The Red Keep, King's Landing, 116 AC

Something foul lingered in the air.

She'd sensed a strange energy in the week she waited for Gwayne's reply. Daella could not explain it, but she knewsomething was amiss. She'd gone casually to Otto, to ask how fared things in the Realm. He said nothing concerning. Her assumption was that something was happening right there in the Red Keep, right under her nose.

She knew the castle well, given all the time she had alone to explore. Perhaps in recent years, with her added duties as an older sister, that had been less possible. Still, Daella debated slinking around the castle the way a cat would, watching and listening until something stood out. She noticed that was what Larys Strong seemed to do, prowl about as best as he could with his clubbed foot and partake in the right conversations. He always knew everything, but she wasn't sure she could trust him with her suspicions. He'd done nothing to show he would be loyal to her– and most people clearly weren't.

"Blue, like the sky." Aegon was seated on the floor in front of her, and kept draping her skirt over his head for Helaena's amusement. She'd giggle lightly, but often grow distracted by a passing fly or the occasional sound outside.

"It is the color of my mother's house," Daella reminded him. "House Arryn. Your mother's color is green." She liked the color green as well, the way a forest could ride on a cliff over the sea, or the way seaweed spilled out from the waves. The sea in Driftmark looked more green-blue than simply blue.

Helaena squealed as Aegon vanished under the skirt again. She wiggled eagerly, prompting Daella to kneel beside Aegon. She put her skirt over Helaena's head instead. "Isn't she pretty, Aegon?"

Aegon shrugged. "Pretty. But... she looks like a septa." This made Daella laugh, "Given how much the Hightowers pray to the Seven, Helaena may wish to become a septa. Like Princess Maegelle. She was our great-aunt, you know."

Her little brother didn't seem very impressed with this, as if he didn't understand why anyone would want to come a septa. He became more interested in a spider crawling on the floor, thin and long-legged. Helaena's eyes lit up, her tiny body wiggling towards it as Aegon tucked it into his palm. Daella could not imagine leaving them when they were so little, so sweet. If she married Gwayne, she would surely ask him to live here in the castle with her.

"I might marry soon," she told them, though Aegon wouldn't truly understand the implications. "In fact, Laena might marry soon as well– I hear Lord Corlys is undergoing negotiations with the Sealord of Braavos. Laena may wed his son, but I do not believe she wishes to. I hope that when the time comes for you to marry, you can marry whomever you please. Someone nice. It will matter who you marry if you become King. Your namesake married his two sisters, and my great-grandsire married his. Helaena might not be a septa at all, she may be your wife."

He had no idea what that would entail, more interested in showing the spider to Helaena. She felt that dread in her stomach again and worried for them. They were so little, so innocent, so sweet. She didn't want anything to harm them. No, Daella would hurt someone if they tried anything. Whatever was lurking around, she would take care of it if it posed any threat to her little darlings.

The door opened, her guards announcing, "Her Grace, the Queen." Daella had not expected Alicent to come and see her, even if the children were here– she never sought Daella out, and hardly the children. Daella straightened up on the floor, "Your Grace." She always kept her tone steady, though she did not like her. She missed when Alicent was kind. Never that close to her, but still, somewhat of a sister.

"Are we able to speak freely?" asked Alicent, eyes darting around the room, presumably searching for any handmaidens or ladies-in-waiting that may be out of sight. Daella nodded slowly. Alicent approached, taking a seat in the nearest chair. Aegon and Helaena paid her little mind. "I've been informed of something... discomforting. In regards to your sister."

She certainly wasn't happy. Daella hadn't seen Alicent speak so coldly about Rhaenyra... ever. She'd remained cordial and even eager for a conversation since the betrothal, though Rhaenyra had only recently returned the kindness anew. Rhaenyra did something, she always does something. Does Alicent see that now?

Daella narrowed her eyes, unsure how severe this must be. "Discomforting. What exactly do you mean by that?" She watched Alicent picking at her nail beds anxiously, the way she always did, but more so when she was angry. Angry, that was something Daella rarely saw with her.

"I learned that she had quite the adventure last night," said Alicent tightly. "The servants saw her disguised as a page during the hour of the owl, creeping through the gates of King's Landing."

That was confusing. Her sister did many things, but leaving the castle in the middle of the night did not sound like her. "Rhaenyra snuck out? But... how? Ser Criston guards her door, he would have known."

"It is said Maegor had secret tunnels installed all over the Red Keep. I presume Rhaenyra used these to... to..." She bit her nail. "I do not wish to say it. My father, he... he could hardly bring himself to tell the King."

Daella didn't want to think about why she'd been with the King so early this morning. She was like to have another sibling soon. Another little girl would be nice, she would suggest the name Aelora, she liked that name. "What is it?" she demanded, covering Aegon's ears, much to his little dismay. "Tell me."

"Rhaenyra was spotted in a pleasure house," said Alicent softly. "With Daemon. Coupling."

She was both surprised and unsurprised. On one hand, it sounded like a ridiculous lie– Rhaenyra, doing that sort of thing? She liked attention, to be sure, but Daella had never seen her sister behave sexually in any capacity. Even when she noticed her flirting with Alicent, it had never been so... open. Over the years, she'd noticed nothing that suggested Rhaenyra thought about the same things Daella did by herself.

But Daemon... yes, that was the sort of thing Daemon would do, whether Rhaenyra was willing or not. "Is this someone inventing some lie?" asked Daella carefully. "Or... did Daemon finally get what he's wanted all these years... and force her hand?" She felt rage for her sister, if Daemon had laid a hand on her, tricked her into leaving the castle then raped her, Daella would kill him.

"Your father thought it might be a lie," she replied. "He grew cross with my father, he said..." She turned away, refusing to finish her thought. "Still, my father was convinced this was... consensual. I wish to believe it untrue. I will speak to her as soon as I am bathed and dressed. I'd like you to accompany me, to learn the truth of it."

Daella would go, yes. If someone was trying to ruin her sister's name, well, that could affect Daella, too, and she would defend Rhaenyra. If this was some lie Alicent had concocted, she would be there to defend Rhaenyra, too. If Daemon had done something, Daella would show him no mercy.

Alicent sent a message ahead for Rhaenyra to meet her in the godswood– she said nothing of Daella's presence, perhaps some sort of test. Leaving the children with their wetnurse, Daella followed tight behind Alicent, still not fully trusting the nature of this impromptu visit and conversation of such magnitude. When had Alicent ever wanted to talk to her about anything so serious?

Rhaenyra arrived, seemingly unaware. As soon as she reached them, Alicent demanded, "What happened last night?" She did not start with so much as a 'hello.' Rhaenyra was taken aback, perhaps even looking nervous at the sight of both Alicent and Daella.

"My father has made some worrying allegations about you," said Alicent. "Were you with your uncle?"

Rhaenyra's eyes darted around before she replied, "Oh, I... he took me to the city for some fun." Daella didn't trust that, her sister sounded the way she used to when they were little and she pretended she hadn't dirtied her dress when their mother asked them not to be running around.

"What sort of fun, Rhaenyra?" asked Daella. She hoped it wasn't true. She hoped Daemon hadn't taken advantage of Rhaenyra and that, if this was really for 'fun,' Rhaenyra hadn't completely ruined her reputation as Princess of Dragonstone. Her sister wasn't like that, she couldn't be. She disliked duty but would not dare spit in its face so.

"Your father accused me of something," said Rhaenyra to Alicent. "That I drank wine? Left the castle after dark?" She took Daella's hands. "I assure you, if I had been able to find you, I would have had you come with us." She supposed that sounded true– Daella had returned to her chambers late after searching for a maester who might tell her if Ser Gwayne had replied yet. "Daemon invited us both."

That was a little more difficult to believe– it sounded desperate. Daella knew her uncle would never invite her anywhere; he didn't like her. And if that were the case, he would've found her himself. He had an unnerving way of appearing unannounced. Alicent was equally unsatisfied, "My father says that you fucked Daemon in a pleasure house."

Rhaenyra had a strong reaction, flinching back and scoffing, "This is a vile accusation." No, no, no, Daella could hear how defensive her tone was, it was the same way Rhaenyra used to sound when she'd lie to their mother.

"Is it?" asked Alicent curtly. "You Targaryens do have queer customs. And Daemon certainly knows no limit."

She pleaded with them, "Alicent, Daella– Your Grace, sisters, you must know I would– I would never. You cannot believe such gossip!"

That much offended Alicent– and somewhat Daella, too. While someone might've misled Otto, he did not bring this issue to Viserys as a gossiper, he did it out of concern. Otto cared, Daella could see that. Alicent defended him, "My father is no gossip!"

"Well, certainly he's been misled! He could not have witnessed such a thing."

"Why not?"

"Because it did not happen!"

"He was told that you–"

That, perhaps, would've been good to explain first, for Rhaenyra was even more confused and obviously upset. "Told?Who made these claims to your father? I am a Princess. To question my virtue is an act of treason."

Alicent had nothing to say on the matter, nor did Daella. She supposed anyone who recognized Daemon could've made the assumption and brought it back to the first person they found. "I-I don't know specifically–"

"What, your father did not tell you?"

"He reported it to the King. I overheard."

"So you are accusing me of slanders you overheard?"

Daella chose to intervene before it could grow worse. A part of her wanted to catch her sister in a lie. "We wanted to ask you before Father had a chance to, Rhaenyra. Don't you believe we want to defend your reputation, too? If Daemon forced anything on you, if someone is inventing this, tell us now and we will defend you."

Her sister relaxed significantly, perhaps feeling less watched, less attacked. "We drank in a tavern. Several... taverns. It was getting late and I asked to go home. But Daemon wished to continue. As he was my escort, I had no real choice."

"Continue," whispered Alicent. "In a brothel?"

"He took me to a show," explained Rhaenyra. "I was only a spectator, I didn't do anything. And then Daemon sank into his cups and, uh... abandoned me for some whore. I should've known better."

"Then you are certain you have retained your virtue?" asked Daella, for this was the most important thing. So long as she had her maidenhead, the person who reported to Otto was a complete liar and Daella would take their tongue. "Daemon did not take it?"

She nodded. "Daemon never touched me. I have my virtue. I swear this to you, Daella, on the memory of our mother."

Relief flooded her; at least this meant that Rhaenyra had not forgotten her duty. Daella reached out to hug her instinctively, glad that Daemon had not forced anything on her, either. "Please, do not put yourself in such a situation again. Do not trust Daemon, you ought to know this. Whoever misled Ser Otto wished to sow discord, wished to harm you. Do not put yourself in places that would breed such talk. You are Princess of Dragonstone."

If I were Princess of Dragonstone, I never would have put myself somewhere that a person could try and say such a thing. I'd never sneak out of the castle. Rhaenyra should know better, but at least no harm came of it. "I regret it," Rhaenyra promised. "It will not happen again, sister."

"Good," said Daella. "Let us go for a ride, take to the skies and give Father time to hear the facts as they are." She expected Alicent would run and clarify, anyway. She looped her arm in Rhaenyra's, leading her out of the godswood. She lowered her voice, "If anything had happened, you would tell me, wouldn't you? You know I would hurt Daemon if he hurt you."

"Of course," Rhaenyra assured her. "You are the first one I would tell. Now, go on, say to me something that will make me forget these horrible accusations."

This brought Daella a smile– Rhaenyra wanted to hear about her, that was a nice change. "Well, a week ago, I... might have posed the idea of marriage to Ser Harwin." She felt her sister jump, squealing out, "Daella, you didn't!"

She put a hand on her own cheek, feeling her face redden, "I did, it was so foolish. He made it clear he does not think of me that way, and I appreciated his honesty. He did tell me that Ser Gwayne thinks me beautiful... I gathered my wits and sent him a raven. I hope I will receive a response soon. I want to marry, and I have thought Ser Gwayne handsome since I was much younger... I would like to know him again, with all the confidence I have now and didn't then. Laenor used to encourage me to speak to him and then..."

Rhaenyra winced, "Mother died." Daella nodded. "Well, I think you've done something very brave. It would be nice if you marry Ser Gwayne... he won't be Lord of Oldtown and he could come to live here. You'd be close by, always. We could fly together and our children would grow together. I could have you here to give me advice when I need it."

It sounded so wonderful, so sincere, Daella realized perhaps she'd been too harsh for being upset that Rhaenyra rekindled her friendship with Alicent. Her sister still cared for her, though they did not always see eye-to-eye. It was a comfort. Daella leaned her head onto Rhaenyra's shoulder, smiling to herself. If Rhaenyra did become Queen, then Daella could receive a position of great importance. If her sister took her duty seriously... perhaps she would make a good sovereign.

_

The coming week was difficult for both of them. Their father had been so upset with Rhaenyra for what she risked that he'd brokered a marriage for her– a suggestion come from Lord Lyonel Strong. Rhaenyra was immediately betrothed to Laenor, much to Daella's delight. Though she knew it would be difficult for Laenor, she was glad that he would be coming to live in the castle. Gods, she so hoped Laena wouldn't marry the Sealord's son, perhaps they could find her someone nearby to marry, and then she could live on Driftmark or even in the Red Keep. Her two closest friends with her at all times, Daella would prefer it.

The problem arose with what Rhaenyra demanded after her father asked this of her. She was still upset that Otto had gone to their father about the matter, and stated that he behaved self-servingly. Next thing Daella knew, amidst the continuing sensation that something was strange and unsafe, Otto was being dismissed. Rhaenyra had said very plainly that Otto continued to press for Aegon to be installed as heir.

It irked Daella that it had come to this. Perhaps she could see Rhaenyra's side of it, but had she learned nothing from their conversation with the Princess Rhaenys? The men of the Realm would want Aegon as heir. Inevitably, their father had to see that and Rhaenyra's position would be changed. Unless she took her duty more seriously– and whine about the marriage she had, already– then Daella did not see how this could last much longer. Rhaenyra contributed little to the Small Council, Otto had always told her, and given the scandal she almost got herself into, Daella didn't think she'd done all she could to live up to the position nor even deserve it.

The day Otto was to leave was the same day they would be sailing to Driftmark to discuss with House Velaryon the details of Rhaenyra's wedding. Daella had been the only one of them that went to say goodbye, for she saw him near every day when she took the babes to say goodnight. She would miss their conversations, the way Otto listened, the way he told her what was happening when no one else did. Who would she talk to now?

"Princess." He bowed his head, appearing surprised to find her there alone. His solar was much different now, every last bit of parchment gone. Most of the furniture had been moved as well; the Tower of the Hand would now belong to Lord Lyonel Strong, and Daella imagined many changes would come. She liked all the green Otto had around.

"Ser Otto." She offered him a weak smile, though nothing could comfort him for the loss of his position. "I was so very sorry to hear of my father's decision. It is unfair, I believe. I wanted to thank you for how you've served the Realm. I wish you well on your journey to Oldtown. I... will miss you."

His expression softened, perhaps a tad less sad. "Your kind words move me, Princess. I wish you well here. I know it has not been easy for you, but you have done your duty well." He hesitated, then decided to say, "You've made excellent progress with Aegon. He is a clever boy, and I am sure that he will be ready... for whatever may come."

She knew what he meant, what he could not say. What they both agreed on even if no one else did. "I'll prepare him," she assured him. "I read to him and Helaena every night. I'll monitor his lessons when he is old enough for them. That way, even if it takes my father years to see the truth... Aegon will not be so far behind on his instruction. I will prepare Helaena as well, for I imagine she will most like be his consort."

"You are wise beyond your years, Princess. You are the spitting image of your mother." He saw it too, what everyone saw, she was the ghost of Aemma Arryn, especially when she wore her blue gowns. "The children are lucky to have you. The Realm does not yet know the service you do them."

She wasn't sure why that hurt. She knew he meant to comfort her, but it was a reminder that no one truly saw her, no one truly understood her. Only Otto, and he was leaving. "I would hope that they will know it someday," she murmured. "As I hope my father will realize he made a mistake in dismissing you. Aegon would benefit greatly from a Hand like you. You served two kings faithfully. My father... is a fool for this."

"You will need to forgive me for saying this, but your father is easily influenced by the beliefs of others. Jaehaerys was a man with conviction, who could decide for himself almost every time. It was difficult even to have your father set Daemon aside as heir, though we all knew the plain truth. It will be even harder to make him see this truth."

Daella nodded. "He feels guilt, I believe. He butchered my mother wanting a boy, he forgot about the children he had. But now he has a son and he forgot his obsession. Guilt keeps Rhaenyra as Princess of Dragonstone, though she has not taken her duty seriously." She shouldn't have sounded so bitter in front of Otto, but she did.

He blinked slowly, a silent bit of agreement and support. "Unfortunately, it was your father's choice." She raised a brow, unsure what that meant. "When I told him that Daemon would be a second Maegor or worse, I reminded him he had two daughters. I did not imply for him to select Rhaenyra because she was the oldest. You were my first choice as heir. You listen much better, you think differently than your sister, you are serious when need be."

She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Otto had wanted her as heir? And her father... had picked Rhaenyra. She would've still been set aside for Aegon, for the truth was that her father did need a stronger line of succession... but still, it was almost too much for Daella to process. "My father clearly doesn't see that," murmured Daella. "He has never seen me."

"Unfortunately, many are willfully blind to the things that confuse or intimidate them. Your mother saw what he did not. You hold many talents, Princess, and I encourage you to keep cultivating them. There is much you are capable of that your sister will never be. Would that others saw that, it is a regret of mine that none here appreciate what you offer."

Her eyes welled up with tears. Otto was the first person to ever recognize that she had merits Rhaenyra did not. Before she could stop herself, she went to him, drawing him into a hug. He was still, then rubbed her shoulders gently while she sniffled. He smelled of pine, like a forest. She couldn't remember the last time her father hugged her. He hadn't even hugged her when her mother died. Before that, gods, she couldn't remember, either. It felt nice to be in someone's arms again, to feel protected and appreciated. She wished it weren't so difficult to come by people like this. Gods, what was she to do without Otto?

He cleared his throat, pulling away. "I was informed that you sent a letter to Gwayne." He must've heard how she'd been chasing after maesters for the past two weeks hoping for a reply from Oldtown.

She blushed. "I did." She had mentioned to him before that she wished to marry. "If he demonstrates any interest, I may ask my father to betrothe me to him. He is someone that is familiar to me, someone I think I could very much like."

"Undoubtedly, he will demonstrate interest. He asks about you in his letters to me. Though he has not been in King's Landing for many years, he remembers your beauty, and you have only grown more so over the years." Her face felt like it burned, but the compliment was very welcome. She'd never expected Otto to say something so kind. "Once he begins to correspond with you, he will realize all that you have to offer."

"Thank you," she said softly. She took a step back. "I will write to you, too, Ser Otto. To make sure you are alright, and to update you on Aegon's progress. Perhaps I will soon visit Oldtown."

He managed another smile. He looked tired, sad– he didn't say it, but he would miss her, too. "We would all like that very much, Princess."