Rhaenyra and Daemon - Behind closed doors HOTD fanfiction

Wreaths and stolen Kisses

Rhaenyra
After dinner and my interaction with Daemon, I had a hard time falling asleep. The bed felt uncomfortable and very lonely. I was caught off guard when Daemon started talking about marrying me. I had not in my wildest imagination thought that his feelings were that strong. But the more I replayed our conversations in my head the more I believed he actually loved me, at least in his way of love. Of course, we could never marry but it warmed my heart that he would want to. With those thoughts in my head, I finally fell asleep.

The next morning was a busy one. First I checked on my mother and she felt alright, tired of course as I guess all heavily pregnant women are. I shivered when I realized that could be me in a couple of years. Second I went to the kitchen to check on our wreaths and they looked good, resting in a water bath to stay fresh. Someone would bring them to the arena when it was time. Third, it was time to get dressed. I chose one of my more colorful and dramatic gowns, a red one with beautiful flower embroidery. Round my neck hung the necklace of Valyrian steel that Daemon gave me. It had quickly become my favorite.

I had some regrets from last night, I felt I was too harsh with him. What if he thought I didn't care anymore? What if he left after the tournament and I didn't get to see him again? See him I would, at the tourney, but I needed to talk to him. To feel him against me. I decided to make a plan. I told my father that I wanted to stay with my mother as long as possible and that I wanted my own carriage to the arena. He thought it was a good idea. I wasn't lying to him, I only didn't tell him everything.

Daemon
I slept like a baby that night, in my own bed. After my discussion with Rhaenyra I was a bit upset and to blow off some steam I went to one of the finer brothels in Flea bottom. Things didn't go well there and my male ego got bruises. But at least I slept well when I got home to the Red Keep. It was good my room is far away from Rhaenyras, otherwise, I might not have resisted going to her.

The next morning I ate my breakfast and made my squire check the armour one more time. Everything had to be perfect, jousting could be very dangerous, especially with bad equipment. In the meantime I did my warm-up routine, it seemed more important the older I got. My body had experienced its fair share of fighting during the years. I had been able to avoid serious injuries though and was thankful for that.

When I arrived at the arena a kitchen boy came running and delivered a note. I tossed a coin to the boy and opened the folded note. It was from Rhaenyra and my heart started bouncing as if it was my first battle.

Dear Dragon Knight,
I'm coming to see you,
need to talk.
Privately.
R.

She wanted to see me. A stupid grin spread on my face, but this was really bad timing. I had to focus on the competition. Now I had to prepare physically for the tournament and mentally for Rhaenyra. Or was it the other way around? I really couldn't tell.

When Rhaenyra showed up it was only minutes left before the tournament would start. I must admit it got me a bit stressed. But when she stepped down from her wagon it was worth it. She looked fantastic. Her beautiful red dress hugged her tiny body and around her neck was the Valyrian steel necklace I gave her. It felt like a statement from her, that she wore it in public like that. She wore her hair up, leaving her exquisite neck exposed, perfect for kissing.

We quickly went to a place under the arena where no one would see us.
"I wanted to see you." She said. "I had to talk to you. Yesterday was... I don't...", her voice soft and low.
"It's alright", I said. "I'm glad you're here but we don't have much time. I promise we will talk later."
She stood up on he toes and reached for my lips, just a soft peck. I felt like grabbing her but with the armour on it wouldn't be comfortable for either of us. Then the horn called all knights to the arena. I gave her an apologetic look and hurried off. I didn't want to be late and make my brother even angrier with me than he already was.
"Good luck", Rhaenyra shouted after me.
Now it was time to show the court who Daemon Targaryen is. A winner.

Rhaenyra
It was a bit strange, the way Daemon hurried away. Men and their games. But I could understand that he had to prepare. Many people got injured at tournaments, but never Daemon. He had a reputation to be ruthless and the other knights feared him since he had real battle experience. Peace didn't foster great champions, only war could do that.

I was late to the dais, everybody had taken their seats and father was holding his welcoming speech. I sneaked in and found my place next to Alicent. I had a good feeling about who would win today.