Undisclosed Desires

Chapter 45

Jarrett

When Aemond mentioned her love for her brothers being greater than her love for him, she met his eyes sadly with a soft sigh. "I need...time," she said softly. This was new to her, she was still trying to adjust to the fact that they were to be married, and that that their parents had intended to her to be filled with a child as soon as she could be – to fulfil her duty as a wife. Visenya felt her cheeks heat when he mentioned having at least one little one to run around, knowing that he had wanted for some time.

Alicent had often teased when they were young that Visenya had been a gift sent for Aemond. Helaena would often calm her brother in a sisterly way after the teasing, but it had been Visenya that would try and perk Aemond up, she had always been a nice break from the fighting and quarrelling between the boys. She had been too young for some time to understand the issues they had faced, but even as she grew, she had struggled to understand the hatred.

Once they were all together, Visenya could feel the unease Aemond pulled her closer, she was tucked nicely into Aemond's side. She felt a little relief when she heard Aemond tell her brother how well he had done, until she heard the veiled dig. "Aemond..." she murmured softly as she watched Jace's eyes widen in surprise. He was already tense seeing Aemond's arm around his sister, the fact that she was pressed against his body.

Jace regarded them with a dark stare. "I dare you to say that again!" Jace glared as he moved forwards, throwing his prize to the side, ready to fight with Aemond if he needed to, his nostrils flaring as he moved towards the white haired man, Luke moving at his side. Aegon of course moved closer to Aemond's elbow to signal he was there if he needed it.

"No, no, no..." Visenya sighed as she moved from Aemond's grip to stand between them. "Leave it alone Jace..." Visenya pleaded quietly, aware that their parents would be furious with them if this happened. "You know better," she warned Aemond with a sigh. She had a feeling this wouldn't be the last time she stood between her brothers and her husband.

"Move out of the way, sweet sister," Jace warned, growling when she refused to move. "He should not be allowed to touch you..." Jace ranted.

Visenya took a step back from her brother, she had a feeling she knew what may leave his mouth, wishing it wouldn't happen. Many a time Jace had pleaded with her mother to allow them to marry, to break her word and unite both of her children, like Helaena and Aegon had.

"Jace...Aemond is my betrothed...we are to be married imminently," she took a step back towards her uncles and cousin.

"So you're choosing them?" Jace's tone hurt, venomous as Luke frowned at her. Visenya could feel the hurt in her chest at the look they gave her as she felt torn between her husband and her brothers.

-----------

Harwin knew the rumours that plagued them were not easy, he had grown used to them until Daerys had come along, and then fresh rumors over the baby girl, that Harwin certainly could not have sired as it was a girl who bore no resemblance to him. They had always said that Harwin had a strong stamp on his children, with all of them bearing his likeness – however he was happy to pass off Daerys' likeness to her mother's, which was accurate – but he had studied his daughter in detail, aware that she was very similar to Daemon.

Harwin was happy with their games, it gave him a thrill, even after being married for many years – they had to be inventive wherever they could. Before they had welcomed their first son, there was many times on his watch he would have her in a compromising position – not that he didn't these days. Having to be quiet because of their daughter only added a new element of thrill to them. Some parents would hand their children off the wet nurses and nannies, but not Harwin and Rila – they were hands on, loving parents, wanting to guide them wherever they could. But Harwin was indeed wrapped around her finger – whilst he may have had his triste with Rhaenyra, but it was nothing compared to what they had.

"You would have never have been knocked from your mount, you are a talented rider and fighter," he praised his son as he watched him approach. "You had a fair form, a solid one," he smiled, pride welling in his eyes – he knew he could be a hard mentor, but he would always try his hardest to put his sons in the best position. His hand stroked Rila's back as they talked, trying to calm himself a little when Daemon spoke. Harwin frowned when his wife spoke, reasoning that Daemon could take the child. He cast his eyes over at his other children who were grouped together, looking for a fight with their uncles. He felt a pang of annoyance, he would usually ignore such things in favour of keeping the peace, but he was supposed to hand his daughter to her supposed father.

"Well, if her mother agrees, I cannot see what the issue would be, Lord Strong," Daemon queried, quirking an eyebrow as he held his arms out for the babe.

"Her father disagrees, my Prince," Harwin replied shortly, noticing Rhaenyra had began to make her way over to her husband.

"As her mother has said, Caraxes is a sweet boy, he will keep us safe, she babe is used to riding," Daemon fixed Harwin with a curious stare as he made a movement to step towards them to take Daerys.

"I said no." Harwin told him firmly, fixing him with a glare, cradling the babe closer to him.

Daemon growled, pausing when Rhaenyra grabbed him by the arm. "No. Not here." Rhaenyra warned him. "My apologies sister, Lord Strong, my husband clearly still has a rush from the tourney," Rhaenyra's tone was low, dangerous as she glared at Daemon, not looking at Harwin or Rila as she said it.

"I simply wish to take the babe out on dragon back, I don't see an issue with Lord Strong's objection. I am her uncle, I am a Prince, and she is m-"

"Daemon!" Rhaenyra snapped, aware her husband almost revealed his secret, causing him to quiet.

Harwin and Rhaenyra shared a sorry look, knowing this had begun with their indiscretions, and now they were squabbling over taking a babe on dragon back. "She is my daughter, Prince Daemon," Harwin told him with a finality that it was not up for discussion. "My daughter, with my wife," he said protectively as he tightened his grip on Rila.