CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
❛one of two.❜

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

EARLY 130 AC ⸻ Dragonstone ⸻

JACAERYS found it strange. How life could feel worth living... and one moment just rips it away.

Lucerys' funeral had just concluded. They had nothing to burn. Rhaenyra stood in the middle of the burning pyre emotionless. Empty, even.

Jacaerys stood behind her, his hand resting on his sword. The crowd had now dwindled as there were more pressing matters. But for Jacaerys, his place was here.

"My prince," Basalia began as she stood tall beside him. Lifting a hand to touch his cheek, she turned his head to face her. "Your lips may not speak to me, but you forget that your eyes do." Her face grew somber as her thumb stroked the side of his face. "You need rest."

Jacaerys shook her off, "I do not need rest. I need Aemond's head on a stake!" He made sure to keep his voice low, as to not disturb his grieving mother.

"While that remains true," Basalia began, standing in front of him, "I believe you need rest. You can not be at your best if you feel your worst."

Jacaerys said nothing. What could he say? She was right. Lucerys wouldn't want this. He would want his brother to carry on. He would want his mother to take the crown back, and for Jacaerys to be at her side. It just wasn't that easy for such a grievous loss.

As his mind fought itself, Basalia seemed to know just what he needed. She enveloped him in a grand hug, squeezing as tight as she could.

The tears began to spill, though Jace put up no fight. Burying his head in the crook of Basalia's neck, he began to whimper about how much he missed his brother.

It broke Basalia's heart.

Daemon turned to leave the pyre, followed by a guard as they shared malicious whispers. They would get revenge.

If only Daemon knew that Alicent whispered prayers for Lucerys. He would want her head as well.

All in due time, he thought.

Maerella, who had left the funeral when it ended, passed her father in the dark hallways. It was as if the entirety of Dragonstone was grieving. The people felt it. The dragons felt it. Even the cold hallways felt it.

"Where are you headed, father?" Maerella spoke curiously as he tossed a cloak over his shoulders.

"Watch over Rhaenyra for me." Was all he spoke. His tone didn't shift.

"But why—" Maerella questioned, but Daemon would have none of it. He simply shook his head, and her off, claiming he had business that needed his attention.

Maerella chalked it up to her father going to do something questionable, which was normal for him. So, she dropped it and headed to bed.

⸻

Back in King's Landing, Lyria couldn't find sleep. As she laid in bed with Aemond, she replayed all of the events of the last few days.

Basalia was pregnant. Ser Leon died protecting her. She married Aemond. Aemond killed Lucerys.

Her mind was in constant peril these days. It never seemed to quiet down.

Aemond stirred in his sleep. Lyria looked over at him, debunking his movement to be that of another nightmare. Ever since Lucerys had died, nightmares had plagued him. Just as her thoughts plagued her.

With a sigh, Lyria placed her forehead against Aemond's back, rubbing him softly as he settled back into his slumber.

It was hard, that she could admit, but being with Aemond... That was worth it.

Little did she know, Daemon stalked the streets of King's Landing while she struggled with sleep.

"The white worm said you're one of Aegon's ratcatchers." Daemon began, stepping from the dark and letting his face be seen under his cloak. "You must be busy. That castle positively crawls with them now."

The man spoke simply, "I heard the white worm were dead."

Daemon chuckled, "Her ghost told me you were a betting man."

This sparked the man's interest as he looked up to Daemon.

"Fighting pits?" Daemon spoke as he looked around. " How deep are your debts?" With no reply, he continued on. "I was also given to understand that you possess a great knowledge of the Red Keep."

"Maegor's Tunnels... Great big rats nest that is." The man confirmed. "I know them better than the shape of my own cock."

Daemon smirked maliciously as his plan was beginning to fall into place. "This is my friend," He gestured to the large brooding man behind him. "Tonight, he is going to be your friend."

The man looked over at Daemon as he was awaiting an order.

"Tonight you're to find and slay the Prince Aemond Targaryen."

⸻

Jacaerys stood from his marital bed, giving one last look to a sleeping Basalia as he ventured out into the cold halls. Just as sleep couldn't find Lyria, it couldn't find Jacaerys either.

As he headed to the main hall to find some sort of food to binge on, he ran straight into someone else who couldn't find sleep.

"It seems that our minds are both troubled," A female voice began, "For obvious reasons."

Jacaerys relaxed, seeing who it was. "Rosyn," He gave a slight smile, "That much is true."

Rosyn had a handful of small nuts that she offered up to Jacaerys, who took some for his own. Popping a peanut into his mouth, he grinned. "I want to thank you again for coming back to Dragonstone."

"Of course, my Prince." Rosyn smiled, "My place is here, with my Queen. That is," She paused, "Until she takes her rightful throne back."

Jacaerys grinned with a nod.

"No need to worry, Jace," Rosyn stood from her seat. "Winter is coming."

Jacaerys watched as she ventured back to her rooms. Popping one more peanut into his mouth, he stood, heading for his own rooms.

⸻

As Lyria finally drifted into a deep slumber, terrifying screams sent shockwaves through her small frame.

Aemond and Lyria jolted from their sleeping positions, Aemond placing a protective arm in front of her as they shared a look.

"Stay here." Aemond warned.

Doing as she was told, Lyria sank back into the bedframe, clutching the blanket to her chest in fear.

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

𝘴𝘢𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘻𝘴𝘭𝘷𝘵 & 𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦 © 2024