Everyone stood around the feasting room, keeping to their groups. No one truly wanted to be there, but the king ordered that his whole family was to have dinner together.

"Maybe you should have a drink. It wouldn't hurt" Lyarra said to her brother. "Do you recall the last time grandmother caught us drinking? We were made clean the stables for three weeks" Rickon said.

"Yes but look around! Grandmother is not here!" she exclaimed chugging the drink back. "But she will find out. You know she will" Rickon said. Lyarra ignored him sneaking another chalice of wine, chugging it under the table so her mother and father would not see.

"Is that wine or water? I presume it's wine" Jacaerys joked walking towards the Stark siblings. Lyarra choked on her wine once she heard Jaces voice. "Are you alright?" he asked. She continued coughing trying to catch her breath, giving him a nod.

Rickon snickered under his breath seeing his sister flustered. "Can you believe we are being forced to eat with this people? Let alone pretend to like them" Jace muttered under his breath.

"I'm just trying to make sure the tall one stays away from Ned" Rickon whispered back. "My mother says the girl is kind. I'm hoping she's right."

"When can we eat?" Edwynn said stomping her feet. "When the king arrives. It's the rules" Serena said. "But i'm hungry now" she said. "Then why don't you crawl over and sneak some food" Ned said trying to hide his smirk. Edwynns face lit up as she ran towards the table.

"Hey!" i called out taking the girl into my arms knowing what she was about to do. She groaned in annoyance. "My, my, look how you've grown" Rhaenyra said ruffling up Edwynns hair.

Edwynn gave the princess a weak smile as she shyly turned away. She was quite reserved around people she did not know well. "I'm glad you all came today. We didn't know if you would."

"Of course we came. Are you sure you are all alright after everything?" i asked. "We're doing a lot better after that man is... Well, you know" she said giving me a sweet smile as she put a hand to her bloated stomach.

"Gods!" i exclaimed as i put my hand to my own stomach. "Gods" my father said less enthusiastically once he saw. "They have been married for years, Daemon. Why are you always so shocked to see she has children?" Nyra whispered.

"Because that is the father" he mumbled as Cregan stood beside me. I took a step away from him as i rolled my eyes. Nyra and my father both felt the tension as my father smiled. "I'm suddenly feeling better" he teased.

"And i'm suddenly feeling ill. My prince, you've grown a lot more wrinkles since the last time i saw you!" Cregan said with a cocky smile. "I am going to go find my cousin" i said interrupting the two before it could escalate.

I scanned the room until i saw Helaena sitting by herself, playing with her bugs. I sat beside her giving her a small smile. "Hello" i said softly. She slowly looked over her shoulder, her anxious look fading once she saw me.

"Aly... I am glad you are back" she said taking her hand in mine. "As am i... Hela, i need to speak to you about something" i said. She turned her chair to me as she waited for me to speak. "That letter you sent me. I need to know if you are in trouble. Is it Aegon? Or someone else? Or-"

"What letter?" she questioned. My smile faded. "The letter you sent me?... With our code word" i said. She gave me a confused look. "I didn't send you any letter" she said. "But it's your handwriting... It's our word. And i-"

I was interrupted as Helaena bent down to Neds hound. "What a kind beast" she said as the hound licked her face. "His names Ben" Ned said. "I must admit, i prefer smaller creatures. But he is spectacular" she said.

I sat up from my seat, giving it to Ned so he could speak about his hound with Helaena. I knew she wrote me the letter. No one else knew about our word. I did not know why she wrote me the letter nor why she was lying to me about it... But i would find out.

"Who's that?" Serena asked linking her arm with Lyarras. "Who's who?" Lyarra asked. "That man over there with the long hair" Serena said.

She looked around as her face dropped. The man had long blonde hair and an eyepatch around his eye. He was staring at the family with a devious smirk on his face. "That's fucking Aemond Targaryen" Lyarra mumbled through gritted teeth.

Serena looked away quickly as she heard her sisters words. "Do you see that bastard over there?" Rickon whispered to Ned. The boy looked around as his eyes landed on Aemond. Ned quickly gulped as he hung his head. "He's grown... A lot" Ned mumbled. "Yes... But he still looks like a cunt" Rickon said.

"Spool of green, spool of black, weaving dragons of flesh, weaving dragons of thread."

The words flooded Neds mind as he tried to shake it off. "Hey! Don't let him intimidate you" Rickon said. Ned stared back at the man, trying to hold his head high. It was only then Ned realised that Aemond was not staring at him... But at his sister, Serena.

He did not dare tell Rickon. He knew his brother would try and fight him then and there if he caught him staring at his twin.

Suddenly, the king was carried in on a chair as everyone rose to their feet at the table. I was sat beside Cregan and queen Alicent. Edwynn began to stab the table with her knife as her brother shushed her. She rolled her eyes as she slumped in her chair.

"How good it is to see you all tonight... Together" king Viserys said. We all sat down together as Alicent took her husbands hand. "Prayer before we begin?" she asked as Viserys nodded weakly.

I felt my breathing stop at her words. It was as if all the memories from the Sept had returned. I squeezed my hand into a fist as i closed my eyes. It was then i felt a soft hand lay itself upon my own.

I quickly looked up to see Cregan giving me an encouraging nod. "Ignore it" he whispered. Even though i was still angry with him, i could not ignore the love i had for him. It was as if he could read my mind, he knew what i was thinking.

He rubbed his thumb along my faded scar from my old Septa. Everyone around the table began to pray as my children looked confused. They only knew the old gods not the new.

"May the Mother smile down on this gathering with love. May the Smith mend the bonds that were broken for far too long. And to Vaemond Velaryon, may the gods give him rest."

I heard my father and Cregan chuckle at her words as i tried to hide my smile. "This is an occasion for celebration it seems. My grandsons, Jace and Luke, will marry their cousins, Baela and Rhaena. Further strengthening the bond between our houses... And their may be more betrothals soon enough" Viserys said.

Everyone looked around the room confused, but decided to ignore it. "A toast to the young princes, and their betrothed" he said. "Here, here!" my father exclaimed raising his cup to them. I gave my sisters a sweet smile as they blushed.

"Well done Jace, you'll finally be able to feel the touch of a woman" Aegon whispered to his cousin. Rickon looked down at the ground, trying to hide his smirk. He did not like the prince, but he had to admit, he made this situation quite hilarious.

"A toast aswell, for prince Lucerys, future lord of the tides" Viserys said. "Here, here!" i called out. "You'll be great" Rhaena said to him as he smiled.  Aegon chugged his wine and refilled it quickly as he turned back to Jace. "You do know how the act is done, i assume... At least in principle. Where to put your cock and all that" he said as Jace scowled.

Lyarra turned to the man giving him a daggering look. "Leave it be, cousin" Baela said. "You can play the gesture if you wish, but hold your tongue in front of, lady Baela" Lyarra snapped. Jace gave the girl a small smirk as Aegon laughed and continued drinking. We all shushed ourselves at Viserys used all his strength to stand.

"It both gladness my heart and fills me with sorrow, to see these faces around the table. Faces most dearest to me in the world. You've grown so distant from eachother with the years that have passed."

Viserys began to unclasp his golden mask as it showed what he was hiding. "Gods be good" Ned mumbled under his breath. Due to the kings sickness, half his face had crumbled along with his eye.

"My face is no longer a handsome one... If indeed it ever was. But tonight, i wish you to see me as i am. Not just a king, but your father, your brother, your husband, your uncle and your grandsire... Who no longer it seems, walk for much longer among you. Let us no longer hold ill feelings in our hearts. The crown can not stand strong if the house of the dragon remains divided. Set aside your grievances. If not for the sake of the crown, then for the sake of this poor old man. Who loves you all, so dearly."

Viserys sat back down in his seat as we all remained silent. Rhaenyra then grabbed her cup and stood to make a toast. "I wish to raise my cup to her grace, the queen. I love my father but i must admit no one has stood more loyally by his side than his good wife."

After years of strife between the two, to say the least everyone was shocked to hear Nyra speak these words. "She has had the most unfailing devotion, love and honour. And for that she has my gratitude... And my apology" she said.

Alicent gave the woman a longing look as she gulped. "Your graciousness moves me deeply, princess" Alicent said. "We are both mothers" she said then looking to me. "And we love our children."

"Perhaps we all have more in common than we sometimes allow."

Alicent rose to her feet as she grabbed her chalice. "I raise my cup to you, and to your house. You will make a fine queen. And you, lady Alysanne. You have developed into a strong, young woman. I am glad to know you... And i would be glad to be your aly."

Rhaenyra smiled to herself as i gave the woman a nod. "I would like to raise my glass too" i said standing to my feet. "To her grace the queen, to princess Rhaenyra ... And to princess Helaena" i began.

Helaenas head shot up once she heard her name. "I must admit, i was not the easiest maiden to deal with when i was young... But i had people to help me through that. Without the princess Rhaenyra, i believe i would have gone mad by now. She has been more of a mother to me than anyone else has... She has protected me, cared for me and showed me love when she did not need to. And i am proud to call you my step mother. And without the lady Alicent, i would not have wed my now husband... I would have been wed to... Someone else. And to the princess Helaena, who has been my constant reminder that i am not as cruel as i sometimes believe i am. So for that, you all have my appreciation... And my love."

Helaena chuckled happily to herself as queen Alicent gripped my hand. "Thank you" she mouthed. "I would also like to make a toast... If your graces allow it" Cregan said.

"I'd like to make a toast to my wife's sisters, Baela and Rhaena. I am glad they have secured a happy future with Jace and Luke Velaryon... Two arselings i am proud to know. I hope they will not irritate you both too much once you are wed.... But i'm pretty sure they will" he said squeezing Jaces shoulder playfully.

Everyone chuckled at Cregans toast as we began to eat. Aegon chugged another glass of wine as he stood over Lyarra. "I regret the disappointment you are soon to suffer... You know, becoming an old, unwed spinster and such. But, if you ever wish to know what it feels to be truly satisfied, all you have to do is ask" he whispered to her.

Everyone at the table flinched as Jace slammed his fists down on the table. "Jace?" Lyarra whispered to him. Jace opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. And before he even could, Aemond Targaryen rose to his feet, staring the Velaryon boy down.

Aegon grinned at the chaos as he sat back down in his seat. Everyone stared between the two boys as Jace gulped. He then forced a smile as he punched Aegons arm playfully. "To prince Aegon and prince Aemond" Jace said raising his cup.

"We have not seen each other in years but i have fond memories of our shared youth. And as men, i hope we may yet be friends and allies. To you and your families good health, uncles." Aemond held his tongue as Aegon sighed. "To you aswell" he mumbled as Aemond stayed quiet.

"Beware the beast beneath the boards" Ned mumbled to himself as he rubbed his hound who laid at his feet. "Beware the beast beneath the boards" another voice said. Ned slowly lifted his head to see Helaena playing with her bugs. "What did you just-"

Before Ned could speak, Helaena stood up from her seat. "I would like to toast to Baela and Rhaena" she began. "They'll be married soon... It isn't so bad, mostly he just ignores you... Except sometimes when he's drunk."

My smile faded as she spoke. Aegon shuffled uncomfortably in his seat as mine and Cregans eyes drifted to him. "I'll kill him" i muttered under my breath. "Not now... How about i have 'a word' with the prince after dinner" Cregan whispered to me.

"How about i have 'a word' with him right now" i said trying to storm over to him but Cregan made me stay put. "Wait" he said nodding over in Helaenas direction.

I slowly sat back down as i saw Rickon twiddle his thumbs anxiously. "Let us have some music" Viserys said as violins began to play. Rickon then took a deep breath in and out as he rose to his feet.

He tried to keep his head held high as he stood before Helaena. He put out his hand as Helaena looked beyond confused. "May i?" he asked. A smile tugged on her lips as she took his hand. As the two walked off to dance, Aegon stared at his sister-wife with anger.

Not because he cared about her, but because she was dancing with a Stark. He looked back at his brother, Aemond, who looked equally angry.

Edwynn began flinging food at her brothers and sisters from across the table but ducking every time they looked at her. Lyarra spent her time speaking with Jace and Baela whilst Ned spoke to Lucerys and Rhaena. Rhaena seemed very interested in Neds hound, Ben.

Cregan tried to make conversation with my father and Rhaenyra whilst my father sat their displeased. I began catching up with queen Alicent as her weak husband watched.

Then there was Serena.

She was sat their idly looking between her food and prince Aemond who sat beside her. She anxiously tugged at her necklace wondering what to do. She thought about the kings words. "The crown can not stand strong if the house of the dragon remains divided. Set aside your grievances."

"Make peace... Make peace... I can do that" she mumbled to herself. She quickly turned to the tall man as he rose an eyebrow to her. They both paused. "Dance!" she exclaimed. Aemond almost flinched she rose her voice. "What?" he questioned.

"Would you like to dance?" she asked meekly. Serena could have sworn she saw a smile tug at his lips. "I believe i'm supposed to ask you" he said. "Fine... Then ask me" she said. "What if i do not want to ask you?" he teased.

"Then i will dance with your brother... But i must admit... I would rather dance with you" she said. Aemond couldn't hide his smile any longer. He was the second son. Always over looked... But not by Serena. He sighed pretending to be upset... But he wasn't.

"May i have this dance?" he asked. She gave him a soft smile taking his hand. "Of course, your grace" she said. They both stood near Jacaerys and Helaena and danced bedside them. Rickon and Ned were... Displeased... To say the least.

"It's been an age since i've seen you, your grace" Serena said. "Well, you've been in the North, have you not?" he questioned. "I have. And have you been here?" she asked. "I'm always here. I never leave."

"Quite a dreadful place to live, is it not? The South i mean" she said. "It's... Dull. But at least i'm not freezing like you are in the North" he said. Serena chuckled as the man spun her around.

"I haven't seen him smile like that in an years" Alicent whispered to me. "Serena can have that affect on people" i said proudly. I wasn't too comfortable watching my sweet daughter dance with the man who put my son in a coma, but as the king said, we all needed to make peace.

I looked around at my family, seeing them all as one. I had never seen them so close... We were unified. I never thought i'd see the day. My children were happy, my father was happy, the king and queen were happy... Everyone was happy.

But as they say... Nothing good lasts forever.

King Viserys coughed as the guards carried him out of the room. It was then, dinner was served. "I see lemon cakes. Come" Serena said dragging Aemond by his hand. The two sat back down as Serena filled her plate with cakes.

Unfortunately, a large roasted pig was laid on Aemonds table. Lyarra looked up at the man, remembering what Jacaerys told her a few years ago. A prank the boys had played on the prince. They gave him a pig pretending it was a dragon.

Even though Lyarra did not have a dragon of her own, she thought the joke was quite amusing. Her eyes drifted to Lucerys as he looked to Aemond. Once he noticed the pig in his path, he couldn't help but chuckle. This then made Lyarra burst out in a fit of laughter.

Aemond stared down the Stark and Velaryon as the memories came flooding back to him. The embarrassment, the shame... The loss of his eye. He huffed and puffed until he finally cracked.

He slammed his fist on the table as he grabbed his chalice. "Final tribute" he impulsively called out as everyone hushed. "To the health of my nephews... Jace, Luke and Joffrey. Each of them handsome, wise..." He hesitated before he spoke looking to Serena, unaware of the tension.

"Strong."

"Aemond-" Alicent grumbled as she looked to Rhaenyra. "Come. let us drain our cups to these three..." Aegon proudly held his cup up as his brother continued "Strong boys".

"Here, here!" Serena and Edwynn exclaimed, unaware of the insult. "I dare you to say that again" Jace spat as clueless Helaena clapped. "Why? 'Twas only a compliment" Aemond said turning to him.

Lyarra quietly un-strapped the blade that was tied to her thigh, knowing something bad was about to happen. "Do you not think yourself Strong?" Aemond taunted. This finally caused Jace to snap as he stormed towards the prince.

Jace punched Aemond across his jaw as Rhaenyra ordered him to calm. Luke then rose to his feet, until Aegon slammed his face into the table. "Things are finally getting interesting" Cregan whispered to me as i gave him a deadly glare.

"Hey!" Lyarra shouted rushing towards Luke. She grabbed the dagger and held it to the man's throat. Aegon immediately let go of Lucerys, holding his hands up in surrender. Ned then launched at Aemond as the white haired boy pushed Jace to the ground.

Aemond then pushed Ned to the ground as Cregan and i finally stepped in. I ran towards Ned as Lyarra dropped her dagger to aid her twin. Neds hound Ben began to tug and Aemonds trousers trying to trip him up once he saw his owner on the ground. "Heal Ben" Ned weakly called out, not wanting him harmed.

The gaurds held Luke and Jace back before they could get back up. "Are you alright?" i asked as Ned gave me a weak nod.

"Your poor betrothed. Can't even handle a push" Aegon taunted as Baela tried to punch him, but Rhaena held her back in time. "Aemond!" Alicent exclaimed grabbing her sons arm. "Why would you say such a thing before all these people?"

"I was merely expressing how proud i am of my family, mother. Mm, though it seems my nephews aren't quite as proud of theirs!" Aemond exclaimed breaking away from his mothers grip.

Jace broke free from the guards, trying to launch himself at Aemond before Cregan stood in front of him. "Wait!" Cregan yelled holding his finger up to them. Rickon and the Velaryon boys held their tongue, listening to him.

Cregan sighed as he turned to Aemond. The prince tried to hold eye contact with the Stark, but was unsuccessful. "Mm" Aemond muttered before waking off. "Go to your chambers. All of you" Rhaenyra said sternly. "That goes for all of you too. Wait by the carriages. I'll be there soon" i said to my children.

Rickon grabbed Edwynns hand as they all walked to their chambers. Cregan chuckled to himself as Daemon tried to hide his smile. I sighed tiredly, gripping my stomach.

I glanced to Rhaenyra and Alicent who were holding eachothers hands as Ali held my eye. "I will see you soon, princess" she said as Nyra gave her a soft smile. I hung my head trying to avoid her eye. "Alysanne" Alicent said with an apologetic look. "I am so sorry for my families actions, your grace. I told Lyarra to leave that dagger at home and-"

"Please... Don't Aly. It was... My sons who taunted everyone. I'll speak with them after" she said. "It's best i think if we return to Winterfell" i said. Alicent scrunched up her nose as she took my hand in hers. "But you've only just arrived. The princess Rhaenyra said she will return soon on dragon back... Why don't you stay" she said.

I gulped slightly. "This babe could be here any day now... Im not sure if it's a good idea" i said. "I've had many children, Alysanne. I know you have your husband and you've had many children too. But perhaps i could teach you some things or the other way around. You could help Helaena with her young children."

I looked to the sweet princess who was speaking with her grandfather, Otto. I wanted to get to the bottom of why she sent that letter. Perhaps if i stayed, i could figure it out. "What do you think, husband?" i asked.

Cregan was caught of guard as i spoke. He presumed i was still angry with him... Which i was... Slightly. "You can do whatever you wish. I will escort the children home and return incase the babe comes" he said. I turned to queen Alicent giving her a sweet smile.

"Then i will stay, your grace" i said. She let out a soft, relived chuckle. "The king and i would both like that" she said. She grazed her thumb over the scar upon my hand as she stared it with regret. "Perhaps during your stay, we can also mend some bonds" she said. "And you can get an apology."

I nodded. "Just give me one moment" i said breaking away from her touch. I turned to Cregan who was hanging his head. "Do you wish for me to return after i bring the children home?... Or do you wish for me to stay there?" he asked meekly.

I laughed at his cautiousness. "I am no longer angry with you. But keep something from me again and we'll be having a different conversation" i teased. He let out a sigh of relief as he leaned his forehead against mine.

"I'll be back in two days. Try not to have this babe before i'm back" he said. I kissed him softly. "I don't know... Starks never seem to do what their told. Who knows? Maybe i could have him tonight" i said.

"Him?" Cregan questioned. "Yes. He's been much too fussy to be a girl. Kicking me, making me fat and extra hungry" i said. He laughed excitedly at my words. "Do you have any names yet?" he asked. "I had one... But i don't think you'd like it."

"Go on" he said unsure. "What about Daemon? We named Rickon after your father... I want to name our next son after mine " i asked. His smile faded. "Oh come on! Please!"

"Do you want our son to be a rebellious tyrant?" he questioned. I grabbed his hand, giving him a sad frown. He groaned in annoyance. "Fine" he muttered. I jumped up and embraced him tightly.  "Thank you" i mumbled into his shoulder.

"I better go. The children will grow tired soon" he said. I nodded in agreement. "Mother" i heard a voice call out. Cregan and i both turned to see Serena. "What is it, sweet girl?" i asked. "May i stay with you? I just... I wish to see more of the South" she said.

"I mean... Sure. But i will admit, the South is quite boring Serena. There isn't much to do here" i said. "I don't care. I believe i will like it" she said. "Then fine. Of course you can stay." Cregan kissed my head before kissing my stomach. "Hold out for two more days" he said as i laughed.

"Two more days."