Chapter Text
Since he wasn't allowed to leave his room because he got sick with colds, Jace spent nearly all his time exchanging letters with Cregan Stark.
As it turned out, Cregan was as eloquent in letters as he was in actual conversation. The young heir of the House Stark, who was only a couple of years older than Jace, also sounded happy and glad to become friends with him. There weren't a lot of young men his age who were babbling fools and it was hard for the young Stark to find someone that he could hold a conversation with without him being bored or frustrated.
Jace and Cregan exchanged a few letters, his last letter for Cregan sent a day before he was allowed by the maester looking after him to leave his room after he had sufficiently recovered from his cold.
He had succeeded in befriending Cregan and gaining his trust. Soon, after he had the young Stark heir’s whole trust, he would ask him about the dark ritual to turn an Alpha into an Omega.
He could wait. After all, he had a lot of time in his hands.
He had a whole year before Aegon presented as an Alpha and soon wed to Helaena, an event which would never happen now that he was given this second chance.
Lucerys was already at the training courtyard when Jace arrived there.
Standing with his elbows on top of the fence separating the sparring center from the rest of the courtyard, Jace quietly watched as his little brother spar with their training instructor, Ser Steffon Darklyn. Eleven-year-old Lucerys was doing well, though he still hadn't reached the level of skill that Jace had earned at the same age. But there was no need for haste, in time Lucerys would become both an excellent swordsman and bowman.
He looked closely at Lucerys’ wood practice sword. It wouldn't be long before Jace’s little brother wouldn't need that kind of sword again. Jace’s little brother had favored the strong yet elegant Valyrian swords of their ancestors and he’d built his own crossbow using wood from a Weirwood tree. Though he grandfather Corlys to become the next lord of Driftmark, in Lucerys’s heart he yearned to become a knight who protected the innocent. A wistful dream which he’d only once shared to Jace in the privacy of their shared childhood bedroom.
But in the end, Lucerys hadn't been able to become the Lord of Driftmark or become a knight. At fifteen-year-old, he was cruelly murdered by Aemond Targaryen. The first time he had tried to help their mother's bid for the Iron Throne had turned out to be the last too.
Jace squashed down the wave of hatred which arose at the memory of watching Rhaenyra crying over Lucerys' seawater and blood-soaked cloak. There was no use dwelling on any emotion which came from the other time. Being angry or overly emotional about what had happened in that other time would not only distract him but also push him to make unwise decisions. He couldn't kill Aemond now. As far as he knew, Aemond was only thirteen right now. The same age as himself. He hadn't done anything yet. He wasn't the seventeen-year-old Aemond who had chased his brother outside of Storm’s End and ordered Vhagar to kill both Lucerys and Arrax. And since he was still a Targaryen prince, he would surely be protected day and night by the personal guards chosen for him by King Viserys.
Yes, he couldn't kill Aemond. But he would make sure to bind the Beta to his family forever, whether his uncle liked it or not…
Unfortunately, the Starks only knew how to turn an Alpha into an Omega. If only there was another ritual that could turn a Beta into an Omega, he could perhaps marry Aemond to one of his Alpha Velaryon cousins.
The spar came to an end. Lucerys’ face brightened when Ser Steffon commended him for improving since the last time they trained together.
After patting Rhaenyra’s second son on the shoulder, Ser Steffon turned and looked at Jace.
It was his turn to train now.
Jace passed by the sweaty and panting but very pleased Lucerys, who gave him a fist bump when he walked by him.
Jace grabbed a training sword from the rack placed nearby. It was solid and very heavy. His wrists ached, reminding him that he hadn't joined sword training since he was sick and had to be confined to bed for days.
But that didn't matter. Jace only needed a few days and his body would go back to its former health.
The spar started. Jace didn't realize how depressing the current state of his body was until Ser Steffon tripped him with the dull side of his training sword and he failed to get up on his butt, every muscle in his body screaming in anguish whenever he tried to move.
Ser Steffon sighed in pity and helped Jace get up by giving him a hand. “This will do for the day, my Lord," the old Kingsguard said drily.
Jace grunted in response.
"No,” he told his younger brother when Lucerys looked like he was ready to needle him for his poor performance.
Lucerys kept his mouth closed but his eyes still twinkled with merriment.
Jace shook his head and sighed. He knew that he would have to look forward to future teasings from his little brothers in the future. It wasn't everyday that one of them witnessed him performing in the training courtyard poorly.
Together, the two of them returned inside and went straight for the kitchens where the cooks were making the batch of lemon cakes and cream pies for everyone inside the castle. After puffing their cheeks and acting like a pair of poor pitiful hungry kittens, they were allowed to leave with a basket of goodies.
“Do you have lessons today?” Jace asked his brother.
They were inside the small bungalow in the middle of the only garden in Dragonstone. The grass was wet and the bushes were dark brown in color. This was only one the very few places in which Jace felt comfortable to spend time in. As Rhaenyra's eldest son and heir, he had eyes on him everywhere else. And with those eyes came the heavy expectations that came with his status.
“Nutthun," Lucerys answered through a mouthful of lemon cakes. Remembering his manners, he quickly chewed and swallowed his food. "Maester Gerardys told me yesterday that Joffrey and me are free from the lessons today. So except for the sword lesson this morning, I don't have plans for today.”
“Do you want to fly with me? The storm has cleared and there doesn't seem to be another one coming. We can take Vermax and Arrax flying today so the two of them wouldn't be too bored.”
Vermax would be happy to fly with him today. Jace was sure of that. They hadn't seen each other for days because of his confinement.
"Sure,” Lucerys said with a shrug. " Where should we go?”
"What about we visit Red Keep today?” Jace suggested with a sly smile. "Grandfather misses us. He said so in his last letter to me. We could take our dragons and fly there and we'll be there before we know it. What do you think, Luke? Do you want to come with me?”
Lucerys dropped his hand that was holding the half-eaten slice of lemon cake on his lap and looked down.
“Luke? What's wrong?" Jace asked, surprised to see his brother looking so despondent.
Lucerys sighed. “I really want to go to visit grandfather with you, Jace. But…"
“But?" Jace prompted.
Lucerys sighed again. "I’m afraid about what will happen when I see Aemond again,” he confessed, sadly.
Jace's eyebrows furrowed. "Are you afraid that he’ll hurt you in revenge for the eye he lost? Don't worry, I will make sure that he won't be able to harm you. I don't care that he has Vhagar, nobody will try to hurt my little brothers without losing a hand or his own life," he vowed darkly.
“No!" Lucerys suddenly roared out, almost making Jace jump off his seat in surprise.
Lucerys raised his head to look at him and Jace saw that his face was flushed and his eyes were very dark and dilated. He smelled of anger and…frustration? Whatever that emotion was, it was almost suffocating in its strength.
He didn't expect Lucerys to react like this. His little brother had always been a calm and unassuming Alpha even when he had his rut for the first time. Had he said something wrong?
Lucerys closed his eyes and groaned. His scent calmed down. When he opened them again, his eyes had returned to their normal brown color. “You mustn't hurt Aemond," he told Jace very firmly. "Besides, I was in the wrong back then. He lost his eye because of me and it doesn't matter why and how it happened. I am still in the wrong for that. And yet, I haven't even tried to apologize for it. And it makes me mad.”
Jace eyed his younger brother in silence. When did this eleven-year-old kid become so mature?
“Then why haven't you apologized yet? It's been four years since that night. Why didn't you write him a letter or better yet, apologize to him in person?”
“Because mother wouldn't allow me to seek him in person,"Lucerys answered," and I feel like it wouldn't be right if I apologized to him in a letter. I don't believe that a lifeless piece of paper would be able to convey how sorry I am for the wrong that I’ve done to him.”
Jace stared at his little brother in disbelief. "Then what are we waiting for? Come, let's pack and go find Arrax and Vermax! Grandfather is waiting for us!"
He jumped off his seat, pulled Lucerys down and started dragging his little inside the castle.
Unbeknownst to Lucerys, Jace had another reason for wanting to visit the Red Keep.
He smiled dreamily. The dark desire inside his heart grew stronger at his inevitable reunion with Aegon Targaryen.
A few hours later, Jacaerys and Lucerys arrived in front of the King's Landing's gates. They quickly alighted from their dragons’ backs and met with the guards near the gates.
He proudly stood before the two bored-looking guards and declared: “I’m Jacaerys Velaryon, the son of Rhaenyra Targaryen, First Princess of the Seven Kingdoms and future Ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. This is my younger brother, Lucerys Velaryon. We seek entry to King's Landing to visit our grandfather, His Great and Merciful Majesty King Viserys Targaryen.”
The guards took a look at Jacaerys’ and Lucerys' dignified appearances then at the dragons relaxed as sunning behind them.
One of the guards, the scruffy-looking one with olive skin and full beard, cleared his throat. “Then we shall let you enter the gates with your dragons, my lords. May the Seven bless your stay in King's Landing.”
Arrax and Vermax were still both small enough, no more than the size of two premium carriages, that they could walk around the busy streets of Red Keep without being jostled and hit by passing pedestrians or a merchant’s wagon. Nobody wanted to earn the ire of a beast that could kill and eat them in a heartbeat so the two Velaryon boys and their dragons managed to reach the Red Keep while being given a wide berth by the other people inside the capital of the Seven Kingdoms.
The King’s Landing still smelled as bad as Jace remembered it. But it was a very lively place, the air wasn't heavy with war and everyone had an open expression on his or her face as they went on with their business. Nobody looked hungry, dissatisfied or afraid.
“Halt!" someone shouted in a booming voice, followed by the sounds of horse hooves thundering on the cobblestone.
Jace looked up and recoiled. Why he was willing to give Alicent and her children grace for their roles of his mother's usurpation in the other life, he felt no such mercy for the man sitting astride a white mare before him, wearing the shiny Kingsguard's silver armor.
Ser Criston Cole was one of the major players in putting the crown on Aegon's head and hiding Jace’s grandfather’s death from his mother, breaking her heart so deeply she lost Jace’s little sister in the birthing bed. He would never forgive this man, ever.
When the time came, he would make sure that Ser Criston Cole would lose his head in the same hour as Otto lost his.
“My lords," the damned man said arrogantly. He kept himself atop of his mount. "You must be tired. Let me and my men escort you and bring you to the king.”
Lucerys nodded timidly.
Jace wanted to growl at the man. But he knew his own limitations. Someday, he swore darkly, someday I would cut your head off your shoulders and put it on a pike so the people would see what I do to traitors like you.
It seemed that Ser Criston still knew how to treat a member of the Targaryen family in the right manner. He gave both Velaryon boys a carriage, one that was built for practicality and smooth travel instead of one that was for show and opulence. And with Vermax and Arrax following closely behind the carriage and See Criston and the group of Gold Cloaks on the front, they continued on their way to the Red Keep.
“My beloved grandsons, I welcome both of you to my home! Now, give me a hug!”
“Grandfather!” Both brothers cried out as they ran towards Viserys who was sitting on his throne.
It was supper time, and the king was free from petitioners and his court for the time being so he was free to entertain his grandsons whom he hadn't seen for years. Although the sickness made him a little frail, he was still strong and able-bodied enough that being hit by his grandsons’ solid growing bodies as they hugged and squeezed him didn't hurt him too much.
The boys each held their grandfather's elbow and escorted him towards the small dining room where the king would dine with his wife and children. Ser Criston and the other Kingsguards followed them closely, the mocking smile never leaving his lips. When they reached the dining area, they saw that Alicent and her three children were already inside, all seated before a table which was empty except for the plates, goblets and cutleries and waiting for the king so they could begin eating their supper.
Jace’s eyes immediately turned towards the eldest of Alicent's children. Aegon was seated between his mother and sister and though he didn't look like he had a cup of wine beforehand, he didn't seem to hear his father and his two nephews enter.
Jace licked his lips when his eyes fell on his uncle's pink lips. So plump and so soft looking. How would those lips taste when he kissed him? How would Aegon react if he made a move towards him now? Would he react in disgust, shove him away and wash the taste of Jacaerys off his lips or would he return the kiss with as much hunger and ferocity?
He was distracted by his increasingly amorous thoughts by Lucerys holding his hand and dragging him to follow their grandfather towards the table.
The king kissed his queen on her right cheek and greeted his children present with a smile and a nod. He pulled Lucerys and Jacaerys to sit on the chairs nearest to him and with a wide grin on his face, clapped his hands together.
Instantly, several maids carrying trays of food appeared and walked towards the table. One by one, they put all the food before the hungry royals. A plate of large roasted duck stuffed with lemon and spices bought straight from Yi Ti, several servings of glazed venisons, seasoned lampreys, roasted sucking pig and boiled herb geese. Arbor red and freshly squeezed citrus juices for those who had no stomach for wine were served.
Jace didn't realize how hungry he was until he bit on a duck leg and felt all the flavor of the meat burst on his tongue. But even though he was feeling famished because he hadn't eaten a thing that day except for a slice of cream pie, he still kept his composure and ate in a leisurely manner.
Lucerys, however, had none such restraint. He ate everything that their grandfather put on his plate. And when the desserts arrived, a diverse assortment of cobblers, cakes and tarts, he devoured every slice that Viserys served him without shame.
Jace could do nothing but sigh over his still whole slice of peach cobbler, the only dessert that he knew he could keep down after the hearty feast which he'd eaten himself.
Jace abruptly looked up when he heard someone snicker.
It was Aemond. The second son of Alicent was outwardly laughing at Lucerys, his remaining eye bright with mockery.
“Something's wrong, uncle?" Lucerys asked calmly after downing a glass of apple juice.
Aemond snickered again. " Nothing, dear nephew. I’m just happy to see that your strong appetite hasn't changed after all these years.”
Jace's fingers curled over his dessert spoon. Keep calm, he told himself. There is no use reacting to his bait. In the end, Lucerys will become the next Lord of Driftmark with Rhaena beside him while Aemond will humbly serve our mother in the future.
But instead of reacting to his uncle's thinly veiled insult, Lucerys beamed brightly. “Thank you, uncle, for taking the time to worry over my appetite. You're too kind!”
Jace snickered when he saw the gobsmacked look on Aemond’s face. It was obvious that he didn't expect Lucerys to react in that way when he decided to insult him. Serves him right.
Helaena giggled.
Aegon smirked.
Alicent gave her second son a reprimanding look.
Embarrassed, Aemond looked down on his slice of chocolate cake and picked his dessert fork to eat.
And thus, the supper ended with no more interruptions.
Right after supper, Viserys returned to the throne room with his Kingsguards to continue court and hear more petitions. Alicent was the second to leave, followed closely by her maids, to tend to a matter somewhere else.
Finally free from the constraining eyes of the adults, Helaena stood from her seat and embraced her nephews. She smelled of apples and the first bloom of daisy flowers.
“So the dragons have come to collect their gold," she remarked in a dreamy tone, her lilac eyes gazing to somewhere far away.
"Good to see you, too, Helaena,” Jace said in a lack of other options. He’d heard that she was a dreamer but he’d never been sure. He was fond of her but sometimes she brought him a feeling of unease.
Helaena’s eyes focused. She blinked at Jacaerys and Lucerys, looking confused as if this was the first time that she noticed the two of them. She gave them a wide smile. “Jace! Luke! I’m happy to see the two of you!"
Hooking her arms around her nephews, she started pulling them to places that neither of them had any idea of.
Standing with his back on a white stone pillar, Jace watched quietly as Helaena showed off her collection of bugs to her very much interested younger nephew. Jace, however, didn't have the same interest in the creepy crawlies in which his aunt and little brother were very happy to play with.
Standing next to his own pillar and only a few feet away from Jace was, Aemond seemed to be trying to burn Lucerys with his eye. It was obvious that Aemond’s pride was still smarting from Lucerys' blithe reaction to his insult at the supper table.
Jace pitied him.
To be honest, he didn't want to be there at all. Just half an hour ago, Aegon had slipped from their group without any of them noticing. Jace had wanted to turn around and look for him but Helaena refused to free him so now he was stuck as a chaperone since he had forgotten the inner map of the Red Keep.
You have a lot of time, he chided himself for his impatience. You have a lot of time to claim Aegon as yours. So be patient, Jacaerys Velaryon.
Just then, he caught the scent of something saccharine. Like burnt sugar but stronger. He looked around until his eyes fell upon Aemond, who was looking at Lucerys with intense dislike.
“You!" he exclaimed before he could stop himself. He pointed a finger at Aemond, who nearly jumped from Jace’s sudden outburst. “You're an Omega!"
He was floored. Of all the things which he could possibly learn while visiting the Red Keep, Aemond being a secret Omega wasn't one of them.
Aemond flushed. “So what? Do you have a problem with that, my dear Strong nephew?"
Fuck, Aemond was growling right now. Of course he would be displeased at home Jace was acting. Talking loudly about another person's secondary gender out loud was a breach of etiquette and Jace should’ve known better than to do it.
But who could blame him for acting so shocked when all of his life and up until his death, he'd believed that Aemond was a Beta? Did he start hiding his secondary gender after Aegon was crowned and the war started? Or was he always hiding it all along?
Aemond cursed venomously. He glared at Jace. "Don't ever try to talk to me again, Strong.”
And with that warning, Aemond turned around and walked away.
Jace moved his gaze back at Helaena and Luke, who were now looking at him with questioning looks on their faces.
Jace shook his head no. That seemed to be enough for both of them and they were back to playing with bugs.
Ahh, he thought, still feeling a little bit dazed. It turns out that Aemond isn't a Beta but an Omega. Time for me to modify some parts of my plan towards the Hightowers.