The harrowing screams of the Princess Rhaenyra permeated throughout the Dragonstone halls. She had been laboring on hours end, to no avail. Rhaella's eyes flinched harshly at the sound. The wails easily overpowered the council her father was attempting to hold.

She could not understand it—how a man could ignore his wife's pleas. Each knight and lord sat in their discomfort, however, none spoke to oppose Daemon.

Rhaella glanced at her cousins, both fighting back an outpour of emotions. She thought of her own mother. Oh, how similar the screams were. It was a terror that she hoped to never endure.

The memory caused Rhaella's voice to lift, with no mind for control.

"Perhaps we should wait for the Princess," Rhaella said.

All eyes turned to her, some in shock, others in slight agreement. Daemon stared at his daughter for a moment, eyes piercing as if to say, 'Do not dare'.

But she dared. This simply could not go on. Mayhaps her voice held no weight, but she would be heard. Rhaella's hands slammed down onto the painted table, fire flickering at the action. She had interrupted her father once again.

No further words were uttered by her. Rhaella stomped to Rhaenyra's chambers. Whimpers and curses could be heard.

She stood outside the door, unable to move. "Get out!" Rhaenyra screamed. "Monster! Get out!"

Her mother had said the same. Endless pleas to a child that could not understand the harm it was inflicting onto its mother.

Rhaella's body slid itself onto the side wall. She could not go in. All Rhaella could hear was her mother begging for her suffering to end.

"Mother?" Lucerys called. The smell of blood had wafted to Rhaella's nose. Princess Rhaenyra was forced to fight a women's battle—among men. The thought was infuriating.

"Know that my claim passes to you, Jacaerys," Rhaenyra speaks weakly. The line of succession had been made clear. Rhaella could only think how her sister would manage the position of queen.

Much better than her anyhow.

"Where is Daemon?" Jace asks with an unlike sternness.

"Gone to madness,off to plan his war," Rhaenyra mumbled.

Jace's eyes harden with fury. His jaw clenched tightly, and Rhaella wondered if she had ever seen him like this.

"Leave Daemon with me," Jace said. He marched off with such conviction that Rhaella found herself following him, nearly tripping over herself to match his strides.

"He will not listen," Rhaella said. Jace glanced at her. "He will."

The two cousins venture to the table once more. Rhaella stood further away, doubt evident.

"Let us stop this meeting," Jace demanded.

"Ah, the young prince," Daemon spoke nonchalantly. It did not go unnoticed to Rhaella that she was being ignored—punished.

"You are needed to patrol the skies of Vermax." It was a commanding tone, one that Rhaella was all too familiar with. But Jace refused to waiver.

"Did you hear what I said?" Jace spoke once more. Daemon scoffed but Rhaella could tell that he was somehow impressed by Jacaerys's efforts.

More so than her.

"You've lost the ability to speak for yourself?" Daemon's words were for Rhaella. If not for the constant screams mixed with flashes of her mother that filled her mind, perhaps she could have formulated a response.

"Leave her be," Jace said, only growing more angry. The two men engaged in a brief stare-down before Daemon grabbed dark sister and walked off.

"Come, and I shall show you the meaning of loyalty."

Jace gave Rhaella an assuring glance before walking out as well.

"Princess, please let us help you!" Rhaella could hear the maids beg.

But in truth, there was nothing they could do. She needed to remove herself from here, her stomach was beginning to turn.

Rhaella found solace inside her room. The silk sheets had been done up neatly—not like how she'd left them last.

She tried to focus on the details familiar to her. The imposing brass bookcase was on display in the corner.All the books and maps she could ever want resided there.

Something stuck out from one of the shelves. Reaching to grab it,Rhaella recognized it as a letter.

Aemond's letter.

Her fist shook as she clutched it,as if it would run away from her if she eased her grip. Aemond had not indulged in what was written.

Rhaella's fingers traced over her delicately written name. She could recall how horrid his penmanship was in their younger years,he certainly had worked hard at it.

The thought nearly made her smile,but it quickly faded. Smiling at a time such as this? Perhaps she was mad.

Rhaella did not wish to read it. Not until she could speak to Aemond again.

Hastily,Rhaella shoved the letter underneath her pillow,hoping that her conflictions would disappear with it.

"Rhaella?"

Baela and Rhaena stood in the doorway,faces sullen. Rhaella recognized the expression.It was one that was etched onto her sisters faces when their mother was dropped into the sea.

Pure sorrow.

"What of the babe?" Rhaella asked,although she was already sure of the answer.

Rhaena's gaze fell,hands clutched at her side. It was especially hard for her,Rhaella was sure. She was the one that saw the blood of their mother pour from her dress.

"She did not survive,Rhaenyra is wrapping her body now." Baela said.

"I see." Rhaella said.

"The funeral is about to take place." Rhaena choked out. She left the room and Baela followed after.Rhaella glanced at her pillow one last time. She would bury Aemond for the time being. He only served as a distraction from more pressing matters.

Walking out from the castle,Rhaella was met with the devastating sight. Her family gathered round stone fixtures that held up the tiny body of the babe. She noticed that her father looked especially withdrawn. Was that his grief making itself known? He hadn't looked that way at her mother's funeral.

A bitter feeling danced around her. Rhaella elected to stand by Lucerys who grabbed her arm for support. Her father had yet again lost an attempted babe. She felt sorry for him in earnest,the princess more so.

Fire was set to the babes frail body and Luke squeezed Rhaella harder. A painful silence rang out in the air.

Tears fell from Luke's face as he mourned his sister. Rhaella was unable to find words of comfort for him.

Booted footsteps crunched onto the ground,catching the attention of Rhaella. Ser Erryk Cargyll approached the front,in his hand was a satchel.

Daemon placed a hand over dark sister cautiously as the guards drew their own swords. 

"I mean you no harm,brothers." Ser Erryk spoke. He took the liberty of taking a few steps more before bending a knee.Reaching into the bag,he pulled out the gold crown of the old king Viserys Targaryen.

"I swear to the queen." Ser Erryk vowed. Rhaella thought the timing was..peculiar at best. Her father did not share the same opinion it seemed. Daemon took the crown and placed it atop Rhaenyra's head.

Queen of the seven kingdoms and protector of the realm. Daemon bent the knee for Rhaenyra and soon everyone followed suit.

Rhaella remained standing for a moment. Her stepmother had been crowned. She could not deny the surge of pride that rushed into her veins.

A woman would sit the iron throne through fire and blood. A war in Rhaenyra's name,the concept made Rhaella slightly envious.

Nevertheless,she too took a knee to the soil. Her grandmother remained standing,hardly a surprise to Rhaella–she was the queen who never was.

-------

A meeting was arranged the following day. Immediate lords and maesters that retained loyalty to Queen Rhaenyra were present. The arrival of her grandfather from driftmark lifted Rhaella's spirits slightly,choosing to stand at his side.

All gathered around the painted table,Queen Rhaenyra moved to its head. There was a hesitation intermingled with her confidence,one that Rhaella figured could only come with her position as a woman.

"Wine,my queen." Rhaena offered the cup. Rhaella's lips pursed at the action. Her sister was a smart girl. Queen Rhaenyra beckoned both girls to the table,who opted to stand at the sides of their betrothed.

Silence settled as the new Queen mulled over what her first words would be,everyone was waiting for her command.

"What is our standing?" Rhaenyra said finally.

"We have thirty knights,one hundred crossbow men and three-hundred men at arms." Daemon responded immediately.

No where near the amount that the Greens had,Rhaella knew that much. There was a guard for practically every door in the red keep...subtracting the one whose life Rhaella had taken.

The nausea in her stomach found itself once more.

Queen Rhaenyra thought over her husband's words. She looked around for a moment,eyes searching. She turned behind her,falling onto Rhaella next to her grandsire.

"Rhaella,come." The queen said. She was caught entirely off guard,Rhaella assumed she had been forgotten yet again. Everyone looked to her,expectant as her previous outburst had not been forgotten in a hurry.

The weight of significance hung over Rhaella's head. Her sister had made a defining approach,marking her place at the table,so why not her?

No dragon,no claim to any land and certainly no betrothed...and yet..

Rhaella strode to the right side of the Queen Rhaenyra,cementing herself confidently. This is where she wished to be,she decided. A hand of the queen. Rhaella would do everything in her power to make this known to her grace.

Rhaella fine tuned her ear as potential allyship was discussed. As she concluded,House Arryn would most likely side with them as the queen's own mother was of their lands.

House Celtigar would not deny their old valyrian blood. House Baratheon was up for question,Rhaella had heard the lord there was rather pig-headed,illiterate as well.

All council members agreed that the Riverlands would be essential for their cause.

"Pray to forgive my bluntness,your grace." One Maester interjected. Queen Rhaenyra was gracious to allow him.

"Your cause owns one that has not been seen since the days of Old Valyria.." The maester continued.

Dragons.

Rhaella wondered if she would ever be free of such talk. It served as a painful reminder of what she lacked.

"The Greens have dragons as well." Queen Rhaenyra stated. Rhaella's mind immediately shifted towards Vhagar,mighty she was. No dragon on their end would have the slightest of chances,save for Meleys or Caraxes.

"They have three adults,by my count." Daemon spoke. "We have Syrax,Caraxes and Meleys,your sons have Arrax,Vermax and Tyraxes."

'It is hopeful at best' Rhaella thinks. The latter three dragons were still relatively young,they barely hunted for their own food let alone seen war.

"Baela had Moondancer." Daemon said. Rhaena and Rhaella exchanged looks. On the out by their father once more,like always.

"Daemon none of our dragons have been to war." Queen Rhaenyra stated. There was a certain tension between them that had hardly escaped Rhaella's notice. Her father,perhaps unintentionally, had been making decisions without her official word.

"There are unclaimed dragons as well as wild ones." Daemon stated,attention turning to his dragonless daughters. Rhaena shifted,head turning away in shame. Rhaella might have done the same at one time,but there was a definite shift – her eyes bore straight into her fathers,unflinching.

"Vermithor and Silverwing." Jace chimed in. Daemon nodded in agreement,emitting a scoff from Rhaella.

"It is high time the two of you find dragons for yourselves." Daemon said.

"You wish to force a connection for the sake of war?" Rhaella asked. She could feel Rhaena tug on her arm in warning.

"Now is no time to be rebellious,Rhaella." Daemon scolded.

Her father had nothing if not sheer audacity,but she would be sure to match it.

" I cannot speak for Rhaena." Rhaella said. " Vermithor nor Silverwing are suited for me."

"And neither are any of the many dragon eggs you refuse to take." Daemon mocked. Rhaella clenched her fists,face heating up in embarrassment. He would not understand. There was something tugging at her mind,urging her to search. For what? Rhaella could not be sure.

"What good would a dragon egg do either of us,Rhaena's has yet to hatch." Rhaella pointed out. The statement, true,albeit harsh, caused Rhaena to flinch.

"Perhaps if you drew your attention to that matter and not that of our enemies you'd find success." Daemon said.

"Daemon." Queen Rhaenyra hissed. Her control over the black council was wavering and she wished to return to the matter at hand.

However,Rhaella in her persistent spitefulness made her anger known anyhow. It crossed her mind to bring up Mysaria,but resisted.

"Please excuse me,your grace." Rhaella said,bowing as respectfully as she could. She did not wait for the queen's response.

Back to her room she went,slamming the door obnoxiously behind her. Indignation boiled over inside,uncontrolled. Rhaella shoved the books from her desk,causing a thud to echo. She was hardly done,kicking around pillows and collectables in frustration.

She had completely destroyed her room–it was childish, she was forced to admit. Mayhaps her father was trying to instill a certain lesson,she could add it to the pile of constant confusion she faced.

In the midst of her vexation,Rhaella's hand landed onto Aemond's letter. The urge to rip it open overwhelmed her entirely. It was almost troublesome. How he managed to remain at the forefront of her mind despite everything. For a moment,Rhaella wondered if he thought of her as well. She ached to understand his reasoning; It surely could not have been for Aegons' sake or even his own mothers'. The only conclusion Rhaella was able to conjure was that of some self motivated desire of his.

Rhaella found a small comfort atop her bed,head lolling to the side. Hours passed her by swiftly as she dozed off.

An abrupt knock caused Rhaella to nearly fall off her bed. She had half a mind to ignore the interruption.

"Rhaella,open this door at once." The demand of Baela could be heard. Rhaella sighed;Baela would not ask again. She was met with the faces of her sisters,to whom she reluctantly let in.

"By the Gods,what happened here?" Rhaena asked, looking around. Rhaella shrugged,plopping down onto the floorboards.

"It was either this or yell at father in front of the entire council." Rhaella stated plainly. Baela rolled her eyes in response to her sister's statement.

"And in your impertinence,I now bear the burden of relaying what you have missed." Baela said.

Quietly,Rhaena began to pick up the things Rhaella had strewn across the room, returning them to their rightful place.

"I assume ravens have already been sent out to allies?" Rhaella inquired. She,in truth was only half interested,but for the sake of Baela and her temper,she indulged.

"Jace volunteered to relay the message himself." Baela said,slight adoration present.

"How prince like." Rhaella said. Baela hummed in agreement.

"Luke will fly to Storm's end." Rhaena added. Rhaella's brow furrowed. She could not imagine her sweet cousin demanding the Baratheon lord to bend the knee. It made her smile a little.

"Did grandsire officially declare his allegiance?" Rhaella asked. Corlys's hesitance was all too apparent,leaving her puzzled. The Velyeron bloodline would have been assured with Baela as queen and Rhaena as the lady of Driftmark.

"Yes,the fleets will be at the queen's command.''Rhaena responded. The seasnakes fleets would be properly intimidating,the greens would have no dominion over the seas.

"I do not think the queen will be so quick to war,she shows restraint." Rhaella said.

"She needs to show strength." Baela said,hands clenched together. Rhaena was seemingly finished with Rhaella's room as she sits on the bed.

"The blood on your dress from yesterday." Rhaena said,a growing look of concern etched onto her face. "What happened?

Rhaella's eyes flickered shut as she recalled,as if the event was so long ago.

"I killed a guard whilst escaping." Rhaella stated bluntly. She had long since decided that the nausea she felt was the prospect of being powerful rather than fear.

Her sisters gasped in unison. Rhaella thought the reaction was a little dramatic.

"That must have been horrible," Rhaena said.

"At the time it felt right." Rhaella said. She would spare her sisters from the dark details of her true thoughts for the time being.

"Thank the gods you're safe." Baela said. She too took to Rhaella's bed.

The Gods? No,this was her own doing..perhaps.

"Both of you wish to stay?" Her sisters nodded. Although Rhaella desperately wished to be alone,she would not deny them.

Rhaella dawned her nightdress before situating herself in the middle. Baela rolled to face the wall whilst Rhaena settled onto her back. I miss mother." Rhaena blurted out. They all thought it,the memory of their mother had become violently present during Rhaenyra's labors. Rhaella herself yearned for her mothers voice,even if it was for only a moment.

"Rhaena go to sleep." Baela responded after some time. Soon the slowed breaths of Baela filled the room.

Rhaella knew she would be unable to find sleep,like many nights before. Her mind reeled over the possibility of war. How would she fare? Would she be content to be sent off while her family fought?

Deep down,Rhaella longed for a chance to prove herself a true Targaryen–To find glory though fire and blood. She would give her very soul if need be.

"Rhaella,are you awake?" Rhaena's soft voice whispered. She felt the bed shift as Rhaena turned to her.

"Yes." Rhaella said reluctantly. Rhaena was quiet for a moment,considering her words.

"I saw the letter..it's from him isn't it?" Rhaena said.

"Yes." Rhaella said,seeing no point in denial.

"What was written?" Rhaena said.

Rhaella sighed. If she was to confess anything,she supposed it might as well be to Rhaena. Baela would sooner scold her and Rhaella was in no such mood for that.

"I do not know." Rhaella said. Oh,but she wanted to,terribly so.

"Still you care for him." Rhaena stated. Rhaella stared up to the ceiling,the dark warping her vision.

"There is something I must confess,but you mustn't tell a soul." Rhaella said.

"I would never." Rhaena assured. Rhaella knew she would not,but required verbal confirmation anyhow.

"The night before Aegon was crowned, I was with him." Rhaella said.

"Oh." Rhaena breathed out. Rhaella forced herself to continue,before she lost all nerve.

"We flew together on Vhagar and we spoke." Rhaella said. A ghost of a smile was present on her face,concealed by the dark.

"I found myself..relating to him,his aspirations." Rhaella whispered.

Rhaena hummed. "The two of you were always alike,I think."

"Rhaena I fucked him, there, in the grass." Rhaella spouted. She continued on before her sister could respond.

"I find myself with little regret of my doings." Rhaella admitted. She was no longer a maiden,purity stripped from her.

And there would be no god above to return it.

"And yet,he has betrayed you." Rhaena said. Tears threatened to fall down Rhaella's cheeks.

She knew it. She knew and almost did not care,and the fact horrified her greatly.

"If it should really come to war..I fear–" Rhaella trailed off. She could not bring herself to voice her thoughts. The truth of the matter; She feared that she would be unable to do what is necessary if it came to it.

And she hated it. Rhaella wished to be released from her feelings,to sever the bond between herself and Aemond.

"Do you love him?" Rhaena asked ,to her own dismay, she doubted the fact would change.

"I never wanted to,in earnest." Rhaella said.

"But do you?" Rhaena urged.

Rhaella did not respond. But she needed not to.

Love weakened her heart.

-----

'Awaken'

Rhaella's eyes flickered. The room was still swallowed in darkness,but this was no dream.

'Leave me.' Rhaella hoped her thoughts were loud enough for it. Her sisters were long asleep,however they did little to ease her anxiety.

'There is much to do,strange one.' It hissed. As if her body worked against her,she crawled from the bed,stumbling slightly.

'Allow my voice to guide you'

Rhaella walked into the long dragonstone halls,avoiding guards on instinct. She found herself outside–The cool air ruffled her nightdress.

"Where am I going?" Rhaella hissed. She was shivering and had neglected to wear shoes.

'To the glory you so desperately wish for.'

Against her better judgment,she continued onwards. Rhaella hiked up to the harsh terrains until her feet were numb. She paused as puffs of air left her quickly. Rhaella took a moment to observe her surroundings. She was on the Dragonmount,some ways away from the castle. One where some of the wild dragons reside.

She was in great danger.

''Explain yourself, devil!" Rhaella demanded. Trickles of fear dripped into her blood.

'You shall walk with death'

A low grumble could be heard from a cave,no doubt from a large dragon.

"Morghon iksos issa pāletilla?" Death is my crown?

Delusional or suicidal,Rhaella could not determine what she was as of yet–perhaps a healthy mix of both.

Droplets of water fell from the cave onto her face. She tried to recall the histories of her ancestors. Dragons choose their riders, and if this one deemed her unworthy then..

Rhaella shuddered,slowing her movements purposefully. Is this what Aemond had felt when he approached Vhagar? From where did he pull the confidence to do such a thing?

Skeletal remains lined the cave floors,causing Rhaella to trip.

Then she heard growling once more,closer than she would have liked. There,in the shadows an outline of a head could be seen. Tufts of smoke blew from the beast's nose,eyes glowing a brilliant green.

Green. Like the fire from her dreams. It was the Cannibal dragon–a wildly vicious best.

Rhaella was sure this would be her last thought.

'All power demands sacrifice,you see.' The voice purred out. Rhaella was overcome with a certain dark determination.

It had a morbid curiosity,wishing to see how she would act.

Rhaella would be the dagger with the wound if necessary.

She clutched a sharpened rock,slicing her palms swiftly. The iron smell of her blood drifted to the dragon's nose.

"Māzigon naejot issa ''' Come to me' Rhaella spoke confidently. There could be no room for fear nor hesitation,a beast of this caliber would surely take advantage of it. The Cannibals' mighty roar shook the cave,leaving sediments to fall.

If this–entity.. Held a special interest in her, she would be bold in her claim.

"ānogar hen issa ānogar, sagon issa dohaeragon" Blood of my blood,be my help.

Rhaella's fluent valyrian did little to calm the dragon,the roars only increased. An intense heat hit her at once,a sign of incoming dragonfire.

Having no choice but to flee,Rhaella made haste whilst the blood from her palms left a trail.

A furious wildfire followed after her,the aftermath blackened her nightgown. Frustration ate away at Rhaella. The voice had been silent for some time,offering no such help for her.

It was clear this was an act she was to perform alone. How could she entice a wild dragon? She could not be calm,lest she presents herself as prey by mistake.

Rhaella smeared her bloodied hands over her neck and face as she came to a resounding conclusion.

She did not need to tame the Cannibal–she needed to only enter an understanding of dominance.

Rhaella took the risk of approaching a second time. Her sharp violet eyes were fearsome, she held the very resolve of the fourteen flames.

"I promise you chaos,if you'd let me." Rhaella spoke. The Cannibal still stood tall,although his growls had dampmend.

She inched closer. Rhaella could almost feel the connection. Something about this dragon felt so achingly familiar. His green eyes served almost as a reflection. Perhaps this was the bond her father used to speak of.

"Naenie vali emagon sylutan naejot claim ao." 'Many men have tried to claim you' Rhaella cooed out. The Cannibal was strange like herself,out of place and left to be.

But she was no man.

Cautiously,Rhaella reached a hand up to the dragon's hardened scales,decorated with cuts and old wounds.

"Ao mijegindita mirre." You poor thing. Her blood stained the Cannibal's nose as she carefully stroked him with the tips of her fingers. The dragon seemed to reluctantly allow it and Rhaella dared to push her luck further.

"You deserve a proper name,I think." Rhaella mused. The Cannibal jerked from her touch,seemingly having more than enough. Rhaella's mind raked over all the childish names she used to hold the hope of one day calling her dragon.

But the Cannibal was hardly hers,and likely would not be for some time–the thought was more than fine with Rhaella. She had waited this long after all.

"Aegarax." Rhaella declared. He was the first God of Old Valyria,ruler over all. She thought it was fitting. He was not as large next to Vhagar,of course but he swallowed Melyes and Syrax in size.

The dragon,now Aegarax, met her gaze and Rhaella knew she had chosen well. She noticed the bits of black that swirled in his eyes,quite peculiar.

"Lykiri,Aegarax." Rhaella urged. Aegarax seemed to settle,to Rhaella's surprise.

"Kostilus gaomagon daor zālagon issa." 'Please do not burn me' Rhaella hoped her words were not in vain. It would not be such a terrible way to go,a dragon rider's death.

Rhaella held onto one of the spines,pausing to gauge a reaction. Aegarax let out a small grumble as he puffed smoke from his nose. He wasn't all too thrilled at her touch,she was sure, but as it stood she had not yet been reduced to a pile of ash.

Hiking herself onto his back,Rhaella swung her leg onto the other side. Aegrarax made no movement,paying her weight no mind. The pages of the books she had filled her boredom with could not compare to what her eyes witnessed. His black scales were detailed and thick,Rhaella resisted the urge to let her hands wander,maybe at a later time.

Rhaella readjusted her grip onto Aegrarax's scales,hunching over as she had seen her mother do many times before atop Vhagar. Her inexperience was obvious,even unto herself. She settled onto the slope of the dragons back comfortably.

"Soves" 'Fly' Rhaella said hesitantly. Aegrarax huffed out,wings stretching slightly. Anticipation bubbled over in Rhaella. This is it. She would at last find herself in the skies as she had always hungered for.

However,it never came. In one sharp movement,Aegrarax jolted,causing her to tumble off his back. The rejection caused Rhaella to smile. He could have eaten her and he did not.

She refused to rush it,despite the looming war. All the beast needed was time and patience.

"I shall return with a dragon egg on the morrow." Rhaella promised. The Cannibal,true to his name, preferred to eat his own. Power required a sacrifice,and she would see to that it would be fulfilled.

Rhaella returned to Dragonstone,blind with glee.The blood had crusted over onto her brown skin and her nightdress was ruined,but satisfaction surged through her. She carefully closed the castle door. Panicked whispers could be heard from the war room.

Curiously,she peered around the corner–The sight in front of her caused the joy to be instantly killed.

The queen Rhaenyra was bowed over,body shaking with sobs. Her father's face was hardened with fury. Rhaella thought about turning back to the outside. She glanced at her father once more,she had never seen him in such a manner.

"Father?" Rhaella called meekly. She prepared herself for a scolding at her state. Daemon's head snapped to the direction of his daughter's voice.

"Rhaella?" Daemon took in her state. "What happened to you?"

It was selfish,she knew it but the words left her before she could stop them.

"I went on a walk,I fell." Rhaella stated. Daemon's eye caught the singed fabrics of her clothes. He would address it later.

"Your grace?" Rhaella said,The queen's condition greatly perturbed her.

"Send for your sisters." Daemon commanded. Rhaella moved closer,catching the sight of the letter clutched in Rhaenyra's hand.

"What.." Rhaella's question died on her tongue,cut by her fathers words.

"Lucerys has been slain."