CHAPTER TWENTY—TWO

ROBERT comforted Jace as Daeron did the same with Luke — the two didn't know what it felt like to lose a sibling but they did know how to comfort people through their mother so they did their best.

The Velaryon boys were thankful for their comfort but didn't have too much time to dwell on it as the funeral was at the horizon — their parents wanting to have their babe put to rest immediately with everything else they had going on.

Roseva slipped her dress on with Daemon putting his sword in its holder behind her — tears slipped down her cheek slowly and she wiped them aware before she turned around to face her husband.

"What do we say, Daemon? I mean w-what is there even to say?", Daemon turned and faced his tear stained faced wife and sighed. He too didn't know what to say when his children had asked what happened and why their mother was screaming in her room.

What could you say when there were zero answers?

"Perhaps words aren't what they need right now, only the means of our comfort and presence", his spoke softly to her and walked forward to hold her at arms length.

Roseva pressed her hands into the dents of his elbow and tapped her fingers against it, "Right", she nodded, looking away from him but then met his eyes, "How are the children?".

"As to be expected".

"Right. I'll have Daeron and Robert—",

"Look after them? They're already doing that", Daemon finished for her and she breathed in deeply with a nod, thankful for her two eldest boys.

"Good. They shouldn't be alone at a time like this".

Roseva didn't know what it felt like to lose a child.

But she would . . .

Daemon kissed the top of her head to then move his own head down to meet with her forehead — the two looked at each other softly before kissing and pulling away. "We should go", she spoke and let him go, their hands falling from each others touch as they walked out of the room.

Roseva stood at the bottom of the hill with Rhaenyra's children by her side, her own children stood beside her husband whom was standing on her other side.

Steffon and Rhaenyra stood at the top of the hill, standing over their child who was wrapped carefully by it's mother moments after her death — the babe never lived outside of its mothers womb but she knew her mothers life through beats of her heartbeat and that was enough.

Roseva wrapped a hand around Daemon's arm and watched Rhaenyra, watching in case she needed her. The babe was set aflame and everyone stood in silence until a guard came strolling passed the rocks up until he reached the princess but he didn't quite make it as he was stopped by the other who drew their swords.

Steffon turned upon hearing the swords to see the man — Ser Erryk stood in his armour tall and proud with a satchel wrapped over his shoulder, "I mean no harm, brothers", he took his helmet off slowly and the Baratheon waved off his guards who put their swords away.

Ser Erryk climbed to the top and kneeled, Rhaenyra turned away from her child to see him with her fathers crown in his hands. "I swear to ward the Queen . . .".

"Oh my Gods", Roseva whispered and Daemon smirked.

"With all my strength . . . and give my blood for hers. I shall take no wife . . . hold no lands . . . father no children. I shall guard her secrets . . . obey her commands . . . ride at her side, and defend her name and honour", Ser Erryk recited his lines as though they were the words he breathed for. He was loyal and Steffon saw that through his eyes. He took the crown from the knight and turned to Rhaenyra.

His careful footsteps toward her made Roseva smile as a tear slipped down her cheek, the man kneeled before his wife once he placed the crown upon her head, "My Queen".

Rhaenyra looked down at her husband in disbelief before looking up to find Roseva, the woman nodded from afar and slowly got down to her knee and bowed her head — her children and husband following along with her as well as the rest of the people, Rhaenys being the only left standing besides their new Queen.

Rhaenys may not have kneeled but they knew where her loyalty lied, she was just too stubborn to admit to herself.

Rhaenyra was the Queen they chose, not because of what she inherited through name but because they believed in her. The way she cared for her people and the way she carried herself — she was made to rule the Seven Kingdoms.

But to what cost?

⸺

The battle table was brought to light, swords were set at the ready, figurines were freshly carved and set on the table as the people awaited their new Queen for any orders she may give to claim her throne back.

"Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, First of Her Name. Queen of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men. Lady of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm".

Heads bowed as the Queen approached the table, "You Grace". The woman stepped forward causing her guards to do the same making her stop and look back at them and raise her hand making them stop too.

Rhaena stepped forward and held a cup of wine, "Wine, my Queen". Rose smiled lightly at her child and held Baelon to her side as he watched everyone with big eyes.

"Thank you, Rhaena", she took the wine. "Come", she spoke and young woman joined the Queen side as they approached the table.

Rhaenyra slowly looked around the table to her supporters and stopped at Roseva who gave an encouraging look upon seeing her scared one. The Queen sighed lightly to boost her confidence before speaking, "What is our standing?".

Daemon stepped forward beside Steffon, "We have thirty knights, a hundred crossbowmen and three hundred men—at—arms. Dragon stone is relatively easy to defend, but as an instrument of conquest, our army leaves a lot to be desired. We have sent word to my loyal men in the City Watch. I'll have some support there, but I cannot speak to the numbers", he spoke and Rhaenyra nodded in thought.

"We already have declarations from Celtigar and Staunton, Massey, Darklyn, Bar Emmon", a maester spoke after and Jacaerys picked up a few figurines and placed them on the battle table.

Rhaneyra looked over it and pointed, "My Lady mother was an Arryn. The Vale will not cloak against their own kin".

"River run was always a close friend to your father, Your Grace. With Prince Daemon's acquiescence, I've already sent ravens to Lord Grover".

Rhaenyra turned to the maester, "Lord Grover is fickle and easily swayed. He will need to be convinced of the strength of our position and that we will support him should it come to war".

Roseva turned when her husband spoke, "I'm going to treat with him myself", Daemon looked back at her and merely nodded, easing her mind that he would be safe.

"What of Storm's End and Winterfell? There has never lived a Stark who forgot an oath. And with House Stark, the North will follow".

Roseva turned to Rhaenyra, "I know Cregan Starks father fairly well from when I was a child. I shall write to him and urge him for his support".

Rhaneyra placed a hand on hers, "Thank you".

"Lord Borros Baratheon will need to be reminded of his father's promises", Rhaenyra turned to Roseva and Steffon again.

"Steffon shall help there, Borros sees my grandfather as a bastard and inturn questions my own heritage. Steffon is pure Baratheon", she spoke and Rhaenyra nodded in response as did Steffon.

A guard placed a figurine down as did Jace, the Queen observed the table trying to decide where to find more supporters. "What news from Driftmark?", she then turned to Rhaenys from behind her.

"Lord Corlys sails for Dragonstone with my granddaughters".

"To declare for his Queen", Steffon spoke, hands folded.

"The Velaryon fleet is in my husband's yoke. He decides where they sail", Rhaenys finished.

"We shall pray for both you and your husband's support. Just as we prayed nightly for the Sea Snake's return to good health. There's no port on the Narrow Sea would dare to make an enemy of the Velaryon fleet", the Queen smoothed talked the Princess before turning back to the table and Roseva smirked proudly at that. "And our enemies?".

Daemon spoke again, his knowledge of war proving itself to be useful, "We have no friends among the Lannisters. Tyland has served the Hand too long to turn against him", Rose rolled her eyes, "And Otto Hightower needs the Lannister fleet".

"Without the Lannisters we are not like to find allies west of the Golden Tooth", Rhaenyra spoke with urgency.

"No. The Riverlands are essential, Your Grace".

A lord bowed his head, "Pray forgive my bluntness, Your Grace, but talk of men is moot. Your cause own a power that has not been seen in this world since the days of Old Valyria. Dragons".

"The Greens have Dragons, as well".

Daemon nodded, "They have three adults, by my count. We have Syrax, Caraxes, Maraxes, Dreamfire and Meleys", Daeron, Rhaena and Rhaenys all looked up at the mention of their dragons. "Your sons have Vermax, Arrax, and Tyraxes. Baela has Moondancer", Rhaegar looked down at the lack of having a dragon and Baelon was only five and his egg had yet to hatch.

Rhaneyra raised an eyebrow at her Uncle and Roseva sighed, "Daemon, none of our dragons have been to war".

"There are also unclaimed dragons. Sea smoke still resides on Driftmark. Vermithor and Silverwing dwell on the Dragonmount still rideless", Daemon's eyes turned to his son who looked up and met his fathers eyes with hope but fear. "Then there are the three wild dragons all of whom nest here".

"And who is to ride them?".

"Dragonstone has thirteen to their four. I also have a score of eggs incubating in the Dragonmount. Now . . .", Daemon begins walking around the table, "We need a place to gather, a toehold large enough to house a sizeable host. Here, at Harrenhal. We cut off the west, surrounded King's Landing with the Dragonstone. And we could have every Green bead mounted on spikes before the fucking moon turns".

Roseva flinched slightly at her husbands words, remembering Alicent vividly in her mind. The way she so wanted to cut her off from her heart but couldn't even if she wanted to so badly. She couldn't believe what her former step—daughter had done. She believed Alicent the night before, how she excited for them to return so they could spend more time together — and as soon as they left the harbour she made Aegon King.

She didn't understand and perhaps she never would.

Rhaneyra watched her Uncle in silence, "Your Grace . . .", she turned her head to Ser Erryk, "a ship has been sighted offshore: a lone galleon, flying a banner of a three headed green dragon".

Before Rhaenyra could speak, Daemon did instead, "Alert the watchtowers. Sight the skies", he took his sword and walked out of the room. Leaving Roseva to look at Rhaenyra sadly. She knew Daemon wanted to avenge Viserys, he lost his brother, but even she could admit he was taking the strategy of war way too far.

⸺

Robert and Daeron stood with their father, Rewan stood with Ser Erryk slightly behind them with Steffon as they awaited the arrival of the ships passengers.

The Hightower boy stepped forward upon the look of his father, Otto, who was vastly approaching them and Daeron walked with him. "I come at the behest of the Dowager Queen Alicent, mother of King Aegon, Second of His Name", the boys rolled their eyes at that, "Lord and—".

"A royal cunt", Daeron finished the man off. Otto looked slightly taken back as he looked to Daemon's child before looking toward his own who held his eye contact with nothing but a blazing fire in his eyes.

"I've been directed to deliver her messsage only to Princess Rhaenyra. Where is the Princess?", Otto continued.

"The Queen will fair with you when she sees fit", Robert spoke harshly so the man who merely helped bring him into this world — a pure excuse if you asked him.

Otto glared at his son but looked up when a shriek cried through the dark, cloudy sky. Rhaenyra flew over them and rested her dragon behind the Greens before moving passed them up to where her Uncle and boys were standing.

"Princess Rhaenyra", Otto spoke after a moment of silence.

The woman tilted her head, "I'm Queen Rhaenyra now. And you are all traitors to the realm".

"King Aegon Targaryen, Second of His Name . . .".

"Not this shit again", Daeron mumbled in disgust to his brother who nodded and tapped his shoe on the cobblestone floor — Robert himself growing impatient.

". . . in his wisdom and desire for peace, is offering terms. Acknowledge Aegon as King and swear obeisance before the Iron Throne. In exchange, His Grace will confirm your possession of Dragonstone. It will pass to your trueborn son, Jacaerys, upon your death. Lucerys will be confirmed as the legitimate heir to Driftmark and all the lands and holdings of House Velaryon. Your sons by Steffon Baratheon will also be given places of high honour at court: Aegon the Younger as the King's squire, Viserys as his cupbearer. Finally, the King, in his good grave, will pardon any knight or lord who conspired against his ascent".

Steffon held the hilt of his sword and spoke, "I would rather feed my sons to the dragons than have them carry shields and cups for your drunken, usurper cunt of a king".

"Aegon Targaryen sits on the Iron Throne".

"Until we take his sorry arse off of it", Robert berated.

Otto ignored him, "He wears the Conqueror's crown".

"That can be taken from him too", Daeron spoke this time with a smirk.

"Wields the Conqueror's sword".

"That would look good on Jacaerys", Robert smiled.

Otto sighed growing rather frustrated at being stopped every sentence, "Has the Conqueror's name".

"Thought his name was cunt?", Daeron asked feigning confusion making Otto glare at him.

"He was anointed by a septon of the Faith before the eyes of thousands. Every symbol of legitimacy belongs to him. And then there is Stark, Tully, Baratheon. Houses that have also received, and are at present, considering generous terms from their King".

"Stark, Tully and Baratheon all swore to me when King Viserys named me his heir", Rhaenyra spoke back.

"Stale oaths will not put you on the Iron Throne, Princess", he began stepping forward, Robert unleashed his sword and pointed it against his chest making him stop as the rest of guards began getting ready to defend their Queen.

Otto looked at the sword pointed at his chest and back up to his son, "The succession changed the day your father sired a son", he spoke to Rhaenyra while still holding eye constant with Robert. "I only regret that you and he were the last to see the truth of it".

Upon hearing his words, Rhaenyra walked forward and shoved him back from Robert, taking the hand signature that rested on his chest and threw it over the side, "You are no more Hand than Aegon is King. Fucking traitor".

The pair stared at each other, both sides growing nervous at what would happen but Otto spoke, "Grand Maester".

The man stepped forward and handed Otto a piece of parchment, "What the fuck is this?", Daemon questioned in anger and frustration.

Otto handed the parchment to Rhaenyra who looked down and undone it to see the page she had ripped out of the book back when they were children and Roseva took them to the Goodswoods where they sat and gossiped about whatever was going on in their lives and the dreams that they had for a better future.

A tear rolled down her cheek as Otto continued his speech, "Queen Alicent has not forgotten the love you once had for each other. No blood need be spilled, so the realm can carry on in peace. Queen Alicent eagerly awaits your answer".

Daeron look at his father and scoffed, "She can have her fucking answer now, stuffed in her father's mouth along with his withered cock".

"Let's end this now", Daemon finished and took out his sword. Steffon stood to the side and watched his wife carefully, awaiting whatever he commanded her to do. "Ser Erryk, bring me Lord Hightower so I may take the pleasure myself".

Robert looked between his father figure and his father with nothing but confusion. He hated his father, that was the truth of it. But to watch him be killed made his stomach drop and he didn't know why. Otto never cared for him and never would. So why did he?

Rhaenyra looked up when her dragon screeched loudly, feeling what she felt herself. "No", she turned to her Uncle and the man hesitated before putting down his sword followed by the others. "Kings Landing will have my answer on the morrow", she spoke and turned her back on them and walked back to her castle.

Otto watched her leave before looking to his son, "Son". Robert turned to face him one last time but merely shook his head in disappointment before walking away after Rhaenyra, Rewan close behind him watching his every move with concern.

The Hightower man shook his head and turned to walk back down the steps to his ship — not having anything else to say. And neither did Robert. It was easier this way.

They would both meet the face of death soon enough anyways.