ACT ONE

THE SIREN OF DRIFTMARK

THE SHRILL CALLS of Nerissa's handmaiden followed after her as she ran through the streets of Spice town, overjoyed.

"My lady, you know your father forbade you to leave unattended!" Nerissa paused abruptly in front of the shops, a jester-like grin etched onto her face.

"He surely will not mind today, Lilianne." Nerissa brushed her handmaid off, albeit nicely.

"You have neglected to show for your lessons, yet again" Lilianne muttered.

"And be forced to recall boring histories?, I think not" Nerissa said, entering the shop.

Perfumed smells found her nose. Today,she would fly to see her beloved cousin, The princess Rhaenyra. On the morrow, Rhaenyra's claim to the iron throne would be official.

It had been a fortnight since she had seen Rhaenyra, and Nerissa wished to present a gift befitting her future queen, hence the shops.

"Goodmorrow, my lady!" The chipper voice of the shopkeep woman rang out.

Nerissa's smile brightened. "Has it arrived yet?"

The woman smiled, presenting a delicate chest in front of Nerissa. Entirely too impatient, Nerissa opened the chest to reveal a silver necklace encrusted in rubies.

The romantic red color of the jewels reminded the girl of her cousin, painfully so. Nerissa decided that she had chosen well.

"Does it please you, my lady?" The shopkeep asked with slight uncertainty. The lady of Driftmark was known to be quite particular regarding her finery.

"Overwhelming so!" Nerissa expressed. With a gesture of her hand, Lilianne took the chest to hold.

A generous stash of coin was placed before the eager shopkeep woman as Nerissa left.

"Come, let us be off!" Nerissa said, her long legs proved swift as her maid struggled to keep up.

Town folk who passed Nerissa by greeted her respectfully, a gesture that she returned in kind. The people served as a source of joy for Nerissa, she found their smiles rewarding.

"Lady Nerissa!" The squeals of children surrounded her. One small child tugged at the skirts of her dress in awe whilst another clutched her hand.

"Leave the lady be," Lilianne spoke, not at all gentle. Nerissa ignored her as she crouched down to meet the eyes of the children.

"And what are you little ones up to?" Nerissa said, a mischievous smile present.

"We wish to see Sōnnax!" One child cried out. At the mention of her dragon, Nerissa's eyes sparkled. The white she-dragon was loved especially by the children as she was gentle in nature.

"Ah, do you?" Nerissa chuckled. On an ordinary day, she would have allowed it, but today was special.

"Aye, I even caught fish for her!" Another boasted.

Nerissa stood, placing a hand on her hip in contemplation.

"I am seeing the princess today, perhaps another time?" Nerissa suggested.

The children's faces were hopeful albeit sullen as they hurried off.  Nerissa shook her head fondly as she made her way home.

"Lilianne, make ready my riding clothes if you would," Nerissa said, heading for the halls.

"Yes, my lady" Her maid obliged.

Nerissa wandered,garnering bows from guards and such.

"Mother?" Nerissa called out her voice obnoxiously echoing. She then heard the voice of her brother, mocking her tone.

Rounding a corner, there sat Laenor. Nerissa rolled her eyes playfully before sitting across the side from him.

"I am shocked you have not yet left to see your Rhaenyra," Laenor said. Nerissa's hands played at her dress. Odd choice of words her brother used.

"And what of you?" Nerissa questioned smirking. "Where has Ser Joffery gone off to?"

At the mention of his lover, Laenor's face burned hot. "He had other matters to attend to."

Nerissa hummed. "And where is Laena?" Laenor's face turned in a grimace.

"Off to visit her betrothed, I am told." He said. Nerissa groaned. Laena had been since betrothed to a prominent sea lord in Braavos, a man who Nerissa cared not to learn the name of.

She did not bother with the names of the painfully dull.

"It shall be your turn to be married off soon here after." Nerissa said. It was an unsavory topic for the both of them--Laenor with his affliction and the simple fact that Nerissa found the lords of the realm incredibly boring.

"The same for you, I'm sure" Laenor shot back. Nerissa's legs sprawled out before her in the chair she sat in, rather unladylike as her septa loved to scold for.

"I'd sooner drown myself in the sea than be married to some fat lord!" Nerissa exclaimed dramatically, earning a chuckle from her brother.

"Should I take offense?" A booming voice spoke out. The very lord of Driftmark himself.

"Father!" Nerissa beamed, running to engulf him in the warmest of hugs. Corlys looked down at his youngest fondly for a moment before forcing a frown.

"I was told you skipped your lessons." Corlys shook his head in disapproval.  A pout formed onto Nerissa's plump lips as she crossed her arms childishly.

"That dammed septa has it out for me father," Nerissa said. She could hear Laenor laughing at her ministrations.

"Nerissa,your languge!" The voice of her mother spoke, causing her to shrink.

"Sorry mother," Nerissa mumbled. She felt the heavy hand of her father on her shoulder.

"Do you think the princess skips her lessons?" Corlys asked. Nerissa's mood soured instantly. Always the comparison between the two of them. The Realms Delight and The Siren Of Driftmark. Her father never tarried to remind her of her station, her closeness with the princess would not help with the prospect of a husband.

Nerissa never cared much, Rhaenyra had yet to be betrothed.

"Oh let her be husband," Rhaenys said causing him to sigh. In truth, the sea snake never expected much from his youngest, wrily she was with no mind for duty or studies. Nothing like her siblings. Despite this, he loved her anyhow.

"Lady Nerissa, your clothes are ready, "Lilianne said. Nerissa was eager to free herself from the conversation.

"You both will arrive for the coronation?" Nerissa asked. Her mother smiled gently, although there was a bitterness that passed over the notice of the girl.

"Yes sweetling, now fly safely." Her father confirmed.

                                    ——

Nerissa went off to her room, her handmaidens helping her dress. Her riding clothes were not one of her own choosing, a fact she had been annoyed about. The base was a long black coat like her pants with buttons of gold. The lining was the deep blue color of her house.

It was horrid, but alas she would not dare disclose this to her father as it was a gift.

"Oh, there is no need." Nerissa stopped her maid's hands from her hair. At least then she could have control over her own black locks. She loved how the winds danced through them, like a playful game of tag.

Adjusting her gloves, Nerissa set out to where her dragon was. Driftmark had dragon pits, however, it was not a place Sōnnax cared for. Her comfort remained in the grass where she currently napped.

"Sōnnax~" Nerissa's light voice sang out. The dragon opened one sleepy blue eye at the sound of her rider's voice. Sōnnax cooed, stretching her wings.

"Hello, my love." Nerissa stroked the scaled nose of her mount with gentle affection. She hoisted herself upwards, onto the dragon's back. Nerissa found a familiar comfort in this action, the furs of the saddle brushed against her arms.

There was no need for verbal command on Nerissa's part, Sōnnax already knew the intention. Heavy thudded footsteps were taken before the white dragon soared through the skies.

In this moment, Nerissa felt the touches of freedom as she zipped through the air-She wished to remain like this forevermore.

Jerking the reigns to the left, Sōnnax dipped lower, the spines of her tail skimming the sea. Splashes of water misted over Nerissa's face, it was most refreshing.

The Red Keep soon came into view, excitement bubbled inside Nerissa. Tightening her grip, she guided Sōnnax to land in the dragonpits. The dragon keepers took their places causing a groan to emit from the dragon.

Nerissa jumped down from the back, stuffing her riding gloves in her boot.

"It is only for a short time," Nerissa whispered to her dragon in comfort, attempting to ease her anxieties. Begrudgingly, Sōnnax entered the caves, the action made Nerissa giggle.

"Ensure she is placed next to Syrax," Nerissa said, turning to enter the castle.

The Red Keep felt like a second home to Nerissa, some may say she was much too comfortable in her stride as she frolicked down its hallways. Naught came to welcome her formally, save for the occasional maids who knew her by name.

And where could Rhaenyra be? Nerissa pondered in thought. She would not still be in her chambers at this time..perhaps the gardens.

"Ah, Nerissa is that you?" The voice of King Viserys called. It seemed he had practically doubled in age overnight, needing a cane to prop his body upwards. To the left was his lady wife, Alicent Hightower. She was a stern woman, her eyes held much and more judgment towards Nerissa for reasons beyond her understanding.

In private, Rhaenyra misliked her terribly, calling her a green bitch.

"Your grace!" Nerissa curtsied pleasantly.  In truth, she adored the king. The stories of his childhood recalling her mother captivated her. King Viserys was rather fond of Nerissa as well, her energy was quite infectious. The Queen Alicent would claim he viewed her as a young prospect to gaze upon.

Nerissa's hands held the king's own warmly. "I hope my presence is not intrusive?" She glanced at the queen who shot her a glare. How fiercesome.

"Nay child, you are always a delight here." King Viserys assured.

"You were not expected till tomorrow" the Queen Alicent commented, sharp eyes taking in the girl's wild hair. Nerissa paid her little mind, choosing to smile.

"I wished to see the princess before all the fuss and whatnot," Nerissa said, causing the queen to scoff.

"I believe you might find her in the gardens." King Viserys said. At this, Nerissa took off to the outer courts, forgetting her manners of bowing once more.

The sun cast a gentle glow across Nerissa's brown skin. The flowers grew lush around the structures. She bent over to pick her favorite, a goldencup that she stuck in her black curls.

"Neri!" Rhaenyra shouted with glee. Nerissa's violet eyes widened as the princess tackled her into an embrace.

"Is it your intention to pop me Nyra?" Nerissa giggled. Reluctantly, Rhaenyra loosened her grip, choosing instead to hold her hands.

"I missed you terribly!" Rhaenyra admitted, blush coloring her pale cheeks.

Nerissa's eyes turned towards the princess's sworn protector, Ser Criston Cole. She supposed his Dornish features were attractive, and he was ever hovering over Rhaenyra in a way that bothered her.

"The princess is keeping you on your toes,Ser Cole?" Nerissa asked,half smile present.

The knight blinked twice, shifting his weight. The action caused Nerissa's head to tilt slightly--- Criston Cole was typically warm with Rhaenyra, however when she spoke, his energy changed.

Nerissa decided that the knight was a strange man--A boring one at that.

"It is an honor to serve the crown." Criston Cole decided on. The answer did not satisfy the Velaryon girl.

Rhaenyra's eyes cut between the two briefly. It was always the same with them, some unspoken animosity she could not quite place.

"Ser Criston, you may leave us alone for a time." Rhaenyra dismissed him, pulling Nerissa further into the gardens.

"I do not care for that one." Nerissa hissed once they were properly alone. Rhaenyra sighed, sitting herself on a pillowed bench.

"He is vigilant and handsome" Rhaenyra countered. Nerissa sat to the right of her, eyes drawn to the rose bushes.

"Ser Harwin Stong is much more interesting than he." Nerissa scoffed.

Silence enveloped the two girls, still hand in hand with each other.

"I am afraid for the morrow," Rhaenyra said, voice small-It was unlike her.

Nerissa, admittedly could not begin to understand her cousin's position. She cared little and less of the realms politics. She only desired a long flight through the skies on Sōnnax and the largest slice of strawberry cake she could dream of. Rhaenyra would be by her side on Syrax and Laena could fly below on Vhagar.

But the furrowed brow on her dear cousin's face caused her great pain. The king had been reluctant to name her heir, preferring to try for a boy one last time.

There was Aegon, the boy King Viserys shared with his lady wife Alicent. But his interests lay elsewhere-brothels and strongwine.

Rhaenyra, at ten and six years of age, carried the plight of womanhood and expectation atop her shoulders.

"You will make a fine queen, anyone who questions otherwise is a cunt." Nerissa stated bluntly.

"Neri!" Rhaenyra gasped, before succumbing to a fit of giggles that made Nerissa's heart swell.

It was one of her favorite sounds, second only to the roar of her own dragon.

"Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, first of her name!" Nerissa bounced up from her seat, shouting perilously.

Rhaenyra indulged her cousin, making a big show of, curtsying.

"I hope to make my father proud," Rhaenyra said.

Nerissa opened her mouth to speak but was cut off by the voice of another.

"It wouldn't be hard, Viserys is easily pleased ."

Daemon Targaryen. The Rouge Prince.

Nerissa was instantly forgotten as her cousin rushed up to the prince in greeting.

To say Nerissa had a misliking towards Daemon was an understatement. He confused her, muttering innuendos she pretended not to understand.

Daemon had taken her first kiss away, during a night when he offered her redwine . Despite her drunken state, Nerissa could remember his hands over her body-It was brief yet.. perplexing.

The act had spread nasty rumors regarding her maidenhood, but those had since been quelled with time. She refused to speak of it to Rhaenyra, and Daemon was gracious enough to never bring it up.

Still though, his eyes teased her-even now. Nerissa held back from a greeting, watching as her cousin tried her best to remain nonchalant.

"We shall hope, Uncle," Rhaenyra said bashfully. They must have been conversing for a time as Nerissa found herself zoned away from the conversation.

All she wished was to spend time alone with her cousin before the duties of being heir ripped her away. Now Daemon had come to spoil her fun.

"Lady Nerissa you are a sight for restless eyes, as always," Daemon said. Nerissa felt her body tense as her cheeks became hot with shame.

"Daemon." Nerissa greeted curtly, brushing by him as his eyes followed her form.

She was not quite sure where to run off too, but away from Daemon would be fine enough.

"Neri?" Rhaenyra called out, Nerissa forced herself to ignore her. Daemon had her now, Nerissa would be pushed to the side anyhow.

Nerissa instead found herself in the courtyard, maids bustling to and from. Among them, there stood Aegon; He was only a few moons younger than Nerissa, but his promiscuity aged him.

She did not speak to him much, he was lazy and groped any serving girl within his reach. Nerissa eyed the pitcher that was on the table next to him.

"Might I have some wine?" Nerissa approached. Aegon's grin deepened as he watched her take gulps of the stuff. It tasted sweet and made her feel tingly.

"You drink well," Aegon said. His lusty tone and slurred words made her feel greatly uncomfortable. Still, she wished to be distracted.

"Where is this press from?" Nerissa asked, taking another sip. In earnest it was quite good.

Aegon's gaze strolled over the bodice of Nerissa's dress for a moment before dignifying her with an answer.

"Braavos,I think." Aegon said.

Nerissa hummed in response. Briefly, her mind wandered to what Rhaenyra and Daemon were up to. It was clear her cousin had a deep affection for him, the thought made her feel strangely.

"Perhaps later, you and I could visit the city?" Aegon spoke again. It sounded like less of a suggestion. Nerissa knew which part of the city he frequented, and wished not to be alone with him.

"I'm actually rather tired, I should find my chambers," Nerissa said. Aegon sluggishly attempts to reach out for her arm, which she narrowly avoids.

When she was a safe distance away, Nerissa slowed her pace. She longed to mount her dragon, but the hour had grown quite late.

Instead, she beckoned some maids to her chambers. They indulged her with an extensive routine. One girl braided her hair up whilst another assisted her with her nightdress.

She listened passively as the maids filled her ears with gossip of the cities.

"I hear the prince Aegon already harbors two bastards."

"I'm sure the queen is eager yet for him to marry."

"Yes, and she has shipped off her youngest to Oldtown."

None of the topics were particularly striking to Nerissa, or perhaps something had dampened her mood, who could be sure?

The handmaids finished, leaving Nerissa alone with herself. She stared in the mirror, scoffing. Dissatisfaction seeped out of her being. What has the face reflected to her accomplished?

Nothing notable. As usual.

Nerissa tumbled onto the bed. It was not quite as comfortable as her own, but it would have to suffice for now. She softly hummed out a sea shanty, stroking the fabrics of her dress.

Whilst the girl found sleep, her cousin was out in the streets with her uncle. It was long into the night before Rhaenyra retired to her room, however she was still restless.

She left her room, not unnoticed by her protector. His eyes questioned the princess.

"You have not yet slept?" Criston Cole asked. Rhaenyra brought her hands to her back innocently. It was a common thing as of late, to use the tunnels for her adventures with Daemon.

He need not know that though.

"I wish to stay with Nerissa tonight," Rhaenyra spoke. If the knight wished to object, the princess did not stay to hear it.

She slipped through the door, softly padding over to where Nerissa lay. Rhaenyra let her gaze linger upon the sweet face of her cousin.

"Neri?"Rhaenyra gently shook her awake. Nerissa groaned at the disruption, blinking sleepily.

"I should curse you," Nerissa muttered, sitting up in bed. Rhaenyra rolled her eyes, situating herself in the open space.

"I went out," Rhaenyra said excitedly.

Nerissa raised an eyebrow. Surely she did not steal her from sleep just to say this.

"And?" Nerissa's annoyance was clear.

"Daemon took me to the streets of silk," Rhaenyra whispered.

"What!"Nerissa shrieked out. Rhaenyra hastily slapped a hand over her mouth.

"You intend to wake the entire realm?" Rhaenyra said.

Nerissa removed Rhaenyra's hand. Many and more questions poured into her brain. Had she bedded him? Was Daemon forceful? Among her flurry of emotions, one stood out painfully hard to ignore.

Jealousy.

"What did you do?" Nerissa spoke carefully. The lofty smile that had spread onto Rhaenyra's face made her stomach drop.

"We kissed in a brothel, it was most exhilarating!" Rhaenyra said.

"Oh." Was the only word Nerissa managed to force out. She did not need the details of what Daemon's lips felt like, she herself had not forgotten in a hurry.

"Nerissa, there were women doing things I had never seen!" Rhaenyra said.

"Seven hells,Rhaenyra." Nerissa turned away, face beginning to heat.

Rhaenyra giggled, tugging on the hem of Nerissa's nightgown.

"I shall show you." Rhaenyra resolved. Nerissa shot her a look of pure horror.

Suddenly, Nerissa felt herself being tugged onto her back, Rhaenyra on top.

"I hardly find this funny." Nerissa stuttered out. Rhaenyra dragged her hands over Nerissa's body with a playful smile.

"The woman moved like this too." Rhaenyra slowly rocked herself atop Nerissa.

Nerissa, a girl who had kissed many a man by now, felt an unfamiliar heat overtake her body. It caused her to panic.

"And...what of Daemon?" Nerissa almost hated herself for asking. Rhaenyra smirked, moving closer to her face.

Nerissa's eyes were blown wide with uncertainty as Rhaenyra's lips brushed across her neck.

She simply could not bear it.

"Off me! This instant!" Nerissa jolted Rhaenyra, albeit softly.

The song of Rhaenyra's giggles mocked her as she rolled back onto her side.

"By the Gods cousin, your face!" Rhaenyra said, failing to stifle her laugh.

Maybe Nerissa would have laughed, if not for the bubbling desire that had not yet gone away.

"You enjoyed yourself, I am glad of it." Nerissa sighed out. Rhaenyra rolled to her side, wrapping an arm around Nerissa.

"I hope you too can enjoy yourself, truly," Rhaenyra whispered out finally before sleep overtook her.

"I rather not," Nerissa muttered out, forcing her eyes closed.

A final lie, to self-soothe.

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A/N:srry this chapter took so long,i'm lazy ^3^

also Nerissa welcome to comphet!