Chapter Text
In the moments between him free falling through the air and hitting the water, Lucerys Velaryon thought of his mother. It would hardly be the first time he thought of her, and he thought it may be the last. This would break her heart; so soon after losing his sister and grandfather. She had sent him on the safer quest and still he would fail her. He hoped she would not mourn for long. He would never return home to her again.
He struck the water with enough violence to knock the air from his lungs. The cold of the ocean cut through Lucerys like a blade. It had forced a cry from him and he had breathed in the salt water, choking desperately as he went head over heels. He wasn’t sure what way was up as the current rocked him around violently. He frantically kicked his legs, lungs burning as he finally came up for air, gasping and gagging, another wave knocking him backwards.
He vomited, coughing up water and bile violently, blinking away the burning salt in his eyes. Everything hurt, his lungs, his head, it was all one endless wave of pain. Was he dying? Was this how father had felt when his end came? He scanned the water, spotting a familiar broken figure floating mere feet from him.
"Ar-Arrax?" Luke croaked, desperately trying to stay afloat. "Arrax!" Choking, he swam forward, reaching out for Arrax with unsteady fingers.
What had once been his loyal companion since birth now was nothing more than tattered bloody remains. It was difficult for Luke to swallow down his grief, that naive hope that Arrax was only wounded now laid to rest. Luke clung to what was left of him, refusing to part with him. If Arrax sank then Lucerys would gladly sink with him; It felt only right
Vhagar's monstrous roar echoed above the clouds and Lucerys felt a shudder run down his spine. He couldn’t let her find him. Couldn’t let Aemond . He hid under Arrax's tattered wing, only his eyes above the water, peering out at the darkened clouds until Vhagar's massive form soared out from like, like a promise of death. He would not be satisfied with simply injuring Luke, he would want to end it.
Aemond circled overhead, looking for him to finish the job. Vhagar shrieked and Lucerys was unable to stifle a frightened whimper as he ducked down. He could almost hear Jacerys in his ear, scolding him for being afraid. He had never been as noble as his older brother, never as good .
He could hear Vhagar soar overhead, circling Arrax, and Luke could practically feel Aemond's one eye searching for him; hunting him. Hadn’t they been leading up to this since Luke had taken his eye? Luke squeezed his eyes shut, as if he could block Aemond out. Over the roar of the ocean, he almost thought he heard Aemond call out, as if awaiting an answer.
"BOY!?" He remained as silent as he could, barely daring to breathe. "Lucerys- '' Luke sank under the waves, chest burning as he tried to keep his grip on Arrax, the only anchor he had left in this world. He blinked under the water, seeing only darkness. Bubbles escaped his lips, better to die in the water than by Vhagar's flames. He kicked his legs forward, back to the surface and released a ragged breath, tasting copper on his lips. His vision faded in and out, the edges dimming as the Stranger reached for him.
He surfaced again, peeking out from Arrax's broken wing, a trembling breath escaping his lips. Aemond was nowhere in sight. He must have been satisfied and decided there was no reason to remain. Now Luke was truly alone.
"Mother-" Luke whispered, desperately trying to stay afloat. " Mama… " It was whispered as a plea and as a prayer. As if across the sea, Rhaenyra would hear him and answer his call. If anyone could, it would be her.
He wasn't sure how long he remained in the water, holding onto Arrax. The sky darkened and Lucerys prepared himself to face the Stranger. Father was there, Harwin Strong as well. He would not be alone. Jacaerys would be devastated, Luke wished he could offer him some comfort, assure him that everything would be alright. Jace was a good brother, Luke did not want him to mourn too long. He had plenty of other brothers to look after, he would not miss him for long.
He floated. For how long he couldn’t say, somewhere hovering between life and death, clinging to Arrax's corpse as his vision faded to white.
The sound of crashing waves awoke him and he blinked, eyes staring up at the morning sky. Was it morning now? How long had he been out here? He tried to swallow, but his throat was dry and it hurt to even attempt it. He had lost his grip on Arrax at some point and the loss felt all the more raw. A wave crashed over him, sending him rolling across the sand.
The sand-
He was on land , the waves crashing against stone, spraying mist over his face. He had washed up along some shore. He prayed it was home, that Daemon was on his way to collect him, that his mother would come rushing across the sand to his side.
He rolled heavily onto his side, squinting but finding him unable to recognize his surroundings. With a pained grunt he dug his fingers into the sand, dragging himself forward. A massive shape lay ahead of him and he recognized Arrax, even in such a state.
Luke had to reach him.
He stood on unstable legs, struggling forward to where Arrax's remains lay. His legs throbbed in agony, and he dazedly wondered how much damage he had taken in the fall. He fell heavily to his knees, unable to support his weight and he let his head fall back, tipped towards the sky as he breathed out, eyes falling shut.
Was this rebirth? Rising from the depths of the sea like a true Velaryon? Would grandfather be proud? Was he worthy to be here while Arrax was lost? The world around him felt muted now, as if Arrax's death had disconnected him from everything. Taste, sound, touch…everything.
With great effort, he crawled forward hand brushing Arrax's side with the same affection he had always given him. He curled against Arrax, legs drawing close to his chest despite the pain the movement caused. He breathed out shakily, the rattle in his lungs painful. Sand clung to his face, coating his tongue as he tried to lift his head to look at his most loyal companion.
"I'm sorry Arrax," His fingers danced over Arrax's ruined wing, as if his touch would make him whole. "You were so brave …you did so good, I'm sorry- '' He choked, tears stinging his eyes. He had failed him, failed everyone. He could remain here and pass quietly in the night. It felt fitting, a dragon rider's death in its own way.
His peace did not last.
"Well well, look what we have here lads." Lucerys flinched, eyes lifting, the effort to do so was taxing. He was suddenly kicked in the side and he flopped over onto his back, feeling a heavy boot pressing against his chest.
Borros Baratheon.
Borros smiled at him, but that smile was anything but kind. He knelt down at Luke's side, his eyes flickering over him. "We all thought you were dead, boy." He hummed, head tilting as he studied Luke. "Saw that beast dragon chase you down." There was some chuckling from the surrounding men as they listened to Borros. So Borros must have allied with Aegon, it had all been for nothing. Storm End were traitors and Luke only hoped they would face justice when his mother sat on the throne.
The man shifted, taking a breath as he knelt down, reaching for Luke and grasping his face in his hands, fingers digging painfully into his cheeks. Luke tried to keep his eyes open, but exhaustion had seeped him of his strength.
"I know someone who will be delighted to see you." Luke knew exactly who he was talking about. His head fell back, no longer having the strength to keep it up and Borros stood, striding away from Luke without a backwards glance.
"Get him up, we have a wedding gift for our new son in law." There was a murmuring of agreement and before Luke could do anything, a foot came down against his face, turning his world black.