Alicent looked afraid.

Daella's hands shook, and though she tried to steady her breathing, it sounded heavy, ragged, forced. She didn't feel alive anymore, she didn't truly feel present in that moment. In her head, she was hurting someone, she was sticking her knife into flesh rather than a pillow. Blood, blood, she wanted blood. She could feel that tug in her gut, the way she did when Vermithor was hungry. He wanted carnage, too.

"You mean to say," Daella's voice quivered, "that on the same night she went to the pleasure house with Daemon... she returned and bedded Ser Criston? A knight of the Kingsguard?"

Alicent gulped. "That is precisely what I mean to say."

"He'll be beheaded!"

"He was honest, Daella. I refuse to punish him for that. He was afraid... uncomfortable. I believed Rhaenyra when she told us nothing happened."

"As did I. This entire time, she lied." She began to blink quickly, expecting tears, but her eyes ran dry with rage. She muttered, "Everything always goes her way. Always, for as long as I can remember. She was the favorite, she was the one who got the dragon first, she was named heir to the Iron Throne when it could have been me, when your father wanted it to be me. And she would throw it all away? She would... abandon her duty? I have not once felt like I was wanted or valued. The suitors choose her, my father prefers her, no one ever sees me as anything other than her sister."

Her voice trembled angrily– gods, she wanted to beat something or someone. "I would do any duty my father asked of me if only he showed me I mattered to him. Even a small bit. He's never once made me feel like he loved me. My mother, she was my everything, and she is gone. Since she left, I've had hardly anyone else truly see me— everything revolves around Rhaenyra. Your father cared and then she made him leave. If the King had named me the heir I would have married whoever benefitted the Realm the most, I would have never let any rumors spark saying I was sullied. Everything she does is forgiven and everything I do is criticized. I get nothing. I am nothing to them."

She covered her face. "Rhaenyra... she does not realize how much she has. I have always been jealous of her but today I am furious. She swore on our mother, Alicent, she promised me if anything had happened, she would have told me. She pretended she would trust me. Rhaenyra, the Realm's Delight, my father's golden child. But she is a liar and she has lost her virtue and I imagine she will face no punishment. She may not have been sullied by Daemon but I do not doubt she made some lie about him, too."

"I never meant to make you upset," said Alicent softly. "I did not mean to ruin the eve of your wedding, I only... I thought you needed to know. We would not have the truth from her."

"It does not matter," said Daella quickly. "As soon as we arrive in Oldtown, I will be wed. I will have my things gathered and I will reside there as soon as I've found accommodations for Vermithor. In fact..." She stood. "I don't even wish for them to be at the wedding. The only one I would have wanted was my mother. I won't endure days on the Roseroad with my father and Rhaenyra. I will fly to Oldtown and I will marry Gwayne without them present. When I am wed, my father can no longer control me. I will no longer live in Rhaenyra's shadow."

"You may be acting rashly," warned Alicent as Daella stripped off the dress, folding it as nicely as she could manage. "I am upset with Rhaenyra, but you would deny your father the opportunity of seeing you wed?"

"The King does not need to be present," said Daella angrily. "He ought to be happy I am being wed at all. It's all he wanted, to get rid of us."

She couldn't think straight, she didn't even want to think, because the more it all ran through her mind, the more it infuriated her. Alicent's words could do nothing to dissuade her. She put her dress and a pouch of coins in her knapsack, she stopped only to kiss Aegon and Helaena goodbye before she stormed to the Dragonpit. She and Vermithor left before anyone could stop them, before anyone could be sure what was going on.

Daella cried only when they were in the sky, so far up that none could see her and judge her tears. The Roseroad stretched far below, taking her to her new home. She hated that Rhaenyra had lied about something so severe, why couldn't she have just been patient, why had she crossed such a line with a Kingsguard then sworn over their mother?! Daella thought it was the cruelest lie she'd ever heard.

The Red Keep had never wanted her there, and now she did not intend to return to it. Let them rot without her, she no longer cared. She'd be happier in Oldtown, with people who would respect her. With Gwayne and Otto, with the children she'd have. She wanted nothing to do with Rhaenyra anymore, nothing, nothing.

Vermithor could feel her desperation. She leaned forward, angry tears still flowing down her cheeks as she raced him to the Hightower, which became visible after a few days in the air. They'd stopped to rest at Bitterbridge, where House Caswell remembered hosting her for the tour, and at Highgarden, where the young lord bravely greeted Vermithor.

She made right for the Starry Sept when she saw it. Its beautiful dome with black marble walls and arched windows was a piece that Daella had always admired in books— to see it in person was another wonder altogether. She never quite imagined she'd be wed there; she never truly imagined she'd be married at all. Maybe she once pictured an extravagant wedding ceremony to rival the one her sister was sure to have. That no longer mattered. In her mind, marriage was freedom. She needed it.

People shouted overhead as Vermithor landed, sneering at those who were too close. She paid for ten pounds of fish that Vermithor roasted for himself before she urged him to fly wherever he pleased until she called for him, hoping that he didn't hurt anyone if he grew bored. She bought an apple cake entirely for herself and ate before she went to see the High Septon who was surprised to see her but agreed to call for Ser Gwayne while she bathed herself.

"Princess."

"That was quick, I thank you," said Daella, having gotten dressed as soon as she'd finished eating. She felt truly perfect, cheeks rosy from the rush and the dress fitting her like a glove. She'd intended to have Laena braid her hair for her wedding, but instead her locks flowed free down past her hips. She hadn't much knowledge of the Seven, but saw on one of the stained glass panels that she resembled the image of the Maiden.

"Yes, Princess," said the High Septon hastily as he escorted her into the ceremonial hall. "It was a matter of urgency and what with the confusion–"

"There has been no confusion," said Daella. "I wish to be wed, the ceremony will simply be smaller and today rather than in a fortnight or whenever we might've arrived in the procession."

"There is a confusion, Princess, I was told the ceremony would be small due to the nature of who it was between, but it would seem I was misinformed."

She stopped in her tracks. "Misinformed? My father, the King informed you that I would wed Ser Gwayne Hightower. I sent you a raven detailing my wishes for the ceremony."

"And I received it, Princess, but I was not sure what to make of it and before I could send another raven for clarification, you'd arrived and Ser Otto–"

"What about Ser Otto?"

He opened the doors to the ceremonial hall, where Ser Otto Hightower waited alone. Ser Gwayne was nowhere in sight. "Princess," said Ser Otto tightly. "I believe there has been a mistake."

"Clearly," she said. "Where is Ser Gwayne?"

"Outside, Princess, as confused as I am."

Her blood was starting to boil— this could not be happening. Was he changing his mind? Getting cold feet? "I cannot explain it all now, but I flew all the way here to be married today! He stated he was in agreement! What is going on? What is this confusion?"

"Your father's letter did not mention Ser Gwayne Hightower," said the High Septon, accepting a piece of parchment from another man who came sprinting in. "It stated you would wed Ser Otto Hightower."

Daella snatched the parchment away the moment he offered it. Her chest tightened, eyes burning with more furious tears as she read it, recognizing her sister's messy writing. Treachery, cruelty, none of it was enough to describe how Rhaenyra had hurt her with this. First the lies, now this... this... she didn't even know what to call it. Rhaenyra was not funny, not when she lied and schemed. "The King signed this?" she whispered, tracing her father's signature. "He sealed it..."

"I believe your sister intended to play a prank, Princess," said Otto. "Surely she thought to uncover it before the wedding but given the nature of your sudden arrival–"

"What does Gwayne think?" she asked, panicked. "That I– that I lied– that I– no, I would never, I am not Rhaenyra, I am not!" She flung the letter away. "This cannot be happening. It is ruined, everything is ruined!" She hugged herself, the dress almost seeming to burn at her flesh. She'd never felt so humiliated. Rhaenyra is a liar, Rhaenyra hates me, she's always hated me.

Otto obviously had no idea why she'd come so suddenly and so distressed, but it was clear the situation was not making anything better. "Gwayne imagined it was a mistake, do not fret, Princess. This will be remedied. I only regret you had to find out this way, I would have fixed it all prior to your arrival if I knew, I would have discussed it with your father without your worry."

Daella could hear her blood pumping furiously through her body, all her rage directed toward Rhaenyra. She felt for the knife that wasn't in her sleeve— gods, if Rhaenyra were here and so were that knife, Daella would place it right in her wretched, traitorous heart. "My sister ruins everything she touches. She has to have it all. And when she has it, she ruins it, she takes advantage and does not take her duty seriously. All I ever wanted was to be admired the way she was. Gwayne admired me and she almost ruined that. There shouldn't have to be something to remedy."

Everyone wants Rhaenyra, they always prefer Rhaenyra. Her father wanted them both to be wed so soon, so young, had he learned nothing? The first Daella was wed before she was ready and died birthing her mother, terrified and clutching the hand of Queen Alysanne, who had already lost other children, and would lose more, because Jaehaerys lost his patience. If Viserys hadn't pressured her and seemed so disappointed, she might not have felt the need to rush it, if he'd listened to her, she wouldn't hunger for freedom. If he didn't give in to Rhaenyra's every whim, she would be seen, she would be loved.

She held her head in her hands. "You are certain Ser Gwayne is here? That he will still marry me despite this cruelty by Rhaenyra? You are certain you and I don't... need to be wed?"

(Otto admitted he'd thought about it, when he first arrived and was told of the situation. If Viserys would not name Aegon his heir, perhaps he would name Daella, and Otto would find his children inheriting the Iron Throne. Or, even if he did not name Daella, his first daughter with her could wed Aegon and one way or another, Hightower blood would set the Realm right and remove a girl as incapable and self-centered as Rhaenyra, who Viserys could not see was unfit for this role. It would destabilize the whole Realm and he did not seem to care. And yet, he doubted Daella would ever agree to it, as much as she sought him out.)

(Daella admitted for a brief moment that she considered what would happen if she did exactly what the letter commanded. If she wed Otto instead of Ser Gwayne. It would rub in Rhaenyra's face her prank for all time, it would show Viserys that his perfect child was really not so. She'd use it to always remind her of her lies, of her selfishness. She'd have at her side a man who would listen to her, a man who would do whatever it took to ensure Aegon became King, as they both thought should happen. But in it she'd lose Gwayne and at present it was pointless to use it to torture Alicent. Spite was not enough of a reason and though she could effectively bring Otto back to King's Landing to encourage her father to see reason about his choice for heir, she doubted Otto would ever agree to it. She remembered him calling her beautiful... he'd only said that to flatter her, not because he meant it, surely. She remembered the way it made her blush.)

"We do not need to be wed, Princess," said Otto. "I know Viserys and I can disregard the letter entirely— none will believe he wanted this. Your desire will be respected. You may marry my son today if you so wish."

She held her head in her hands. "Please, I require a moment with Ser Gwayne alone, to discuss this. I came here to be married and I intend to marry today, for if I wait... if this does not work... I may not have a husband I will like and I will need to endure that wretched castle for far longer. I'll watch Rhaenyra get everything she doesn't deserve. I cannot return without a husband, I will be even further humiliated. I won't."

Otto bowed his head. "I will fetch him. Princess." He stepped out quickly, returning after a few minutes with Gwayne, who smiled awkwardly at Daella, the two silent until the High Septon and Ser Otto stepped away.

Daella cleared her throat, "This is not how I imagined this day would be."

"Nor how I did, in all honesty," said Gwayne, shifting his weight and tucking his hands together. "Your sister is..."

"A cunt," said Daella flatly. "I despise her. Truly, I have decided this. My father is a fool to want her as heir. It should be Aegon instead."

Gwayne seemed amused with her anger, but contained a smile when he saw the way she glared at him. Her fire, he liked it, he wanted to see how it could burn and found it as entertaining as he did mesmerizing. "I agree with you, Princess, as does my father. There is a reason you caught my eye."

"Even still?" she asked hopefully.

"Rhaenyra could never sully the image of you in my mind. I meant what I wrote in those letters. I admire you, Daella, and I find we've much in common."

Her lips curled up. "You too are pensive and always filled with things to talk about?"

He smirked, "In all honesty, I think my horse would wish to step on me until I'm quiet. I seldom am." He took her hand, bending his knee. "I wish to marry you, Princess, if you will have me. I pledge myself to you, and with the might of House Hightower I swear to support you in your beliefs for the Realm."

"All beliefs?" she whispered, squeezing his hand. "Even if it meant I will devote myself to changing my father's mind and seeing... what can be done to make Aegon ascend the throne in her stead?"

Gwayne nodded, kissing her hand. "Even if it means that."

She pulled him to his feet, grinning wide. "I wish to marry you, too, Ser Gwayne. I would very much like to be the person who listens to you for the rest of your days."

The wedding was even smaller than she'd wished, but she did not regret it in the slightest. Though Gwayne did not have a cloak with the sigil of his house, he used what he bore as the High Septon spoke, "The love of the Seven is holy and eternal. The source of life and love. We stand here today in thanks and in praise to join two souls as one. Father, Mother, Warrior, Smith, Maiden, Crone, Stranger. Hear now their vows."

"I am yours and you are mine," said Gwayne. "From this day until the end of my days."

"I am yours and you are mine," Daella repeated with a smile. "From this day until the end of my days."

"Here," said the High Septon, "in the presence of gods and men, I proclaim Ser Gwayne of House Hightower, Daella of House Targaryen, to be man and wife. One flesh, one heart, one soul, now and forever."

"With this kiss, I pledge my love," said Gwayne, cupping her face gently. She closed her eyes, accepting his kiss. It felt so right, so real, and there was a satisfaction knowing it came with her duty served, without selfishness like Rhaenyra. Daella had been patient, she had earned this. Every bit of happiness, she deserved it.

How dare her father have let it come to this? All those years torturing her mother for a son and he chose Rhaenyra out of guilt, placed being a father over being a king when the realm needed the latter and the girls had hardly known him to be good at parenting. Surely he'd been mentally unwell in his grief, but now it had not lifted. She even swore that her father once told her sweet mother that he saw in his dreams a male babe born wearing the Conqueror's crown. What was the point of all this bluster about a male babe?

Otto rode with them in a carriage to the Hightower, where Daella would dine with them and decide if she would reside in Oldtown from that day forth or return to endure the Red Keep. "I am pleased all truth came to light at the end of day," said Otto as Gwayne squeezed Daella's hand. "Though it saddens me to hear of the Princess's continued... transgressions."

"Oh, you do not even know the half of it," muttered Daella. "Whoever told you what Rhaenyra did with Daemon, they were right about many things. I didn't want to believe it. She is a liar. She has betrayed my trust. Betrayed my mother by swearing nothing happened when it did." She sighed, rubbing her head, "Alas, my father will not see it. We will need to fight to convince him."

"And if need be, fight to convince the Realm," said Otto softly. "To protect it."

Daella nodded. "Perhaps. I should hope he will make the right choice before it is too late. Aegon ought to be our next king. We must make it happen, we must show him this path."

"Then we must prepare Aegon to rule if Viserys won't," thought Gwayne. "Shouldn't we?"

Otto seemed to agree. "We may need to think a great many steps ahead. The path will not be easy..." He eyed Daella. "Are you certain you wish to entertain this?"

"Yes," she said without hesitation. "Rhaenyra replaced Daemon because he was unfit. She has proven herself the same, she has proven that he can influence her and that we still risk a second Maegor controlling the Realm... even if he doesn't sit the throne directly."

Otto leaned back in his seat. "You're more aware than your father, Princess. He has not seen your value. Your sister has ruined what he gave her when he made her heir."

"You were right all along and he did not listen to you, either. If he'd just made Aegon heir, he would have ended all this fuss about marriages and wars and the Crown being seen as weak. My father will defend her until the end of his days like a fool. Aegon could be another Jaehaerys and still he would see Rhaenyra on that throne. She doesn't deserve it. I would prefer it to be Aegon."

"The Realm will not see a woman on the Iron Throne."

"The Princess Rhaenys warned me about that. I should have listened to her. To think, I did do as she asked, when she wanted me to care more for Rhaenyra. We assumed she'd lose her station. Instead keeping it has made her more arrogant." She shook her head. "I do not wish her replaced because she is a woman. To do so would be to shame all the good queens that came before, strong leaders even if they did not wear the crown. No, I wish her replaced for the sake of the Realm because she is dishonest and unworthy. Other Targaryen women did not shirk their responsibilities so. She shames them and instead receives the reward of my father's blindness."

"Then how can we ensure this?" murmured Gwayne. "How do we even begin convincing the King of such a lapse in judgment?"

Otto tapped his fingers against the doorframe. "Neither of you must worry about that at present. I've only one idea from which all others will spout. You may not like it, Princess, but I require you both to live in the Red Keep." Seeing her disappointed face, he said, "You are the only one I trust to deliver me news of Rhaenyra and of your father, as I cannot be there myself. Alicent will be occupied with other duties and is less... keen to be candid in a letter. You, I believe, are intelligent enough to code messages filled with everything I must know to devise our plan and convince Viserys of this madness."

A great responsibility, the sort Daella always wanted bestowed on her. "Then it will be done." Finally, someone saw her value.

"And you," said Otto to his son, "you will ensure Aegon is being taught and trained. You will see that he learns the ways of war. Daella, you are close to him, you will teach him to be King as I will instruct you to. The both of you, most importantly must strengthen your line and produce heirs. Aegon will need a wife. I propose your first daughter marry him, to unite the branches and leave Princess Helaena available for a strong alliance elsewhere."

"And for dragons," murmured Daella, mostly to herself. When they both looked at her, she said, "We will need the might of dragons. Any children we have will be dragonriders. There are unclaimed dragons out there and eggs yet to hatch. We can strengthen Aegon's claim early on if we ensure him, Helaena, and any of my children a dragon."

The carriage rolled to a stop, the three going silent. "We will discuss this again in time," said Otto quietly. "Keep this to yourselves... do not even share it with Alicent. Until then... I am pleased in the faith you have in your brother, and the clear mind you keep for the good of the Realm."

The door was opened, Otto emerging first. He turned back to offer Daella his hand, welcoming to the Hightower his son's new bride. He spoke quietly, "If only Rhaenyra were as selfless and clever as you, Princess."