It really wasn't supposed to be amusing to see Daemon's face scrunch up in disgust. And then to see him blanch at the scathing look Rhaenyra gave him. "Don't worry Princess. It will not come to pass."

I did laugh at the relieved look he gave me. Even though it was absolutely terrifying to be here, it feels almost like home. I've been so unhappy for so long that I'm glad that the Gods sent me here. They're certainly the ones I'll pray to from now on.

"Are you really not a Targaryen bastard then? You look identical to Rhaenys," Daemon questioned.

I rolled my eyes. "Where I come from you may consider me a bastard. But it doesn't make a difference to people. I could rule the world as both a woman and a bastard."

That seemed to intrigue both of them. Rhaenyra however seemed wistful. "I worry for my children Lyna. I am ashamed that I was the one to put them in danger."

"Don't be ashamed Princess. This war would've happened regardless who you married. Alicent and her father desperately want their blood on the throne. If you had married Daemon at the start, they would've fed your father lies about how Daemon would control you which would be believable if they didn't know you," I explained.

"And you know us?"

I hesitated to answer because the truth is ludicrous. "Extremely well but as I said before you wouldn't believe me and you're better off not knowing. Just know that I am your greatest ally."

They both nodded. I felt something that was not my own. It wasn't exactly anger but it was faint. Realizing it was Balerion, I stood up. "Can one of you escort me outside? my dragon is.. not happy at the moment."

"Of course. I'll call a council meeting while my husband goes with you," the Princess commanded.

Realizing something I turned to go to Rhaneyra. I whispered, "If it's who I think it is, ride Syrax to the bridge as soon as possible. Remember Princess, showing mercy will not be the wise choice."

Daemon didn't look too happy to be walking with me. I'm honestly surprised he didn't question me on what I told the Princess. I tried to walk as slow as possible which I could tell was making him angrier by the minute. I had to give the Princess time to go on Syrax. Realizing I was next to pretty much a legend I wanted to take the time to ask him questions, but the Balerion's discomfort was getting worse. if I had to guess, people were near him. It was confirmed when there was a warning growl. Both her and Daemon stopped in their tracks when they saw Otto and his guards. Criston included. The first order of business is to cut the head off the snake. I could feel Balerion through our bond and I can tell he was was waiting for me.

I smiled deviously on the outside. "This will be fun." Though on the inside, I'm panicking. This wasn't supposed to happen for at least a day. Did I get my days wrong?

Daemon matched her smile and stepped forward. Before he could say anything Otto had said, "I have come at the behest of the dowager. Queen Alicent, mother of King Aegon, second of his name, lord and protector of the Seven Kingdoms. I've been directed to deliver her message only to Princess Rhaenyra."

"Princess? She is now Queen," mocked Daemon.

Otto ignored him. "Where is the Princess?"

It was timed so perfectly. Princess Rhaenyra looked fierce upon Syrax. It was unlike she has ever seen or read before. They greatly understated her beauty. It didn't do her justice at all. The Princess wasn't officially the Queen yet, but no one could deny her claim. Even without a crown, she demanded respect. She landed several feet away and walked to where they were.

"Princess Rhaenyra-" Otto started.

Rhaneyra had cut him off. I'm Queen Rhaenyra now, and you all are traitors to the realm."

Otto had ignored her and continued on. I can't believe he got away with this before. It was disrespectful. "King Aegon Targaryen, second of his name. In his wisdom and desire for peace, he's offering terms. Acknowledge Aegon as king and swear obeisance before the Iron Throne."

I scoffed out loud. He couldn't be serious could he? He came here to the rightful Queen to try and get her to bend the knee? I had to bite my lip to keep from saying anything. I keep forgetting that I am no royalty here.

The Princess had ignored the sound I had made, but it made Daemon smirk. I was curious t what the Princess had to say and was pleasantly surprised. "It's good you are here. It saves us a trip to the King's Landing. If you and your party bend the knee here and now to me, I will spare your lives. if you decide not to, I'll send Alicent your head."

Otto looked visibly shocked by what she said, but held out a familiar piece of paper. This was it. This was the moment that could change what happens. Will Rhaenyra go against my advice?

"Queen Alicent has not forgotten the love you once had for each other. No blood need be spilled. The realm can carry on in peace," Otto tried to say. It was amusing to watch him try and gain control over the situation. Were they really that stupid to not see the gigantic dragon near them?

The Princess looked at me and I nodded. "The audacity you have to come here Otto. And with what? A useless piece of paper? Have you noticed the dragon behind you? That he is Balerion reborn?"

I'm glad to see that Rhaenyra has stepped into her role. That grief hasn't consumed her in this life. It hasn't smothered the fire from her. Rhaenyra turned to me and I was confused on what she would ask of me.

"Lyna, you can do the honors."

I stared at her in shock. Not knowing how to feel about taking a life, but this could save plenty from war. Isn't this what I wanted? To be strong and needed?

"Gladly, my Queen,' I turned to Balerion and he rose to an impressive height. It was morbidly fascinating to see the horror on Otto's face. " Balerion! Dracarys!"

Prince Daemon, Queen Rhaenyra and I stepped several paces back and watched as Balerion drowned them in black flames. It was unlike anything I have ever seen and it was addicting. It was a rush to know that I was bonded to this dragon. That I was worthy enough to have been chosen. Once the air was filled with the smell of burned flesh, Balerion approached me. I could hear the hitch of the Queen's breath and wondered if she was scared.

The bond between us was growing stronger. It just made me wonder how Aemond wasn't able to bond with Vhagar enough to where he could stop her from killing Arrax and Lucerys.

I close the space between us and put my head against Balerion's giant skull. I should be afraid. I should be crying like I was when I first saw him. But all I could feel was safe and protected. "Good Balerion."

"You don't speak Valyrion?" Daemon questioned.

"No. Like I said I am not a Targaryen. I don't understand it myself, but Balerion and I understand each other. I can feel his emotions through our bond," I confessed.

The Queen seemed to consider something and what she said next had absolutely shocked me. "Would you take the position as my hand Lyna?"

I stood there and gaped at her. "What?"

"You have already given me sound advice and I know that you'd make a great hand," she explained. She stood there calmly, not looking as if she was making a huge decision.

"As much as it honors me, I don't have a standing in this world. I don't come from nobility and' she looked at Daemon who seemed to look indifferent. 'and I don't want to be on the end of your husband's blade."

Rhaenyra seemed to be shocked at what I said and turned towards Daemon. Before she could say anything, Daemon did. "I agree with my wife. Your knowledge is invaluable and it helps that you have the biggest dragon. As for your standing, it's simple enough. The Queen will make you a legitimate Targaryen."

If it was possible, my jaw had dropped further. Wow this was way too much to process. When I stumbled back towards Balerion, he had tried to curl his body in front of me. "I'm alright," I coaxed the dragon.

"You both honor me and I will gladly accept the position," I said faintly. Who am I to deny the Queen?"

The Queen smiled at me and gestured for us to go back to the council table. She had explained that everyone should be there. It took a few minutes to have Balerion release her but after reassuring him he let go. It was a bit surreal to be embraced by a dragon that could easily devour me.

I paid close attention to how the Queen and her consort interacted with each other. They both genuinely seemed to love and care for each other. It shouldn't have been surprising to see Daemon caress her stomach, but it was. Did the death of their unborn child really send them apart from each other? Was that the catalyst to their downfall before?

I couldn't stop from trembling when the Queen had placed the pin on my attire and introduce me to her council. When her son Jace had said to send them, it filled her with dread. My eyes automatically went to the 14 year old Luke. The poor child was obviously frightened, but would do anything for his mother.

I could tell the Queen was worried and when she said Luke would go to Storm's End, I had to cut in. "If you allow it my Queen, I will accompany Luke. i fear the outcome of that meeting."

Now that definitely got both the Queen and her consort's attention. They knew I wouldn't have said anything against it unless it had a terrible ending.

The Queen immediately nodded her head. "That is wise.' before she could continue, Luke had tried to interfere and say he could go alone. The Queen looked at me as if to ask if she can tell them and I nodded my head. 'Luke, Lyna is a.. dreamer. She has already been instrumental against them. It would be wise to listen to her for she controls our future."

I think she laid it on pretty thick which that last sentence. It would certainly get their attention and make them listen. "Don't worry my prince. You will still be making the negotiations. I will be there to make sure nothing goes awry."

"How will you do that?" Luke innocently asked.

It was Daemon who spoke up. "She rides Balerion, the reborn."

Of course the only time he spoke up was to cause chaos. It seemed the room exploded and Luke, Baela, and Rhaena went to look out the window. "Where did you get him? How did you find him?"

"I didn't. I woke up and he found me," I responded.

Luke looked at her in awe. "You must be blessed by the Gods."

It was unfortunate that I had taken a sip of wine when he said that. it caused me to choke and curse. "I would say you are very right my prince."

With that being said there were plans to officially crown Rhaenyra. They would do it that very day. The Queen had been kind enough to give me some of her riding clothes, and she barely used them anymore. They were built similarly and had fit me perfectly. I accompanied her children to where the crowning would begin and was interested in the stories they were telling. It was a lot better to hear about the structure of the family than to read/watch it. Their family was blended together so perfectly that it made me evaluate everything I had seen. When the crowning had begun, it was relieving to see the Queen's face happy, instead of devastated. She doesn't know loss of a child yet and i will make sure she doesn't.

When the crowning had ended she pulled Rhaenyra aside. "If there was a way to get Aemond and Helaena to bend the knee, would you let them?'

I could tell Rhaenyra wanted to say no. "Aemond has too much hatred to bend the knee."

It was a fact, but i didn't believe it. "It was only due to the fact he was made of fun for not having a dragon. He even said that it was worth it. We just need to offer him something he can't refuse. Safety. For him, his sister, and his sisters children. I will make sure of it."

"What if he wanted more?"

I didn't understand what the women here had to sacrifice before. But as I face the Queen, I now understand. "I will offer my hand."

The Queen looked at me in disbelief. "You would do that?"

"I would do anything to stop this war. Even if it's not mine personally I will. I see what becomes of the Targaryens. The loss of family and dragons."

She nodded, understanding the importance of duty. I was surprised when she embraced me. It was an odd feeling as she hadn't had a motherly embrace in so long. "Thank you for everything Lyna. I know you're saving my family and I would be glad to welcome you in it."

I had to swallow the tears. Was I really so lonely in my other life that just those words would bring me to tears? "Do I have your permission your grace."

"Of course. I will talk to Daemon about it. There won't be a problem from him, especially if it came from you. Whatever you said to him earlier had scared me, I can tell," She explained.

I nodded. Good at least he was listening. He seems to be more level headed than I originally suspected.

"As it's getting late, we'll get you both ready tomorrow. You look as tired as I feel, the Queen teased.

I laughed tiredly. "That's understating a bit I think. I will be glad to rest." The Queen walked her to her rooms and bid her a good night. When she was sure she was alone, she cried. She cried for the people she left behind and the sacrifices she's going make. Who knows. Maybe she'll fall in love along the way.

Aemond's POV:

Aemond was sitting with his sister and her children, when she gasped. "Are you alright sister?"

It took a moment for her to answer, but she responded by smiling. "When you see the black dragon, embrace what she says. She will be our salvation."

He looked at her in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"Everything isn't as it seems. Embrace the black dragon, she will save us."