for him to snap back with his own backhanded comment, but he bit his tongue. “I’m glad to hear it, sister. You look well.”

His forced flattery only made Rhaenyra huff quietly to herself, eyes shining with mutual irritation. “I called you here after your exile for the purpose of making you remember my words. Your mother and siblings have followed suit remarkably well. If your return stirs any unrest, know exactly who I will demand answers from.”

“You could not fit that in a letter?”

“Aemond!” Lucerys glared at him. 

“My apologies, your grace.” Aemond forced himself to remain as amiable as he possibly could. “But I assure you, now that I’m with my family, I am quite content.”

“We’ve come with news,” Lucerys began before any further spat could unravel. “If it pleases you to hear it.”

The Queen nodded for him to continue, the storm brewing in her eyes clearing whenever she looked at her son. 

“We wanted to tell you personally,” his mate smiled up at his mother, the amount of hope almost devastating to see. “But we plan to marry out of love. We’re holding a celebration on Driftmark in two moons. I would love it if you could attend.”

The boy had spoken all while Rhaenyra’s face dissolved into that withdrawn expression again, the edge to her eyes showing how much the news did not thrill her. “Of course I will be there. I will let your siblings know. I’m sure this affair will not interfere with your brother’s tour.” 

That was all. Not a word of congratulations even for Lucerys. Aemond watched as Lucerys remained smiling though it was strained around the edges and his eyes lost all of that naïve hope they held before. 

Aemond stared up at his half-sister, barely holding back his disdain of her. She could not even pretend to be happy for her son. Her star. And here she was letting him dim before her very eyes. 

“Is there anything else?” Rhaenyra asked her son, nodding when he shook his head in silence. “Then I would like to speak with my half-brother alone.”

The prince’s crushing look was smothered down as he bowed his head. The quick glance he gave Aemond as he turned was a warning as well as a look of understanding. The words he said that morning rang true as Lucerys left the hall and Rhaenyra voiced her true feelings for him alone. 

“I knew one day I would grow to hate you. I tried to be close with you, Aemond. I’m glad that never happened.” 

He knew what time she meant and scoffed. “You constantly mocked me for being more Hightower than not. Offering me cake when I was six when you looked down at me like I was beneath you does not constitute as trying.”

“Because you are beneath me.” From where she sat as crowned Queen of the Seven Kingdoms that was more than true. “I was right to dislike you. In the end, you took my son from me.”

She would hold onto that until her last breath just as he would rather die than let anyone have Lucerys but him. "You tried to keep him from me for years and yet he still fell into my hands." 

"He never should have." 

It did not matter what she thought. Lucerys had always been his; birth mother or not she never would have kept him for long. “None of this would have ever happened if you had just given him to me, Rhaenyra. None of it.” 

His sister laughed with zero mirth within. “I would have never done that and we both know that. We are going in circles. I would rather Vhagar tear you to pieces than hand my son to you.”

“Then your hands are bloody just as mine are.”

Rhaenyra stood in her anger as if she would descend and cut through him herself but it was her voice that carried all the fury. “Never compare yourself to me, Aemond. Every second that I have to breathe the same air as you makes my skin crawl. To think that my son could have you near him…I hate that you’ve ruined him to the point that he actually thinks he loves you. You disgust me. You will always disgust me.”

Aemond hid his reaction but not well enough, eyebrow and jaw twitching as he tried to mask his anger. His half-sister’s lips twitched into a cruel grin. “Did that hurt your feelings? Good. You deserve nothing less. Now go. You’re keeping my son waiting.”

Aemond did not need to be told twice. Anything to get out of that room. He never wanted to kill his sister more in his life. He knew Lucerys felt that hostility, his hazel eyes round in alarm when Aemond burst through the doors. “We’re leaving.”

“What happened?” Lucerys had to speed walk to keep up with him, reaching out to grasp his sleeve. “What did my mother say?”

“Aōha muña orvorta iksis!” Aemond seethed. 

Lucerys gasped, momentarily stopping before running to catch up. “Take that back!”

They were outside the castle and Aemond was much too irritated to wait for a slow carriage to take them to the gate. There was an already saddled horse being groomed and he pushed the stableboy aside and glared at Lucerys as he mounted it. “Get on. Or stay here. Your choice.”

“That’s my horse!” A knight from the gate called out and when Aemond turned his head, they watched his face turn pale under his helm. “Then retrieve it from the fucking Mud Gate or come down here and do something about it!”

Then he turned back to Lucerys, the choice still in the air. Lucerys glanced away, at the red faced stableboy slowly getting to his feet, then after a heavy breath he took Aemond’s hand that was offered and was hoisted up. Immediately Aemond took them out of there. 

“Why would you call my mother a cunt?” Lucerys sounded scandalized. “That’s my mother!” 

“Because she is one, Lucerys.”

The boy did not speak to him until they were approaching Vhagar, the dragon roaring loud enough it made the men guarding the gates groan as their helms rang. Aemond dismounted and held Lucerys' waist as he slid off the saddle. Lucerys dark eyes burned with malice as they walked the way to his dragon. 

“What did she say to make you so angry?”

“Why does it matter?” Aemond started up Vhagar’s ladder, halfway up realizing Lucerys had not followed. “Do I need to drag you up here or are you coming?” 

Lucerys crossed his arms, his face pinched and feet firmly planted in the mud. “I’m not getting on there when you’re angry like this.”

Of course he would be fated with an endlessly mouthy omega. He refrained from thinking just like his mother and sighed, hanging his head. “She cannot hurt you if you are on my lap, taoba.”

“I never said I was worried about Vhagar.”

Aemond closed his eye before climbing down. Lucerys straightened up when he faced him and crossed the distance between them. “Why are you playing these games now of all times?”

“You know what I want. Make this easy for yourself then.”

Lucerys’ eyes widened when Aemond held his face in both of his hands, keeping his head tilted back. Warm fingertips touched the backs of Aemond’s hands but nothing more. “You’re lovely fucking mother considers you ruined because of me. And that I disgust her, which is fine. But ruined? You? The most beautiful thing to happen to me is far from ruined. That is why I called her a cunt. Now can we leave this place or do you wish to relive all of our happy memories here?”

When Lucerys looked down, quietly voicing his acceptance, Aemond let him go. This time Lucerys climbed up after him, glum faced and mute the entire ride home. His outburst proved to be a long lasting distraction as Lucerys was not afraid during the flight, he leaned against Aemond’s chest and stared contemplatively at the clouds, but that was all he did. 

Back on High Tide, Lucerys beelined to a serving boy and requested hot water for a bath. His dark eyes drifted to Aemond, “it’s not just for me.”

In the privacy of their room, Lucerys was pulled back to him after he went around lighting candles. The boy did not look too happy about it, head tilted back to give him a dissatisfied look. “How long are you going to be angry with me?”

Lucerys seemed to ponder that before he definitively said, “until you stop calling my mother terrible things.”

Aemond scoffed from a mix of amused exasperation. “My sister would have to change many qualities of herself for that to happen.”

Lucerys smacked his chest. “I do not say things about your mother, even though I think she’s mostly horrible.”

At that Aemond stepped away, a wry smirk pulling his lips. “If I remember correctly, you once asked if I would kill my mother. It cannot go one way, Lucerys.”

“Fine, I’m sorry. But could you blame me? I was only thinking of us.” 

There was nothing his mate could have done during those years that Aemond would ever hold against him. Even this. Sighing, Aemond told him, “no, I do not blame you. As for my sister and I, we…will never be kind to each other.” 

That was an understatement. They hated each other and likely always would. She would stubbornly think of him as nothing more than the shit that clogged her city while he would continue to view her as nothing but a spiteful cunt. Exile had not changed that, the Queen softening at their daughter had not changed that. “I promise you, she’s saying worse things about me. Me calling her a cunt will not make her lose any sleep.”

Lucerys groaned as someone knocked on their door. They were silent as the tub was brought in, along with buckets of steaming water. Afterwards, Aemond turned to Lucerys, slightly too irritated to feel any vulnerability in his question. “Are you going to bathe with me, or do I disgust you as well?”

“Shut up,” Lucerys tugged at the buckle to his cloak, but in his mood he was not getting far. “I never once said you disgusted me. Do not put words in my mouth.”

Aemond pushed his nephew’s hands away and Lucerys’ arms fell to his sides. Obediently, he allowed Aemond to undress him, removing his cloak and then his necklace, his doublet was next. He used Aemond’s shoulder for support when Aemond worked on his boots, tugging his trousers down. His clothes might have smelled like dragon but his skin had the muted sea salt and lavender scent clinging to him still. Aemond inhaled deeply before he stood, the naked boy in front of him pouting as he returned the favor. 

How could he hold any annoyance with Lucerys when he was like this? Even when he was upset the boy was entirely too charming. Lucerys was not unaware of his thoughts, brow furrowing even more as his cheeks began to flush. That only made it worse, or better, that he didn’t pull away when Aemond caressed his soft cheek, only gave him an admonishing look while peeling back Aemond’s jacket, forcing him to let go. 

Once they were both bare they sank into the tub together, reminiscent of their flight Lucerys sat between Aemond’s legs and laid against his chest. He hummed softly as Aemond lathered soap against his body, relaxing fully. “Still mad at you,” the boy mumbled.

Kissing his wet shoulder, Aemond continued to soap up his slender body, along his arms, his soft chest and warm belly. He could be as angry as he liked, it did not change the fact that he responded to Aemond’s touches all the same. Wriggling like Aemond wouldn’t notice, his breathing and scent growing heavy. 

Lucerys sighed in frustration before leaning forward and lifting his hips, reaching behind him to grasp Aemond’s half-hard cock. It didn’t take many strokes for him to grow in Lucerys’ hand and then the boy was lowering himself on it with a shaky exhale. 

Aemond grunted when Lucerys was seated in his lap once more, velvet walls contracting around him at the sudden intrusion. His hands went to Lucerys’ hips under the water, holding him tight as the boy gradually lifted and dropped his weight. “Still upset?”

“Y-yes.” Lucerys clenched around him, betraying his words and Aemond smirked. 

He thrusted up into him, water splashed over the edge and Lucerys gripped the sides of the tub with a gasp. “That’s fine, be upset. Doesn’t change the fact that you’re mine.”

Lucerys’ head hung forward, rocking his hips back into his thrusts. Aemond could not fathom how after everything, he could get this view all to himself. His mate was stunning, hair spilling down his back and over his shoulders, curling wet at the ends, water dripping down his flushed skin, his soft hips in Aemond’s harsh grip. He loved fucking him from behind, watching his plump ass bounce as he pounded into his cunt. Lucerys’ moans were heaven sent, whimpering like he would cry if Aemond dared to stop, gasping hotly in the air when he plunged in deep. 

“If I hadn’t already, I would knot you until you were sure to be bred. I want to keep you full, taoba, always.”

Lucerys easily folded from that, convulsing around him, making the sweetest cries as he fucked himself on Aemond harder. He smirked. He had known since the boy’s heat that the little omega loved the idea of being stuffed full, cunt drenched in slick and seed, womb heavy from receiving his knots. They were perfect for each other. It had been so hard not to do too much to him then, but now Aemond did not resist. 

“Aemond, please,” Lucerys gasped, grinding down to feel his husband as deep as he could. Aemond groaned, fucking into him like that, holding his hips down as his knot filled. “Yes, yes,” Lucerys’ back arched, his grip on the tub tightening just as his cunt spasmed around his cock. 

He filled the boy’s womb, groaning into his shoulder as they were locked together like that. Lucerys shuddered and sagged against him, panting between satisfied moans. He pressed his nose against Aemond’s jaw, starting to purr softly. Either he had forgotten his anger or Aemond fucked it right out of him, because he was all smiles now. 

“Are we…considered clean?” Lucerys wondered with a lopsided grin. 

Aemond snorted. “Clean enough.”

Eventually, Lucerys had to get off of him, grimacing as he stood from the water. His thighs were messy and after Aemond stood and wiped him down with a wet rag he quickly got out. 

Aemond laughed softly, following suit.

Lucerys dressed in a royal blue cashmere robe, tying it before lifting his long thick hair from under. He toed on his sandals and headed to the door. 

Aemond watched in confusion. "Where are you going?" 

Lucerys smiled at him over his shoulder. "I'm bringing Aemma in. Or am I not allowed?"

"Of course not.” Aemond relaxed. “How dare you see our child."

His mate snorted before leaving. Aemond dressed as well and fixed the bed, laying a pillow between his and Lucerys'. He glanced up at the sound of the door opening. The sight of Lucerys holding their child always made him pause for a moment, taking in how delicate they looked. How utterly perfect they were together. 

His little girl was already looking sleepy when Lucerys laid her down and joined her, cuddling in close. There was nothing that could match the affection in Lucerys’ eyes as he stared at Aemma. Aemond sat on the edge, just watching, waiting to ask what had been bothering him since their meeting with the Queen. 

Lucerys didn’t have to look up, his tone willing yet weary. “What is it now?”

“Why did you not tell your mother about the baby?” 

It showed that he had not been expecting that. Lucerys pursed his lips, still playing with Aemma’s hair. He sighed through his nose before saying, “she did not appear happy to hear of the wedding, why would this change anything?” 

That had always been known to Aemond, but hearing it in Lucerys’ words still saddened him. He wished for Lucerys’ sake that one day he could be around Rhaenyra without experiencing nothing but vitriol for her. 

Lucerys tilted his head back so that he could look at Aemond, pouring over his face with an indecipherable look before he smiled gently. “They will all see for themselves soon enough.” 

Aemond relaxed alongside them both, arm draped over them with his hand curling at Lucerys’ lower back. “I cannot wait to see.” 

He watched how that made Lucerys’ smile warm up, his gorgeous eyes twinkling. “Me too, I missed you the entire time. I knew you would have been so happy.” 

Aemond kissed his forehead lightly, humming softly before pulling back. “We will make up for that.” 

༺◦༻

The morning of their wedding was warm and hazy. Aemond woke to Lucerys scenting him, layering happy nuzzles and kisses along his skin, and they did not dare part until the time demanded it. 

Lucerys’ handmaids took him away to decorate him while Aemond dressed alone. The ceremonial robe smelled of smoke and ash, brimstone ever present. They had arrived from Dragonstone and carried the scent with it. The textured cloth of the sleeves, shoulders, and skirt were washed in crimson, reminiscent of bloody water streaking the sea. It suited them more than their ancestors had to have known, or maybe they always had. Their blood ran wild and they seemed to love just the same. 

His fingers ran along the beaded belt as he tied it, at the many little nicks and curves. His eyepatch was left next to the bedside, he did not wear it as often as he had before.

When he found Lucerys at the steps leading to the waves crashing along the shore he was standing with his brothers, laughing at something Joffrey had said. The sun was bouncing off his long dark hair and the headpiece he wore, illuminating him in golden light. Three braids laid over his hair, meeting into one that ended down his back and rubies had been interwoven throughout. He stood wearing a matching robe, belted the same, yet there was no denying the slight bump to his belly was not a part of the dress. 

The terrace was speckled with their family, more lingering around the beach, where the fire waited. Yet on that day Aemond did not care to pay them much thought. There was one person who demanded his sole attention and they were patiently waiting for him. 

They walked to the beach together. There was no need for one to meet the other at an altar, they would be making this journey together. Lucerys held his hand and walked in step with him. Following were trails of guests, walking a ways behind until they formed a crescent around them.

It did not matter who was there. It was only the two of them when Aemond held the heated dragonglass to Lucerys’ bottom lip. His lips parted with the blade, the easy glide against his skin breaking away with blood. Aemond brushed his thumb against Lucerys’ lip lovingly, gentle as he marked the boy's forehead. Lucerys’ hand lingered when he passed the blade to him, leaving fire along his skin. 

There was only Lucerys as he cut him, how he was so divine even when drawing blood. His hazel eyes gleamed as he stroked Aemond’s bottom lip with care, bringing his hand up to lightly mark him as well. The sign of their binding in flesh, freshly adorned onto their skin. 

Lucerys did not flinch as he pressed the blade into his own palm, slashing down through a pale scar. Blood rushed to the surface as Aemond was passed the blade, wet with their blood. He drew a line into his palm and together they met blood for blood. 

Their hands were bound once more. This time Lucerys’ hand did not shake, he firmly held Aemond’s as their blood joined into the wine below. His eyes held Aemond where he stood and there were no doubts in Aemond’s heart that Lucerys loved him. That he was loved. 

The cup was brought to Lucerys’ lips and his eyes closed as he drank, as if to savor the taste. When he passed it to Aemond, his lips were stained red, curving with a smile. Aemond drank, tasting the wine first but then it hit him. The taste of iron under sweet layers of black fruit and spice, of them condensed into one sharp taste. 

He took Lucerys’ face in his hands, admiring him not for the first time and not even close to the last. He was not alone in that, Lucerys held his face in return, fingers brushing against his skin, down the curved edge of his scar, sweetly laying out his endearment in light touches. 

He could not hear heavy rain or the crack of lightning when he looked down into the boy’s hazel eyes. He could only hear the waves breaking along the beach, the chiming of Lucerys’ delighted laughter whenever he spoke with his brothers, his vision full with the wide curve of his grin. Aemond was far too taken by the dimples in the boy's cheeks, or the love in his eyes, to even think of his crumpled form in his arms. 

And when Lucerys stepped deeper into his embrace, he was warm and solid and wholly alive, the roundness of his belly the promise of so much more. When he looked up at Aemond and smiled slow and tender and just for him - there no longer was a churning sea between them, there wasn't even air. It was only heat, cloves and sea salt, the faintest hint of vanilla. 

Lucerys leaned into the hands that cupped his face, eyelashes fluttering as he sighed his name. Aemond kissed him as gently as he could before deepening it, because even if Lucerys wasn’t delicate, Aemond wanted to care for him like he was. He wanted to show Lucerys that he would continue to treasure him as he always wished he could, dedicated to him like it was his sole purpose in life. 

It was only then that the words they had never spoken at their first wedding ever felt true. 

I am his and he is mine. 

From this day until his last.