Rhaenyra and Daemon - Behind closed doors HOTD fanfiction

The Maelstrom of a Dragon

Rhaenyra
I was so glad when I saw Caraxes over Blackwater bay. Daemon was coming to our court. The last time we talked was years ago, and we hadn't only talked that time. I smiled at the memory that I had cherished through the years, Daemon making love to me under the oak tree. It was a girl's memory, I was a woman now and wouldn't be as susceptible to his charms, I was certain of that. Deep in my heart, I believed that I still love him, a deeper form of love instead of a girl's crush, but I had decided to set those feelings aside, for the good of the realm. But I also was very mad at him, for not writing me to let me know he was alright after the war at the Stepstones.

Like the rogue he was, in contrast to my noble and kind father, Daemon entered the throne room and walked towards the Iron throne and his King, full of confidence. I could sense a new determination in his entire being, this was a man with a mission, and as I held my breath, by The Seven, I hoped that mission was me.

He did look a bit ragged, as if all the fighting at the Stepstones had worn him down a bit. What had happened to his long hair? Now it was cut short, which made him look less like himself. But his eyes, they were the same, light purple and self-assured, full of mischief. He kneeled to my father, playing his part of the humble brother, knowing it was the surest way to get his Kings forgiveness. And of course, my father did forgive him, he even said Daemon had done the realm a service.

Later there was a reception in honor of the lost brother and I sought Daemon out, eager to speak with him and find out why he was here, sure that he had an agenda of some sort. We talked but I had the strangest feeling he was avoiding me. He did appreciate me wearing his necklace. He should only know I had worn it every day on my tedious tour of suitors.

Daemon
I stood in Rhaenyras' study and measured the knight in front of me with my eyes, Ser Criston Cole had been a thorn in my eye since he first showed up in Kings Landing and now I had the opportunity to dismiss him.
"I'm sure you are a competent man Ser Criston, but from now on I will teach the Princess everything she needs to know about politics and court life."
My brother had said he would grant me one wish, as thanks for cleaning up the mess at the Stepstones, and I had asked permission to teach Rhaenyra. Viserys wasn't happy with that but he was a man of his word.
"I didn't realize you're are accomplished in more areas than those of the warrior, my Prince. Or is it King these days? It's hard to keep up", Ser Criston said smugly.

Oh, how I wanted to use my dagger on him then and there, but I held my temper in check. I was aware my brother had put me on a shorter leash than he was letting on. Instead, I confronted the knight with my body, leaned over him, grabbed his breastplate, and hissed in his ear:
"I will forgive your disrespect this one time, Ser Criston, only because I don't want to upset the Princess. But you should know I have learned some new skills during my years in The Narrow sea."
Then I let go of him and he tumbled backward, the exact moment that Rhaenyra came in. She quickly accessed the scene and frowned almost undetectably at me before she turned to Ser Criston.
"My father... the King, has decided that Prince Daemon will take over my education until further notice." She looked steadily at Ser Criston who opened his mouth to protest but then resigned and bowed to Rhaenyra.
"Your command is law, Princess", then he turned and left the room.

Rhaenyra faced me, the wrinkle on her forehead much more distinct now. "What did you do to him, uncle?
Emphasizing the word uncle, her voice was filled with dissatisfaction, which took me by surprise. Didn't she get I had saved her from that boring knight?
"Not even half of the things I wanted to", I said and moved closer to her only to see her back away from me. That hurt. We hadn't seen each other for years and she backed away when we finally got some time alone.
"Has he touched you?" My voice filled with blackness and I could hardly look at her, scared of seeing the answer on her face.
"As if you'd care."
"Believe me, I care", I wondered where all this hostility came from.
"You have a funny way of showing it", she said, then she paused and said very firmly:
"What I do, or don't do is none of your business."