Dance of Ice and Fire
schrutfarms
Chapter 13: Chapter 13
Summary:
The Dragons reunite as realm witnesses the Tourney of Black and Greens
Notes:
So did not have my muse in writing, but ultimately found some to update this story. Hope you enjoy this chapter.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Rhaenyra
King's Landing 112 AC
Her day would start as any other. Yet today was different. The day of the tourney happened to be on the morrow. Sleep had eluded her for most of the night. Half the time she stared up at the canopy, thinking the tourney that is intended to occur. The laughter of her father as he let himself be entertained by the courtiers, the false smile of her stepmother who would find one way or the other to taunt Rhaenyra. The restlessness of Alyssa whenever she would be part of the feasts. The tired look that her Aunt Gael would give whenever she would sit and listen to the coming and the going of the court. She thought of Gaemon, someone who had been her beloved since she had learned to walk only for him to disappear away into that frozen wasteland of the North.
She turned her head and looked towards the balcony and she could hear the ramblings within the city at distance. Rhaenyra imagined what the people of her city were talking about her. To them, she was the Realm's Delight after all. Men lusted after all; women were envious of her though she had anticipated that for she was the heir to Iron Throne after all. She raised herself from her bed knowing that her day was bound to begin.
The gentle breeze of morn came into her room as a welcome. Compared to other mornings, this one had appeared to be colder than usual. The winds from the North were blowing as if a reminder of what was about to come. She walked towards the balcony to get a sight of her city. She held her hand onto the railing and looked down onto King's Landing. To her left Rhaenyra noted the ships that were docked in the harbor.
Rhaenyra's attention was diverted by a distant roar coming from Rhaenys's Hill. The dragons that were resting there were making their attention known to everyone in King's Landing.
I need to pay a visit to Syrax today, Rhaenyra pondered as she folded her hand to shield herself from the cold winds. The yellow she-dragon did not enjoy being chained in Dragon Pit. The keepers had often noted that she would grow restless if Rhaenyra would not visit her.
Her gaze moved Northward and he wondered where her cousin Gaemon would be now. Ever since the news of his impending arrival had reached the capital. Many whispers began to grow concerning Gaemon. Many in the court said that he was his father reborn, a young warrior who had slain pirates in the North and burn the fleets of the slaver. Others called him a savage wildling who consorted with wargs and sacrificed men at the altars to honor his mother's gods.
Rhaenyra had known better than that. The letters that he had writ would often inform her of his time in the North and she could not help but be envious of him. Whenever he would tell of his times and different lands of the North, it sounded liberating to her. She sighed and turned back to go into her bed chambers.
As soon as Rhaenyra entered her room, she heard the doors to her chamber open up and the servants walk in.
"Your grace, you asked to come and wake you." The woman stuttered; it was clear that she had not expected Rhaenyra to be awake.
"Yes, I know. Never mind, sleep has eluded me of late," Rhaenyra answered back. She walked towards her mirror while the servants began changing the bedsheets. She looked at the face looking back at her. Her skin was pale and smooth without any blemishes. Her eyes were large and purple in coloring. Her mouth had a sense of petulance in her giving her a pouty appearance. Her silver-gold hair was long and flowing up to her waist. On most of the occasions, Rhaenyra would keep her hair braided, but this time with Gaemon coming, she had wished to keep it open.
"Would you like to dress for the court, Princess?" the servant inquired.
"Not just yet," Rhaenyra retorted. "I intend to go to the Dragon pit. Bring me my red dress, for now, I shall dress for court later on."
She left her room and descended Maegor's Holdfast and as she made her way to the courtyard. She spotted her sworn shield Ser Criston Cole sparring along with his fellow brothers of Kingsguard. He was dark and handsome, and it would seem that his desire to win in the tourney was quite evident.
After all, the tournament was organized to celebrate her father's anniversary with his queen and stepmother Alicent Hightower. Rhaenyra couldn't help but scoff at the thought of that woman. When her father had announced the tourney, she was barely able to hide her displeasure regarding it. They had a tourney just the last year to celebrate their fifth anniversary. Alicent had no problems reminding her of that after her father had made that announcement. Ser Criston had been present when she made her proclamations. Ever since then, he had sworn to win the tourney in her name.
Rhaenyra noticed him swinging his morning star with strength pushing his opponent to the ground. He was about to hit the knight once more but he caught a glance of her which made him stop.
He bowed and smiled at Rhaenyra, "Good morrow, my princess."
"Good morrow to you as well my knight," she replied lightheartedly.
The others made note of her presence as well and they immediately stopped their practice to pay obeisance to her.
"Please good sers, do not stop on my account," Rhaenyra acknowledged them.
The knights nodded and went back to their training leaving her with Ser Criston. "I see that you are dressed in simple clothing. Are you not heading to court?"
Rhaenyra shook her head, "not just yet ser, I wish to go to the Dragonpit to visit my lady Syrax."
Ser Criston raised his eyebrows at that, "You are going to fly at this moment?" he asked, "Isn't your cousin from the North going to arrive in a few hours?"
"Oh, fret not, Ser Criston, I do not have any intentions of riding Syrax. The keepers have informed me that Syrax is growing restless and it is past time I have visited her. I would not have her feel neglected."
"I could come with you princess," his bright green eyes seemed rather imploring.
"Oh, please fret not ser, I can handle on my own. Besides…" she lowered her voice, "I would have you win the tourney and be crowned as 'Queen of Love and Beauty. After all, you still owe me a win from the last year."
At that Ser Criston felt ashamed, the last year Ser Criston had been unhorsed by Ser Harwin Strong. He had done his duty and defeated Queen Alicent's champion, but Ser Harwin was stronger as he had crowned Aunt Gael as the Queen of Love and Beauty.
He schooled his expression and chuckled, "I shall do everything to give it to you"
There was a deep look in his eyes as he gazed onto her. Rhaenyra looked away, was she a young girl she would have deeply blushed at it, but now she had matured enough to understand that her feelings for her knight were childish.
Rhaenyra was not the same girl she was when Ser Criston had first sworn his service for her. Aunt Gael had chided her about that as well. She had to be more cautious about who she would develop her feelings for. Ser Criston was a knight of Kingsguard who cannot have a wife or have children. Despite that, he was not of the nobility of her station. She would never wish him to marry her.
"I wish I could accompany you to the pit, princess, though I must get ready for the tourney tomorrow, and besides, Ser Harrold has commanded me to guard his grace today."
Rhaenyra waved him away, "Do not worry Ser. I am well familiar with the way. Do as your duty bids you. Besides Syrax doesn't seem to take kindly with you."
The last statement was true, whenever Ser Criston would be around Syrax. The she-dragon would snarl and growl and ensure that her knight is away from him. Even Ser Criston would appear rather uncomfortable around her yellow dragon.
Rhaenyra bid him farewell and left, still feeling the eyes of every man looking at her with lust.
Finally arriving at the stables, she noticed that Alyssa was preparing her horse as well. She walked towards her cousin, "are you heading towards the pit?"
Her aunt turned around to look at her, there was a mischievous smile upon her face. Unlike Rhaenyra, who had dressed up in a dress. Alyssa wore breeches and a shirt. Was it not for her long flowing hair and a soft smile on her face, one would have confused her for a boy? While Rhaenyra had a delicate beauty to her, Alyssa possessed a rather wild beauty. Her father would oft say that she resembled her grandmother the first Alyssa.
Alongside her stood, Ser Eryk Cargyll who was already mounted upon his house. Ser Eryk bowed and acknowledged Rhaenyra's presence upon her arrival.
"Your grace," Ser Eryk said and he turned around to see if there was anyone else coming, "Is Ser Criston not joining?" He inquired.
"No ser, he has been assigned to guard father today," Rhaenyra answered back, and then she turned to Alyssa, "Are you flying on Tyraxes today? Gaemon is meant to come in a short time."
Alyssa shrugged, "mayhap I don't want to wait on him to come here. Maybe I might fly North on Tyraxes to be with him."
Rhaenyra scowled, "we do not even know where he is by now, besides your mother has already told us to not fly while there are too many noble lords present."
Alyssa frowned, "then they should cherish the sight of a dragon flying over them."
Rhaenyra rolled her eyes at that. While she was the heir to the throne, the lands of Dragonstone were not allotted to her until she would become ten and six. Since then, her grandaunt Gael and Alyssa used to reside there. Though since last year, they have remained in King's Landing. She huffed, "be that as it may, what would you do when you could not find him before he arrives at the capital."
That made Alyssa frown, "I would not lose myself."
"You have already had trouble finding direction. It had either been me or your mother who would guide you back to the right place," Rhaenyra answered back.
"Then come with me," Alyssa pleaded with her.
"I would rather remain here and welcome him along with everyone than search for him on the road and you are a princess, not some knight who acts as an escort to others," Rhaenyra scolded her. The stable boy brought her mare to her and helped Rhaenyra mount up, "and besides I would not have my stepmother give me another reason to taunt me."
Rhaenyra could tell that her cousin was disappointed by that. A part of her had wished she could be freer like her, but she was the heir to the Throne. There was a time when she and Alyssa would be closest of companions with Gaemon. Though ever since Gaemon had left, they had grown rather distant. They were still amicable and Rhaenyra still had trust in her, but their duties were not the same.
They began their journey down Aegon's Hill and moved their company towards Rhaenys's Hill. Their retinue was about twenty mounted knights. The stone buildings made way to poorer constructs. Rhaenyra smiled as the smallfolk looked at her in awe and cried out her name in praise. She acknowledged their cheers and waved back at them. The day was becoming warmer and the sky was clear and blue. The stench of shit and fish had hit her nose and had made her uncomfortable. A part of her wished that she had come on her litter.
When she turned to Alyssa, she noticed that she appeared rather sullen. She moved her mare towards Alyssa, "I am sorry I could not be there with you Alyssa."
Alyssa looked at her and nodded, "I understand Nyra, believe me, I do." They turned left to remain on stone roads. At the distance, Rhaenyra could hear the sounds of merchants shouting and selling goods. Children were running along looking at the knights in wonder. Alyssa noted them and then turned to Rhaenyra, "when I had returned for Dragonstone the first time. I had hoped that we would be the same as we were when we used to be children. Though, I can tell things will never remain the same. I am a princess and I will have my share of duties. It is just when the news of Gaemon came. I felt I could still cling to the child that was in me. I had hoped I could do the same with you."
Rhaenyra's expression softened, "believe me, I would want nothing more than that. To tell you the truth. I am rather nervous about seeing him as well."
Suddenly, her thoughts went back to Dragonstone, to the kiss she shared with him. They were both nervous and rather young at the time to not think much of it. Though now she wondered if they were to share that kiss again now, would that invoke the same emotions or would it invoke a deeper desire that she would read in the tales of love?
Rhaenyra shook her head, she could not think of that now as she looked up and noticed the Dragonpit looming over them.
"You know what, I may as well ride on Syrax too," Rhaenyra decided and Alyssa beamed at that notion.
"Will we fly to seek out Gaemon?" Alyssa asked excitingly.
At that Rhaenyra shook her head, "no I would rather us fly over the city for some time and then return. I mean it Alyssa; we need to be back before the court begins."
Alyssa wanted to complain further, one trait they had both shared was that they were both stubborn. However, Rhaenyra won in this matter as Alyssa let out a groan, "fine, I will suffer your stepmother in that wretched court once more." With that, they began, trotting along at a brisker pace.
It was when they began their climb uphill that they heard the sound of the wings. At first, felt like a bird flapping nearby, but then the sound grew more intense.
"Is one of the dragons flying?" Ser Erryk inquired with a confused look etched upon his face. At present, Dragonpit had housed Syrax, Silverwing, Alyssa's Tyraxes, Aunt Gael's Dreamfyre, and her half-brother Aegon's Sunfyre. In past, it had even housed larger dragons such as Vermithor, Balerion the Black Dread, Vhagar, and Caraxes. Though now, Vermithor was North with Gaemon, Caraxes was South with her uncle at Stepstones.
The sounds of wings grew even louder and Rhaenyra realized that it was of a dragon far larger. It was then, her eyes turned towards the city when she spotted a shadow passing over the capital. The roar made everyone turn their heads and the dragon flew at a range, but Rhaenyra could tell it was one she had seen before.
"By the gods, is that Vhagar?" one of the knights cried.
"No, it can't be, there are no signs of Velaryon fleet," another man said.
"It is not Vhagar, the coloring is wrong," Alyssa answered back as she squinted her eyes. The sun was shining on the scales and Rhaenyra observed that once more. It was then, the realization hit her and she turned to Alyssa who realized it at the same time as well.
"It's Vermithor," Rhaenyra exclaimed. Gaemon was here.
The bronze fury let out another roar and made his way towards the dome of the Dragonpit. It was quite a spectacle, as she heard other dragons letting out a roar in the answer as well. Alyssa moved towards Rhaenyra, "it would appear, Gaemon fulfilled your wish of not flying after all," she said dryly and giggled.
Rhaenyra looked at her and shook her head and pushed the reigns of her horse, doing her best to keep her excitement a bay, "come, let us meet my cousin," Rhaenyra said in a shaky voice.
They began moving uphill and reached the gates of Dragonpit, it was then they noticed Vermithor making his way inside.
"By the gods, he has grown during his time North," Alyssa noted looking upwards and she was not wrong. Vermithor had been her great-grandfather's mount and before it was bonded with Gaemon, it had rested in Dragonpit. Even then, it was one of the largest dragons that they had. The bronze fury, though, was still smaller than Vhagar and even Black Dread. Though now, as she noted Vermithor making his way inside the pit, she could affirm that it was as large as Vhagar is now.
The main gates to Dragonpit opened up and they made way to the lower side of the under vaults. It was then she had spotted the bronze fury lowering his head at a figure. They dismounted and made their way towards the dragon. It was interesting to note that Vermithor was next to Syrax's vault. Silverwing had also been present there as well.
"Is that Ser Steffon?" Ser Erryk noted a man in his white armor down on his knees throwing up.
As they grew closer, Rhaenyra heard some rather unsavory words uttered by the knight, "by the seven, boy, you do that to me again and I shall clout you so hard your ears will fall off." It was then Rhaenyra spotted a figure caressing Vermithor's snout laughing at that and not paying attention to the approaching party.
"I had told you to come along with the rest of the retinue, Ser Steffon. It was you, who had wished to be my sworn shield at the capital," Gaemon called out, his back still facing Rhaenyra. She could spot the black armor that he had worn with a grey cloak upon his back. His hair was brown and it flowed down to his shoulders.
Ser Steffon rose up and before he could retort, he caught Rhaenyra and Alyssa approaching.
"My Princesses," Ser Steffon stuttered and bowed quickly to pay tribute. It was at that Gaemon turned to glance at them.
Looking at her cousin now made Rhaenyra's breath hitch. His facial feature was long but still quite reminiscent of her uncle Daemon. He was wearing a black doublet which had a single dragon with bronze coloring etched in the middle. There was a sword sheathed on his left side, she could notice the golden hilt of the wolf carved upon it.
He stood there wide-eyed looking at them. The look made Rhaenyra feel like a little girl once again. To her, he was the same boy that she grew up playing in the castle. The ones that would terrorize the servants with their antics. This was the same boy who had consoled her with his harp when her mother had been ill. She never had an opportunity to say the right farewell when they were at King's Landing.
Gaemon was no longer the boy she had known; he had grown for certain. He had grown taller and appeared to be a broader shoulder. He was no longer a boy but has grown into a man.
Before Rhaenyra could think about anything else, she realized Alyssa running towards him and jumped him. They embraced as if they were long-lost siblings. After Gaemon had left the capital, Alyssa and her mother had often visited Dragonstone. Alyssa despite being his aunt, was always treated as his little sister.
"Gods Alyssa," Gaemon put her down and took a look at her. Rhaenyra couldn't help but smile at that. "Ser Steffon, it seems I need to keep my blade sharp."
"Your grace?" Ser Steffon looked at Gaemon confusedly.
Gaemon turned Alyssa around, "by the gods look at her, there will be Lords and Knights looming over her now."
Alyssa moved away and scoffed, "if anyone comes near me, I might just keep them away from me."
Gaemon raised his brow and smirked, "do tell, how you intend to do it?"
"Feed them to Tyraxes," Alyssa answered, and as if on the mention, her dragon roared out. "Looks like Tyraxes seems to be calling for me," Alyssa said looking at her and Gaemon.
"Don't leave without me," Alyssa said, as her voice echoed over the vault and left.
"Leave us for a while," Rhaenyra commanded the knights of the Kingsguard.
"Your grace," Ser Erryk stuttered for a moment.
Though Gaemon intervened, "she is the heir to Iron Throne and Seven Kingdoms, Ser Erryk." There was a Northern roguishness in his voice that left a rather commanding tone. Though it turned playful "I would listen to her and fret not, I do not have any plans on abducting her today." He said that giving a wink to both of them.
There was a growl heard from the back, which happened to be that of Vermithor. Gaemon looked back at his dragon and then back at the knights who now appeared to be looking at her awaiting their command. Rhaenyra had to chuckle at that and noted that Ser Erryk was looking at her. She gave him a nod and they left.
Rhaenyra cleared her throat and Gaemon turned to face her and smiled. "By the gods, Nyra." He slowly moved towards her and embraced her. Rhaenyra couldn't help but feel comforted by that. She brought her hand around his neck. The doublet felt cold over his body but there was a warmth that Rhaenyra had not felt in some time.
They moved away and looked at each other. His eyes were the most beautiful thing that Rhaenyra could ever look at. The mismatched eyes of violet and grey were a sight that Rhaenyra had always loved and cherished.
"They were not japing about you being Realm's Delight after all," he muttered as he assessed her. Something about his gaze made her blush and she looked down at the ground.
"Well, you have been quite a mystery to the people in the capital," Rhaenyra answered with a mischievous look.
"Oh, is that so? So, I am not an uncouth savage or unwashed barbarian?" Gaemon looked around at others and then back at Rhaenyra.
"They do, but still, there is a fog of mystery around you and…" Rhaenyra moved around him, "I am curious to see how you will fare around."
She moved away, but Gaemon stopped her and grabbed her hand, and brought her close, "I could care less of what the hens at the court think. There is only a few in this world whose opinion matter to me and you happen to be one of them."
Rhaenyra looked at her cousin and saw the intensity in his eyes and a small part in her wanted to keep looking at him, but realizing where they are she looked away and looked at the vault where Syrax was.
"Come with me," Rhaenyra said, "my lady Syrax needs to be tended to."
Gaemon smiled and nodded and followed her. She moved alongside Gaemon and while they were walking, there was a sense of silence. The Dragonguard looked at her and bowed, "Princess," he said in a gruff tone and bowed.
"Allard," Rhaenyra acknowledged him. He was one of the few men who Syrax tolerated. He had been in the service in Dragonpit ever since she was young and Syrax had grown too large to remain at Red Keep.
"Bring Syrax out," she commanded him.
Allard bowed, "at once…" He then looked at Gaemon, "is it going to be okay with him?"
Rhaenyra turned and looked at Gaemon who narrowed his gaze at her, "I guess we will find out soon enough."
And found out they did, Allard opened the inner gates and a few moments after they heard a bit of trembling of the ground and shaking and the sound grew louder and within a few moments a large heard emerged out of the darkness.
Syrax let out a hiss as her gaze landed on Rhaenyra. The yellow scales and her eyes were golden in color. The nostrils let out black smoke and Rhaenyra could feel the heat that was radiating out of her. It was as if she was standing by the oven, though the heat was something that was welcoming to her.
I am the Blood of the Dragon, Rhaenyra mused. Syrax let her snout down and Rhaenyra began caressing it, "Hello, my sweet lady," she cooed and Syrax let out a purr at her touch.
"My apologies for not visiting you anytime soon," Rhaenyra said while patting her snout. Suddenly, her golden eyes turned towards Gaemon and let out a deep growl.
For a moment Rhaenyra was concerned and had thought that her cousin would back away, but he remained in the same position. Rhaenyra went to stand next to her cousin to protect him, however, Gaemon waved her with his hand.
She moved to the side and observed as Syrax moved her head closer to Gaemon. Rhaenyra noted that her cousin never left her gaze. Both were staring at each other and Rhaenyra could see Syrax's razor-sharp teeth coming too close towards him.
Gaemon reached towards her snout and gently patted it and to her surprise the she-dragon allowed it. Rhaenyra could tell that Syrax was welcoming her cousin's presence. He moved to the left and Rhaenyra walked to her left and both stroked Syrax's snout and smiled. Rhaenyra turned to look at Gaemon and Gaemon looked at her. They both laughed and valued this moment of joy and she forgot the troubles of the court and all the issues with her stepmother and even the upcoming tourney.
It was just her and Gaemon.
Alicent
King's Landing – 112 AC
The melee was going on full flow. The knights were fighting each other in the field. Her brother Gwayne was fighting knights from the Reach. The melee was a competition of twenty knights fighting off from different parts of the realms. There were knights from the other parts of the Seven Kingdoms fighting together.
Alicent noticed knights from Vale, Riverland, Stormland, and Westerland fighting. By the sevens, there were even warriors from the North fighting the melee. It was quite a sight to see a Bolton heir fighting an Ambrose knight. It wasn't just the Flayed Men that were fighting, but a man of House Cerwyn, House Manderly, and even House Dustin.
All of them present because of one reason and that reason was sitting next to Gael Targaryen looking at the spar with a sense of boredom. The court and the men were rattled when they heard the roar of Vermithor a day before. The fact that the boy had returned with her step-daughter instead of waiting to be properly welcomed was disconcerting to her.
Looking at the bastard child of Daemon Targaryen reminded her of the hidden disdain for the boy and the future she had been denied. She was meant to be wife to Daemon Targaryen and not Viserys. Yet one ill-spoken word changed everything. Alicent's fate had changed the night when she saw Daemon Targaryen's true nature.
"I would rather wed a pox-ridden whore than be with a two-faced bitch like you," Daemon had whispered that night. He had come to her intending to bed her.
The night was rather young when Daemon had climbed into her chamber. He had first started the talk sweetly, spoken of how he would talk to her father and ask for her hand.
It was her perfect dream but that dream had burned and left her in ashes. Thinking about that, Alicent had to scoff because, from those ash heap of that dream, she had built a new one. A new dream that made her not a wife to a prince but Queen of Seven Kingdoms.
Viserys was a kind and caring husband and Alicent had grown to love him despite his misgivings. The decision to choose Rhaenyra as his heir despite having a son was a bitter misgiving.
She looked at the girl looking at the tourney with a rather petulant pout set upon her face. Her white knight was fighting against a Bracken knight forcing him down with the Morningstar. The strength and skills of the knight reminded Alicent of the tourney fought last year. The knight had beaten her cousins and was almost close to beating her brother, but a misstep had cost him the tourney.
Today the vigor with which Ser Criston was fighting, Alicent could tell that he had intended to win this tourney for his precious little princess.
The girl was dressed in black and red and seated next to her cousin who was dressed in the same color as well. It was an odd sight. Some people who were loyal to Rhaenyra were dressed in Black and those who were loyal to Alicent were dressed in Green. The seeds of division within the court were being sown. There were only two people who had appeared to be neutral in this. Her husband Viserys was dressed in a red silk tunic, laughing and cheering on the competition. The other one was Gael Targaryen who was dressed in a blue gown.
They had called Gael Targaryen, the Winter Princess and she appeared to be dressed as if she was a beauty of Winter. She was a woman that Gael could not come to respect. It had been with her encouragement that she had pursued Daemon Targaryen in the first place, but when Daemon had discarded her, she had pretended that she had not existed.
After her wedding with Viserys, she had attempted to be close to her and build an amicable relationship, but Alicent kept her in distance. She had grown to love her children and had attempted to act as a bridge between her and Rhaenyra. However, that bridge had always favored Rhaenyra more than her. Alicent had respect for those who chose a side, but someone like Gael had made her loath for they can never remain loyal to one side.
She turned her gaze towards her children who were looking at the whole tourney. Aegon, who was almost five was appearing sullen as he had no interest in being seated. Helaena and Aemond were with their handmaidens. Helaena was giggling about something while Aemond's gaze was focused on the fight. He appeared quiet and observant.
The petulant princess let out a giggle at something her Northern cousin said. The smile of the boy was reminiscent of his father, the same mocking, devious smile.
Alicent smiled and spoke, "and what is it pray tell dear Rhaenyra is amusing?"
Her husband turned his attention off the men that were fighting and instead bring his attention towards his daughter and nephew. "Pray do tell Gaemon," her husband gave him a jovial smile.
Gaemon looked at them with his mismatched eyes, "Oh, I was just imitating how my Uncle Rickon would have been if he would have been sitting here in this tourney?" There was a rough accent upon his face which Alicent could tell was Northern.
Viserys raised his brows, "oh and how would your uncle Rickon act in this tourney."
"He would probably mock the Southern knights fighting with their 'fancy sticks,'" the last part Gaemon said in an exaggerated Northern accent.
"So, your Stark uncle believes that jousting is a jape?" Alicent quirked her brows up.
Gaemon looked at her and then spoke, "he would believe that this whole tourney is a jape. He is someone who doesn't fight in tourneys."
"Oh, and why is that the case my prince?" Septon Eustace inquired. The man was seated below in the pavilion but he could listen to the words that the royal family shared.
"Because if he wants to fight a man for real, he doesn't want his enemy to know what he can do," Gaemon said softly.
A cheer went out as the number of competitors in the melee had lessened considerably. Now there were about ten men left fighting. Her brother and cousins were amongst them as was the Bolton boy and Ser Criston who were prominent.
Alicent turned to Gaemon who was intently looking as the melee began. Her brother was fighting the Bolton heir while her cousins were circling Ser Criston who clung tightly onto his Morningstar. "And what is it you believe in Prince Gaemon?" Alicent inquired, she had emphasized the prince part as an underhand remarked.
Gaemon turned to look at her, "I used to believe the same, fighting a man in a tourney is rather waste of time. Though now…" he turned to look at the Bolton heir falling and yielding onto Gwayne, "…the chance to show the world who you feel like a really interesting prospect."
Viserys laughed at that, "oh nephew, one day I would love to see you fight in a tourney."
Gaemon chuckled and observed the knights fighting, "mayhap you will."
The fight went on longer and finally, it was up to her younger brother Gwayne and Ser Criston who were final competitors. Alicent gripped her seat tightly as the two competitors moved around each other. Her brother was wearing his gilded armor-plated in grey coloring opposing Criston Cole's white armor.
They clashed again and swerved around Ser Criston was strong but her brother was quicker than him. It was as if this was a recap of last year's duel. Alicent turned her gaze towards Rhaenyra who was nervous as well. The duel carried on for some time and Alicent was hopefully praying for another misstep. However, it had seemed that misfortune was in her face as her brother fell in the field and with a broken shield. Criston laid on top of her fallen brother with a sign of yield.
Alicent closed her eyes in defeat as she listened to the petulant bitch applauding her white knight with glee. Ser Criston smiled and raised his Morningstar to acknowledge the revelry of the crowd.
Though before the celebrations could go any further the crowd of revelry and the noise had been deafened by the roar of a dragon. The shouts of dragon were heard as everyone began pointing up in the sky like a shadow of a great red dragon passed above the heads. Alicent's heart dropped as in her heart she had realized who that dragon had belonged to.
Daemon Targaryen, she whispered.
Her hands began to tremble as did her legs. Images of gallant dashing Daemon Targaryen ran through her head.
The Bloodwyrm continued to fly up in the sky providing a show to everyone seated.
Sounds of the wings began to grow louder as Caraxes descended into the ground. Alicent squinted her eyes and noticed a figure seated atop of the dragon.
A huge thud resounded on the tourney grounds and the knights that were there quickly moved away. Caraxes let out a roar to make their presence known among the citizen of King's Landing.
The bloodwyrm lowered its head allowing his rider to dismount him. And, there stood Daemon Targaryen himself. Alicent began breathing hard at the sight of him.
He had worn silver armor with a three-headed dragon etched in the center. The gold cloak was clasped reminding everyone that he had once served the City Watch.
He walked forward towards the royal gallery where they were all seated and Viserys stood up from his chair and walked towards the balcony.
Daemon Targaryen walked forth and it was then Alicent realized that he was wearing a crown.
He was crowned a king, Alicent realized. Viserys had once made it known that Daemon was now known as King of Stepstones.
With the crown atop his head, Daemon knelt, "my brother my king. I come to you humbled as a man who conquered Stepstones and Narrow Sea, won and forged by the blood and fire in the name and glory of House Targaryen."
Alicent looked towards her husband who had an unreadable gaze set upon his face. She turned to look towards Gael, Rhaenyra, and Gaemon who observed Viserys as he descended the stairs alongside Kingsguard.
The silence lingered in the air. The last time the two brothers had been face to face with each other was when Daemon Targaryen was banished after their quarrel. She was not Viserys's wife at the time, but ever since Prince Daemon's departure, none were allowed to speak of him. Though the topic of his son was a different matter completely.
The animosity had lessened over time as Viserys had been content with Daemon waging war in Stepstones.
As the King stood before his brother everybody looked at them with anticipation.
"Your valor won the glory South, it is true. Your glory is the glory to the dragons and House Targaryen. Rise and let me welcome you back to King's Landing," Viserys declared and grabbed Daemon by his shoulders to embrace him.
This act let out a huge roar of cheer. The brothers kissed each other's cheeks and her husband gave a warm smile to his brother.
Daemon Targaryen looked warmly upon his brother and on her left Rhaenyra was cheering the loudest like a whimpering fool while the others clapped. Though, the most peculiar sight was that of Gaemon who silently stared at his father.
He did not say any words only slowly moved after Rhaenyra who descended a little hastily. Gael and Alyssa followed and Alicent realized that she had to do her part and join them below as well, so she plastered a fake smile and followed them.
Daemon embraced Rhaenyra and let her go and as his eyes landed at his son, it grew wide. The smile was turned to surprise as he looked at Gaemon Targaryen who appeared rather nervous at the sight of his father.
It was perhaps the first time that Alicent saw Daemon Targaryen shivering. It perplexed to see dashing and gallant rogue prince to tremble like a leaf. However, it would appear that even the Rogue prince has a weakness and that weakness was his son.
He shakily moved forward and grabbed his son's cheeks. His violet eyes were glassy and teary as if crazed at the sight. Daemon Targaryen was still taller than his son as he looked at his son as if assessing him carefully.
Alicent was close enough to listen to what the father had to say, "you are not a dream?" He asked raspily.
"No kepa," Gaemon answered and he embraced his son tightly with Alicent seeing tears falling from the eyes of the rogue prince.
The people around the father and son began clapping at the reunion and soon the cheers grew throughout the crowd.
Alicent could not help but feel worried. Daemon Targaryen, as a man alone, was a troublesome sight for her. But Daemon Targaryen along with her son, Alicent could not help but wonder what the future would have on hold for that facet.
Notes:
Next update will be for either Flames of Winter or A Song of Wolf and Dragon.
Here is to hoping a quicker update.
A quick question to you all. Out of the six stories that I have open, which one do you like the most? Curious to know your inputs.
Prince of Winter
A Song of Wolf and Dragon
Dance of Ice and Fire
Flames of Winter
Last Dragon and White Wolf
Vengeful Son and White Wolf