𝐑𝐇𝐀𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐀 𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐒𝐋𝐄𝐄𝐏 would hardly come easy from this point onwards.

She had given her breakfast to Astris, who accepted it gladly. Rhaella could not find it in herself to do much of anything.

Guilt.Loathing. Anger.

A helpless loop the girl had remained in.

"I have not yet asked my father about your freedom," Rhaella admitted. It was mostly for Astris's benefit, as Mysaria seemed disengaged from the conversation.

"I can hardly hold it against you, he is quite fearsome," Astris responded.

"Among other things," Mysaria added bitterly.

The heavy thud of iron rang out in the prison halls, interrupting anything further.

"Lady Rhaella." Ser Erryk greeted. Rhaella's body slightly tensed as she was hardly allowed in the dungeons.

"Good morrow, Ser," Rhaella said, removing herself from the front of the cell. The guard stared at her for a moment, as if contemplating something.

"You need not worry." Ser Erryk said kindly. He grasped the keys from his pocket, unlocking the cell.

Mysaria held no look of surprise, almost expectant. Astris on the other hand gleefully exited the cell, taking her place by Rhaella.

"The Prince Daemon has seen for your freedom." Ser Errryk said.

Rhaella's brow furrowed in confusion. Her sharpened eyes turned to Mysaria who quietly thanked Erryk.She had done something, Rhaella was sure. Mysaria, instead brushed past her leaving Astris and Rhaella to themselves.

"I thought I would be confined there forever!" Astris exclaims. Rhaella manages a slight smile.

"Come," Rhaella said, walking off. Astris was quick to follow, falling into her familiar role.

Rhaella escorted Astris to her chambers, shutting the door behind her.

"You may stay here for a time," Rhaella said. She dug around the wardrobe, placing her old dresses onto Astris's lap.

"What will you do?" Astris hummed, admiring the fine fabrics. They were admittedly not her style. But a needle and thread would remedy it.

"I shall ask the queen for your leave." Rhaella decided. Truthfully, Rhaella doubted the Queen Rhaenyra was in a state to be so gracious.

So, Rhaella left Astris to herself. She tread down the halls, lost in thought. Her mind had since decided to speak to Rhaena, who had not left her room as of yet.Rhaena would not want to see her, Rhaella knew. But her fist knocked on the door anyhow.

"It is me," Rhaella spoke, almost softly.

Expectedly, her sister offered naught a response. Slowly, Rhaella opened the door to her sister's quarters.

And there the lady Rhaena was, cradled into herself on the couch.  She did not so much as twitch at the sound of Rhaella's footsteps.

"You haven't eaten," Rhaella commented. It was a mindless observation, making up for her own hesitation.

Nothing. And Rhaella could not find it in herself to blame her.

"I...understand your contempt, Rhaena," Rhaella said. The air was thick and Rhaella could hardly bear the treatment.

"You understand nothing," Rhaena snapped. Anger was palpable in her tone, causing Rhaella's eyes to flinch.Rhaena had never spoken to her like that before. However, Rhaella preferred this to the dismissal of her existence.

Their father did that well enough.

Rhaella stared at her sister. Her white loced hair served as a painful reminder of their mother's skilled hands.

Rhaena sat up from her position, the whites of her eyes were red. The sight tore Rhaella apart.She had hurt her, even indirectly. And she would punish herself for it.

"Your love has taken mine," Rhaena said, voice wavering. Rhaella forced herself to avert her eyes.

"I do not love him," Rhaella said. Mayhaps the lie served to protect herself. Rhaena thought better though.

"You cannot fool me like you do others, I know you," Rhaena said.

And Rhaella wished the fact to be false. Baela had been raised on Driftmark, leaving the two dragonless sisters to cling unto one another, bonded in uncertainty.

"What would you have me do, Rhaena?" Rhaella said. Her feelings would hardly bring Luke back. In spite of her sister's sobs before her, Rhaella felt defensive. It was not her fault. She had done nothing.

Rhaena's sobs wrecked her body. And Rhaella watched. A sister would hug,offer comfort. Rhaella could not give her either.Instead, Rhaella fell to her knees, gripping her sister's hands.

"Hate me if you wish, curse my name if it pleases you," Rhaella said earnestly.

Her forehead touched the fingertips of her sister's hands; Praying for a forgiveness she did not deserve. For her feelings for the kinslayer could not change.

"But please sister, do not ignore me." Rhaella pleaded.

Rhaena looked at her sister for a beat of time. It was haunting, really. Rhaella possessed the face of their mother. Her silver curls fell down her back like a trail of ridicule.

But Rhaella's eyes were forever cold and jarring, tainting the gift of her mother.It was a shame.

"Even if the Gods wished it, I could never hate you," Rhaena said. She could not deny her little sister, even now.

Rhaella breathed out. Rhaena held the caring spirit of their mother, always trying to see the good in others."Thank you Rhaena," Rhaella said, standing up. Rhaena's broken state was enough to incite fury in her.Aemond had hurt her sister. So Rhaella would hurt him.

"Will you not attend today's meeting?" Rhaella asked. Rhaena shook her head and Rhaella did not press further.

𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍 Rhaella learned that Jaehaerys had been slain in his bed only one thought came to mind.

Helaena could not survive this. Her older cousin was such a fragile girl, far too gentle for this world.

And her son. Rhaella recalled how she practically begged Rhaenyra to fly her to Kings Landing, for fear she would lose her cousin to childbirth.It was a laborious pregnancy and the end result was two little twin babes. Helena had insisted she hold one of them.

Rhaella was ten years of age, staring down at the sickly small babe in her arms.

Poor child.

"But it's a lie." Queen Rhaenyra scoffed out, clearly appalled by the vicious but admittedly strategic accusations.

Rhaella tuned out the nonsense that had become of the black council. Hardly anything mattered and she could not bring herself to find any interest in the discussion.

She felt the elbow of Jace softly nudge her side. Rhaella blinked up at him. She wondered if he secretly celebrated the death of Aegon's firstborn.

No, he was taken aback as well. Jacaerys held a stern expression, quite unlike himself. But his eyes, those were soft.

Somehow, his expression quelled Rhaella for a time. It was odd.

"One might think, naturally her grace would seek relief." Ser Alfred ventured out.Queen Rhaenyra rose from her seat abruptly.

"Are you claiming my grief would drive me to the slaughter of a child?"

"Perhaps an action taken in haste." Ser Alfred said.

Jace's grip on the handle of his sword tightened. Rhaella took a certain comfort in knowing he was angry, amongst other feelings.

Hungry to take action. Much like herself.

"Mind yourself," Rhaenys said. Following the gaze of her grandmother, Rhaella's eyes fell unto her father. He had been unnervingly silent.

Much too silent for Rhaella's liking. There was a certain smugness to him, one that could only come with a gratification of some sort.

It had almost slipped her mind, what kind of monster her father was.  He considered others little and less. Daemon was entirely self-serving.

Rhaella could have screamed at him, maybe it would have lessened her own guilt.

"Nyke vēdros ao." Rhaella hissed out like a snake's venom. And she meant it wholeheartedly. 'I hate you.'None who understood corrected her disrespect. For Rhaella, there was nothing further here for her.

Jace tried to reach out to her, in vain. Rhaella misliked him at the moment as well. How could he look up to such a man?

Rhaella walked until her feet stung, all the way to the Dragonmount, her sanctuary. Hiking up her dress, Rhaella scaled the rocky terrain.

She wished to wipe her mind from everything. But for now, her spite took root again.The heat and steam emitting from the caves were enough to make her feel faint. Rhaella enjoyed it; She could pass out right there for a while.

Instead, her rage intensified as she dug her hands into an egg sack. Her hands stung, badly which she paid no mind. A gleaming yellow egg emerged, one from the dragons' Syrax and Caraxes.

Clutching it underneath her arm, Rhaella entered to the Cannibals' cave. She did not bother the caution, he would've already caught her scent.

"Aegarax,māzīs".Rhaella cooed to the dragon.'Come'. Slowly, his large black head emerged from the darkness. His low growl shot straight through her body.

Cautiously, Rhaella presented the dragon egg from her hands. She met the dragon's piercing green eyes; Starved.

If he would take the egg straight from her hands, it would be welcome progress. Rhaella moved closer, gesturing the egg closer to the Cannibal's nostrils.

"Lykirī, kisās". Rhaella spoke again, gently in tone yet commanding. 'Be calm, eat'. Aegarax, wild dragon that he was, seemed to enjoy testing the limits of Rhaella's courage. She wouldn't be remiss to think he found it funny to scare her.

In a quick snap, Aegarax snatched the egg with his mouth from Rhaella's hand. He crunched down in satisfaction, staring at her for a moment.

The back of Rhaella's hand stroked his nose. She longed to fly, to take Aegrarax and flee to the East.

"Is my irritation that obvious to you?" Rhaella hummed out. She was annoyingly close to the power she lusted for.

'𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐭, 𝐬𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡.'

There it was. Rhaella thought she had ridden herself of it.

A sharp pain in her head brought her down to kneel. Hisses and whispers of madness plagued her mind.

'𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐞!'

'𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗿𝗲!'

Aegarax's loud roar pulled her out of it. Rhaella wobbled as she stood to her feet. She had more than enough of this. Answers to her questions must be found.

"And...you say it is a man's voice?" Astris questions. Her black eyes studied Rhaella's exasperated state. She had since noticed a change in her lady, the aura around her had darkened significantly.

"Sometimes it sounds like a man, but I cannot be sure." Rhaella sighed out. Her body fell back onto her bed. "Am I being plagued by devils?"

The Pentoshi girl sat in silence for a moment. She had seen much and more in her time, but this was unique. Peering into the shadows and keeping her ears to nature could not answer for this absurdity.

"It must need you to fulfill an act." Astris decided. "Perhaps establishing contact would remedy the confusion?"

At this, Rhaella sat up. She did not fear Astris, but rather her uncanny abilities. Witchcraft was not to be trifled with.

"A ritual, you mean," Rhaella said uncertainly. She had since decided long ago that there were no Gods in this life. And she was not so eager to be proven wrong.

"Of sorts, summoning dark things is dangerous work." Astris said. Her pale fingers ran through her blackened hair.

"You are more exposed to otherworldly properties than the rest of your bloodline."

The Targaryens were no stranger to dark arts, Rhaella knew. Many women before her used it to suit their needs, so perhaps she should follow.

Rhaella shook the thought from her head.

"Will you not leave with Mysaria?" Rhaella switched over, eyes boring into the black-haired girl. Some kind of beauty, Astris was. Pentos could not comprehend such a thing, much their loss.

"Hmm, I've just now found purpose here, my lady," Astris said.

"You wish to serve, not for freedom?" Rhaella said, her eyes now trailing down to the girls' soft lips.  She could do it, quickly if she made haste. Rhaella knew Astris surely wouldn't mind. It would be a more than welcome distraction.

The image of Aemond and his heated gaze filled her mind. A mocking reminder of what she truly was.

Rhaella scooted herself away, hands folded to her lap. She could not forget herself again.If Astris did notice the change, she said nothing. "You need me, i've seen the state of your wardrobe." Astris scoffed out.

"What's wrong with it?" Rhaella asked, almost offended. Astris stood up making her way to the closet. Dress after dress was tossed onto the bed.

"When I was in your service, you were always dressed handsomely," Astris said. She paused to hold up a gaudy brown dress in disgust.

Amused, Rhaella moved the dresses to the side. She never much cared for what she wore. Rhaena was the one interested in fashion. Baela tended to be quite boyish in her choices.

So long as Rhaella's hair was braided neatly, nothing else mattered. Astris, despite her bastard status, dressed like a Pentoshi princess. Gold and silks.

"You'll have your work ahead of you, I think." Rhaella jokes. Astris pulled a snarky look, tossing another dress in Rhaella's face.

"A clever jest," Astris said sarcastically.

"I thought so," Rhaella said plainly.

A knock at the door interrupted further conversation.

"Come," Rhaella answered, standing up.

It was Ser Lorent, one of the queen's guards.

"The queen summons you, my lady," He said.

The Dragonkeepers had likely discovered her doings, much to her dismay. Rhaella followed the knight out, to the queen's chamber.

Rhaella's hands twitched in nervousness. When was the last time she had spoken to the queen? And alone?

"Your grace?" Rhaella settled on. The queen turned to her as the maid halted her braided movements.

"I am interested to know the status of that dragon." Queen Rhaenyra said. The tone was eerily motherly, it made Rhaella shift her weight.

"He will not yet allow me to mount, your grace," Rhaella responded.

"The Dragon keepers tell me he prefers eggs" Queen Rhaenyra looked at her pointedly.

Rhaella was unwavering, as she was not interested in being lectured.

"He is the Cannibal," Rhaella said. Queen Rhaenyra smiled. Daemon had just left off to..wherever, and his replacement had come to cause her grief.

The door of Rhaenyra's room flung open. Both turned toward the sight.

"Ser Erryk?" She called, confused. Rhaella figured she would take her leave now, not wanting to cause an interruption.

However, no such relief came. Ser Erryk gripped her arm tightly, pressing her body against his armor, sword drawn to her neck.

Rhaella gasped out at the feeling of the cold metal. But all thoughts halted at her confusion. Ser Erryk was noble and gentle, this was unlike him.

This was not him. Rhaella thrashed wildly, trying in vain to break free from his hold."Know that this gives me no pleasure." Ser Arryk gruffed out.

"Ser Erryk?" Queen Rhaenyra's eyes were shaken as Rhaella held them. It was a rather pathetic way for her to die.

"Either the girl or you."Ser Arryk said again. The side of the blade cut into her neck, blood seeping down.

"I do not understand," Rhaenyra said. Rhaella held no such panic, she had since made up her mind.

" Nyke emagon nykeā egros, issa dāria" Rhaella spoke calmly.'I have a blade, my queen.'It would hardly do much, but she would try anyhow. Rhaella's elbow slammed into Ser Arryk's eye. Bellowing out in pain, his hold loosened.

Elinda shrieked, hiding behind the table as Rhaella swiftly came to the queen's front, drawing her dagger.

"Assassin." Rhaella breathed out. There was a rush through her blood, coming so close to death. The iron smell of her blood hazed her senses. Rhaenyra held onto Rhaella's shoulder, pushing in front of her.

"Elinda!" Rhaenyra said. "Run and find Ser Lorant."

The maid sped out of the chamber, leaving Rhaella and Rhaenyra to manage.Rhaella clutched the valyrian steel tighter. The last time she killed, the neck had been open to her. But Rhaella concluded that this time, she would aim for his traitorous eyes.

"Rhaella, you should go as well," Rhaenyra said.

"You will be slaughtered, your grace," Rhaella responded. In this way at least, she could find a way to stall him.

"Brother!" Ser Erryk yelled out.  The two brothers' swords clashed.

Madness in uncertainty. Who was who?  Queen Rhaenyra shoved Rhaella out of harm's way.The twin blades were much too close to the queen, she sustained bruises from her fall.

"You must stand!" Rhaella urged. But alas, both the women were rendered helpless.

"Your Grace!" The voice of Ser Lorent called out. His voice might have brought the queen relief, but not Rhaella. She still wished to plunge her dagger into Ser Arryk's skin.

The knight took up the queen's hand, guiding her away from the fight. Rhaella's eyes tracked Ser Arryk, although it was hard. Perhaps it was true that they said about twins, forever soul-tied.

Suddenly, Ser Erryk plunged his sword into the stomach of his brother. Rhaella watched his armored body thud to the floor.

The dark crimson blood pooled onto the stone floor. Rhaella's mouth parted, enthralled by the sight.

"Forgive me, your grace." Ser Erryk stuttered out. He then turned his sword into himself, falling to his knees.

Rhaella guided Rhaenyra to sit, her grace looked terribly pale. Jacaerys came rushing in, blade drawn.

"Mother?" He said. Rhaenyra looked relieved to see him.

"I'm alright, Jace," Rhaenyra said. He looked to Rhaella in her bloodstained state,clearly withdrawn.

Jace placed his hands atop Rhaella's shoulders, checking for any extraneous injuries. Rhaella's gaze locked into him. Jace's black curls fell into his concerned eyes. She supposed this was how Baela saw him. Handsome by all accounts.

"I shall fetch a maester for you," Jace said. Blinking slowly, Rhaella waved him off.

"I do not need it, cousin." She said. Astris could easily remedy whatever cuts she sufficed.

Almost reluctantly, Jace's hands fell to his side, turning back to his mother.

Thus was the second loss of both the Greens and Blacks.

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A/N: Rhaella? You ok in there? What do we think about this chapter? I've been itching to slowly reveal how dark Rhaella can be if you couldn't tell.
Astris and Rhaella kiss challenge!!!😼

Also! Rhaella and Jace...what's that about, let's hope their dynamic is normal and healthy.🦹‍♂️