KING'S LANDING 

Before departing for the Dragonpit Hira changed into a loose white tunic and dark blue pants. Layering a thick shenyi, her long coat ended at her knees and was tidied with a black belt. 

She signalled to Emica stationed at her door, third member of her Sapphire Guard and her mother's oldest childhood friend. Emica was a tall woman who towered over even the lengthiest of Lengii men, with shaved sides and a thick braid that ran down the middle of her head to her waist. She was bulky and intimidating, even by Lengii standards.

Passing the corridors of the Keep, a few noble ladies sent a look to Hira, before whispering behind their hands and giggling. In response Hira sent a false smile, with Emica glaring daggers at them.

As they made their way towards the Hill of Rhaenys, they crossed the Street of the Sisters. Hira kicked the stones off the cobbled road and followed the footpath to their destination. She was silent, lost in her thoughts.

"Is all well, Princess?" Emica questioned in Lengii, aware of the eyes that peered openly at them. "Out of the two Targaryen boys, I thought the tallest was most manageable."

"It's not the King's sons who afflict my mind." She answered, continuing the conversation in Lengii, "Rather my mother."

Emica patiently waited for her to continue, knowing Hira needed time to explain how she felt.

"Leng hasn't seen their second princess for over three years. I wonder if my mother misses me."

"Yhatia is known for her fierce love of her daughters. You doubt her love for you?"

"I doubt my importance to her." She rebuffed. "She might have sent me away to protect her succession, but there are many in Leng who wanted me gone even before the civil war. Better to see me off across the sea than to live in regret of my legitimisation."

"Leng has its flaws and her people are unfair, but your mother legitimised you because she saw your potential. She sent you to learn at your father's feet after he won his wars and battles. You're the daughter she sent to foster relations with the dragons who conquered and united kingdoms under one rule."

"You know Emica, you do this funny little thing where your mouth moves and all I hear is my mother's words."

Emica side-eyed Hira, who sent a smirk in return. "I've known her since she was little more than the third child of your grandmother."

The third child who survived the Spring Sadness, a great plague that swept through Essos and reached even their shores when everyone thought it wouldn't. The first and second daughter had died from it and Hira's mother ascended the throne ten years later when her mother passed.

"I don't doubt her love." Hira confessed. "My name day approaches and the only wish I yearn to make true is to return home. Yet, mother demands a marriage with a dragon. If I return empty handed, would she love me then? Or will I simply be a failure in her eyes?"

Emica gave no reply, causing Hira to tuck her face into the collar of her shenyi, already knowing the answer. Her mother's love has always been intense and deep, but her ambition was far greater. It'll be the death of her, for ambition was a disease to those who courted it.

Abruptly, Hira was yanked to the side by Emica, who covered the princess' body with her large form against a wall. The scrap of metal was heard and Hira peek from behind Emica's arm.

"What in the Old Ones?" Hira exclaimed. "It's a child, Emica! Withdraw your sword this instant."

"I meant no harm." The child cried out, hands in the air as if surrendering. "I simply wish to greet the lady. Her clothing looks so soft and strange. I only wanted to feel the material."

Stepping out from her guard's side Hira knelt by the little girl, not minding the mud and filth. The girl was dressed in rags, with a dirtied face and no shoes. Bright yellow hair and eyes coloured caramel brown, reminding her of the sweet she used to eat back home. Hira assumed she was roughly nine or ten years old.

"It's strange because it's made from material that doesn't grow in your lands. They're from Leng, my home." She held out her sleeve with a gentle smile, not wanting to frighten her. "Have a feel. It's tougher than the wool your people wear, but soft to touch."

The girl awed, running her hands all over Hira's shenyi sleeve.

"What's your name?"

"It's a secret." The mysterious girl answered.

Hira tilted her head, "A secret? I'm quite good at keeping those. Mostly because I forget it instantly. But I doubt I'd forget your name, considering you scared my guard half to death."

The child giggled, grabbing Hira's hand and pulling her away. "My friend wants to meet you, m'lady!"

Hira's curiosity was winning over, her feet slowly following the child, until Emica called out, "The king expects your attendance at the Dragonpit, princess!"

She skidded to a stop, causing the little urchin to stumble until she righted herself. She squealed, pulling Hira's hand yet she remained unmoving. "Come along, strange lady!"

Hira shook her head, already regretful. "Duty calls, little mischief."

In response the girl stuck her tongue out and sprinted to an alleyway, disappearing from sight. Hira wondered when she would see the girl again.

"Remind me to shackle you to my side next time we leave the palace walls." Emica grumbled, pushing Hira to the direction of the pits. "Now hurry along, princess."

"I miss the days you were fun."

[ x ]

Reaching the entrance of the Dragonpit, Hira spotted Aemond about to mount Vhagar.

"I've been ordered by the king to join you." She called out, strolling towards the boy and his dragon.

"Don't look so happy." He replied, settling on top of his saddle. "Best hurry. Vhagar's impatient, she might leave your dragon behind in the dust."

"Is that a challenge?" Hira sneered.

In response Aemond commanded Vhagar to fly.

"Cheater." Hira yelled at him, rushing towards where Zhurong was lazily perched. "You're dismissed Emica, do what you wish. Visit a tavern or two! Go wild!"

"Be careful!" Emica warned.

Hira swiftly climbed up the ropes and mounted Zhurong. "Sōvētēs. Make haste Zhurong, we have our first battle ahead of us."

Zhurong's limbs bent before leaping up, his wings spanning out and taking flight at his mistress' command. Above the clouds, Hira screamed in excitement. Zhurong evenly matched Vhagar's speed as the two colossal dragons overtook each other. She spread her arms as the wind swept through her upper body, sending Aemond a cheshire grin as he threw his head back and laughed at her antics.

In a flash Vhagar steered to the left and Zhurong followed, causing Hira to jolt in the saddle, hands quickly grasping the handles. "You could've warned me, Zhurong."

The dragon huffed, flapping his wings harder, obviously intending to be the winner of this race. Whilst competitive, Hira was simply happy to share these moments with Zhurong. 

Both riders flew over Blackwater Bay, making Hira question where Aemond was taking them and how far. Vhagar then circled Zhurong and she glanced at Aemond in confusion. The princeling gestured to the pile of rocks below them and slowly ascended down.

The rocks were large enough to house both Vhagar and Zhurong, yet Vhagar chose to fish the waters, whilst Hira's dragon settled on boulders, closing his eyes to slumber.

She leaped across the rocks, nimble feet passing over sharp edges until she crossed paths with Aemond. The silver haired boy laid his back against a boulder, gesturing to the empty space next to him. Hira obliged and made herself comfortable, gazing out at the horizon. Aemond grabbed an apple from his bag and started dicing it with a small knife. The first piece he passed to Hira who took it and popped it into her mouth.

"Do you do this often?" She quizzed, elbows resting on her knees.

"Eat apples?"

She rolled her eyes. "Fly to this makeshift island with Vhagar. Sit and brood."

"It's peaceful." He grunted.

Hira nodded, agreeing instantly. The calm that washed over her the second she stepped foot on the isle confused her. She only felt this open and free when saddled on Zhurong.

"And you're sharing it with me. Why?"

"I'm under the assumption that you dislike me. Although I wish that were not true." He answered truthfully. "I know you blame me for the upset with your half-sisters. Servants talk, you know. Every week you visit the rookery, waiting for a letter to arrive from Driftmark or Dragonstone. Every week you leave disappointed."

Hira frowned, ducking her head into her collars once more to hide her shame.

She admitted, "I do blame you for the bad blood between Rhaena and Baela and I, but it's misplaced. The issue with them wasn't your fault. You claimed Vhagar that night and I did encourage you, that's the truth of it. I wish you hadn't revealed it to everyone. Especially to them."

"I didn't think they'd react that badly."

She scoffed. "Yes, you did. They beat you over a just claim. Their wrath was a great one from what I recall. Your nephews especially." She nodded for his eyepatch, recalling the blood that gushed out of his eye.

Hira paid attention to the way Aemond's eye glossed over, most likely thinking back to that painful moment. The knife in his hand trembled ever so slightly. She supposed there were times where Aemond was still haunted by memories. It was a brush of death on both accounts. More than a childish scuffle, someone could've died, yet the worst casualty was the loss of sight.

Would things have changed if Hira was there? If she followed Aemond instead of heading towards her room, could she have saved him? Would she have? If she sided with the boy and protected him, that would have meant siding against her sisters. If she fought for her sisters and defended them, would Aemond still take such an interest in her? If she wielded the blade and took his eye...

Hira shook her head, immediately dismissing the thought. That was then, and this was now. No use in what ifs and maybes. The past was past for a reason.

Coming out of his haze, he questioned harshly, "When you hear them call you bastard, does it bother you?"

Hira knew it was her fault for bringing up that nightmare and she understood where his anger stemmed from, yet she still felt hurt by this question.

"When you hear them call you Aemond One-Eye, does it bother you?" She shot back.

"No."

"Is that what you want people to think?"

Aemond glowered at her, his eye menacing. "I don't care what people think. I ride the largest dragon."

"Then why do you turn away when someone looks at you? Flinch when your mother touches that side of your face?" Hira spat venom.

"Why does your jaw clench when someone calls you Daemon's bastard instead of your title? Why do your guards glare at every offence? Why do you act as if it doesn't bother you the way it does?"

"Of course it bothers me!" Hira yelled, her temper having reached the limit. The words flew from her mouth and the truth surrounded them, soiling the very peaceful air. "Growing up the children threw stones at me. When I fought back they called me the mongrel of Leng. They hated me because of the colour of my eyes, because of a father who abandoned me. I was a pitiful girl with a useless title and I was nothing to them. Not even their princess. Not a friend, but an inconvenience and an easier target to belittle. And in Westeros even that bastard title follows me everywhere I walk."

An uncomfortable silence descended on them.

Hira's hand reached up to claw at her throat, the ugly habit making another appearance. Only just yesterday Ming applied a balm to tend to the wound and makeup to cover the nasty truth of her self-inflicted harm.

Hira gasped as Aemond smacked the hand away. "How dare you tou-"

"When I was dragonless Jacaerys, Lucerys and Aegon played a prank." Aemond interrupted, caressing her fingers and palm. His touch was soft but firm, providing a good distraction. His voice was smoothing, lulling her back into herself. "After a lesson with the dragonkeepers they said they found a dragon for me. Back then, that was all I ever wanted and I would've done anything to have one. Jealousy is a dangerous emotion after all and everyone, even the Strong bastards had their own dragon. Part of me was cautious, but thrilled at the thought, naive as I was. And so they brought out a pig with wings attached to its body. The 'Pink Dread' they yelled. I was a fool for believing them."

Aemond lifted his other hand, pulling the collars away to reveal the bleeding wound created by Hira's nails. He gently stroked the skin, causing the tan coloured powder to fade. Releasing his hold on her, Aemond withdrew a green handkerchief from his pocket and dabbed it into a flask he had nearby.

Hira held her breath as he inched closer to her and started cleaning the injury. "My mother used to pick the skin off her fingers and nails whenever she was nervous or anxious. Whenever I saw her about to harm herself, I distracted her."

"I don't know why I do it." She mumbled, head bent low to avoid judgement, "Only that I've done it for so long it's become a comfort."

"Don't be ashamed." He whispered. "Look at me, Hira."

She lifted her eyes at his command and stared deeply into his, finding herself falling down a hole she wasn't quite sure she wanted to climb out of. Aemond laid his palms against her cheeks, careful of his long fingers touching the redness of her neck.

"The strength you have to hold your head high as others disinherit your station, it's a true marvel. You're a Targaryen and a Han. Born from two great dynasties, how are you not destined for greatness? You are a dragon, Hira. Don't harm yourself with your doubts, worries or fears. You're greater than they are."

Hira wished at that very moment that her and Zhurong's bond wasn't so strong, for he felt her desire and apprehension and made a move. 

His large tail splashed the ocean, causing a wave to eclipse them before drenching the prince and princess in saltwater and separating them from their close proximity that even to outsiders would look inappropriate. 

Had her dragon let them be, Hira would have given into the impulse to lay her mouth on Aemond's, damning them both beyond repair. For how could she not, when his admiration was so open and truthful? The pure desire in his eye, the wanting was so real. The honeyed sweet words that sent chills down her spine.

"You're a menace." Hira seethed at her dragon, flicking the water off her body.

Zhurong simply yawned and laid his head against his limbs, his tail swaying back and forth, as if Hira needed the reminder that he'd interfere if needed.

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you planned that as revenge for forcing you on this ride." Aemond said, shaking his head and pulling off his cloak.

Even drenched he looked attractive. The water droplets running down his neck. His tunic clung to his frame. Hira swallowed as she appreciated Aemond's body.

"If I planned this, you would be the one that's soaking, not I."

The two stared at each other for a moment, both drenched and soaking wet, as the situation dawned on them, before dissolving into laughter. Hira yanked her shenyi off and aired out her blouse, thankful that the shenyi was thick enough to block some of the water from seeping through her blouse.

"You're right and it pains me to admit this." Hira acknowledged. "Why should any of their words matter to a dragon? It's us who claimed the deadliest beasts this world has ever seen. They chose us above everyone else."

The two gazed at Zhurong and Vhagar respectively, their biggest strength and greatest defenders.

Hira continued. "I don't dislike you. Your infuriating face seems to be the last thing I see before I sleep and because of this, when I wake up I want to find you and punch you. But when I came to King's Landing, besides Helaena you were the first to welcome me and ever since you've only been sweet and caring towards me."

"You think about me before you sleep?" Aemond teased, smirking widely.

She shoved him away, despite the grin on her face.

"You deserve a peaceful place too." He gestured to the pile of rocks, the invitation warming her heart.

After drying themselves the best they could, the two continued their conversation, enjoying the peace between them. At that moment they weren't royals with duty hung over their heads, but two strangers learning to be friends.

"It used to be blue, but after claiming Zhurong how could I lie and say blue's my favourite colour when viridian is such a pretty shade."

Aemond sat close by, feigning that body warmth was needed to heat themselves better. Hira's legs were stretched out and her fingers fiddled with her dragon ring.

"Everything about you is so blue." Aemond commented. "Why are you suddenly switching to green?"

She shrugged, "It's not as if it's a betrayal to have a new favourite colour. When my mother legitimised me as the Spare Princess I had to choose a jewel that represented me. I've always loved sapphire, so I chose that."

"On a whim?"

"Not a whim." She reprimanded, "They say monarchs in Essos used to wear sapphires around their necks as a powerful defence from harm. For centuries it's been seen as a symbol of the heavens, innocence and truth. I wanted to embody that when I was young, which was difficult considering the status of my birth. But I wanted everyone to look at me and judge me for my character rather than who my father was."

"So it was shiny and represented everything you're not." He grinned. "Innocent? Far from it."

Hira glared playfully. "You're not so innocent yourself. I've heard the rumour of Aegon taking you to the Streets of Silk."

Aemond reddened, turning his head away as he cleared his throat.

"Nothing to be ashamed of." Hira hurriedly said, "It's only natural."

"Nothing happened. I didn't see a point in it." He admitted. "Aegon left me there but I escaped their clutches and returned back to the Keep."

She hummed, diverting the conversation to a different topic. "I suppose we both have elder siblings who can be unfair."

Aemond raised his brow, waiting for Hira to elaborate.

"Growing up Atarah had always been selfish. For her name day the whole of Leng would host a lantern spectacle to celebrate her. Every man, woman and child was given a lantern by the God-Empress designed in red to match Atarah's chosen jewel of rubies. Everyone lit the lanterns and sent them to the sky, wishing the heir good health and joy. One year I told my mother I wanted to host one for just the two of us. Simply my mother and I. Atarah heard and demanded that I be whipped for suggesting such a thing, as if I asked for her crown instead of a simple show."

"What did your mother do?"

"She declined my appeal and sent Atarah to bed without supper. She sat me down and demanded that I forgive my sister and make peace. To forget such a suggestion and simply be happy with what I already receive."

"Your mother favours your sister the same way my father favours Rhaenyra."

She mockingly laughed, agreeing. "The curse of being born as the second and third child. Forever hidden in the shadows of our elders."

Aemond laced their hands together, ignoring Hira's sharp inhale at the sudden intrusion. No words were said between them after that, they simply enjoyed each other's company. Aemond stroked Hira's hand as she laid her head on his shoulder.

Two grown adults stared out at sea, their inner child having found comfort with each other, finally at peace.

[ x ]

Little note from me: One thing I love about our boy Aemond is his ability to be so damn hypocritical. In one breathe he'll call the Strong boys bastards yet praise Hira for her fighting spirit for the same thing! Yet if someone were to say that about Hira to his face, he'll be up in arms ready to defend her. Only a chapter left before shit hits the fan and it's back to tv canon, hope you're ready for it!