Born of Fire and Blood

Chapter Two

I stood in silence as the waves crashed against the rocky shore below. Rhaenyra had tears streaming down her face and everyone was silent as we waited for father to make the command. Naerys and Syrax waited expectantly for us to give them the order. I tried to hold back tears as I stared at my mother's lifeless body lying next to my infant brother's. He never even knew life to be anything but painful. Part of me was angry at my father for making the decision he did and taking my mother away from us, even though the other part of me understood why.

"Your father needs you right now, your sister too." Daemon's voice carried through the wind up behind me. I didn't dare turn to look back at him. My hair was pulled back but the wind still blew it wildly between us. I felt Daemon move it to the side and he leaned closer to my ear. "Sometimes my brother doesn't know how to communicate and he is going to need you and your sister more than ever right now." He planted a swift kiss on my neck, he was so quick about it I wasn't even sure he had actually kissed me. I glanced around anxiously, hoping no one had paid us any mind. Not that they would anyways with everyone's eyes glued to the pyre in front of us.

"I feel it was a selfish decision." I glared down at my feet and I felt Daemon take a deep breath in through his nose while he mused over my words.

"He is also the king…who got what he asked for, but at what cost?" His breath was hot against my neck, sending chills through me. I closed my eyes and leaned into Daemon, trying not to lose it.

"I need to get away from here." I turned and started crying, burying my face into Daemon's chest. Immediately his arms snaked around me, holding me to him tightly. I was thankful that no one said anything or tried to pry us apart. All I wanted was to be alone with him and not have to deal with any of this. I focused on inhaling him through my nose to try and calm me down. He had always smelled of freshly burnt wood and honey.

"Dracarys!" I spun around abruptly as Rhaenyra ordered Syrax to start burning the bodies. Naerys looked my way and I just nodded sluggishly. They made their way forward, the two she-dragons reared their large heads and in an instant the silver and gold dragon's mouths turned into a molten hot volcano and everything was set ablaze.

I could feel the heat coming off of them as Daemon squeezed my hand tenderly, trying to bring me some sort of comfort. I took a step forward in hopes that no one had seen us, not that I cared at this point. I took one last glance at bodies now consumed in fire and turned to face Daemon abruptly.

"Let's get out of here for a bit?" Without saying a word, Daemon let out a loud whistle as I pushed past everyone, my black dress and coat blew behind me as if to reach back to my family. Naerys purred and sauntered toward me as the others gathered around the pyre parted so as not to be crushed by her.

She lowered her head and I climbed on just as Caraxes came shooting over the cliff. I squinted over at Otto who was standing by my father now, whispering something to him. Rhaenyra just stood there looking hurt, tears continuing to stream down her face, as she watched me leave on dragonback. Syrax hissed as we mounted our dragons, feeling left out.

Daemon jumped up on his crimson dragon and the Blood Wyrm made his way toward the edge of the cliff. Naerys followed him and started picking up pace as she reached the edge and then we fell. I closed my eyes and let the rush of air and the hiss of the sea take over my senses. I felt Naerys shift and we glided upwards after Caraxes. I didn't bother looking behind me to see if anyone was following me. I didn't hear either dragons complaining, besides the now distant cries of Naerys's sister, Syrax, so I assumed they just let us go.

It began to get rather foggy as Daemon and I rode in silence. He would look over at me from time to time and smile. His silver hair flying behind him like a dove. I finally realized where he was taking us and I smirked. Dragonstone loomed ahead, jutting out of the rocks and looking desolate and as if the walls themselves were brooding. It had been so long since Daemon and I had flown out here together.

"I figured it would be nice to get away for a while!" Daemon hollered at me over the rush of the wind, flashing his perfect white teeth. His clothing was his usual black and he seemed carefree. I didn't want to ask him about yesterday at the tournament, but I also hadn't had time since then to be alone with him. I was under what felt like constant surveillance since father found out he had arrived.

"You read my mind." We landed gracefully along the cliff where the castle jutted out and hung over the waves. There was something soothing about this place that made me feel at home here. I ran my hand along Naerys's neck until Daemon popped up from under her head and pulled me into him, kissing me passionately. My body instinctively leaned into him and it was as if the world had melted away around me.

"I've missed you." Daemon's voice was hoarse as he held me to him tightly. "I promise I won't ever leave you again. Not even my brother's orders could keep me away from you." I looked up at his face, trying to search for some sort of lie within it and saw nothing.

"I was concerned about you yesterday at the tournament. You didn't come visit me in my chambers last night either." I lifted my hand up to caress the side of his face and his eyes closed in response. His hand flitted over mine on his face and I could feel all the tension leave his body.

"I would disembowel any knight who tried to tear us apart. That cutpurse knight from yesterday is no different. I could've killed him if I had wanted." Daemon's eyes flashed open and bore into mine feverishly. Caraxes and Naerys had flown off together, probably to go hunt and roam.

"It would seem Caraxes has become rather enamored with Naerys." He watched as they flew off in the distance and laughed.

"Who cares, they will make the finest dragons the kingdom has ever seen." Daemon led me along the long stone pathway up to the gates of Dragonstone. The tower materialized suddenly, rising high overhead that it seemed to be trapped in the fog. I followed after him through what would seem like a maze if you didn't know where you were going.

The dark stone walls surrounded us as he threw open the gigantic doors to where the throne sat at the top of the room. Daemon had placed his hand on my lower back and was guiding me across the stone floors to the steps beneath the throne. He sat down gracefully and in one fluid movement, pulled me onto his lap. His hands ran up and down my body and one of his hands slid up my back and lowered my mouth to his.

I kissed him back feverishly, like I couldn't get enough, and placed my hands on either side of his face. I felt his fire coursing through him and into me as I struggled to open myself for him. I needed him right then and there and he seemed to need me just as much. Suddenly I felt him force his way inside me and I cried out around him. He moved effortlessly inside me and I tried to match him every step of the way. I grabbed ahold of him, like if I let go I would fall right off the cliff.

He held me to him, his mouth searching for mine hungrily. His pace started to quicken and I couldn't seem to think straight. I felt myself about to explode as he continued to move faster inside of me. I couldn't stop myself as Daemon held me in one place finishing as I exploded around him. My cries echoed around us in the hall, bouncing off the stones and I rested my forehead against his as we tried to catch our breath.

"You are exquisite, do you know that Princess?" I smiled wordlessly as he held me in his arms. It had been so long since we had been this way together and I never wanted to leave this spot.

"Let's stay here and never go back." The words left my lips before I had time to think and my eyes shot open. I waited, hoping to hear some sort of confirmation from him. Daemon scoffed, still trying to catch his breath. His eyes locked with mine and his smile seemed withdrawn.

"If only it were that simple Visenya, then in a heartbeat I would make it so." His arms wound around me and I clutched onto this chest like a frightened child.

"Why wouldn't it be? I'm of age to marry…why not take me as your second wife? It's not like that's out of our customs… Aegon had both of his sisters as his queens." I pulled back so I could get a better look at him and his face grew serious. Daemon's eyes studied me, probably trying to gauge if I was being serious or not.

"It's possible I could try and speak with my brother to dissolve my marriage to Rhea. I have no need for her as it is." His eyes flashed to mine again briefly before lifting me up and dressing himself hastily. "Is that what you wish of me?" I felt butterflies and a smile played at my lips.

"Are you asking me to tell you what to do?" My brow furrowed together in worry. Would father approve of a marriage between us? He'd been trying to marry me out for some time now and none of the great lords piqued my interest. I'd also not truly been attracted to anyone either, with the exception of my uncle. Daemon startled me by bowing down to me as I stood in front of the throne.

"Princess Visenya, I have already proclaimed that I would lay down my sword for you. If you command this of me, then I have no other choice to obey my future queen. My life is already yours." I blushed as he wrapped his arms around my waist and rested his head on my stomach.

"You are such a fool Daemon." He ignored me, planting small kisses here and there along my stomach.

"A fool I may be, but I know what I want and I won't stop until I get it." His deep purple eyes glanced up at me and I couldn't read what he was thinking. I wanted to stay at Dragonstone with him forever, I felt safe here with him. I knew father was probably starting to worry about me, the sun was starting to set over the dark waters and I sighed.

"Regrettably, we need to be heading back to King's Landing, fool." I teased and he squeezed me briefly before nodding and leading me back through the stony maze.

The setting sun warmed me some as we flew through the clouds. Daemon had been uncharacteristically silent just about our whole ride back. I couldn't see his expression in the low light, but it wasn't like him to be silent. Maybe my suggestion of marriage turned him off to the idea of us? I frowned some, running my hand along Naerys's silvery scales.

We landed in front of the Dragonpit and the men scattered. There were still a few that weren't accustom to seeing a dragon and were still learning the ways of being one of the keepers. It was an important job, even if I didn't approve of putting the dragons in a cave and unable to roam the skies. I was lost in thought of a life with Daemon on Dragonstone as Naerys lowered herself so Daemon could help me off.

"What's got you so distracted?" His voice pulled me back and I smirked as I adjusted myself.

"I was only thinking of us making a life on Dragonstone, possibly trying to conquer other worlds with our dragons." I paused briefly as we began to walk, our hands brushing past each other. "And our…children." I blushed and kept my eyes on the stones laid in front of us as we made our way back to the Red Keep.

"Hmm, you plan on giving me a son?" His eyes seemed to glisten in the setting sun and I nodded.

"I'd give you a hundred so they could rule long after we are gone." I kept my voice low so the people walking past us wouldn't hear anything.

"I have to say Visenya, what I wouldn't give to be able to show you the places I've been. I would give anything to go to those worlds and discover new ones, with you by my side." Daemon's voice was like warm, dripping honey and it only made my whole body shine like the sun whenever he spoke to me like that. I always thought of how childish it seemed whenever I caught myself daydreaming like this. I knew father would be livid, but he did say I was of age and why shouldn't I, the princess, have a say in who I wanted to be with?

"Princess Visenya!" Ser Erryk Cargyll ran over to us, his eyes shifting between me and Daemon as he got closer. "We have been waiting for your return. Your…" Erryk swallowed loudly. "Your Grace has been worried." I regarded him warmly, Daemon on the other hand, not so much.

"You think I'd let anything happen to my niece?" The look on his face was one I recognized and I could instantly tell he was annoyed. Daemon sometimes had a bit of a fragile ego but I always made sure I reminded him that there was no finer dragon rider, knight, leader or man than him.

"No, Ser Daemon. We just didn't know where you had gone is all." Erryk never seemed intimidated by Daemon and I think that's one of the reason's Daemon was so hard on him. I had an inkling it was also a bit of jealously that aided his hostility to my personal guard. He also wanted other's to fear and respect him.

"Prince. I am your Prince. Which you will refer to me as." He glared at Erryk with annoyance. "Are you implying that I am unable to protect her better than you and your men?" Daemon motioned to the other two behind Erryk, a smile played at the corners of his lips, his hand resting on Dark Sister casually.

"I apologize Ser Erryk. Daemon has had a long, tiring day. Sometimes riding Caraxes can really wear him out. Come, uncle, let's get you inside." Daemon smirked sarcastically at Ser Erryk as I tried to lead him away. Erryk cleared his throat loudly, causing me to pause and turn to face him.

"I apologize Princess Visenya, your uncle's presence is being requested by King Viserys." Daemon raised his eyebrow and then jeered loudly.

"Is that so, Ser Erryk?" He spoke his words slowly.

"Daemon, stop this." I spoke to him in High Valyrian, my voice was sharper than I intended it to be causing him to pause. "He isn't worth your time and when you're gone, he protects me for you." Daemon glanced over his shoulder at me and nodded slowly.

"Right, as you wish Princess." He turned and made his way up the stairs, pulling me along with him.

"Daemon, I was instructed to escort the Princess to her chambers and Otto Hightower is waiting for you inside to take you to see the king." Ser Erryk came and stood next to me, placing his hand on the small of my back and I felt Daemon's grip tighten some on my arm. His gaze cutting right through me to the hand on my lower back.

"It'll be okay uncle." My voice soft as I continued to speak only to him in our native tongue. His eyes bore into Ser Erryk's armor before resting on my face.

"Very well, I'll call on you later and let you know what happens then." He grasped my hand, bowed and then planted a soft kiss on it before turning up the stairs into the keep. I waited until he was out of sight and turned to face Ser Erryk.

"I don't like the way he looks at you." Ser Erryk's voice was hard as he and his men led me up the grand stairs and through the front doors. The walls were glowing with large torches, their flames licking and clawing at the walls angrily.

"How does one look at someone, Ser Erryk?" He glared sideways at me and I laughed him off. "My uncle is harmless. Besides, I was with Naerys. We simply flew to Dragonstone, nothing else." I kept my tone light so he wouldn't be tipped off but I knew he knew otherwise.

"He looks at you like he wants to devour you, lust always filled in his eyes. Not to mention your uncle can be a loose cannon if you aren't careful." It was my turn to glare up at him.

"Daemon wouldn't do anything to hurt me. He may be brash at times but that doesn't make him a loose cannon or dangerous. I don't get why everyone says that. He can be arrogant but he knows what he wants and is next to no one on the battle field. He loves me and would do anything to protect his family." I heard Erryk groan some as we made our way to my room.

"Princess, I know how you feel about him. I also know he cares about his family, but I wouldn't call the way he looks at you love." We stopped outside my door and his eyes shifted back and forth nervously. "It's not him I'm worried about. More so you… You're still young and you deserve more than what he may or may not give you whenever he decides to slither around these halls. You know you and him aren't the only stories that float around the stone walls either." He peered down at me, his soft brown eyes filled with concern.

"Do tell me then? Perhaps we should find these whisperers and cut out their tongues?" I yanked my black gloves off and handed them to one my handmaids who stood silently beside us at my door.

"I wouldn't dare disagree with you Visenya, but people at court do gossip. The things that have gotten back to me about your uncle haven't been great and I'm sure they've reached Otto Hightower and your father. You should know by now that Daemon stalks the streets of flea bottom and brothels whenever he's in town. His gold cloaks were with him the night before and after the tournament." I tried to ignore him. I wasn't stupid and I wasn't a child. I would agree that I probably let things slide with my uncle more than I should and I probably did hold him up on a pedestal.

"Nothing is going on between my uncle and I, he understands me and doesn't treat me like a child. There is hardly anyone here at court who even notices me now. Not since Rhaenyra has grown. In a years' time, everyone will be pawning after her like hounds. As I said, my uncle understands me and listens to me. He doesn't treat me like a child who needs to be protected or like I'm too stupid to understand the way the world works." I felt tears swelling up behind my eyes. Now that my mother was gone, I didn't have anyone else to talk to. Besides Naerys, there wasn't anyone else.

"All I'm saying is that I care about you and there are other suitors out there waiting for you. Who wouldn't be in and out of your life or who aren't already married." I glowered at him, feeling the familiar fire starting to burn in my throat.

"You would be wise to watch your tongue when speaking to me Ser Erryk. You aren't my father and are in no position to lecture me. Just because you wish to be in Daemon's place, doesn't give you the right to speak your opinions and desires. You can continue to yearn for me, but you will never be given the chance for anything else. It would seem you are a bit jealous of my uncle." Erryk inhaled deeply through his nose and bowed curtly.

"Good night, Princess." He stalked off down the hall and left his two men outside my doors to watch over me. I motioned for them to open them for me as I went to pull my coat off of my shoulders. My handmaids trying to catch it before it fell to the ground. There was already a large fire going and the curtains we letting in a warm breeze from the balcony. I sighed loudly and poured myself a glass of wine as my handmaids started undoing my hair.

My long, platinum curls fell down to my waist and I made my way to the large tub. They finished undressing me and I smiled at them before stepping into the steaming water. I took a deep breath and could smell the lavender coming off the surface.

"I don't know how you can stand such hot water." I glanced over and noticed a new girl with dark brown hair that was pulled back and she was setting up my gown for bed.

"And you are?" She jumped some and turned to face me, bowing quickly.

"My name is Jeyne Snow." I raised an eyebrow and motioned for her to come over.

"I've not seen you before, have I?" She laughed nervously as she handed me a cloth to wipe my face with.

"No, my Princess." She kept her eyes trained on the floor.

"Why are you nervous, Jeyne?" She glanced up at me, perplexed, then smiled again.

"It's just, I've never met a Dragonrider before…much less someone of royal blood. To see an actual Targaryen up close is…sort of overwhelming I'm afraid." Her blue eyes looked at me apologetically.

"Ah, I do suppose we are rather…enchanting to someone who has never met us." I thought it was strange she was so nervous around me. I always thought of myself as approachable.

"I apologize, I'm being stupid." She fumbled with a towel, stuttering some. I laughed dryly.

"You're not being stupid." I pointed toward my hair so she could braid it for me. Jeyne moved and started brushing my hair.

"I love how long and shiny your hair is Princess." I refrained from rolling my eyes. She was new so she didn't know.

"You may call me Visenya." I closed my eyes and rested my head against the back of the tub. "Where did you come from, Jeyne?" I tried to remain impassive as she started to braid my hair. She stayed quiet for a moment and I glanced over my shoulder at her.

"I'm just a bastard child from the North, my parents needed money and so…here I am." I nodded soundlessly as she finished up my braid. "You look gorgeous Visenya." Her voice was small in the dimly lit room and I motioned for her to hand me my robe. I stood and as the water flowed down my body, I could see the steam rising off my skin. I wrapped the robe around myself and made my way to the table. My stomach was screaming at me and I realized I hadn't eaten a single thing all day. How could I with everything that's happened?

"You must miss your parents." My tone was flat and Jeyne made her way over and stood next to me. "You may sit." I eyed her carefully as she went and sat in one of the chairs and her eyes seemed to grow staring at the table. "Are you hungry?" I was starting

"I haven't eaten in a while." She licked her lips anxiously and I nodded for her to eat some. I guess I was stuck with this low born bastard, so I might as well make her happy. I poured myself another cup of wine and dismissed the other girls who had finished preparing my room.

"I suppose you're stuck with me and I don't want anyone thinking less of me due to you being a bastard. Help yourself to a bath and get some change of clothes. Just not in here. You're dismissed once you've finished." I stood and made my way to my balcony to stare across King's Landing. I could see the Dragonpit from here and part of me also felt like I was trapped in a cave. One day I would take Naerys across the black waters of the ocean and see what lay beyond the sun.

"Visenya?" I turned as Jeyne stood near the fireplace and waited.

"What's it like? You know, riding a dragon and everything." Her voice was soft and I could finally get a good look at her as she stood staring into the flames. Her dark hair hung down her back and was tied by a simple ribbon and her skin was almost translucent as if the snow of the North had been embedded into her skin. She was thin and rather plain looking with no real curves.

"It's like nothing you've ever imagined. When I'm up there, it's as if my dragon is an extension of myself and there isn't anyone or anything that can take me or overpower me. I am fire and I am blood all at the same time. I am the storm." I came and stood behind one of the chairs and watched her. Her eyes fixated on me and a broad smile spread across her face.

"Which one is yours?" I grinned, pleased for once someone was actually interested in something I had to say.

"She is a great silver dragon with black running down her back and across her wings. Her name is Naerys." I kept my voice low and she seemed enchanted at the thought.

"Perhaps you would take me to meet her sometime?" Her eyes beamed at me, hopeful. I pondered on that for a moment, wondering if it was a good idea to try and fill the girls head with ideas.

"Perhaps. How old are you Jeyne?"

"I'm years ten and seven." She stated. "I best be on my way though. I'm to be up early and get things started for you. I'll see you on the morrow Princess." She bowed and hastily made her way out of the room. I watched her go in silence, wondering just what my father was up to with the Northern handmaid who had seemed to appear out of nowhere.

12