CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
❛time is sacrifice.❜

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EARLY 130 AC ⸻ Dragonstone ⸻

THE air at Dragonstone was heavy with the scent of the sea. Jacaerys had just returned from Winterfell, the news of Lucerys' passing still fresh and raw. But it was this loss that prompted Rhaenyra and the council to hasten the wedding.

The ceremony was set outside, amidst the castle's ancient stones, and barely decorated for the occasion. It had to be quick, almost urgent. Though it would do nothing to mend the fractures from the sorrows they felt.

The council gathered solemnly, with all family currently on Dragonstone. Daemon, Rhaena, Baela, Maerella, Rhaenyra, Jahaena, Aurelia, Rhaenys, and Corlys. Each face bore the marks of grief, though they tried to remain strong. It was meant to be a joyous day after all.

Basalia walked down the aisle, her heart pounding in her chest. She wore a beautiful white gown, though she felt it wrong to wear. When she gazed up she caught Jacaerys' eye, and in that moment, a silent understanding seemed to pass between them. Despite the circumstances, they were committed to facing whatever lay ahead. They had to.

"You look beautiful," Jacaerys whispered as Basalia reached him, his voice barely audible over the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks. Basalia managed a small smile, her voice trembling, "Thank you."

As the ceremony unfolded, Rhaenyra and Daemon stood slightly apart from the others, their expressions serious. Rhaenyra leaned towards Daemon, her voice low and filled with uncertainty. "Is it right to push them into this marriage so soon?"

Daemon met her gaze, his expression firm but understanding. "We need the support of the Riverlands, Rhaenyra. This alliance is crucial."

Rhaenyra sighed, her eyes drifting to Basalia. "I feel for her, truly. She's been through so much already. I just hope we're not asking too much of her."

Daemon placed a reassuring hand on hers. "She'll find her way."

⸻

Meanwhile, in King's Landing, Aemond stormed into his room, slamming the door shut with a force that rattled the walls.

Startled, Lyria turned, her eyes wide with fear as she saw the rage etched on his face. "Aemond, what's wrong?" she tried to ask, but he was already tearing through the room, smashing objects in a blind fury.

"Stop! Please, stop!" Lyria cried, eyes filled with tears, her voice a desperate plea. "Talk to me, Aemond!"

Aemond's destructive behavior stemmed from the guilt over Lucerys' death. And the words Lucerys placed upon him of Lyria. But it was his relationship with Lyria where he found refuge, a place where he could be vulnerable without judgment. "I can't escape it, Lyria," he finally admitted, his voice breaking. "It's crushing me."

⸻

Back at Dragonstone, Basalia and Jacaerys stood before the septon. As they exchanged vows, Basalia's hands began to shake, her emotions threatening to overwhelm her. Jacaerys, sensing her distress, took her hands in his, offering a steadying warmth.

Basalia's heart was conflicted. Though she cared for Jacaerys, her thoughts drifted to Ser Leon, and how it was meant to be him. She was meant to marry Ser Leon, they were supposed to build a house, a life together. But it had all been taken from her too soon.

⸻

Aemond sat on the bed, his earlier rage now replaced by a heavy silence. Lyria sat beside him, her arm around his shoulders.

"He's dead... I killed him," Aemond muttered, his voice barely a whisper. "It was an accident. I didn't mean to."

"Who?" Lyria asked, her voice gentle but insistent.

"Lucerys," Aemond confessed, a single tear tracing a path down his cheek. "Vhagar wouldn't listen. I lost control."

Lyria was silent for a moment, her thoughts immediately wondering to Rhaenyra. How she would be feeling in this moment. She then wrapped her arms around him, holding him close. "Oh, Aemond... I'm so sorry." Her heart ached for him, and she wished she could take away his pain.

Lyria had always dreamed of a life beyond the confines of court, but Aemond's need for her was undeniable. As she comforted him, she wondered if they would be able to leave this life behind, start anew. But she knew that was a dream and nothing more.

⸻

Back at the wedding, Basalia felt tears slip down her cheeks as she caught Jahaena's eye. And in that brief glance, Jahaena understood—her longing for Ser Leon.

Despite this, Jahaena gave her a nod of encouragement, just as the septon spoke once more. "You may kiss the bride,"

Basalia didn't move so she let Jacaerys take the lead. He leaned in and placed a bittersweet kiss on her lips, sealing their union, and the crowd erupted in a quiet applause. But to Basalia it still felt all felt wrong.

⸻

In King's Landing, Aemond abruptly stood, his exterior hardening. "Get up. We need to go. Now. We have to."

Lyria looked at him, confused. "Why? What are you talking about?"

"Lucerys... he said... it doesn't matter. Come," Aemond insisted, pulling her towards the door. Although very confused, Lyria let him guide her out the door, it seemed he was driven by something. And something strong.

⸻

Back at Dragonstone, the wedding dinner was a quiet affair. Jacaerys sat still with his food untouched, and his gaze fixed on Basalia, who looked almost broken by the weight of everything. Suddenly, he slammed his hand on the table, drawing startled looks.

⸻

"Are we supposed to just pretend Luke didn't just die?" he shouted, his voice raw with grief. "How can you all act as if he wasn't killed by Aemond and his dragon?"

⸻

Rhaenyra placed her cultural down on the table and tried to calm him, her voice soothing, "Jacaerys, please..."

But he shook his head, his frustration boiling over. "No!" he yelled, storming out of the room.

Basalia, shocked, rushed after him, leaving the others in stunned silence.

Rhaenyra looked down at her plate, her heart heavy with sorrow, and knowing the pain her son felt all too well.

⸻

In King's Landing, Aemond and Lyria stood before a septon. The septon hesitated, glancing nervously at them. "Shouldn't the queen be here to bear witness?"

"Shut up and marry us," Aemond snapped, his voice edged with threat. "Or I'll rip out your tongue."

Lyria looked almost scared, but the septon, cowed, continued the ceremony. She didn't know if she was ready for marriage, but now as she stood here she realised she didn't have a choice. She had to be ready, whether she liked it or not.

As the final words were spoken, Aemond pulled Lyria into a fierce kiss, forcing his mouth to hers. Despite the fear, Lyria felt a love burn for him in her chest. A reminder that she would follow him wherever he led her.

⸻

As the night wore on, Basalia found herself alone with Jahaena. The two friends sat together, sharing a quiet moment amidst the chaos. Jahaena reached out, taking Basalia's hand. "You know you can talk to me about anything, right?"

Basalia nodded, tears welling in her eyes. "I just... I feel so lost, Jahaena. I care for Jacaerys, but my heart is still with Ser Leon."

Jahaena squeezed her hand, offering silent support. "Whatever you decide, I'm here for you. You're not alone in this."

⸻

Meanwhile, Lyria lay awake beside Aemond, her mind racing. After their ceremony, Aemond did his best to avoid the Queen, and so they were quick to rush back to his, now their room. Tomorrow would be the day they dealt with the repercussions.

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