COMPANION

I would garland your chiseled body

The Red Keep was a fortress of stone and iron, echoing with the stories of power, love, and obsession that had unfolded within its walls over the generations. Baelon Targaryen, known as Baelon the Brave, was the son of King Jaehaerys I Targaryen and Queen Alysanne. He was a warrior, a prince, and above all, a man deeply in love with his cousin sister and wife, Rykka Velaryon.

Rykka Velaryon was a vision of calm and strength. With her serene demeanor, she was the perfect counterpart to Baelon's intense and passionate nature. Rykka was calm, silent, and kind, but beneath her gentle exterior lay the heart of a formidable warrior. She was a skilled swordswoman, often sparring with Baelon in the training yard, their matches sometimes ending in heated embraces and passionate kisses.

Baelon was utterly obsessed with Rykka. His love for her was all-consuming, a fire that burned with a dark intensity. He was possessive to a fault; one wrong glance in her direction from another man could lead to bloodshed. His obsession was evident to all who knew them, and while Rykka endured his possessiveness with warmth and understanding, it was a source of great concern for their family.

King Jaehaerys and Queen Alysanne watched helplessly as Baelon's obsession with Rykka grew darker and more intense. They repeatedly told Rykka that if she ever wanted to leave, they would support her and help her find safety. But Rykka always shook her head, her eyes filled with love and determination.

"He loves me, Your Graces," she would say softly. "And I love him. We are bound by more than blood and duty. We are bound by our hearts."

Their three sons—Viserys, Daemon, and Aegon—were the living proof of their union, each bearing the striking features of House Targaryen. Viserys, the eldest, was responsible and dutiful, always watching over his younger brothers with a protective eye. Daemon, fiery and bold, admired his father's strength and determination. Aegon, the youngest, was a bright and curious child, full of questions and a boundless energy.

The family was close-knit, their bonds forged in the fires of love and adversity. Yet, the shadow of Baelon's obsession loomed over them all, a constant presence that could not be ignored.

One morning, as the first light of dawn filtered through the windows of the Red Keep, Baelon and Rykka stood in the training yard, swords in hand. They moved with practiced ease, their blades clashing in a dance of skill and precision. Despite the intensity of their sparring, there was a tenderness in their movements, a silent understanding that spoke of their deep connection.

"Come on, my sea warrior," Baelon teased, his eyes gleaming with admiration. "Show me what you've got."

Rykka smiled, her gaze steady. "You know I never hold back, Baelon."

Their swords met with a resounding clash, and they moved in perfect harmony, each anticipating the other's moves. The sparring match ended with Baelon and Rykka at cross,  their swords at each other's throat. But instead of striking, Baelon pulled Rykka close, his lips capturing hers in a passionate kiss.

"You're incredible," he murmured against her lips. "My fierce, beautiful sea warrior."

Rykka laughed softly, her arms wrapping around his neck. "And you, my brave dragon."

Their moments of passion were often witnessed by their family, who watched with a mixture of admiration and concern. Aemon, Baelon's elder brother, was particularly worried about the depth of Baelon's obsession. He admired their love but feared what might happen if that obsession ever turned darker.

Jocelyn, Aemon's wife, shared his concerns. "They love each other deeply," she would say, "but Baelon's possessiveness worries me. Rykka is strong, but even the strongest can be overwhelmed."

Alyssa, their sister, was more pragmatic. "Rykka knows what she's doing. She loves Baelon and chooses to stay by his side. We should support her decision."

Daella, sweet and gentle, often found herself torn. "I wish for their happiness, but I worry about them both. Love should not be a cage."

Vaegon, the scholarly brother, observed with a detached curiosity. "Their relationship is a complex study of human emotions. Obsession, love, possessiveness... It's fascinating."

Maegelle, the compassionate healer, worried for Rykka's well-being. "Love should heal and uplift, not consume. I hope Baelon understands that."

Saera, wild and rebellious, admired their defiance of societal norms. "They love fiercely. It's beautiful and tragic. I hope they find peace."

Viserra, ambitious and cunning, saw their bond as a source of strength. "Their love is a powerful weapon. If harnessed correctly, it can be an asset to our house."

Gael, the youngest and most innocent, simply adored her brother and sister-in-law. "They love each other so much. It's like the stories of old."

King Jaehaerys and Queen Alysanne, despite their concerns, loved all their children and grandchildren. They hoped that Baelon and Rykka would find a way to balance their intense emotions and build a life of happiness and stability.

As the family gathered for a feast, the great hall of the Red Keep was filled with laughter and the clinking of goblets. Baelon and Rykka sat close together, their hands intertwined. Their love was evident in every glance, every touch.

"Baelon," Jaehaerys began, his tone serious yet affectionate, "your love for Rykka is clear for all to see. But remember, balance is key. Love should uplift, not consume."

Baelon met his father's gaze, his expression earnest. "I understand, Father. My love for Rykka is a fire that burns within me, but it also gives me strength and purpose."

Rykka placed her hand on Baelon's arm, her touch soothing. "We support each other, Your Grace. Baelon's love is my anchor, just as mine is his."

Alysanne smiled, her eyes filled with warmth. "As long as you find balance and happiness, that is what matters most."

The children, watching their parents and grandparents, absorbed the wisdom of their elders. Viserys, Daemon, and Aegon looked at their parents with admiration, understanding the depth of their love. They knew that their family's strength came from their unity and the bonds that held them together.

As the feast continued, Baelon and Rykka remained close, their connection unbreakable. They were a testament to the power of love and devotion, a union forged in fire and blood.

-

The night was cool, a gentle breeze blowing through the Red Keep. Baelon and Rykka stood on a balcony overlooking the city, the lights of King's Landing twinkling below them. The vast sea stretched out in the distance, a reminder of Rykka's Velaryon heritage.

"Rykka," Baelon murmured, his voice filled with reverence. "You are my everything."

She turned to him, her eyes soft and loving. "And you are mine, Baelon. Together, we are unstoppable."

He pulled her close, his fingers tangling in her hair. "I can't imagine my life without you. You are the fire in my veins, the air I breathe."

She smiled, her heart swelling with love. "We are bound by blood and by fate, my love. Nothing can come between us."

Their kiss was tender and passionate, a promise of eternal devotion. As they stood together, the world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them, united in their love.

Their children, watching from a distance, felt a mixture of awe and inspiration. Viserys, the eldest, vowed to protect his family and uphold the legacy of his parents' love. Daemon, fiery and bold, aspired to have a bond as strong as his father's. Aegon, bright and curious, dreamed of a future where he too would find a love as powerful and enduring.

In the years that followed, Baelon and Rykka's love remained a beacon of strength and unity for House Targaryen. Their bond, forged in the fires of passion and tempered by the trials of life, was a testament to the power of true devotion. And as they faced the challenges of their reign, they did so together, their hearts and souls forever intertwined.