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Chapter Text

 “as the fist century of the Targaryen dynasty came to a close, the old King Jaehaerys was failing”

The lords are gathered to hear the great council’s proclamation. Rhaenys stands proudly in Targaryen colors, her husband Corlys beside her even prouder. Viserys and his young wife stand beside them.

“in those days House Targaryen stood at the height of its strength with 10 adult dragons under its yoke. No power in the world could stand against it, King Jaehaerys reigned for nearly 60 years of peace and prosperity, but tragedy had claimed all his sons leaving his succession in doubt. In the year 101AC the Old King called a great council to choose an heir. Over 1000 lords made their way to Harrenhal, 14 claims were heard but only two were truly considered, that of Princess Rhaenys only child of the Kings eldest son and his eldest descendant and that of Prince Viserys, her cousin and the Kings eldest male descendant”

Jaehaerys takes out the scroll and reads what the council decided upon. “it is declared by the lords paramount and the lords vassals of the Seven Kingdoms that Prince Viserys will be the next Prince of Dragonstone and future King”

“Rhaenys a woman would not inherit the Iron Throne, the lords instead chose Viserys, my father”

Viserys has a jovial smile as he hugs his wife. Rhaenys remains expressionless, she knew what the outcome would be and would not allow the lords to see her as weak, Corlys however would never forgive this slight against his wife and house.

“Jaehaerys called the great council to prevent a war being fought over the succession. For he knew the cold truth, that the only thing that could tear down the house of the dragon... was its self.”

 5 years later.

 King Viserys sits at the head of the small council eating, jovial as ever. “so I said to him ‘well I believe you might be looking at the wrong end” he breaks into a hearty laugh, the members of the council laugh as well, except for Corlys that is.

 “my lords the growing alliance among the free cities has taken to styling itself the Triarchy” he stands and unrolls a map of the Stepstones onto the table. “they have massed on Bloodstone and are currently eidding the Stepstones of its pirate infestation.”

“well that’s sounds suspiciously like good news Lord Corlys” says Viserys.

 “a man called Craghas Drahar has styled himself the prince-admiral of the Triarchy. They call him the ‘crabfeeder’ due to his inventive methods of punishing his enemies” Corlys continues.

 Rhaenyra enters the room, late. Viserys cuts her a chastising look and she begins filling the cups of the councilmen.

 “are we meant to weep for dead pirates?” Viserys jokes.

 “no your grace” 

“your grace at Prince Daemons urging the crown has invested significant capitol in retraining and re-equipping of his Citywatch. I thought you might urge your brother to fill his seat on the council and provide assessment of his progress as commander of the watch.” Lord beesbury changes the subject and Corlys glowers at the old man. 

“do you think Daemon is distracted by his present tasks? That his energies might be occupied?” Viserys asks.

“well one would hope so considering the costs”

 “consider your coin well invested Lord beesbury”

 “I would urge you not to let the Triarcy gain much latitude in the Stepstones” Corlys interrupts, not willing to let this issue be swept away, “if those shipping lines should fall it would beggar our ports”

 “the crown has heard your reports and takes them into consideration” Otto Hightower, Hand of the King says, no one speaks as the two men appear to be having a stand off but it is Corlys who concedes. “shall we discuss the heirs tournament your grace?”

 “I would be delighted” Viserys laughs, finally paying attention again. “will the maesters nameday prediction hold?”

 “you must understand that these things are mere estimations my King, but we have been pouring over the moon charts and feel that our forecast is as accurate as it can be” Maester Mellos says rationally. 

“the cost of the tournament is not negligible. Perhaps we might delay until the child is in hand?” says Beesbury.

“most lords and knights are certainly on their way to Kingslanding already, too late to turn them back now.”

 “the tourney will take the better part of a week. Before the games are over my son will be born, and the whole realm will celebrate” Rhaenyra looks at her smiling father and gives a strained smile back. His constant wishing for a son while she is right there hurts even though she’d never admit it.

 “we have no way of predicting the sex of the child” says Mellos, trying to keep the Kings expectations from rising.

 “of course, no maester is capable of rendering an opinion free of conditions, are they now? Theres a boy in the Queens belly. I know it, and my heir will put to rest this damnable handwringing to rest himself” Viserys waves his hand, before any more issues can be brought to his attention he calls the meeting to an end. “I have had enough for the day, this is a week of celebrations”

 The men stand to leave and when the doors open the daughter of the hand, Alicent Hightower is seen waiting for her charge, she steps in as the men are leaving and heads to Rhaenyra. “were you late again?” she asks smiling. 

“you know me to well, my lady” Rhaenyra responds smiling back. 

As the girls speak Viserys eye catches Alicents, a small smile on his face. Rhaenyra has her back to him but Alicent notices and quickly looks away, she grabs Rhaenyras arm as they leave. Otto however took notice how the King was eyeing his daughter.

Rhaenyra and Alicent walk the crowded halls arm in arm towards the Queens chambers.

“you should take a bath, you stink of dragon, you know she hates that smell” Alicent tells her friend.

 “yes she will be most displeased” Rhaenyra says and smirks at Alicent, “luckily I’ll have my protector by my side”

 Once they arrives Rhaenyra goes to sit with her heavily pregnant mother. “Rhaenyra” Aemma says happily, that is before she smells her. “you know I dislike you flying when im in this condition”

 “you don’t like me flying in any condition” Rhaenyra snarks

 “your grace” Alicent smiles and curtsies from the doorway.

 “good morrow Lady Alicent” Aemma greets back before turning her attention to Rhaenyra once more.

“Did you sleep?” Rhaenyra asks 

“I slept”

“How long?” 

“I dont need mothering Rhaenyra”

“Well here you are surrounded by attendants all focused on the babe” Rhaenyra huffs, “someone needs to attend you”

Aemma smiles at her words. “You will lie in this bed soon enough, this discomfort is how we women serve the realm” 

“I'd rather serve the realm as a knight, riding to battle and glory” Rhaenyra says, she has no desire to be in the birthing bed after watching her mother struggle so. 

Aemma just laughs at her words. “We have royal wombs, you and I, the childbed is our battlefield and we must face it with a stiff lip” She smiles at her daughter. Rhaenyra just gazes out the window. 

—

Rhaenyra is now without Alicent, only Ser Westerling as her escort. “The Prince passed through the gates at first light” he tells her.

“Does my father know he is here?” 

“ i don’t believe so Princess” 

“Good” she says with a small smirk. The knight opens the door for her and they see Daemon sitting on the iron throne. 

“Gods be good” westerling says at Daemons audacity. 

“Its alright Ser” Rhaenyra says as she begins approaching her uncle. “What are you doing here

“This could very well be my chair one day” he smirks at her not getting up. 

“Not if you are executed for treason, why are you here? You haven't been at court in a age” she says, smirking right back at him.

“Court is so dreadfully boring” 

“So why come back at all?” 

“I hear your father is hosting a throwing a tourney in my honour”

“The tournament is for his heir” she corrects. 

“Just as I said”, still smirking. 

“His new heir” 

Daemon stands and begins walking down the stairs of the throne, “until your mother brings fourth a son, you are all cursed with me” 

At the mention of her mothe Rhaenyra bristles, “then i shall pray for a brother”

“I brought you something” he says once he is eye to eye with her, he gives her a necklace. “Do you know what it is?” he asks as she inspects it. 

“It's Valyrian steel, Like Darksister!” she says amazed. 

“Turn around” he takes the necklace to put it on her. Rhaenyra pulls her long hair out of the way and Daemon unclasps the necklace she was already wearing and throws it on the ground before placing his on her pretty neck. “Now… you and I will both have a piece of our ancestry” he says. When she turns back to face him he runs his finger along her collar bone, “beautiful”

—

Rhaenyra and Alicent are languishing in the Godswood, Rhaenyras head in Alicents lap. “Did you read it?” Alicent asks. 

“Read what?” Rhaenyra is busy picking the petals off a flower. 

“When Princess Nymeria landed in Westeros who did she take as a husband?” 

“A man” 

“And what was his name” 

“Lord something” Rhaenyra snickers, even from this position she could tell Alicent was growing frustrated. 

“If you answer with Lord something Septa marlow will be furious” Alicent huffed. 

“She’s funny when shes furious” Rhaenyra smirks

“Yours always like this when your worried” Alicent says. 

“Like what?”

“Disagreeable” she deadpans, “you are worried your father is about to overshadow you with a son” 

“I worry only for my mother, i hope for her that my father gets his son… that's all he’s ever wanted for as long as I recall”  she mutters the last part. 

“Do you want your father to have a son?”

Rhaenyra looks up at her and smiles, “I want to fly with you on dragonback across the narrow sea and eat only cake”

“I'm being serious”

“I never jest about cake” Rhaenyra giggles

“You aren't worried about your position?”

“I like this position, it's quite comfortable” Rhaenyra says and smirks up at Alicent, Alicent gets up suddenly and her smirk is replaced with a faux scowl. “Where are you going?” 

“Home, the hour grows late”

Before Alicent can turn and leave Rhaenyra goes to stand before her. “Princess Nymeria led her Rhoynar across the Narrow Sea on 10,000 ships to flee the Valyrian Freeholds expansion. She took Lord Mors Martell of Dorne to husband and burned her own fleet off Sunspear to show her people that they were finished running” she recites to her friend, then she smirks once more as she rips the page from the book.

“Rhaenyra!” Alicent gasps, “what are you doing?” 

“So you remember” she gives her the page. 

“If the Septa sees this..” Alicent sputters. 

“Fuck the Septa” she grabs Alicents hand and they both giggle as they leave. 

—

Laena enters into her fathers chambers and sees he is angered. “I take the council meeting was unpleasant this morning?” she says. 

“the King refuses to take the threat the Triarchy poses seriously” Corlys huffs. “and those lickspittles do naught but entertain his idleness” he turns to her then, “how was your day? were you with the Princess?” he turns to her with a strained smile not wanting to burden her with his political troubles. 

“I attended her this morning as usual but after the meeting she scurried off with Lady Alicent” Corlys face scrunches at the mention of Ottos daughter “I spent the rest of my day with Queen Aemmas ladies…” Laena looks troubled. 

“something on your mind dear?” he inquires 

“they say Queen Aemma won’t survive this birth…” she says quietly. 

“it is a possibility, she has always been of delicate constitution just like her mother and has yet failed to produce a son” Corlys says matter of factly with little sympathy in his tone. 

“the King is throwing a tournament for the birth of his son surely he wouldn’t be celebrating already if his wife’s condition were so dire” 

“the King is an over eager fool… are you excited to see your mother and brother?” he changes the subject. 

Laena smiles at that, “i can’t wait, i wish they visited more often” 

“Rhaenys holds little love for the King and his family, besides if she were here who would watch over Driftmark hmm?” 

“do you think there will be a new Queen soon?” Laena asks tentatively after a stretch of silence. 

Corlys strokes his daughters hand across the table, “perhaps… but we should speak of this no more” Laena nods. 

—

Viserys sits on his bed as the maester inspects the wound on his back, Otto Hightower watches over. 

“is it healing?” the king asks 

the maesters hesitates slightly, “it has grown your grace” 

“can you say what it is?” Otto asks. 

“we’ve sent inquiries to the citadel, they are searching for texts on similar cases” the maesters assistant answers. 

“it is a small cut from sitting on the throne and nothing more” the kings tries to wave them off, he flinches when maester Mellos prods the wound once more. 

Otto pulls Mellos aside to speak privately. “whatever it is it needs to be kept private” 

he tells the maester. 

Mellos nods. “we should leech it again, Mickon”  

“it is a wound that refuses to heal, perhaps cauterizing it may help?” Mickon suggests. 

“Cauterization would be a wise course of treatment, Your Grace. It will be painful…” 

“fine, fine” Viserys concedes, he just wants the poking and prodding over with for today. 

—

Viserys is now sitting with Aemma as she relaxes in the bath. 

“you spend more time in the bath than i do on the throne” he jokes. 

“this is the only place i find comfort these days” she smiles but her voice is solemn. 

Viserys dips his hand in the water. “it’s tepid” 

“this is as hot as they will allow” she answers. 

“don’t they know dragons prefer heat” 

“after this miserable pregnancy i wouldn’t be surprised if i hatched an actual dragon” Aemma huffs. 

“well it would be loved and cherished” Viserys kisses her hand. 

“Rhaenyra has declared that it will be a girl” 

“really?” 

“she has even picked out a name” Aemma smiles. 

“dare i ask?” Viserys already knew what his wife was going to say. 

“Visenya” she laughs, “she picked out an egg that reminded her of vhagar” 

“gods be good this family already had its Visenya” 

“has their been any word from your dear brother?” 

“Not since I named him Commander of the City Watch. I'm sure he will reemerge for the tourney. He could never stay away from the lists.” 

“The tourney to celebrate the firstborn son that we presently do not have. You do understand nothing will cause the babe to grow a cock if it does not already possess one?” she says solemnly, she does not want to disappoint her husband once more. 

“this child is a boy Aemma” Viserys voice takes on a more serious tone than before. 

Aemma just scoffs. 

“I'm certain of it. I've never been more certain of anything. The dream. It was clearer than a memory. Our son was born wearing Aegon's iron crown. When I heard the sound of thundering hooves splintering shields, and ringing swords, I placed our son upon the Iron Throne as the bells of the Grand Sept tolled and all the dragons roared as one.” Viserys would not hear any naysaying not even from his wife, he would have his son and heir. 

“born wearing a crown? this pregnancy is already difficult enough” she tries to joke and Viserys kisses her hand once more. 

Aemma braces herself to broach what she’s been wanting to say, “This is the last time, Viserys. I've lost one babe in the cradle, had two stillbirths, and two pregnancies ended well before their term. That's five in twice as many years. I know it is my duty to provide you an heir, and I'm sorry if I have failed you in that. I am. But I've mourned all the dead children I can.” she tears up thinking of her babies that she never got to know. 

“well let’s hope it’s a boy then” Viserys smiles and Aemma feels dejected. 

—

it is night in Kingslanding the members of the goldcloaks are getting rowdy, ready for their night. Daemon makes his way through in his gaudy armour and they make even more noise. 

“commander on the ground” yells Ser Harwin Strong and they silence. 

“ When I took command of the Watch, you were stray mongrels, starving and undisciplined. Now you're a pack of hounds ready for the hunt” the watchmen begin howling. “My brother's city has fallen into squalor. Crime of every breed has been allowed to thrive. No longer. Beginning tonight, King's Landing will learn to fear the color gold.” Daemon smirks as he finishes his speech. 

The watchmen cheer and Daemon walks ahead. the gate is opened and they pour out into the city, peasants throughout the city are being chased and beaten by Daemons men. Daemon leads a group into a square where punishments are being carried out. One man is held while a guard cuts his hand off.

“raper” one of the men accuse, he brings the man fourth castrating as he screams, he throws them onto the ground and Daemon just stands with a smile.

“thief” he watches a man’s hand be cut off. 

“murderer” one of the watchmen lead him to another man. Daemon unsheathes his sword and approaches the accused and cuts his head off, his men go wild watching this. Daemon tosses his head into a cart filled with other dismembered body parts. 

—

“it was an unprecedented roundup of criminals of every ilk. Your brother made a public show of it, meting out the summary judgments himself.” Otto says as he walks with Viserys to the council chambers. “I'm told they needed a two-horse cart to haul away the resulting dismemberments when it was done.” he doesn’t even make his disgusts at Daemon brutality. 

“gods be good” Viserys mutters. 

“the prince can not be allowed to act with such unchecked impunity” 

they enter to see Daemon sitting alone in the chamber, he is disheveled and looks as though he hasn’t bathed since butchering the folk. 

“brother” Daemon smiles cheekily, “seems I am early and you are late” 

“Daemon” Viserys smiles though it is strained. 

“carry on, you were saying something about my impunity?” 

“you are to explain your doings with the watch” Otto says as he and the king take their seats. 

“your new gold cloaks made quite the impression last night” Viserys adds. 

“did they?” 

the rest of the members enter, all but Corlys tense when they see Daemon. 

“the city watch is not merely a sword to be wielded at your whim, it is an extension of the crown” Otto keeps lecturing. 

“the watch was enforcing the crowns laws, would you agree lord Strong?” 

“my prince I don’t think..” Lord Strong hesitates knowing the princes temper. 

“making a spectacle of wanton brutality is not in line with our laws” Otto says sternly, he has no qualms about Daemons potential outbursts. 

“Nobles from every corner of the realm are right now descending upon King's Landing for my brother's tourney. Do you want them mugged, raped, murdered? You mightn't know this unless you left the safety of the Red Keep, but much of King's Landing is seen by the smallfolk as lawless and terrifying. Our city should be safe for all its people.” Daemon says, the smirk on his face and his tone of voice tell Otto he is full of it. 

“I agree i just hope you don’t maim half the city to achieve this” Viserys attempts to placate, hearing Otto and his brother squabble is not what he wants to do today. 

“time will tell” Daemon shrugs with a grin. 

“we installed Daemon as commander of the watch to promote law and order, the degenerates of the city should fear the watch” Corlys interjects. 

“thank your for your support lord Corlys” 

“ If only the Prince would show the same devotion to his lady wife as he does his work, Your Grace. You've not been seen in the Vale or at Runestone for quite some time” now Otto was just being petty. 

Daemon scoffs “I think my bronze bitch is happier for my absence” 

“lady Rhea is your wife and a good, honourable lady of the Vale” 

“In the Vale, men are said to fսck sheep instead of women. I can assure you, the sheep are prettier.” Daemon says cruelly. 

“dear me” if lord Beesbury had pearls he’d be clutching at Daemons crudeness. 

“watch yourself Daemon, your queen hales from the Vale” Otto says. “you made a vow before the seven to honour your wife and marriage” 

“Well, I'd gladly give Lady Rhea to you, Lord Hightower, if you're in want of a woman to warm your bed. Your own lady wife has passed recently.” Daemon smirks meanly and Otto stands in anger. “did she not?” 

Viserys signals Otto to sit “you know my brother makes a sport of provoking you, must you indulge him?” 

“my apologies your grace” and just like that Ottos mask of stoicism is back in place. 

“This council has, at great expense, bettered the City Watch to your exacting standards. Enforce my laws, but understand: Any further performances like last night's will be answered.” Viserys tells his brother. 

“understood your grace” Daemon leaves after that. 

the room is silent now. 

“King's Landing has been in decline since my grandmother passed. In the end... this new City Watch might be a good thing.” Viserys smiles and signals the men to continue. 

 —

Daemon is in a brothel fucking his frustrations into his favourite whore while a crowd watches. abruptly he stops and walks over to a window covering himself with a blanket. 

Mysaria walks over to him, “what troubles you my prince?” Daemon doesn’t answer. “I could bring in another. I have several new maidens you can sample… I could even arrange one with silver hair.” Daemon keeps looking on petulantly and Mysaria knows what’s got him down, a few drinks in and he becomes loose lipped, spilling his woes to her. “You are Daemon Targaryen. Rider of Caraxes. Wielder of Dark Sister. The King cannot replace you.” she embraces him. 

—

Aemmas labours began early in the knight, they have been going on for 10 hours already, she has been screaming and the whole keep is on edge.

Viserys is standing with Otto outside the room when the maester walks out looking troubled. 

“what’s happening?” he demands.

“my king would you come in the room?” 

Viserys walks in to see Aemma splayed on the bed, sweaty and pale, she looks like a corpse.

Mellos approaches the king, “the babe is breached your grace, all attempts to turn it have failed..” 

then Aemma screams in pain once again. “do something for her” the king demands. 

“We've given her as much milk of the poppy as we can without risking the child.” Mellos looks down. “Your Queen is a strong woman. She's fighting with all her might, but it may not be enough.. ” 

“no she must.. there must be something else” Viserys sputters. 

“Viserys” Aemma gasps out and screams once more. he goes to Aemma and grabs her hand. 

“i’m here, i’m here” he tries to soothe. 

“help me, please” she cries, “do something” 

“it will be alright” he strokes her hair. 

“I can’t do this, Viserys i can’t” 

“your going to be alright, my love” 

—

Rhaenyra is flying over the city, she needed to leave the keep her mothers cries were to much to bare and she needed to calm her mind. she sees a shadow overhead and looks to see Caraxes, Daemons blood wyrm, Syrax screeches a happy sound and she smiles. 

—

Aemma is losing blood and looks worse than when he came in. 

“your grace if you would..” Mellos signals him to come over, away from Aemma, Viserys kisses her hand and goes to him. 

“Mellos..” 

Mellos looks apprehensive, “During a difficult birth, it sometimes becomes necessary for the father to make an impossible choice.” 

“we’ll speak it” Viserys says harshly. 

“to sacrifice one or lose both.. the child is breeched and if it can’t be turned we must cut directly into the womb to retrieve it, but the blood loss from such a procedure..” he looks at the king with sympathy. 

“seven hells Mellos..” Viserys mutters. 

“the child needs to come out one way or another, it has been to long and the longer we wait the more risk there is of losing both” 

“and you can save the child?” he asks looking to Aemma. 

“we must act now or it is up to the gods” he says, it is not a choice one wants to make but it must be done. 

Viserys composes himself and goes back to her bedside and kisses her head. 

“Viserys” she’s mutters, she is on the verge of fainting. 

“they are going to bring the babe out now” Aemma is barely responsive. “I love you” he says before nodding to the maesters. 

they pull her down the bed, “what is happening?” she asks now aware something wasn’t right. 

“nothing, it will be alright” he says soothingly. 

“what is..” she starts breathing rapidly. 

“don’t be scared, they’re going to bring the babe out” 

“what.. no, Viserys” 

“i’m making the first incision” Mellos tells the attendant. 

“don’t be scared” Viserys says again. 

“no, Viserys please don’t, no, no” she cuts herself off as she melts into screams. 

…

Aemmas body is lifeless and the bed is bloody. 

 …

“congratulations your grace, it’s a boy” Mellos says. 

“a boy?” Viserys lights up a little at this. 

“an heir your grace” 

—

Otto had called an emergency meeting with the council, Mellos and Viserys absent. 

“the queen has died during her labours” he announced to the room. 

the council is silent and most bow their heads to give a prayer for the queen. 

—

“had you and the queen chosen a name?” Mellos asks as he hands Viserys the babe

“Baelon, for my father” Viserys smiles at the child. 

Mellos has a weary expression, the babe is weak and is likely not to survive longer than a day. 

—

Rhaenyra lands Syrax with a smile, flying with her girl always makes her feel better. 

“serve, Syrax” tells one of the keepers. 

Rhaenyra removes her glove to feel her heat and smiles more. she looks to see the carriage with Alicent on the step. 

“Rhaenyra..” Alicent begins. 

“look how large Syrax has grown” she says to her friend as she admires her dragon, “soon she’ll be large enough to seat two” she smiles and looks to Alicent. she notices now the solemn expression on her face. 

“Rhaenyra.. I’m so sorry your mother, the queen she..” Alicent does not want to break the news, how can she? 

“what? that’s not a funny jest Alicent” Rhaenyra does not want to believe it. 

“it’s no jest, she’s passed” Alicent says. 

Rhaenyra looks to Ser Harold who nods. “I’m sorry princess, on the bright side you have a brother” 

—

in the carriage Rhaenyra says nothing as she holds Alicents hand in a vice like grip, tears in her eyes. she does not want to believe it, her mother cannot be gone. 

“it’s my fault..” she says quietly. 

“what do you mean? how could it be?” Alicent asks softly. 

“I knew how she hated it when I flew and I went flying while she was in labour, I should’ve been there.. i could’ve..” Rhaenyra stutters.

“Rhaenyra there’s nothing you could’ve done.. it was the will of the gods, you cannot blame yourself” Alicent holds her friend as she begins to break down, she thinks of when her own mother passed and the hole it left in her life. 

“i haven’t even seen her today, i didn’t get to say goodbye” Rhaenyra says quietly once her breathing calms, Alicent just holds her tighter, stroking her hair.  

—

the royal family along with the lords of Kingslanding gather on Rhaenys hill for the funeral of Queen Aemma and Prince Baelon. they are wrapped in cloth on pyres waiting to be burned. 

“they are waiting for you” Daemon whispers to Rhaenyra who does not want to, if she does it means her mother is gone forever. 

“I wonder.. if during those few hours my brother lived that my father finally found happiness” she looks to her father. 

“your father needs you now more than he ever has” her uncle says. 

“I am not a son, I will never be a son” Rhaenyra says, her voice sharp even though her tears. she’s never been enough for her father if she was than her mother would be here and not on a funeral pyre, she thinks bitterly. Rhaenyra steps forward and takes a shaky breath, she looks to her father who doesn’t return it. “dracarys” she says finally and her mother and brother’s bodies go up in flames. 

—

not long after the funeral the men are in a council meeting, Viserys comes in assisted by a knight of the kingsguard. Corlys is preparing the wine as the rest sit. 

“where is Rhaenyra?” 

“Alicent tells me she won’t leave her chambers” Otto tells him, “my king this is the last thing any of us wish to discuss but it must be dealt with” he starts preparing for the kings anger. 

“what matter must be discussed” he asks though he knows what will be said, his hand is the only one brave enough to broach that subject with him at the moment. 

“the matter of succession” Otto says matter of factly, “the recent tragedies have left you with no clear heir” 

“the king has an heir my lord hand” Corlys says as he finishes with the wine. 

“Despite how difficult this time is, Your Grace, I feel it important the succession be firmly in place for the stability of the realm.” Otto continues. 

“the succession is already in place by precedents and laws” Beesbury says. 

“shall we say his name? Daemon Targaryen” Corlys says, he might be the only one on the council that doesn’t loath the man or fear him. 

“if Daemon remains the uncontested heir it could destabilise the realm” Mellos says. 

“the realm or this council?” 

“No one here can know what Daemon would do were he king, but no one can doubt his ambition. Look at what he did with the gold cloaks. The City Watch is fiercely loyal to him. An army 2,000 strong.” 

“An army you gave him, Otto.” Viserys is exasperated “I named Daemon Master of Laws, but you said he was a tyrant. As Master of Coin, you said he was a spendthrift that would beggar the realm. Putting Daemon in command of the City Watch was your solution!” 

“a half measure your grace, truth be told Daemon should be far away from this court and any power it may give him” Otto says harshly. 

“Daemon is my blood and he will always have a place in my court” Viserys says seriously. 

“Let him keep his place at court, Your Grace, but if the gods should visit some further tragedy on you, either by design or by accident-“ 

“Design? What are you saying? My brother would murder me, take my crown? Are you?” 

Daemon has not entered the chamber but he is listening. 

“please, Daemon may have ambition but he not for the throne, he lacks the patience” Viserys defends. 

“the gods have yet to make a man who lacks the patience for absolute power” Otto counters. 

“who would even have a claim?” asks lord Strong 

“the kings firstborn” Otto says simply. 

“Rhaenyra? she is a woman” Lord Beesbury is shocked the hand would even suggest her. 

“by Andal law Rhaenyra should be ahead of Daemon as the kings only child” Otto says, “of course the great council and their appointment of your grace puts those laws into question however I think given the circumstances Rhaenyra is our best option” 

“if it is stability we are concerned for we should not break 100 years of tradition” lord strong argues. 

“Daemon would be a second Maegor, he is impulsive and violent,  It is the duty of this council to protect the King and the realm from him. I'm sorry, Your Grace, but that is the truth as I see it, and I know that others here agree.” 

“i will not be choose made to choose between my daughter and brother” Viserys slams his fist. 

“there are others who have a claim” Corlys says. 

“like who? your wife the queen who never was?” Viserys is offended at the suggestion. 

“Rhaenys was the only child of the kings eldest son and has a male heir” Corlys rationalizes 

“just moments ago you threw in your support for Daemon” Otto almost laughed at Corlys audacity. 

“if we cannot agree on an heir..” lord Strong tries to diffuse. 

“my wife and son are dead! i will not suffer this conversation any longer” the king bellows and storms out. 

—

Otto is in his chambers finishing up a letter. “have this sent to Oldtown at once” 

“of course” says the maester

Alicent walks in, she is wearing black, mourning the queen. her eyes are red rimmed as well. 

“my darling” Otto hugs Alicent, “how is the princess” 

“she lost her mother” Alicent says simply. 

“yes the queen was well loved, i’ve found myself reminded of your own mother with the recent events” he says sympathetically. 

“how is his grace?” 

“very low, which is why I need you” Otto says and Alicent stiffens. “i thought you might go comfort him” 

“in his chambers?” she whispers. 

“mhm” Otto sits back at his desk. 

“no.. no I could not that would be” Alicent does not even no what to say to this request, “I could not do that to Queen Aemma..” 

“nonsense it is just a visit, nothing more” Otto says leaving no room to argue. 

“I wouldn’t know what to say..” Alicent says meekly, she begins to bite at her fingers, a nervous tick that’s only gotten worse since her mother’s passing.

“stop that, he’ll be glad for the company” Otto dismisses her but before she leaves he says, “you might wear one of your mothers dresses” 

—

“Lady Alicent Hightower, your grace” announces the guard at Viserys door. Alicent walks in wearing one of her mother’s dresses, dark blue and low on the shoulders, she holds a large tomb protectively over her chest. 

“what is it Lady Alicent?” the King asks not rudely but with no enthusiasm. 

“I thought i might ask after you… I have brought a history book, I know you love tales of the dragon lords of old” she says. 

“that is very kind” he smiles 

“Queen Aemma was loved by all and her absence will be felt… when my mother died all I wanted was for someone to say they were sorry so… I am sorry for your loss” 

“thank you Alicent” the Kings spirits feel just a bit lighter. 

—

Daemon and his goldcloaks are in a brothel, they are celebrating. 

“the kings sole heir once again” Mysaria says when she approaches him, she raises her wine, “might we drink to the future?” she smiles. 

“silence! your prince will speak” one of his lackeys yells. 

“the king and his council have long rued my position as next in line to the throne, But dream and pray as they all might, it seems I'm not so easily replaced. The gods give just as the gods take away… I would like to toast to the heir for a day” Daemon smiles and raises his cup, his men go wild. 

—

“before we begin your grace I have a report I feel compelled to share” Otto says to the king. “Last night... Prince Daemon bought out one of the pleasure houses on the Street of Silk to entertain officers of the City Watch and other friends of his.” 

“and why is this of my concern?” 

“he toasted to prince Baelon, styling him the heir for a day” Viserys face goes hard at this. “I corroborated this report with three separate witnesses. The evening was, by all accounts a... celebration.” 

—

Daemon is summoned to the throne room. 

“you cut the image of a conqueror brother” he japes. 

“did you say it” Viserys wastes no time.

“I don’t know what you mean” he comes to a stop in front of the kingsguard. 

“you will address me as your grace or i’ll have your tongue, did you call my son “the heir for a day” Viserys says angrily. 

“we all mourn in different ways, your grace” he spits the last words out. 

“my family has been upended but instead of being by Rhaenyras side, by my side you are celebrating in a brothel, laughing with your lickspittles and whores… you have no allies in court besides me and I do naught but defend you but everything i have given you throw back in my face” Viserys is red by the end of his rant. 

“You've only ever tried to send me away. To the Vale, to the City Watch, anywhere but by your side. Ten years you've been king, and yet not once have you asked me to be your Hand!” Daemon yells. 

“and why would I do that?” Viserys laughs meanly at the notion. 

“because i’m your brother, the blood of the dragon runs thick” 

“then why do you cut me so deeply?” 

“i’ve only ever spoken the truth, i see Otto Hightower for what he is” 

“this again” Viserys sighs, “what is he? a good and honourable hand? a loyal servant to the crown?” 

“a cunt, a second son who stands to inherit nothing he doesn't seize for himself.” 

“and then what are you?” Viserys shakes his head, “Otto Hightower is more honourable a man than you will ever be” 

“he doesn’t protect you, I would” 

“from who? from what?” Viserys says in exasperation. 

“from yourself, your weak and that council of leeches plays you for their own ends” 

both brothers are silent for a moment, Daemon thinks Viserys might see his point, that is until he speaks. 

“I have decided to officially name an heir” 

“i am your heir” 

“not anymore, Rhaenyra will be my heir and you will acquiesce to her without quarrel by order of your king” Viserys says in an authoritative tone he rarely uses. 

“your grace” Daemon scoffs and storms out. 

—

Viserys stands before the skull of Balerion, his late dragon and dragon of the conqueror. 

“princess Rhaenyra” announces a guard. 

“father” she greets, she looks tired. 

“Balerion was the last living creature to have seen Old Valyria before the Doom. Its greatness and its flaws. When you look at the dragons, what do you see?” 

Rhaenyra scoffs out a teary laugh, “you haven’t spoke to me since mother’s funeral and now you..” 

“I asked you a question” 

“I suppose I see us”  

“elaborate” 

“Everyone says Targaryens are closer to gods than to men, but they say that because of our dragons. Without them, we're just like everyone else.” she explains, her father’s behaviour confuses her. 

“The idea that we control the dragons is an illusion. They're a power man should never have trifled with. One that brought Valyria its doom. If we don't mind our own histories, it will do the same to us. a Targaryen must understand this to be King... or Queen.” 

Rhaenyra turns to him, “father are you?”

“I am sorry Rhaenyra for all that has happened, you are the very best of your mother” 

—

Rhaenyra stands in an elaborate gown staring at her reflection, Alicent is behind her lacing up the back. Rhaenyra grabs Alicents hands and they embrace. 

—

“and I believe you could be a great queen, I know she did” 

“Daemon is your heir” she says quietly 

—

Alicent places a ceremonial cloak on Rhaenyras shoulders, she hugs her from behind and Rhaenyra closes her eyes. 

—

“Daemon is not suited for the crown, but I believe you are” 

Rhaenyras eyes are full of tears, she can scarcely believe what she is hearing. 

“this is no trivial matter, a dragons saddle is one thing but the iron throne..” Viserys looks at her, scrutinising

—

Rhaenyra walks to the front of the throne room, the hall full of nobles, Prince Daemon is noticeably absent.  

“Lord of the Tides and Master of Driftmark.” calls Mellos. 

“I, Corlys Velaryon, Lord of the Tides and Master of Driftmark, promise to be faithful to King Viserys and his named heir, the Princess Rhaenyra.” he kneels before her, “I pledge fealty to them and shall defend them against all enemies in good faith and without deceit. I swear this by the old gods and the new.” 

—

“Our histories, they tell us that Aegon looked across the Blackwater from Dragonstone, and saw a rich land ripe for the capture. But ambition alone is not what drove him to conquest. It was a dream. And just as Daenys foresaw the end of Valyria, Aegon foresaw the end of the world of men. 'Tis to begin with a terrible winter gusting out of the distant north. Aegon called his dream ‘a song of ice and fire” he gives Rhaenyra the Valyrian steele dagger that is holstered to his belt. 

—

“Lord Hightower, beacon of the south, defender of the citadel and the faith” calls the maester. 

“I lord Hightower, beacon of the south, the voice of Oldtown and the defender of the citadel and the faith promise to be faithful to King Viserys and his named heir, the Princess Rhaenyra. I pledge fealty to them and shall defend them against all enemies in good faith and without deceit. I swear this by the old gods and the new.” 

—

“This secret, it's been passed from king to heir since Aegon's time. Now you must promise to carry it and protect it. Promise me this, Rhaenyra. Promise me.” Viserys is rarely serious but his tone is intense. 

Rhaenyra has tears in her eyes as she nods, all she has ever wanted was to be worthy in her fathers eyes.

—

Rhaenys looks on as the lords who turned their backs on her swear now to Viserys daughter. 

“I Boremund Baratheon, lord of the Stormlands swear to be faithful to King Viserys and his named heir, the Princess Rhaenyra. I pledge fealty to them and shall defend them against all enemies in good faith and without deceit. I swear this by the old gods and the new.” 

—

Daemon holds Mysarias hand to Caraxes snout, she smiles at him, they are preparing to flee. 

—

“I, Rickon Stark Lord of Winterfell and warden of the North pledge to be faithful to King Viserys and his named heir, the Princess Rhaenyra. I pledge fealty to them and shall defend them against all enemies in good faith and without deceit. I swear this by the old gods and the new.” 

Rhaenyra turns to her father the king and Mellos places a ceremonial necklace on her. 

“I, Viserys Targaryen, first of his name, King of the Andals, the first men and the Rhoynar, lord of the seven kingdoms and protector of the realm do hereby name Rhaenyra Targaryen as princess of dragonstone and heir to the iron throne” 

all lords present bow their heads to the princess… their future Queen. 

Chapter Text

“he passed in peace I hope?” Viserys asked once he was notified of Ser Ryam Redwynes passing. 

“yes your grace in his sleep, he was ill for some time”  

“as succeeding Lord Commander, I would like to make haste in finding Ser Ryam’s replacement on the Kingsguard. Your Grace.”  Ser Harold Westerling begins, “The Kingsguard must soon be restored to its full complement of seven. With the help of the Hand, I’ve invited a number of fine candidates to court.” 

“All have passed fair trials.” the hand confirms. 

“four ships have now been lost, one of which was flying my banner.. the step stones have now grown into a conflagration, yet you sit here and dither about court business.” Corlys says with no formality as he barges into the meeting. 

“Lord Corlys..” the hand begins 

“I want to know what is to be done about my ships and men” he ignore Otto’s attempts at brushing away the issue. 

“the crown will compensate you for your ships and crew, as well as make an offering to the families of the men lost” Otto offers. 

“I don’t want compensation!” Corlys seethes, “I want to seize the Stepstones by force and rid them of the crab feeder and his men” 

“I am not prepared to start a war with the free cities” says the king. 

“it’s not the free cities it’s pirates” 

“who do you think provides them with ships and tender? the seven kingdoms has never waged open war with the free cities, were that to happen the losses would be incalculable” the king continues. 

“what reason does the crabfeeder have to fear us?” Corlys asks, fed up with the kings inaction. “the kings own brother has been allowed to seized dragonstone and fortify it with an army of his goldcloaks, he has squatted there for half a year without protest from the crown” 

“i’ll caution you lord Corlys a seat at the kings table does make you his equal” the hand interjects. 

“I have acted Corlys, I have sent envoys to Pentos and Volantis to see if we may find common cause, ships are at the ready and the stepstones will be settled in time” the king finally says. 

Rhaenyra who has been listening as she fills cups decides to interject, something she has never saw fit to do before, but she is heir now. “you have dragon riders father, send us” 

“it isn’t that simple Rhaenyra” her father waves her off. 

“it would be a show of force” she tries again. 

“Rhaenyra..” the king says in that tone she knows all too well. 

“i only mean that we should..” Rhaenyra cut herself off when her father levelled her a look that meant her opinion was not wanted. 

“perhaps the princesses talents should be used elsewhere?” Otto says, “she should be put in charge of naming the new Kingsguard” 

“wonderful idea Otto” Viserys smiles, he nods to Ser harold to take Rhaenyra out of the room. 

—

the princess looks out on the knights as Ser Harold moves large pieces on a cavasse board. 

“Ser Desmond Caron, a fine knight, Ser Caron has proved strong and steady in both tourney list and without.. while travelling the kingswood he brought a would be poacher to justice” 

the hand had made his way to the balcony to observe. “you might thank him for his leal service to the crown” he says lowly to the princess. 

“thank you Ser for your loyal service in the name of the crown” Rhaenyra says finally and the knight bows. 

“Ser Ryam Mallister of Seaguard, winner of the melee at cider hall..” 

“have any of these knights faced true battle? besides poachers of course” Rhaenyra cuts Ser Harold off somewhat rudely. 

“Ser Criston Cole, son of the steward of the lord of Blackhaven.” 

“step forward Ser Criston” the princess says. 

Criston steps forward, unlike the rest who are decorated in intricate armour his is plain. 

“he’s dornish” the princess says quietly to herself with a smile, “be welcome ser, you’ve faced combat in the Stormlands?” she asks excitedly. 

“i was a foot soldier during the dornish incursions, princess, Ser Arlan Dondarrion knighted me after we raised to watch towers along the boneway” he confirms, his face stern. 

“I choose Ser Cole” the princess says with a smirk. 

“my princess do not make a hasty decision.. Ser Cole is a fine knight i’m sure but houses like Mallister are assets to the crown…” Otto begins to say but Rhaenyra cuts him off. 

“these men are tourney knights and Ser Cole has seen real combat.. surely he is the best suited to defend our king wouldn’t you agree lord hand?” 

“of course princess” the hand concedes

—

“the Valyrian capitol was built into a volcano much like Dragonstone” Viserys says as he works on his model. “And the dragonlords, the highest of the nobility, lived here, at the volcanic face, closest to the source of their magic and power. And this was the Anogrion. Where the bloodmages worked their craft.” 

“it truly is magnificent what you’ve built” Alicent gives him a tense smile. 

“oh no” Viserys drops his figurine breaking in half, Alicent picks it up for him and observes the stone dragon “ I only pore over the histories and make the plans it is the stone masons to thank for this” he smiles back at her, unaware of her discomfort in his presence, or unbothered. 

“do you believe Westeros could be another Valyria your grace?” 

“that depends whether you speak of the freehold at its height or its fall, over a thousand dragons, a fleet large enough to span the seas of the worlds…” Viserys looks lost in thought, “the glory of Old Valyria will never be seen again” 

Alicent has nothing to say to this she just smiles and nods. 

“tell me how is Rhaenyra?” he asks suddenly. 

“what do you mean?” 

“these days she won’t say more than a few words to me” he says dejectedly. “I think she finds it difficult to discuss personal matters” 

“it will take time, it did when I lost my own mother” she tries to comfort him. 

“I wish she would approach me” 

“maybe she wishes you would as well?” Alicent suggests. 

“I think i would rather face the black dread than mine own daughter of 5 and 10” Viserys laughs though the sound is joyless. 

“i think she would open herself to you if invited” 

“you don’t mention our talks to Rhaenyra do you?” Viserys asks, “i fear she would not understand them” 

“no your grace” she shakes her head and looks away, Viserys smiles and pats her hand. 

—

“it has barely been half a year since my mother died and already they try to marry my father off, they seek to replace me!” Rhaenyra is ranting to Alicent as they head into the sept. “i know those men and how they plot once I am sent from the room” 

“you cannot worry at the matters of lords and kings Rhaenyra” Alicent says to her friend. “what if he were to remarry?” she asks tentatively. tears well in Rhaenyras eyes at the question as she looks away. “your father loves you, he made you heir” she tries to comfort. 

“he didn’t make me heir because he loved me, he did it to spurn Daemon” she gives a teary exhale, “I am aware of that now” 

“kneel with me” Alicent says and Rhaenyra does. “when my own mother died I felt i found comfort in the sept, in the quiet with my thoughts.. why don’t you try?” 

“i don’t know” Rhaenyra says quietly. 

“if not for yourself than for them, your mother was devout I remember, she would appreciate to hear a prayer from you” 

Rhaenyra nods at that. “how do I do it?” 

“say whatever you like it is between you and the gods” 

Rhaenyra sits with her eyes closed for a moment when she opens them Alicent and Alicent lights the candle in front of them. 

“for Aemma Arryn” she says quietly. 

“you know I used to come here with my mother?” Rhaenyra after a moment of silence. 

“i never saw you” Alicent says a little surprised. 

“I stopped when I turned one and ten, I shouldn’t have” she says the last part quietly. Alicent only puts her hand over Rhaenyras and waits for her to speak again. “I wish my father would see me as more than a little girl, that he would treat me as he would a male heir” 

“mine own father is difficult as well, I find that when I wish to talk to him I must approach, if I waited for him to notice then i’d wait forever” 

Rhaenyra giggles a little at that and Alicent is glad to hear it. 

—

“thank you for meeting with us your grace” Corlys begins as he and Rhaenys walk with Viserys in the gardens. 

“i know tempers ran hot today and I wanted assure you how greatly i value the bond between our houses, Rhaenys is my favourite cousin after all” Viserys laughs at his joke, Rhaenys give a small smile. 

“i wish to apologize for the tenor at the small council today your grace, it was not my intent to make offence” Corlys says. 

“the Velaryon fleet is the crowns most important asset I assure you i know this, but you must understand that as king i cannot plunge us to war unless it is the last resort” 

“none among us desire open war, but if I may speak plainly?” 

“I always welcome the unfettered thoughts of my council” Viserys smiles. 

“I fear that the eyes of our enemies are presently fixed on the red keep” he starts 

Viserys is about to speak but Corlys cuts him off. “the queen has died, a girl has been named heir to the iron throne, something never done, the kings brother disinherited yet has claimed the seat of Dragonstone without challenge. And now, a foreign power has established a colony in our most critical shipping lane.”

“you paint such an aspirant portrait of my reign Lord Corlys” 

“it’s an honest one cousin” Rhaenys says, her voice gentle yet stern, “at the moment the crown is perceived as vulnerable” 

“and a blind incursion in the stepstones will rectify that?” 

“To elude a storm, you can either sail into it, or around it. But you must never await its coming.” 

“do you have a specific course of action in mind Lord Corlys?” 

“join our families, wed our daughter Laena, unite the two great Valyrian houses left standing, with your dragons and our naval power we can show the realm that house Targaryens best days are yet ahead, not behind” 

Viserys hesitates, “I must admit I haven’t thought much on remarriage, it hasn’t even been a full year since Aemma passed” 

“the realm expects you to remarry soon, and Laena is young yet, a betrothal now does not mean marriage before your grace is ready” Rhaenys says. 

“the idea of remarrying has seemed intriguing as of late” Viserys admits. 

“you could not ask for a stronger match that our Laena” Rhaenys smiles. 

—

Viserys and Rhaenyra are sharing a tense family dinner, neither is willing to speak first. 

“we haven’t spoken much since,” Rhaenyra starts hesitantly. 

“a regret of mine, we should be free to speak our minds to each other” Viserys smiles at her. 

“you may say whatever you like, you are the king” is all Rhaenyra says in reply. 

“I loved your mother very much” 

“as did I” she says. 

silence again. “Ser Harold provided a fine sea of tourney knights” Rhaenyra changes the subject. 

“oh?” happy she is talking at least. 

“But in questioning them, I discovered that Ser Criston was the only man among them with true battle experience.” she smiles a more genuine smile. 

“i’m sure he will make a fine knight of the kingsguard” Viserys smiles at her hoping she will continue but she doesn’t. 

“today at the small council..” Rhaenyra says as she picks at her food. 

“Pay it no mind.” Viserys is suddenly stern. 

“I thought I might have had some insight.” she tries not to pout when she says this. 

“You’re young. You will learn.” he says. 

—

“This is our best chance to save the digit, Your Grace. The maggots will remove the dead flesh and hopefully stop the advance of the rot.” 

“I held an audience earlier today with Lord Corlys and Princess Rhaenys.” Viserys says trying to ignore the maggots on his flesh. 

“That was most charitable of you, Your Grace. I’m sure Lord Corlys appreciated the spirit of it.” 

“He proposed a marriage.” 

“To whom, Your Grace?” 

“The Lady Laena.” he answers finally, “To combine the strength of our houses, and demonstrate my reign’s strongest days are ahead, not behind.” 

“lord Corlys has overreached your grace” Otto says. “Such matters must be discussed with the Small Council.” 

“That is what I’m doing, presently. So, what is your advice, dear Otto.” 

Otto is quiet before deciding what to say, “The Lady Laena is of a fine lineage and marrying he could mend the rift caused at the great council” 

“Indeed, the wounds made by the Great Council still linger, my King.” Maester Mellos interjects. “A match with their daughter would go a long way towards sealing the breach and uniting the two great Valyrian houses would certainly signal unity throughout the realm and beyond.” 

“your reasoning is sound but I fear what Rhaenyra might think.” Viserys admits. 

“What does it matter, Your Grace?” the maester says. “her mother has passed but her father must propagate the royal line” Viserys looks down at this merely nodding his head, the maesters are known for their wisdom not their gentleness. 

Otto looks at Viserys thoughtfully “I dearly loved my own lady wife. The pain of her passing still haunts me and to be compelled to replace her for duty’s sake.” he shakes his head “You are the King but I do not envy you.” he says sincerely. 

—

“do not be nervous my girl it is just a walk in the garden” Rhaenys says as she assists Laena in getting ready for her meeting with the King. 

Laena gives her mother a placating smile “what about this one?” Laena chooses. 

“really? i was thinking the one trimmed with Myriah lace” she feels Laena tense up and huffs a laugh, “you are the loveliest maiden in Kingslanding” Laenas still looked uncomfortable “you could wear a sack and the King would still be struck by your beauty” Rhaenys jests trying to lighten the mood a bit. 

once finished her father walked in. “here you go my girl” he gives her a box, she opens it and pulls out a gold and pearl necklace. 

“thank you father” she smiles. 

Corlys makes a displeased noise, “this is a girls gown, you must present yourself as a woman grown” he huffs, Rhaenys shoots him a glare over Laenas shoulder and he says nothing more. 

—

Viserys walks with Lady Laena in the gardens. 

“What was it like flying the Black Dread? You were Balerion’s last rider.” she asks. 

“Only for a short time before he died.” he smiles indulgently. “With Balerion died the last memory of Valyria of Old.”

“Vhagar still lives somewhere.” she says hopefully. “But too large for the Dragonpit.” 

“Some would say too large for our world.” he says somewhat cynically. 

“Do you know where she nests?”

“I’m sorry?” he was lost in thought of his families past glory. 

“Do you know where Vhagar is now?”

“The Dragonkeepers believe she made home somewhere on the coast of the Narrow Sea.” 

“The workers at Spicetown report hearing her song at times. They say it is a sad thing.” 

“I imagine even dragons get lonely.” 

“Your Grace, it would be a great honor to join our houses as they were in Old Valyria, I would give you many children of pure Valyrian blood so that we might strengthen the royal line and the realm.” Laena says an obviously rehearsed line. 

“Is that what your father told you to say?” Laena says nothing but her face says yes.

“What did your mother tell you?” 

“That we’re like not to wed right away” she says quietly

—

“It bothers you, does it not?” Rhaenys asks as she approaches the princess who is watching her father walk with Laena from the balcony. 

“My father is a king. It is his duty to take a new wife and strengthen his line.” she says her well rehearsed line. 

“I did not ask for a lesson in politics. I asked whether this bothers you.” Rhaenys tone is condescending. 

“Laena is your daughter, Princess. Does it bother you?” 

“Of course, it does. But I understand the order of things… I’m not sure you do.” 

“If you mean to elicit some anger from me, you should know that you’re failing, Princess.” Rhaenyra says though she knows that to be a lie as does Rhaenys. 

“Quite the opposite. Whether it’s to my daughter or to someone else’s, your father will remarry sooner than late. His new wife will produce new heirs, and chances are better than not that one of those will be male. And when that boy comes of age and your father has passed, the men of the realm will expect him to be heir, not you… Because that is the order of things.” 

“When I’m Queen, I will create a new order.”

Rhaenys laughs at her naivety “How I wish that could be, Rhaenyra. But the men of the realm already had their opportunity to appoint a ruling queen at the Great Council and they denied it.” there is bitterness in voice as she recalls being denied her birthright all those years ago. 

“They denied you, Princess Rhaenys. ‘The Queen Who Never Was.’ But they bent the knee to me.” Rhaenyra says meanly. 

“Do you remind your father’s men of that as you carry their cups?” Rhaenys voice takes on a condescending tone once more, “Here is the hard truth, which no one else has the heart to tell you. Men would sooner put the realm to the torch than see a woman ascend the Iron Throne.. And your father is no fool.” Rhaenys walks off and Rhaenyras breath hitches a little as she continues watching her father. 

—

Viserys is again sitting in his chambers working on his model as Alicent looks on nodding at whatever he says. 

“The Small Council is urging me to remarry. It seems the realm wants for a new queen.” he says looking up to see her reaction 

Alicent swallows and puts on a small smile “A good and kind queen will give comfort to your subjects.. Does the Small Council have a particular lady in mind?” 

“Lord Corlys Velaryon has offered the hand of his daughter, the Lady Laena.”

“A very strong match, Your Grace.” Alicent feels a wave of relief and then guilt, Lady Laena is a nice girl.  

“I must admit, I don’t know Laena very well.” Viserys looked at her expectantly. 

“I’m sure that she is good and kind, and that she will enjoy your company, as I have, Your Grace.” Alicent smiles at him hoping he’d drop the subject. “I brought you something.

I asked the stonemasons to mend it.” she gives him a chest, inside is a small model dragon, the he’d broken during their last visit. 

“This is a very kind gesture, Alicent,” he’d admires the gift, “Very kind.” a knock interrupts them, “come” the king shouts, his voice had an irritated edge to it. 

“The Hand, Your Grace.” her father was announced and Alicent nearly jumped away from the King. 

“Your Grace, I’ve called the Small Council to an emergency session.” he says sternly, his eyes don’t even flit to his daughter. 

“Why?” 

“I think it best you hear it directly.” 

“Very well.” 

—

“it occurred in the blackness of the night, at the hour of the bat.. the thief lauded our pursuit” the head dragon keeper informs the council 

“how was is possible that a thief stole an egg out from under more than 50 dragon keepers” Viserys is unimpressed at the seeming negligence. 

“it was prince Daemon who was the culprit your grace” 

“Daemon?” 

“The Prince left a missive, which I believe might explain.” Otto nods to the Maester who begins reading. “It is the pleasure of Daemon Targaryen, the Prince of Dragonstone and rightful heir to the Iron Throne, to announce that he is to take a second wife in the tradition of Old Valyria. She is to assume the title Lady Mysaria of Dragonstone. Her Grace is with child and is to have a dragon’s egg placed in the babe’s cradle in the custom of House Targaryen’.. The Prince has invited you to his wedding, Your Grace. It is in two days’ time.” 

“Gods be good.” Lord Beesbury mutters. 

“Who is Lady Mysaria?” asks Corlys.

“we believe..” the maester begins but is cut off by the hands voice. “Daemon’s whore.” 

“my brother wishes to provoke me into giving him what he wants” Viserys says angrily. 

“the realm is watching your grace” Corlys says bidding the king to act proactively for once. 

“what would you have me do? send him to the wall? perhaps i could put his head on a spike?” even in his anger Viserys does not but defend Daemon, Rhaenyra stands in the back of the room absorbing her uncles missive, that he would undermine her hurts. 

“Daemon has seized Dragonstone, has surrounded himself with an army of gold cloaks, and has now stolen a dangerous weapon.” Otto interjects with a harsh voice, the only member able to speak to the king in such a manner. 

“which egg has Daemon stolen?” Rhaenyra asks the dragon keeper loudly, the men of the small council turn to look at her. 

“the egg was of Dreamfyres clutch.. the very one you chose for Prince Baelons cradle” the man seemed to hesitate. 

realization dawned on Viserys face as he realized just what his brother had taken, it was done with purpose no doubt. “Assemble a detachment, Otto.. I will go to Dragonstone and drag Daemon back to face justice myself.” now Viserys is wroth. he stands to leave. 

“your grace” Otto cuts him off and Viserys glares, “apologies your grace but i can not allow it, it is to dangerous.. Daemon is without limit, let me go to Dragonstone” 

—

Otto is dawning his armour as Alicent assists him, he notices her fingers are picked raw and grabs her hands. “you are the most comely girl at court.. why do you destroy yourself” it is a nasty habit his daughter seemed to have inherited from him, though he has the sense to curb the impulse at least. 

Alicent only looks down. Ser Criston is at the door though the hand does not seem to notice. “good day Ser Criston” Alicent meekly greets. 

“My Lady.” he gives her a smile, Otto turns to him as he speaks. “I’ve assembled 20 of your best household guards, my Lord Hand. Sir Harrold will also join us.” 

“Please look after the Hand, Ser Criston.” Alicent says as they leave. 

—

Dragonstone is a desolate and gloomy place which smells of sulfer, the hand has only had the misfortune of visiting once before and he’d hoped he wouldn’t have to come another. Otto leads his men across the bridge where they are met with Daemon. 

“Welcome to Dragonstone, Otto.” Daemons smarmy voice says as he tosses the egg carelessly in his hands, Mysaria is beside him and his gold cloaks behind. 

“Your occupation of this island is at an end.” Otto doesn’t bother with formalities “You’re to relinquish the dragon’s egg, disband your army, banish your whore, and leave Dragonstone by order of His Grace, King Viserys.” 

“Where is the King? I don’t see him.” 

“His Grace would never lower himself to entertain such a mummer’s farce.” Otto says with a hint of a condescending smile. 

ignoring Otto he looks to the side “Ser Crispin, wasn’t it?” 

“Ser Criston Cole, my Prince.” Criston does not rise to the princes bait. 

“Yes, apologies. I couldn’t recall.” Daemon snarks 

“Perhaps my Princes head was simply knocked too hard” Criston snarks right back. 

Daemon laughs at that, “very good” 

“this is a truly pathetic show Daemon, even for you” Otto levels him a chastising look, “Are you so desperate for the King’s attention that you’ve resorted to skulking about like a common cutpurse?” 

“I’m simply keeping with the traditions of my house, the same as my brother did for his heir.” 

“Those traditions are for the trueborn children of royalty, not for bastards fathered on a common whore.” 

“Lady Mysaria is to be my wife” Daemon smirks. Mysaria looks at him from behind, this was news to her. 

“This is an abomination.” Otto bellows, he is fed up with the prince’s behaviour, “With every breath you soil your name, your house, and your brother’s reign.” 

“Our love does not know titles and traditions.” 

“And what of you, men of the City Watch?Aiding the Prince in his treason?” Otto ignores the prince to yell at the men who forsook the king to enable his wayward brother. 

“The King made me their commander. They are loyal to me.” Daemon is now letting his anger show, “you’ve come for the egg.. here it is” he stretches his arm out. 

“are you mad? you’d never survive this” Otto yells. 

“we’ll happily, neither would you” Daemon yells back. 

“To choose violence, here, is to declare war against your King.” 

“Wonderful.” Daemon says petulantly 

“Even if it ends in the death of your unborn child and its mother?” Otto yells as both side unsheathe their swords. 

a dragons screech is heard, the grating whistle of Daemons blood wyrm. Daemon smirks as Ser Criston looks in awe and fear at the beast as do the other knights, Otto however is unyielding even in the face of a dragon. “all of you, sheathe your fucking steel” he says to his men, he would not risk them burning because of Daemons over proportioned tantrum. 

another dragon is heard, Syrax. Rhaenyra flies over head and both dragons chirp. once on the ground the knights part for the princess. 

“what are you doing here princess” Otto says lowly. 

“preventing blood shed” she says simply. “take care not to startle Syrax she is rather protective of me” 

“my father named me Princess of Dragonstone” she says as she walks over to her uncle in confident strides. “that is my castle you are squatting in, uncle” 

“not until you come of age” 

“you have angered your king” 

“I don’t see why, it is a day of celebration, I am to be wed” he smirks. 

“you have a wife” 

“not one of my choosing” 

“and this required you to steal my brothers egg?” Rhaenyra says not hiding her anger.

“you shared your cradle with an egg, I want the same for my child”

“you’re to have a child?” Rhaenyra is shocked at this. 

“one day” he looks to Mysaria, she looks hurt and walks off, she cannot have children and Daemon is aware of this. 

“I’m right here uncle, the object of your ire, the reason you were disinherited.. if you wish to be restored you must kill me.. so do it and be done with all this bother” Rhaenyras words are daring and behind her the knights unsheathe their swords once more. should the prince harm the princess his life would not be spared. 

Daemon glares and for a moment Rhaenyra begins to second guess herself but Daemon turns to walk back, tossing the egg to her like it was a rock of little value and not the precious symbol of their house. Rhaenyra smirks in triumph as she walks over to the keepers and places the egg in the holder, she looks over to the hand who nods at her and she smiles at that. she takes off on Syrax once more dreading the argument she will have with her father over this. 

—

Daemon stalks through the halls of the keep. Mysaria is in their chambers, he goes to her and hugs from behind, burying his face into her as he sighs. 

“you announced that we are to be wed?” she asks 

“on the morrow” 

“and that i was with child? your child?” 

“perhaps when we wed we can make that true” he smirks 

“I am unable to carry a child… you know this.” 

“Good. Children can be such irritating creatures.” he is not taking anything she says seriously. 

“You swore to protect me, Daemon.” 

“Dragonstone is quite secure.”

“Until the King decides to reclaim his ancestral seat. His men might not put the Prince’s head on a spike, but what would they do with the common whore he claims he’s taken to wife”

“No one will harm you.” he says seriously. 

“I have been sold as property many times, beginning in a homeland I can no longer recall. Most of my years have been spent living in terror and uncertainty” 

“You’re safe with me, I swear it.” 

“You are Targaryen. You can afford to play your stupid games with the King, but I cannot. for once in my life I am not a slave and I don’t want to be forced to go back because I got caught in the crossfire of the Kings familial squabbles” she’s shakes her head. after a few moments Daemon still says nothing, “I’d like to go back to the city, my prince” her face takes on a stoic expression. 

Daemons face scrunches a little, he is not pleased. “fine” he spits at her. 

—

“Lord Lyonel. I have come looking for an unencumbered opinion.” Viserys greets his second most trusted advisor, Viserys valued Otto greatly but he found he could always trust Lyonel to be impartial at the least. 

“That’s all I would ever give, Your Grace.” 

“Ever since my name was read by the archmaesters at the Great Council, I have felt Corlys Velaryon’s envious gaze staring at me from across the Blackwater.” 

“You sit upon the highest seat in the realm, Your Grace. Proud men don’t like having to look up.” 

Viserys chuckles, “Laena Velaryon.” is all he says. 

“Lord Corlys is your Master of Ships and she is the eldest daughter of the wealthiest house in the realm. She comes from unimpeachable Valyrian stock and she has Targaryen blood. What’s to mislike?” Lyonel rationalizes. 

“the customary mourning period has not even finished and they bring me a potential bride” 

“Laena is but 4 and 10, only just flowered… you need not wed right away” 

“I never asked to remarry.”

“As King, you have a claim on all things, even those you don’t want. Marriage is not an obligation you can put off for long.” 

“What if I was to reject Lord Corlys’s proposal?” Viserys knows he must remarry however it is not Corlys daughter that comes to mind. 

“He would not be like to take it well. I fear nothing short of a direct line to the Iron Throne would satisfy him. You should also consider that we find ourselves on the precipice of war in the Stepstones. And the Sea Snake holds claim to nearly half the realm’s ships.” 

“He would not dare withhold them in the face of the realm’s need. Who is he to hector me?” Corlys arrogance enrages Viserys at times. 

“No one, Your Grace, but Driftmark makes for a better ally than it does an enemy. The Sea Snake has made a calculated reach, a fair play for a man of his position…If you truly want my unencumbered opinion.” 

“I do.” Viserys says earnestly. 

“You should wed Laena Velaryon, Your Grace. Sate Lord Corlys and fix him at your side, permanently, as an ally.” 

—

Rhaenyra walks with her head held high to her father’s solar. “your grace” she greets. 

“you disobeyed me, you fled Kingslanding without a word and acted without the crowns leave” Viserys was wroth, “you are my only living child, my heir you could’ve been killed” 

“may I sit” Rhaenyra asks without looking at her father, he isn’t often angry with her though she finds when he is she cannot look him in the eye. 

“you went to Dragonstone” 

“and retrieved the egg without bloodshed, something Otto Hightower would not be able to accomplish”

Viserys chuckles which surprises Rhaenyra, she says nothing. Viserys huffs a tired sigh. “without your mother, the red keep has lost a warmth and I dare say it will never recover” 

“it pleases me to hear you say that” she looks down, “I sometimes feel as though I am grieving her alone” she says, tears beginning to form as they always do when she thinks of her mother. 

“I am sorry to hear that, I wish I knew better what to say to you in the aftermath… your mother would be proud of you Rhaenyra” Rhaenyra smiles genuinely upon hearing this, “she would also know what was expected of me” 

her smile drops, “the king must take a new wife” she says resignedly. 

“I could never replace your mother, but I must think of the Targaryen dynasty first and foremost, our line is vulnerable and too easily ended, by marrying again… I do not wish for us to become estranged” 

“you are the king and your duty is to the realm, mother knew this just as I do” 

—

Daemon is back in the keep, he stands among the dragons skulls admiring the dragons of old. 

“Daemon” Viserys says sternly, he was notified his brother had walt’s into the keep as though nothing has happened. 

“brother, glad to see you as well” he smirks 

“what were you thinking?” he bellows, “squat on Dragonstone fine, but stealing an egg, Baelons egg?” 

“it wasn’t like he was getting any use from it” 

“how dare you, after everything you still insult his memory” Viserys can’t believe his brother would be so cruel in his time of grief. 

“do not be so dramatic brother, she wasn’t even with child” Daemons tone is bored. 

“what?” 

“she wasn’t with child, I lied” 

“so what? you were just playing a game? did you even wed her?” his brothers actions flabbergasted him. 

“Mysaria is a common whore, I’d never wed her” Daemon shrugs, “speaking of weddings I hear you are to take a new bride” 

“no decision has been made but yes I am thinking on it” Daemon says nothing, “nothing to say?” how quickly Viserys forgets he was even mad at Daemon. 

“I don’t think i’m the one to ask about marriage, I haven’t seen my bronze bitch since our wedding ceremony and I’ve been begging for an annulment ever since” he smirks. 

“Corlys put forth his daughter Laena as a potential match” 

“a pretty little thing if I recall” Daemon has one of his smarmy grins as he thinks back on the girl. 

“shes young” 

“she’ll grow, I do not think that is the real reason you are reluctant to marry her” 

Viserys just huffs in response and the brothers stand silent for some moments. “what if I wanted to wed another?” 

Daemon raised his brows at this, surpised “you are the blood of the dragon you can do as you wish, marry Laena, marry this other wench, marry neither, marry them both even who is anyone to deny you” he says seriously. 

—

a council meeting has been called and Viserys intends to announce his decision. he looks over them, Otto does not show his expression though he knows what Viserys has decided, Alicent stands beside her father. 

“good morrow my Lords I have decided to take a new wife” Corlys expression shifts to something arrogant. “I intend to marry” it is at this moment that Rhaenyra seems to register Alicents presence in the room her smile drops as she hears her fathers words “the Lady Alicent Hightower before springs end” 

“this is an absurdity” Corlys bangs his fist and stands “my house is Valyrian, the greatest naval power in the realm” he seethes

“and I am your king” 

“of course” the look he shoots Alicent before he storms out is a mixture of disdain and jealousy. 

Alicent finally looks up and allows herself to meet Rhaenyras gaze, her friend wears a hurt expression and flees the council meeting. Alicent looks at the King who nods, dismissing her and she goes after her. 

—

“how long” Rhaenyra seethes looking at her friend if she can even call her that. “how long have you hidden this from me” she yells. 

it’s hard for Alicent to get the words out but she tells the truth. “my father sent me to console him after your mother died…. your father bid me not to tell you” she’s looking down as she speaks. 

after her mother died... “WHORE”, that accusation hit Alicent like a hammer. “you seduced him” Rhaenyra continues. 

“no we only spoke about history, about your mother, you… never marriage I swear it” Alicent tries to make Rhaenyra understand though she knows it is futile. 

“you were seeing him in his chambers alone what did you think would happen” Rhaenyra scoffs out. 

“it was at my fathers command” Alicent is looking down again. 

that answer only further enrages Rhaenyra, of course he’d place Alicent in her fathers bed when her mothers ashes had barely cooled. “you should have refused him”

at that Alicent huffs. “I had no choice, I wouldn’t expect you to understand” that comes out sounding more bitter than Alicent intended but it is the truth. she would never understand. 

Rhaenyra is hurt, angry, confused, she feels too much. “they cannot do this I am the princess I shall annul it I will make them…” she stops raging and looks at Alicent realizing she is silent. “do you want this?” she chokes out. 

“it matters little what I want” Alicent shakes her head, tears welling up as Rhaenyra just stares before storming off. so that’s it then. 

Chapter Text

she’d heard it, Vhagars sad song. she’s calling to me, Laena thought, she must be lonely too. Vhagar had been spotted flying around Kingslanding for the first time in a while and Laena was determined to make the she dragon hers. 

—

Corlys has been wroth since Viserys announced his choice of bride. he and his family are supping in his chambers, the atmosphere ruined by his sour mood. 

“Viserys has lost his wits” Corlys rants, “that girl, an Andal with no Valyrian heritage to speak of, she would do fine as a mistress but queen? over our Laena” 

“the king had his eye on the girl for some time, even Aemma was aware it’s not surprising he’d grasp the opportunity to take her to bed” Rhaenys attempts to calm him down though she feels slighted as well, it was like the great council all over again and her children were being snubbed once more. 

Laena says nothing though she and Laenor share a look. I never wanted to be his queen. she thought as she shrinks back in her seat, still she can’t help but feel she disappointed her father. 

“that man has insulted this family far too many times” Corlys continued his rant. 

“I know my love but he is the king there is little we can do” Rhaenys rationalized, deep down she never wanted Laena to belong to Viserys and was even a little grateful that he chose Otto’s girl. “we should be in better spirits tonight, our girl just claimed a dragon, we should be celebrating her not dwelling on the Kings offences” Rhaenys said trying to change the subject. 

“thank you mother” Laena smiled and Laenor bumped shoulders with her. 

—

the wedding was fast approaching, it was to be a grand affair though Alicent had little say in the planning, the ladies of court did most of it, her future ladies, Aemmas ladies, they all looked at her with poorly concealed disgust, they think I’m a whore Alicent thought sadly. 

she is standing with the ladies as they chatter on not paying much attention to their idle word when she sees Rhaenyra arm in arm with the Velaryon girl, she was supposed to be queen and I should be there with Rhaenyra she thought bitterly. they were in their riding gear, the girl had just claimed Vhagar the queen of dragons she’d heard. just then Rhaenyra looks over, when they meet eyes Rhaenyras face twists in a scowl as she drags Laena away. 

Alicent feels overwhelmed and excuses herself from the older women who barely pay her any mind. as she’s leaving she comes across princess Rhaenys, the woman intimidated her like no other. “princess” Alicent greets with a slight courtesy, Rhaenys laughs a dry condescending laugh at this and Alicent shrinks back. Rhaenys merely trails her eyes over her before she walks off without acknowledgment.

Alicent scurries to her chambers after that trying to hold in her tears, her new chambers and Aemmas old chambers, as she looks around she misses her room in the tower of hand. 

—

“I cannot believe my father is truly going through with this farce” Rhaenyra rants as they enter her chambers, her mood had been soured greatly by seeing her.

“it must be difficult” Laena says sympathetically, she has been the princesses companion long but her cousin only really began to care for her once she claimed Vhagar, she is never sure what to say and has been weary of her moods. Rhaenyra has been most disagreeable since the wedding was announced. 

“you have no idea” she says harshly, “I thought we were friends and she was just using me, her and her scheming cunt of a father” 

Laena flinches a little internally, if Otto was a scheming cunt then what was her father? Rhaenyra seems to have forgotten it was almost her who was to be the new queen. outwardly Laena just smiles and nods as the princess rants. 

—

Alicent is having dinner with her father, she is mostly silent as he tells her the going ons of court and informs her of the plans for her wedding. 

“I saw you with the princess today” he says and she is confused for a moment, Rhaenyra wouldn’t tolerate her presence at the moment but then she remembers her brief and unpleasant meeting with Rhaenys. 

“yes father” 

“did she say anything?” she felt as though he was staring through her. 

“no” she looks down at her food. 

he simply hums at this and it is silent again. “the king and I decided to send for new ladies for your companions, I thought it would be better for you to have your own not Aemmas hand me downs” 

Alicent feels relieved at this, she’d never told her father nor the king how she feels in their presence but her father is an observant man… or maybe it is simply to establish her as the new queen either way she is grateful she will be rid of them though that thought fills her with some guilt as well. “thank you father” she manages to give a slight smile as he pats her hand. 

—

things at court have been tense since Viserys announced his decision to marry Lady Alicent and it is especially felt in his council.

“Laena is of pure Valyrian stock and now rides the largest dragon! why do you insist on looking past her for-“ Lord Corlys rages in the council, any pretence of respect has been lost.

“and pray tell what is wrong with my daughter Lord Corlys?” Otto’s voice sternly cuts through.

“she is an Andal!” Corlys shouts.

“as was Queen Aemma” Otto retorts.

“with a Targaryen mother just as Laena has!”

“i mean no disrespect to you my King or the Hand but are you certain Alicent is the correct choice?” Lord Lyonel asks tentatively, “house Targaryen has always valued the Valyrian blood of its consorts”

Viserys has grown fed up with the conversation, “ENOUGH!” he tells, “i chose to marry Lady Alicent and that is the end of the conversation… she is of an old and powerful house and will make a fine Queen, i’ll hear no more of it! and you Lord Corlys… i suggest you remember you are talking to a King!”

“i am your advisor but not your lickspittle, it my duty to tell you when you’ve made the wrong decision.”

“my decision is final” Viserys says sternly and Corlys leaves the chambers in anger.

—

Gwayne arrives at the capital with their uncle Hobert for the royal wedding. 

“sister” he greets her with a hug and she relishes the warmth. 

“it’s good to see you” she murmurs. 

“there’s our soon to be queen” her uncle says warmly, he hugs her as well though it is stiff. he quickly walks off with her father, to discuss the future no doubt. 

—

she and Gwayne are now walking in the gardens as he tells her about his squireship. 

“Ser Meadows says I’m sure to be knighted by the year’s end” he says happily. 

“that’s wonderful” Alicent says, and she is genuinely happy Gwayne has always wanted to be a knight yet it’s hard for her to feel happy about much these days. as they walk they come across Rhaenyra and her ladies, Laena and Elinda having a picnic across the way. Alicent cant help the solemn expression that creeps onto her face. 

“I take it you two are no longer close?” Gwayne asks, it is unsurprising to him that the Princess has turned her ire to Alicent, marrying one’s father isn’t something easy to forgive in a friend he supposes. 

“no not as of late” Alicent says quietly. 

“I’m sorry” Gwayne pulls her along so she doesn’t keep forcing herself to look. 

“I should be grateful I know, I’m to be queen and that is an enviable position” 

“is that how you feel? or how father tells you to feel?” Gwayne deadpans and Alicent looks down and he sees her begin to pick at her fingers. “stop that now” he chastises lightly. 

“the King is kind I’m just… nervous I suppose” 

Gwayne gives her a knowing look but doesn’t push the conversation any further. 

—

Otto and his brother observe Alicent and Gwayne from a balcony. 

“you have served our house well Otto”

“i have served the realm, the King needed a wife and he found one in Alicent”

“she will make a fine Queen to be sure” Hobert agrees, “better the heir to the throne be raised under the seven” they are silent for a moment, “this marriage may bind us to the crown but it also paints a target on your daughters back, i hope you are prepared to protect her”

“the king will protect her, he has a good heart, i couldn’t have hoped for a better man for Alicent”

—

Alicent sits in Viserys chambers and awaits him for lunch, he’d lent her a book from his private library and she had it on her lap. 

“hello my dove” Viserys said warmly and she smiled back, “have you finished already” 

“as much as I could, i’m not so adept at high Valyrian as you I imagine” Alicent did genuinely enjoy their talks of history. 

“not to worry” he sits and begins eating. 

“how was the council?” 

“good good, except Lord Corlys has been most disagreeable since I’ve announced our nuptials, honestly that man’s pride knows no limitations” 

“I’m sorry to hear about that your grace” Alicent says, she hates that this wedding is causing such disruption. 

“come now it’s Viserys, we are to be wed I won’t have my lady wife addressing me so formally” he smiles at her, it’s meant to be disarming but it makes her stomach churn. 

“of course… Viserys” she smiles back. 

—

it is the night before her wedding, Alicent sits across from her father in the tower of the hand.

“you should head to your chambers and get some rest, tomorrow the eyes of the realm will be upon you” he says as he writes a missive. Alicent says nothing, her eyes are fixed on the ground. Otto looks up at her contemplative, “are you nervous?”

“i suppose i am… i should feel proud i know but i-“

“that is the nature of duty, it often asks a great deal before it gives anything in return.”

“i have no idea how to be queen… i was not born for this” she says meekly.

“the King chose you” Otto says and Alicent is quiet once more. Otto decides now is the is the time to give her his gift. “here, i had it made for your mother, she wore it when we wed and now it is yours”

Alicent opens the box and it is a ring similar to that of her father’s but daintier, a gold ring carved with the sigil of house Hightower.

“you are a Hightower and my daughter, you are more than worthy of being Queen”

“thank you father”

“i know i ask much of you but i know you will succeed”

Alicent puts the ring on her finger, she feels closer to her father than she ever has before.

—

Alicent stares at herself in the mirror as Rhaenyra helps her lace up her gown, she can scarcely recognize herself. once Rhaenyra is finished with her dress she comes around to her front and takes her hand, Alicents cuticles have been bitten bloody, the worst they’ve ever looked. 

Rhaenyra dips a cloth in the bowl and wipes her fingers gently, Alicent can see the tears in her eyes. she pulls back and both girls stare at each other. 

“Rhaenyra I…” Alicent isn’t sure what to say, if she can say anything at all. 

“you look beautiful stepmother” Rhaenyras voice was longing yet she spit the word stepmother like venom. Rhaenyra wiped her eyes as she left the room leaving Alicent to stare at her reflection, dressed in Targaryen colours, she looked beautiful, regal and never felt more like an imposter in her life. 

—

Otto walked her down the aisle as was customary, she looked to her father and longed to hear words of comfort though she knew none would come. bile crept up her throat but she forced it down, it would be unbecoming for the future queen to vomit on her wedding day. once at the alter she observes the room, her uncle and his family came from Oldtown for such a monumental moment for their house, Corlys Velaryon made a point of not showing up though the princess and their children are here making sure to look as proud as ever. 

the cloak placed on her shoulders has long since been in the Targaryen household, used for both Alyssa Velaryon and Good Queen Alysanne and Ceryse Hightower  but she forced that thought from her mind. she looked to Rhaenyra in the crowd who looked away once she caught her eye. 

“in the sight of the seven I hereby see to these two souls being bound as one for eternity, look upon one another and say the words” the Septon speaks. 

“Father. Smith. Warrior. Mother. Maiden. Crone. Stranger” Alicent forces her voice not to waver, “I am his and he is mine from this day until the end of my days” she could feel her heart filling with dread at each word she forced out. Viserys placed a kiss on her mouth and just like that they were one. 

—

“to my beautiful bride” her father toasts with a large smile, he’s deep in his cups and in high spirits, Rhaenyra cannot stand to see her father so joyous with someone other than her mother, with her best friend at that, former best friend. Alicent for her part has a demure smile, lovely and utterly false, just like her, Rhaenyra thinks bitterly. 

Rhaenyra made it a point tonight to wear light blue, her mother’s colours as well as her mother’s silver circlet. She wouldn’t let them forget but she wonders if anyone’s even noticed. she wishes Daemon was here, at the very least he wouldn’t be celebrating the union of her father and the Hightower leech. 

—

at the feast Alicent sits with the king who is laughing and drinking his heart out, he’d just toasted to her for the third time that night. at least someone is able to celebrate this union, she thought. as she observes the crowd she realizes Rhaenyra has left her seat and is no where in the hall. 

“my king..” she says as leans over to Viserys ear. 

“you are my wife now Alicent, you may use my name” he has a warm smile on his face as he looks at her. 

“of course Viserys, Rhaenyra has left the hall it seems, should someone be sent to check on her?” 

to her surprise the King scoffs, “Rhaenyra has been acting out since our union was announced, she spends too much to time with Daemon, I fear she gets her temperment from him.” perhaps it is the drink making his lips looser, she’d never heard the king speak of his daughter in such a way before. he smiles at her once more, “don’t you worry about Rhaenyra we can deal with her moods tomorrow but tonight is for celebration” she only smiles and nods back. 

—

Rhaenyra left after her fathers third toast to his new wife. she could no longer take it despite his words it seemed he could easily replace her mother, well she is her mothers daughter how long will it take before she is tossed to the side as well? she thinks bitterly. 

“princess are you all right?” Ser Cole asks. 

“what are you doing here?” she asks a little snappishly, she does not appreciate people seeing her cry, the last person to see that was Alicent and she betrayed her. 

“you are my charge and you ran from the halls” he says lightly. 

“I did not run” she is not a coward. 

“walked gracefully then” he quips 

she smiles a little. “I just did not want be in there anymore” she says tentatively. 

“I can imagine… why don’t we go walk in the gardens I’m sure it will be nicer than an empty corridor” he smiles. 

“I would like that” she takes his arm and they walk. 

—

“House Velaryon’s origins reach back to Old Valyria, as ancient as the Targaryens but unlike the Targaryens, we were no dragonlords. my house had to scratch out an existence from the sea with grit and luck, we landed in Westeros far before that of the Targaryens and rose to prominence on our own merit.  When I ascended the Driftwood Throne, I knew what I wanted. So I went out and seized it. Unlike every other lord of the realm, I can say that I built my house’s wealth  with the strength of mine own back. I’ve always thought of you and I as having been made from the same cloth.” 

“I wasn’t aware you had a king for a brother.” like Corlys, Daemon had opted out of attending that farce of a wedding to Otto Hightowers welp. 

“We’re both men who have had to cut our own way through the world. We’ve been passed over too often.” 

“Did you call me to Driftmark to remind me of my low standing, Lord Corlys, or was there some other reason?” Daemon didn’t mind Lord Corlys but he was growing bored of his speeches. 

“You’ve heard of the troubles in the Stepstones?” 

“Some Myrish Prince is feeding Westerosi sailors to the crabs.”

“I have been petitioning the King to send my navy into the territory, but he’s denied me.” 

“It was never my brother’s strongest trait.”

“What?”

“Being King.” he says plainly and Corlys hides his surprise at Daemons candid words, what he said was treason but Corlys wouldn’t be the one to tell. 

“The Crabfeeder is backed by powerful entities within the Free Cities who wish to see Westeros weakened. And the King’s failures have allowed him to accumulate strength. If those shipping lanes fall, my house will be crippled. And I will not have Driftmark beggared while our King idles himself with feasts, and balls, and tourneys.” 

“I may speak of my brother as I wish, you cannot” Daemon cuts him off as he was dangerously close to insulting Viserys. 

“Waiting in the Stepstones is a chance for you to prove your worth to any who might yet doubt it. We are the realm’s second sons, Daemon. Our worth is not given. It must be made.” 

—

“may I steel the queen for a dance?” Gwayne comes up to Alicent. 

“of course” she smiles, she hasn’t even danced at her own wedding yet. 

“have fun my love” Viserys says as she gets up. 

“you look truly beautiful sister” he says once they’re on the dance floor. 

“thank you, I fear I feel like an entirely different person” 

“you are, you’re the queen now” Gwayne meant it to be light hearted but Alicents smile tightens. “I know you’re nervous but you’ll adapt, you have father to guide you at least” 

“i suppose..” 

—

“I know this must be a difficult day for you Princess” Criston says. they are now walking in the gardens, Rhaenyra is holding his arm lightly. 

“do you?” Rhaenyra snaps, “sorry I’m just…” 

“no need to apologise Princess” 

“my father is the King, he can marry anyone he likes I just don’t see why he chose her and how he can expect me to accept it” she rants, she shouldn’t speak so freely but she trusts Ser Criston. 

“fathers are often like that, Princess. it is unfortunate but the King loves you, it is obvious to all” Criston tries to comfort her. Rhaenyra smiles a little at that, she does not doubt her fathers love but that doesn’t stop her anger at him. 

—

after dancing she’d gone over to her families table and talked for a bit it made her feel better but as she walked back to her seat she felt her stomach sink, the night was coming to an end and she knew what that meant. she came to stand by Viserys and he stood to announce the bedding ceremony. 

“it is time for the bedding” the crowd, especially the men went wild, she caught brothers eye who gave her a pitying look. she was not granted the dignity of forgoing the bedding ceremony but that was unsurprising, most women had to endure it and she was not special in that regard yet her stomach churned as unfamiliar hands tore at her dress. 

Viserys was already in the room when she stepped in, he was in his robe but it was clear he was nude underneath. Viserys smiles warmly and she forced a smile back, she went to the vanity to take out the elaborate style, with her hair down she looked very much like the girl she felt like. 

“are you ready my dear?” Viserys asks as she begins the walk over to the bed. 

“yes your… Viserys” once on the bed he kisses her, not chaste like earlier but intense and passionate, he kisses her neck and chest but Alicent just feels far away as it happened, she looks ahead bidding herself to ignore the sensation of him on her skin, strangely she feels nothing and everything all at once and before she realises it its over. Viserys rolled off of her and was already snoring. coming back to herself she felt the pain between her legs and tears began to well. 

she closed her eyes and hoped sleep would come soon. she hoped things would be better on the morrow. deep down she knew things would get worse before they get better. 

Chapter Text

a hunt is being held in celebration of Prince Aegons second nameday, many nobles are in attendance.

“he has your hair your grace” says one of the noblemen and Viserys laughs heartily.

“that he does” he says.

“and your eyes” says another.

“and my eyes” Viserys agrees smiling at the boy, “you have my nose too don’t you” he coos.

Otto Hightower and his brother Hobert observe the interaction from the other side of the room.

“two years old and our boy has a kingly presence” Hobert says.

“he may yet brother, but this morning he insisted on eating porridge with his hands” Otto and Hobert chuckle.

“he will grow, quite a party was assembled in his honour and surely at the end of the hunt there will be more to celebrate”

“and what is that pray tell?” Otto knows what his brother is implying.

“it is his second nameday, he has made it out of infancy now all that remains is for Viserys to officiate him as heir to the throne” Hobert says.

“i wouldn’t be so sure”

“Aegon is his firstborn son” Hobert deadpans.

“evidently though the King does not see it so clearly”

“well then it lies with you to make him see it, Lord Hand”

“you don’t know the king he is…” Otto needed to word this carefully so no prying ears got the wrong impression. “he is easy to sway most of the time but when his mind is made up its going to stay that way, i fear pushing the matter will only lead to grief for me and Alicent both”

“you have his ear and Alicents in his bed, i’m sure you kind find a way to persuade him to see what the rest of the realm does” and with that Hobert leaves to join the Kings group.

—

Rhaenyra sits underneath the godswood with a history book on her lap and a pout on her face. a bard is playing music for her.

“perhaps the Princess would like to hear something else?”

“she would not, play it again” she snaps and he begins the song once more.

“your grace” he stops as the Queen approaches.

“did I say stop? begin again” Rhaenyra nearly yells.

“Rhaenyra?” Alicent asks softly,

“yes my Queen?”

“your presence is wanted in the courtyard, the hunt is ready to depart”

“I have decided to remain here instead” Rhaenyra says defiantly.

“you may leave Samwell” Alicent dismisses the bard.

“you will stay by order of the Princess!” Rhaenyra says as the bard gets up to leave.

“the Queen commands you to leave the godswood at once” Alicent says with more authority than before and ultimately the bard obeys the Queen further angering the Princess. “Princess?”

“your grace?” Rhaenyra spits.

“the King wishes for you to join us”

“the King has much to celebrate, he does not need me there” Rhaenyra hates how putelent she sounds.

“he wants for us all to be together”

“is that the Kings command?”

“yes but…”

“then at once” Rhaenyra snaps the book shut and gets up.

“Rhaenyra please none of it need be this way…” Alicent tries but Rhaenyra is already stalking off.

—

now in the carriage Viserys, Alicent and Rhaenyra sit in silence as two maids hold Aegon.

“now isn’t this splendid? all of us together, off on an adventure in the Kingswood” Viserys says jovially.

the carriage rattles and Alicent winces a little, Rhaenyra notices. “should you even be travelling in your condition?” Rhaenyras tone is snarky but he concern is genuine.

“the maester said that being out in nature could do me well” Alicent says.

Viserys laughs and pats Alicents hand over her stomach. “you will soon be with child and make me a proud grandsire” Viserys smiles at Rhaenyra and she smiles back though it looks more like a grimace, a tense silence follows.

“it’s not so bad” Alicent says to break it, “the days are long but Aegon came quickly and without fuss” Alicent tries to reassure Rhaenyra, she knows her former friends fears when it comes to the childbed. the two maids tending to Aegon give each other a look, they know that to be far from the truth, Aegons birth was nearly to much for Alicents young body to handle… but Alicent wouldn’t tell Rhaenyra that.

a tense silence once more.

“you should ride with me today, join in on the chase”

“i’d rather not, the boars squeal like children when they are slaughtered” Rhaenyra is looking at Aegon as she says the last part.

“Rhaenyra..” Viserys says in a warning tone.

“I find it discomforting” Rhaenyra continues.

“then how would you prefer to participate?”

“i don’t see why i must” again she cringes internally at the putelent edge her voice takes.

“because you are my daughter, the Princess!” Viserys voice is stern and it makes Rhaenyra shrink back a little, “and you have duties”

“as i am ceaselessly reminded” she mumbles.

“come again?” Viserys asks.

“as i am ceaselessly reminded!”

“you would not need to be reminded if you ever attended to them without fussing!”

“no one is here for me!” Rhaenyra actually tells that part.

“enough! you will participate in celebrating your brother that is final!” Viserys says harshly leaving no more room for disagreement.

—

the crowds cheer as the royal family exit the carriage, Viserys holds Aegon up to the masses.

“all hail Aegon the babe, second of his name”

the crowd cheers louder.

—

Alicent sits with the ladies, as does Rhaenyra though she looks as though she wishes she were somewhere else.

“Lady Joanna was reported to be abducted when Lord Swanns ship sailed through the stepstones” Lady Lannister says.

“what will happen to her?” Alicent asks.

“sold to a pillow house if the rumours are to be believed” she says.

Larys Strongs hobbles over to them, “I fear the gods did not make me for hunting, may I sit?”

“of course Lord Larys, please join us” Alicent smiles at him. “ladies this is Larys Strong, son of the Maester of laws Lord Lyonel Strong and brother of commander Harwin Strong” she introduces and the ladies nod in greeting.

“my Lord husband says no King will ever be able to tame the Stepstones, it is a inhospitable place suited for nothing but savagery” says one of the ladies.

“perhaps the Princess has some insight?” Alicent tries to include Rhaenyra who at this point has done naught but sit with a mix of a sneer and a pout.

“I don’t see how I could I have never been to the Stepstones”

“your dear uncle is the mastermind behind this war, is he not?”

“i have not spoken to Daemon in years” her voice is neutral but speaking of him saddens her, she misses him.

“since you supplanted him as heir?” Lady Lannister says, looking to stir the pot.

“Daemon made his choices Lady Ceira and the Princess was better suited for the role… at the time” Alicent says trying to neutralise the conversation.

“he’s made the mess and the King should put an end to it for good, clear out the triarchy and be done with it” Lady Redwyne says.

“the crown is not at war my Lady”

“the crown is at war Princess even if your father refuses to admit it, your uncle and the Sea Snake have dragged us into it”

“and how have you served the realm Lady Redwyne? by eating cake?” Rhaenyra spits and stalks off.

—

“Princess” Lord Jason Lannister corners her, “was your own second nameday as grand an affair as this?”

“i don’t recall and neither will Aegon”

“Lord Jason Lannister” he kisses her hand and introduces himself.

“i gathered that from all the lions”

“i don’t believe we’ve been properly introduced”

“your brother is on my fathers council”

“ah dear Tyland he is… incredibly dull gods love him” he smiles.

“mhm” Rhaenyra nods wanting the man to take the hint that she is not interested.

“here” he pours her a cup, “the finest honeywine you’ve ever tasted, made in Lannisport of course”

“of course”

“the Kingswood is a fine hunting ground” he continues unbothered by her disinterest “though the best spots are to be found at Casterly rock near my home, have you ever been”

“I don’t believe i’ve had the pleasure”

“The Rock is thrice the height of the High tower in Old town, taller still than the Wall in the north. It’s been said that if one were to stand in the tower… on a perfect day, one could see clear across the Sunset Sea.” he says with evident pride in his voice.

“it must be quite the sight”

“Hm, I don’t have a Dragon pit, of course, but… I do have the means and resources to build one.”

“Why would you need a Dragon pit?” Rhaenyra narrows her eyes.

“To house dragons, of course, I’d do anything for my Queen… or… lady wife” he says with far to much confidence.

Rhaenyra actually rolls her eyes and sighs “Thank you for the wine” she says and walks away.

—

Rhaenyra is fuming from her interaction with Jason Lannister as she stalks over to her father. “is that all i am to you? a prize to proffer about to the great houses?”

“you’re of age Rhaenyra and Lord Jason is a fine match” Viserys says in exasperation.

“he’s arrogant and self serious” Rhaenyra argues.

“yes well i thought you might have that in common” Rhaenyras eyes widen and before she can refute he holds up his hand and continues speaking. “since you have come of age I have had parchments flung from every corner of the realm seeking your hand in marriage, i have tried to discuss this matter with you but you refuse at every turn”

“that is because i do not wish to marry!” she says like it is the most obvious thing in the world.

“you are a Princess of the realm! you do not exist above duty and tradition, even i am not above it” the King says harshly.

“but father…” she starts but is interrupted.

“excuse me your grace” a page comes up to them.
Viserys turns to Rhaenyra first, “you will marry! that is the end of the discussion” he then turns with a terse smile at the page.

“sorry to interrupt your grace, a white hart has been spotted, ‘the king of the kingswood’ a portent for Prince Aegons nameday” the page stammers out.

—

Rhaenyra is angry, no not just angry she is hurt. she feels disregarded, by her father, by the lords and ladies who swore to uphold her claim only 3 years prior. what has changed? a babe with a cock was born? that is enough to cast her aside? Rhaenyra walks through the men and steels a horse riding off into the woods.

“Princess, Princess slow down” she hears Ser Criston call after her.

“hya, hya” she urges the horse on faster.

“Princess wait!” he calls again. after they are some ways away from camp she allows for the horse to slow and he comes to canter at her side. “what happened back there?” he asked with genuine concern that made her blush.

“my father… he’s trying to sell me off to the Lord Lannister” tears begin welling in her eyes, “was I… was I named heir to the iron throne so that i could further raise the standing of a lord of Casterly Rock?” she huffs out.

Criston is silent for a moment. “do you want me to kill him?” he asks, this gets a giggle out of Rhaenyra and they sit in silence a bit longer. “shall we head back to camp?”

“it is a beautiful day, how about we walk for a bit?”

“as my Princess commands” he smiles at her.

—
“were you ever betrothed Ser Criston?” Rhaenyra asks as they walk through the Kingswood.

“i had an adventurous youth when my father served at Blackhaven but my station was never high enough to warrant a formal betrothal no, had i wished i could’ve married a common girl before i took my vows”

“how wonderful it must be, to have a say in your own life”

“many in the realm would gladly trade positions with you Princess”

“only because they’ve never been in my position” Rhaenyra snaps more petulantly than she would’ve liked, “I may be the Princess of Dragonstone but I am toothless, no one respects me as heir to the throne, they all…” she bites back a sniffle.

“not so long ago you held enough power to write my name into the white book… and when I was named Kingsguard it was the highest honour any Cole had ever known, i’d hardly call that toothless”

“do you respect me Ser Cole?” she asks tentatively

“of course, all i have now is thanks to you Princess” he says honestly.

—

“your grace” the huntsman bows to the King.

“how far?” Viserys asks.

“her droppings were found half a league to the east, still fresh, between 2 and 3 hours. my best scouts spotted him. the beast is upward of 35 stone and now we have him”

“aye”

“before the dragons ruled Westeros the white hart was a symbol of royalty in these lands, and on this day of all days… i’ve never been one for signs and portents but if the gods did wish to show their favour then…” the huntsman chuckles

—

“your grace, I had this forged in honor of Prince Aegon.” Jason Lannister approaches the King with a gift.

“It’s quite a thing.”

“I hope it might provide the killing stroke against your white hart. The King of the Kingswood. It’s as if the Seven themselves have blessed this day.”

“Thank you… for your generosity.”

“and I would be honored to take the Princess Rhaenyra as my lady wife, Your Grace. What I offer you, The crown and your daughter, is strength.”

“Do you think that House Targaryen wants for strength?”

“If someone offered you more dragons, would you not take them?”

“Do you have dragons to offer?”

“Casterly Rock is a splendid seat. Rhaenyra may take her place there by my side without shame, a fine compromise to her loss of station”

“What loss of station?”

“Aegon is now your heir, is he not Your Grace?”

“when did that happen? I don’t recall denouncing Rhaenyra”

“I had assumed… As he’s your firstborn son… Many of us had assumed…“

“Many of us, you say? Have your bannermen questioned my choice of heir?”

“Of course not, Your Grace. Rhaenyra was a fine choice when you had little other but…”

“It is your sworn duty to report rebellion stirring in my kingdom.” Viserys cuts off sternly.

“Rebellion?” There’s been nothing of the sort, Your Grace.”

“I, I… I did not decide to name Rhaenyra my heir on a whim. All the lords of the kingdom would do well to remember that. Thank you… for the gift.”

“Your Grace.”

—

“wine” Viserys sighs out

“The huntsman has the trail, Your Grace, and has sent out the hounds. It won’t be long now until the white hart is cornered. Your prize is within reach.” Otto says beside him.

“What do you make of Lord Jason’s proposal?” Viserys asks.

“That man’s pride has pride.” Otto quips, “You’re not only Rhaenyra’s father, you’re the King. She’ll do as you command.”

“It is not my wish to command her, Otto… I want her to be happy.”

“There is another choice beyond Casterly Rock. One, perhaps, you might be more comfortable with. One… closer to home.”

“Who do you have in mind?”

“Prince Aegon.”

“The boy just turned two, Otto.”

“Yes, but it would cease the endless proposals for Rhaenyra’s hand and allow her more years of freedom which she seems to desperately desire Betroth them and do away with all of this”

“I came here to hunt… not to be suffocated by all this fucking politicking. Let us speak no more of it.”

—

“We’ve sent out riders to find Rhaenyra, Your Grace. Ser Criston went after her, so the hope is that they are together.” Lord Lyonel says.

“The girl is a heedless contrarian. If I instead forbade her to wed a Lannister, she would’ve run off with Lord Jason out of spite. A truly great Targaryen King I am. Powerless over mine own daughter of seven-and-ten.” Kings don’t sulk but Viserys was close to it.

“King Jaehaerys ruled over half a century of peace while his children drove him to the edge of madness… his daughters, in particular. It is tradition, Your Grace.” both men chuckle. “Do you wish to hear my opinion on the matter?”

“Should I guess?” Viserys sighs “You believe that your son, Ser Harwin “Break bones,” the strongest knight in the Seven Kingdoms, is the best match for Rhaenyra.”

“You flatter me, Your Grace, but no. It would seem to me there are only two matches for Rhaenyra, the son of The Sea Snake, Ser Laenor. Some years ago, I counseled you to take his sister to wife. My reasoning remains the same. Laenor is of pure Valyrian descent. He shares blood with your cousin, the Princess Rhaenys. And he is the heir to the wealthiest house in the realm. The breach between your houses has not narrowed since I last spoke of it. It would do much to assuage Lord Corlys of any slights real… or imagined. We must pray, of course, that Laenor survives the fighting in the Step stones.”

“interesting, and the other?”

“Prince Aegon of course”

“he’s a babe” Viserys deadpans.

“he’ll grow, it would quiet any discontent over the succession”

“who is discontent?” asks daring Lyonel to say what they both know he’s thinking.

“no one, your grace” Lyonel sighs out, he knows when discussing a matter is futile.

—

“Princess, I must make a final plea that we return to the camp.” Cristons pleads.

“I rather prefer it here.”

“His Grace is certain to be worried by your absence.”

“His Grace can worry himself to death if he so likes. Tell me something, Ser Criston. Do you think the realm will ever accept me as their Queen?”

“They’ll have no choice but to, Princess.”

just then the sounds of twigs cracking is heard, a boar squeals and Ser Criston is knocked from where he sits, before Rhaenyra has time to even think to flee she is lying on the ground as the boar attacks her. as she’s screaming Ser Criston staggers over and guts the boar, it squeals and falls on top of her winding her.

—

Alicent approaches her husband, he deep in his cups and staring into the fire, he looks troubled.

“Is everything all right, Your Grace?”

“You know, I… I named her… to protect the realm from Daemon. She was my only child.
“The Realm’s Delight.” I named her out of love because I no longer believed…”

“Believed what, my love?” Alicents asks softly.

Viserys takes another drink and sighs, “Many in my line have been dragon riders. Very few among us have been dreamers. What is the power of a dragon… next to the power of prophecy… When Rhaenyra was a child… I saw it in a dream… as vivid as these flames, I saw it. A male babe born to me… wearing the Conqueror’s crown. And I so wanted it to be true, to be a dreamer myself. I sought that vision again, night after night… but it never came again. I poured all my thought and will into it. And my obsession killed Rhaenyra’s mother.” Viserys practically wails.

“oh Viserys” Alicent says sympathetically.

“I thought Rhaenyra was the way out of my abyss of grief and regret. And naming her heir would begin to set things right. I never imagined I would remarry… that I would have a son… What if I was wrong?”

“Viserys… if the gods mean for Rhaenyra to be Queen than she will be, if Aegon is meant to then he will be, our fates are up to them” Alicent says trying to sound as neutral about the matter as possible. Viserys doesn’t look comforted by her words but says nothing to argue.

—

“left” Harwin Strong bellows. the stag is held by four ropes, “he may not be white your grace but he’s a big lad”

“your grace for the kill” Lord Jason hands Viserys the opulent spear.

Viserys walks over to the stag looking unsure. “right here your grace” says the huntsman and Viserys stabs at it in the wrong place and the stag screeches loudly but does not fall. “wonderful your grace but a bit more to the left” Viserys stabs it again and this time it falls and the lords applaud the king.

—

“it is time to head back now Princess” Ser Criston says seriously.

Rhaenyra is covered in the boars tacky blood. Rhaenyra says nothing as she looks off into the distance, Criston follows her eye and he sees it, the white hart, he starts to unsheath his sword when the princess whispers, “no”. she looks at it a moment more before it gallops away, she feels a renewed conviction.

—

Rhaenyra rides back into camp feeling accomplished and proud, the white hart came for her. she ignores the stares as she walks through camp, Criston had tasked the hunters with bringing the the boar to camp. she goes to the table and grabs some ale.

“might i congratulate you on your kill Princess?” a gruff voice addresses her.

“you might, Ser Strong” she smirks as she takes a sip of wine.

—

“come sweet prince, let’s give the queen a break” says the maid to a wailing Aegon, Alicent is greatful for the reprieve.

“did you enjoy the hunt your grace?” Otto makes sure to address his daughter with the respect her title demands, he does so with pride.

“it was well enough”

“and how did my grandson fair?”

“ladies Lannister and Redwyne were quite taken with him” Alicent says fondly.

“as they should be, he is the future of the realm”
Alicent tenses, she knows where her father is going with this, “when you bore the king a son you ended 15 years of uncertainty and doubt, Aegon was born to rule the seven kingdoms just like his namesake”

“if Viserys were to name Aegon his heir the realm would fete him for it”

“does this not please you?” Otto asks, “do you not want your son to be king?” he does not understand why Alicent hesitates.

“what mother wouldn’t?” she continues with her non answers.

“you mustn’t ignore the truth that should Rhaenyra step over Aegon to sit the throne the realm would not accept it”

“they all swore obeisance to her” Alicent says, her loyalty to her old friend and to her father are at odds.

“yes they did, before he he had a trueborn son” Otto deadpans

“Rhaenyra will be a good queen” Alicent says meekly.

“it wouldn’t matter if she were Jaehaerys reborn, the simple fact is that Rhaenyra is a woman.” Otto says condescendingly.

“you would have me raise Aegon to steal his sisters birthright? what kind of man would that make him?” she says with a bit more force.

“it is Aegon who is being robbed of his rightful position as his fathers heir! if you were not so blinded by your… fondness for that girl you would see that the only ones being trampled over are you and your son!” Otto grounds out, “he is the firstborn son of the King, to deny that he is heir is to assail the laws of gods and men…” Otto takes a breath and wills himself to calm down, “the road ahead is uncertain but the end is clear, Aegon will be King” Alicent remains looking down, she says nothing, “it is your job to guide Viserys to reason, he will never find it on his own” Alicent nods her head.

—

“how are you feeling husband?” Alicent asks when she walks into Viserys room.

“the gods are punishing me for my indulgence” he chuckles.

“i was hoping we might discuss something” Alicent asks tentatively.

Viserys sighs, “Rhaenyra?” Alicent nods and Viserys groans.

“i do not think she enjoyed Jason Lannisters company” Alicent begins.

“she is cross with me” Viserys says.

“i warned you she would be”

“Rhaenyra has come of age, she must marry a lord who will honour her and defend her, her wishes are irrelevant”

“yes Rhaenyra must marry but it must seem like her choice if you want her to go along with it” Viserys looks at her quizzically and she takes that as her cue to continue, “allow her to go on a tour, meet with suitors and take one of her own choice”

“hmm” Viserys says, it’s not an outright rebuffal.

“what’s this?” she points to a letter.

“a missive from Ser Vaemond Velaryon, he asks for aide, Lord Corlys and Daemon are losing their war, badly by all accounts”

“will you send it?” Viserys only shrugs, “why wouldn’t you?”

“a war started by two malcontents unhappy with decisions i made, if i now provide them succor what will that say of me?”

“that you are a merciful king who loves his brother”
“if you believe that my dear then you have possess a gentle spirit” he’s says with some condescension. “am i forever doomed to anger one by pleasing another?”

“then I shall pose a simpler question, is it better for the realm that the war ends with the crabfeeder thriving or vanquished”

—

“make haste to the Dwarfstone and hand deliver this to Prince Daemon himself” Rhaenyra hears her father command as she walks into the council room.

“at once your grace” bows the messenger.

“Dwarfstone?” she asks.

“I am sending word to Daemon that aid is coming to the Stepstones”

“did he call for help”

“he would sooner die but his King will not allow for that” Rhaenyra says nothing and sits. “you do not agree with my decision?”

“It is no consequence to what I think… as I’m often reminded.” she snarks.

Viserys sighs, “Daemon is thorn enough in my flesh. Will you insist on taking after him? Must everything be a battle?”

“If you refer to your attempt to marry me off to Casterly Rock.”

“I am sorry, Rhaenyra… we have had this conversation, you must marry why must you resist it as if to the death?”

“Because you mean to replace me… with Alicent Hightower’s son” she says finally “the boy you always wanted. You have him in hands now. Y-You have no further use for me. You might as well peddle me for what you can. A mountain stronghold or a fleet of ships.”

“Rhaenyra…”

“All know it. Jason Lannister knows it. You said it yourself, the lords of the realm gather like vultures to a carcass, hoping to feast on my bones.”

“It is true that as rulers we must marry for advantage to forge alliances and bolster our strength. You have always understood this… I myself was promised to your mother when I was…”

“Ten-and-seven years of age. The Vale had an army to rival the Westerlands… I have heard that story since I’ve had ears to.”

“I loved her. She made a man of me. I do not seek to replace you, child. You’ve been much alone these last few years. Alone and angry. I will not live forever. I wish to see you contented, happy even.”

“You think a man will do it?“ she yells.

“family.”

“i had a family!” she yells with resentment.

“What would you have me do?!”

“If it was for advantage, you would’ve wed Laena Velaryon!”

“That is true enough.” Viserys admits after a moment of silence, “You must marry, strengthen your own claim, shore up your succession, produce heirs…” he pauses and inhales “Rhaenyra you must prove to me that you are worthy, prove to the realm, you do not want to be supplanted? act like it!” he says sternly and Rhaenyra looks down, her lip quivering. “as for your match, i am arranging a tour, you will get to travel the realm, meet your subjects, entertain suitors and choose one of your own accord, find one that pleases you, as i did” he does not clarify which wife he is talking about. Rhaenyra looks at him, her eyes still teary but she seems to understand.

Chapter Text

Rhea is riding through the hills of Runestone when she is met with familiar yet unfamiliar face, her princely husband whom she’s not seen in nearly a decade. 

“husband” she greets as he walks over. “what brings you to the Vale?” she smirks, “have you at last come to consummate our marriage? the Vales sheep might be willing I however am not” 

“my niece is to find herself a husband” he says and walks closer, her horse begins to agitate. 

“ahh yes the little girl your brother cast you aside for, what’ll you do now? strike down the child or…” she realised as she spoke that Daemon meant to kill her, he planned to wed his niece to get himself close to the throne once more. 

Daemon charges at the horse startling it, it bucks Rhea off and a nasty cracking noise is heard. even on the ground Rhea refuses to let herself cry in pain, not willing to give Daemon the satisfaction. he looks at her for a moment and turns to leave. “I knew you couldn’t finish” she grits out. 

it is that quip that has Daemon grabbing a rock and bashing her skull in. 

—

they are sailing back from Rhaenyras failed tour in the Stormlands.

“we will make landfall within the hour princess” Ser Cole says from behind Rhaenyra. 

“how do you think he will take it?” Rhaenyra asks 

“that you rejected every suitor? or that you’ve decided to cut the tour short after one destination?” Ser Criston quips and Rhaenyra smiles sheepishly. 

a grating screech is heard from above, the blood wyrms whistle. Daemon swoops Caraxes down and over the ship, the dragon knocks the ship and causes it to sway, the crew as well as the Princess fall to their knees from the impact, Rhaenyra hits her head on a crate. 

“Princess!” Ser Criston scrambles to help her. “are you alright?” he helps her up. 

even with her injury a smile graces Rhaenyras face as she looks after Caraxes, knowing Daemon will be in Kingslanding awaiting her. 

—

standing at the foot of the throne is Viserys, Otto Hightower and Ser Westerling at his sides. 

Daemon struts in with a makeshift crown of driftwood on his head. when he gets too close for comfort he’s met with the tip of Ser Westerlings sword. Daemon unsheathes a battle axe and the room tenses. 

“here for the throne” he tosses it at Viserys feet. “the stepstones are yours” 

“and yet you wear a crown and call yourself king?” Viserys says, still tensed. 

Daemon kneels then, he takes off his crown and holds it to his brother. “when I won the victory for the crown they proclaimed me king of the stepstones, but you are the only king I recognize… brother” Daemon looks up at Viserys when he finishes speaking. 

“rise” Viserys says and pulls Daemon into an embrace, the room erupts into applause at the royal brothers finally becoming one again. when Daemon pulls from the embrace he makes eye contact with Otto. 

—

a luncheon is being held in Daemons honour, Viserys is already well into his cups and the brothers are laughing like they haven’t been feuding the past 3 years. Rhaenyra walks over to where her father stands with Alicent and Daemon. 

“no, no, no I will not have this conversation again” Viserys laughs, “you were always mothers favourite, our mother had no regard for custom or tradition and I sadly was no great warrior” he reminisced not even looking over at his daughter. 

“congratulations on your victory uncle” Rhaenyra says, Viserys gives her a look. 

“thank you princess” Daemon says, he is unsure of what is unfolding in front of him. 

the ensuing silence is awkward, until Alicent speaks, “perhaps Prince Daemon would like a tour of the gallery, he has not yet seen the tapestry sent from Qhohor” she says to break the tension. 

Viserys for his part bursts out laughing at his wife’s suggestion, “would you like to see the tapestries?” he asks Daemon mockingly, “I assure you he has no interest in such a thing”, Alicent only wears a terse smile in response. 

“I’d like to see the tapestries” Rhaenyra interjects. 

“well you should not deprive yourself” Viserys says with some venom. Rhaenyra takes the hint a stomps off, she goes to sit on a bench and Alicent decides to go sit beside her. 

“so I summarise the tour did not go well?” Alicent asks tentatively. 

“i endured it as long as I could” 

“to have every young knight and lord in the seven kingdoms fawning over you, how terrible that must’ve been” Alicent jokes, “it is rare for girls to be allowed the privilege of choosing between two suitors no less two score of them” 

“it is not me they want but my name and my Valyrian blood for their offspring” Rhaenyra shakes her head. 

“I don’t know it’s sort of romantic is it not?” 

“how romantic, to be imprisoned in a castle and made to squeeze out heirs…” Rhaenyra realises what’s she’s said as she said it, she looks at Alicent apologetically, her pride will not allow her to say the words out loud but Alicent seems to understand. 

“how angry is he?” Rhaenyra breaks the silence. 

“quite” Alicent says, “he went through great trouble and he was not pleased to hear you broke it off” Rhaenyra looks down and Alicent places her hand on hers, “I am glad you are back though, the keep has been to quiet without you” 

“i’m glad to be back as well” Rhaenyra smiles and doesn’t move her hand, she enjoys Alicents touch, she’s missed it. 

—

“you seemed so content on Dragonstone” Rhaenyra saunters over to where Daemon is, she  now has his attention to herself. “why did you come back?” he says nothing, barely acknowledges her presence in front of him. “surely there is more to to your return than taunting my father.” he smirks and runs his fingers along her necklace, the one he gave, but still he says nothing. “so… what do you want?” 

“only the comforts of home” he finally says. 

“I had not thought you particularly comfortable in this home, though I do suppose you seem changed by your adventures. more mature perhaps” she says smiling at him. 

“you’ve matured yourself these last four years, Princess. you’ll get used to the attention” 

“the attention i can endure it is the rest i could do without. my father seems content to sell me off the whichever lord has the biggest castle” she says frustratedly. 

“there are worse things to be sold for” 

“you wouldn't understand” Rhaenyra mutters. 

“marriage is simply a contract, once you are wed you may do as you like” 

“for men it may be a simple political contact but for women it is a death sentence” she says with fire in her voice. 

“would that it were I’d have been rid of my bronze bitch years ago” 

“I nearly forgot about Lady Royce… my condolences” Rhaenyra says with a knowing smirk, she knows her uncle likely shed no tears. Daemon says nothing to this he only hands her his glass to share. “your wife was one of the fortunate ones, you were never there to force yourself upon her, never got her with child” 

Daemon chuckles, “I doubt a child could grow in such hostile environs”.

 Rhaenyra snickers as well but then goes quiet for a moment, “my mother was made to squeeze out children until it killed her, I won’t subject myself to the same fate” she said resolutely. 

“what happened to your mother was a tragedy but it is a tragic world” Daemon says. Alicent walks by with some of the noble ladies, she is holding Aegon, she and Rhaenyra make eye contact briefly. “speaking of squeezing out children… I'm surprised your father was able to sire two brats on the Hightower whelp, how is our lovely Queen?” 

“she is as she always is” Rhaenyra answered plainly. 

“a cunt?” he smirks and that makes Rhaenyra snicker. 

—

”the Stepstones were meant to be won for the realm yet it seems we’ve traded a Crabfeeder for a Seasnake” Tyland starts off the meeting, “this is clearly a rebuke for passing over Lady Laena for Queen Alicent” 

Viserys sighs, “it has been years since the business with his daughter, surely he cannot still be seething about this?” 

“the Seasnake is a over proud man and his pride was injured” 

“perhaps we can salve the wound?” 

“I fear Lord Corlys pride is the least of our worries” Otto intervenes, “i don’t mean to cause distress but my brother has sent disturbing word from Oldtown, Lord Corlys has been in talks with the Sealord of Braavos, he plans to wed Lady Laena to his son… if house Velaryon were to make an alliance with the free cities we would need to combat it” 

—

Rhaenyra walks past Alicent who is attempting to calm a wailing Helaena, they make brief eye contact before Rhaenyra steps into her chambers. 

“good night, Ser” she smiles at Ser Cole. 

“sleep well, Princess” Ser Cole smiles back. 

she walks over to her vanity and notices a parchment, she reads it and whirls around to the wall behind, a secret passage. she moves the trunk in front and to her surprise the wall opens and she smirks at the new found knowledge. she puts on the rags that were left for her and makes her way down the steps and meets with her uncle, she is panting with excitement when she sees him, he says nothing but signals her to follow him out the keep. “where are we going?” she whispers as he leads her down the steps. 

—

the streets are loud and crowded and people are performing acts she’d never seen, one man laced his hands with fire before her eyes and she could barely contain her awe. she sees a man fucking a whore in the alleyway and makes eye contact with the woman. 

“fuck off boy!” a drunkard stumble into her. 

“he called me boy!” she says with excitement and Daemon smiles at her fondly. 

people are fighting in the streets and betting on it, a man walks on a rope hold a stick with fire on the ends. Daemon hands her a cup of ale he got from the side of the street, she drinks it and coughs, it’s disgusting but it tastes like freedom. 

“do you wish to know your destiny child?” a weathered crone asks ominously, Rhaenyra says nothing and a dragon statue breaths flame in her face at that moment. 

—

 Viserys is breathing harshly as he sits in the tub. 

“let me take that” Alicent says and begins to wash him gently. 

“leave us all of you!” the King barks and then smiles fondly at her. “you have a gentler touch than all of them” 

“thank you husband” 

—

Rhaenyra and Daemon are now sitting watching a play, it was far raunchier than any performance Rhaenyra had ever seen. 

“and now we come to the matter of the great iron chair… whose bum it might bear?” says one of the players, “our good King named his daughter, a girl his heir” the crowd begans jeering and Rhaenyra tenses. “but then to him a babe is born, a son!” the crowd gasps and applauds. “to which heir might the chair bear, the brother? the daughter? or the little princeling of three?” a man wearing a wig, makeup and fake breasts walks out, “Rhaenyra… the Realms Delight, a girl so young and slight” the man does a wiggle, Rhaenyra is now seething at what she sees, “loved by all the people, but would she make a powerful Queen? or feeble?” 

“feeble” the crowd jeers. 

“though Aegon the babe might long for a claim, he has two things Rhaenyra does not, the conquerors name and… a cock!” the crowd laughs and Rhaenyra gets up abruptly. 

“they were slandering me!” she whisper yells at Daemon. 

“many of the small folk are like to believe that as a male Aegon should be the heir” Daemon says. 

“well… there wants are of no concern!” she spits and glares at the crowd still cheering and laughing at the derogatory depiction of her. 

“they are of great consequence if you mean to rule them one day” Daemon says surprisingly. 

“i wish for one night free of the burden of my inheritance” she says 

as they walk Rhaenyra clashes with a broad chest, a goldcloak. 

“watch it boy” he spits rougher than she’s ever heard him speak. 

“Ser Harwin?” she squeaks and he recognizes her immediately, his eyes widen. 

“Princess?” she pleads with her eyes to not blow her cover and he shoves her off him, “take care… boy, next time you won’t be so lucky” and with that she scurries off. 

Daemon laughs and puts his arm around her, “come” and she does. 

—

“the King has requested you, your grace” a maid says. 

“the hour is quite late” Alicent mutters but makes her way to his chamber anyways, like she has any choice.

—

the brothel is loud, people are laughing, talking and fucking. Rhaenyra clings to Daemon. “what is this place?” 

“a place where people take what they want” he smirks at her. “fucking is a pleasure you see for the man, but it can for the woman as well” 

—

Alicent is under Viserys, he is panting and she only stares off hoping it ends soon. 

—

“a marriage is a duty to be sure but…” he shoves her against a wall and takes throws her hat to the ground letting her silver hair show, “that doesn’t stop us from taking what we want” he leans to whisper in her ear, “from fucking who we want” 

Rhaenyra kisses him, they make out and he rips her pants down, his fingers are on her thighs but then the sensation is ripped away and he is gone from her. 

“Daemon?” Rhaenyra asks out but he is gone and she is hit with the knowledge that she is in a strange place alone with her pants down. 

—

Viserys finally grunts in her ear and rolls off of her, she feels she can breath again. 

—

Rhaenyra is disoriented as she stumbles away, she is drunker than she was before they arrived and she does not know where to go from here. 

“boy!” she tenses but sees Ser Harwin and relaxes, “are you lost?” she understands his meaning right away and nods. “come” he offers his arm and she gladly takes it. 

—

back at the keep she cares not to use the passage and walks up to her door. 

“Princess? are you hurt?” Ser Cole stammers out as she stalks into her room. “i shall alert the lord commander at once” she opens the door and stares at him before she smirks and grabs his helmet. 

“Princess!” Criston says with shock and giggles, “my helmet?” he holds out his hand but she only goes further into her room with it, goading him. “are you finished?” she giggles and shakes her head. Ser Cole sighs and walks to the door but she rushes to block it.

 he stares owlishly at her, unsure of what to do and Rhaenyra grabs him into a kiss. he shoves her off lightly after a moment, “no Princess we cannot” 

“yes we can” she says and pulls her shirt down exposing some more of her chest. 

“no you are drunk and…” he stutters out trying to move away. 

“i am taking what i want” she grabs him again and he allows it this time. 

—

“apologies for the late hour my lord” a knight says at Ottos door. 

“what is it?” 

“a message from the white worm” 

—

“am I your prisoner?” Daemon quips, he is still drunk. 

“as I was once yours?” Mysaria says, “i’m your protector, lucky for you” 

“i don’t need protection from a common whore” he says meanly. 

“i am not so common” she says

“a not so common whore then” 

“i’ve left that life behind, the skin trade can only take you so far in life” 

“you were never one to stay idle” 

“hard lessons are not welcomed but suffered nonetheless” 

“Mysaria…” 

“you may pay for the room on your way out, Daemon” 

—

“i apologize for the early hour your grace” the hand starts. 

“what is it?” 

“i have um… discomforting news, i though it best shared discreetly” 

“the Seasnake” Viserys sighs out. 

“it involves the Princess i’m afraid” Otto says and this gets Viserys attention. 

“speak it at once! has she been harmed” worry is clear on the kings face. 

“the prince was spotted last night in Fleabottom… in the walls of a pleasure house..” 

“what of it?” Viserys demands, growing frustrated. 

“with the Princess hanging off him, engaging in… unmaidenly behaviours” Otto says uncomfortably. 

“what behaviours?” 

“will you make me say it, your grace?” 

“you enter my bedchamber accusing my daughter of something and you won’t even…” Viserys begins ranting. 

“Daemon and Rhaenyra were seen fornicating in a brothel in Fleabottom” Otto says finally. 

Viserys eyes look as if they are about to pop out of his skull. “this is a lie, you have been lied to” 

“i wish it were true your grace” he pities the King in that moment, if he were to get new of Alicent debasing herself in such a way, he does not even want to think of it. 

“who is responsible for this gossip! i will have their eyes, their tongue!” 

“as Hand of the King i must maintain trusted resources and this one… they have never lead me astray” 

“are you so sick with ambition that you would have my daughter stalked? spied upon?” Viserys yells. 

“i have no intentions your grace” 

“you think yourself a cunning man! your designs are…” Viserys is raving now. 

“ask Daemon” Otto interrupts and if it was anyone else Viserys might have had them lashed. “if you are so reluctant to believe it, ask the man you call a brother, who would take your own daughter to the den of a pleasure house for all of Fleabottom to witness!” Otto says harshly. 

“get out!” Viserys says and Otto leaves, he passes Ser Criston on the way out and doesn’t notice the Knights sick expression. 

—

a grumbling Daemon is dragged before the King, still in his rags. he is thrown at the Kings feet. 

“my daughter?” 

“hmph” Daemon groans 

“won’t you deny it?” Viserys yells.

“i need to understand the charge before i dispute it” Daemon mumbles. 

“you don’t deny it?” Viserys says again. 

“oh what of it? when we were boys we fucked our way through the whole of Fleabottom… Rhaenyra wanted to get it wet and i- oof” Viserys kicked Dameon in the stomach for that. 

“you sullied her for all to see!” Viserys bellows out. “Rhaenyra is just a girl, your own niece! you have ruined her!” 

“aye” Daemon chuckles, “i have ruined her… wed her to me, no lord will take her now but i’ll have her as she is- argh” Viserys kicks him again. 

“i have spent a lifetime defending you and this is how you repay me… your heart is blacker than i thought” Daemons amusement fades slightly and Viserys takes pride in knowing he wounded his brother even a little bit. 

“wed her to me, i gave up my crown to you and asked nothing for it but i now ask for Rhaenyra, wed her to me!” 

“this was your plan wasn’t it? ruin her? wed her for her position?” Viserys cannot believe the lengths his brother would go to get his hands on his throne, “I should disinherit her as I did you!” 

“i love her!” 

“you love no one!” Viserys crouches and looms over Dameon. 

“you’ve wasted your reign on tourneys and feasts!” Daemon sneers, “give me Rhaenyra and i will return our house to its proper glory!”

“you are no conqueror, you are a plague sent to destroy this house” Viserys gets up and kicks Daemon one more time, “you are no longer welcome at my court, i care not where you go as long as you are gone from my sight for good!” 

—

despite the alcohol Rhaenyra awoke feeling rejuvenated. a knock at the passage door startles her where she is at her vanity. 

“who is it?” she says. 

“it is I, Princess” Ser Criston says and she brightens. he places a cup of tea on her vanity. “drink it, it is moontea” 

“who are you to command me?” Rhaenyra jokes but drinks it anyways, “why so dower?” she says when she finally notices Cristons serious expression. 

“we cannot repeat last night” 

“what? why not?” Rhaenyra huffs. 

“it was improper to engage in such behaviours” 

Rhaenyra scoffs, “i care not for propriety i am a dragon” she says haughtily. 

“Princess such pleasures… they are not worth the trouble”

“what? are you saying you disliked it? because i beg to differ” shes getting irritated now. 

“the King knows” 

“what!” 

“the King knows about Daemon, that you are no longer a maiden” 

“that is preposterous”

“the Hand told him of it this morning and-“ 

“the hand? what would that slimy cunt know?” Rhaenyra cuts him off.  

“and Dameon was brought before the King… he confessed to it” Criston finishes. 

“no he wouldn’t…” she stutters, “that is a lie, he lied!” 

“it matters not! you are no longer a maiden if they have the maester check…” 

“what does it matter! it is done and we may continue without care” she approaches him and touches his harm, he rips it away like her touch burnt him. 

“it matters to me!” he says sternly and sighs, “when Princess Saeras lovers were found out they were killed! and they were all sons of lordly houses what would they do to me? a son a steward?… I am going to the King and asking to be removed as your protector, you were sullied under my watch and i failed to protect you” 

“no you cannot! you swore to me that you would be at my side!” she cannot believe what he is saying. 

“i can and i will, the temptation is not worth it” he says with finality. 

“i will tell him!” she threatens, her voice shakes as she speaks “tell him that Daemon lied, that it was you who took my maidenhead!” she screeches. 

Cristons eyes widen in shock, “just… just drink the tea and forget we ever lied together… it will be better for the both of us that way” he turns to leave out the passage he came. 

“fuck!” Rhaenyra yells when he is gone. 

—

Rhaenyra is walking in the gardens, she looks rough and she knows it, after Ser Criston left she cried and she did not have it in her to care for her looks at the moment. 

“Princess may we speak?” Alicent approaches her. Rhaenyra shrugs, “what happened last night?” Rhaenyra scoffs, “this is serious Rhaenyra!” 

“it’s Princess Rhaenyra” 

“what happened, Princess Rhaenyra?” 

“what do you mean?” 

“with your uncle?” 

“he took me into the city for some fun, is that a crime?” 

“tell me the truth” Alicent says with frustration. 

“what’s there to tell? that i drank some wine? left the castle without permission?” 

“that you fucked Daemon in a pleasure house!” Alicent spits. 

“that is a vile accusation!” 

“is it? you Targaryens do have queer customs” 

“how dare you accuse me of-“ 

“your uncle confessed to it already… if it isn’t true then-” 

“it isn’t! you mustn’t believe such slanders!” 

“Rhaenyra…” Alicent sighs “ i will help defend you to the King but you must tell me the truth.” Alicent wants desperately to believe her friend. 

“alright… fine” Rhaenyra shakes her head and inhales, “i snuck out with him yes but nothing happened, Daemon was my escort I had no say in where we went” 

“and he took you to a whore house?” 

“yes but” Rhaenyra grasps Alicents hands, “i was only a spectator, Daemon abandoned me for some whore and I… I was only so lucky that Ser Harwin Strong happened upon me or… gods I probably wouldn’t have made it back” she stammers out, that part was the truth, she doesn’t know how she would’ve made it home if not for him. “i swear on my mother that i am telling the truth!” 

“alright” Alicent nods, “i believe you and i will… i will talk to the King, he is not happy at the moment…” 

“thank you, Alicent” Rhaenyra smiles at her. 

—

Alicent approaches the King, he is looking out the window where Rhaenyra sits with her ladies. 

“have you spoken to her?” she broaches the subject. 

“no…” he turns to look at her “it is not in Rhaenyras nature to be deceitful but… i cannot say the same of my brother” 

“you believe he lied?”

“it is not like him to confess the truth so easily”

“how would lying about this serve him?” Alicent wants to believe Rhaenyra truly but she cannot comprehend why Daemon would lie about such a thing. 

“i cannot say only that Rhaenyra is not innocent in…” he doesn’t want to speak it aloud. 

“only because Daemon tried to corrupt her!” Alicent defends, she knows that whatever happened Daemon was ultimately at fault. 

“Daemon and Rhaenyra are the blood of the dragon, restless and chaotic…” Viserys shakes his head and pours some wine. 

“she swore to me that she was still a maiden” he turns to look at her scrutinising, “and i believe her” 

—

“King Viserys” announces the guard at her door. 

“father” she greets not looking away from the mirror. 

Viserys comes up behind her, he places moontea in on the vanity, “Jaehaerys would’ve disowned you for this you that right?” 

she spins around at that, “are you comparing me to Saera the whore?” she spits. 

“well you have been acting like her as of late!” he snaps. 

“i am innocent, Daemon mislead you!” 

“you really expect me to believe that?” 

“you’ve yet to ask me for the truth” that’s what hurts the most, that he hasn’t even asked her what happened, just believed the worst in her. 

“so you were not seen with your pants down in a Fleabottom brothel?” Viserys sighs, “it doesn’t matter what the truth is, what matters is perception, you have exposed yourself and now we must suffer the consequences” 

“were i born a man i could bed whom ever i pleased!” 

“but you were not! you are a Princess and you have been acting in a way that is beneath you, like a-“ 

“a what?” 

“a whore! a spoilt whore!” he says harshly and she flinches. 

“so what? is this what will make you strip me of my title? name Aegon-“ 

“yes!” Rhaneyras eyes widen in shock and hurt, “it would… I have done naught but defend your position and you have done naught but prove time and time again that you are not suited to sit the throne!” 

“you promised me you would uphold me as your heir!” she cries.

“so prove it to me that i made the right decision!” he inhales and in a calmer tone he says “your courtship is at an end, you will wed Laenor Velaryon in two months time and do so without complaint” 

“Laenor Velaryon? he’d surely prefer to wed my half-brother” she scoffs. 

“enough!” Viserys slams his fist on her vanity, “you are out of choices, you will wed him, bed him and have heirs, you will start acting the part of a Princess!” 

“you only want me to solve your political headaches” she spits. 

“you are my political headache!” Viserys spits back, he inhales deeply, “your wedding to Ser Laenor will reunite two of the Valyrian houses left standing, the house of the dragon will stand united once more” 

“and what of that vulture who perches himself on your shoulder?” 

“what vulture?” 

“your hand! i know he was the one to slander my name first, no doubt spreading it around to debase me!” 

“Otto has served this family faithfully since the time of Jaehaerys-“

“he wants Aegon to be named heir!” Rhaenyra inhales shakily, “i will do my duty and wed Ser Laenor with no fuss if you rid us of that self interested-“

“you are in no position to make demands” Viserys says warningly 

“please!” she pleads 

—

“Lord Otto” Viserys greets the hand. 

“your grace” Otto nods at him. 

“5 days” 

“i’m sorry?” 

“my father was a hale and hearty warrior, Jaehaerys held a hunt to celebrate him being made heir and 5 days later he layed dead… Baelon the Brave, rider fo Vhagar dead from a burst belly.” 

“it was a grim day for the realm the day your father died i recall it all too well…” Otto says sympathetically. 

“it was a good day for you, you were named Jaehaerys hand” 

“that’s is not how i saw it, it was a duty and one i was proud to do” 

“you served my grandfather faithfully… as you have me, you are the man who taught me to be King, the only one i could trust to steer me right” 

“you flatter me, your grace” Otto is unsure of where this is going. 

“it took only 5 days for you to go from just another in Jaehaerys court to the second most powerful man in the realm… i wonder how long it took you to start choosing yourself over your King?” 

“what are you accusing me of your grace?” 

“i will never recover from Aemmas death… Alicent has been a balm to my soul, a distraction from my grief… only now i realize what a calculated distraction it was” 

“that is an absurdity!” Otto says sternly, “the Queen loves you as I know you love her!” 

“and it is with a heavy heart that I must let you go… your interests no longer align with that of the realm, your judgment has been compromised” 

”A loyal Hand must tell his king a discomforting truth from time to time, Your Grace, If he doesn’t… he’s failed as a servant.” Otto rationalises. 

“You were a faithful servant, Otto. The crown and the realm both owe you a debt that can never be repaid. But I can no longer trust your judgment… i’m sorry old friend” 

Otto says nothing, Viserys wishes he would but he only looks at the King stoically, he places his pin on the desk and leaves without fuss. Viserys now must sit with his decision. 

—

“father, I do not wish to see you leave” Alicent and Otto stand in the rain as the guards finish loading up the carriage for Ottos journey. 

“yes it is a most unfortunate turn of events” he grinds out. 

“i’m sorry! father i-“

“You chose Rhaenyra.” he says with anger, how could his own daughter be so blinded? 

“She swore her innocence… and I believed her.” 

“You wanted to believe her, as did her father.” 

“Your informant was wrong… an honest mistake, perhaps, but I did not foresee this!” 

“You should have! and my informant was not wrong you allowed yourself to be played!” 

“If you had not been so relentless in advancing Aegon as heir!” she argues. 

“Listen to me, daughter.” Otto takes her face in his hands,  “The King will die. It may be months or years, but he'll not live to be an old man. And if Rhaenyra succeeds him, war will follow, do you understand? The realm will not accept her. And to secure her claim, she'll have to put your children to the sword. She'll have no choice.” Alicent starts crying even harder, “You know it. You're no fool, and yet you choose not to see it… The time is coming, Alicent, either  you prepare Aegon to rule or you cleave to Rhaenyra and pray for her mercy.” he kisses her forehead embraces her, he worries now for her. “i will no longer be there to shield you… you must play the game, you are my daughter and you will survive” with that he leaves her sobbing in the rain. 

—

Alicent solemnly walks alone in the garden. 

“an outsider among the natives” she hears the voice of Larys Strong, he whirls around and he is holding a flower, he smiles at her. “Malvales, a rare bloom, by all rights in shouldn’t be thriving here but alas nature is a mystery.” 

“the weather has been lovely” Alicent states though she feels she is not understanding the conversation at all. 

“and yet it is a dark day for the realm… your father is a good man” 

“and it was yours who took his place” Alicent tries to kee her voice neutral but some bitterness seeps out. 

“the manner of your fathers departure.. it feels unjust… perhaps you are in need of an ally?” 

“i am the Queen, i have no shortage of allies” it is a lie and they both know it, she is alone. 

“naturally” he says indulgently. “Princess Rhaenyra, for example” 

“state your purpose my Lord” Alicents patience has worn thin. 

“it is just… I did wonder if she could be relied upon  now that she is... unwell.” 

“Unwell?” Alicent is certainly confused now. 

“I haven't heard anything.” 

“Begging your pardon, Your Grace, I may be mistaken.  It's just that on the very same

night your father was dismissed, the King tasked Maester Mellos with brewing a tea for the Princess, one he delivered himself to her chambers. 

“A tea?”

“Yes” he nods. 

“the King had a tea brewed for Rhaenyra?” she was finally understanding. 

“and delivered it himself… as I understand it, I do hope she's not unwell.” he says with faux sympathy. 

“Rhaenyra is set to sail with the King to Driftmark in the morning” 

“Oh, what good news. I must've been in error. such a relief. see I thought her condition must be something very serious. What happiness it is to have been wrong.” 

“i must leave, this has been… illuminating Lord Larys” 

“of course, my Queen” he smiles as she scurries off. 

—

if Alicent was dejected before now she is angry, how could she be so stupid to believe Rhaenyra… and now she was alone surrounded by snakes, by dragons. Alicent continues her stroll, thinking on her next actions when she happens upon a peculiar sight. 

“Ser Criston what on earth are doing?” she screeches as she happens upon the knight out of his armour and about to impale himself on his sword. “stop at once!” 

“your grace, my queen i am… i apologise for you to see me in such a state” he stammers out, he has bags around his eyes and looks worse for wear, now that she thinks on it the knight has been acting strange these past few days. 

“what the hells were you thinking?” 

“i have sinned and i must.. must be punished” 

“what could possibly warrant you ending your own life?” she says emphatically, she knows all to well the feeling of guilt and shame.  the knight looks down, he says nothing. “your Queen has ordered you to confess” she says now with authority. 

“it was I… it was I who sullied the Princess” he chokes out. “I sullied her, sullied my cloak all for the sins of the flesh and I-“ 

“Daemon was lying?” 

“she… she bled when we layed together” he stutters. 

i guess she wasn’t lying about Daemon just about her virtue, Alicent scoffs and turns to the knight with a look of pity. “stand” he does as she says, “that is why you left your position as her protector then? because you fucked her?” 

“yes it was most dishonourable… i understand that you must now notify the King of my sins against the Princess” he inhales shakily  ”i only ask that i may be sent to the wall or given a merciful death instead of being gelded“ she holds up her hand to stop him. 

“no… no he does not have to know, the Princess is a liar just as her wretched uncle is…” she says with venom “the King would only continue to turn a blind eye to her transgressions” the knight says nothing, he is surprised to hear the soft spoken Queen speak with such hate. “i would ask you a favour” 

“of course my Queen” 

“become my sword and shield, my protector” 

“are you certain you’d want a dishonourable knight such as I for that position?” he asks 

“yes, the Princess has lead you astray as she has i… your honesty and willingness to except punishment is honourable and I… I will absolve you of these transgressions, give you another chance to prove your merit” 

he looks at her like she is the mother herself standing before him

Chapter Text

Rhaenyra looks out at Driftmark in the distance and sighs, she can only hope Laenor will accept her own proposal for their union. 

—

Viserys and Rhaenyra arrive at Driftmark, only Lady Laena and one of her male cousins stand before them. 

“where is Lord Corlys, should he not greet the King?” 

“your grace, Princess” Laena curtsies. 

“what is the meaning of this Laena? is this how house Velaryon greets its King?” Laena sucks her teeth at that remark, “my father has just returned from his long journey” she replies cordially, “he awaits his grace in the Hall of Nine” 

“well let’s get on with it” with that they enter the keep. 

“come cousin” Laena smiles and takes Rhaenyra’s arm, “let us discover what is to be had for breakfast” 

—

the journey was taxing on Viserys already weak health, he has not stopped coughing since they arrived. 

“your grace it is an honour to host you” Lord Corlys greets. 

“rise Lord Corlys” Viserys says and devolves into coughs once more. 

“let us sit, be welcome” 

the doors fling open revealing Rhaenys, “cousin” she says happily. 

“Princess” Viserys smiles back

“are you well?” she asks 

“very” he says though his coughs say otherwise. 

“congratulations are in order Lord Strong, i can think of no one more suited to advise the King” 

“thank you, Lord Corlys, his grace has honoured me with the post, it was a shame about Lord Otto” 

Viserys tenses at the mention of his old friend, he decides to change the subject. “despite spending my life in the Redkeep the beauty of Hightide never fails to impress me” 

“you honour me, your grace” Lord Corlys preens at the compliment. 

“let us get down to business, i wish to wed Laenor to Rhaenyra, unite the last two pillars of Old Valyria once more” 

“a most generous betrothal though before the Princess and I accept we would like to know the details” 

“of course” 

“how will the matter of succession be handled?” Rhaenys asks bluntly. 

“Rhaenyra remains my heir, and her and Laenors son will inherit after her” it’s not lost on them that the King emphasised son. 

“and whose name will their children take?” Corlys asks. 

“their firstborn will be heir to the throne and take the Targaryen name, the rest will take the Velaryon name” 

“an equitable compromise” 

“then if there’s nothing further..” 

—

Rhaenyra and Laenor walks along the beach in silence. 

“i suppose there could be worse matches, at least we may be friends” 

“i hold nothing against you cousin” Laenor says, “it is a matter of taste, i prefer duck over goose if you understand my meaning” 

“i am aware… no matter what agreement is being struck up there your appetites will not change, neither will mine… i propose we make an agreement of our own” 

“what do you propose?” he asks curiously. 

—

“Viserys has elected to rest as the ship is prepared for departure” Rhaenys says. 

“i do hope our King has not overtaxed himself” 

“my cousin chose to sail into this tempest. it was undignified for him to drag himself here and beg for Laenors hand” Rhaenys says.

“where is the boy?” asks Corlys. 

“with Rhaenyra walking along the coast” 

“ahh getting familiar i suppose” 

“they grew up together, familiarity is not the issue…” Rhaenys says. 

“yes i’m sure he was already taken with her, Targaryen princesses do have a certain appeal” he quips. 

“flatterer…” she shakes her head with a smile “you know of his true nature” she says quietly. 

“he is young, he will outgrow it” 

“we are placing our son in danger.” she says seriously. 

“The lords of the realm bent the knee to Rhaenyra and swore obeisance to her.” 

“That was before there was a true-born prince named Aegon Targaryen… Rhaenyra's succession will be challenged. Knives will come out for her, her husband and for their heirs.” 

“Our house controls the realm's navy and half its dragons. Anyone fool enough to challenge Rhaenyra's claim will be crushed.”

“To what end, Corlys? Wealth? Power?Pride?”

“Justice. By all rights, you should be Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. You were robbed of the crown by-“ 

“I never wore the crown because the realm would not have it so.” 

“And I would remedy that... our son was always meant for the throne if not by birth than by marriage” he grabs Rhaenys hands, “this is what is best for us, our family” 

—

Laenor and Joffrey lay together in the grass. 

“i always feared the day you were to marry a woman” he confesses. “and now that it’s here she gives you leave to bed whomever you please” he kisses Laenor, “tell me am I the duck or the goose” he laughs. 

“i’ve come to my fate and you make a jape of it” Laenor groans. 

“think of it, you will be King consort… the tourneys, the feasts… will you wear the crown to bed, your grace?” 

“you’re a fool” Laenor says fondly. 

“and you will need your sworn protector, a loyal night ever at your side” 

“and who might i chose for such a position?” 

“i wonder who her paramour is? the lucky fool who gets to bed the Princess” 

—

“I can’t believe you and father are considering this marriage” Laena says to her mother and Rhaenys sighs. 

“Laenor will be the King consort… what better match is there for him?” she says exasperated. 

“you know why… he is” she huffs, “he will be unhappy” 

“he will do his duty, not everyone is as lucky as I and your father when it comes to marriage… they will be friends, partners, that is more than most can hope for” 

“i’m aware” she says with bitterness at the thought of her own match. 

“Laena…” 

“i don’t understand, why must I marry the Sealords son, why can’t I stay here?” 

“Laena you may be a dragon rider but you are still a highborn lady with duties to her house” Rhaenys says not without tenderness. 

“i’m the eldest child of the Seasnake! i should be ruler of Driftmark after him!” she yells. 

“Laena…” Rhaenys sighs once more, they’ve had this conversation many times in the past few years. “Laenor is still heir to Driftmark, that has not changed” Rhaenys says with sympathy. 

“Rhaenyra is heir yet she has a younger brother!” 

“it’s different for her” Rhaenys says and Laena scoffs. 

“of course it is” she rolls her eyes. 

“I know it seems unfair but…” she says with pity, she knows all too well the feeling.

“don’t, i don't want to hear of it” Laena walks out and Rhaenys sighs once more. 

—

Viserys is placed onto the bed by some knights. 

“rest now my King, i will prepare the leeches” Mellos says. 

“if i may grand maester” Orwyle interrupts, “i took the liberty of preparing some poultices that might be more effective” 

“that won’t be necessary, the leeches provide his grace relief enough to help him sleep” 

“where is the Queen?” Viserys grunts out. 

“i am sorry my King she is occupied with the children at the moment” 

“do you think i will be remembered as a good King Lyonel?” Viserys asks wistfully. 

“pardon me your grace?” Lyonel is startled by the question. 

“what do you think the histories will write of me? i have neither fought nor conquered” 

“nor suffered defeat… some might call it good fortune” Lyonel says. 

“hardly makes for a good son does it? no one will sing of me at feasts in a hundred years” he says sadly. 

“you carried Jaehaerys legacy of stability, is it not better to live in peace than have songs written for you?” 

“perhaps, maybe i just wish i’d been tested” he murmurs. 

“most who have been tested wish they’d been spared” Lyonel says rationally. 

“you are right as you often are” Viserys sighs. 

—

the tourney was a grand affair despite its short notice. Rhaenyra sat in the stands in a black and red gown, and a gold diadem on her head. house Velaryon sat wearing dark blue and gold. Laenor and Rhaenyra were a sight to behold for sure. 

“it is with great pleasure that the King announces the start of the royal wedding celebrations” Ser Harold announces and the crowd applauds. 

“where is the Queen?” Rhaenys asks her cousin. 

“it to my understanding that she is still readying herself” he smiles. 

“the queen is radiant to be sure but none can outdo the Princess on this day” Lyonel smiles at the princess. Rhaenyra smiles at the compliment, it’s been so long since she’s felt like this. 

Alicent makes herself known, she wears an emerald green gown and the gold and emerald tiara Viserys gifted her for their first anniversary, she’s neglected to wear it before but it now sits pretty atop her elaborately styled hair. the crowd stands for her as she comes to sit at Viserys side, she kisses his cheek. 

“Alicent” he smiles, “you look lovely” 

“thank you husband” she then turns to Rhaenyra, her smile sickly sweet, “congratulations on your upcoming nuptials, stepdaughter” she says with false nicety 

Rhaenyra bristles, “thank you, stepmother” she says equally as pointed.

the royal box is tense as they watch the listings. Ser Criston rides over, Rhaenyra smiles thinking he came for her. 

“i’d ask for the queens favour” he asks and Alicent smiles as she gracefully places it on his lance. Alicent pointedly smiles at Rhaenyra just in time to catch the hurt on her face. she almost feels guilty, she is a liar she doesn’t deserve my guilt, she thinks. 

Ser Harwin rides up and asks the Princess for her favour. “would the princess honour me with her favour?” Rhaenyra smiles and tosses her favour onto the lance. 

the crowd waits with baited breath to see which champion will come out on top, the Queens? or the Princesses? Ser Harwin defeats the Queens brother, Ser Criston defeats a Velaryon knight and when it comes time for them to clash it is Criston who emerges victorious. he rides over and declares Alicent Queen of love and beauty as the Princesses champion is dragged off the yard. 

the melee commences and Laenor is visibly tense as he watches Joffrey fight. when it comes time for him to face Ser Criston both he and Rhaenyra hold their breath. it is a quick match that ends with Joffrey laying unconscious. propriety be damned, Laenor went to his side leaving Rhaenyra to watch the rest of the tourney alone. 

—

the guests are now feasting, Corlys dragged Laenor from Joffreys side and he now sulks beside Rhaenyra. 

“my King, Queen, Princess” Lord Jason comes to the table and bows. “what a celebration this has been so far, i can hardly wait to see what you have planned for the actual wedding” 

“i wanted this to be a wedding for the history books” Viserys says, “Rhaenyra is to be Queen after all” 

“of course” Jason says, as he leaves he and Alicent share a look. 

Lord Royce, the current Lord of Runestone after Rheas death approaches the table. 

“your graces, Princess” he bows. 

“you honour us with your presence today Ser, we were most distressed at Lady Rheas passing, the crown is sorry for your loss” the King says. 

“yes Rhea was a remarkable woman, her mind is not to be seen again” he says solemnly. 

“if there is anything the crown can do plea-“ the King is cutoff when the doors to the hall open, Prince Daemon make his way through the crowd and to the royal table. 

“brother, niece” he pointedly doesn’t address Alicent as he turns to Ser Royce. “ah long time no see, tell me have the she gotten any prettier since i’d last been to the Vale”

“Daemon!” Viserys grits.  

“you have some audacity, Prince of Fleabottom” Ser Royce spits his nickname. 

“Ser i hope we may continue this discussion at a later date” Viserys shoos Ser Royce away before a fight can break out. “Daemon what business have you here?” Viserys whisper yells at his brother. 

“i’d never miss my dear nieces wedding” he smirks at Rhaenyra, despite all he’d done she can’t help but flush at the sight of him. 

as the evening continues Alicent migrates away from the table to mingle. 

“uncle it is lovely to see you” she greets 

“i worried that given leave from your fathers shadow you’d wilt under the pressure of Kingslanding but i see you have stood tall” he kisses her cheek, “House Hightower stands beside you always, Alicent” 

—

“brother tell me” Larys leans over to speak with Harwin whose arm is in a sling, “do you know what color the Hightowers flame is when they call their banners to war?” he asks as they observe the royals. 

“i’m not sure i do” 

“green” Larys smirks. 

—

“Lord Jason, pleasure to see you again” Alicent greets. 

“the pleasure is all mine” he says, “i must say i love the color, green suits you” she catches the meaning behind the compliment and smiles. 

—

“in the Vale men answer to their crimes, Targaryen or no” Ser Royce approaches Daemon once more.

“is that so? i don’t think i’ve committed any crimes” is Daemons cheeky response. 

“you know as well as anyone that Rheas death was no accident” Ser Royce seethes. 

“a vile accusation to fling at a Prince” Daemon smirks. “in Kingslanding men answer for their slanders, even old bronze cunts like you, truthfully i’m glad you came i’ve been meaning to discuss my inheritance” 

“inheritance” Ser Royce scoffs “ and what is it you believe you are owed?” 

“Lady Rhea and I had no heirs as her husband all her possessions pass to me, i will be flying to petition Lady Jeyne myself after my nieces wedding commences, i hope to see you there” he smirks. 

—

“has anybody told you your as pretty as your brother” Daemon says in lieu of greeting to Lady Laena. 

“you flatter me, my prince” she says back. “i was sorry to hear of your wife’s passing” 

“don’t be, i wasn’t” he twirls a strand of her hair, “my lady was never very kind to me” 

—

Rhaenyra watches with a hurt expression as Daemon and Laena dance, that should be her it was they who were meant to be together. 

—

finally Rhaenyra and Laenor are having their first dance together though it tooks lots of goading on Corlys end. Laenor manages a smile as they twirl about on the dance floor. 

—

after sometime the guests are all deep in their cups. Laena and Daemon haven’t left each others sides the whole night. Laenas own betrothed makes his presence known. 

“unhand my bride” he slurs at Daemon 

“your bride? i think i like her i might take her from you” he jokes 

“i am the son of the Sealord, you cannot disrespect me so!” 

“i think…“ he looks at Laena and back at her intended “i demand a duel for the hand of Lady Laena Velaryon” Daemon says loudly, loud enough that the guests stop and stare as he unsheathes Darksister. 

“no” Viserys says as he stands from the table. “what is he doing?” 

the young son of the Sealord unsheathes his own blade but Daemon cuts though him before he can even get in stance. screams are heard and the dance floor is now a riot. 

“stop this! where is Laena!” Corlys says.

”where is Rhaenyra?” Viserys demands.  

“get to the Princess!” yells Ser Harold. Ser Harwin runs up and throws her over his good shoulder carrying her to safety. 

in the midst of the chaos Viserys faints and Alicents scream is heard. 

—

Daemon is saddling Caraxes he knows with the stunt he pulled he will be exiled for good if not sent to the wall, he does not intend to stay long enough to suffer those consequences. He looks up as a shadow passes over, Vhagar flies east and he will follow. 

—

the princess and the queen stand at Viserys bedside as the maester treats him. 

“will he be alright?” Rhaenyra worriedly asks the maester. 

“he should wake, the night was to much stress for the King he just needs to rest” Mellos assures her. 

Alicent and Rhaenyra stand on opposite sides of the Kings bed. Criston stands at Alicents back and the Velaryons stand with Rhaenyra. it seems the schism between them is now permanent. 

Chapter Text

Rhaenyra sits on her chaise admiring her new son as Laenor stands watching her. 

“mother look we chose and egg for the baby” Luke says as he rushes to her. 

“ahh that looks like the perfect one” she smiles.

“i let Luke choose” her eldest says. 

“not everyday an egg leaves the dragonpit, i thought best to escort the lads” Ser Harwin says smiling. 

“Ser Laenor and i thank you commander” Rhaenyra smiles up at him. 

“another boy i heard” he says as she hands him the baby. “what a fine knight you will make, Joffrey is it?” 

“mhm” Rhaenyra is still smiling. 

the moment is interrupted “father can i hold the baby?” Luke says trying to grab at Joffrey. 

“no, no, no. come on lads let give your mother some privacy” Laenor says and ushers them out of the room. 

they sit in silence and Harwin looks up to see Rhaenyra has fallen asleep. 

“your asleep in front of the commander of the Coty Watch” he says startling her awake, “you are terribly disrespectful you know?” 

“yes a certain insolence runs in my family i’m afraid” Rhaenyra begins to stand and whines. 

“rest some more you need it” Harwin says. 

“no the council meeting will begin shortly i must get ready” she waves him off. 

“surely they won’t miss you if you skip a few” 

“and let Alicent run them? no i must show them that my feeble body will not prevent me from my duties, that i have the heart and mind of a king” she gets up again ignoring the pain that shoots through her abdomen. 

—

in the council room the princess and the queen are once again at each others throats much to the annoyance of those in attendance. 

“why was this issue not brought before Lord Grover? has he grown so feeble that he cannot settle a quarrel over some rocks?” Alicent asks exasperated, the quarrelling of the Blackwoods and the Brackens is never ending. 

“i’ve heard tales that Lord Grovers son now rules Riverrun in all but name” Lord Wylde answers. 

“it seems he also bares the name Tully and this remains a Tully problem” 

“I would agree your grace” Tyland Lannister “if we may move on” 

“and yet…” Rhaenyra interjects before they can move on. “the Blackwoods and the Brackens will use any excuse to spill each others blood… this dispute bares some looking in to” 

“Houses Bracken and Blackwood have been feuding for centuries and no matter the resolution the crown offers they will find another reason to start again… it is better to let Lord Tully settle the dispute, if we intervene we risk showing favouritism and sparking a whole new conflict” Alicent says. 

“of course” Rhaenyra says, she does not let her annoyance show. 

“now let us address the new developments in the Stepstones” Ser Tyland moves the meeting along. 

“will we ever be free of that blasted place” Viserys sighs, the only thing he’s contributed thus far. 

“if you ask me I think the Blackwoods have the upper hand” Beesbury suddenly interrupts and Rhaenyra shoots him a grateful smile. 

“we have moved on Lord Beesbury” Ser Tyland says annoyed “to the Stepstones and their new alliance with Dorne, i was hoping our negotiations with Sunspear might persuade them to see reason” 

“to trust a Martell is to be disappointed” Lord Wylde shakes his head, “and where is our Prince Daemon in all of this? the King of the Stepstones” Lord Wylde asks.

“that was a decade ago, he has since left the region undefended” Alicent states. 

“we have left it undefended” Rhaenyra interjects not liking how they spoke of her uncle. “fortifications should have been built, watchtowers, a fleet of ships, a garrison of soldiers” 

“the crown can not afford that, our coffers are great but not infinite… and we must consider the cost to our subjects” Alicent says. 

“I must agree the cost of war is great” Ser Tyland agrees. 

“but we have been lax and now an old enemy rears its head” Rhaenyra argues. 

“let us be finished for the day” Viserys calls the meeting to an end tired of listening to his wife and daughter squabble. 

“wait I wish to speak” Rhaenyra says before the men of the council can leave. 

“very well, be seated” Viserys gives his daughter the floor. 

“I have felt the... strife between our families of late, my Queen. And for any offense given by mine, I apologize… But we are one house And long before that, we were friends.” Rhaenyra pauses meaningfully “My son Jacaerys will inherit the Iron Throne after me. I propose we betroth him to your daughter Helaena, let us Ally ourselves once and for all… Let them rule together.” 

“A most judicious proposition.” Viserys smiles. 

“Additionally, if Syrax brings forth another clutch of eggs your son Aemond will have his choice of them… a symbol of our goowdwill.” Rhaenyra continues her proposition. 

“my dear a dragon egg is a handsome gift” Viserys is pleased with his daughters proposition. 

“yes the king and I will consider it duly” the queen was less moved. “for now you must rest husband” 

—

“how sweetly the fox speaks” Alicent rants to Viserys. 

“she is being sincere” he attempts to placate but Alicent scoffs, 

“she’s desperate, she feels the earth crumble under her feet and now she expects me to ignore her transgressions” Alicent continues her rant, “and to ask me to wed my only daughter to her…” Viserys makes a face as Alicents voice trails off, “plain featured sons” 

“it is a good proposal my dear” Viserys continues on, ignoring Alicents comment, “we are family let us put aside these childish quarrels” he can see on her face that she is unmoved. “it is either Jacaerys or Aegon” he says with authority something rarely heard from Viserys. 

“why can she not go on a tour and choose her future husband same as Rhaenyra was allowed?” Alicent asks though she knows what his answer will be. 

“that was different” is all he says. 

“of course it was, it always is isn’t it?” she says bitterly. Alicent turns before he can see her roll her eyes and makes her way up the stairs leaving him in the dust. 

“Alicent” she hears him cough out but she ignores him. 

—

“have I lost my sanity Ser Criston? do my senses lead me astray? or is everyone asleep dreaming the same wooly dream” Alicent rants as her loyal protector comes behind her. 

“it appears so your grace” 

“she flaunts her privilege and transgressions with no shame and expects all to deny the truth of what their eyes can plainly see… and the king her father, he knows and he does not but make excuses for her” Alicent continues. 

“the princess is brazen and relentless” Ser Criston agrees, “a spider who spins her web and sucks her pray dry… a spoiled cunt” Alicent cuts him a dry look, slandering the princess is an unforgivable transgression yet even with her stern expression it almost looks as though she’s suppressing a grin, “I apologize that was beneath me" 

“I choose to believe honour and decency will prevail and we must adhere to that… and each other” she gives the knight a meaningful look before entering her chambers. 

—

Alicent barely has time to sit down before she hears Ser Criston, “the Princess Rhaenyra demands an audience” 

Alicent lets out a scoff but rights herself as she sees Rhaenyra appear. “what brings you to my chambers stepdaughter?” Rhaenyra bristles at that word, she hates it when Alicent addresses her as such, "I assume you’re not here to exchange pleasantries” Alicent gestures for her to sit but Rhaenyra remains standing

“I thought we may speak without the weight of my fathers gaze… i wish to speak to you about Helaena and Jacaerys” Rhaenyra says, her voice powerful as always yet she’s twisting her rings, something Alicent recognizes to be a telltale sign of anxiety. “a union between our children would serve to mend the rift between our families” 

“As I said earlier the king and I will discuss it” Alicent says dismissively. 

“why are you being so difficult?!” Rhaenyra huffs. 

“I'm being difficult? how droll coming from you of all people…you would understand my hesitation if you did not insist on hiding behind your outrage” 

it’s Rhaenyra turn to scoff, “Jace will be king, there is no better match for Helaena and no better girl to be his future queen” 

“yes i am well aware that Helaena would make a wonderful queen”

“yet you deny her the opportunity!” Rhaenyra practically yells. 

“it is not her being queen that concerns me” 

“what concerns you then?” Rhaenyra is daring Alicent to say what they both know she means. 

“you are well aware of my concerns as they are yours as well otherwise you’d never have proposed the match… my answer is no but Viserys may yet force my hand on the matter” Alicent smiles somewhat spitefully, Rhaenyra says nothing else as she huffs and leaves. 

—

in the dragon pit the young Princes Jacaerys, Lucerys and Aemond are having their lessons. Vermax is being lead out and Jacaerys steps forward “halt” he calls to his dragon. 

“call Vermax to heal prince Jacaerys” 

Jace begins to speak but Vermax interrupts with a screech. “Vermax” the dragon ignores his master to focused on the goat. “Vermax” Jacaerys yells louder. 

“you must hold mastery over the dragon young Jacaerys like your uncle Aegon” 

at the mention of his uncle he yells with with more authority, “Vermax be calm, serve” finally Vermax does as he commands. 

“well done young prince” the dragon master compliments. 

“can I say it” Jace asks excitedly 

“mhm” 

“dracarys vermax” Vermax burns the goat as the boys laugh. once finished with his dragon Jace turns to Aemond, “we have a surprise for you” 

“a surprise?” Aemond raises his brow suspicious of what his nephew has in store. 

“your the only one of us without a dragon and I felt badly about it” Aemond continues to look at him sceptically as he walks beside him, “so we found one for you” 

“You found one? a dragon?” 

“the gods provide” Jace shrugs his shoulders. It's then that Luke runs out with a pig with paper wings attached to it. 

“Behold the pink dread” the boys yell before they break into giggles, “be careful mounting her the first ride is always rough” Jace says close to his before snorting like a pig and laughing even harder. 

It's then that Aemond turns and punches Jace square in the face, “argh” he falls back landing in dragon shit and Aemond lets himself smirk a little at that. It was then that Aegon decided to make an appearance. 

“Aemond what the hells is wrong with you” he comes up and helps Jace, Aemond’s smirk leaves his face and is replaced by a sneer at his brother before he turns and leaves. 

—

Helaena sits with Alicent in her chambers idly talking about her insects. 

“this one has rings… and two pairs of legs on each thats… 200 and 40” Helaena says. 

“yes it is” Alicent responds 

“it has eyes though I don’t believe it can see” she says somewhat dazedly 

“And why is that do you think?” 

“it is beyond our understanding” Helaena says matter of factly. 

“I suppose you're right, some things just are,” Alicent smiles indulgently at her daughter. 

“prince Aemond your grace” a guard announces as Aemond comes in covered in soot. 

“he did it again” Helaena says without sparing her brother a glance 

“again… after how many times you’ve been warned must I have you confined to your chambers” Alicent lectures 

“they made me do it” he argues back 

“as if you needed the encouragement” Alicent shakes her head and Aemond looks down, “your obsession with those beasts goes beyond understanding” 

“they gave me a pig” he says quietly 

“what?” 

“they gave me a pig” he yells, “they said they found a dragon but it was a pig” he sniffles a little. 

“You will have a dragon someday I promise you that” Alicent hugs him. 

“he’ll have to close an eye” Helaena mumbles as she continues observing her creatures. 

“they laughed, and Aegon always defends them” he says in a small voice. 

—————————

“Apparently they made wings and tail for it as well” Alicent rants to Viserys as she fluffs his pillow. 

“the lad shouldn’t have been so credulous” Viserys responds trying to deflect. 

“he’s a child” 

“He thought they happened upon a wild dragon and lured it to the dragonpit?” 

“thats not the point” Alicent shakes her head, “your grandsons are a menace” 

“they’re also children” 

“they’re savages” Alicent says pointedly, “it’s a wonder their eggs ever hatched” 

“and why is that?” 

“you know why” she says sharply, she was in no mood for Viserys wilful ignorance. 

“I’m afraid I don’t” Viserys breaks into a fit of coughs and Alicent rubs his back even as she scowls at him. 

“I have raised this matter before and you forbade me to speak any further so I held my tongue… to have one child like that is a mistake to have three is an insult, to the throne, to you, to house Velaryon… not to mention decency itself” 

“You know I had a black mare once” Viserys smiles dumbly at her. 

“and pray tell what that has to do with anything” Alicent stares deadpan at him.

Viserys ignores her and continues his anecdote. “black like a raven, one day she escaped her pasture and the neighbouring stallion sired a foal on her the stallion was as silver as the moon on a winter's night, and when the foal was born it was chestnut” Viserys laughs, “the most unremarkable brown horse you’d ever saw, nature is a thing of mysterious works” 

“riveting tale” Alicent huffs “tell me how did you know” 

“know what?” 

“the silver stallion, how do you know he was the sire, did you watch the act itself” she raises her brows at him and Viserys slams his fists on the table startling her. 

“the consequences of an allegation like the one you toy at would be dire, do not speak of this again” Viserys levels a stern look at her. 

“as my gracious king commands” she says with some sarcasm. 

—

“the lamb hearts are excellent” the prince of Pentos compliments. 

“We are fortunate in our cook your excellence, there is a plum cake yet to be served which will have us fighting for the crumbs,” Laena smiles.

“well then before we come to blows let us raise a toast to Aegon the Conqueror your exalted forebear” the Prince raises his glass. 

Daemon raised his glass looking intrigued as he only did when speaking of his families history. 

“Who joined our cause against Volantis during the century of blood, on the great dragon Balerion he joined our men in Lys and burned our enemy's ships, turning the tide of the war. to Aegon” 

“Now this brings me to some business, a proposal i’d like to make in honour of our storied alliance” the prince continues and Laena looks weary. 

“if the aim is to marry one of our daughters your excellence you might have said so and spared us the history lesson” Rhaena giggles and Baela looks grossed out at the prospect of marriage. 

the prince chuckles, “I would not count myself so deserving Lady Laena, I wish to offer you a permanent residence in Pentos, this manse along with its farms and lands, the vineyards, the subjects would pay annual tribute to their Targaryen lord and you would have free roam of the harbour and city as befits your royal station” 

“That is a generous proposal, tell me what would you like in return?” Daemon finally makes his voice known. 

“Lys and its allies rise again, the Triarchy has made conman cause with Quoren Martell of Dorne and at any moment they could turn their sights north. your family has dragons three now and perhaps four in the future” though not meant as an insult Rhaena looked down ashamed, only Laena noticed. “My aim is to protect Pentos from the lustful eyes of the triarchy, so I ask you to aid Pentos in this as Aegon once did and my gratitude will fill your cup and overflow it” the prince finishes his speech. 

“Your excellency we are travellers and we have already extended our welcome here…” Laena starts but Daemon interrupts, “its a most generous offer and one we will certainly entertain” Daemon raises his cup to the prince. 

—

“Are you seriously considering his offer?” Laena can’t believe Daemon is actually entertaining it. 

“we have a good life here, we’re free to do as we please, welcomed and feted” 

“and eternally guests” 

“precisely, we are without responsibility, political scheming, the ever shifting loyalties…” 

“they are using us” 

“It's refreshing isn’t it? a simple transaction we have dragons and they have gold” 

“we are more than this Daemon… we are not minstrels or mummers who play at the price of an alien prince” she says shaking her head when he says nothing she continues “we are the blood of old Valyria… we don’t belong here” 

he scoffs out a laugh at that “Valyria is gone we don’t belong anywhere” 

They are silent for a moment and Laena decides to broach a subject she’s been putting off. “I want this child to be born on Driftmark, where I was born in my lord fathers castle” he says nothing so she continues “I want my daughters to be raised in their homeland with their family, according to their birthright… and at my end I want to die a dragon riders death not that of some fat country lord” 

—

The boys are training under Ser Criston, Aegon the eldest of them is already using live steel and at the moment is facing off against the knight as the king and the hand watch. 

“feet light, keep your feet light and your hands heavy” Criston instructs Aegon. 

“this is the stuff Lyonel, lads that learn together, train together… knock each other up and down, they’re sure to form life long bonds” Viserys says smiling fondly. 

“That is the hope your grace” Lyonel smiles at the king. 

“Don't stand to upright my prince or you’ll get knocked down” Criston says as he knocks Aegon to the ground, Aegon looks up to Viserys who gives him a nod of acknowledgment.  

“you did well my prince go take a break” Criston compliments as he helps Aegon up. 

“Alright Prince Aemond, Jacaerys weapons up” Criston orders 

Aemond and Jace clash, Aemond is the superior swordsman blocking every hit. “Plant your feet, you have the height advantage, use it to advance on him” Criston tells Aemond. 

“did you take the pink dread for a ride yet” Jacaerys asks meanly trying to rile Aemond but he ignores him, when he says nothing Jace begins to snort like a pig. Aemond responds by delivering a dirty shot knocking Jace on his back. “bastard” Aemond says quietly so only Jace could hear. 

“what did you say” Jace gets up now angry

“I said your a bastard” Aemond says meanly 

at that Jace runs at him and punches him in the face, the boys grapple on the ground and Criston goes to pull Aemond off Jace. 

“Aemond” Viserys scolds and Aemond just glares up at him. 

“You did well my prince, though you should never let an inferior swordsman talk you into losing your composure” Criston tells him with a hand on his shoulder. 

“Maybe he wouldn’t be so inferior if his instructor paid him as much mind as the queen's sons” Ser Harwin says, helping Jacaerys off the ground. 

“Are you questioning my methods Ser?” Criston snarks back at Harwin. 

“I merely suggest that method be applied to all your pupils, it seems the younger boys could use some attention” 

“Why such an interest in their lessons commander? it’s quite unusual most men only have that sort of devotion towards a brother or… a son” it’s quiet enough that the king and hand wouldn’t be able to hear but the boys did as well as Ser Harwin and it has him charging at Cole. 

“Stay back” yells one of the guards present, Aegon pulls Aemond back from the men. 

“Say it again, say it again” Harwin yells as he belligerently beats Cole. 

“thought as much” Criston chuckles as two guards hall Harwin away. 

—

in the parlour the king, the princes, the princess and the queen are discussing the events that transpired, Viserys is rubbing at his temples as Rhaenyra and Alicent begin to bicker. 

“My son was attacked today, bullied,” Rhaenyra says harshly with her hand on Jaces shoulder. 

Alicent scoffs, “it’s not bullying to be superior at swordplay princess, it is bullying however to tape wings to a pig and say they found a dragon for him to ride” Alicent levels a glare at Jacaerys. 

“what?” Rhaenyra looks confused, she was unaware of the prank, clearly Viserys neglected to do anything about her concerns. “did you do that?” Rhaenyra asks Jace he shrinks a little under her gaze. 

“it was just a joke” 

“a cruel joke” Alicent says sternly and Jace flinches  under her gaze which has Rhaenyra glaring at her once more. 

“enough, enough boys apologise to each other and shake hands” no one moves, “now, your king commands it” the boys slink over to each other a mumble half assed apologies, it’s clear to all that they don’t mean it but it’s enough for Viserys. 

“Good lads, see that wasn’t so hard” he smiles at the boys, Jace manages to smile back at his grandfather but Aemond rolls his eyes. 

“there is still the matter of commander Harwin” Alicent states matter of factly. 

“What about him?” Rhaenyra asks 

“He put the princes in danger with his belligerence in the training yard today, he is not their instructor and shouldn’t have been near them let alone getting violent with them so close” Alicent says. Jace looks to his mother to defend Harwin but she says nothing. 

“i have to say I agree with Alicent” Viserys pats her hand when he says this, “I was unimpressed with what i saw today and putting the princes in danger is a punishable offence” Viserys doesn’t have to say it they all know he means to strip Ser Harwin of his position. 

“but…” Jace starts but Rhaenyra squeezes his shoulder to single him to stop. “if that is the kings will” Rhaenyra says 

“It is an unfortunate turn of events but it is unbecoming for the commander of the gold cloaks to act in such a manner” Viserys gives Rhaenyra an apologetic look. “Rhaenyra, Jacaerys, Aemond you are dismissed, Aegon stay for a moment” with that the three leave the room. 

“what did I do?” Aegon asks 

“nothing my boy but we have an announcement” just then a guard announces Helaena. 

“Come in my dear” Alicent says warmly, a stark contrast to her tone a moment ago. 

“Aegon, Helaena your mother and I have decided that you two will wed” Viserys smiles warmly at them, Helaena says nothing and her face betrays nothing, Aegon's face however drops and twists into a scowl. 

“what?” he demands 

“calm down my boy, you two will wed in the traditions of our house” 

“But… but she’s an idiot” Aegon yells and at this Helaenas face falls a little. 

Alicent strikes him across the face, “do not speak of your sister like that, apologise at once” she says harshly. 

“Sorry” Aegon says but he doesn’t look at Helaena and only glares at Alicent. 

“You should be grateful my boy, not all of us are lucky to marry a proper Valyrian woman” whether or not it was an intentional insult Alicent recoiled from Viserys a little. 

“if my king commands it” Aegon says angrily before storming out of the room. 

“You were not dismissed,” Alicent says after him. 

“Let the boy go, it’s a shock i’m sure, Helaena you are dismissed as well” Helaena turns and leaves quickly. 

—————————

“Why didn’t you defend Ser Harwin?” Jace demands once they’re in Rhaenyras rooms. 

“Jace I… it’s complicated” Rhaenyra shakes her head, “Harwin should not have acted in such a matter” 

“am I a bastard?” he asks suddenly 

“what?” Rhaenyra was stunned by this question. 

“am. I. a bastard? Is Ser Harwin my father?” 

Rhaenyra is unsure of what to say, she strokes Jaces hair for a moment and then lifts his chin with her hand. “you are my son, a Targaryen that is all that matters” she says seriously, Jace is unsatisfied with this answer but nods. 

—————————

Rhaenyra leaves her chambers to search for her husband when she comes across a familiar voice yelling, the hand. She stays out of sight as she listens to him yell at Harwin. 

“it fills me with unrelenting shame” Lyonel bellows at his son

“So that's what this is about then” Harwin rolls his eyes. 

“Your shame, OUR shame Harwin! the shame on the whole of house Strong” 

“all because I laid my hands on that insufferable Cole, the son of a steward?” 

“he is a knight of the kingsguard and you attacked him without cause in broad daylight” 

“he assailed prince Jacaerys, the future heir to the iron throne, he insulted the princess” Harwin says seriously. He would not allow Rhaenyra's honour questioned in his presence. 

Lyonel shakes his head at his son. “you have laid us open to accusations of an uglier treachery” 

“What treachery is that?” 

“Do not play the fool with me boy” Lyonel bellows, “your intimacy with the princess is an offense that would mean exile or even death, for you, for the princes, for me and Larys!” Lyonel cannot believe his son would put them all in danger so recklessly, the name Lucamore Strong rings in his head and fills him with great shame once more. “Is this to be our house's legacy? brazen oafs concerned with nothing more than finding somewhere to stuff their cocks?”

“The princess is not some common whore” Harwin says with anger at his fathers crude words. 

“Then why treat her as one?” 

“it is a rumour spun only by the princesses' enemies” Harwin attempts to deflect. 

“it is the truth that anyone with eyes can see” 

“yet his grace the king accepts them as trueborn sons of house Targaryen”

“a flimsy shield” Lyonel waves his hand. “the wilful blindness of a father towards his child will protect her but not you” he jabs Harwin in the chest to make his point. 

“i wish my own father affected a similar blindness” scoffs Harwin. 

“Have I not? all these years I turned a blind eye to your dalliance with the princess and today you assault a knight of the kingsguard, the queen's sworn protector in defence of your…” Lyonel cuts himself off, he will not say it out loud. 

“You have your honour and I have mine” Harwin says but he is looking over his fathers shoulder where he can see Rhaenyra eves dropping. 

—

“Princess” he kneels when Rhaenyra approaches him, they are alone in the room so kisses her hand. Rhaenyra has tears in her eyes as he does this. 

“You must leave” she says. 

“no i don’t, we will be more careful, we will-“ he begins trying to placate her. 

“no Harwin, you are..” she takes a shaken breath, “my father has decided to remove you from your position, you are to go back to Harrenhal, i thought best to tell you first so you can refrain from making an arse of yourself in front of my father once more” she is angry at him for his stunt in the training yard, the rumours have swirled since Jace and up until now she's been able to curb them but now they nip at her heels more viciously than ever before. 

“what?! all for that fucking Cole?” he can’t believe what she is saying, “he made public insinuations about your honour, he had Aemond attack Jacaerys… my place is here with you and the boys” 

“my father has made up his mind, he won’t change it” she says mournfully. 

“appeal to him, you’re his daughter, he made you his heir… don’t let him separate us on account of that hag and her dog” he says harshly. 

“stop Hariwn” Rhaenyra puts her hand up, “just stop I..” she tries to gather her words, “father would never punish me for these transgressions but you… be happy all he is doing is sending you away, he could have exiled you or worse..” she does not even wish to think of the worse. 

“no, no fuck Cole, fuck the queen, I’m not leaving the boys, they are-“ Harwins voice is starting to raise. 

“no they’re not!” she says sternly, “they are Laenors, mine and Laenors!” it hurts her to see his face fall at her words but he’s being foolish and selfish, they’ve been foolish and selfish. 

“Rhaenyra..” he is stunned at her harsh words. 

“you have to leave Harwin, they will.. they will use you against me-“

“i would never!” he interrupts. 

“they would!” she nearly yells at him, “Criston nearly had you confessing to the whole training yard! you yelled it for your father when anyone could have been listening! the walls have ears you know you… they-they would push you until you gave my father evidence that he could not deny, they’d push you until they had cause to kill you!” Rhaenyra says with hurt, anger, frustration. 

“Rhaenyra…” he says and tentatively pulls her to him for just a moment. “i love you, i will appeal your father, make my case and-“

“I command you” she says with the authority of a queen and his heart sinks. They both remain frozen just staring at each other. 

“that is your command?” he asks. 

“yes i command you to depart to Harrenhal” she says with conviction even with tears falling from her eyes. 

“alright then” he nods and allows some tears of his own to fall. “Whatever my Princess commands I must obey” he bows and then turns on his heel to leave, he did not want to show his hurt in front of her. 

“thank you” she whispers. 

—

after hearing herself be slandered by the hand and her emotional conversation with Harwin she rushes to Laenors room to await his return, she’s trying to hold it together but  Lyonels words and Jaces question shocked her to her core, she’s meant to protect him from these slanders, Laenor should be protecting him. as she’s lost her in thoughts the door swings open and she hears the laughter of her husband and his paramour. they’re clearly drunk. 

“my dear wife” he slurs. 

“princess” Quarl greets before she hears and bang on the ground. “oh… i fell down” he and Laenor bust out laughing once more and she rolls her eyes. 

“where have you been?” she questions

“out with Quarl” Laenor shrugs, “didn’t I mention it?” Rhaenyra just glares at him in response. “are you in very much pain?” he turns to Quarl before she can answer, “milk it swells the breasts…” 

“would you mind Quarl I’d like to speak to my husband” Rhaenyra cuts him off leaving no room to argue. 

“of course princess” the knight scurries out. 

“war is afoot again in the Stepstones Rhaenyra, the Triarchy takes new life in the form of an alliance with Dorne… Quarls been fighting there he showed me a stack of sapphires the size of walnuts from a pirate he slew” Laenor laughs. “After all this time, this is just what I need, a little adventure. A good, honest battle to enliven my blood again. He says there is a Tyroshi general there, a giant, they say, who dyes his beard purple and wears women's frocks” he begins laughing again. “A few months, maybe... Hmm? To be back at sea” he sighs out. 

Rhaenyra shakes her head and scoffs. “have you gone mad? do you know what’s happened while you out guzzling ale and gods know what else in flea bottom?” she yells, “dark rumours are hunting us, they nip at our heels” tears begin to form in her eyes as she speaks. “questions about our son's parentage, vile insinuations…”

“insinuations are they?” Laenor says a little meanly, the ale must’ve loosened his tongue. 

“they are our sons” Rhaenyra slams her fists on the table, “yours and mine, and their father will not abandon them now to go carousing in the narrow sea, wagging his sword and sailors” Laenor cuts her a glare at her words. 

“I am a knight, a warrior, I have played my part faithfully for 10 years… I am owed some…” 

“you are owed nothing” rhaenyra yells cutting him off. “for 10 years you have indulged yourself at court, bought the finest horses, drunk the rarest of wines, fսckеd the lustiest boys… This was our agreement. I have not begrudged you. But... you do not get to desert your post when the storm lashes.” 

“the wise sailor flees when the storm gathers” he says. 

Rhaenyra sighs, she feels hurt at his insistence on leaving, it feels like a betrayal. “very well, I command you” she says sternly not giving him room to question her authority. “as your princess and future queen you are commanded to stay in Kingslanding at my side” 

“as my queen commands” he says in a bitter tone. 

—

Ser Criston was in Alicents chambers without his white cloak or armour, off for a few days to let his cuts on his face he’s properly. 

“do your wounds hurt terribly?” she asks as she tentatively puts a hand on his jaw, he leans in to it despite the grunt of pain he lets out. 

“the maesters gave me a salve that has numbing properties, Ser Strong may be an oaf but can’t say he doesn’t hit hard” Criston chuckles. Alicent takes her hand away and goes to pour them some wine. “let me-“ 

“Sit down Ser, your face was beaten. The least I can do is pour you some wine,” Alicent says jokingly, a tone rarely heard from her which makes Criston smile. “the King agreed to send Ser Strong away. permanently” 

“you jest?” Criston asks and Alicent shakes her head. 

“the King will turn a blind eye to his daughters blunders but it seems that does not extend to her lover. how unfortunate” Alicent says. 

“indeed” Criston agrees, “good riddance i say” 

—

Alicent goes into Aegons room after knocking once, he is sitting on his bed and levels a glare at her. 

“you missed dinner” Alicent says and Aegon says nothing, Alicent sighs. “you would do better not to act like a brat in front of your father, gods you are nearly a man grown how is it that you still act like a child?” she begins her lecture. 

“I try so hard and nothing is ever good enough for you or father” Aegon says after a moment, he looks at her as his eyes begin to well once more. 

Alicent looks at her son empathetically, she forces down the feeling of shame at his tears and she sits by him, brushing his hair off his face. “I’m sorry, I know that this marriage is… undesirable believe me but… the king will not have his daughter marry outside the family and give another house a dragon” 

“marry her to Jace then” Aegon says petulantly 

“you know why i won’t allow that… as it stands your father intends for Rhaenyra to inherit the throne and Jace after her” 

“so?” 

Alicent huffs and tries to curb her temper that Aegon has an incredible talent for bringing out. “if Rhaenyra comes to power your life will be forfeit, Aemonds as well she would need to move to cut off any challenge to her line, do you think Helaena would be safe just because she would be her son's broodmare? she would be nothing more than a hostage” 

“So I won’t challenge her” Aegon says like it is the most obvious solution. 

Alicent huffs again, “you are the challenge simply by living and breathing” Alicent shakes her head in exasperation. “you are the kings firstborn son and what everyone knows, what your father pretends not to know is that you will be king… and I will be damned if I allow any of her mongrels to lay a hand on Helaena never mind marry her” 

they are both silent, Aegon is looking down and Alicent is trying to calm herself. 

“you shouldn’t have called your sister that” Alicent says to him. 

“i know” Aegons still looking down. 

Alicent hesitates before she kisses his brow. he leans into her embrace. 

—

Laena comes across Rhaena looking at her unhatched egg earnestly, sighs and sits with her “it’s been 8 years sweeting” Rhaena ignores her. “you know most of them never hatch” 

“will they let me stay?” Rhaena asks in a small voice 

“who?” Laena is confused by the question 

“the prince… he wants you and father and Baela for your dragons…” Rhaena looks down ashamed. 

“you know there’s more than one way to bind yourself to a dragon, I was dragonless until I was 5 and 10 years old and now I ride Vhagar, the largest in the world” Laena smiles warmly at her daughter. “you have a harder road, Baelas dragon was born to her but… if you wish to ride a dragon you must claim that right, your father would tell you the same.” 

at the mention of her father her face falls a bit. “father ignores me” 

“he tries his best he just…” Laena stops herself for she knows it to be true. 

—

“Laenor has written” Laena says as she approaches her husband. “Rhaenyra has delivered another son” 

“and does your brother mention if this one has a marked but entirely coincidental resemblance the commander of the city watch?” Daemon chuckles. 

Laena smiles a little. “no he seems to have left that bit out” 

“mhm” 

“I miss my brother Daemon” Laena sighs, “as I think you do as well” 

“I miss Westerosi Strongwine” he deadpans, “it could be depended on for a few hours of oblivion, this amber shit they drink here doesn’t cut it” 

“you never long for home?” she asks softly. 

“no” 

“I don’t believe you” 

“believe what you will” he shrugs. 

“You laud the virtues of Pentos, but you have no interest in it. If you did, you would venture into the city, but instead, you spend your time here, in the library, reading accounts of the same dead dragonlords whose legacy you claim has no hold on you.” 

“I didn’t know i was being so minutely observed” he huffs. 

“you don’t sleep” she continues. 

“how can I with you haunting my every step” he snaps. 

“I know life has disappointed you” he scoffs at her words but she ignores him and continues. “that I too am not the wife you might’ve wished for…” 

“Laena” he tries to stop her. 

“I have made peace with it, it no longer pains me to know you desire for more… for another” despite her words she takes a shaky breath, “the man I married was more than this, you are more than this Daemon”  

—

“I do not need the blanket” Viserys huffs before devolving into a coughing fit, Alicent ignores him and continues fussing about. 

“the hand, my king” Ser Criston announces Lord Lyonel Strongs presence. 

“I will see him” he says as Alicent was about to dismiss him. “as you can see i’m being endlessly fussed over, Lyonel, it’s a wonder i can use the privy alone” he says when the hand sits down. 

“Your grace” is all Lyonel says in greeting 

“what is this about Lyonel?” 

“Your Grace, I feel… I have come to resign my position as Hand of the King… The episode in the yard yesterday My son Harwin has disgraced himself and every fishwife in King’s Landing will soon be telling the tale.” 

“yes his outburst was most unbecoming it is true but he has already been expelled from the city watch, that seems punishment enough.” 

“forgive me your grace but it is not.” Lyonel says seriously. 

“your advice has been sage, unmarked by self interest as all others” Alicent suppresses an eye roll at the kings words. 

“I thank you for your words your grace but… there is a shadow that looms over my house one that grows ever darker, I fear I can no longer serve you with integrity” Lyonel says seriously, he hopes Viserys will not make him say the quiet part out loud less he gets his tongue removed. 

“what is this shadow? name it if it casts such gloom” Viserys says though his tone takes on a darker tone then the sincerity of earlier, he is aware of what Lyonel speaks but refuses to acknowledge it. 

Lyonel debates speaking the plain truth for a moment but at the look on the king's face he decides better of it. “I cannot” he says finally. 

“then I will not accept this” says Viserys. 

“my dear husband…” Alicent attempts to reason with him. 

“I said no, my answer is final” Viserys bellows. 

“if you insist my king” 

“I do, you will continue your faithful service of the crown” Viserys words leave no room for disagreement 

“then I would ask to take leave to escort my son to Harrenhal, he will be lord of the keep and I must see to it that he takes to this responsibility” 

“Fine, half a year's absence shall be plenty” Viserys agrees though he does not sound pleased. 

“I’ll take my leave your grace” Lyonel nearly scurries out of the room. 

Viserys begins another coughing fit, “aren’t you going to help me” he glares at Alicent and this time she actually rolls her eyes. 

—

“I took the liberty of beginning without you, it would be a shame to let such a pie grow cold” he says, everything he says sounds as though it has a second meaning but she can not know what. 

“of course, Lord Larys” she sits, she finds that she has little appetite these days anyhow, she pours herself a glass of wine. 

“It’s been my duty to tell you of happenings about the castle” Larys begins “but tonight you know, and I do not… The King had an audience with my father.” 

“He attempted to resign his post.” 

“I thought as much.” it was unsurprising after Harwins outburst his father had his hairs raised. “His honor’s always been a millstone about his esteemed neck, interesting you said ‘attempted’?” 

“my kingly husband refused his request” she swirled her wine around “then he fell short of confessing to your brother’s transgressions, though with his outburst in the training yard Harwin has all but confessed them himself. If Viserys were a different man it would’ve been enough to have him killed”  

“Truth has many flavours your grace, do you expect your husband to doom his dear grandsons to exile?” Larys words had a cheeky lilt to them. “It’s a willful blindness, the King. I mean, you’d surely suffer the same affliction, if it came to it.” 

“I would not.” Alicent deadpans. “Lord Lyonel is to escort Ser Harwin back to Harrenhal to watch over his seat whilst he continues to serve as Hand.” 

“But the Hand is compromised by the acts of his son. My father… cannot give unbiased counsel to the King.” 

“It is now that I most rue the absence of my own father. He wouldn’t hesitate to speak the truth to the King.” 

“If Otto Hightower were still Hand…You cannot say, my Queen, that your father would be impartial in this matter.” 

“No, but he would be partial to me!” she yells, “In all of King’s Landing, is there no one to take my side?” she says after a breath. 

“I am always on your side your grace” Larys smirks.

Alicent suppresses a shiver and the way he looks at her, “and i appreciate your loyalty immensely Lord Larys” 

—

down in the confessors quarters Larys approaches a group of criminals. 

“what a collection of hero’s i have before me, a murderer, a deviant and a traitor to the crown. for your crimes you have been sentenced to hanging” 

“what do you want with us?” 

“i am prepared to offer you mercy if you are prepared to pay a small price” Larys says ominously. 

—

Laena is on all fours screaming while two midwives try to assist her. 

“Push my lady” the medic says. 

“push, you must push” says one of the midwives and Laena lets out another scream. “push, push” Laena is now sobbing. 

the medic goes to where Daemon stands watching. “i fear i have reached the limit of my art, the child will not come” he says. 

“ahh my brave girl” Daemon says fondly and sadly. 

“i am sorry my prince. we may cut the womb open and remove the infant but there is no telling if it will live” the medic says. 

“will its mother?” Daemon asks. 

“no the chances she survives such a procedure are slim” 

“then no” Daemon says and looks back to Laena to see that she’s gone. 

—

Laena is making her way to where Vhagar is nesting, she is struggling as she walks but she is determined to get to Vhagar. 

“Laena” she hears Daemon shout but she ignores him, “Laena!”. 

“leave me be i want to get to Vhagar i must ride her one more time!” she yells and the effort of it causes her to collapse, she grunts in pain as her knees hit the ground.

“Laena what the hells are you doing?!” Daemon goes to her and picks her up in his arms. 

“take me to Vhagar!” she yells and struggles in his arms, “i-i will not die in the birthing bed i want to die on my own terms” she cries. Daemon doesn’t say anything but after a while she feels herself being put on the ground again and hears Vhagars trill. “Vhagar my girl” she nuzzles into her snout, “i’m dying i’m sorry, i wish to ride you but i can’t” Laena is sobbing again. Daemon comes behind her and holds her, until she goes still. 

—

in Rhaenyras chambers Harwin is saying his goodbye to the kids. 

“be good to your mother lads, i’ll try to visit but that may take some time, i promise i will” he says sadly and then says to Rhaenyra who is looking out the window, “i will be a stranger when we next meet”

—

Rhaenyra storms into Laenors chambers, he is hunched over reading a letter, his face looks pained. 

“i take it he’s gone?” Laenor asks in a monotone voice. 

“yes” she inhales shakily, “what is it?” 

“Laena has died…” he chokes out. 

“what? Laenor i-i’m so sorry” she tentatively puts her hand on his back. 

“She'd wanted to come back but Daemon wouldn’t allow her…” he says, his face twisting with anger at his sister's husband. 

Rhaenyra says nothing, she knows her husband held no love for Daemon and she has little idea how to console him she just kept rubbing his back. 

—

in the dark of his chambers Lyonel awakes to smoke burning his lungs, he leaps up and tries to flee but his door is barred. 

“help, help. I will burn!” he coughs. 

“Father!” he hears Harwin banging on his door. 

“Harwin! you must flee” he yells to his son. 

“No father, I won't leave you!” Harwin continues trying to break down the door. 

—

“What are children but a weakness? a folly? Futility? through them you imagine you cheat the great darkness of its victory.

 you will persist forever in one form or another as if they will keep you from the dust. 

but for them you surrender what you should not. You may know what the right thing is to be done but… love stays the hand… love is a downfall. best to make your way through life unencumbered if you ask me.” Larys finishes his cryptic speech with a smile. 

“they are dead?” Alicent asks, she has her hand rubbing at her neck like she does when she is trying to stave off the urge to pick. 

“You've heard the stories of Harrenhal, your grace, built in Harren the Black's hubris, a cursed place with blood in the mortar. it passes judgment on all who enter its gates” 

“Larys i..” Alicent is unsure of what to say, “i did not ask you to do this” 

“you needn’t ask your grace.. you will write your father now i assume” 

“i… thank you for your loyal service Larys” Alicent stutters out, she did not want this but perhaps some good may yet come from this tragedy. 

“i am a faithful servant of the realm, the queens happiness is all strive for and i feel certain you will reward me when the time is right” 

Chapter Text

the Velaryon guards hold vigil as Laenas coffin is lowered into the sea. the Royal family, including Otto Hightower as the newly renamed Hand of the King, as well as the Velaryons stand and watch. Rhaenys hugs her crying granddaughters as Ser Vaemond gives the eulogy. 

“we are gathered here today to commemorate the memory of Lady Laena Velaryon, today we return her to the eternal waters, the domain of the Merling King, he will guard her as she sets sail on her final voyage. Lady Laena leaves behind two true born granddaughters” this part was said pointedly at Princess Rhaenyras sons, he didn’t even try to hide his disdain at them, Laenor only lowers his head in shame as Rhaenyra puts her arms protectively around them. “though their mother will not return from her voyage, they remain bound together by blood, salt courses through Velaryon blood, ours runs thick, ours runs thick” Viserys notices Vaemonds pointed words and looks worriedly at Rhaenyra, Rhaenyra only glares at Ser Vaemond though he does not back down from her stare. “ours must never thin” and Daemon can’t help but snicker at that which draws a glare from his in laws and daughters. “my gentle niece may the winds be as strong as your back and seas as calm as your spirit and our nets as full as your heart, from the sea we came and to the sea we will return” Vaemond finishes the eulogy and Laenas body is given back to the sea. 

—

Rhaenyra enters onto the balcony and immediately catches Daemons eye, he smirks and she nearly does as well but she catches Alicents as well who levels a judgmental stare her way, Rhaenyra straightens up and heads to her children. 

“have you seen your father?” she asks Jace who says nothing, he has a pout on face, “your little cousins have lost their mother perhaps you have a kind word for them?” she looks at the poor girls who are holding hands and sulking on a bench. 

“i have an equal claim to sympathy” Jace murmurs, 

“Jace!” Rhaenyra looks around to see if anyone was listening. 

“we should be at Harrenhal mourning Ser Harwin!” he says with anger and hurt. 

“that would not be appropriate” Rhaenyra says harshly and Jace recoils a little, Rhaenyra give him pitying look and kneels down to eye level, “the Velaryons are your kin and the Strongs are not, do you understand?” Jace nods though he still pouts. 

—

“hand turns the loom, spools of green, spools of black weaving dragons of thread” Helaena mutters as she observes the spider she caught. 

“gods she’s a loon” Aegon mutters as he sips his wine. 

“she’s our sister and your future wife” Aemond snarks. 

“you marry her then” Aegon snarks back. 

“i would, had mother and father betrothed us”

“she’s an idiot”

“she’s your future Queen” Aemond says angrily. 

“whatever..” Aegon scoffs, “another!” signals the serving girl to bring him more wine. 

“tch… Aegon” Aemond sneers at his foolish brother. 

—

Luke is playing with wooden seahorse while Corlys watches him. 

“you know this will be your seat one day” he says to the boy. 

“i don’t want it” Luke says. 

“and why is that?” he hopes the poor child is still to young to understand the rumours surrounding him. 

“if i’m lord of Driftmark it means you and father are dead” he says and Corlys puts a comforting hand on the boys shoulder. 

—

Rhaenys has been running around all afternoon, she’s hardly had a moment to grieve at her own daughters funeral. Rhaenyra straightens up when Rhaenys approach’s, they are both tense, it is no secret the Queen who never was had little love for her daughter in law. 

“my condolences Princess… Laena was a dea-“ 

“where is my son?” Rhaenys cuts Rhaenyra off, when she doesn’t answer immediately Rhaenys huffs and walks away again.

Rhaenys approaches her granddaughters who are sitting with Jacaerys. “oh girls..” she kneels down. Jacaerys shuffles away, it’s always been tense with his grandmother.  

“i don’t want mother to be gone” Rhaena sniffles and Rhaenys envelopes them in a hug. 

Aemond attempts to approach Jace and the girls with his condolences but Jace only glares when he tries to speak so Aemond turns around and says nothing. 

—

Daemon stands beside his father in law watching as Laenor wades into the waves, he’s been inconsolable since the news of Laenas death and hadn’t left the beach with the rest of the crowd. Corlys angrily stomps over to Ser Quarl and grabs him roughly. 

“retrieve your patron!” he spits.

“brother, enough” Ser Vaemond says and Corlys releases Quarls arm. Quarl makes his way through the crowd and  leaves the balcony to retrieve Laenor, Corlys outburst caused quite the spectacle. 

—

Viserys and Alicent stand side by side as she watches him watch his brother, too cowardly to approach him first. 

“have you given Daemon your condolences?” she asks though she knows the answer. 

“i have not… Daemon was not so eager to talk the last time” 

“that was nearly a decade ago” Alicent shakes her head at him, “you should talk to your brother” truthfully she’d just like to talk with Ser Criston without Viserys listening. 

“alright, alright” Viserys huffs

once he shuffles away she turns to Ser Criston who is staring down Larys Strong and she rolls her eyes at both of them and their lack of subtlety. 

“Lyonel Strongs son has been staring at you since we’ve docked” Criston says. 

“pay him no mind, it is simply a look of a pride” Alicent swallows a lump, “he is the new Lord of Harrenhal after all” 

—

“brother” Viserys greets Daemon, Daemon says nothing so Viserys keeps talking. “your girls are the spitting image of their mother, a comfort and an anguish as i know too well” Viserys sighs mournfully. 

“the gods can be most cruel” Daemon says. 

“that they can” Viserys chuckles which turns into cough. 

“you should return with us home to Kingslanding” Viserys says after a moment of awkward silence. 

“Pentos is my home” Daemon says flatly. 

“Daemon… i know we’ve had our difference but let them pass with the years” Daemon seems unmoved, “there is always a place at court for you if… if that is something you should need” 

“i don’t need anything” Daemon says petulantly and walks off. 

“sorry for your loss my prince” says Otto Hightower as Daemon passes. Daemon turns to him and sneers.

“no matter how fat the leech grows he still wants for more” he spits. 

—

Rhaenyra had observed both interactions, she’d been trying to catch her uncle alone and means to follow him.

“you and your brother get to bed” she says to Jace. 

“but-“ Jace tries to argue. 

“to bed!” and then she turns to follow Daemon. 

—

Viserys hobbles through the crowd as they part for him followed by Ser Westerling. 

“i’m going to bed Aemma” Viserys says to Alicent whose face pinches, she says nothing and the silence is awkward. 

“should i see after Queen Alicent your grace?” Ser Westerling says. 

Viserys has the decency to look ashamed at his blunder, “no” he looks down and continues into the keep. 

“you have the nights watch Ser Criston” Westerling says and follows the King inside. 

“Lord Commander” Criston says, luckily the kings eyesight has faded as Criston made no effort to hide his contempt. 

—

at knightfall Otto goes back to the balcony where his grandson sits drunk, Ottos face twists with disgust at Aegons display. Otto roughly grabs Aegon to his feet. 

“brother?” Aegon grunts. 

“get to bed. now!” Otto drags Aegon past Aemond and into the keep. 

Ser Quarl is seen supporting Laenor up the stairs, he is stumbling. Corlys looks at Laenor with disgust and Vaemond looks with pity. 

Vhagars screech is heard and Aemond feels like she is calling out to him. 

—

Rhaenys and Corlys are now inside their chambers for the night. 

“she wanted to come home.. and he denied her” Rhaenys says solemnly as she embroiders in front of the fire. 

“Daemon did what he thought was best” Corlys says. 

“Daemon only does what is best for Daemon” Rhaenys says, in the privacy of their chambers she doesn’t bother hiding the contempt she feels for her son in law. “Laena needed our maesters.” 

“the medics in Pentos are as well trained as our maesters. you are looking to place blame where there is none.. it was an act of the gods” 

“mayhaps the gods have scorned our family, for our insatiable pride” Rhaenys says pointedly. 

“the crown was yours until those fools from the great council plucked it from your head… is it such a terrible thing for your husband to wish to win it back?” 

“let us do away with this falsehood for tonight at least” Rhaenys says, “it is not justice for your wife that drives you.. you seek only to further your own ambition regardless of how i feel or what happens to our children” Rhaenys says sadly “no what matters to you is that crown if not for yourself then the scions of your house. i have set aside the notion that i’d ever wear the crown but it is you husband who persists.. even now at the cost of our children” tears begin to well in her eyes and she turns away. 

Corlys comes to sit with her, “what is the point of this brief mortal life if not the pursuit of legacy?” even as he says this his eyes are tearing as well. 

“i want Driftmark to pass through Laenas line to Baela, to true Velaryon blood. declare it now while all are gathered” Rhaenys says. 

“and disinherit our son?” 

“he will be the king consort” 

“you’d have me cast an even darker shadow over him then already exists… if we disinherit him we’d tell everyone of his shame” 

Rhaenys scoffs. “in our chambers you can speak the truth as we both know it” she grabs his hands as she speaks. “Rhaenyras children are not of your blood, they are none of ours but Laenas are. pass Driftmark to your true grandchild, they are her legacy” she pleads. 

“history remembers names not blood” is all he says, he stands and rips his hand from hers. Rhaenys has her answer. 

—

Rhaenyra and Daemon walk along the beach in the moonlight. 

“Laenors has been restless for years but now he will be useless.. or worse. i know better then anyone that our marriage is a farce but i at least make the effort to maintain appearances” Rhaenyra says. 

“you have more to lose” Daemons says simply. 

“yes don’t i always” Rhaenyra huffs bitterly, “when i was named heir i thought it would be easier but it’s been nothing but an uphill battle, i’m constantly batting away the grasping hands but..” she pauses and takes a deep breath, “Laenor has been good, he’s claimed the boys as his own and has not wavered and many men would not be so forgiving  but… he is not what i need and i fear he may become nothing but a liability”  

“mm i understand Ser Harwin was quite devoted to you” Daemon says. 

“he was.. and i trusted him.. i should’ve fought harder for him to stay and it eats at me that he is gone. Harrens curse haunts that place” 

“a ghost story that the Queen would surely exploit” Daemon says. 

“i do not believe Alicent capable of cold blooded murder” she didn’t want to believe her old friend capable of such a thing no matter the bad blood between them now. 

“each of us are capable of depravity, more then you believe” 

“i believe it of you…” 

“if your accusing me of something you’ll need to be more specific” 

“i have been alone. you abandoned me!” she almost yells. 

“you were a child, i spared you.” he says.

Rhaenyra huffs, “look at what my life has been without you, a droll tragedy.” 

“my life isn’t much by comparison” 

“i wouldn’t know as you did not deign to keep in contact with me after you left” Rhaenyra says with hurt, “did you love her?” she asks the question she doesn’t want to know the answer to. 

“i did, as i imagine you loved Harwin. Laena was uncomplicated… we were happy” he says the last bit with something akin to a wistful look. 

“well that in itself is a great achievement.. i am sorry” 

“don’t be, i am at least allowed to mourn my loss” he says sympathetically which is not a tone often heard from the the rogue prince. 

they stand quietly for a moment and Rhaenyra hesitantly puts her hand on his chest, “i am no longer a child” she says and kisses him. “i want you” she whispers and together under the moonlight they give themselves to one another. 

—

Aemond had snuck out of his rooms, Aegon was passed out drunk and it was easy to sneak past the guards. now in the tall grass he observes the best that is Vhagar, as tall as a mountain. 

“fuck” he mutters, was he really doing this? he thinks as he walks up to her. 

he reaches his hand out to the sleeping dragon and she opens her eyes and snarls but she does not burn him only huffs and turns away. he tries again and this time she opens her maw. 

“calm Vhagar, calm. serve, calm” he says and she sniffs him again, he climbs up her saddle when it seems like she accepts. “fly Vhagar, fly.” and she takes off. 

“argh” he struggles to hold on as but he’d rather fall to his death than fail in this moment. Vhagar swoops down near the ocean and up once more.

—

“jace, Jace wake up” Baela pokes her cousin to wake. “someone stole Vhagar” 

“what?” 

—

after coupling Rhaenyra puts her cloak back on and goes to Daemon whose been watching the ocean. 

“what is it?” he says nothing but Vhagars trill is heard. 

—

Vhagar lands back in the beach and Aemond slides down with little grace. he puts his face to her snout and tears of joy stream down his face, Vhagar purrs in turn. 

—

“Jace, what are we doing?” Luke whispers as they walk through the corridor. 

“It’s him!” Rhaena shouts. 

“It’s me.” Aemond says back with a confidence Jace hadn’t heard from him before. 

“Vhagar is my mother’s dragon.” Rhaena cries. 

“Your mother’s dead and Vhagar has a new rider now.” Aemond says harshly. 

“She was mine to claim!” 

“Then you should’ve claimed her!” Aemond says, “Maybe your cousins can find you a pig to ride. It would suit you.” he says rudely. 

Rhaena charges at him and he shoves her down. Baela throws a punch at his face and he punches her back and shoves her down. 

“Come at me again and I’ll feed you to my dragon!” he yells. 

Jacaerys punches him and Aemond doesn’t hold back, he’s always been the superior fighter, he throws Jace to the ground. Luke comes screaming and Aemond pushes him down as well. 

Jace manages to get Aemond on the ground and he and the girls begin punching him but Aemond is able to kick them away. Luke comes at him and Aemond grabs him by the throat as he stands and this is when the others notice he grabbed a rock. 

“You will die screaming in flames just as your father did! Bastards.” he says meanly. 

“My father’s still alive.” Luke cries 

“He doesn’t know, does he, Lord Strong?” Aemond says with a mean grin to Jace as he throws Luke on the ground and Jace pulls out a dagger. 

“Jace!” one of the girls yell, this has gone to far and they know it. 

Jace doesn’t listen and he charges at Aemond, he swings at him and misses. Aemond gets him on the ground again and lords over him with the rock. 

Aemond looks around to the girls and then at Jace snivelling on the ground and begins to lower the rock but once he does Jace throws dirt in his face. 

Luke grabs the dagger and then a searing pain in his face, Aemond lets out a blood curdling scream which finally alerts the guards to the mayhem in the corridor. 

“Cease this at once!” Westerling yells, “Get away!” Westerling rushes to Aemonds side “My Prince, my Prince. Let me see. Gods be good.” 

—

“how could you allow such a thing to happen!” Viserys demands of the guards, “i want answers!” 

“the prince was attacked by his own cousins your grace” says Westerling. 

“you swore oaths to defend my blood!” Viserys yells. 

“the Kingsguard has never had to defend princes from princes your grace” Criston says. 

“that is no answer!” 

“will it heal?” Alicent asks frantically to the maester. 

“the eye could not be saved but the flesh will heal” he says and Alicent looks at the plate where her sons eye sits and nearly vomits. 

“where were you?” Alicent demands of Aegon. 

“me?” he says confused. 

“drowning in your cups! while your brother was brutalized you fool!” she says angrily. 

“what is the meaning of this!” Corlys demands. 

“Rhaena what happened?” Rhaenys asks frantically. 

“Jace” Rhaenyra calls when she enters looking disheveled, “Luke!” she cries at seeing his bloodied face, “who did this?”

“he attacked me!” Luke cries. 

“they attacked me!” Aemond retorts. 

the children begin hurling accusations at each other. 

“enough, silence!” Viserys demands, “Aemond, tell the truth of what happened” Viserys hobbles over to his son. 

“what else is there to hear? your son has been assailed! maimed! and her son is responsible!” Alicent says harshly. 

“it was a regrettable accident” Rhaenyra tries to deflect. 

“it was no accident your child brought a dagger to the ambush, he meant to kill my son!” 

“it was my sons who were attacked and forced to defend themselves! vile insults were levied at them!” Rhaenyra yells. 

“what insults?” Viserys asks. 

“insults? my son lost an eye!” Alicent yells back, she wishes she could say she was shocked at Viserys entertaining this folly but that would be a lie. 

“the legitimacy of my sons birth was put loudly to question.” 

“he called us bastards!” Jace yells and the room is silent. 

“my sons are in line to inherit the iron throne, it is the highest of treasons. Prince Aemond must be sharply questioned so we may learn where he heard such lies!” 

“tell me son where you heard this” Viserys demands from Aemond. 

“you cannot seriously be entertaining this farce? your son has been maimed!” Alicent yells but Viserys ignores her. 

“Aemond look at me, your king demands an answer!” he says more harshly and Aemond flinches. 

“it was Aegon” he mutters and looks pleadingly at his brother. 

“and you boy? where did you such lies?” Aegon doesn’t answer, “Aegon!” he yells in his face, “tell me the truth of it at once!” 

Aegon gulps and looks Viserys in the eye as he speaks, “we know father, everyone knows… just look at them” he closes his eyes after speaking and braces to be hit but Viserys only looks at him in stunned silence. 

Rhaenyra placed her hands protectively over her sons as the room stares at her with scrutiny. 

“this damnable infighting must cease!” Viserys yells instead of acknowledging Aegons words, “all of you! we are a family… make your apologies and be done with it. your father, your grandsire and your king demands it!” Viserys yells, as usual he wishes to ignore the problems and have everyone pretend nothing is amiss rather than acknowledge the mess he’s made of his family. 

Viserys looks at Alicent with sorrow as he walks out, he can only meet her gaze for a moment before he looks to the ground. 

“that is insufficient!” Alicent says sternly before he has the chance to hobble out. 

“I know Alicent but i cannot restore his eye” he says. 

“because it has been taken and you are allowing the perpetrator to walk unpunished!” she says furiously, “he is a prince the son of a king and you allow him to be brutalized with no justice?” 

“what would you have me do?” he says desperately. 

“there is a debt to be payed… i shall have one of her sons eyes in return.” 

“what?!” Rhaenyra says frantically as she pushes her sons behind her. even Alicents children are shocked at the brutal request. 

“my dear wife…” Viserys says cautiously. 

“he is your son Viserys, your blood.” she says tearfully, if he will make her beg for justice she will. 

“do not let your temper guide your judgement..” he says like he’s talking to a spooked horse. 

“if the king will not seek justice the queen will… Ser Cole bring me the eye of Lucerys Velaryon!” Alicent demands. 

“your grace…” Ser Criston hesitates. 

“stay your hand!” 

“you are sworn to me!” Alicent yells. 

“as your protector my queen…” Ser Criston says tepidly. 

“this matter is finished!” yells Viserys, “do you understand? and let it be known that anyone whose tongue dares to question the princesses sons will lose it!” 

“thank you father” Rhaenyra says smugly as she makes eye contact with Alicent. 

Alicent says nothing, her eyes are wide with anger and Viserys again turns to leave when Alicent rips his dagger off his person. 

“Alicent stay with the King!” yells Ser Westerling. 

Alicent charges at Rhaenyra with the dagger and Rhaenyra turns in time to catch her arm, the knife narrowly missing her face. 

“Alicent!” Viserys yells. 

the princess and the queen are now locked in a stalemate. none of the guards dare move unwilling to risk harming either woman. 

“you’ve gone too far! now they see you as your are!” Rhaenyra says. 

“i have gone too far? what have i done but my duties as Queen? forever upholding the kingdom, the law while you flount around as you please hiding behind your fathers robes!” 

“Alicent unhand her!” Viserys tries again. 

“where is duty? where is sacrifice? you feel so above it all don’t you? even now you feel entitled to my sons eye!” 

“exhausting isn’t it? hiding behind the cloak of your own righteousness.” Rhaenyra says and that is the last straw for Alicent, she wrenches her hand away and slices the princesses arm. 

“argh” Rhaenyra lets out a grunt. 

Alicent lets the blade fall to the floor. the room is stunned to silence once again, not even Viserys says a word. 

Aemond makes his way over to his mother nearly shoving Viserys aside, “do not mourn me mother, i may have lost an eye but i gained a dragon” he says looking at his sister as he leans against his mother. the words were not lost on Rhaenyra or Daemon, Vhagar is his now. 

Ser Criston comes over to Alicent and Aemond and stands protectively in front of them and Daemon does the same to Rhaenyra and her sons, his daughters watch from the corner of the room as he’s not bothered to check on them yet, only their grandmother has. 

—

Rhaenyra sits dejectedly looking at her stitched up arm as her sons watch. 

“gods what has happened?!” Laenor asks as he walks in. 

“leave us” she says to her sons, “straight to your rooms, you’ve already found enough trouble for today” she says sternly.

“yes mother” they both shuffle out. 

“i should’ve been there” Laenor says ashamed, “i’m sorry” he says earnestly. 

“leave me be Laenor, i must rest…” she says sternly, “we will talk later” 

“wait i..” Laenor hesitates and she nods at him to continue, “i know i must be there for you and the boys and i swear it i will be a better husband but… but i wish to stay here for a while… for my mother” he looks guilty at even asking. 

“perhaps that would be for the best” Rhaenyra says to Laenors clear surprise. 

“thank you Nyra and i promise i will be the ally you deserve” he smiles at her. 

“i know you will” she forces a pained smile back. 

—

Alicent sits with her head in her hands looking more disheveled then Criston has ever seen her.

“i have gone mad, disgraced myself” Alicent says, her voice thick, she wasn’t crying now but certainly had been earlier. 

“no your grace, she would’ve done much worse had her son been the one mutilated“ he reassures her. 

Alicent scoffs, “had it been her son the king wouldn’t have hesitated in giving him justice” she was filled with anger once again. 

“i thought we might go to the sept, to pray for Aemonds swift recovery” 

Alicent huffs out a bitter laugh, “and have them gawk at me like i’m some rapid dog as i pass through the halls? i think not” 

Criston gives her a look full of pity but says “shall we light a candle at your alter in here then?” 

“we may” Alicent concedes. 

they kneel together and Criston takes liberty in lighting the candle. “father please grant Aemond strength and smith grant him a swift recovery” they sat quietly after this. “you know..” Criston says breaking the silence, “it took lots of restraint not to pummel Harwins face in… and it takes restraint everyday not to break my vows and run King Viserys through with a sword” he says that last bit jokingly trying to lift her spirits. 

Alicent laughs slightly and then sits back on her heels and sighs, “gods… my life has been nothing but restraint and what for? i have played the dutiful daughter, the dutiful and faithful wife and it’s never enough!”

Criston has no answer for her but he reaches over and brings her into a hug, they’ve rarely indulged in more than innocent touches or chaste kisses to the hand but Alicent goes easily. 

“i’m just so exhausted” she mumbles. 

“the hand, your grace” announces her maid. Alicent nods at Criston to leave the room. 

“say your piece" Alicent says once the room is empty. 

“what peice is that?” he sounds almost sympathetic. 

“that i conducted myself in a matter unbefitting of lady and queen” Alicent says numbly and shakes her head, “i lost composure, assaulted the princess no doubt gossip is spreading that i’ve gone mad” 

“all true” 

“i’ve disgraced myself and made sure Viserys favour will always rest on her… any hold i had on him is surely lost.” Alicent is tired of fighting for her husbands consideration when it has long been futile. 

“i’ve never seen that side of you” Otto says. 

“it was ugly and i regret it!” 

“we play and ugly game… one i thought you too weak to play but now i see you have the determination, the stomach to win it” 

“Rhaenyra…” 

“you now see her for what she is, she is no ally of yours or your children and yet… her fathers coddling has made her weak in the face of challenge” 

“the king will never forgive this” 

“he will” Otto is sure of it, Viserys had always been too forgiving. Otto puts his hands on her shoulders, “i promise you daughter in time you and i will prevail.. what that rogue Aemond has done in winning Vhagar… it is worth the price he payed”

—

Alicent and Viserys sit in tense silence in the carriage, the other night took a toll on him and he now winces with every jostle. 

“i took the liberty of having the servants prepare wine and fruit for you when we arrive” Alicent breaks the fragile silence, Viserys says nothing. “Viserys i-i am sorry for what i-“ 

he holds up a hand to silence her. “speak no more of it… i have asked Rhaenyra to extend her stay on Dragonstone indefinitely” 

Alicent is stunned at this revelation, “your grace you needn’t have done that” 

“it is for the best, things will surely improve with time” 

— 

Rhaenyra stands watching as her father departs, her half siblings riding their dragons, she focuses on Vhagar as she follows after her new rider. Daemon comes to stand beside her and they are quiet for a moment just watching the royal family sail away. 

“fire is such a strange power… destructive” Rhaenyra says. 

“everything House Targaryen possesses is owed to it” Daemons says back. 

—

Alicent stands looking out to sea, she looks up as Vhagar flies overhead and shutters at the memory of the last night. Larys hobbles over to her. 

“a perversion of justice. the young prince defiled… an outrage” he says beside her. 

“indeed” 

“if it is an eye you want to balance the scales i am your servant” 

“that will not be necessary… but your devotion has not gone unnoticed” she says warily as she turns to him. 

“these are dangerous times. doubtless there will be a time when i will require such a… friend. with skill and discretion” he says close to her and she shutters, “i will await your call, your grace.” 

—

“will you depart to Dragonstone soon?” Daemon asks. 

“yes.” she says still staring out to sea, she is twisting her rings on her fingers, a nervous habit she’s had since her mother died. “uncle i… i need you. i need someone i can trust” she grabs his hands, “let us bind our blood as the Targaryens of old… with you as my prince consort no one would dare question my claim”

“we could only wed if Laenor is dead” Daemon raises his brow, he is willing but he does not know if she has the stomach for it. 

“i know” Rhaenyra gulps down the lump in her throat at the thought, “Velaryons are the sea but we are fire, we were always meant to burn together” she looks at him with intensity 

—

Daemon approaches Ser Quarl and the man startles when he realizes who he is. 

“my-my prince” 

“i’ve heard about your exploits in the Stepstones, a  knight of remarkable skill”

“you flatter me my prince” he says warily. 

“a landless knight with a lords taste” 

Quark stiffens, “Ser Laenor has been kind to me” 

“i bet he has, you’ve caught his favour to be sure” 

“what is it you want from me my prince?” 

“a death, it need not be a painful one and i will give you enough gold for a mance in Essos” 

—

“this will make me a tyrant” Rhaenyra says, “i don’t want to rule through terror” 

“perhaps” Daemon shrugs, “if the king isn’t feared he is powerless. if you are to be a strong queen you must cultivate respect yes but your subjects must know to fear you” 

—

Laenor is standing before the fire place when someone enters the hall. 

“Quarl? is something amiss?” 

“you’ve always looked down on me” he hisses. 

Laenor scoffs, “you forget yourself. your drunk” 

—

“the Velaryons have been my staunchest allies… what if they abandon me?” Rhaenyra worries. 

“they’ll not abandon my daughters. they’ll have no choice” Daemon reassures her. 

“the realm already whispers that i am an adulteress, a whore now they will call me a murderer” 

“let them whisper, our enemies will fear what we might be capable of” 

—

“NO!” Rhaenys cries as she sees Laenors body burnt to a crisp she pushes Corlys out of her way to get to him. 

“how did this happen?!” Corlys yells, “in my fucking hall who did this? tell me!” 

“no, no gods no” Rhaenys is on the ground in near hysterics. 

— 

standing on Dragonstones beach in the garb the conquerors once wore they bind themselves together in the tradition of their forefathers. a dragonkeeper stands in as priest officiating the ceremony.  

“blood of two joined as one, ghostly flame and song of shadows, two hearts as embers forged in the fourteen flames, the stars stand witness to the vow spoken in the darkness of light” 

they cut their lips with a blade of dragonglass and then their hands squeezing the blood into a chalice of wine.

“one heart, one soul, now and forever” Daemon says and once they both take a sip from the chalice he grabs her into a kiss smearing their blood. 

their children watch in discomfort, Rhaena is near tears. the maester has his hands on the boys shoulders in comfort as he looks at them with pity.