Becoming Stronger

King's Landing

Ten years ago

Rhaegons chambers

Rhaegon was bored. His wife as sister sailed to Driftmark since Princess Rhaenys wanted to see her daughter. Rhaegon couldn't leave with them since he had to help his father and lord Lyonel. Rhaenyra decided to accompany her. He then heard a knock on the door. When he opened the door he saw the Queen in her green dress.

"Your grace." Rhaegon greeted Alicent.

"The king is asleep. I was wondering if you could join me for a walk in the gardens?" Alicent asked.

Rhaegon looked at Ser Criston. "Will he come with, or did you teach him how to stay and fetch?"

"I am charged with protecting her grace, the queen, my prince." Ser Criston said.

"All dogs need sleep, Ser." Rhaegon smirked.

"It's alright, Ser Criston. I'll be safe with Rhaegon." Alicent said, and Ser Criston nodded.

Royal gardens

"So... Why are we here?" Rhaegon asked.

"I've been wanting to talk to you about your wife. How is she?" Alicent asked.

"The maester says she might be carrying twins." Rhaegon smiled.

"And Rhaenyra?" Alicent asked, and Rhaegon lightly chuckled. "You're not even trying to deny it."

"I get bored with lies." Rhaegon said. "But out of the love and respect I have for Rhaenyra, I'll keep my mouth shut. I am curious. How did you know?"

"Ser Criston told me after you all returned from Driftmark, and Rhaenyras pregnancy time was too suspicious." Alicent said. "I chose to investigate myself after that."

"Mm. Well, now that you know, what will you do about it?" Rhaegon asked.

"I tried to tell your father, but he wouldn't hear it. Such is the power of his love for you." Alicent said.

"You're right. I never wanted anyone more than I wanted Rhaenyra. So understand me when I say that if you try to destroy us, I'll kill you myself." Rhaegon warned.

"Threatening your queen is treason." Alicent reminded Rhaegon.

"Thank the gods I have the king on my side." Rhaegon smirked. "You might not believe this, but I feel sorry for you, Alicent. Your father ruined you by marrying you to my father. I've never seen someone so sad."

"Sometimes I think of how you live your life. Even as the heir to the throne, you're free. Happy." Alicent said with tears in her eyes. "You're loved by your father. The smallfolk. Your wife... your sister. I'm just a -"

"Pawn." Rhaegon bluntly stated.

"Yes." Alicent said.

A few hours later, Rhaegon walked Alicent to her chambers and found her door unguarded.

"I think your dog finally went to sleep. I should find Harwin. Perhaps he would like to drink for a while. Laena and Rhaenyra return in a few days, so I'll have to find a way to enjoy myself." Rhaegon said.

"Would... would you like to come inside?" Alicent asked. "I think I'm in need of a drinking companion."

"Of course." Rhaegon said, and they crown prince and queen drank until late at night. "I should take my leave. Rhaegon rose from his chair."

"Wait." Alicent walked closer to Rhaegon. "I haven't laughed this much in a while. Thank you, my prince." She kissed him on his cheek. They then looked at each, and a few seconds later, queen Alicent kissed Rhaegon on his lips. Rhaegon returned the kiss but then stopped. "I'm sorry."

"It's... it's fine." Rhaegon looked at Alicent and thought that maybe he could do Alicent this one favor. "If we do this, it will never happen again."

"I understand." Rhaegon picked Alicent up and started kissing her again. They then proceeded to take each other's clothes off and had sex. They spent the rest of the night having sex and Rhaegon repeatedly finished inside her.

Present day

Aemonds chambers

Three months after Rhaegon wed Rhaenyra, Alicent got depressed. She spent most of her days tending to her youngest son. She would always smile when she looked at his one eye. It was the eye of the black dragon. The eye of his father.

"How are your lessons?" Alicent asked her son.

"Rhaegon says I'm getting better. He's trying to make me fight with two swords now." Aemond excitedly said.

"What of his other children? Are you all getting along?" Alicent asked.

"No. I'm still angry. Rhaegon says it's why he trains me alone." Aemond said.

"I'm sorry for your suffering, my darling. I'm glad you have Rhaegon training you." Alicent said.

"Forgive me, your grace." Ser Criston entered the room. "The crown prince has called a meeting of the small council."

"Yes, of course." Alicent looked at her son. "Find your brother." She then left her sons room.

Small council chambers

Rhaegon sat at the head of the table since Viserys wasn't feeling so well today. Rhaenyra sat next to him and held his hand. They were waiting for the council to enter.

"What troubles you, my love?" Rhaenyra asked.

"Father. I don't think I'm ready to lose him." Rhaegon said.

"Neither am I." Rhaenyra said. "If it helps, he'll leave the realm in the most capable hands."

"Thank you." Rhaegon said. "I needed to hear that. I'll need you by my side."

"I'm never leaving you." Rhaenyra said.

Suddenly the doors opened and the council entered. Once they were seated, and the Lord commander stood behind Rhaegon, everyone looked at Rhaegon.

"You're all late." Rhaegon said.

"Apologies, my prince. We didn't know there would be another meeting for the day." Otto said.

"Where is his grace?" Tyland asked.

"The king isn't feeling well. He's asked me to lead this session in his stead." Rhaegon said. He then looked at Ser Criston. "Why are you here?"

"I'm here as the sworn protector of the queen, my prince." Ser Criston said.

"We're in the council, and we're in the most capable hands with Ser Harrold. You can assist Ser Erryk in training my children." Rhaegon said, and Ser Criston looked at Alicent. "Don't look at her. Look at me. Go tend to your task."

"My prince." An embarrassed Ser Criston bowed his head and left the council chambers.

"My prince, I've received news from Dorne." Grandmaester Orwyle spoke up. "Prince Qoren asks for his daughter to meet your son,  Prince Corwyn."

"Mm. Write a letter to the prince of Dorne and tell him that as agreed, the young princess will meet Corwyn once he turns 10." Rhaegon said.

"Yes, my prince." Orwyle nodded.

"I have something important to discuss with you all." Rhaegon rose up from his seat. "I plan to make changes to this council. Firstly, all council meetings will be three times a day."

"My prince, if I may." Jasper Wylde spoke up.

"No, you may not." Rhaegon dismissed him. "Secondly, my brothers, son, daughters, sister, nephews, and niece will attend meetings as a page and cupbearer. They'll rotate, and lastly." Rhaegon looked at Rhaenyra. "My wife and future queen will lead this council when me or my father are busy. Any objections?"

"Forgive me, my prince. The queen should be next to lead the council." Otto said.

"I agree, and I will allow it if you remove your green... whatever it is you're wearing." Rhaegon said, and Otto was silent. "No? Well then, I suppose we'll do what I say then. This is my house, Otto, and you will abide by my rules. If my father cannot attend a council meeting, I will lead it for him. After all, I am his heir. Send a letter to Dragonstone. I'd like to know what Daemon is up to." The crown prince told Orwyle.

"Yes, my prince." Orwyle said.

"One last thing. When last we spoke before Laena..." Rhaegon clenched his fist and calmed down when he felt Rhaenyras hand on his. "We spoke of marriage pacts. I've spoken to my father, and he agrees to marry Jace to Heleana."

The color was drained from Alicents face. "My prince, please -"

"Heleanas will be a good wife. Jace will treat her well." Rhaegon said. He then looked at Otto. "Wouldn't you agree, Lord Hand?"

"Y... yes, my prince." Otto stammered.

"Good. Council dismissed." The councilors left the chambers.

Rhaegon and Rhaenyras chambers

After making love, Rhaegon and Rhaenyra were lying naked under the sheets.

"Have I ever told you that I love your display of power?" Rhaenyra asked.

"You may have mentioned it once of twice." Rhaegon teased. "I want us to take the children out. Perhaps to the Kingswood."

"That sounds like a splendid idea." Rhaenyra said. "What's wrong?"

"I can't help but think of all the people we lost. I want to kill Gwayne Hightower." Rhaegon said.

"I know. They came for you and our children. Laena and Harwin paid the price." Rhaenyra said.

"If you tell me to ignore this revenge, I'll do it. We can live our lives here and in peace." Rhaegon said.

Rhaenyra sat up, and Rhaegon traced circles on her back. "I never wanted to share you, but Laena was good. Too good for this world." She then looked back at Rhaegon. "Make them pay for Laena. For Harwin. You owe that to them." She said, and Rhaegon smirked.

A few days later

The Kingswood

Viserys, Rhaegon, Rhaenyra, and his family got out of the wheelhouse carriage and set up tents

"I love this. The air. The silence." Rhaegon chuckled. "I see why you hold feasts and celebrations."

Viserys chuckled. "Sometimes the burden is too heavy."

"I know." Rhaegon said. "If you're strong enough, we should go hunt."

No... no, my son. You hunt with the boys. I'll stay here." Viserys said.

"Are you sure?" Rhaegon asked.

"I am. This is your time." Viserys said. "I love you, son."

"I love you, Father." Rhaegon then walked to Rhaenyra. "It's time." Rhaenyra nodded and called her sons and daughter while Rhaena called Baela, Rhaena, and Corwyn. "I have to tell you all something. Before I say it, I need you to understand that I don't regret anything, nor will I be angry. Jace, Visenya, Luke, Baelon... you're my children. I'm your true father."

"We're... bastards?" Visenya asked.

"No. You're Targaryens, and you're my children. I know that neither of you asked to be born, but know that I'll protect you till my last breath." Rhaegon said. "I'll understand if you don't wish to speak to me ever again."

Jace walked to Rhaegon. "I always knew that I was different. I also knew that Ser Laenor wasn't our father. I'm glad it's you." He then hugged Rhaegon.

"Visenya?" Rhaegon called his daughter.

Visenya has always known that Laenor wasn't her true father, and Rhaegon was there for her when she needed him. "Promise me you'll never stop fighting for us."

"You have my word." Rhaegon smiled. Visenya then hugged Rhaegon, as did Luke and Joffery.

"Is this why you call me Baelon when we're alone?" Joffery asked.

"Yes. I want to speak to the king about changing your name." Rhaegon said. He then looked at his 7 children. "I love you all."

Dragonstone

Daemon and Cerelles chambers

"I've received word from Rhaegon. He wishes for Daeron to be fostered at King's Landing." Daemon told his wife.

"What? Why?" Cerelle asked.

"If I know Rhaegon, he plans to strengthen our bloodline through marriage, and Visenya is unwed." Daemon said.

"You're selling off our son?" Cerelle was surprised that Daemon was considering this.

"No. Daeron will soon grow and have women running to him." Daemon said. "All Rhaegon is doing is making it easier."

"I can't lose my son, Daemon." Cerelle said.

"I'm not asking you to give him up. I'm telling you that this is a better solution than having him marry a woman that you might kill in her sleep." Daemon pointed out.

"What of Joanna? She will mature as well." Cerelle said.

Daemon chuckled. "The girl will die before she weds."

"I'm starting to believe you have a favorite child." Cerelle said.

"I don't, but the truth is Daeron will want to be with a woman more than Joanna would want to be with a man." Daemon said. "You may believe I feel nothing for them, but I know our children."

"And what of your wife?" Cerelle asked.

Daemon smirked. "I've grown quite fond of her."

Courtyard

Daeron was finishing his training session and saw Joanna.

"What do you want?" Daeron asked.

"To see if you're improving." Joanna said.  "I'm also hiding from mother. She wants to take me to Casterly Rock in a few days, and I would rather watch you try to swallow a frog again."

"That was one time!" Daeron yelled.

"It was still funny." Joanna chuckled. "I like it here on Dragonstone. I like flying around on Grey Ghost."

"Well, tell that to mother and father. They'll listen." Daeron suggested.

Joanna sighed. "I'll try."

Kingswood

Tent

While Rhaegon went hunting with the boys, Alicent approached Rhaenyra.

"Does he know yet?" Alicent asked.

"Know what?" Rhaenyra inquired.

"About your pregnancy?" Alicent asked.

"Oh. I haven't had the chance to tell him." Rhaenyra rubbed her flat belly. A few days ago, she went to maester Gerardys, and he confirmed that she was pregnant again.

"I'm sure he'll be delighted to hear that he's going to be a father again." Alicent said.

"Yes, he will." Rhaenyra looked at Alicent. "Have you spoken to him?"

"About what?" Alicent asked.

Rhaenyra sighed and looked around to see if it was safe to speak. "About Aemond."

Alicent took a deep breath. "How did you know?"

Rhaenyra chuckled. "The same way you know about my children."

"It was one time, I swear. You and Laena weren't here, and I... it just happened." Alicent tried to explain.

"I'm not angry at him for laying with you, nor am I angry at you for laying with him. I was, but Laena told me something that made me see it from your side, but you've tried to make my life hell for siring Rhaegons children, and yet you did the same." Rhaenyra said.

"I am so sorry, Rhaenyra. Please. I'm sorry." Alicent apologized.

"You made virtue your banner, and yet you sleep with the man you've always wanted while married to my father." Rhaenyra said. "I wonder if your fathers heart can take the news that his perfect flower has decayed?"

"Please don't tell him. Not before I've told him." Alicent begged.

"I'm no fool. If I tell Otto, the realm will soon know about Aemond, and then my children will be targeted even more." Rhaenyra said. "Rhaegon Targaryen will kill for his children. He deserves to know that the brother he's bonded with so well... is his son."

"I wanted to tell him. After Aemond was born, Rhaegon entered my chambers. He wanted to take Aegon and Heleana to play while I rested. I didn't have the heart to tell him because I knew he'd hate himself for ripping out his father's heart." Alicent said.

"I wanted to tell him as well, but Laena told me that this is Rhaegons' journey. He needs to find out for himself. I am sorry about Aemonds eye." Rhaenyra apologized.

"Thank you." Alicent then walked to her husband.

Deep in the Kingswood

"Why aren't we walking with guards?" Aegon asked.

"Because guards slow us down. When I was a boy, I'd always fly off unguarded." Rhaegon told his brother. "The castle bored me, and I chose to leave whenever I could."

"Did you catch any animals?" Jace asked.

"I did. I was 9 years old when I hunted my first boar. My mother wanted me to attend my lessons, but I refused. She sent me to my chambers and decided to leave through the window." Rhaegon chuckled.

"You're a terrible influence on us, brother." Aegon spat.

"Well, my mischieve doesn't compare to yours. Have you milked your eel outside the window today?" Rhaegon asked, and the rest of the boys laughed at Aegon.

"What was your grandsire like, father?" Corwyn asked.

Rhaegon smiled. "He was my best friend. We flew every day on Vhagar. I remember one day I was so angered by my father for taking my toys away, and I ran to the dragonpit. My grandsire was there, and he calmed me down."

"My prince. Rhaegon and the boys turned to see a knight. His grace has -" The knight was cut off when a sword protruded out of his chest from behind. When the knight fell, Rhaegon saw a brute of a man.

"You will not be spared this time, Black Dragon." The man spat. "Come meet your destiny."

"When I move, run to the mothers." Rhaegon charged at the man, and the boys ran. As soon as Rhaegon attacked, the man threw Rhaegon against a tree. "Fuck!"

Rhaegon quickly got back up and their swords clashed as the two warriors danced in a fight. Rhaegon managed to punch the man, but it had no effect.

The man swung his sword and Rhaenyra ducked, but not before slashing the man's upper chest. This angered the brute and he jumped up and met Rhaegons sword with his. Rhaegon struggled and the brute delivered he headbutt to Rhaegon which made the crown prince stumble back. The man then attacked Rhaegon and the forced of his sword clashing against Blackfyre was pushed down and managed to cut Rhaegon on his chest. The brutes sword met with Blackfyre again and this time he disarmed Rhaegon. He then smacked Rhaegon aside, sending the crown prince flying. When Rhaegon came to, it was too late. The brute pressed his knee on Rhaegons chest and punched him 4 times. He then picked Rhaegon up by his throat as if he weighed nothing and threw him hard on the ground.

The brute slowly walked to Rhaegon to finish the job that he was hired for, but felt a sting in his back and head. When he turned, he saw Aemond and Corwyn throwing rocks at him.

"Leave him alone!" Aemond yelled.

"Stay away from my father!" Corwyn yelled.

As the brute walked closer, the children started to fear for their lives. Aemond and Corwyn then looked behind the assassin and when the assassin also turned they saw Rhaegon on his feet.

"Why do you not accept death?" The man asked.

"I'm not done living." Rhaegon smirked.

The brute charged at Rhaegon with his sword and Rhaegon charged at him unarmed. He then slid down and punched the brute in his kneecap. Rhaegon then grabbed a nearby rope and wrapped it around the brutes neck. The man pushed Rhaegon aside, but Rhaegon tried again. He then pushed his thumb in the brute in his eye, and continued to strangle him with the rope. Once the man was in the ground Rhaegon repeatedly punched him, but the brute tried to fight back. Unfortunately he couldn't and Rhaegon punched him in his face until the brute was unable to fight back.

The brute was gasping for air, and his jaw was broken. Rhaegon went to pick up Blackfyre and walked back to the assassin.

"I... I didn't know... she was... pregnant." Rhaegon realized that he was there when Laena was attacked. "Kill me... black dragon. End my shame." The brute begged.

"Gladly." Rhaegon stabbed the brute in his chest without hesitation. He then turned to Aemond and Corwyn. "I thought I told you to leave."

"We did, but the camp. We saw men marching to the camp." Aemond said.

"How many?" Rhaegon asked.

"I counted 10, father." Corwyn said.

"Ser Erryk and Ser Harrold cannot face them alone." Rhaegon said. "Where's the rest of the boys?"

"Safe in the bushes." Aemond said.

"Find them and stay hidden." Rhaegon then ran to the camp.

Kingswood

Camp

Ser Erryk was bleeding out if his leg and Ser Harrold was knocked out.

"I must admit. I'm surprised your knights were able to defeat half of my men." A man with an accent said. "Where's Rhaegon? He and I have some unfinished business."

"Who are you?" Rhaenyra asked.

"You don't remember me, princess? I am Lysor Antaryon. Many years ago I was to marry lady Laena Velaryon, but your spoiled cunt of a brother ruined that for me." Lysor said.

"You're aim was to marry for power." Rhaenyra spat.

"Isn't that why you wanted to marry Rhaegon? For power?" Lysor asked. He then looked at his men. "Find the crown prince, and if you see his son, kill him."

"No!" Rhaenyra rose up to charge at Lysor, but he delivered a backhand to her.

"I'm going to make Rhaegon hurt. I'm going to make all his children... hurt." Lysor had a sinister smile on his face.

Just then he heard his men yell and beg for their lives.

Baela smirked. "You should pay more attention about what the legends have to say about my father." Just then Rhaegon walked out from the bushes to Lysor.

"Rhaegon." Rhaenyra whispered and Rhaegon saw the bruise on Rhaenyras cheek.

"Rhae..." Rhaegon then turned his attention back to Lysor and charged at him. "What did you do to her?!" Rhaegon had Lysor pinned down ready to stab him with Blackfyre.

Lysor instantly grabbed Rhaegons wrists and slowly twisted them. The crown prince dropped Blackfyre and Lysor laughed.

"You thought that I came unprepared?" Lysor pushed Rhaegon off him. Lysor was unarmed, but the punch he delivered to Rhaegon made the crown prince dizzy. "I've been taking elixirs all around Essos to make me stronger. I knew this day would come." He punched Rhaegon again, and he spat out some blood. "Why did you think I was weakening you?! Why do you think i sent assassins and foot soldiers to you?!" He punched Rhaegon again. "Because I wanted to kill you myself!" Lysor repeatedly beat Rhaegon and once the crown prince was on the ground, Lysor got on top of a weak Rhaegon, wrapped his hands around the crown princes' neck, and started squeezing. "Did you think that anything other than killing you with my bare hands would satisfy me?!"

"Rhaegon... please get up." Viserys begged.

Rhaegon then pushed Lysor off him, and Lysor laughed. "This doesn't end until you and your family are dead."

"STOP. THREATENING. MY FAMILY!" Rhaegon charged at him and Lysor stood ready, but Rhaegon punched Lysor so hard he stumbled back. "You have no idea what I've been through!" Rhaegon punched Lysor with the same strength again and broke Lysors nose. "Or how much I've been holding back!" Rhaegon punched him again and broke his jaw. This made Lysor fall to the ground. Rhaegon got on top of Lysor and started beating his face in. All the rage and guilt he felt for Harwin and Laenas death came out at once, and he took it out on Lysor. "I'll never let anyone hurt my family!" Rhaegon finished Lysor with a double axe handle punch to his face.

When the fight was done, Rhaegon stood above the corpse of Lysor Antaryon. His face was bashed in to the point where it was unrecognizable. Rhaegon looked at his hands and the remains of bone was splintered into his hands along with some brain was smudged on his hand as well.

He looked up and saw his sons and brothers come out of the bushes and looking at him. While he was happy that they were safe, Rhaegon felt nothing but shame for losing control.

King's Landing

A few hours later

Rhaegon and Rhaenyras chambers

"How's father?" Rhaegon asked as he looked at his now bandaged hands.

"He's asked the same of you." Rhaenyra said.

"I lost control. When I saw what he did to you... I lost control." Rhaegon said. "I'm sorry you had to see that side of me."

Rhaenyra rushed to Rhaegon. "You have nothing to be sorry about, my love. You protected us. You protected our family."

"I know. I'm glad your safe." Rhaegon caressed Rhaenyras cheek.

"I'm always safe with you." Rhaenyra said.

Alicents chambers

"It would seem the crown prince is more dangerous than I thought." Otto said. He had just heard from his daughter what happened in the Kingswood.

"He protected his family. His children." Alicent defended.

"I must admit, I'm happy that your children are unharmed." Otto said. "The crown prince does love them. Now all suspicions of Gwaynes involvement with Lady Laenas death will fade."

"Father... I have sinned." Alicent needed to tell her father about Aemond.

Otto held his daughters hand. "I do not wish to hear it. He then left the Queen's chambers."

Oldtown

A few days later

"Does my sister and father know of our alliance?" Gwayne asked.

"No, my lord." Larys Strong said.

"Good. You were smart to dispose of Lysor." Gwayne said.

"He was getting too impatient. It was only a matter of time before he betrayed us and acted on his own." Larys said.

"The crown has no reason to suspect me, but Rhaegon still has his suspicions." Gwayne pointed out.

"He'll be calmer now. His wife has been avenged. Now he can be happy with Rhaenyra and their bastards." Larys assured. "Soon Rhaegon will be disposed of and the Hightower banner will fly on a dragons back." This made Gwayne smirk.

Hi guys, here's another chapter of Blood of the Dragon

What did you think of the flashback?

What did you think of the small council meeting?

What did you think of Daemon agreeing to have his son fostered in King's Landing?

What did you think of Alicent and Rhaenyras' talk?

What did you think of the brute and Rhaegons' fight?

What did you think of Rhaegon and Lysors' fight?

What did you think of Alicent wanting to confess to her father?

What did you think of Gwayne and Larys plotting?

I'm open to suggestions for this story

Please comment and vote

Thanks, guys