There was nothing to do but wait.

It was no longer in Amalia's nature to sit patiently and expect something to happen. Years ago, when she still lived in Oldtown (and thought her father this wonderful man who had to live far away because he was so clever that even kings had to cleave to his wisdom), Amalia had been accustomed to waiting. Her mother would have her sit with a tiny Alicent on her lap, her free arm around her brothers, while they waited for a carriage to come and take them to the sept.

They'd wait for the sun to set. For their food to be served to them. For the night bells to toll their beautiful song thanking the Seven for another day and inviting all to pray at the same time and combine their strength for the good of all. Her mother used to say, 'Patience is a virtue, Amalia. You must always be a good girl. You must not rush anyone, you must accept the good that comes to you in its own time.'

In all honesty, her mother had never been one to assert herself. As loving as Alyrie Florent had always been, she hadn't stood up for herself very often. A humble woman, she'd bowed her head respectfully and offered the other cheek even when someone spit on the first– metaphorically, of course, for no one had ever hated her mother or felt so strongly to want to do such a thing.

Amalia had learned to be a completely different person from the moment her mother first became ill. She'd started to take strides for herself, for her siblings. She chased what she wanted rather than letting it fall on her lap. There was no room for patience when she had four children to take care of. The same continued to prove true when her mother died, when she had to take care of Rhaenyra, too, and especially when she married Viserys and had five of her own babes.

How could she just sit here now with her hands on her lap? How could she go back to being someone she'd been when she was eleven and carefree? So much had happened, so much had been lost, and Amalia no longer had the power to sit idly by hoping and praying. She wished Daemon had let her go, too, she wished she could be there to hold Helaena and her boys the moment they snuck into the castle, to urge them out without questions.

Her mind escaped her, wondering about all the things that could go wrong. What if Aemon and Aegon were so heavily guarded that Daemon got caught even only assessing their situation? What if he was killed? What if Helaena was more protected than they thought, and Daemon was slain? What if Alicent was waiting for something like this, and had an ambush prepared?

She was tugging hard on her fingers as the Small Council meeting dragged on the following morning. Daemon's space beside her was vacant, leaving a gap between herself and Rhaenys. The Princess regarded her with curiosity, knowing full well where her cousin had gone. Amalia wondered what Rhaenys thought of all this, truly, everything she would never say because she was too honorable a person to speak up unless she thought a great wrong was actually being committed. Was she happy for them? Did it matter at all in her eyes, or was it a childish romance she thought would fizzle out in time?

There was little to discuss. Next steps, mostly, which had already been thought out. They had the support of the majority of the Riverlands, but Lord Harwin had sent another raven reminding them that the Blackwoods and Brackens often had disputes, leaving the possibility of further tension given the Brackens seemed to have declared for the Greens. Harwin had sent word to the Darrys, Rootes, Pipers, and Freys, asking for small numbers of each host to make their way towards Riverrun while the rest kept the path to Harrenhal. This smaller host would aid in keeping the peace where they could, at least until they knew more of the Green movements.

Rumors milled about that Otto was attempting to draw Dorne into the war. Jaehaerys had perked up when Maester Gerardys told them that it seemed Prince Qoren Martell had refused involvement. While Amalia had to say that it likely meant they could expect no help from Dorne, either, she was at least glad that they would not be their enemies.

More ravens had flown in to declare support for Rhaenyra. Amalia had felt a smile growing on her lips when Daeron read aloud the letters from Lords Costayne of Three Towers, Mullendore of Uplands, Tarly of Horn HIll, Rowan of Goldengrove, and Grimm of Greyshield. It was a blow to her father, certainly, who had assumed that the Greens were strongest in the Reach. Although he had might of houses Hightower and Redwyne, to even know that any house at all was declaring for Rhaenyra was sure to set his blood boiling.

The loudest supporter was Alan Beesbury, who was claiming loudly now to all that would listen that this had all been planned. His grandsire's death could be no accident, not when he'd been so fond of Prince Daeron and now the prince was gone, so was his mother, and his siblings were captives. Amalia didn't even know that Lord Beesbury had spoken so highly of Daeron to his family back home. His accusations were flying far and wide, bringing every question possible to the surface about what else had happened in preparation to usurp the throne.

It had divided the force of the Hightowers now, for her cousin Ormund had need to try and quash these rebellions while somehow still making the march for King's Landing. A delay had been caused, to be sure, even with all the months of planning that should have given them every advantage on the ground. No, Otto had not planned for this, certainly not.

By then, Lord Corlys's blockade had taken full effect. Amalia knew that the rations would be starting now, that her letter was timed perfectly with the moment food was going to be cut off and restricted to the smallfolk. Her father would have to do something about that... but would he be fast enough to stop what would happen within the city?

"When will they be back?" Daeron was pacing back and forth in the sand, a group of them there to say their goodbyes before Rhaena and Joffrey left for the Eyrie. "How long does it take?"

"I don't know," said Amalia. She hated not knowing. It wasn't in her nature to be so unaware. To know that something was happening in the city, something she couldn't see... she wanted to rip at the skin around her nails the way Alicent used to. Or still did... her sister never quite broke that habit. "He said they wouldn't be back by this morning, surely, but he gave no other details about their return."

Daeron gave a huff. His eyes tracked the movement along the stone steps, Dragonkeepers carrying a chest of eggs while Rhaena led Joffrey down by the hand. Daemon had already said his goodbyes to his daughter, knowing she would not be there when he returned. Amalia had prayed for them all that night, and would continue to pray for them every day until they'd confirmed a safe arrival to Lady Jeyne's care.

"You want to go with them," said Jaehaerys too-loudly. Daeron gave him a look, warning him not to say anything else. "It's not a bad thing, Daeron. Even if you're needed here and will stay, no one would fault you for wanting to."

"They're safer there," muttered Daeron. "Rhaena is like Helaena, she doesn't like all the blood. It'll be... different not seeing her for breakfast. But her breakfasts will be less worrisome in the Vale. Besides, she'll have a new library to explore and the castle is said to be beautiful." Amalia noticed how his breath hung on the word, watching Rhaena smile as she accepted hugs from Baela and Jacaerys.

Amalia waited for the children to near before she knelt down to hug and kiss Joffrey, then did the same for Rhaena. "My prayers go with you both, as does all my love," she told them. "Write to us often, as we will write to you. We will miss you."

"As will we," said Rhaena, still holding Joffrey's hand. She was caressing it gently, perhaps meant to be seen as a comfort to the boy, but Amalia knew she was nervous, too. Rhaena looked to Jaehaerys and Daeron, "Thank you for all the laughs these past days. I enjoyed it. Daeron, I left a book for you. It was sent to me by your father many years ago, and I thought you might like something lighthearted to read between all those letters."

Daeron's cheeks were rosy. "Thank you, Rhaena. I have something for you as well." From his cloak he drew a sheathed dagger, the cover decorated with gold that coiled like the whitewater of a wave. "In case you ever need it. I hope you don't. But I ask you don't go anywhere without it, if you can help it. The Vale is still unfamiliar."

He waited for Rhaena to take it, her smile growing as she ran her fingers over the etchings. "And some readings for you as well." He offered her a knapsack with the books hanging within. "It's everything I could find about how to tend to dragon eggs. Nyra said you carry the future of our house. Perhaps with your nurturing hands and heart, you will bring us into a new age of dragons."

Rhaena was shifting her weight between each foot, grinning to herself, and finally let go of Joffrey's arm to wrap Daeron in a hug. Amalia had never seen her son's face so red. Whatever Rhaena whispered in his ear was enough to soften him, though, for he relaxed in her hold and turned his head to rest his cheek on her shoulder. As she drew away, he caught her hand, placing a kiss on the back of it.

Jaehaerys was clearly struggling to contain a comment as Daeron tucked his hands behind his back, watching Rhaena and Joffrey be rowed away. Amalia could see him itching to say something, noticing how he kept bringing his hands to his face to hide a smile. For Daeron's sake, he held back until they were in Amalia's apartments, bursting into a fit of giggles and asking Daeron when he'd take Tessarion on a flight to visit his wife. Amalia had to skip out of the way as Daeron flung a pillow at his brother's head.

The night came and went, but there was no sign of Daemon, Helaena, Aemond, or Aegon. Amalia's knees ached from being knelt beside the window, praying with seven candles lit, staring out at the dark sea that offered no comfort, no sign of hope, no answer to her prayers or questions. She was wondering along the same lines as Daeron now, what was taking so long and when would they return?

She heard a quiet knock at the door, followed by a light cough. "Come," she called, knowing it had to be one of the children. As it opened, Jaehaerys slipped in, hair braided messily down his back. Amalia hadn't seen so obviously the effects of his siblings' absence.

Helaena braided everyone's hair, and if not her, Aemond was fairly good at doing it for his brothers as well. She saw his sad little eyes, never so when Aegon was around to make jokes. Even his posture was different– he liked to stand straight with his hands behind his back, always mimicking how Aemond would walk to make himself look taller like the brother he admired most.

"Mama," he said, dragging his feet. He hadn't called her that since he was a little boy. He'd been the one who stopped calling her that the latest. The other three had transitioned to calling her 'Mother' when they were six years old, Helaena waiting until she was seven, but Jaehaerys had been nearly ten and still called her 'Mama' every second his siblings weren't around.

With shaky legs, she lifted herself to her chair, opening her arms to him. With a pout on his lip, he came to sit on her lap. He was far too heavy for that now. She'd once had the strength to hold two babes– him and Daeron, hardly a year apart– while Helaena clung to her leg and Aegon and Aemond ran around. A sixteen-year-old put quite the strain on her knees. She was not about to try and move him, however.

"What is it, my darling?" She caressed the top of his head, clearing his forehead for her to kiss. "What worries you?" Only worry could bring him here. He'd always been the most attached to her as a child. While the others had been eager to grow up, Jaehaerys had wanted to stay little. He liked holding her hand and following her around the castle, he liked playing with his toys while she wrote her letters, even if the others were out running through the gardens. As much as he liked to talk, he'd often enjoyed silent moments with her.

Jaehaerys shrugged, then heaved a large sigh. "Everything. I want to go home. I want to see my brothers again. I just want to know Helaena is safe. And I want a dragon."

She furrowed her brows. He'd been less eager for a dragon than Aemond. Jaehaerys had accepted since he was a young boy that having a dragon wouldn't be easy for him. He had so many other hobbies, it had never bothered him so much. "Why is that, my love?"

"Everyone can help with patrols but I can't," he muttered. "If I had a dragon, I could have rescued everyone right away. I could have made a statement in that Dragonpit when we were watching them crown Aegon. When I saw the bruising on Aemond's face, I was so angry. I couldn't do anything. Now, Rhaena's had to go and Daeron is sad. But Daeron couldn't have gone in her place. If I had a dragon, I could have gone to the Vale instead. And Rhaena could be here. Daeron doesn't realize how much he likes her. Rhaena likes him! She told me! But she knows how shy he is and now– now– they might not have time to find out. We could all die."

She cupped his face gently. "I want to promise you that that won't happen. I cannot, however. We have the advantage of dragons, but your grandfather knows that. Undoubtedly, there are things that can be done that even dragons cannot handle. We simply don't know. But we are working hard to end this before it begins. I trust your uncle Daemon with my life, Jaehaerys. He will get as many of them back as he can. Once they have no hostages, they have nothing. As for dragons, you are doing so very much here on the ground. You've been running messages back and forth, you've been improving your own skills. You bring up good questions during the Small Council meetings– Rhaenyra has told me that she values your honesty, for sometimes none other is willing to give it."

He pouted– he didn't seem to believe her. "Is it bad that I also wish for a dragon so I could... go? I don't want to leave everyone, but I've always wondered about the rest of the world. A dragon could get me anywhere I wanted to go."

Her heart weighed heavily. She couldn't expect her boys to deal with this. Though they'd been willing to stay and fight, saying such a thing paled in comparison to truly fighting. She feared the day that Jaehaerys would push himself onto a battlefield thinking he knew enough to slay men and keep himself from falling to a blade. She feared the day that Daeron might have to take to the skies and be shot at with arrows, to ask Tessarion to kill for him.

"What is it that you most want to see?" she asked. She knew the answer would hurt her, because he'd list everything in the world that was furthest away. But how could she begrudge him that thirst for knowledge? She would have wanted the same when she was his age, if she'd had the option to.

He thought about it for a moment. "Rhaena and Baela told me stories about Pentos. I want to see Essos, I want to see Dorne. The Titan of Braavos. I'd fly over Old Valyria but keep clear of the ground because of that story you told me about Aerea Targaryen. I want to see Sunspear and the Wall. The Hightower in Oldtown. Alyrie told me that Casterly Rock is magnificent. Anything and everything... I want to know it all. The people, the food, the music. I want to find a pretty girl who speaks many languages and can teach me to dance. I want to find adventure and love like uncle Daemon did with you, like Daeron might with Rhaena, like Aemond and Baela could if they weren't so stubborn. I'm so far down the line for the throne, I'll never be King, but I want to have the freedom to do what a King could and know all the wonderful things that are out there."

"If that is your wish, it can be done," she whispered. "Your uncle Daemon still has his friends in Pentos, he can easily contact them and ask them to open their doors for you. They will be honored to host another Targaryen prince. You could learn from Braavosi water dancers, meet people from Norvos and Lorath... whatever you wished, it could be done. You need only say the word."

He nodded slowly. He'd think about it, to be sure, now that he knew it was an option. She ached, thinking of sending him off far away where she could not hug him when he was said, where she could not caress his beautiful little face whenever she wanted to remember what it had been like to hold him as a baby. But he was nearly a man now, a young man with his own ideas and hopes and dreams. She could not deny him that, no matter what would comfort her more. She could not ask him to stay here in this situation, to deprive himself of his curiosities. He'd always been the most adventurous of her children.

"I want to try for a dragon first," he said. "You wanted let Aemond and I go deeper into the caves, but when uncle Daemon comes back, I want him to take me as far in as we can go. I want to meet Vermithor and Silverwing, I want to get closer to Grey Ghost and Sheepstealer if we can. Perhaps Silverwing has laid a new clutch, perhaps that is where I will find an egg that will hatch for me. I won't know unless I try."

She put her arms around him, rocking him gently. "Very well. As long as your uncle Daemon goes with you, I can raise no complaint. If the gods are good, they managed to get Aemond out as well and he can accompany you, too."

He spent the rest of the night with her, hugging a pillow while she rocked him like a baby until he fell asleep, singing softly in his ear. He was tall for his age, yet when he was curled up like that, he looked like a little boy once more. She tried to join him in peaceful sleep, but was mostly unsuccessful.

They rose late the following morning, Jaehaerys having wiggled around like a worm and ended up with his leg hanging off the side of the bed, yet somehow with his arms in Amalia's face. She tried to give herself another few minutes of relaxation, but eventually the sun rays bothered her too much. It was time to rise, to see what today would bring. Another exhaustive Small Council meeting, likely another empty day without sight of Daemon or her children... she didn't blame them if it was caused by them having to sneak back with the hostages, but she worried immensely that they'd been caught. They should have been back by then...

Tiredly, she urged Jaehaerys to rise and join her for breakfast. Still with little motivation, he got up and let her fuss over him, setting out his clothes while he brushed his hair and did his best to braid it again. In the end, he had to let her do it for him. He perked up when Daeron came to offer himself as a partner for knife lessons– Rhaenys was patrolling today, which meant he was free to keep his brother company.

Together, the three of them made their way to the hall they shared breakfast in. There was already chatter within, Rhaenyra and her boys early risers. She could hear Laenor in there too, laughing about something. She had a bad feeling about that– he didn't always join them. It might mean today was the day he and Jacaerys would fly out to Harrenhal. It was their first breakfast together without Joffrey, and likely tomorrow would be the first breakfast without Laenor and Jacaerys. Gods, Amalia knew Rhaenyra would be incredibly anxious in the days that would follow.

The doors were opened for them, Lucerys greeting them with the same bright smile he always had on. He was the gentlest of Rhaenyra's boys, what Amalia considered to be Rhaenyra's version of Helaena. Amalia bade him good morning, ushering the boys in. As the door widened, so did her eyes– their gathering had grown.

She burst into tears as Helaena rushed to her, nearly knocking her mother to the ground. Amalia started to splutter and sob, drawing back to look at her girl, cupping her face, then pulling her back in to hold the back of her head and keep her close, so that none other could ever take her away. "Gods, gods, gods," shrieked Amalia, blinking through her tears to look at Daemon, who nodded his head respectfully.

She mouthed her thanks to him, hardly able to speak. She didn't see her boys– gods, she knew that it might happen. They would try again, her letter to the smallfolk would work, they'd come home soon, too. Her Aemond, her poor Aemond who had been beat, her poor Aegon who was being used as a puppet. She'd see them again, she would, she would.

When Helaena finally wiggled herself away to greet her brothers (who had joined in on the hug and started to cry, too), Amalia was able to see another had joined them, scarfing down breakfast in the seat beside Lucerys. "Alyrie!" she cried, feeling her stomach turn. How had Daemon even managed to get her out? Amalia had wanted her rescued, of course, but she had doubted it would be possible, given that her parents were going to guard her like a hawk guarded its meal.

"Please, please let me stay," the girl pleaded, eyes wide as she stopped herself from eating. "Please, I cannot be there!"

"Of course you can stay, my girl," said Amalia, kneeling in front of her. What could have a fourteen-year-old girl so afraid? "What happened? Are you alright?"

"They were going to send me away to the Golden Tooth to marry that Lefford boy," said Alyrie. "And my mother said– she said that she couldn't trust that Helaena wouldn't escape on Dreamfyre, she said that I would have to be Queen if Helaena failed to do her duty."

Amalia's anger flared. The beating she'd given Alicent hadn't been enough. She had suspected that they might try to do this to Alyrie, but how could Alicent be so cruel as to say it to her daughter's face? How could Alicent even think of marrying Alyrie to Aegon– who was six years older than her– and already being used as a puppet? What, did she think she could have Alyrie seduce him in a way that she could never get Helaena to do? If Amalia had the dagger that Daeron had given Rhaena, she would have plunged it into Alicent's heart.

Amalia cupped her niece's face, smoothing a hand over her temple. "You are safe here. No one here will make you wed."

"Truly?" Alyrie didn't even sound sure. How could she have been made to feel that she couldn't trust those who were supposed to protect her? "I missed everyone so much, I missed Luke and Arrax, I didn't want to be there anymore, everyone is so cruel and they wouldn't let me go anywhere and I couldn't send ravens, either."

"Truly," Amalia promised. "Eat, go on, all is well." The girl turned back to her food– she'd never seen Alyrie eat so much. Perhaps they'd been starving her, or perhaps she'd been shut away and had no desire to eat. Amalia looked to Daemon for an explanation– he didn't seem all that happy to give it.

"They had the girls locked in the Tower of the Hand," he said venomously. She imagined it must have taken him a great deal of strength to restrain himself from harming anyone he might've seen or heard as he snuck to retrieve them. She didn't blame him– she would've attacked her father and Alicent if she'd seen them while trying to rescue the girls. "It was clear that they weren't being looked after. Trays of food were piled in the corner as if all they ever did was come in to leave them. They had nothing to do in there, no books, no hoops to sew on. They hardly had guards there, as if they wanted to ensure the girls were isolated."

Amalia took a seat, encouraging Helaena to join her. "What happened?" she pleaded. "From the moment you first realized something was wrong... did they immediately take you from your rooms? I wanted to rescue you, I did, but... but..."

"It was very early in the morning," said Helaena, leaning her head on Amalia's shoulder. "The sun was barely emerging. Guards came to my door, told me to follow them. I tried to question them and they told me to be quiet. They took me to the new room immediately. Alicent was waiting for me there, she said that my father was dead. That I needed to prepare myself for my wedding and for Aegon's coronation. I told her that she was mistaken, that it was to be Rhaenyra'scoronation. She told me to dress myself, I didn't. She grabbed me– she shook me– she said that I had to do as I was told, or you would suffer the consequences. I put on the dress she chose for me. I was there alone until they fetched me for the wedding. They wed Aegon and I in front of the Iron Throne, only us and a septon with our grandsire as a witness. He looked so scared, he told me he– he–"

She started to cry. Amalia caressed her arm, whispering, "You don't need to continue, I am sorry I asked." But Helaena did anyway, "He told me they grabbed him and Aemond, they spoke to them about what was to happen. They tried to fight together. But Aegon's never been as good at swords, they subdued him easily. Aemond was trying to fight for the both of them, but the knights, they beat at him. They held a knife to his throat and told Aegon to do as he was told, or Aemond would die. So he yielded."

Amalia's eyes were still damp with tears, imagining her brave Aemond trying to fight alone against however many men were there, all to save himself and his brother. She could imagine Aegon's fear, seeing his fierce brother bleeding and seconds from death. Helaena continued, "We wed and I saw Aemond at the ceremony, he was so bruised and bloody I scarcely recognized him. After that, I don't know. They wouldn't let me see him, they told me they were keeping him in his room. Aegon, they made us spend that night together, but we were awake the entire night trying to plan our escape. By then, they'd told us you got out with Daeron and Jaehaerys. Alicent was furious.

"She said I had to do my part. That I had to speak for Aegon to the smallfolk. But Aegon and I had spoken and we realized they couldn't hurt any of us three if Daeron and Jaehaerys were already gone– they needed us all alive. They couldn't hurt us any worse. I refused to leave the room. I told them I would not go to the sept or anywhere, I would not let the smallfolk see me. I wanted them to know something was wrong, because I always go and pray. They tried to force me into a carriage and I made them drag me through two hallways before they gave up and took me back to the room."

What a sight that must have been, but she imagined Helaena had been extremely uncomfortable– her daughter didn't like being touched, and having to be dragged sounded like far too much physical contact. Her daughter had been incredibly brave. "They'll make Aegon marry again," murmured Rhaenyra, grip tight on her own hands. "The Baratheon girl that they tried to have seduce him, they will make her Queen."

It scared Amalia to think of that. Cassandra Baratheon had been so willing to play her role and seduce Aegon to make herself Queen. What would she do after they were wed, and Alicent asked her to give Aegon an heir? Would her son be able to refuse her, would he be forced into it? Would he give in out of fear for what they'd do to his siblings? "I'll go back for the boys," promised Daemon. "I assessed the situation, I know their movements."

"The guards will have doubled," reasoned Laenor. "Especially now that they have two less to keep watch of."

Daemon nodded. "I understand that. But because they know we got in, they will have to divert more guards to every open passage. They won't be able to afford a consistent double patrol. Only at night, when they think we will strike. I have planned a new attempt for the daytime, however. We will need to wait... at least until we hear how the smallfolk react to the letter and the blockade. Then, we will encourage a demonstration– some sort of revolt that will force the guards out into the city. If our host is ready at Harrenhal by then, we can take our dragons to the city and seize it. Once we are massed at Harrenhal, the Greens have lost."

He looked right at Amalia, "I promise you... this will be over soon. I will get you back to your boys."

She didn't care who was watching in that moment. She rose and strode to him, kissing his lips before she hugged him. Giggles sounded from around the table, but it didn't matter. What Daemon had done for her, none other had even considered to do. That meant more to her than anything in the world.