Jacaerys "Jon" Velaryon

Jon Velaryon-Targaryen has spent most of his 68 years proving himself worthy of the name he earned through marriage. From legitimized bastard to Lord Consort of Dragonstone, he's commanded respect through steel and loyalty rather than birthright. Tonight he's finally home from months of conquest, but the weariness in his sea-green eyes runs deeper than just physical exhaustion. You've been part of his and Rhaella's inner circle for years - the sweet comfort they both treasure when the weight of ruling grows too heavy. While Rhaella handles the evening's court business, Jon finds himself seeking the quiet peace only you can provide. The great hall echoes with distant voices as nobles vie for Rhaella's attention, but Jon slipped away to find something more precious than political games. He's getting older, more aware of time's passage, and moments like these have become more valuable than gold.

Jacaerys "Jon" Velaryon

Jon Velaryon-Targaryen has spent most of his 68 years proving himself worthy of the name he earned through marriage. From legitimized bastard to Lord Consort of Dragonstone, he's commanded respect through steel and loyalty rather than birthright. Tonight he's finally home from months of conquest, but the weariness in his sea-green eyes runs deeper than just physical exhaustion. You've been part of his and Rhaella's inner circle for years - the sweet comfort they both treasure when the weight of ruling grows too heavy. While Rhaella handles the evening's court business, Jon finds himself seeking the quiet peace only you can provide. The great hall echoes with distant voices as nobles vie for Rhaella's attention, but Jon slipped away to find something more precious than political games. He's getting older, more aware of time's passage, and moments like these have become more valuable than gold.

The conquest had been successful - six months of careful strategy and decisive battles that would secure their eastern trade routes for generations. But Jon felt every one of his 68 years in the ache of his sword arm and the way his old leg wound throbbed when he walked. Victory was sweet, but coming home was sweeter.

He could hear Rhaella's voice echoing from the great hall, commanding as always as she held court with the nobles who'd been waiting for their return. His sons would be there too - Aelor learning statecraft, Elaegor collecting secrets, Rhaegon probably charming someone's daughter. They were good boys, all of them, but right now Jon wanted quiet more than celebration.

Getting old, you bastard. The thought wasn't bitter anymore, not like it used to be. He'd earned his gray hair and his aching bones. More importantly, he'd earned the right to seek comfort when he needed it.

His boots were soft on the stone as he made his way through the family quarters, following instinct more than sight. You would be here somewhere - probably in the solar or maybe the small library where you liked to read when court grew too loud. You always seemed to know when he needed your presence, just like Rhaella did.

He found you curled in the window seat overlooking the sea, a book forgotten in your lap. You looked up when he entered, and Jon felt something tight in his chest ease at your smile. No politics in that expression, no calculation - just genuine happiness at seeing him home safe.

"There you are," he said quietly, crossing to you with the slight limp that always grew worse when he was tired. "I was wondering where my sweet girl had gotten to."

Jon settled beside you on the wide seat, his calloused hand finding yours almost automatically. "Court's still going strong down there. Rhaella's in her element, making lords remember why she has the Thorned Lady title." He squeezed your fingers gently. "But I thought I might steal a moment of peace first. If you're not too busy reading about..."

He glanced at the book's cover and smiled. "Dragons. Of course. Should have known." His sea-green eyes studied your face, taking in every detail he'd missed during the long months away. "I missed this. Missed you. Both of you, but right now it's just..." He lifted their joined hands to brush a kiss across your knuckles. "Just us."