Rolf was beside himself with worry.

He'd scolded Alyssa as sternly as he must have been able to, for it did not come naturally to him yet still he was as upset as Daenys had been when she realized Alyssa had come to Tumbleton. Daenys couldn't remember a time Rolf ever yelled at their children or struck them, and even now he did not reach that level. He cried instead, hugging Alyssa and thanking the gods for her safe return.

By the time they'd returned to King's Landing, word had begun to circulate about Alyssa the Kinslayer– a name that would forever differentiate her from her grandmother, and even from Alyssa Velaryon, mother of Jaehaerys and Alysanne. Rolf had worried he'd find his girl returned with a too-cold demeanor, but was relieved to see her bits of regret.

For now, she'd be exempt from patrols until she felt ready to fly again. Even the journey back to King's Landing had been hard on her, for Frostbite had seemingly liked attacking Tessarion and Alyssa had carried the reminder the entire ride.

There was more that ailed Rolf, however. He'd heard from Cliff twice– the first time, to announce that his cousin Elmo had died drinking bad water. He'd been at his side and held his hand as he passed after a night of retching and trembling, becoming paler and paler until at last he fell asleep and did not wake. Cliff had been the one to light his pyre in the nearest body of water they found, hidden from Lannister scouts.

It meant one thing, something they'd been prepared for but hoped might not have to happen so. Lord Grover, still alive but soon to pass as well, would be succeeded directly by Cliff. Rolf stood by his decision to not assume the role of Lord of Riverrun. The seat would pass directly to Cliff, who neared his twentieth name day.

"It's going to happen in the field, presumably," said Rolf to the Small Council. "Undoubtedly, my father will not last longer with the news of Elmo's death. He's held on... surprisingly well despite the war."

He did not deign to reveal to them a truth only their immediate family knew. Lord Grover had never intended to raise his banners in Rhaenyra's name, and would have purposely ignored Rolf's letter to sit idly by and spare his men. But in front of Elmo, Cliff had called his grandfather a coward and said that his words no longer mattered when he could hardly muster up the air to speak them. Lord Grover might've laughed at that then, but were it his choice alone, he would never have lifted a finger for this war in the first place.

"Then, we should hope for a swift raven," replied Rhaenyra. "To inform us when we begin relaying all messages in their entirety to Cliff. Congratulations, Aunt Daenys and Uncle Rolf, this is a great accomplishment for my dear cousin."

"Thank you, Your Grace," replied Rolf. "Cliff's second letter contained much information gathered from around the Realm. He's heard of Tumbleton by now..." And heard that his sister is known now as a Kinslayer... which he probably likes for sounding anything like Cliff Cunt-Maker. "He has also reported sightings of the patrol sent out. He met with Daemon and Baela on their hunt for Aemond and Vermithor at Maidenpool."

Rhaenyra glanced at Daemon's empty seat. She'd sent him off to locate Aemond when Daenys left for Tumbleton, and he'd chosen to take Baela alone with him after Alyssa vanished. Bertram hadn't been ready to accompany them on such a long voyage, though Aegarax itched to fly further than the borders of the city. Gemma might've accompanied them, for they were not expected to engage in any battles, but Daenys knew that Gemma, unlike Baela, was going to loathe every second of sleeping in the woods and digging holes in the dirt for makeshift privies.

"It is here that we finally find joy," said Rolf. "Cliff stated that Rhaena found them there, upon the dragon Sheepstealer." A murmur of interest passed through the Council. "It seems she strayed from the boys in the Vale after she heard of some sheep missing in the flocks of Vale shepherds. It took much coaxing, but she managed to bond with the dragon. She was being housed by an old farmer who helped her make a saddle for Sheepstealer. She flew to Maidenpool after returning to the Eyrie to ask Lady Jeyne for what she knew of our movements."

"That is truly wonderful news," said Rhaenyra, not at all surprised– Daemon surely had already sent her word, though Daenys had found out from Cliff. "It brings me great joy to hear that Sheepstealer has been claimed and that Rhaena finally has her dragon. She is a fierce girl. Our King Consort has informed me that Rhaena means to travel with him and Baela on the search for Vermithor. Doubtless, she will be a great asset to them."

"To be sure," agreed Daenys. "They are very near Aemond now, for our last reports have stated Aemond struck at Stonyhead, Sweetwillow, and Sallydance. Bowshot Bridge was reduced to embers, as were Old Ferry and Crone's Mill. It's been difficult for witnesses to know where he heads from each place– he seems to be toying with them, as if he knows he's being hunted." Daemon had hinted at many defeats so far since setting out.

"What of Silverwing?" asked Lord Bartimos. Gods, he always brought up subjects that Daenys did not want to touch upon. "Has there been other word of her? Last we knew following Ormund's second defeat, the new command of his meager army was offering a thousand golden dragons to any knight of noble birth able to claim the beast."

"Lord Unwin Peake did sight her near Tumbleton, yes," said Daenys. "She landed near attempting to shake off her saddle. Three men went forth to try to claim her, the first lost an arm and the second his life. The third changed his mind. Vhagar hurt Silverwing, she was in no mood to be claimed by anyone. Our last report claims that she's made her lair on a small island in Red Lake in the northwest of the Reach. I doubt we will be seeing her for some time, but better she remain riderless than let herself be mounted by another so traitorous as Ulf."

"That he is," agreed Lord Bartimos. "It is a pity, however, that one of our largest dragons is now in the wind. Any dragonseed loyal to the Usurper may come by this same information and deign to find her and claim her."

Daenys narrowed her eyes at him, feeling Rolf's foot tapping at her shin to warn her against her constant desire of driving her sword through the man's chest– unfortunately, they had need of him, and he was the only one able to help Daenys with the smallfolk, who remained restless and angry. The Tyrell's generous gift of food had ameliorated the situation only temporarily– the taxes were their real enemy.

"It is a pity, Lord Bartimos," replied Daenys, "that you are useless to us in the realm of claiming dragons." He flushed red. "I did not trust Ulf from the start, had it been entirely up to me, I would have questioned every single dragonseed before letting them near the dragons. A proper measure could have ensured loyalty."

Jacaerys, who had recently been well enough to join them in the Council, seemed mildly embarrassed. After all, it had been his idea, though he'd in no way liked Ulf, either. "Should the situation arise again, I will take a million more precautions."

"Do not trouble yourself, My Prince," said Rolf gently, which Maester Gerardys and Ser Lorent Marbrand nodded to. "You could not have known he'd end up a traitor. He wanted for more than he got, unsatisfied with knighthood and holdings. That does not fall on you."

"I agree," said Daenys. It was still difficult to look at Jacaerys some days, remembering that he was here and Aenar wasn't. Jacaerys was clever and kind as Aenar had been, though younger, and sometimes there was much he didn't understand that had Daenys selfishly thinking, my son would think different, my son would already know this. She felt that Cliff had had much of that same internal monologue, for he hadn't spoken to Jacaerys more than a few times before he rushed off to the Riverlands.

To Lord Bartimos and the other lords– Lord Gormon Massey often seemed to share these sentiments– she reminded, "The next time you are faced with a battle in the sky, let me know what decision you would've made. If I hadn't had Vhagar attack Silverwing, she might've simply darted around in an effort to protect Ulf and caused further problems below. Silverwing may have her privacy now, if she wishes. Eventually, when the time comes, we may coax her back to Dragonstone."

She might not come, however, for it is likely Vermithor will be dead by then. We are likely going to have to kill him to get to Aemond, for dragon and rider are one now, and Aemond's rage becomes the fire spewed by the Bronze Fury. Silverwing will likely die alone in a few decades and never lay eggs again.

"Thank you, Aunt," said Rhaenyra, pleased with her defense of Jacaerys.

"I only wonder," said Lord Gormon, "what if there were a way to add Silverwing back to our cause? I understand the circumstances and that the dragon may prefer to sequester herself until she feels well, but she was always described as a docile beast. Perhaps that is why even a traitor like Ulf the Sot could claim her with only a little dragon blood. Prince Jacaerys no longer has a dragon; perhaps when both he and Silverwing are well and the skies are safe from Vermithor, we might transport the Prince there to claim a beast? Then, he would ascend the Iron Throne still a dragonrider."

"Still a dragonrider?" repeated Daenys curtly. Lord Gormon's ears reddened. "He never stopped being a dragonrider. Once you've ridden a dragon, you are always a rider, even if the beast dies. The act of claiming remains. Let us not forget that Vermax's egg hatched to my nephew the Prince. However, all of this talk is for naught. While dragons may bond with another when their rider is gone, a person cannot bond to another dragon. King Viserys never managed to claim another after Balerion's death, though he tried."

The lords were silent. Ser Alfred Broome cleared his throat, "Forgive me, Princess..." He seemed the only one who at least had the decency to look embarrassed when preparing to say something Daenys was not going to like. "My only concern is that, despite Tessarion's death, Sunfyre is still alive. As for Vermithor, he remains a threat. Princess Helaena may be confined, but Dreamfyre could be mounted if she were to decide to avenge her brothers."

Daenys knew that even with Daeron gone, Helaena would do no such thing. She hadn't been the same since Jaehaerys's death, and though she loved flying more than anything as a girl, she had a daughter to worry about now, and still had no taste for battle.

"I do not believe it will be our concern," replied Daenys. "We have more dragons than the Usurper could ever have on his side. Even if the worst happened and some Green claimed Silverwing, it is nothing compared to the might of Vhagar, Caraxes, Syrax, Moondancer, Sheepstealer, Grey Ghost, Aegarax, Frostbite, Goldhorn, and Starbeam. Prince Joffrey's Tyraxes continues to grow as well."

"My concern," said Ser Alfred, "is that perhaps... Ser Hugh and Ser Addam might find the same appeal in the Greens as Ulf the Sot did."

Rhaenyra blinked at this. "You do not believe them capable of such a thing?"

"I do not wish to, Your Grace, but... we did not entirely suspect Ulf. We knew he was uncivilized in matters of court and one to talk with more courage than he had elsewhere, but we cannot deny it is a risk that Grey Ghost may become a Green dragon to join Vermithor, Sunfyre, Dreamfyre, and even the hatchlings Morghul and Shrykos. We have seen dragons die in this war already. I think perhaps we ought to be prepared."

Daenys pursed her lips pensively. Ser Alfred continued, "Though we have a great patrol spanning over the city and into the Gullet– I've noted your children take turns on this, Princess– I believe we are not assured victory simply by having more dragons. Prince Joffrey has expressed his desire to fight–"

"Absolutely not," said Rhaenyra. "No, I've spoken to him already. The boy is eight, he does not know what he says when he challenges foes to come. He is too young for battle. Tyraxes will not fly to battle anytime in his lifetime, if the gods are good."

"Still," said Lord Bartimos in response, "we must admit that while Dreamfyre may not be an asset to the Greens at present... we have dragons that don't serve in the same capacity here, either."

Daenys glared at him, challenging him to go on. "Speak it plainly, Lord Bartimos."

"We've lost Meleys, Vermax, and Stormcloud already. While it is good to hear the Princess Rhaena has a dragon of her own now, she is nowhere near experienced enough to fly to battle, and the same could be said for young Bertram even if Aegarax is experienced. Syrax will never see battle, for she must remain here with Her Grace. Moondancer is still smaller, and Princess Baela has not seen battle, either. Lady Gemma and Starbeam will not willingly see battle again after Honeywine. Hugh and Addam, we hope to trust, and Grey Ghost and Seasmoke have served well, but we must err on the side of caution and not entirely rely on them. As for Frostbite..."

He hesitated there. "Say it," said Daenys lowly. "Whatever you are thinking."

He still stumbled on his words for a moment. "The Lady Alyssa... has not been seen to patrol since her return from Tumbleton. Some believe she will never wish to see battle again, for she will remember Kinslaying at each one if she were to try."

"Who believes this?" challenged Daenys. Despite Rolf's nudges, she stood out of her seat. "Who, out there, is insulting my daughter? I will have their names and I will have their tongues."

"My love," begged Rolf, taking her hand. "People will speculate, it does not matter, we know the truth. Alyssa will gladly join us in future battles when she is ready for it. I am sure we all remember our first kills, it does affect us whether we admit to it or not. The situation was particularly difficult for her. But I promise, Frostbite will join Vhagar, Caraxes, and Goldhorn in as many battles as possible when there is need for it. You already know that King Consort Daemon and Princess Daenys intend to face Aemond and Vermithor together. Then, it will leave only Sunfyre to the Greens, at which point any one of our dragons could finish the lone beast off."

Lord Bartimos could not look Daenys in the eyes. At last she sat down, jaw tight. Kinslayer, Kinslayer, Kinslayer, that is all they will think about when Alyssa's name is said. I tried to protect her from this, but what is done is done. That stain will not wash away, she will carry it for life in shame. Would that she were not a woman, because he they call One-Eye, and hardly make mention of the Kinslaying, but for her, it becomes a permanent attachment to her name. Would that she cared about it as little as Aemond did, but if that were the case, my Alyssa would not be who she is. She'd be dangerous if she were as apathetic as Aenar thought at times.

"We are at an end with this conversation, please," begged Jacaerys.

"I simply wished to exercise caution," repeated Lord Bartimos. "About our assets, about... potential traitors. If Grey Ghost and Seasmoke join the enemy... Forgive me for saying it, Your Grace, but bastards are treacherous by nature– it is in their blood. Betrayal comes as easily to a bastard as loyalty to trueborn men. I know these sentiments are echoed elsewhere..."

Ser Lorent Marbrand cleared his throat, much to Rhaenyra and Daenys's surprise. "I have to agree in this, Your Grace. Perhaps we ought to seize Hugh and Addam while we have the opportunity, before they have the chance to join the Greens with their dragons. I know that the White Harbor men who have joined us– Ser Medrick Manderly and Ser Torrhen Manderly– both agree perhaps we ought to take no chances... if the foe gains two more dragons, we may well be lost."

It was Corlys who spoke at last, "If this matter will not be silenced lest sides are taken, then I say I trust Ser Hugh and Addam." How could you not, having claimed Addam as your son? Still, Daenys at least felt the same. "I do not think we should seize them, nor should we further speculate on the usefulness of dragonriders we already have in plentiful numbers. All will be an asset. I know my granddaughters and I know Princess Daenys's children well– my late wife adored their spirit and knew they would be fierce on the battlefield if the need came again, even Lady Gemma and Bertram will take to battle, experienced or not, for such is their loyalty to their family. I believe as well, such is Ser Hugh and Addam's loyalty to Her Grace the Queen. Addam is a true Velaryon."

A true Velaryon like his brother Alyn, who I know you've claimed as well and legitimized and also made heir to Driftmark. Alas, I know you speak the truths we need heard now.

"I concur," said the Grand Maester. "We have no proof of disloyalty on either of them. The path of wisdom is to seek proof before making any such judgments. They fought valiantly in the Battle of the Gullet–"

"As did the betrayer," said Lord Bartimos. "Your Grace, you cannot wait for another betrayal to come. It is time to expect treachery."

"Well, I do not think we should be so quick to judge," said Daenys. "I agree with Lord Corlys and the Grand Maester. We should not seize the dragonseeds." Rolf nodded in agreement, though he technically did not have a voice. Glancing at his mother, Jacaerys did the same.

It fell to her to decide, for Lord Bartimos Celtigar, Ser Lorent Marbrand, Lord Gormon Masey, and Ser Alfred Broome all thought to seize them, while Daenys, Jacaerys, Maester Gerardys, and Corlys all were against it. Daemon, unfortunately, might've sided with the first group, so Daenys was glad he was not here to vote, yet still remiss that Rolf's could not count at all.

"We will have them questioned," said Rhaenyra carefully. "Surely by now they've been made aware of the situation; I sent Gemma to speak to Hugh about it when he was visiting his daughter. The girl is much better and our maesters expect her to be fully well by the next moon's turn. Hugh has no reason to betray us, but we will see to that. As for Addam, I leave that to you, Lord Corlys. Bring me the measure of these men and if need be, we will discuss them again. For now, I have full faith in all our dragonriders, experienced or not."

Given the length of the meeting, Rhaenyra asked Daenys to sit the throne for her for the day's court, giving her time to talk with her three sons as much as she could. Daenys was glad to accept, for she'd not had the opportunity yet.

It was a strange thing to sit on the Iron Throne completely alone– she'd never done it. Always, she'd sat it while on Jaehaerys's knee, giddy and silently watching the men ask her grandfather for his wisdom. It was her wisdom– the same wisdom she'd tried to teach to Rhaenyra– that they sought now. Gods, the smallfolk were hard to please, but the day was more entertaining than Daenys expected, which surely lifted her spirits after the arguments in the Small Council chambers.

It was difficult to avoid being poked by swords as she wiggled about trying to keep comfortable during the hours she was there. Rhaenyra already admitted to having been cut a few times, especially the first day she sat the throne– she'd gripped the armrests too tight, forgetting there were blades there, too. Some spoke through the land that the throne spurned her (though, Daenys imagined Aegon must've been cut, too, it was difficult not to be).

She remembered when this was her favorite seat in the world. Her favorite place to be. And now, she had memories of carnage associated with it. In the end, it was nothing more than a chair. A special chair, but a chair nevertheless. Rhaenyra and I both lost sons for this throne. I love my children and I doomed them from the start to defend Rhaenyra's claim.

She tried not to let it bother her, however. She was proud to sit here on Rhaenyra's behalf, even if she wondered now about what it would be like if she'd been Queen. If Aenar had been her heir. And Otto– gods, she tried not to give him a thought, but sometimes he still appeared in her mind. She did find, however, the memories of their time faded more now that he was gone. Or perhaps it was because of each day she aged.

She had a vague memory, in the moments before she ended court for the day. She remembered one of the many times she'd fallen asleep on Jaehaerys's lap, carried off by Alysanne to her bed. She remembered faint voices talking about Saera or Viserra or someone that had misbehaved that day. Her grandfather's stern voice came to mind, whispering to her grandmother, "The only thing that can tear down the House of the Dragon is itself."

That was true, she realized. Perhaps, if they'd all been united in supporting Rhaenys as heir, Jaehaerys would've been alive to prevent a war. If they'd all been united in supporting either Daenys or Rhaenyra (if Daemon had never had his own desires for power and recognition), this would not have happened. Perhaps it was not entirely Otto's fault or the fault of the men who thought like him. It was our fault, too, thought Daenys, we should have all banded together and we let our feelings get in the way. I didn't support Viserys as heir, not truly. I didn't support Daemon as heir. So, he did not support me. He did not support Rhaenyra.

In the end, her favorite seat was the root of it all, a wretched war born from the blood everyone wanted running down the edges of each sword. Daenys knew, then, what she had to do to bring this to a quick end– to stop their musings about Alyssa and doubts of the dragonseeds.

Daemon, she wrote, stop your hunt. Aemond will continue to avoid you. Stand your ground instead. Have your host send word through the whole realm. Send the girls back and meet me at Harrenhal. Let it be known that we are there, and that Aemond can face us... if he dares. We are ending this, one way or another.