Her father wanted to torture them.

Otto came to find her in the morning– an usual circumstance, given the way their relationship had soured. He never came when he knew she would be alone, always conversing with her when the children or Gwayne were around. To have found her in her bedchambers well after Gwayne had left for morning patrol... she had known it would be something she'd not like before she allowed him in.

His message was about as short as the time it took for her anger to flare. Her father had asked Otto to arrange a supper for the entire family. He expected them all to sit and dine together at a table– her and Rhaenyra, their spouses, their children, even Otto. Gods, she wanted to gouge someone's eyes out and feed that to her father for supper– what was he thinking? She didn't think he'd even have the strength to show up, which would make the matter worse.

She dismissed Otto without further inquiry– she just wanted him gone and that wretched day over. She hoped it would go as she wanted, with some sort of decision made in Vaemond Velaryon's favor. He'd already discussed plans with Otto, with Alicent, even with Tyland. All that mattered was that they made the court see the truth about Rhaenyra. Then, the Seven would agree with them that Vaemond should succeed Lord Corlys should he pass.

"Though it is the great hope of this court that Lord Corlys Velaryon survive his wounds," started Otto when they'd congregated in the throne room, "we gather here with the grim task of dealing with the succession of Driftmark. As Hand, I speak with the King's voice on this and all other matters. The crown will now hear the petitions. Ser Vaemond of House Velaryon."

He stood taller than Daella had ever seen him, right before he sat himself on the Iron Throne. He'd held court many times on her father's behalf, and he always liked to take the seat himself. Daella didn't blame him, but she certainly thought it a bold move with Rhaenyra and Daemon there. They stood across from her, them and their brood of brats gathered– save the three youngest boys, the two sired by Daemon and the one named for Laenor's lover. Rhaenys stood with them, too, a bit aways but obviously on their side. Daella knew Rhaenys wasn't so stupid, she knew Rhaenys had never truly liked Rhaenyra's sons. Perhaps she would side with Vaemond as the truth was spoken.

Daella and Alicent were on the opposite side, their children around them. Aeneas and Aemond stood side-by-side, swords at their hips. It was on purpose, she thought, meant to intimidate Rhaenyra's boys. Good, let them sweat, they might even reveal it all themselves. She could see Lucerys's fear, the way he lingered close to his mother. He was just a pup himself, how could he command a fleet? She saw the way Aelora glanced over at him, as a predator assessing prey. She saw, too, that he was only a weak little boy. Beside her, Helaena was indifferent, glancing around and ever so often looking at Aegon, whose hands were clasped together without care. They'd both rather be with the twins, she wagered.

Vaemond stepped forward, bringing his petition to the court. "My Queen," he greeted Alicent, nodding to her respectfully. "Princess." His smile was cold, but Daella knew it was because they both wanted his victory so badly. "My Lord Hand. The history of our noble houses extends beyond the Seven Kingdoms to the days of Old Valyria. For as long as House Targaryen has ruled the skies, House Velaryon has ruled the seas. When the Doom fell on Valyria, our houses became the last of their kind. Our forebearers came to this new land, knowing that were they to fail, it would mean the end to their bloodlines and their name. I have spent my entire life on Driftmark defending my brother's seat. I am Lord Corlys's closest kin, his own blood. The true, unimpeachable blood of House Velaryon runs through my veins."

"As it does in my sons," interrupted Rhaenyra, always one to be rude and forget the rules, "the offspring of Laenor Velaryon. If you cared so much about your house's blood, Ser Vaemond, you would not be so bold as to supplant its rightful heir. No, you only speak for yourself and for your own ambition–"

Alicent stopped her little tirade, "You will have a chance to make your own petition, Princess Rhaenyra. Do Ser Vaemond the courtesy of allowing his to be heard." Yes, thought Daella as she glanced at the faces of the lords and ladies beginning to glance at each other, yes, see how childish she is, see how she'd rather he didn't speak at all because she knows he will bring to light her transgressions.

Ser Vaemond seemed glad Rhaenyra spoke up, as if it improved his argument. He directed himself to her, "What do you know of Velaryon blood, Princess? I could cut my veins and show it to you and you still wouldn't recognize it. This is about the future and survival of my house, not yours. My Queen, my Princess, my Lord Hand, this is a matter of blood, not ambition. I place the continuation of the survival of my house and my line above all. I humbly put myself before you as my brother's successor... the Lord of Driftmark and Lord of the Tides."

Otto nodded courteously. "Thank you, Ser Vaemond. Princess Rhaenyra, you may now speak for your son, Lucerys Velaryon."

Daella watched the boy twitch anxiously as she stepped forward, as if he was afraid for his mother to leave his side. Gods, what useless whelps these boys were. She supposed it came from them being so sheltered. When had any of her children ever clung to her so past that age? Aemma was Lucerys's age and even she wasn't so soft. "If I am to grace this farce with some answer," started Rhaenyra, "I will start by reminding the court that nearly twenty years ago, in this very–"

The unmistakable thundering of the entrance doors opening brought everyone's necks to a turn. Daella's heart nearly stopped when she saw what had been hidden behind them. Ser Erryk of the Kingsguard announced loudly as her father strode to them, cane thumping and his golden mask over his head, "King Viserys of House Targaryen, the 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."

None dared to speak as Viserys used every bit of his strength to limp towards the Iron Throne. The echo of his cane sent shock waves into Daella's spine, it made her angry. He hardly remembers who I am but he'll gladly find the energy to come to her when she needs him to lie for her. It's always Rhaenyra, always, always, always, I hate this. She hadn't seen him walk in at least a year. For Rhaenyra, he would've ran.

She saw Vaemond looking at her, at Otto, at Alicent, all for an explanation. They had none to give– no one knew this was going to happen, no one could have expected it. This changed everything. Her father moved past them with hardly a glance– he seemed to be looking more at Rhaenyra than at anyone else. He passed her too, however, moving to the throne as Otto descended. "I will sit the throne today," Daella heard him rasp weakly. The Hand nodded immediately, stepping aside and saying almost with embarrassment, "Your Grace."

Viserys could barely lift his feet enough to pass the first step. The Kingsguard tried to help him, but he motioned them away. She could hear him groaning in effort and agony, alone, until at last his crown fell from his head. It was so pitiful to look at. He leaned his head down, as if to accept he would simply not wear it. But Daemon flew to his side, picked up the crown, and helped him up the rest of the way, placing the crown back over his head as soon as he sat.

Of course he will do this, he will pretend to be the loving brother even though he's never cared. Whatever it takes to become King, he will be the consort if Rhaenyra rules, and that is his interest, that and the fact his sons can be King after him. That's what he's after, that's all he's ever wanted, that's why he wanted her, that's why he helps now when he never did before.

Once her father caught his breath, he muttered, "I must... admit... my confusion. I do not understand why petitions are being heard over a settled succession." It's not settled, you fool, your whore of a daughter ruined all of this when she spread her legs for Harwin Strong. Otherwise, this never would've been in question even if Lucerys had three eyes and a tail. "The only one present who might offer keener insight into Lord Corlys's wishes is the Princess Rhaenys."

Daella tried to hold onto hope, tried to remember that Rhaenys hated Rhaenyra for the part she played in Laenor's death– for they all knew it was too suspicious, too sudden, too convenient for Rhaenyra to wed Daemon and immediately have more sons.

But her heart was shattered when Rhaenys took the floor. "Indeed, Your Grace. It was ever my husband's will that Driftmark pass through Ser Laenor to his trueborn son, Lucerys Velaryon. His mind never changed. Nor did my support of him. As a matter of fact, the Princess Rhaenyra has just informed me of her desire to marry her sons Jace and Luke to Lord Corlys's granddaughters, Baela and Rhaena. A proposal to which I heartily agree."

I didn't wed Aelora to Jacaerys and she sought another option. One that may have just ruined us. This bitch never ceases her scheming. She'd sully those girls with her bastards. I grieve for what Baela and Rhaena must now endure, for those boys will never be what she wants them to be.

"Well," said The King, satisfied, "the matter is settled. Again. I hereby reaffirm Prince Lucerys of House Velaryon as heir to Driftmark, the Driftwood Throne, and the next Lord of the Tides." Some clapping ensued, but Daella's hands were held tight together. She glanced sideways at Tyland, but caught Aeneas's stare first. His jaw was tight, and he glared at the boys as if wishing this matter could've been settled in a test of strength.

Ser Vaemond was not satisfied in the slightest. "You break law and centuries of tradition to install your daughter as heir. Yet you dare tell me who deserves to inherit the name Velaryon. No. I will not allow it!"

"Allow it?" asked Viserys, as sharply as he must have been able to. "Do not forget yourself, Vaemond."

The man would not let it rest. Daella wouldn't have, either, if this had concerned her. He jabbed a finger at Lucerys, who flinched, "That is no true Velaryon, and certainly no nephew of mine."

"Go to your chambers," said Rhaenyra, motioning for Lucerys to take his leave. To Vaemond, she clipped, "You have said enough."

"Lucerys is my true-born grandson," affirmed the King. "And you are no more than the second son of Driftmark."

"You may run your house as you see fit," said Vaemond angrily, "but you will not decide the future of mine. My house survived the Doom and a thousand tribulations besides. And gods be damned–" He faced Lucerys again, "I will not see it ended on the account of this–" He pressed his lips together, he managed to stop himself.

"Say it," whispered Daemon. Vaemond was pushed too far, it wasn't only that urging, it was the fact everyone was blind– even Daella was upset, she wanted to burn everyone siding with Rhaenyra for their stupidity. Vaemond shouted, "Her children are bastards! And she... is a whore."

The entire court was in uproar. Daella immediately turned to Aelora, "Take Helaena, go, now." She knew that whatever happened next, it was about to become too loud. Her daughter gave a quick nod, putting an arm around Helaena and leading her away as Viserys stood from his throne, brandishing the Valyrian steel dagger he wore at his hip, "I... will have your tongue for that."

Daemon reacted faster, the sharp sting of cold steel ringing out, followed by a large thump. Helaena had been turned away just in time to miss seeing how Vaemond's head was severed in half. Daemon had propped himself up on Dark Sister as the body fell, "He can keep his tongue." Aeneas and Aemond unsheathed their swords at once when Otto shouted, "Disarm him!" But the Kingsguard had it handled– and Daemon did not fight it. He set down his sword at once.

Their attention was turned back to the throne as Viserys gave a groan, falling against it. "Call the Maesters!" shrieked Alicent, rushing to his side. Rhaenyra was quick to follow, but Daella had enough.

"Come, boys," she told Aeneas, Aemond, and Aegon. "There is no further need for us here." Her father could die on those steps for all she cared, he had ruined everything yet again.

_

She'd needed time alone after that wretched trial. In her quarters, she'd thrown knives at the Targaryen tapestries she'd had Alicent save for her when they redecorated the castle. Then, she sat down and tore the blades through the fabric. She wanted blood, she wanted death, she wanted this world to be fair. It never was, not for her.

When she'd calmed, she threw knives at her usual board on the wall, until at last she was tired. Now she just had to survive until dinner. Then, her hopes were that Rhaenyra would leave and she'd be free of all this for awhile. They'd come up with another plan– in the end, the plan to take the throne remained the same. While Rhaenrya isolated herself at Dragonstone, there was nothing she could do. This was but a minor bump in the road. They would fix it, they would, she still trusted Otto with her life when they came to that.

Neither thing had truly helped her, and so she'd gone out for a ride on Vermithor while Aemond flew on Vhagar. She didn't keep close to her brother, she leaned down and felt her anger boiling alongside Vermithor's. They both wanted to hurt, to hunt. They flew low over the Kingswood, until at last he snatched up a stag that had been running. She wished the stag had been white, to show that anyone but Rhaenyra was meant to be Queen.

Composed, she went to find her children, reminding them to be on their best behavior now that the King would be there to witness it. She hadn't believed he'd really attend, but after that morning, she knew that she should expect him there. Gwayne found them outside the hall, their family the first to arrive. Rhaenyra, of course, was the last to come.

They split themselves in half, no one wanting to sit together. Her father's seat would be in the center, with Rhaenyra to his left, followed by Daemon and the five eldest children– why she had even bothered to bring young Aegon and Viserys if she was going to hide them away was beyond her understanding. To the King's right would be Alicent, Otto, Daella, Gwayne, and unfortunately their children sitting near Rhaenyra's.

No one really spoke at first, as if wanting to avoid facing the fact they were all crammed together in the same place Daella used to have breakfast with her mother. No mark of her mother was left here now. She hated this place, she never dined in this exact room, always another.

They stood as King Viserys was carried in by the Kingsguard, waiting to sit until he was settled. Daella wanted it to be over already. Her father said, "How good it is to see you all tonight... together."

"Prayer before we begin?" asked Alicent. Gods, yes, anything to pass the time, thought Daella. Her father agreed. Alicent closed her eyes and began, "May the Mother smile down on this gathering with love. May the Smith bend the bonds that have been broken for far too long. And to Vaemond Velaryon, may the gods give him rest."

Daemon smirked, but refrained from making a comment as Viserys continued, "This is an occasion for celebration, it seems. My grandsons, Jace and Luke, will marry their cousins, Baela and Rhaena. Further strengthening the bond between our houses. A toast to the young Princes... and their betrothed."

They held their cups up. "Hear, hear," said Daemon.

"Well done, Jace," she heard Aegon say with a smirk. "You'll finally get to lie with a woman." She heard Aelora and Aeneas snicker as the King added, "Let us toast as well Prince Lucerys, the future Lord of the Tides."

"Hear, hear," they repeated again, though Daella's lips were tight as she drank. She saw Aeneas hadn't even opened his mouth to say anything– good boy. He knows the truth, he sees the truth, and one day he will write it himself.

The King stood. "It both gladdens my heart and fills me with sorrow to see these faces around the table. The faces most dear to me in all the world... yet grown so distant from each other... in the years past." He removed the golden mask he wore to hide the gap in his face, where the infection had eaten away until it took his eye and the majority of the skin that hid the inside of his mouth from the outer world.

Daella hated seeing his real face, it disgusted her, it made her wish he was already dead. "My own face is no longer a handsome one if indeed it ever was. But tonight... I wish you to see me... as I am. Not just a king... but your father. Your brother. Your husband. And your grandsire. Who may not, it seems, walk for much longer among you. Let us no longer hold ill feelings in our hearts. The crown cannot stand strong if the House of the Dragon remains divided. But set aside your grievances. If not for the sake of the crown... then for the sake of this old man who loves you all so dearly."

Alicent helped him lower himself back into his seat. Rhaenyra took her turn to stand, holding up her cup. "I wish to raise my cup to Her Grace, the Queen. I love my father. But I must admit that no one has stood more loyally by his side than his good wife. She has tended to him with unfailing devotion, love, and honor. And for that, she has my gratitude and my apology."

"Your graciousness moves me deeply, Princess," said Alicent softly– too soft for Daella's tastes. "We are both mothers... and we love our children. We have more in common than we sometimes allow." She stood as well. "I raise my cup to you and to your house. You will make a fine queen."

Otto and Daella glanced sideways at each other, though Gwayne seemed pleased to see his sister's kindness. Rhaenyra smiled, clearing her throat. "And for the reasons you've stated, I would like to raise my cup to my little sister, the Princess Daella."

It caught Daella by surprise, and she forced her energy into not looking at her sister with loathing. Always reminding everyone I'm younger than you. "We have had quite the quarrel, you and I," said Rhaenyra carefully, for the sake of their children– perhaps Rhaenyra hid the truth from her brood, but Daella's knew the truth. "As siblings often do. There is much we resent one another for. I apologize that it took me so very long to see what Oldtown and now King's Landing have become aware of. Daella is wonderful. Her children have grown into such talented young men and women. You have cared for them so deeply, just as you cared for our mother and father when they were at their worst. I... was not there in those moments. For either of them. You were. I am... eternally proud to call you my sister. I would not have grown into the person I am without you."

How she could say that, how she could act as though everything was fine when it wasn't was beyond Daella. It took everything in her not to snarl that Rhaenyra couldn't fix decades of cruelty with one little speech. Rhaenyra continued, laughing weakly, "You helped me become better at High Valyrian. You gave me a competitor to better myself. I am afraid I took it too far. I do not wish for that to be the case any longer. For that reason, Princess Daella the Darling of Driftmark. I wish for this to be the moment I formally ask you to be my Hand when I become Queen."

It felt like a slap in the face, too little too late. Not at all what she could have expected. Rhaenyra added, "You have always had opinions that most are often afraid to say or even hear but must acknowledge and listen to if they are to be just and true. You are the one whose wisdom I want to hear most of all when I ascend the Iron Throne."

"Your offer is as generous as it is flattering, sister," said Daella, for she had to say something. Their father was there, she couldn't reject Rhaenyra. Otto would understand that she was telling her sister what she wanted to hear. "It is... the highest compliment I have ever received." To indulge her, she added, "You have grown into a wonderful mother yourself, and I would be both honored to watch you become our Queen one day and honored to serve you."

She saw Rhaenyra smile, believing it. You are the liar of all liars and you can't see that I'm manipulating you? You really are as stupid as I always believed. She could see the way Daemon's eyes burned with jealousy– he didn't like one bit that Rhaenyra had offered that; maybe the two hadn't discussed it. He would want to control her more, Daella knew. Even if Rhaenyra someday became Queen, it wasn't she that would rule.

Jacaerys stood up once his mother sat, as if following her lead. "To Prince Aegon, Prince Aemond, Prince Aeneas, Prince Alistair, and Prince Daeron– though he may be far away in Oldtown. We have not seen each other in years, but I have fond memories of our shared youth. And as men, I hope we may yet be friends and allies. To you and your family's good health, dear uncles and cousins."

"To you as well," said Aegon under his breath, though it seemed as though he might mean it. Helaena whispered, "Beware the beast beneath the boards," mindlessly, offering a grape to Aelora. Then, she stood, "I would like to toast to Baela and Rhaena. They'll be married soon. 'Tisn't so bad. You will ride your dragons together, as we do." She put a hand on Aegon's shoulder as she lowered herself back into her seat. She saw the way Aegon's lip quirked up in a smile, the way Aelora's eyes seemed to shine with longing, the way Aemond and Aeneas glanced at each other– Daella didn't know what any of that meant.

Her father called for music. Daella tried to focus on eating, though for the effect of seeming that she was fine with Rhaenyra's presence, she didn't entirely ignore her. She passed her some food, she answered questions about her children and asked Rhaenyra about hers... the sort of thing people who hardly knew each other asked one another. Simple things that said, I don't really care, I'm only being courteous. She still wanted the evening to be over.

The children had the most fun once they'd had their fill. Aeneas invited Aelora and Aemma to dance, spinning them around and eliciting several giggles. Jace invited Helaena, which seemed to make Aegon jealous. Alistair struck up a conversation with Rhaena about some book they'd both read, and Baela, Joffrey, and Lucerys eventually joined in the dancing. Only Aemond remained seated, silent, uninterested– Aelora gave up the dancing to come sit with him, prompting him to chat with her. Daella understood him, but she saw the way he glared at Aeneas, who had even decided to spin Baela around for fun. He wished he were that social, that good at pretending.

She saw how Rhaenyra watched the girls with longing in her eyes. For cordiality, she told Rhaenyra, "The way your belly sits, I think you will finally have a girl," she told her. "Mine own looked the same with Aelora and Aemma." She knew it was something Rhaenyra would want to hear.

Her sister's eyes were bright. "I truly hope so. I love my sweet boys and my beautiful girls... but I wish finally for my Visenya. I was surprised that you never used the name."

"It was the name you wanted," said Daella honestly. "I never would have taken that from you." Because I am not selfish like you. That seemed to make Rhaenyra even happier, which was odd and somewhat unintentional.

"Your children lack dragons," said Rhaenyra. "Bring them to Dragonstone, let them try and claim one. Perhaps Aelora will claim your Silverwing– she is a bright girl, lively, she reminds me of our great-grandmother." Rhaenyra had a few memories of her, but Daella none– she had been two when Alysanne died.

Daella knew this would mean a great deal to her children; she couldn't say no to that. "They would like that very much."

"Perhaps we might yet unite our houses," said Rhaenyra softly, nodding for her to look behind them. Daella's face reddened with anger when she saw Lucerys dancing with Aemma. He ought to get those filthy bastard hands off of her. But in the end she said nothing, she pretended it was a blush that rose, and raised her eyebrows murmuring, "Perhaps the houses will unite themselves at this rate."

At last, her father showed signs of severe exhaustion. They all rose again as the guards came to carry the tired King back to his chambers for the night. Some of the children returned to their seats as a new course was brought out– a servant entered with a tray of large roast pig, one of Aelora's favorites. It was set down in front of Aemond, and it did not escape Daella's notice how Lucerys smirked and let out a small chuckle.

Aemond shot up, slamming his fist against the table, bringing them all to silence. Daella watched the way Aelora's hand shot out to touch his– why? Aeneas had noticed it, too, and the smile he'd had dancing with Aemma immediately fell. "Final tribute," said Aemond at last, holding his goblet. "To the health of my nephews. Jace, Luke, and Joffrey. Each of them handsome... wise..." He stopped to think, and finally decided, "Strong."

"Aemond," said Alicent warningly as Jacaerys balled up his fists. "Come," urged Aemond, "let us raise our cups to these three strong boys."

"I dare you to say that again!" snapped Jacaerys. "Why?" asked Aemond, striding quickly towards him. "'Twas only a compliment. Do you not think yourself strong–?"

Jacaerys answered with a punch across the face. Aeneas and Aegon leapt into action at once– when Lucerys tried to defend his brother, Aegon grabbed him by the back of his head and pressed him into the table. Aemond had shoved Jacaerys to the floor by then, and Aeneas swept between them, ripping Jacaerys up and pinning him to the nearest pillar, "Not so strong now, are you, Jace?"

Daella had reached him by then, grabbing his shoulder and pulling him apart as the guards swept in to draw the children away from each other. Daemon stepped forward, motioning with his fingers for Aemond and Aeneas not to make another move– he stood protectively in front of Jacaerys, who clearly needed someone to protect him.

"Why would you say such a thing before these people?" said Alicent to Aemond, embarrassed with his behavior.

"I was merely expressing how proud I am of my family, Mother," said Aemond with a smirk. "Mm, though it seems my nephews aren't quite as proud of theirs."

Daella flicked her hand at him, "Gods, stop it, Aemond." There had been no point to this, it did nothing. Rhaenyra ordered her children, "Go to your quarters, all of you, go, now." It seemed even Aemond took it as an order, marching away and beckoning for the others to join them. Daella's children began to shuffle away, Gwayne quietly escorting them.

"Rhaenyra," said Alicent regrettably as she approached her and Daella.

"It's best, I think, if we go back to Dragonstone," said Rhaenyra to both the Queen and her sister.

"You've only just arrived," said Alicent, taking her hand.

Rhaenyra nodded slowly. "Let me see the children home. I'll... return on dragonback."

Alicent seemed glad to hear it. "The King and I would both like that," said the Queen softly. Daella managed a smile, though it was more of dread than glee. "We will await your return."

She swept quickly behind the children before anyone could escape judgment. She found Aegon, Aeneas, Aemond, and Aelora all gathered together in Aeneas's chambers, deep in argument– it seemed Alistair and Aemma had taken the hint to go to bed, while Helaena had left to attend to her children.

"Quiet!" snapped Daella. "Aemond, what were you thinking? It was futile. Our father had only just left."

"They decided to take it that way," he said, rolling his eye. "It's not my fault they can't think of the word in any other context. It's an admission of guilt!"

Aeneas snorted, "Yes, one with no important witnesses. You have to be more strategic, Aemond. Maybe if you weren't so busy cozying up with my sister–"

"Aeneas, stop it!" shrieked Aelora. "It's none of your business!" Her face was red; Daella assumed she hadn't wanted her mother to know.

Aegon blew a raspberry, spreading his arms. "That cat's out of the bag. Daella, you ought to know, our brother's got a thing for his nieces as well."

She didn't even want to hear it anymore– she was exhausted. "At this rate," she said sharply, "I don't care who fancies who, I only care that everyone remembers to keep their mouths shut where it does not concern them. Today was a disaster. None of it matters anymore. Go to sleep, I don't want to hear any more."

Her brothers were quick to take their exit. Aelora started to pace, flicking a knife out from beneath her sleeve and twirling it, presumably to relax herself. "Aelora," said Daella, "I don't care who you do and do not like, it doesn't matter to me if that person is Aemond or anyone else. All that matters is that you feel you have a choice in it, that you're not being coerced into anything."

"That's not the issue here," said Aeneas. "It's that I don't want them to be together and they want to be anyway."

Aelora snapped her gaze at him. "You don't get to tell me what to do, Aeneas, it doesn't concern you."

"Yes, it does! You're both doing this for selfish reasons. He wants a Targaryen bride in case he has to be King– because, in case you haven't noticed, Aegon's being a pretty shit contender now– and you only want him for his dragon."

"That's not true!" She gripped her knife's hilt tight. "You've always been so wrapped up in your own life, you've never bothered to see that since we were younger, Aemond always talks to me, listens to me, opens up to me. We understand each other. Yes, of course I know that marrying him means I could be Queen one day, yes I enjoy when he sneaks me out to fly with him on Vhagar, but I like him because he's actually quite sweet when you're not around."

"Oh, is it my fault now?"

"You sour his mood every time, flaunting about your greatness and making him feel so small compared to you. And this– telling him he can't be with me– it's just another reminder that you're somehow better than him. You may not want to hear this, Aeneas, but being better with sword and more desired by the court idiots doesn't mean you're his better. He could be King someday, and you never will be. I think you hate that, I think you hate him because he's almost as good as you and he could wear the Crown."

Daella swept her arm out between them as both started wanting to snarl again. "Never in my life did I think I'd see you two come so close to blows! You are acting like children. None of it matters in the end, it is highly unlikely Aemond would be King, and none of it matters now. The time for all this is not yet, it would seem. We will speak of this more in the morrow. Go to bed, Aelora."

Aeneas stared at her in disbelief as Aelora strode away angrily. "You cannot seriously trust her and Aemond together. They are plotting against Aegon and Helaena, the both of them. Aelora's probably on her way to his chambers, they'll probably fly off to be wed in the middle of the night out of spite!"

She put her hands on his arms. "Tell me, what is this really about? Hatred for Aemond, frustration about Aegon, desire for Aelora, what? I cannot help you unless you tell me where this fury is coming from. You've been like this since yesterday, all this resentment, I don't know where it comes from."

He shook his head. "No, I don't desire Aelora, I don't hate Aemond. All of this, it's stupid. None of it is as it should be. What if... what if..." He pressed his lips tight together. "Why couldn't they have made you the center of this plan? I could be a good King, I could fix all this. I have all the drive Aegon doesn't, I wouldn't start conflicts out of impulse like Aemond. Why do we even have to support him? It could have been you... it could've been me."

His lips began to tremble, and he dropped his head onto her shoulder. "I know I have such value but no one else sees it. I want everyone to see it, I want them to know I am good, I am just as good as them, I could be better, even..."

He is me, thought Daella. He is as I was, wishing everyone could see the value we held above those that were esteemed far higher. My own mother was the only person who made me feel worthy, but I never believed it to be true because she had to say these things. Aeneas won't believe me no matter how much I tell him. I need to show him, I need to.

She massaged his back, then drew his head up, leaning down to whisper, "I see you, my boy. I see your value. You are right... you are right about all of this. Today showed us that my father will not waver when it comes to Rhaenyra. And it is true... there is much Aegon will not do. I will make them see you as I do... and somehow, someway, I will make sure your talents are seen."

Perhaps I've been going about this wrong all along. I should've done this sooner, I should've known... though I never wanted to be Queen, I only wanted people to see that I had everything Rhaenyra did and more... I will do whatever it takes to give my son what he wants.

And he wants to be King.