𝕖𝕡𝕚𝕤𝕠𝕕𝕖 𝟠
{The Lord Of The Tides}

128 A.C

IT HAS BEEN 8 years since the incident on Dritfmark, after what happened there a lot has changed in Aestra's life, but one thing remain the same, Alicent's attitude towars her. When Aemond told her that she is just like Rhaenyra's boys she didn't want to believe it at first but she must so the girl tried to talk the Queen out of it but she always had the same answer "I have other things to handle right now, Aestra. Don't just come with stupidities at me."
So after a while the Targaryen girl let away the chance to find out from her mother and began to search alone. She always waited for the Queen to leave her room and entered to look for something a clue that Alicent wasn't her real mother but she never found anything that could tell her about another family or a mother or father.

One day when she emerged from the Queen chambers she bumped just in someone she wished didn't exist, Aemond.
"Idaña , issi ao jurnegēre rȳ se dāria tistālion?" (Twin sister, are you looking through the queen's dorm) asked Aemond leaning on the wall next to the door of his mother's chambers and watched Aestra as she closed it up slowly before she got scared by him.    
"Lekia, gōntan daor muña bodmagho konir sagon daor sȳz naejot sȳngagon iā ābra?" (Brother, did not mother teach you that is not appropriate to scare a woman?) talked the girl while she was closing the door handle not taking a single look at her brother.
" Kessa yn nyke gīmigon issa daor sȳz naejot jurnegon isse ra bona issi daor ñuhon." (Yes but I know it is not good to look in things that are not mine) said Aemond as he stared at his sister who was turning her gaze to him.
"Sȳz syt ao." (Good for you) said  Aestra as she walked past her twin brother like nothing happened.
"Kesan ivestragon zirȳla." (I will tell her.) spoke Aemond as his sister passed by him not daring to look at the men. Aestra stopped a few feet away from the one-eyed prince and stood stoned in her not looking back at him or saying anything. If Alicent will find out that she had searched for her real family she will never be let to go out even in the gardens.
"Kesi ūndegon skoros issa jāre naejot ivestragon." (We'll see what she is going to say.) uttered the girl before continuing walking down the corridor and to her dorm.

It did not take long enough for Aestra to be called by the Queen for very urgent business. The next day in the morning, the Targaryen girl must've been in front of the Queen's chambers.
"Princess Aestra Targaryen is here, your grace." said Criston Cole from outside Alicent's dorm just as Aestra watched the knight with the corner of her eyes. She despised him and all who were loyal to Alicent and Otto Hightower because they were meretricious people who only wanted power but the cost of it did not matter.
"Let her come in." uthered Alicent with a loud voice from inside the room before the doors opened large and let the princess entered.
"You wanted to see me, your grace?" asked Aestra as she made a bow after the entry closed behind her leaving the two women to discuss.
"Yes, dear. I apologise for disturbing you but I am sure you were doing anything important... except taking a look through my room, or am I not right?" quothed Alicent as she turned her gaze to the girl and walked closer to her with her hands crossed and the look of anger could be read easily on her face.
"Aren't you going to say something, a motive or an excuse?" continued the Queen still with crossed arms and raising her voice.
"I do not have one,your grace." spoke Aestra firmly looking straight at the woman in front of her.
"Fine, I won't argue with you now, we'll take about it later. I asked for you not just for this but for a demand I want you to do." said Alicent turning around with her back on the princess near the table which had only green coverlet and cups. Aestra was really confused, scared and eager in the same time to find out what was so meaningful for the Queen to ask her about.
"As you can see Healena is already married and a mother of two children and she is 17." started Alicent tidying her green long dress with her palms.
The girl hoped that this conversation wasn't going where she was thinking.
"So in conclusion I want you to marry Aemond and bare his children. You've come of age, you are Targaryens and need to strenghten the family." said Alicent in disgust clearly not happy about the decision she made but it was Viserys wish so she must obey. Aestra stoned in her place not knowing what to say, by all means she will not accept it even if she was dead in her grave.
"You are not supposed to say anything, you must accept, it is your father's wish-" started Alicent again turning her gaze to the girl who spoke up "Which one of them?"
"Pardon me?!" exclaimed Alicent putting a hand on her chest in shock.
"I know he is not my father and I know you know it too so please tell who is my real one." begged Aestra wishing to know more about her family and not caring about marriage.
"Again with this stupidities. You are talking nonsense and interrupted me which is disrespectful coming from a princess." shouted Alicent at her daughter before she put her hand on the forhead and took a deep breath.
"You are free to go, princess. Thank tou for your time." said Alicent from the window where she stood still and upset about Aestra's behaviour.
"Your grace." bowed Aestra before she emerged of the dorm and rushed to outside with anger flowing through her veins.

———————-

Aestra ran through the corridors until she reached the outside door, she opened it and rushed angrily in the yard where Ser Criston Cole trained Aemond in sword fighting.
"Give me that." said Aestra as she took the sword from Cole's hands while he was fighting and started to fight with her brother.
"Idaña, you want to be beaten up by me?" asked Aemond smirking but before he could continue Aestra made her first move and hit her sword into his, the two swords clinked as the prince and princess began the fight.
"You mean I beat you, lekia." said Aestra and fury could be heard in her voice.
"I recall the meeting with mother did not go well." said Aemond defending himself from Aestra's strikes, she was striking really good there was no doubt.
"Not talking, fighting!" shouted Aestra before slashing her sword in the prince's. They had they're swords interbreeded, Aestra tried her best to oppose him, but he had to much power and training. Aestra pulled out from bundle and hold her sword down breathing heavily and looking at her brother who seemed a little tired too but glad he won the fight.
"Nephews, you've come to train?" asked Aemond looking behind Aestra with a serious look on his face.
Nephews...
Aestra turned her gaze to see the two people she missed most in this world, Rhaenyra's sons Jace and Luke, both scared by Aemond but forming a smile on their faces when Aestra saw them.
"Guys. I missed you." said Aestra running at them with opened arms and giving them a big hug.
"Us too, especially Jace..." said Luke whispering the last two words just as Jace gave him a punch in the crest.
Aestra smiled at them but confused at the fact they were in King's Landing.
"Wait a little, how are you here?" asked Aestra as she walked with them to put her sword back in her place.
"For Luke." said Jace looking at his brother. "His claim to Driftmark is put on spike."
"Why so?" asked Aestra shocked at the fact that the sweet Luke had problems in his claim.
"It would help me if I looked more like Ser Laenor than Ser Harwin." whispered Luke at Aestra for no one except Jace to hear it again.
"This is stupid. This does not matter. You are Lucerys Velaryon, the next Lord Of the Tides and nobody can tell me otherwise." spoke firmly Aestra as she smiled at the boy and tangled his dark hair as he laughed.
Jace watched as the two were having fun, he looked at her, she changed a bit, but her attitude and heart remain the same but she became more beautiful and majestic, her ocean blue eyes gave a sense of freedom and the silver locks portrait her as an angel, a pure angel.
Suddenly Luke beat him on the shoulder waking him up from the trans that got him.
"What?" asked Jace shocked why his brother was laughing so hard.
"Where is Es?" continued Jace searching for her.
"She said she must go with some business, but she waved at us and wanted to meet after my judge. And of course you did not see or hear any of this because you stared at her the whole time, you almost drooled. " explained Luke as he tapped his brother on the crest.
"No, I wasn't." protested Jace feeling offensed by the accusation that were said.
"Oh man, you are head over heels for her." laughed Luke with a happy face for his brother.
Aemond watched the whole scene from afar disgusted by it, how could Aestra be friends with them, those bastards, he hated them and he hated her for loving them just as he hated himself for loving her.

—————-

After she took a silk blue dress and put two silver curls in a ponytail, Aestra descended down the steps to the Throne Hall where Luke's trial will be hold. She didn't understand why there has to be one, after all Corlys Velaryon himself decided that the second son of Rhaenyra and Laenor will inherit Driftmark which is Luke and the first will be heir to the Iron Throne which is Jace.
Jace, he changed, he got taller and more handsome, his dark brown hair was still the same but longer, his browny eyes meant happiness but worries at the same time, maybe because of Luke's judgemant of today.
As she took the curve to the hall she met a silver haired woman but when the woman turned around Aestra could recognize the same gaze from when she was a child, Rhaenyra, her closest thing to a mother.
"Princess." bowed Aestra in front of the brown-eyes woman.
"Oh lovely Aestra, how much you've grown." said Rhaenyra before hugging her "sister" tightly and comforting the girl.
"Thank you, your grace." smiled Aestra after they pulled out from the hug.
"There is no need to call me that, dear. I am Rhaenyra to you." spoke the princess taking Aestra's hands holding and kissing them giving the girl a sense of peace and love in the same time.
"I understand. I heard why you are here, I have just met Jace and Luke in the yard where I was training with Aemond." explained Aestra feeling concerned about Rhaenyra and Luke's problem.
"Yes. I am afraid others still don't accept that Luke is the rightfull heir to Driftmark. I hopefully want for everything to be settled just right and how the Gods wish." explained Rhaenyra changing her face in fear and sadness for the trail that was going to come.
"It will. Those "others" can go in the Seven Hells for their wicked words." snapped angrily Aestra for how people were acting towards the decision that was already made and authorized by thr king himself.
"You are speaking of rage, my dear. And I completely understand you." said Rhaenyra being deep in her thoughts.
"I should go now. To prepare the boys." continued the woman before putting her palm on Aestra's cheek and gave her a smile.
"Yes, Rhaenyra." waved Aestra at the woman that was already a fee feet away from her.
Aestra continued her way to the Throne Hall, as she entered she saw her siblings standing beside their mother wearing all green and Otto Hightower in front of the Iron Throne, the king was probably feeling worse that is why the hand took his place. Aestra sat near Haelena, behind her mother wishing nothing more than this trial to go well and Luke to have a safe claim.
"I saw you with our nephews, idaña." whispered Aemond in Aestra's ear furious about this.
"Jealous? Now that I am wed to you against my will, I cannot talk even with my friends?!" whispered back Aestra angrily about the situation he put her in.
"Friends?! It is clearly that the older one is in love with you, idaña." said Aemond this time much louder and made Alicent turn around and emphasized the two with a sush.
The people started coming and the hall was almost full, the last ones were Daemon and Rhaenyra with Jace and Luke that came in. The girl gave a smile to the boys before turning her attention to the Hightower Lord who started speaking: "Though it is the great hope of this court that Lord Corlys Velaryon survive his wounds, we gather here with the grim task of dealing with the succession of Dritfmark." said Otto Hightower staying before the great Iron Throne.
"As hand I speak with the king's voice on this and all other matters." continued Otto as Aestra watched him talking about this hillarious matter.
"The crown will now hear the petition."said Otto letting as Alicent glanced at Rhaenyra who was staying straight.
"Ser Vaemond of House Velaryon." after Otto spoke a man that looked like Corlys made a step forward as he watched Luke and Rhaenyra before stopping in front of the Iron Throne.
"My Queen. My Lord Hand." started Vaemond looking at Alicent and then at Otto Hightower.
"The history of our noble houses extends beyond the Seven Kingdoms to the days of Old Valyria." continued the Velaryon Lord with an haughty manner.
"For as long as House Targaryen has ruled  the skies, House Velaryon has ruled the seas." spoke Vaemond as Aestra looked at Rhaenyra concerned about her, the woman was deep in thoughts staring right before her.
"When the Doom fell on Valyria, our houses became last of their kind." continued the man as Aestra saw a girl with silver curly locks and dark skin stading beside princess Rhaenys, Aestra asked herself who was she.
"Our forbearers came to this new land, knowing that were they to fail, it would mean the end of their bloodlines and their name." Aestra listened as she caught a sight of Jace who was already looking at her.
"I have spent my entire life on Driftmark defending my brother's seat. I am Lord Corlys's closest kin, his own blood. The true unimpeachable blood of House Velaryon runs through my viens." said Vaemond looking at Otto who had a hidden smirk on his face.
"As it does in my sons, the offspring of Laenor Velaryon." said Rhaenyra not looking at the Lord still starring at the floor.
"If you cared so much about your house's blood, Ser Vaemond, you would not be so bond as to supplant its rightful heir. No you only speak for yourself and for your own ambition." said Rhaenyra turning her gaze to Ser Vaemond defending her son's claim, Aestra had a little smile looking at the woman she always admired.
"You will have chance to make your own petition, Princess Rhaenyra. Do Ser Vaemond the courtesy of allowing his to be heard." interrupted Alicent with her hands fold in front of her wrist, Aestra rolled her eyes disgusted by her mother silly words. After the Queen finished talking Ser Vaemond immediately turned at Rhaenyra who was looking away.
"What do you know of Velaryon blood, Princess?" asked ser Vaemond smirking.
"I could cut my viens and show it to you and you still wouldn't recognize it." said Ser Vaemond as Rhaenyra nodded anger running in her blood.
"This is about the future and survival of my house, not yours." said Vaemond before glancing in disgust at Lucerys who had a frightened look on his face.
"My Queen. My Lord Hand." turned again Vaemond to those people.
"This is a matter of blood, not ambition." said Ser Vaemond as Lucerys looked at Aestra and smiled to her as she smiled back then he caught Aemond's eye on him and changed his face.
"Aemond, stop scaring him." whispered Aestra at his twin brother giving him a punch.
"It is not polite for a princess to hit, idaña." whispered Aemond back looking at his sister and back at Rhaenyra's sons.
"It looks like your friend is jealous, idaña. " smirked Aemond at Jacaerys who was terribly bothered by the Targaryen boy talking to Aestra.
The ocean blue eyed girl turned in Jace's direction feeling his eyes on her and could hear her heart beating faster and faster with every moment they stared at each other, she broke the tension looking back at Ser Vaemond who was still talking.
"I place the continuation of the survival of my house and my line above all. I humble put myself before you as my brother's succesor... The Lord Of Driftmark and The Lord Of  The Tides."     finished Ser Vaemond as Luke took a deep breath after he looked at his mother.
"Thank you, Ser Vaemond." said Otto Hightower sitting on the Iron Throne as Alicent had a serious and tired look on her face.
"Princess Rhaenyra, you may now speak for your son Lucerys Velaryon." said Otto Hightower letting Rhaenyra talk her chance.
"If I am too Grace this fast with some answer I will start by remiding the court that nearly 20 years ago in this..." started Rhaenyra but seddenly the throne room's doors opened letting in the king, Viserys Targaryen walking slowly supporting by a stick.
"King Viserys of House Targaryen. The First of his name. King of the Andals and Rhoynars and the first men. Lord Of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm." the knight titled Viserys as he entered the throne room and Otto raise from the throne in shock, Rhaenyra turned around to see her father and tears of joy could be seen in her eyes.
As Viserys made his way through the room everyone bowed showing respect to their king. Walking slowly he reached the throne and Otto wanted to help but Viserys didn't need it, he climbed the stairs but his ilness was too much and he was too tired,but his crown dropped on the floor, he supported himself on the stick and breath but his crown was lifted by Daemon who helped sat and put his crown back on Viserys head. The king sat on the throne and everybody turned towards him listening. Aestra was happy that the two brothers cared for one another, she always loved Daemon for his wild personality but kind heart.
"I must admit my confusion." said Viserys breathing heavily while saying these words.
"I do not understand the petition being heard over a settled succession. The only one present who might offer keener insight into Lord Corlys's wishes is the Princess Rhaenys." said Viserys while everyone turned their gaze to Rhaenys Targaryen, the queen who never was.
"Indeed, your grace." answered the woman lifting her head a bit. She glanced at Vaemond and at Rhaenyra then walked in front of the king.
"It was ever my husband's will that Driftmark passed through Sef Laenor to his true born son, Lucerys Velaryon." started the woman as Vaemond changed his face into rage.
"His mind never change, nor did my support of him." continued Rhaenys as Alicent stared at Rhaenyra who seemed a little in shock.
"As a matter of fact that Princess Rhaenyra has just informed me of her desire to marry her son's Jace and Luke to Lord Corlys's granddaughter's Baela and Rhaena. A proposal to which I heartly agree." finished Rhaenys as Aestra felt her heart stop choking back her tears, she saw that Baela was smiling at Jace, no she could not hate Baela, she didn't even know about her. But it bothered her, the blood in her viens was boiling of anger, fury over the fact that she loved him dearly, over the fact that she was wed to Aemond and over the fact that the whole word was against her. Now she couldn't have him, he could not be hers and she could not be his but little did Aestra knew that Jace felt the same but harder...
"Well the matter is settled again. I hearby reaffirm Prince Lucerys of House Velaryon as heir to Driftmark, the Driftwood throne and the next Lord of the Tides." finished Viserys as Otto and Alicent shared a disappointed look, Rhaenyra lighted her face and Luke was in shock of what was happening.
"See, it looks like you two were not meant to be, idaña." whispered Aemond at his sister smirking.
"Our sister likes a strong boy, brother?" asked Aegon whispering at his siblings laughing before looking at Jace who had a furious look on his face.
Aestra did not answered, she stood still like nobody could move her, she stared at the floor with her hand near her wrist shaking and her lower lip trembling, she a salty tear run down her delicate cheek, she did not care if someone saw her, the people were too busy to notice her cry.
"You break law and centuries of tradition to install your daughter's heir, but you dare tell me who deserves to inherit the name Velaryon. No... I will not allow it." talked Ser Vaemond as Daemon and Viserys shared an understandable look.
"Allow it. Do no forget yourself, Vaemond." commanded Viserys with anger in his voice.
"That is no true Velaryon!" shouted Sef Vaemond turning and pointing in the direction of Lucerys who had his breath on chokehold.
"And certainly no nephew of mine." continued Vaemond looking back at Viserys.
"Go to your chambers." whispered Rhaenyra at her children.
"You have said eneough." she said raising her voice.
"Lucerys is my true born grandson. Due to one than the Second Son of Driftmark." spoke Viserys defending Luke.
"You may run your house as you see fit, but you will not decide the future of mine!" shouted Ser Vaemond satying straight before the king.
"My house survived the Doom and a thousand tribulations besides and Gods be good I will not see it ended on the account of this..." spoke Ser Vaemond not wanting to finish his sentence knowing what would happen.
"Say it!" whispered Daemon wishing nothing more than to end this stupid trial looking at Vaemond, everyone in the room waited fearing of what is going to happen.
"Her children are bastards!" screamed Vaemond so the entire castel could hear the last word. Aestra lifted her chin sick of this word making a step forward but Aemond caught her arm.
"Do not try anything silly, idaña." whispered in her ear not letting go of her arm.
"Let go of me, lekia!" said Aestra straining from his bundle offensed by it.
"And she is a whore." finished Vaemond glad that he could dishonor Viserys's daughter. Jace wanting nothing more than to kill the man, it was read on his face.
"I... will have your tongue for that." said Viserys raising from the throne and taking out his dagger.
Before anyone could do something, Ser Vaemond's face was split in half by Daemon, his forehead collapsing on the ground. Everyone in the room hid their eyes and covered their ears, Aestra was in shock and chewed back over the hideous impact she had just witnessed.
"He can keep his tongue." said Daemon supporting himself on the sword looking at Lord Corly's brother half on the floor.
"Disarm him!" screamed the hand before all the kinghts pulled out their swords.
"No need." said Daemon cleaning his sword and going back to his place.
Viseys started screaming in pain, the Queen ran to him so did Rhaenyra commanding tha Maesters to come, the knights hepled Viserys go back to his dorm.
Aestra looked through the room and saw Jace coming at her, she did not want to talk to him certainly not at that moment, do she walked fast in the crowd of people until she was outside in the corridor, she heard her name being called and she knew it was Jace, but she did not care, all she wanted was to go to her dorm and think about what had happened...
She will never be allowed to be his, will she...?

Hi folks! I hoped you liked this new chapter! I did, it's cute to write Jace and Aestra's relationship. They are my babies🥹🫶🏻
Thank you for all the votes, comments and support you gave me! This makes me continue this story!
Love y'all❤️❤️❤️