CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
❛dragonstone.❜

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EARLY 130 AC ⸻ Dragonstone ⸻

AS Meleys landed on the rough shores of Dragonstone, the brisk sea air whipped around Princess Rhaenys, Jahaena, Aurelia, and Basalia as they dismounted. Jahaena had her arm around Basalia to help her stand. The shock of it all seemed to carry her down. Weariness marked their faces from the grim experience they left behind.

Following a guard, they were led down the stairs into the dark, imposing council room where a heavily pregnant Rhaenyra Targaryen awaited, with her consort, Daemon Targaryen at her side.

Upon entering, the air surrounding them tensed as all the women continued into the room, their expressions grave. "Princess Rhaenys, might we hope for new of Lord Corlys recovery?" Rhaenyra began, her voice echoing slightly in the vast chamber.

"Viserys is dead," Rhaenys' loud voice boomed, immediately silencing the room. The news visibly shook Rhaenyra, her body went rigid and her hand instinctively touched her belly.

"I grieve this loss with you Rhaenyra, my cousin, your father possessed a kind heart" Rhaenys' voice barely concealed her sadness. "There is more," Jahaenas' voice rang out, drawing everyone's attention to her. "Aegon has been crowned as his successor..."

"They crowned him?" Rhaenyra asked with disbelief. Daemon walked to stand beside his wife, giving her a worrying look when Rhaenyra suddenly groaned, touching her stomach.

"How did Viserys die?" Daemon asked cautiously, looking away from Rhaenyra shocked frame. Jahaena looked over at him with anger, "we can't be sure, but we can can guess."

Rhaenyra shook her head as she looked back over at Rhaenys, "how long ago?" She asked, her voice cracking slightly. "A day or two ago, it took us that time to travel here. I became a prisoner in the castle, along with Lady Basalia and her companions."

"Unbelievable..." uttered Daemon, looking around the room in an almost rage.

"Alicent demanded you declare for Aegon?"

"Yes, she did. But I refused her. We refused her." Rhaenys said, looking back at the three young girls in the room. Aurelia shifted uncomfortably and moved closer to Jahaena who still held up Basalia.

"And yet you still live?" Rhaenyra asked with shock in her voice.

Jahaena carefully let go of Basalia, and when she knew she could stand on her own she stepped forward, "We all saw it your grace, with our own eyes."

Rhaenys nodded grimly. "Indeed, they held a public coronation for Aegon at the Dragonpit, to sway the masses to see him as their rightful king."

Daemon fists clenched at his sides. "That whore of a Queen... She murders my brother and steals his throne!" He seethed, the betrayal slicing through him.

Rhaenyra remained quiet, her expression unreadable. Rhaenys continued, "The Greens will come for you and your children next, Rhaenyra. You must prepare. Dragonstone will not shield you for long."

Rhaenyra met her gaze, strength rallying in her eyes. "Thank you, Rhaenys. Your loyalty will not be forgotten."

Turning to the others who had traveled with Rhaenys, Rhaenyra's eyes briefly softened as she noticed their disheveled state. "I see you three have made it as well. Though I do not recognize you," she said, looking at Aurelia.

Aurelia stepped forward, curtsying. "My queen, I am Aurelia, formerly a dragon keeper at King's Landing. Princess Rhaenys granted me escape."

"It is a pleasure, my dear. There was another with you last I heard?" Rhaenyra's inquiry was gentle but pointed.

Jahaena exchanged a heavy glance with Basalia, who was pale and visibly shaken. "We encountered problems on our way here," Jahaena admitted.

Rhaenyra's brow furrowed in concern. "I'm sorry for whatever loss you've endured."

Basalia spoke up, her voice trembling. "She didn't die; she joined them."

The revelation struck Rhaenyra like a cold wave, her expression faltering in shock before regaining composure. "I see," she murmured, turning to Daemon briefly, who looked back with a grim acknowledgment.

"Well, I'm glad at least you two are safe, and you too, Aurelia," Rhaenyra said, managing a weak smile. "Come, let us find you rooms to rest. My son Jace will show you the way. You might remember him from the feast."

Suddenly Rhaenyra stopped in her tracks, letting out a cry of pain, and almost dropping to the floor. Daemon immediately rushed to her, as she screamed again. "The babe is coming!"

"But her term is far from complete," Daemon mentioned, hand holding Rhaenyras' as a guard rushed over. "Well it's fucking happening!" She swore, letting another yell out.

All eyes in the room went large with worry, and a guard immediately ushered Basalia, Jahaena and Aurelia out the room, allowing the others to aid Rhaenyra to her room to prepare for the birth of her baby.

⸻

Jacaerys was quickly found, who graciously escorted the weary trio to their quarters. Along the way, Jacaerys couldn't help but notice Basalia's ashen complexion; she looked almost spectral, her face smeared with the remnants of dragon soot. Jahaena and Aurelia bore similar marks of their harrowing escape.

Upon reaching their rooms, Jacaerys opened the heavy wooden door, its hinges emitting a loud creak as it swung open. Jahaena swiftly guided Basalia inside, gently settling her on the plush couch near the crackling fireplace.

While Jahaena tended to Basalia, Jacaerys turned to Aurelia, his curiosity piqued by the ordeal they had endured. "If I may ask, what transpired back in King's Landing?" His gaze lingered on Basalia, noting how even in her distressed state, there was an undeniable grace about her.

Aurelia's response was succinct, tinged with a hint of solemnity. "Lyria happened, my prince." Her words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken details as she joined Jahaena by the fireside, settling herself on the floor and staring into the flames.

Jacaerys, puzzled by the mention of a name he couldn't recall, decided not to press further. He quietly excused himself, leaving the room as softly as he had entered, his thoughts lingering on the cryptic mention of Lyria. As he walked down the dimly lit corridor, his mind was occupied not just with Lyria but with the immediate concern for the newcomers' well-being under the roof of the rightful queen of the Seven Kingdoms. And of course his mother, who was giving birth as they spoke.

⸻

EARLY 130 AC ⸻ Kings Landing ⸻

Back in King's Landing, in the quiet room of Aemond's chambers, the couple found themselves resting amidst the chaos of the day. Lyria, nestled against Aemond on the plush couch, wept softly into his embrace. Though Aemond was not accustomed to offering comfort, he held her close, his arms wrapped protectively around her. Lyria, feeling the sincerity in his awkward attempts at consoling her, snuggled deeper into his hold.

The day's events weighed heavily on her mind: Aegon's sudden ascension to the throne, the tragic death of Leon, and the departure of Basalia, Jahaena, and Aurelia with Rhaenys to Dragonstone. In the privacy of Aemond's room, Lyria felt free to express her frustrations. To her, it was clear—Aegon was the rightful king, Viserys' first living son. With Basalia and Jahaena gone, she now could openly criticise their allegiance to Rhaenyra without the fear of hurting anyone.

Their moment of intimacy was soon interrupted by the sudden opening of the door. Queen Alicent entered, announced by a guard. Both Aemond and Lyria quickly composed themselves, standing to greet her. Lyria dabbed at her tears, trying to mask her distress.

"I hope I am not interrupting anything," Alicent inquired.

"Of course not, my queen," Lyria responded, her voice steady despite the emotions she held within. "What brings you here?"

Alicent's gaze softened as she approached them. "I just wanted to check in on both of you. Today has been hard for us all," she admitted, her eyes reflecting a rare vulnerability.

Lyria glanced down, struggling with her emotions, while Aemond moved closer, offering silent support. Lyria looked up, meeting the queen's gaze firmly. "I'm fine, Your Grace. They made their choice, even if it was the wrong one," she declared, trying her best not to break down in front of the Queen herself.

Alicent nodded, clearly pleased with Lyria's loyalty. "I'll need to see you later on, Aemond," She said with power.

Alicent's then walked over to Lyria, the sound of her heels hitting the cobble floor.  A soft smile crossed her lips as she felt a sense of approval. "You made the right choice, dear," Alicent affirmed softly, her hands now holding Lyria's. She quickly then released her grip and stepped back, nodding appreciatively.

As Alicent prepared to leave, she imparted a final nod of approval and a warm, encouraging glance. "Take good care of her, Aemond. She may prove to be quite useful," she added, then bid them both a good night and departed, leaving the room in a thoughtful silence.

After the door closed, Lyria let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, her anxiety momentarily lifted by the queen's departure. Aemond, fetching a drink, rejoined her on the couch, his casual touch sending a jolt through her.

"We should tell mother of your heritage," Aemond suggested nonchalantly, disrupting the brief calm.

Lyria's brow furrowed. "Is now the time for that? With everything that's happened today, I don't need additional worries," she protested, her voice laden with fatigue.

Aemond shrugged, his demeanor relaxed. "If we are to marry, the queen should know who I'm marrying."

Lyria stood abruptly, her heart skipping at the mention of marriage. "Married? I've barely come to terms with my sister's betrayal and my love for you," she confessed before catching herself at the mention of love.

Aemond chuckled warmly, swiftly walking over to her and pulling her close. "I love you too," he whispered, sealing his words to her with a gentle kiss. "I'll speak with mother in the morning," he promised, before strolling back to his duties, leaving Lyria alone with her thoughts by the fire.

Despite the days events, a small, unexpected smile graced her lips. Marriage had not been on her mind, but now it lingered there, and she doubted it would be going anytime soon.

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