Ruin Me

Chapter Twenty Nine

Daenyra could never be warm enough. She was freezing even as she stood on the open balcony, in the sunlight and with Daemon's arms around her. He had wanted to discuss Rhaenyra's wishes about Aemond, but he had withheld that as he settled for simply holding his wife as she attempted to fuse the pieces of her heart back together.

The wind blew at her hair as Daemon stood at her back, rubbing her arms as she relaxed in his embrace. She was not at peace, but she was comfortable. She felt safe and she wanted nothing more than to sink further into him if it were even possible. Her head rested back on his shoulder as she closed her eyes, allowing the sound of the waves to lull her into a calm state as Daemon pressed kisses to her temple.

She was startled from it by the sound of a voice saying, "Mother! Father!"

Daenyra was instantly brought to tears at that sound as she broke free of Daemon's grip and went running for the doors. "Vaelon," she sobbed as her arms wrapped around him and she sobbed into his shoulder as he cried into hers.

Daemon was also quick on her heels as his large arms encircled them both, a father protecting his family; embracing them. For a time, they simply stood together, taking grace in the fact that he was ok and that they were all together again.

They kept hold of Vaelon's arms as Daenyra cupped his face. "You are ok? Are you well? Myrrax, did he –"

Vaelon's eyes were red as tears streamed down his face. "I am fine, Mother, I swear. Well, at the very least I possess no wounds." He swallowed. "It was terrible," he sobbed, his parents keeping him upright. "The Vale was quick to p-pledge their s-support in exchange for a dragon to g-guard them. I was in the Iron Islands when the raven came."

"Oh, my sweet boy," Daenyra cried as she hugged him again, pressing a kiss to his cheek.

"They bowed," Vaelon whimpered into her shoulder. "I s-spoke before the masses. I do not know how you have done th-that many a time over. They bowed. Myrrax, he-he took care of me. And he ensured they bowed. I c-came h-h-home as soon as I received word."

"I do not fucking care about the Vale or the Iron Islands," Daenyra replied, her voice just as shaken.

Vaelon spied his father who stood closely beyond his mother's shoulder. "We have only care that you are well. Your mother has made herself sick worrying about your safety."

"He exaggerates," Daenyra said as she pulled away from their hug to cup his face, her thumbs brushing his tears. "And how could I not be worried for you after what has happened?"

"Mother, I love you, but you are a terrible liar," Vaelon said and Daenyra gave a teary laugh as her son let her go. He let her go and he moved to give his father a proper hello. Daemon was not very affectionate with him, but this once, it would be allowed as he embraced the only son he would ever have.

"I am glad you are well, boy," Daemon confessed.

"Thank you, Father."

His mother's hug was comfort, his father's hug was strength and protection. His father's hug was not something he thought he would ever get to experience.

"Come," Daemon said when he pulled away, squeezing his shoulder affectionately. "Care for your mother. I shall inform the court of your safe return."

"Return soon will you, please, Father?"

"Of course. There will be time for you to tell me of your expedition once I return and once you have calmed. I shall make haste, my love," he said to Daenyra as he leaned down to peck her lips before he disappeared out the door.

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Vaelon had done his parents proud. Jeyne Arryn had been the easier task. She had been more than happy to pledge her support in exchange for a dragon to guard the Vale and Valeon had been quick to assure that she would get one. The Iron Islands had been tricker.