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CHAPTER THIRTY NINE
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THE GREEN AND BLACK SCALES OF VYR were quickly recognized as he flew over the Red Keep, announcing Aenoras return.

Three other dragons almost as large as Vyr flew behind Aenora. Max's dragon, Vyraxes, the pure black dragon, named after both of his parents dragons. Alex's dragon, Bluefyre, named for his dark blue color. And Aevas dragon, Ajax, the red dragon with horns so sharp they could cut you at the slightest touch.

Aenora and Vyr led the others to the opening behind the carriages that held the rest of their family.

Before joining the others she caressed Vyr's head. Sometimes, she could only find comfort with him. He was their for her at the beginning of her life and she knew he'd be there at the end of it. That was the only thing she had and ever will be sure of.

"Princess Aenora, it is lovely to see you." Lord Caswell greeted.

Aenora intertwined her and Daemons hands, "Lord Caswell."

"If we were to know that you were bringing your dragons, we would've informed the dragon keepers." Lord Caswell said.

"There would've been no need. I no longer believe in keeping dragons in pits, Lord." Aenora said as she turned her head to watch Vyr, Vyraxes, Bluefyre, and Ajax take off into the sky.

The Princess said nothing more to Caswell before walking past him and into the castle.

Aenora walked slowly with Daemon at her side and Rhaenyra behind them. To put it simply, all three of the Targaryens were a little taken back by the new design of the Red Keep.

There was a large symbol of the Faith of The Seven placed right in the center of the main hall.

"I would say it's nice to be home, but I scarcely recognize it." Rhaenyra stated.

"I don't know if it's the heavily placed Faith of The Seven sigils or the fact that I haven't been here in years, but it doesn't feel like home anymore." Aenora sighed.

Daemon pulled her gently to keep her walking instead of thinking about both the past and present of her home. He knew it would only upset her.

Aenora didn't let the new scenery of the castle bother her, simply because it's only material. But, the fact that she could no longer feel her mothers presence tugged at her heart. Though, she knew Aemma would live on in memory in her heart. It was just sad that she no longer had a place that reminded her of her mother.

When the three arrived at Viserys' chamber door, they were greeted with the sound of coughing.

Aenora was told of her fathers failing health, but she could not bring her to see it for herself just yet.

"You two go. I should go find Rhaenys," Aenora let go of her husbands hand and stepped back from the door.

"Are you sure, sister?" Rhaenyra asked.

Aenora gave a fake smile and nodded.

Rhaenyra gave Daemon a concerned look before walking into her fathers chamber.

Daemon turned to fully face Aenora, giving her a questioning stare.

"What?" Aenora asked.

"As we know, avoidance doesn't do you well, darling wife." Daemon said, softly. 

"Be patient with me, husband." Aenora paused. "I will come to him after I find Rhaenys. But, you... go to him, Daemon. I know you've missed your brother."

Daemon simply nodded before kissing Aenoras forehead.

Once the door closed behind him, Aenora began walking out of the Kings quarter. For as much as the castle looked different, the layout was still the same.

She made her way into the Godswood, where she had been told the Princess Rhaenys was.

Aenora was hesitant for a moment. There had never been any bad blood between them, but there was between Rhaenys and Rhaenyra. Rhaenys blames Rhaenyra for her sons disappearance, which is reasonable.

The slight breeze sent a shiver down Aenoras back, making her fold her arms across her chest.

"Are you just going to stand there, Princess?" Rhaenys questioned.

"I never could get passed you," Aenora chuckled.

"No. You couldn't," The elder princess finally turned and smiled.

Aenora joined Rhaenys at her side, looking up at the tall Weirwood tree. The two stood in silence. Rhaenys knew Aenora wanted to talk to her about something. She could sense it by the way Aenora was fiddling with her hands. But, nonetheless Rhaenys waited for her to bring it up on her own.

Aenora turned to Rhaenys, "Tomorrow, the game for the Iron Throne will begin. I am not stupid, I have never been. I know that the moment Alicent bore my father a son, Otto would seek to put him on the throne. I love my siblings, no matter who their mother is. But, I am the heir. As were you once, and you know that there are men who only want to see another man sit the Iron Throne."

"What are you saying, Aenora? Or shall I say, suggesting?" Rhaenys asked.

"My father grows weak, I must gather all of the allies I can before it's too late. I know you've taken in the Lady Laenas daughters. I wish to betroth my eldest son to your granddaughter, Baela." Aenora took one of Rhaenys' hands into hers, "I wish for you to stand with me when the time comes, Rhaenys. I cannot change the past, but if you and I stand together, my son and your granddaughter will surely one day rule The Seven Kingdoms."

When Rhaenys looked into Aenoras eyes, all she saw sincerity. Aenoras wants what's good for her family and for her people, it was so evident in the words she spoke and the look in her eyes.

Rhaenys wished that men could see that it doesn't take what's between a persons legs to rule a realm.

"There was a time when you didn't want to be queen," Rhaenys chuckled.

"I still don't. But, I won't let Otto win." Aenora stated firmly.

Rhaenys gave her a nod, implying that she understood.

"They say the best rulers are the ones who don't want it," the elder princess said.

"Power is a nasty thing, it corrupts the best of both men and women. I've raised my children not to strive for more power but to use the power they are given to do good," Aenora told her.

"Then Rhaemax will make a good husband for Baela," Rhaenys smiled. "And you will always have me at your side, niece. I and Corlys. I promise you."

Aenora, too, smiled. She was both grateful and relieved that Rhaenys accepted the proposal. With the time that it took for Aenora to get to Kings Landing, she thought of all of the reasons Rhaenys had come to court.

Aenora did not know Rhaenys well, but she knew her enough to know that she wouldn't come to back Vaemond. She was going to advocate for herself.

If Vaemond were to take the Driftwood throne, it'd be because he made a deal with Otto or Alicent. And Aenora figured that the deal would be for Vaemond to side with who she called The Greens, ever since Alicent wore a green dress to Rhaenyras wedding.

They say that when Oldtown calls it's banners to war the beacon at the top of the Hightower glows green. Aenora never forgot when her old septa told her that.

All she had to do now was keep Vaemond from becoming Lord Corlys' successor, and her plan would start falling into place.

Aenora realized that the war she was fighting with her mind was preparing her for the war to come.

The nightmares she had were warnings, not fate itself. And the thing that had awoken inside of her was something far worse than Balerion himself.

There was nothing in this world Aenora loved more than her own family, and she'd return any Hightower back to dust if they tried to take anything from them. 

Aenora spoke truthfully when she said she loved all of her siblings, but if Alicent wanted war with her, she would have it.

And it would end in fire and blood.

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AUTHORS NOTE
lol guess who hasn't slept yet. anyways, i like this chapter. but y'all we gotta do better, 5 comments on the last few posts is not okay. i need my og readers, I MISS YALLS FUNNY COMMENTS.

anyways drink wanted & have a good day. Lyn loves you <3