She knew what her answer would be.

There was not an ounce of hesitation in her. Her face had paled, and she looked as though she'd been slapped. She burst out, "No," so quickly she didn't even have to think of it. "No."

"Daenys," he said firmly. "I have no other children. Should anything happen to Rhaenyra—"

"Then you name me as your heir. Nothing will happen to Rhaenyra— none of us would allow it! No, I do not wish to marry you! You are doing this because you are upset with Daemon."

"I am doing this because I am being forced!" snapped Viserys, startling all present. "I have a duty to the Realm that I do not wish to complete but I must make sacrifices for my people. You, too, should understand the meaning of sacrifice."

"You forced me to marry once and I told you if you tried again—"

"Leave us," said Viserys abruptly, motioning to the others. "Immediately."

Otto tried to intervene, "Your Grace, I believe—"

"Leave us."

Only when the last of them had filed out did Viserys say, "I was told something of interest yesterday. You were seen with Otto Hightower in the gardens."

She scoffed, throwing her hands up. "And so you're jealous, the way Daemon is?"

"Daemon told me of it! I have been counseled by every man here including Otto to marry you."

"He told you that because to advise you he cannot think of himself. But we've spoken, and I wish to marry him! I care for him, he cares for me, and most importantly I will treat his children with respect. I want this, Viserys, not to be made to give you a son! Find a woman who makes you happy if you really want to break and do the Realm's bidding... otherwise support your daughter after you neglected her importance and cost her her mother!"

If Viserys were more like Daemon, she was sure he would have struck her for saying such a thing. But as Daemon sometimes said, Viserys was a much weaker man. He turned away and said, "I will not replace Rhaenyra. But if I will be hassled endlessly by the men in my Council, I will take preventative measures with a wife of my choosing before others are trying to interfere with our family."

"Then don't listen to them," she pleaded. "You are the King, no one can make you do what you do not wish to! Please, do not take me to wife, do not make me do this! If I have to marry anyone, I wish to marry Otto. Let me. Let me, please."

Viserys shook his head. "I will need you at my side, Daenys. I trust you."

"You'll only incur Daemon's wrath and mine. You are taking my choice from me yet again! If Father intended for us to marry, he would have seen it done. Please, Viserys, find someone you like, please..."

He gritted his teeth. "I will... look." He approached , "But you realize I am choosing you, yes, Daenys? If I must take any wife, I will take you. I desire you." He stopped behind her chair, inhaling deep. "I loved Aemma. Yet from the moment Jaehaerys named me heir, I noticed those closest to me in a different light and I saw you grown and filled with life. I know that if anyone will keep me being a good King in the face of this tragedy, it will be you."

Daenys's eyes filled with tears. "Both you and Daemon desire me at the expense of my happiness. Neither of you can accept that I do not want you as you are." She looked up at him, pleading. "If I have to be married to you, may I at least still have... something with Otto?"

Viserys hesitated. "If that happens and the children you bear have his features instead of mine..."

"We explain it by saying our mother didn't even have pale hair. If you don't intend to replace Rhaenyra as your heir... does it really matter if the children are yours or not? Gods, Viserys, we are already dying out as a race. If you really intend to make more of us, it doesn't matter if they have full dragon blood or only half."

He relented, "Very well. If you agree to marry me and Otto agrees to the arrangement, then you may do as you please with him. At any rate, it keeps Daemon from getting between us."

Daenys scoffed. "Yes, of course, all of this to spite Daemon."

"He threatened to kidnap you yesterday. To make you his wife and keep you away from both me and Otto. He and his Gold Cloaks would have overwhelmed you."

"And I should thank you for this? You lost Aemma because of your own obsession. I've no reason to be grateful."

She couldn't find a way to keep her frustration to herself. Both Rhaenyra and Alicent could see clearly that something was bothering her, and no longer believed her when she insisted everything was fine. Rhaenyra was weary but trying to stay strong in the face of the ceremony that would soon take place to name her heir. She didn't seem to know of her father's plan to marry Daenys.

The more she thought of it, the more she resented that Viserys hadn't chosen her. If he meant to select Rhaenyra, why ever have put Aemma through all that torment? He didn't even temporarily name her the way Jaehaerys did Daenerys even while he expected to have a son. Now, when the Realm was questioning the stability of the Crown, how could he have chosen a little girl over a woman grown and capable of fighting and counseling during times of war to ensure lasting peace?

She knew the frustration would fade, she swore to herself she would support Rhaenyra regardless. But it ached to find herself in this situation, laid out as an option for marriage only and not Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Viserys had been selfish and Daenys feared all the turmoil it would cause, not only in the Realm but in their entire family.

Daenys couldn't find Daemon, though she knew he certainly hadn't left. The ceremony for Rhaenyra had been scheduled for that week's end, before all the lords and vassals that came for the tournament could depart. Daemon would presumably remain for that, yet she couldn't locate him no matter how hard she tried. Perhaps he was avoiding her. In the end, she didn't know why she cared to find him at all. He'd likely make a snide remark or attempt to hurt her.

She wasn't able to speak to Otto alone until that evening, once she'd sang Rhaenyra to sleep and made her way toward her chambers. He'd lingered nearby, hoping to intercept her.

"Princess," he said sadly. "Today did not go as I anticipated."

"Nor how I did," she murmured, silently beckoning him to follow her. "Gods, I'm disappointed for the succession when I never even wanted the Crown. And I'm more upset with the little present Viserys had gifted himself along with it. But..." She stopped, lowering her voice, "I was able to reach an arrangement. He cannot stop what I feel for you."

Otto furrowed his brows. "An arrangement?"

"I may continue to pursue you in... any capacity. I lament we cannot marry and be done with it, but Viserys has no intentions of supplanting Rhaenyra as heir, even if he has sons later on. He is indulging in his desire for me and simultaneously preventing other women from pursuing him. As such, it doesn't matter if the children I bear are his or... yours."

"What you suggest—"

"Is treason sanctioned by the King himself. I will do as Aegon did with Visenya and Rhaenys— for every night I spend with him, I will spend ten nights with you. We can still be together, in a way, Otto... I know it is not ideal but we can still do great things to influence the Realm, to prepare it for Rhaenyra to rule. We can keep Daemon from taking control and instead maintain peace. What do you say?"

He blinked several times, rubbing his chin. "I admit, it feels strange to imagine I would not wed you. I did like the idea of it. Daenys... I only hope that you understand that the Realm will resist the ascension of Rhaenyra."

"So we have our work cut out for us to support her, don't we?" She smiled encouragingly, taking his hands. "Nothing, I swear, nothing will get in the way of me caring for you and your children. You've done so much for the Realm... let someone take care of you, too."

He sighed, "And yet you always sacrifice yourself for others. Viserys still holds a tight cord around your throat. You might've bargained he name you heir instead if his goal is to wed you."

"I don't know... perhaps he finally realized how much he overlooked Rhaenyra. Perhaps the decision was made solely out of desire for me. I imagine if the gods did not guide him to see me as a choice for the seat, then it could have meant terrible things would happen. I know certainly Daemon would not have skipped along to Runestone." She glanced around then held his hands. "What do you say, then? Might we still seize this chance at happiness? I hope... I hope for Viserys to change his mind, I've told him to look elsewhere. Perhaps we can still be formally wed one day."

He nodded, whispering, "Yes, we might still seize it. I should hope Viserys will soon see reason in all of this. Perhaps we did pressure him to make his decision too hastily in the face of grief."

She'd snuck him into her chambers that night then showed him the tunnels, giving him a way back to the tower of the Hand without being seen leaving her room. She'd ranted to him for awhile about Viserys, about Daemon, about not being Queen, and he'd complained about organizing the Heir's ceremony so last-minute. Once they were both left with nothing to say, she pinned him down and kissed him fervently, using his arms to hold herself up as if she were on a saddle.

The day of the ceremony, she dressed in full armor with a flowing red cape, eager to demonstrate her show of support for Rhaenyra. Thankfully, Viserys agreed not to announce anything about their impending marriage. Only the Small Council knew, to begin planning next moves.

She helped Rhaenyra ready herself, Alicent dressing her while Daenys braided her hair into an elaborate bun. She was given an elegant red dress, a golden cloak lined black thread over her shoulders and a black headpiece atop her braids. Her niece hugged her, resting her head on her aunt's chest before Daenys herself led Rhaenyra into the throne room, where the lords and vassals were lined up to declare for the Princess. Daemon would not be present.

"Corlys of House Velaryon," called Mellos to begin the procession. "Lord of the Tides and Master of Driftmark."

He knelt. "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. 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."

After him came Otto with his children, trailing behind his elder brother and house, "I, Lord Hobert Hightower, Beacon of the South, Defender of the Citadel, and Voice of Oldtown, 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."

The Baratheons moved forward swiftly, "I, Boremund Baratheon, Lord of Storm's End..."

The Starks were less, but every single one bent the knee with their father, "I, Rickon Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North..."

The Tullys consisted of the lord and both his sons, all declaring, "I, Grover Tully, Lord of Riverrun and Lord Paramount of Riverrun..."

Over and over until they'd all gone, and the Grand Maester placed a heavy golden necklace with symbols of the great houses over Rhaenyra's chest chest.

"I, Viserys Targaryen," said her brother, "First of his Name, King of the Andals, and the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm, do hereby name Rhaenyra Targaryen Princess of Dragonstone and heir to the Iron Throne."

They all bowed their heads in unison. Rhaenyra stood proudly, though with a lingering sadness in her eyes. Daenys wished Aemma could have been there to see it.

She was swarmed soon after, at the feast held to feed everyone before they journeyed home. Daenys stood protectively with Rhaenyra as she greeted everyone personally, at least until Viserys took over and told Daenys she might indulge in the food if she so wished.

"Not a single fish in sight," came a voice behind her as she was serving herself a slab of venison. The owner reached around her to pluck up a grape,"Godless."

She turned, amused, to find a man dressed in armor much like herself, though with a deep blue cloak. "If that is what you prefer," she said, recognizing him as one of Lord Grover Tully's sons, "you might fare better in the Riverlands."

He scrunched up his nose dramatically. "Gods, just what I was trying to escape. I'm tired of fish, truly, this is a welcome sight. Each day my father thanks the gods for our bounty and each day I think the gods must love fish and despise me if they placed me there."

She began to walk around, plate in hand. "I certainly interpret that as a targeted attack. Now, which brother are you? The one with the silly name or the proper one?"

He put a hand on his chest, grinning. "Well, Ernest was a perfectly respectable name, though I called him 'Ernie' when he upset me as a child. My brother died this past year. The lad I was with, that's my nephew Elmo. His name..." He cringed wide, successfully making her laugh.

"I'm sorry about your brother," she said.

"I'm sorry about... most of your family," he replied. He extended his hand. "Luckily for you, Princess, I am Grover's spare. Rolf Tully, thankfully never to be the man ruling Riverrun. Would break years of tradition of these silly names. I'm the only fish swimming away from the others, against the current."

"Aren't you happy? Most men try to seize their brother's seat– or, in this case, their nephew's."

"Not me. I look forward to the day I can leave Riverrun in Elmo's hands. He already had one son born this year, which leaves me free to escape at the earliest opportunity." He gestured to the castle, "What about you, with this magnificent beast of a keep? Ever think about leaving?"

Daenys shrugged, "That is where our overlap ends. I like it here and I intend to stay here all my life. Besides, my dragon won't fare well anywhere else."

"Ah, yes, can't be too careful there. Vhagar needs her space." He plucked a piece of meat off her plate, making her raise a brow. "You know, you're such a ray of sunshine, Princess." He winked as if this were some pre-established secret between them, and she couldn't help but laugh. "I'm surprised I haven't heard more about you."

"I'm not really known for much," she said. "The histories like to omit troublemakers. The only nicknames I'm known to have are 'Wildfire' and 'Visenya Reincarnate,' neither of which is considered favorable by the maesters. All anyone truly knows about me is that I was everyone's favorite when Jaehaerys reigned and that I supposedly killed my husband."

Rolf gave a sharp gasp. "Oh, how dare you murder that Tyrell boy. He had so much left to give!" She laughed again, and he clarified, "I never thought you did it. Which, I suppose, confirms that I know a lot more about you. A bit of a fan, really."

Daenys raised a brow. "A fan? I didn't know I had admirers in the Riverlands."

"You have admirers everywhere, Princess. Anyone with a brain would admire you."

"Mm, most find me a bit discomforting. The armor, the sword, being a slightly more approachable version of my brother Daemon, riding Vhagar..."

"I remember when your father was named Prince of Dragonstone. My father returned from bending the knee alongside my grandsire and I was told about the young Princess who already carried with her a sword too big for her body. And then there was that tourney you did for one of Princess Rhaenyra's name days after that. That time you entered as a mystery knight and called yourself Daeron– you had all the Riverlands questioning if Prince Baelon and Princess Alyssa had hidden another son away from the world! I was there when you named your niece the Queen of Love and Beauty. Oh! Then, when the Great Council was held, my brother and I accompanied our father there. I was outside when you arrived on Vhagar, people crying out in surprise... I saw you dismount and immediately run to hug your little niece—"

He gestured over to Rhaenyra, "Now grown into a very capable young lady, and I thought to myself... gods, no wonder everyone bent the knee to Visenya, Aegon, and Rhaenys. If you'd landed in front of me and flashed me a warm smile or a tight glare after riding a magnificent dragon, I too would have fallen to my knees and asked how I could serve you. The image I had of you was exactly how you proved to be... I was told you are both Visenya and Rhaenys in one."

Daenys felt her cheeks redden. "If I may toy with you a bit— I'll say then today must be a dream come true for you."

He smirked, wiggling his hand as if it wasn't entirely so. "It would only be so if I also had the gall to ask you to marry me along with a clever enough mind and heavy enough pocket to build Vhagar a pit behind Riverrun. But I don't have any of those things, and I know you don't like the idea of marriage. Alas, I still get to meet one of the most impressive women in the Seven Kingdoms. I cannot complain about that."

"I admire your boldness. You're right, I don't like the idea of marriage." And I'm not entirely available. "But," she added, much to his delight, "should I find myself wanting a husband, I know where I will look." She tilted her head. "Would you like to meet Vhagar?"

He looked both afraid and excited. "I could?"

"Well, you're about to return to the Riverlands to endure more fish. The least I can do is give you something to think about so you might brave each meal and please the River gods."

She guided him out of the castle, calling them a carriage and ensuring someone informed Lord Grover that he'd need to wait for Rolf before he made for the Riverlands. He was so happy seated there, looking out at the city, Daenys couldn't help but smile.

"Now that we're away from all that," said Rolf as they neared the Dragonpit, "I can tell you are not happy there."

"I am," she said unconvincingly. "I like being around my family."

He hummed, not believing her. "Perhaps you do like being around your family. But it doesn't mean you are happy. You answered a different statement. You know... you have a dragon and a sword and a warrior's heart. You don't need to stay anywhere that makes you unhappy. If you're sad and you're still here... no offense, Princess, but it is a bed you've made and laid in."

"I'll be sure to keep that in mind," she said carefully, finding the situation more complicated than Rolf could understand. "You know, I find you intriguing."

"Intriguing is very good for me," he said. "I should hope you won't forget me when I go, Princess."

"Not likely. If I may ask, why are you not yet married?"

"I was going to be married. I was betrothed to a girl from House Smallwood, but when I met her, I knew I could not marry her. She wanted a different husband and who was I to deny her that? I made it happen and told my father I'd wed when I was ready. He hasn't pressured me and I've appreciated it. Gives me more time to hunt in the mornings and read by the fire in the evenings."

The carriage rolled to a stop. "That's very admirable, Rolf." She offered him a smile, extending her hand. "Come. Let me introduce you to my old girl."

She kept him close as they approached Vhagar's cave. "Ynot, Vhagar," she called. "Paerī, lykirī..." (T: Come to me, Vhagar. Slowly, calmly...)

She felt Rolf tense as Vhagar's groans sounded further ahead, preceding the thundering of her footsteps. He gripped Daenys's arm tightly when she extended her wings, blasting a column of fire up at the ceiling, smoke rolling off the rocks.

"She's feeling playful," said Daenys. "Little showoff."

"Showoff, huh?" said Rolf, a bit unsteadily. "Playful... right..."

"Don't be afraid. She'll only toy with you further. Besides, she would never hurt you with me here." She motioned for Vhagar to be still. She crooned and lowered her long neck, bringing her head close to Daenys, who extended her hand and caressed the bridge of her nose.

She pulled Rolf's hand with her, letting him caress Vhagar's chin. He was reluctant at first, then relaxed, smiling and bringing his other hand over to feel the rifts between her scales. "Magnificent," he whispered. "Truly, magnificent. Yes, she wouldn't be happy in the Riverlands at all."

"Not the biggest fan of fish, are you, Vhagar?" agreed Daenys, resting her cheek against Vhagar's. The dragon seemed to purr happily. "My sweet girl."

Rolf smiled at her, stepping back. "I wish I had a painter to capture this moment for me. Alas..."

"Watch as long as you like," said Daenys, winking teasingly. "So you may never forget it."

-

Once the castle was empty, Viserys seemed to forget who he was. He'd withdrawn from Rhaenyra and from Daenys. Without the rush of something to do, he slipped into his mourning period without regard for those grieving with him, namely the child who'd lost her mother.

It was up to Daenys to take full charge of her. If it were entirely up to Viserys, Rhaenyra would only continue to bear cups and listen in on the Small Council meetings. Daenys gave her another path. She had Rhaenyra choose— which activity did she wish to fill her mourning period with? Books or a sword? Rhaenyra chose the blade.

Most of the day was devoted to letting Rhaenyra spend time with Alicent and feel whatever she needed to. But in the afternoons, Daenys took her into the yard with Ser Harrold and got her started on building her strength in holding a sword. Soon, Daenys hoped to get her sparring. She'd need to be able to defend herself even slightly if she was to be their Queen.

In the evenings, once Rhaenyra was tired and trying to dream of her mother, Daenys entertained Otto. It was her way of freeing herself from all the stresses of each day, allowing a selfish indulgence because she was holding everyone else together already.

They learned soon after that Daemon seized Dragonstone and fortified it with an army of gold cloaks, no doubt protesting his fall from grace. While he was cozied up there protesting Rhaenyra's position, Daenys had to get done the things everyone else was disregarding.

She kept her promise to Lord Corlys. She'd flown Vhagar to the Stepstones, incinerating everything she could without getting either of them hurt. When Lord Corlys had led his men onto the beach, she dismounted and joined them, a test of strength against other men in a real battle. She'd slain four and had gladly considered it a personal victory.

The Triarchy may have been smashed, but Viserys was displeased that she'd gone without leave and risked starting a war with the Free Cities. At any rate, she'd forced him to handle treating with the Free Cities that the pirates didn't actually seem to hold an allegiance to, according to Lord Corlys. Otto hadn't been the happiest with her choice of action, but admitted that it had been done faster under her than with Viserys. She assured him she had avoided tension between Houses Velaryon and Targaryen, which surely would have happened if Viserys kept blatantly ignoring Corlys.

She used the argument to open a conversation with Viserys about handling Daemon and comforting Rhaenyra. First, she'd told him sharply not to cast Rhaenyra aside. Now more than ever she needed to see her father valued her. She convinced him to give her more responsibilities, to talk to her. He started on having her name a new man to the Kingsguard.

As for Daemon, he had no advice to give, but Daenys insisted they couldn't let his stay at Dragonstone go unanswered. In the end, without a concrete decision from Viserys, she opted to fly there herself and talk to her brother.

She landed at the end of the bridge connecting the beach to the castle, motioning for Vhagar to remain atop the rocks. Ahead, she could see the doors of the castle opening, men spilling out with their swords drawn flanking a man in the center. Daenys smirked to herself, the sight of it all ridiculous. She drew her own sword and walked forward, Vhagar roaring behind her and lifting her neck high into the sky. In the cliffs above, she heard a trill, Caraxes slithering out behind the line of men and roaring back, though to her it sounded much less threatening.

"I come to see Daemon," shouted Daenys at the men. "Let him come and see me alone... unless he is afraid."

He broke out of his line of men, a woman in white close behind him. The Gold Cloaks lingered behind, far enough away to grant them privacy "Little sister," said Daemon, a wicked smirk on his face. "I could never be afraid of you."

"You should be," said Daenys, recognizing the woman as she got closer. "Mysaria, I thought you kept better company now."

Mysaria smiled thinly, and Daenys didn't entirely perceive it as her defending Daemon. "Why are you here, Daenys?" asked Daemon. "Viserys sent you to clean up my mess again?"

"I brought myself here because you are acting like a child," said Daenys. "And I still wish to speak to you alone." She gestured to Mysaria. "Will you please let us have a private chat?"

"Stay," insisted Daemon, holding her arm.

Mysaria didn't seem very happy with him anymore, wiggling her arm away. "Your sister was always more persuasive." She lifted her skirt and made back to the castle.

Daenys breathed deeply, glaring at Daemon. "Are you so desperate for Viserys's attention that you'd contribute to the weakness you perceive?"

He smirked. "Ah, yes, so this is about making him feel strong, isn't it? I did hear you took it upon yourself to clear the Stepstones when he wouldn't do it."

She wove her hand dismissively, "We would've been thought weak if it persisted and I could see Lord Corlys's patience thinning, not to mention I was itching to burn something. The Council is beginning to question Viserys's allowance of you being here. And all of this is a pathetic little show for you to take back your place as heir... face it, Daemon, you lost your chance."

He eyed her carefully, "As you lost yours."

"Yes, no doubt Viserys chose Rhaenyra over me the moment you rubbed in that you saw me with Otto. And you know what brilliant idea that gave him? He wants to marry me, Daemon. He intends to take me to wife after he's had time to mourn and I'm not sure I can stop it from happening."

His face fell. "Of course. Well, then, you see things as I: we must protest together. Come with me, there is a priest in the mountains that can wed us now."

"No, you don't understand! We have to support Rhaenyra, not undermine Viserys because things aren't how we wish them to be. You claim you love our family yet you try to make him look bad, you do nothing to uplift the heir he chose. Face it, Daemon, we were both considered poor choices compared to a child. And so what? We are still Targaryens. We can still bring our family glory and power if we unite. This quarreling gets us nowhere. Viserys will never acknowledge you and your feats if you spit in his face. End this. Go do anything else, but do not make this harder than it already is because you want the throne."

He scoffed, "I don't want the throne."

"You keep saying that and yet I don't see it. If you want to protect Viserys from himself, show him he can trust you. Show him that you care at all about the way he sees things. Nothing we do can change the succession. The only way he will see your worth is if you support his chosen heir. Stop with all this instigation, with the accusations, with the rash actions and the threats and the jealousy."

"You know as well as I that they won't want a woman on the Iron Throne."

"They won't, but we will make them accept it if we band together. We are dragons, we bow to no one and we will have them see what is right. Please, Daemon. Please."

He didn't seem fully convinced. "And what of you marrying Viserys?"

She sighed deeply. "I give him heirs but he will not replace Rhaenyra. They'll be spares in the event that something happens to her. He does not intend to replace her."

Daemon sighed. "At any rate, he's holding to his word. I still don't like that he's marrying you."

"Nor do I." She refrained from mentioning that Viserys would still let her entertain Otto. "Daemon, please. End this game and let Viserys be. He is still suffering and this does not make it any better. If you really care about him..." She took his hand, "If you care about me, you will listen and not let this go any further."

"We're on Dragonstone," he repeated. "I can take a second wife in the custom of Old Valyria. Wed me, free yourself of Viserys."

She sighed, staring down at her feet in disappointment, wondering if he'd ever let that go. "No, Daemon. No. If that is all you will ever want from me... if you will never listen because I don't marry you... then I've reached the end of my supposed purpose for this family. All I want is to keep you all safe and happy yet two of you desire me and I cannot help Rhaenyra in these conditions. You wish to be heir? Demand it back from Viserys. Go ahead and kill me and take it for yourself."

He didn't make a move. "Kesan daor ōdrikagon ao, mandia." (T: You know I would not hurt you, sister.)

Her jaw tensed. "Nyke pendagon ziry qopsa naejot pāsagon bona." (T: I find it hard to believe that.)

He gripped the hilt of his sword and nodded his head toward Vhagar, in the direction she'd come from. "Go. I will depart on the morrow and send the Gold Cloaks back to King's Landing. They will remain loyal to me and will protect you, Viserys, and Rhaenyra."

She sighed, relieved. "Thank you, Daemon. Truly, thank you."

"Do you really think she will be a good queen?" asked Daemon before she could turn away.

Daenys smiled weakly. "I think she will be a great ruler, but I think she will need our help to get there. I've already begun teaching her to wield a sword and with Otto's guidance I will choose the right books to teach her to be a Queen."

"That is the one thing I will say to you," he murmured. "Otto Hightower is a self-serving cunt. He's convinced you and Viserys he is an honorable man and yet I see him for what he is."

"Gods, Daemon, you've never given him a chance! I have always spoken to him kindly and received the same in return. He's a good Hand."

"He's selfish. I don't want you to find that out the hard way."

"He cares for me. I care for him. I'm selfish, too."

"You're not selfish in the way he is. He will not love you, Daenys, not the way you wish to be. You will never be the most important thing to him."