Chapter 3
I made my way down the halls toward Rhaenyra's room with Erryk in tow. He hadn't said much to me within the last few weeks, which I was grateful for. As we turned the corner, there was a knight I hadn't noticed before standing in front of her door. He was dressed in white and silver armor. The knight bowed, his eyes shining against his tanned skin. I raised an eyebrow as I studied him. He seemed familiar, his dark curls hanging in his face while his chestnut eyes looked down at me. I cleared my throat, waiting for him to move.
"Princess," he smiled down at me. "I don't believe we've formally met." I knew I had heard that voice from somewhere.
"I don't believe we've met at all, Ser?"
"Criston, Ser Criston Cole. We met briefly at the tournament when I asked for your favor." I gnashed my teeth together.
"Ah, the knight from the tourney who managed to poke a dragon to please me. Now, if you'll excuse me." I pushed past him, opening my sister's door. She was leaning against the window, staring out over the city most likely daydreaming. I hadn't spoken to her much since mother had passed, and while the weeks had turned into almost two months, I should've been there for her. Even her friend Alicent seemed to have distanced herself after our mother had died.
"Princess Visenya, Princess…" Criston stood there awkwardly. I glared at him over my shoulder as he shut the door without another word.
"Sister, I was wondering if you planned on coming with me to the Small Council meeting this afternoon." Rhaenyra spun around excitedly.
"Isn't he handsome!?"
"Who?" I raised my arched eyebrow at her questioningly.
"Ser Criston Cole," she whispered. "I got to pick him as part of father's King's Guard. Since Lord Ryam has died, father asked me to pick some new knights for the Kingsguard. Luckily for us, Ser Criston Cole was the only one who had seen any actual combat. I'm practically in love at this point though." Rhaenyra bounced around the room like a child, grinning.
"You mean the knight who unhorsed your uncle, almost killing him?" I stared at her in disbelief. Sure he was easy on the eyes but that didn't change my stance on it.
"Daemon lived, did he not? Criston is a fine knight, he's now my white knight. So don't try and ruin anything for me by having father take him away." She pouted, causing me to sigh. I couldn't believe she named him her personal shield.
"Fine. He is sort of cute, I'll give you that."
"I wonder if he thinks I'm pretty." Rhaenyra's lilac eyes seemed to be elsewhere. Her silver hair was in a fine braid that hung down her back. She had a golden dress on with some red lacework throughout it. Rhaenyra was pretty, fair skinned and her lips were curved in a way that made it seem as if she was always smiling. I never understood how she always seemed to live in a fantasy world almost.
"I think he'd be crazy not to. I'm glad you're in higher spirits…" I bit my lower lip, staring down at the floor. "I know we haven't really spoken much since mother passed… I'm sorry I've been so distant." Rhaenyra turned to face me, her expression turning serious.
"It's okay, I've been praying with Alicent in the Sept a few times. She tells me that's when she feels closest to her mother. I know it's been hard on everyone… Father has been all but unapproachable these days too. I wish he knew we were hurting too." I nodded silently. The castle had definitely seemed a little darker now that mother wasn't dancing through the halls or fussing over us on our dragons. I was also glad to hear that her friend had been spending some time with her anyways, even if I despised her and her craven father.
"Right, well, the Small Council will be starting soon. I don't want to be late so are you coming or not?" I'd learned to keep most of my emotions under lock and key over the years. I felt it was easier to drown them out with a bottle of wine and be done with it. Truth was, I had spent most of my time in my chambers crying, with Naerys or practicing my swordsmanship in the yard. Erryk had been hesitant to help me even though I had already trained some with Daemon. I reminded him I was already proficient with a bow and I would just find another knight if he refused.
I hadn't seen Daemon in months. I could still remember the taste of him on my lips, yet he'd been absent from court since we returned from Dragonstone. Father wouldn't even tell me where he had gone but reminded me that my uncle was always coming and going. It didn't cause me any less heartache either way, but I appreciated what little comfort he attempted to give me.
The worst part was I couldn't talk to anyone about my grief, I tried once with Rhaenys who reminded me gently of the trouble I could get in if word ever gotten out. I trusted her and she has gained that by not betraying me to anyone. I decided to try and make peace with the idea that he was gone yet again, even after promising me he wouldn't leave my side. I wasn't sure why I was surprised at this point though. I turned and made my way out into the hall where Erryk was waiting patiently for me next to Criston.
Rhaenyra padded after me, talking incessantly about things I had no interest in. I hadn't said a word since we left her chambers, besides a forced smile here and a brief nod when asked a question. She droned on about some book she had been reading about some warrior Queen Nymeria of Dorne or whatever.
Everyone had known the story but I felt guilty for not even caring anymore about her interests. I made a point to ignore her whenever she got like this, thankfully she never took much notice. I played with the Valyrian steel necklace around my neck anxiously as we entered the Small Council.
"Ah, Visenya, Rhaenyra…we were not expecting you today." My jaw flexed at the sound of Otto's voice. I ignored him, sitting down without a word.
"Visenya said we were going to be late, hopefully you haven't started yet?" Rhaenyra rushed toward the cups, setting them on the table before us and began pouring wine. My father took a deep breath inward, watching her carefully. His lavender eyes flashing to my face as he smiled apprehensively.
"No, darling. Not at all, in fact we were just getting started." He sat back in his chair. I studied him silently. My father seemed to have aged ten years since I last spoke to him, I should've taken Daemon's advice and comforted him. Yet the anger and resentment I still felt toward him still overshadowed that. I noticed Lord Corlys smiling at me, his white hair pulled back into a ponytail behind him.
"Lord Corlys, it's nice to still see you here at court." My voice was soft and he grinned, bowing his head respectfully.
"Princess, I appreciate your kind words." His eyes flashed to my father's, seeming strained.
"Is Rhaenys still here?" I leaned forward in my chair some.
"Yes, she is. I will tell her you asked about her." He stood gracefully, bowing again to my father before speaking. "Your Grace, there has been more trouble at the Stepstones. This Crabfeeder has been feeding Westerosi soldiers to crabs along the beaches. They've sank more ships flying under my house's sigil, killed more of my men yet you sit around doing nothing." I could hear the hurt and anger in his voice, though he suppressed it well. Viserys nodded thoughtfully before Otto spoke up.
"The crown will reimburse the families and replace your ships, what more are you wanting from us?" Corlys frowned at Otto, then at my father.
"I don't want reimbursement, I want the crown to do something! What's to stop this Triarchy from spreading across Westeros like wildfire? They've yet to meet any sort of retaliation up until this point, sitting back and doing nothing, shows them our weakness."
"I do not want a war with The Free Cities, Lord Corlys. We aren't really prepared for a war with them. The last 9 years have been rather peaceful and I intend to keep it that way." My father kept an even tone as he smiled uneasy at Corlys. I could tell he felt torn between wanting to help and not wanting to start another war.
"Wars are expensive and we don't have the men." Otto sighed, exasperated. I glanced across the table at Lord Lyonel Strong who looked as if he wanted to say something but remained silent.
"We don't need to start a war." I stated flatly, already bored. I could understand why Daemon hated Small Council meetings, they are dreadfully boring. A bunch of older men sitting around a table bitching to one another without solving any actual problems. Otto scoffed loudly.
"And what exactly would you suggest we do then, Visenya?" I leveled my gaze with him before looking at my father.
"We don't need men or a war, we have dragons. You have dragonriders at your disposal, so use us. Send us to the Stepstones once, it will send a clear message to this Crabfeeder tyrant and the Triarchy." Lyonel nodded slowly as Otto mocked my suggestion.
"At least the Princess has a plan, you all are just sitting back showing the realm they can do whatever they want and get away with it." Corlys was struggling to contain his temper.
"I agree with Visenya, Your Grace. I think if we at least sent a message to let them know we aren't to be crossed, that might ease the tension within the Stepstones." Lyonel's voice was always composed and friendly.
"Why would I send my daughter out on a dragon to a battleground?" Viserys shook his head angrily, glaring at both of them.
"You wouldn't be sending me to battle, it would be a message to this Crabfeeder. The crown would be sending a message. Corlys has brought this matter to us for months now, yet nothing has been done. I've found you an easy solution to the problem." I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself before continuing.
"Daemon has taught me how to protect myself in battle, so I know how to defend myself if it came to that. Not that some measly crab could harm a dragon. Naerys wouldn't even notice if she had crushed him underneath her." I crossed my arms, leaning back in my chair. I hated being treated like a child at these meetings. Why have me here, give me a seat on this council if my words weren't going to be heard?
"Seven Hells." Otto muttered under his breath. I glowered at him, daring him to say another word.
"Visenya is right father. We could go, we have dragons. Why would a dragon cower from a crab?" Everyone at the table turned and stared at Rhaenyra in shock. She normally never said anything during the meetings as father only wanted her to observe and learn from them.
"Rhaenyra, I am not sending my only two living heirs to some wasteland to start a war with this Crabfeeder. The crown does not bend to demands of others Corlys. I'm sorry, but right now, unless this Triarchy moves further inland, my hands are tied." My father looked defeated as The Sea Snake stormed out of the meeting, slamming the door behind him. Otto whispered something in Viserys's ear, causing him to nod as he motioned Rhaenyra over.
He whispered something to her as she frowned, looking like a scolded hound, and made her way to where Criston Cole was standing next to the doors. He opened them for her as she disappeared through them, he promptly followed after her without a word. Once they were gone, a messenger with two of the Dragonkeepers came sprinting through the doors. They bowed hastily, as the messenger held a small scroll out with a shaky hand.
"Your Grace, I was told to take this directly to you. It's from Dragonstone." I forced myself to remain impassive as Lyonel Strong reached for the paper, rolled tightly with a red ribbon. Everyone at the table remained silent as my father read from the letter. He slammed his fist down on the table before throwing his cup across the room.
"Is Naerys okay father?" I tried not to panic as the Dragonkeepers stood off to the side in an uncomfortable silence.
"Yes, Visenya, she's fine. Please, just go."
"No! I am a part of this Council and I am the Princess! I will not leave until I know what was in that letter." I didn't mean to lash out so angrily at my father but I was tired of being treated like a child. "I have a seat at this council and I demand the respect that I, the Princess, deserve." Viserys leveled his gaze with me then. I noticed the vein in his forehead appear, the same one that popped up whenever he was rightfully pissed.
"Very well," His tone was hard. "Daemon has decided to make himself at home on Dragonstone." He paused then, his eyes gauging my reaction warily.
"Okay? What does this have to do with anything? Why are the Dragonkeepers here?" I asked, perplexed.
"Prince Daemon was seen taking a dragon egg from the pit." The older Dragonkeeper spoke quietly in High Valyrian. I glared at the Dragonkeeper then at Otto.
"You're behind this somehow, say it." I hissed through my teeth. Otto stared up at me callously, shrugging innocently.
"I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about. What does the letter say, Your Grace?" He leaned toward my father, trying to get a glimpse of the note.
"You're lying." I turned to face the old keeper. He avoided my gaze, shifting uncomfortably.
"Prince Daemon wishes to invite us to Dragonstone, for a wedding." My father spoke with annoyance in the common tongue so the others around the table would understand. I grew very still, wondering if he had made his intentions to my father clear. I prepared for my father to lash out at me but he continued reading, his voice remaining cold. "He plans on taking a second wife, the now named Lady Mysaria of Dragonstone. He has taken the egg for his soon to be child and wishes us to be present for his wedding." I felt my heart catch in my throat, my stomach turning into an empty pit.
"You mean to tell me he's gotten this Lady Mysaria pregnant? Who is she anyway?" My voice was no longer my own as I stared up at my father. He crumpled the note in his hand, cursing my uncle in every way.
"You mean he impregnated his whore! The child will be a bastard, undeserving of a dragon!" For once, Otto and I were in agreement.
"I told him he was to return to his wife at the Vale after his Heir for a Day mishap." My father stood, his chair falling behind him roughly. He paced back and forth, steam coming off of him. "How dare he mock me and demand a second wife?"
"You sent him back to the Vale…? When was this?" I interjected my father, causing him to pause.
"Yes, I sent him back to the Vale to be with his wife. Create something for himself other than rummaging around the streets of silk and making a mockery of our house." He turned to me then, his face red. "Your brother," he choked on his words. "Daemon was in a drunken haze, making jests about him. Calling our Baelon, Heir for a Day and claiming himself the heir to the throne. All the while he should've been here with his family. Giving us comfort in our grief after losing your mother and brother." He spat the words out furiously.
"I told you that your brother would be the next Maegor the Cruel were he to sit on that throne." Otto tried to give my father some comfort but he shoved him back.
"I sent him away, Otto! I did not make him my hand as he demanded time and time again! You would be wise to remind yourself that he is my brother." I'd never seen my father so angry before. The whole council sat in a stunned and uneasy silence.
"Which egg did he take?" I spoke in my native tongue to the Dragonkeepers, my voice empty and lifeless. The man shifted uncomfortably again, glancing over me to my father before speaking.
"It was Dreamfyre's egg, Princess." I glared at the floor, tears burning behind my eyes. That was the egg my sister had picked for Baelon's crib.
"Visenya…" My father's voice was soft. "We will take care of this, do not let your sister know." He kept to our native tongue as well, leaving Otto in the dark.
"What do you want to do, Your Grace? If Daemon has been residing at Dragonstone this whole time, he's bound to be well protected by his gold cloaks." Lyonel seemed hesitant to even ask, his brown hair fell into his eyes as he carefully moved it back.
"I will go and handle this myself." He granted the Dragonkeepers their leave. "Otto, have my horse ready and a ship waiting."
"Your Grace, you shouldn't stress yourself with this childish nonsense. Let me go in your stead. I'll retrieve the egg and remove your brother from Dragonstone." My father's Lord Hand smiled earnestly at him. He considered it momentarily before nodding his head. I turned and stormed out of the council then. I made a beeline toward my chambers with Erryk in tow. He didn't say a word as we reached my door.
I slammed myself through them, falling to the floor. My tears finally came then, streaming down my face. My whole body shuddered with each breath. I couldn't believe this was happening to me. How dare Daemon betray me like this, how dare he sleep with a common whore and impregnate her? I could hear the thunder wailing outside, as if the sky wept with me.
I didn't even notice when Erryk's arms wrapped around me, holding me tightly to him. My body shuddered violently as I cried into his chest, clinging to him like a broken bird. He rocked me without saying a word, knowing nothing would bring me comfort.
Erryk lifted me up from the floor and carried me to one of the couches in my room. He sat down with me in his lap and just let me cry. I don't know how long we sat like that for, could've been hours or mere minutes. I lifted my head to gaze at him, my eyes practically swollen shut from crying.
"He lied to me Erryk…" I struggled to get the words out. Erryk remained silent, seeming unsure what to say. "You can go ahead and say what's on your mind. I've clearly disgraced myself enough at this point." I buried my face into his neck, needing someone's warmth and comfort.
"It's his loss Visenya. You didn't disgrace yourself nor did you do anything wrong." I glanced up at him again, feeling a few tears falling.
"I apologize Ser Erryk…" I slid off his lap to sit next to him on the lounge, trying to smooth out the wrinkles in my black dress.
"Visenya, you have nothing to apologize for. Maybe I overstepped a boundary…" His voice trailed off then. He sounded so uncertain of himself, which was out of character for him. His black hair fell, covering his face from view. "I shouldn't have done that, I'm sorry Princess." Erryk looked up at me, his emerald eyes holding something back.
"No, I appreciate your comfort. I've not had much of it lately… I liked it." I kept my voice low, as the rain and thunder continued screaming outside my balcony. I placed my hand on his lap gently. He watched me carefully, not sure what to say. Sitting here, I really took time to notice him. Erryk had broad shoulders, his strong hands were calloused yet somehow seemed soft.
His strong jawline was tense and covered in scruff, from a beard I'd never realized was there. I felt bad suddenly, he wasn't bad looking in the slightest but I had been blinded by the lust I had for my uncle that I'd never taken the time to see him. I don't know if I was seeing him in a new light after hearing of Daemon's betrayal or if I wanted to somehow get back at my uncle for breaking my heart further.
Erryk's eyes fixated on my lips and something overcame me then. I leaned in, kissing him slowly, feeling him kiss me back. His lips were soft as they parted against mine and in that moment there was a jolt that seemed to go through me. I backed away and stood up, keeping my eyes on the floor.
"I'm sorry Erryk." I was so torn right now and knew I wasn't in the right headspace to handle something like this. Though I longed to be comforted and held again, I couldn't bring myself to lead Erryk on, knowing how he felt about me. I wasn't even sure what I was feeling right now but I'd chalk it up to loneliness and hurt.
"Don't be Visenya, I won't tell anyone." I frowned down at him.
"I wouldn't expect you to." I reached for my long cloak, yanking it on and throwing my hood up.
"Where are you going, Princess?" Erryk stood in front of me, confusion spreading across his face.
"There's something I had to deal with first," I paused, gazing at him one last time. "When I return, we can discuss what happened." I strode across my room and pulled at one of the hidden doors against the wall, causing it to open.
"Where are you going? Wait up!" He jogged over to the hidden doorway.
"Don't let anyone enter Erryk, you need to stay here. I'll be back, I promise." I carefully shut the hidden door then waited for my eyes to adjust to the darkness that had swallowed me. I was thankful for these hidden passage ways that were made throughout the keep. My eyes were dry and stung as I floated silently through the damp chambers.
I made my way to a secret entrance to where the dragon pit was. I lifted a rock, pushing it over to reveal some riding clothes I had hidden here. I swiftly slid out of my dress, shoving it into the crevice and thrust a pair of black pants on. I put on a shorter dress that allowed more movement when I rode on dragonback. It was handmade for me, black with silver stitching woven throughout it. I grabbed a pair of black gloves, shoved my boots on, and placed the rock back over the small hole I had found. My hands swiftly pulled my hair into a braid as I made my way down through the darkest part of the tunnel, wrapping my cloak around me tightly.
I treaded lightly, trying to not wake any of the sleeping dragons. Their gentle snores brought me some peace in the low light. There were large fires scattered about the cave, burning just enough light to help guide my way to Naerys.
The silver she-dragon was sprawled out toward the entrance of the cave, humming deeply in her sleep. I stepped carefully over her large tail, ducking underneath her wings to the side of her face. I placed my hand on it gently, rubbing softly trying to rouse her awake. Her fiery eye shot open, glaring at me in a sleepy daze.
"There's my girl." I spoke to her in my native tongue as always, kissing her just under her eye. I had to look up just to peer into the smoldering depths, lifting myself up on the tips of my toes. "Listen girl, Daemon lied to me… I just found out he's been hiding at Dragonstone, with another woman." Her large head lifted up, stretching out her neck, before glancing back down at me. "I need you to take me there, but we need to hurry before my father realizes I'm gone." Naerys lowered her body so I could climb on.
Without saying another word, I adjusted myself on her and grabbed ahold of her horns that trailed down her neck. I gave a low whistle and she rose sluggishly at first before stalking through the cave. I laid down low against her, trying to hide myself from the other dragons and the keepers that were scattered throughout the cave. I peered forward to see the entrance as we drew closer, noticing it was still raining. Suddenly the keepers began yelling at her, spooking her, as they tried to prod her with their spears to push her back into the cave.
Naerys roared loudly, shaking the walls of the cave which caused the other dragons to stir then. I sat up, glaring down at the keepers angrily. She came to a halt at the entrance as the keepers had blocked the exit and were shouting at her in High Valyrian. I tried to scream at them to move out of the way so she wouldn't crush any of them, but her roars drown me out. I gnashed my teeth together as they refused, assuming they had seen me and just ignored me.
"Dracarys!" Naerys shrieked fiercely, her neck curling back before a large burst of fire flew from her throat. The fire sent the men running and screaming frantically from the pit out into the rain. Naerys continued stalking forward until we were out in the rain too. The commotion brought more soldiers making their way down on horses then, shouting and cursing us loudly. The rain slammed down hard, causing visibility to be low. If no one had noticed me on here before, I knew they definitely wouldn't be able to hear or see me on top of her at this point. I could hear them unsheathing their swords, preparing to attack my dragon.
"Dracarys!" I screamed again, the rain drowning out my voice. Naerys never failed me though, she rose up on her back legs, her enormous wings expanding out before spitting another wave of fire everywhere. The men and horses alike ran, screaming in fear, clearing our path. I didn't have time to think or feel guilty for putting their lives in danger, I just needed to get out of here. I could deal with father's wrath later.
Naerys took a few steps forward before her large wings went to lift us up into the air. Suddenly, a dark figure shot an arrow our way, just barely missing me. Naerys screamed, shooting out more fire as we lifted into the air, her wings sending the others on the ground backwards. I pressed myself against her body, feeling her warmth as we rose higher in the air. I glanced behind me, panting from the adrenaline, seeing the mess we caused.
I turned to face the rain as we flew sharply upward, knowing my father would be pissed. I didn't care at this point. Dragon's shouldn't be locked up in a cave anyways and they disregarded my orders. I was tired of being held down and I refused to let Naerys be stuck in a cave anymore. She pushed against the storm that raged on, as we blended into the dark clouds. I closed my eyes and tried to focus on the wind, thunder and rain as she flew on.
The rain had died down some as I saw Dragonstone looming ahead in the distance. I ran a calm hand along her neck, resting my body against her. Naerys purred underneath me as we got closer. I had no idea what I had planned on doing or saying once I got there. I could feel a pit in my stomach return knowing there was another woman here with him. Knowing he would've been fucking her in the same bed or possibly on the throne same as we had. The thought of him kissing her only caused anger to boil inside of me.
I noticed some gold cloaks scattered along the long pathway that wound up to the castle, thankful for the coverage we had in the clouds. Naerys roared loudly as we flew overhead, causing their faces to lift to the sky frantically. I don't think anyone had noticed us yet, as she circled back around searching for a safe place to land. I whistled to her, causing her to roar again. I knew she didn't want to land along the walkway but I forced her to start descending as a group of people ran to meet us. We landed with a thud, Naerys growling and hissing at the men who made their way toward us, swords drawn.
"Step down!" I screamed at them while Naerys lowered herself for me to slide off of her, she gave a low growl as she watched them cautiously. Naerys stayed behind me as I came around to face these golden cloaks my uncle had shielded himself with. She tried to shield me with her large body, but I ran my hand along her chest as it swelled, calming her some.
I searched the crowd, looking for his platinum hair within it, seeing nothing. They still had their swords pointed in my direction, daring me to take another step, their eyes not leaving the dragon. Naerys screamed loudly, her body bristling fiercely, causing them to jump back. Then I heard another scream coming from behind the cliffs behind them.
Caraxes slithered over the rocks, hissing as he noticed Naerys. She lifted herself, her chest swelling again as she roared back at him. They purred and whined at each other, fussing over each other. I could still feel the tension rolling off of them as the guards standing in my way began to part. There was a sharp whistle, one I recognized instantly, as Caraxes protested but backed down.
"Well, well well…" Daemon's eyes darkened when he noticed me standing there. I pulled my hood off, glaring at him spitefully. "Sheath your fucking swords you cunts! What the fuck is wrong with you lot?" His voice cut through the dead air. His men stood down immediately, taking a few steps back. We stood there, staring at each other silently. I could feel the tears threatening to betray me right then and there. My heart sank and began tearing itself apart as I gazed at him, picturing him and his whore together made me sick to my stomach. Daemon's deep, amethyst eyes gave nothing away as he regarded me.
"Is it true?" Daemon opened his mouth to say something before closing it again, glancing over the edge to watch the water, obviously avoiding me. "Answer me." It took every fiber of my being to not break down, to not scream at him and cry.
"Visenya… I didn't think you'd find out or come here." Daemon kept his voice low, keeping to Valyrian.
"How would I not find out? You delivered it yourself, to my father who read it to the Small Council. I am on the Small Council." I tore my eyes from him, focusing on my hands. I spun a ring that had dragonglass laced through it, waiting for him to say something.
"Visenya, I don't know what you want me to say." I glared up at him, his face withdrawn as he gazed at me. I glowered up at the castle, wondering if she was in there now watching us.
"You lied to me, Daemon…" My voice cracked. Daemon went to reach for me but stopped himself.
"This isn't what I want, you have to believe me." Daemon took a step toward me then.
"Then why are you doing it? Why did you do it? Is she up there now?" His face fell again as my words cut into him.
"Where else is she supposed to go, Visenya?"
"Why did you bring her here in the first place? Why not leave her in Fleabottom where she belongs?" I growled at him, clenching my fists tightly. I could hear Naerys behind me, her raspy breathing giving me the strength I needed. Daemon's eyes glassed over as they studied me for a few minutes, his jaw flexing.
"Viserys sent me away. When we got back that day… Otto wasn't inside waiting for me so I made my way to the Small Council. They were all together around the table, so I assumed they were waiting on me perhaps. Since I was back you know, or maybe to scold me for spending time with you. Either way it didn't matter, I knew what I had wanted." He scoffed, glancing back over the setting sun dancing off the ocean.
"I'm waiting." I was becoming impatient at this point, he was clearly dodging my questions. I forced myself to keep my guard up on the offhand he was lying to me.
"They were talking about me," Daemon laughed dryly. "Badgering my brother about him being weak when it came to me. Otto…" he stopped, shaking his head. "That cunt, said that if Viserys kept with tradition with me as his heir, I would be no better than Maegor." I closed my eyes as tears began to crawl down my face. Daemon was the furthest thing from Maegor and even my father knew that.
"I've told you ignore that craven, he's beneath us." I kept my voice calm, still speaking Valyrian.
"It's not just about him, Visenya!" Daemon snapped, causing me to jump. "The only one, besides the half ass support from my own brother, who stood up for me was the dammed Sea Snake!" Daemon paused, waving the soldiers off. I appreciated the alone time even though it wasn't needed, they couldn't understand us.
"Okay? What does this have to do with you lying to me? You used me Daemon!" I wiped at my tears, hoping he hadn't noticed them.
"The Hightower bitch said I was unpredictable and impulsive. That I vied for the throne and sought to undermine Viserys. My own fucking brother! That twat has cut me off at every corner only to lift himself up. Insisting on removing me from Master of Laws and later as Master of Coin." He began to pace back and forth.
"He's threatened by you, you already know this. We know this. Otto seeks the throne as the rest of them do, he's a dishonorable leech who is only out to better himself. Father has always defended you… I've always defended you, against my better judgment." I resisted rolling my eyes, hoping he'd get to the point.
"I heard them speaking about who Viserys planned on naming his heir… Lyonel Strong had suggested someone other than myself." Daemon glanced sideways at me then back at Naerys, who was waiting patiently behind me. "So I left the council then, headed to Fleabottom to drink my sorrows and anger away. I found myself in a brothel, with her…again." His eyes shifted to me and back to his hands, guilt flowing off him.
"Again?" I felt only anger now, more than anything else I felt it bubbling through my veins.
"I was with her before the tournament for Baelon too, after listening to everyone chastise me for how I handled the City Watch… Apparently I'm too ruthless as well, but you were there, you know what happened at the council." I stopped trying to hold back my tears as venom filled in my throat.
"I fucking defended you, Daemon! I have always been in your corner and have allied myself with you time and time again. I've given myself to you in every way possible, yet you've done nothing but use and deceive me!" I screamed the words at him, causing him to flinch.
"It's not like that, Visenya… I know you have, I'm not saying you haven't. That's not what this is about. I couldn't even finish that night anyways, if that even matters… I'm tired of being looked over and having to prove myself to everyone. I shouldn't have to prove my worth dammit!" He stared at Naerys pensively, avoiding me. I laughed then, though it didn't match how I was feeling.
"You've never had to prove a single thing with me. I thought we were going to be together and happy. Living here and making a life together, yet you declare yourself Prince of Dragonstone with a common whore who is carrying your bastard child!" I snapped then, storming past him up the walkway. I ignored his protests as Naerys roared after me. She lifted off, flying over us toward the castle while Caraxes balked at her.
"Visenya, wait!" Daemon tried reaching for me and I shoved him back.
"Get your fucking hands off of me!"
"I didn't plan on her becoming pregnant Visenya, I swear to you! Children are dreadful little beasts, why would I want that?" He hurried after me as I stomped up the stone stairway, the knights bowing as I passed. I spun around to face him then, glaring down at him.
"Clearly you finished well enough to plant a bastard dragonseed inside of her. If it's not what you want, then let me help rid you of your problem." Daemon's eyes widened as I left him on the staircase. I stormed into the castle then, hearing nothing.
"Visenya, please stop."
"Where are you!" I glared at one of the guards who was standing post. "Find that fucking whore and bring her to me at once!" He nodded briskly, hurrying off to find her.
"Visenya, please don't!" Daemon grabbed me, trying to yank me towards him. I pulled a dagger from my boot and pointed it at him.
"Keep those fucking hands off of me Daemon! Which is it? Children are dreadful little beasts, is that what you said to me? Would our children have been dreadful beasts to you?!" Daemon sighed, shaking his head and running his hands over his face.
"Princess!" I turned, my braid had begun to fall down and was coming undone. They marched into the grand hall with a woman who took one look at me and tried turning around to run. They held her in place, stopping in front of me. I held my dagger to her stomach and glared at Daemon.
"It's your choice uncle." Daemon leveled his gaze with me without a word.
"You wouldn't." I stared at him incredulously.
"Wouldn't I?" I yanked her by her dark hair and shoved her down in front of me, holding the blade to her throat. I knew he was trying to challenge me, testing me to see if I'd actually follow through. Daemon's eyes cooled as he watched me, a small smirk playing at the corners of his mouth.
"What do you want?" His voice cut like steel through me.
"First I want the egg you stole back. It doesn't belong to a bastard."
"Bring the fucking egg!" Daemon barked over his shoulder as the woman named Mysaria began crying, begging me not to kill her or her unborn baby. One of the men produced an egg and attempted to hand it to me. I eyed him cautiously before glaring back at Daemon.
"Fuck you." I threw her on the ground at Daemon's feet. "You two deserve each other. Don't ever let me see you again uncle, send her away or the next time we meet, I will kill her." I closed the space between us, our lips just inches apart. I glared into those beautiful purple eyes, feeling my heart shattering into a million pieces.
"Go back to the Vale, Daemon. Go back to your wife, even though she deserves better." I spat at him, jerking the egg out from the gold cloaks hands before storming out of the castle. Tears streaming down my face as I kept my back to the place I felt at home with, now tainted by my uncle who once made it magical. I bit down on my lower lip to try and stifle my sobs as I finally made it outside, the cool breeze blowing through me.
I couldn't stop crying long enough to whistle for Naerys but it was as if she had read my mind. She landed in front of me heavily, I almost lost my footing. Her head wrapped around me, keeping me steady as she lowered her wing so I could climb up onto her back easier. We were up in the air by the time Daemon had run out onto the courtyard yelling something at me. I paid him no mind, clutching the egg tightly to my chest as I made my way back to King's Landing, hoping my father would forgive the chaos I had caused.
