Heir of the Dragon

Evening Tributes

Jessica stood in the mirror. She had chosen a black dress with crimson details, a ruby circlet woven in her hair. The only other jewelry she wore was the Valyrian Steel necklace Rhaenyra gifted her before their departure.

Jessica's handmaids were finishing the final details when Daemon entered her chambers.

"Leave us." Jessica ordered.
Her handmaids bowed and took their leave.

Once alone, Daemon walked over to Jessica, wrapping his arms around her waist, his chin rested on her shoulder. "This will be our last night here. We will probably leave before first light sets."

She laid her head on his chest. "I'm ready for home."

Daemon kissed the top of her head. His fingers circling the necklace. "It's a shame you're already laced up."

Jessica smirked. "That hasn't stopped you before. Remember Joffrey's last name day? I loved that dress dearly."

Daemon chuckled finding her lips.

Jessica would relish in that moment, the last quiet peace.

Jessica sighed, pulling away. "We should probably be on our way. Neither of us wants to intentionally upset father."

"Mm." Daemon pressed his forehead to hers, bringing her close to him once again. "We don't need to be in that big of a rush, My Love." His lips found hers once again.

Their little family was among the last to arrive. Daemon, Rhaenyra and Jessica lead the way with Jace, Luke, Rhaena and Baela following behind.

Jessica pulled away from the group almost immediately to embrace Helaena. Both girls giggled holding each other's arms.

That was about the time Aegon swooped in. He picked her up and spun her around. Jessica squealed and pealed with laughter. He sat her down and kissed her cheek.
Jessica turned and almost smacked into Aemond's chest. Aemond caught both her hands in his.

"Easy, Princess, we don't need you falling." His thumbs rubbed the backs of her hands.

Jessica giggled, a light flush on her, "Then I should be ever grateful that you were here to catch me, My Prince."

Daemon cleared his throat. Jessica looked over, and saw that he already had his hand extended to her. Jessica gave a bow of her head to Aemond. She went to pull away when Aemond gave a light squeeze of her hands, keeping her in place.

"Allow me, Princess." He let go of her hands and offered his arm to her.

Jessica shot a quick, apologetic glance before she took his arm.

Aemond smiled, and gave a nod to Daemon when they passed. "Uncle."

Daemon kept an even tone. "Nephew."

Aemond of course played the perfect prince. Stopping at her seat, placing a kiss on her hand, and seeing her settled.

"That will be all." Daemon walked past and took his seat next to her.  She had settled between Daemon and Lucerys. Directly opposite of Aemond.

Viserys smiled seeing his family all gathered together in one room. "How good it is to see you all tonight...together."

Alicent leaned over to Viserys. "Prayer before we begin?"

Viserys gave a nod. "Yes."

Alicent folded her hands, bowed her head and closed her eyes. Most of the party followed suit. "May the Mother smile down on this gathering with love. May the Smith mend the bonds that have been broken for far too long. And to Vaemond Velaryon, may the gods give him rest."

Daemon let out the faintest of snickers. Jessica reached over and nudged his hand. She opened an eye and he gave her a wink.

The food was indeed plenty, and Jessica couldn't be more thankful for the wine.

Viserys lifted his glass. "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. A toast to the young princes... and their betrothed."

The rest of the table followed. "Hear, hear!"

Jessica for once was quite relaxed. Aegon and Jace were joking. Baela and Rhaena were reunited once again.

Aemond and Jessica kept a silent conversation going. A smile here, a nod there, eyebrows raised in a question. Something had been playing in his mind, she just hadn't deciphered it yet.

Viserys stood mid celebration. Everyone fell silent. "It both gladdens my heart and fills me with sorrow to see these faces around the table. The faces most dear to me in all the world... yet grown so distant from each other... in the years past. My own face... is no longer a handsome one," he chuckled softly, "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... and your grandsire. Who may not, it seems... walk for much longer among you. Let us no longer hold ill feelings in our hearts. The Crown cannot stand strong if the House of the Dragon remains divided. But set aside your grievances. If not for the sake of the Crown... then for the sake of this old man who loves you all so dearly." With that, Viserys took his seat.

Each in turn took turn toasting one another, and the music started up. Jessica smiled as Jace pulled Helaena to the dance floor.
In fact, Daemon was comfortable enough he reached over and took Jessica's hand.

Aemond looked at Jessica, eyes narrowing. Jessica rebuttaled with a pleasant smile and a shrug of her shoulders.

"Oh Aemond, my boy. Before I forget, you went and delt with the dispute of Maidenpool not to long back."

Aemond gave a nod. "It was no trouble, Your Grace."

"I did tell you, did I not, that as a reward you earned one favor. You've kept onto it for sometime now. Do you have a favor? Anything within my power I will grant you."

Aemond took his glass and stood. "I've been thinking it over, Father and I think that I have."

"Name it boy."

Jessica looked over a Aemond, he gave her a small smile.

"I would like to marry." Aemond stated simply.

Viserys beamed, "that is wonderful news. Of course I will grant this marriage. Who is she?"

There was a pause, Aemond took a drink. He smiled down into his cup. "The Princess Jesscareya."