CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
❛alliances will form.❜

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EARLY 130 AC ⸻ Dragonstone ⸻

IN the dim light of the afternoon, Basalia's room held an eerie atmosphere. Although it seemed a sanctuary from the stony grey of Dragonstone's walls. The room held many tapestries, depicting serene landscapes. Each landscape had a soft woven rug underfoot.

It was here that Basalia, Jahaena and Aurelia found themselves, after being left by the prince Jacaerys. Basalia was sitting on the soft couch with Jahaena at her side, while Aurelia sat nearby at the wooden table, hand holding her head up. They had yet to hear of any news of the Queen's birth, but they had all prayed for the babe to arrive soundly.

"How much longer do you think we'll be here for? I never realised giving birth takes such a long time," Jahaena spoke, letting out a sign of boredom.

"Patience Jahaena, we will be told once the baby has arrived," Aurelia spoke.

Jahaena only groaned in response, laying her head back on the couch. Basalia shook her head at her cousin, but even Basalia had hoped they hadn't forgotten about them.

It was then a knock sounded throughout the room, and all three women turned their heads to look at the door. Before anyone could respond, Mae appeared at the doorway. Her usually bright eyes were dimmed by concern as she entered, her skirts rustling softly against the stone floor.

"How are you all holding up?" Mae asked, taking a seat beside them. Her voice was gentle, offering comfort in its familiarity.

"We're okay, I won't lie though, a little bored," Jahaena replied, managing a weak smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

"I meant about Kings Landing."

"We're still processing it," Aurelia answered, her voice quiet as she adjusted her posture at the table. "It's been... overwhelming, to say the least."

Mae nodded; her expression sombre as she looked at each of them. "I can only imagine. These walls have seen much grief, but I hope they also offer some protection for you all now."

Basalia, who had been silent until now, finally spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's not just the physical scars, Mae. It's the mental ones too, the choices we had to make, the sides we've taken. It weighs heavily." Her eyes, troubled and distant.

"I understand," Mae responded softly, reaching out to squeeze Basalia's hand. "But you made your choices for reasons that matter to you. Remember that. Stand by them."

Their moment was then abruptly interrupted by another knock at the door, louder and more urgent this time. The sudden noise made them all startle, and Mae stood swiftly, her eyes alert as she moved to answer it.

As the door swung open, a castle guard appeared, his face gravely. "Ladies, I apologise for the interruption, but I bear urgent news from the Queen."

The room fell silent, the air thick with anticipation. The guard took a deep breath, his next words hanging heavily in the air. "The infant... did not survive the birth. The Queen requests your presence at the funeral, to be held immediately outside the main keep."

Shock registered on their faces, the news landing like a physical blow. Jahaena's expression hardened as she stood, her fists clenched at her sides. Aurelia covered her mouth with her hand, tears welling in her eyes, while Basalia's face drained of colour, the reality hitting too close to home.

"Thank you, we will join shortly," Mae managed to say, her voice already breaking at the thought of her lost sibling.

The guard nodded and departed, leaving the room in silence. Mae turned back to the others. "Let us prepare ourselves. This is a time for us to stand together and support the Queen."

⸻

The air at Dragonstone was thick with sorrow as the gathered council, family, and allies stood outside, paying their respects to the lost princess, Visenya Targaryen —a babe never given the chance to breathe, to live.

As the small casket burned, Ser Erryk, clad in his armour, stepped forward. He carried with him a small crown, a delicate circlet of silver and gold, crafted for a ruler of the seven kingdoms. Clearing his throat, his voice carried across the gathering as he stood in front of other guards sworn to protect the Queen with their life.

"I mean no harm, brothers," he began. "I swear to ward the Queen with all my strength... and give my blood for hers. I shall take no wife, hold no lands, father no children. I shall guard her secrets, obey her commands, ride at her side, and defend her name and honour. My queen."

With a reverent hand, the crown was placed upon Rhaenyra's head. The world had been blessed with its true queen, Rhaenyra Targaryen. At this gesture, Rhaenyra turned to everyone, and slowly one by one, people began to bow down on one knee.

Among them, Basalia, Jahaena, and Aurelia, stood closely with Mae, Rhaena, and Baela, and had lowered their heads as they bent the knee. Their gestures not only honoured the new Queen but also their shared sorrow.

⸻

In the council room of Dragonstone, Basalia, her posture almost rigid with nerves, entered alongside Jacaerys, who carried a more composed demeanour.

Queen Rhaenyra, seated at the head of the table, motioned for them to join her. "Thank you for coming," she began, her voice firm yet carrying an undertone of warmth. "I have called you here to discuss a matter of great importance—an alliance that I believe will strengthen our position."

Basalia glanced at Jacaerys, who nodded slightly, encouraging her to remain calm. Rhaenyra continued, "I propose an alliance between House Blackwood and House Velaryon. It is my wish, and my council agrees, that you two be united in marriage."

Basalia felt a pang of emotion tighten in her chest, the memory of Ser Leon swirling in her mind. She worked hard to maintain her composure, but still she felt her hands start to shake and heart beat quicken.

After a moment of silence, it was Jacaerys who spoke up, his voice steady. "I am honoured, Your Grace. I believe this to be a fine match, so I shall serve the realm in whatever capacity you deem necessary," he said with a respectful incline of his head towards Basalia.

Rhaenyra sent a smile his way, "thank you Jace, your cooperation is most appreciated. I would like to speak with Basalia alone though?" she said, inkling her head for Jace to leave.

Quickly as he came in, he left, leaving the two ladies to speak alone and in peace.

Rhaenyra's gaze softened as she turned her attention back to Basalia. "I can see the struggle in your eyes, Basalia. Tell me, was there someone else?"

The question completely broke down Basalia's composed exterior. She felt no need to lie to her queen if she was to be her mother-in-law now anyway. "Ser Leon," she managed to say, her voice thick with grief. "He was my sworn knight... he died protecting us when we fled on Meleys."

Rhaenyra's expression grew even more sympathetic. "I'm truly sorry for your loss. I too have known the pain of losing someone dear," she shared quietly.

"But there is more, my queen... I am with child... and the father is Ser Leon."

Rhaenyra paused, absorbing the news with a deep understanding of its implications. "I see," She turned away from Basalia, a moment of silence flooding between them before turning back to look at her.

"We shall arrange the wedding sooner rather than later. No one will question the legitimacy of your child... you will have my support. So long as you support our cause."

Tears welled up in Basalia's eyes as she murmured her thanks, overwhelmed by the queen's assurance.

As Basalia turned to leave, Rhaenyra quickly called out to her, making Basalia stop in her tracks, "Your loyalty to the crown will never be forgotten, Basalia."

With a final nod, Basalia walked out of the council room, leaving Rhaenyra to her thoughts.

⸻

Later, the council chamber of Dragonstone was filled with members of the court, including Jahaena, and Basalia as they awaited their queen. Aurelia had been left to care for the dragons, to make herself useful as Daemon had told her.

Suddenly, Prince Daemon's voice rang out through the hall, "Queen Rhaenyra 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," he proclaimed. Everyone in the room became vigilant as she entered, Basalia standing straighter as she stood beside her now betrothed Jacaerys and Jahaena on her other side.

Rhaenyra, composed yet visibly strained, accepted a cup of wine from Rhaena with a nod of gratitude.

"What is our standing?" she questioned, her voice echoing slightly in the vast chamber as she took place at the head of the table.

Daemon was quick to jump in, "We have thirty knights, a hundred crossbowmen, and three hundred men-at-arms. Dragonstone itself is defensible, yet for offensive purposes, our numbers are insufficient."

"We have assurances from Celtigar, Staunton, Massey, Darklyn, Bar Emmon," A member reported, giving a slight nod of encouragement.

"My mother was an Arryn; the Vale will stand by us," Rhaenyra declared confidently.

A councillor added, "I've sent word to Lord Grover of Riverrun, a long time ally of your father's, Your Grace."

"Lord Grover's support is essential, yet his allegiance wavers easily," Rhaenyra noted, her tone laced with caution. "He will demand proof of our strength and assurance of support in this war."

"I will personally negotiate with him," declared Daemon, his words clear a strong.

"What about Storm's End and Winterfell?" inquired Steffon Darlyn.

Bartimos interjected, "House Stark has never forgotten an oath. Lord Cregan will follow, undoubtedly along with his sister Rosyn by his side."

"Lord Borros Baratheon must be reminded of his father's promises," Rhaenyra added, drawing a deep breath.

Turning to other matters, Rhaenyra looked over at Rhaenys, "What news from Driftmark?"

"Lord Corlys sails for Dragonstone as we speak," Rhaenys claimed. "The Velaryon fleet remains under his command."

"and what of our enemies?" Rhaenyra then asked, turning back towards Daemon.

Addressing their adversaries, Daemon painted a stark picture. "We have no allies in the Lannisters, and Tyland Lannister's loyalty to Otto Hightower ensures we cannot count on their fleet."

Basalia then spoke, her voice steady, "Your Grace, as you know, you now have the Blackwoods' support. We can raise an additional 2,000 men for your cause."

Rhaenyra smiled, deeply touched. "Yes of course, with the joining of House Blackwood and Velaryon, we will have much support from the Riverlands, but will it be enough?"

Jahaena looked over to Basalia in shock, she hadn't mentioned a marriage to her. But Basalia didn't even give her a glance in return. No one else seemed shocked, so she must have been the last to know. They would definitely speak later on it.

It was Bartimos who spoke next, "if I may your grace, your cause controls a power unmatched since the days of Old Valyria—the dragons."

"The Greens also have dragons," Rhaenyra acknowledged.

"But we have more, including Syrax, Caraxes, and Meleys," Daemon detailed, "and there are still dragons without riders here on Dragonstone."

Before they could continue, Ser Erryk had interrupted, "I'm sorry your grace, but a ship with a three-headed Green dragon banner has been sighted offshore."

Daemon's command was immediate. "Alert the watchtowers. Keep watch on the skies."

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