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CHAPTER FORTY FOUR
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AENORA HAD NO SYMPATHY FOR HER sister. Nor did she feel bad for what she was about to do to Otto and Alicent Hightower. Rhaenys came to her the same night she found out of her husband and sisters betrayal. She told Aenora of her fathers death, and how Alicent imprisoned her but was freed by Ser Erryk Cargyll. But most importantly, Rhaenys told Aenora of how Alicent and Otto usurped her throne and named Aegon king.

In the morning, she ordered everyone who was important to come to the top of Dragonstones high hill. There she announced the kings passing. And it was also there that Ser Erryk gave her, her fathers crown and swore allegiance to her.

Rhaenys was the one who crowned Aenora as queen and announced her titles.

Every man and woman present kneeled before their new queen.

Vyr let out a loud and formidable roar, followed by a cloud of scorching hot fire. All six of her children's dragons, Vyraxes, Bluefyre, Ajax, Souleater, Vermithor, and Stormcier, did the same.

Aenora did not celebrate her provisional coronation, instead she told them all to meet her in the Chamber of the Painted Table by midday.

Until it was time for the meeting, Aenora locked herself away in her bedchamber with only the company of her thoughts.

Though you would think that all she could think about was her husband and sisters betrayal, but that was not the case. No. Aenora pushed those thoughts, the thoughts that only filled her with anger, aside. War was brewing and that was her main focus.

The queen paced her chamber for what seemed like an eternity, thinking... plotting.

She decided that she would try to be just, out of love for her siblings. But she could only be so patient and understanding.

Aenora was ready to put Kings Landing to the torch, and so were most of her children.

Aeva talked her mother out of it. Not because it was morally right, but because she did not want Aemond to die.

When the sun reached the highest point of the sky, Aenora placed Viserys's golden crown back on her head then opened her doors. There stood Lydia and Emely, and four of her Queensgaurd, waiting.

"My Queen," Lydia and Emely said in unison.

Aenora gave her a nod of respect, then turned and began walking to the Chamber of the Painted Table.

When she turned the corner and entered Rhaenys stepped forward in place of Daemon.

"Queen Aenora Targaryen, First of her Name, Queen of the Andals, and the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lady of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm." Rhaenys said, with a solemn smile on her face.

Everyone bowed, and her children smiled.

"Your Grace," Daemon spoke.

Aenora walked up to the large table and stared down at it. Reality was hitting her. Every piece of land portrayed on the map was hers.

When she lifted her head she turned and looked at her nephews and nieces. She waved at them, silently telling them to join her at the table.

Her eyes shifted to her eldest son, "What is our standing?"

Rhaemax looked at Daemon then back to his mother, "We have thirty knights, a hundred crossbowmen, and three hundred men-at-arms."

"Dragonstone is relatively easy to defend, but as an instrument of conquest, our army leaves a lot to be desired. We have sent word to my loyal men in the City Watch. I'll have some support there, but I cannot speak to the numbers." Daemon chimed in.

Aenora listened diligently, but did not look at her husband.

"We already have declarations from Celtigar and Staunton, Massey, Darklyn, Bar Emmon." One of the maesters said.

Aenora nodded and thought for a moment. She revised the plan she had created in her head.

"My mother was an Arryn. I doubt The Vale would turn against me," Aenora said.

"Riverrun was always a close friend to you father, Your Grace. With Prince Daemon's acquiescence, I've already sent ravens to Lord Grover." The same maester informed.

"Wonderful," Aenora scoffed. She knew how Lord Grover was; unreliable, easily swayed, and only loyal to himself and his house. "He would need to be convinced of our strength," she added.

"I am going to treat with him myself," Daemon said.

Aenora shook her head, "No. Jace, you will go."

"Sister-" Rhaenyra began but was soon shut down.

"I am queen now, it is 'Your Grace'," Aenora stated in a cold tone.

Rhaenyra sighed, "Your Grace, my son knows nothing of Riverrun, let alone Lord Grover."

"Mother, it is fine. I want to go," Jacaerys nodded to his aunt.

"Then it is settled," Aenora shifted her eyes back to the table. "Continue."

"What of Stormsend and Wintefell?"

"There has never lived a Stark who forgot an oath. And with House Stark, the North will follow."

"Lord Borros Baratheon will need to be reminded of his father's promises. Daemian, you will go to Stormsend," Aenora looked at her youngest son.

Daemian smiled at his mother and agreed.

Aenora knew her son would do her well. She knew Daemian would be rather convincing, especially because he was free to marry and Lord Borros had many daughters.

"As for Winterfell, Max, Aeva, you both will go to the North and meet with Lord Cregan Stark." Aenora said before turning to Rhaenys. "What of Lord Corlys?"

Aeva looked at her mother with confusion on her face. She could guess as to why Aenora would send her with her brother, but she didn't want to believe it.

"House Velaryon and it's fleet stands with you, Your Grace. Matter of fact, Lord Corlys sails for Dragonstone as we speak," Rhaenys told her.

"Good to know he is regaining his strength," Aenora gave a polite smile.

"And our enemies?" Aenora questioned

"We have no friends among the Lannisters. You should know why," Daemon grinned at the memory of chopping off Jason Lannisters head.

Aenora frustratedly huffed, "Without the Lannisters, it is unlikely we will find an allies west of the Golden Tooth."

"No. The Riverlands are essential, Your Grace." Daemon said.

Aenora nodded in agreement.

"Pray forgive my bluntness, Your Grace, but talk of men is moot. Your cause owns a power that has not been seen in this world since the days of Old Valyria. Dragons." A maester spoke.

Aenora smiled as if someone had finally said something worth her interest.

"You are not being blunt, you are speaking the truth that everyone knows and is thinking of. Let me tell you, my friend, I do not plan to play fair for long. I am being patient now for my siblings sake. But I can only wait for so long. I will gather as many allie's as I can, but if it comes down to it, I'm willing to burn every man, woman, and house that stands against me." Aenora stated.

Her words sent shivers down the men's backs. Never did they expect to hear such things from Aenora The Gentle.

"The Greens have three adult dragons, by my count. We have Caraxes, Vyr, Syrax, and Meleys. And all our children's; Vyraxes, Bluefyre, Ajax, Souleater, Vermithor, Stormcrier, Vermax, Arrax, Tyraxes, and Moondancer." Daemon listed, "There are also unclaimed dragons. Sea smoke still resides on Driftmark. Silverwing dwells on the Dragonmont, still riderless. Then there are the three wild dragons all of whom nest here."

"I will give my brother one chance to come to me and bend the knee. If he does not, I will take what is mine with fire and blood." Aenora told them.

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AUTHORS NOTE
y'all went crazy on the last chapter. anyways. team black has a shitton of dragons.