Chapter 10

Disclaimer: I do not own A Song of Ice and Fire, Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, nor any of George RR Martin's works

Rated M for strong language, violence, adult content, adult situations, incest, age-gap relationships, and some sexual content

Enjoy

High Tide, Driftmark, 126 AC...

House Targaryen and House Velaryon gathered around the coffin that held the bones of Lady Laena Velaryon. King Viserys stood at the base of the platform - the Seat of the Sea as the Velaryons called it. He watched as the Velaryon guards prepped the coffin, linking thick rope around it. To the king's left, Lord Corlys stood with his arm around his remaining daughter, Laenys. Princess Rhaenys held onto her granddaughter, Baela, rubbing her back, and Aliandra had her arms around Rhaena, both of them quietly crying. Beside them, Alyssa stood with Daemon and Coryanne, one hand holding her father's arm and the other around her daughter's shoulders. To the king's right, Queen Alicent stood beside him with Aegon, Aemond, and Helaena. Rhaenyra and Daella stood beside a bereft Laenor. Jace leaned on Daella, resting his head on her shoulder. Rhaenyra had her arms around Luke, gently combing his curls.

Ser Vaemond was across the platform from his nephew and the princess, dressed in Valyrian funeral garb as he honored his niece. "We join today at the Seat of the Sea to commit the Lady Laena of House Velaryon to the eternal waters, the dominion of the Merling King, where He will guard her for all days to come."

Ser Otto, the new Hand of the King, surveyed the gathered families. "As she sets to sea for her final voyage, the Lady Laena leaves two true-born daughters on the shore," Vaemond continued. "Though their mother will not return from her voyage, they will all remain bound together in blood."

Aegon lowered his head to yawn, earning a scolding elbow to the ribs from Alicent. Ser Vaemond flicked his gaze from Laena's coffin to Princess Rhaenyra. "Salt courses through Velaryon blood. Ours runs thick." Several heads began to turn, eyeing Vaemond with raised eyebrows. "Ours runs true."

Rhaenyra furrowed her brows and tightened her hold on Luke. A smirk appeared on Ser Vaemond's face. "And ours must never thin."

Daemon erupted into giggles, shaking his head. Alyssa rolled her eyes but did not scold him. Ser Vaemond cleared his throat as the guards pulled on the rope, dragging the coffin closer to the edge of the Seat. "My gentle niece. May your winds be as strong as your back, your seas be as calm as your spirit, and your nets be as full as your heart."

The guards yanked the rope harder and Laena's coffin dropped into the sea, joining her ancestors in the depths below. "From the sea, we came. To the sea, we shall return."

With the ceremony complete, everyone moved inside to attend the wake on a large balcony above the Seat of the Sea. King Viserys settled under the shade that had been erected for him. Food and wine were set up near the doors, but there was no merriment. No laughter. The wind was strong and the sun warmed the guests. The Targaryen and Velaryon dragons flew around High Tide save for Vhagar and Silverwing, both too large to mingle on the rocks with the other dragons. The silver she-dragon opted to lie on the beach, stretched out beneath the sun. Rhaenyra joined the wake, her eyes immediately finding Daemon. He was leaning on the stone guard rail, conversing with Alyssa. Rhaenyra forced herself to look away and saw Jace all alone and went to him. "Have you seen your father?"

Jace shook his head. Rhaenyra surveyed the guests. She noticed Baela and Rhaena sitting on a bench with their nieces, Aliandra and Coryanne. "Your little cousins have lost their mother. They could use a kind word," she told him. "As well as your betrothed."

"I have an equal claim to sympathy," he grumbled.

"Jace."

"We should be at Harrenhal mourning Lord Lyonel and Ser Harwin," he said.

Rhaenyra glanced around, making sure no one heard him. She knelt down to his eye level. "It would not be appropriate. The Velaryons and the Martells are our kin and the Strongs are not. Do you understand?"

Jace reluctantly nodded. He hung his head as he weaved through the guests, making his way over to his cousins. All fours girl turned to look at him as he approached, their faces stained with tears. Jace noticed they were all holding hands. Feeling a bit shy, he moved to stand beside the bench. Aliandra held out her hand to him. Jace took it, giving her a small smile. A servant squeezed by Jace, walking around the brazier and Princess Helaena to bring the king his wine.

Aegon and Aemond watched as their sister played with a spider, kneeling in front of a pile of discarded seashells. They were too far to hear what she whispered under her breath. The longer he watched her, the more repulsed Aegon grew. "We have nothing in common."

"She's our sister," Aemond said.

"You marry her then."

"It is our duty to keep our Valyrian blood pure." Aemond shifted his gaze to the food table where Daella was grabbing a handful of berries. "To strengthen the family."

"She is an idiot."

Aemond rolled his eyes. "She's your future queen."

Another servant walked around Helaena and headed towards a group of lords. Aegon stepped in front of her, surprising her. He set his cup down on her tray and grabbed another goblet of wine. "We actually do have one thing in common," he said and leaned down closer to his brother as the servant walked away. "We both fancy creatures with very long legs."

Aegon turned on his heels, chasing after the servant. "Wench! Another!"

Aemond shook his head. He glanced back at Daella and tentatively made his way over to her. She greeted him with a smile and offered some of the berries in her hand. "Hungry?"

He grabbed a couple of blueberries. "Kirimvose."

"Aōla drējī jiōrna."

There was a faint dragon cry and Aemond glanced up at the sky. He swore he saw something large moving in the clouds. Dragons have consumed Aemond's thoughts lately, especially after Helaena claimed Dreamfyre. He stepped closer to Daella. "Can you tell me how you claimed Silverwing?"

"I told you...in the Dragon Mount," Daella said, popping a couple of grapes into her mouth. "I called out to all the dragons that dwell there. Silverwing was the only one who answered me."

"But...how?"

Daella studied her half-brother's face, seeing the eagerness in his eyes. She finished chewing the food in her mouth, wiping away the crumbs. "It's not so easy to explain, Aemond. Dragons are not horses. They have their own minds and desires. When you faced Dreamfyre, how did you feel?"

"Afraid," he admitted.

"I felt shame," she said. "I tried to force a bond with her and she rejected me. Dreamfyre, at her core, is a mother."

"Helaena isn't a mother."

"Yes, but...I think Helaena shares many traits with Queen Rhaena, Dreamfyre's previous rider." Daella gazed out across the sea. "Nothing was forced when I bonded with Silverwing. She is a friendly dragon, yes...but she is clever and fierce at heart. To me, it felt as if I was meeting an old friend for the first time."

Aemond's frown deepened. "That doesn't make sense."

Daella suppressed a chuckle. "It will...whether you claim a dragon or have one hatch in your lap, you will feel what every dragonrider has felt. Deep in your bones. A sort of power that is somehow ingrained in our very being."

Aemond was about to ask something else, but Rhaenyra appeared, placing a hand on each of their shoulders. She leaned in close, her voice low. "Have either of you seen Laenor?"

"I think he went down to the beach," Aemond said.

Rhaenyra sighed, frustrated. She scanned the crowd once more, her eyes finding Daemon again. Daella followed her sister's gaze, confused by the peculiar look on Rhaenyra's face. "Are you afraid he will vanish from your sight?"

"I should...I should introduce you. Both of you...to him," Rhaenyra said. "You were just a baby when our uncle left court, Daella."

Daella frowned. "He was banished from court, was he not? Twice?"

"What did he do?" Aemond asked.

"Stole the dragon egg Rhaenyra had chosen for me and then he-"

Rhaenyra inhaled sharply. "Have a heart, sister. He's just lost his wife."

Shame crept up her neck and Daella chose to walk away, heading to where her nephews and younger cousins were gathered. Rhaenyra inwardly sighed, shaking her head in disapproval. She flicked her gaze to Aemond whose eyes were following Daella. Rhaenyra considered asking him to accompany her but noticed Alicent glaring at her. The princess glared back, grabbed a random cup of wine, and walked in the opposite direction. But she couldn't help herself. Once again, Rhaenyra found herself gazing at Daemon.

The Rogue Prince dejectedly sipped his wine, staring out at nothing in particular. Alyssa fiddled with her own cup. "Rhaenyra keeps looking this way."

"We have not seen each other in a decade," he said. "Perhaps I look old and feeble."

Alyssa snorted. "You are a grandfather."

Daemon placed his hand over his heart. "You wound me, daughter."

She chuckled. Alyssa glanced over where the children were gathered. Princess Rhaenys had joined them, comforting her granddaughters. "There's a place for you and the girls in Sunspear," she told him. "They would love it there."

"I'm sure your husband would be delighted to welcome more dragons."

She placed her hand on his arm. "I only wish to have you and my sisters safe with me."

"Pentos is where they were born," he said. "Pentos is where they shall remain."

"That is not what Laena would've wanted and you know it. This is unlike you, Father. Since when do you choose to run and hide?"

Daemon recoiled from her, shaking off her hand. He noticed Rhaenyra staring at him, smirking. It softened his rising anger. Before he could answer his daughter, King Viserys approached, gripping his cane tightly. "Brother. Princess Alyssa."

"Your grace," Alyssa greeted. She studied her uncle from crown to boots. "Are you well, Uncle?"

"Yes," he said with an unconvincing nod. "May I speak with your father?"

Alyssa nodded. As she moved to step away, Daemon grabbed her arm. Alyssa gave him a pointed look before kissing his cheek and slipping her arm free. She headed towards the food table and noticed Rhaenyra watching her with curious eyes. Alyssa raised an eyebrow, you're very obvious.

Rhaenyra frowned, no, I'm not.

Alyssa chuckled. A few guests turned their heads, but the Princess Consort ignored them. She grabbed a new cup of wine off the table and walked over to the stone guard rail that faced the road between the castle and the mainland, unaware that she was being watched by the queen. Alicent cradled her wine cup to her chest as she studied her former friend. She glanced back over where most of the children were gathered, seeing Rhaenyra send her sons off to bed. Ser Criston tapped her shoulder, bringing her attention to the king as he walked past. Viserys stopped to address his wife. "I'm going to bed, Aemma."

Alicent stared at him, utterly speechless. "Shall I see after Queen Alicent, your grace?" Ser Harrold asked.

Viserys paused mid-step. He glanced back at Alicent, blinking through his headache. He sighed and continued on inside. "No, Ser Harrold."

"You have the night's watch, Ser Criston."

Ser Criston bowed his head in acknowledgment. Alicent brushed off her building emotions, retaining her composure. She flicked her gaze back to Princess Alyssa and headed toward her, Ser Criston dutifully following. Alicent set her cup down on the tray of a passing servant, slowing her pace as she approached. She cleared her throat to announce her presence. "Princess Alyssa."

Alyssa gave her a polite smile. "Queen Alicent. I suppose I should congratulate you."

"Congratulate me?"

She gestured to Ser Otto who was conversing with Ser Vaemond. "Your father has been reinstated as Hand. You must be elated to have him back at court."

"I am. Thank you, Princess." Alicent folded her hands together, keeping herself from digging at her nails. "There is something I wish to speak with you about."

"Oh?" She turned to lean back against the stone rail, resting a hand on her belly.

"I understand that your eldest daughter, Princess Aliandra, is betrothed to Prince Jacaerys," she said. "And so your second daughter, Princess Coryanne, will succeed your husband as the ruler of Dorne."

"Were you worried I had forgotten that fact?" Alyssa teased.

The corner of Alicent's mouth twitched. "I would like to propose an additional offer to our alliance. A match between your daughter and my son."

Alyssa hummed in thought distastefully. She scanned the crowd, looking for Alicent's son. "I'm not sure your son is a worthy consort for my daughter. He's been drowning in his cups all day."

"I was speaking of my second son, Prince Aemond," she corrected.

"What's wrong with Aegon?"

"He is already betrothed," Alicent said. "To my daughter, Princess Helaena."

Alyssa frowned. "Didn't you use to piss on Targaryen customs?"

Alicent flinched at the princess' bluntness. She brushed it off. Remaining regal and composed. "Targaryens are different. I understand that now. Prince Aemond would be a strong consort for your daughter. He shows great promise as a warrior and is nearly fluent in High Valyrian. He studies his family's histories and philosophies. He is mindful of his duties and would serve Dorne faithfully."

The Princess Consort regarded her old friend decorously. "As a mother...I appreciate you bringing me this offer yourself."

"It is our duty to see our children's future well secured," Alicent agreed.

"I am surprised, though. You and the lords of the Small Council seem to think I'm hiding hordes of dragons."

"You've told us repeatedly that you are not." A smirk slipped through Alicent's mask. "Then again...you did unabashedly marry a Martell."

Alyssa threw her head back and laughed. Not because of what the queen said, but because of how bold she was to say it. She audibly sighed as she mulled over the advantages and ramifications of the offer. With Rhaenyra, there was no reason to hide her children's dragons. Her cousin could see the bigger picture, what Dorne could provide the Seven Kingdoms and vice versa. She doubted Alicent could do the same. And yet... "Perhaps, on the morrow, we should break our fast together? Give Coryanne and Aemond a chance to...get acquainted."

Alicent's face lit up. "That would be wonderful."

"I cannot make any guarantees, your grace," she said. "But I will bring your offer to my husband and we will discuss it at length. Strengthening the alliance between the Seven Kingdoms and Dorne has always been my goal."

The queen relaxed her shoulders and nodded. "Thank you, Princess. I look forward to your answer."

That night...

Baela leaned against the headboard of the bed she was sharing with her sister. Rhaena had cried herself to sleep and hugged her tear-stained pillow, but sleep evaded Baela. She stared out the window, the clouds occasionally blocking the light of the full moon. Her thoughts were a mess of memories and questions. Her mother was fine the day before. What would happen to them now? Family dinners out in the courtyard. Would they stay in Driftmark or return to Pentos? Baela had no answers and the memories brought more tears to her eyes. She furiously wiped them away. A distant roar caught her attention. She grabbed the candle on the nightstand and slipped out of bed.

Across the water, Vhagar was rising out of the sand. Baela could see a figure sitting atop the old she-dragon. "Baela?" Rhaena called, rubbing her eyes. "What is it?"

"It's Vhagar."

Rhaena threw the covers off and ran to the window. The girls watched as Vhagar broke into a run, flapping her massive wings and taking off into the night sky. The sisters exchanged horrified glances. Baela ran to the dresser to grab clothes while Rhaena hurried to the door that led into the next room where Aliandra and Coryanne were sleeping. She went to Aliandra's side. "Ali. Ali, wake up."

Aliandra groaned. "What?"

"Someone's claimed Vhagar," Rhaena whispered. "Come quick."

Aliandra pushed herself up as Rhaena ran back to her room. She shook her sister awake and the girls quickly threw on some clothes. Coryanne's curls were a mess and Aliandra quickly braided them back. All four of them met out in the hall. "We should go down to the caves," Baela said. "It leads to dunes where the dragons' nest."

"Who do you think it is?" Aliandra asked.

"Maybe one of our Velaryon cousins," Rhaena said with a shrug. "It has to be."

The door at the end of the hall opened and the girls froze. Jace stepped out, lazily blinking. "What's going on?"

"Someone stole Vhagar," Baela whispered.

"We're going to find out who it is," Aliandra added.

His eyes went wide. "Wait for me!"

The girls shushed him, causing Jace to flinch. Rhaena waved for him to hurry. Jace ran back into the room. A few moments later, he returned fully dressed with a half-asleep Luke in tow. Baela took the lead, running down the halls as quietly as they could. They descended the great stairs, cutting through the Hall of Nine. As they reached the ground level, Baela rounded a corner and froze, seeing two figures approach. She backtracked and stopped the others, pushing them to hide. She held a finger to her lips and the kids covered their mouths. Footsteps echoed down the hall. "...quite late, Princess," said a man's voice. "Shall I escort you to your room?"

A girl's voice responded, "I can't sleep, Ser Erryk. If you insist on following me around, then you may as well join my aimless walk."

The kids flattened themselves against the wall as Ser Erryk and Princess Daella walked by. Neither of them noticed the children as they continued down the hall. Baela waited until they were out of sight. She gestured for the others to follow her. "Come on, come on."

They reached the end of the hall and descended another set of stairs, sneaking past some of the off-duty Kingsguards. Baela and Aliandra held the heavy door to the caves open, ushering Jace, Coryanne, Luke, and Rhaena inside. The torches were still lit, warming the damp tunnel. They stopped in a small room as they saw a shadowy figure ascending from the beach below. Aliandra blinked in surprise once the figure stepped into the light. "It's him."

"It's me," Aemond said. His hair was wind-blown and his face red from the cold. He took off his cloak, draping it over his arm.

Baela frowned. "Vhagar is my mother's dragon."

"Your mother's dead," he declared. "And Vhagar has a new rider now."

Rhaena clenched her fists. "She was mine to claim!"

"Then you should've claimed her!" He cocked an eyebrow, pointing to Jace and Luke with his chin. "Maybe your cousins can find you a nice pig to ride. It would suit you."

Rhaena rushed at him, shouting in frustration. Aemond easily brushed her aside, throwing her to the ground. Baela lunged, slamming her fist into Aemond's face. He punched her back. "Come at me again and I'll feed you to my dragon!"

"Bratsio!" Aliandra slapped Aemond hard across the face.

Aemond grabbed a fistful of her dress collar, choking her. Jace charged at him but received a kick to the chest. Aliandra latched onto Aemond's hair, pulling as hard as she could. He cried out and slammed her up against the cave wall. Aliandra yelped as her head smacked against the stone and she collapsed to the ground. Luke screamed at the top of his lungs as he ran full speed at the older boy. Aemond promptly punched him square in the nose. A sickening crunch echoed in the room and Luke fell onto his back, clutching his face and crying. Aliandra took the opportunity and kicked the back of Aemond's knees. Jace and the girls descended upon him before he even hit the ground. Coryanne ran back up the tunnel. "I'll get help!"

The girls and Jace pounded their furious fists into Aemond, hitting him anywhere and everywhere they could. Aemond pulled his leg back as far as he could and kicked Jace away. He elbowed Rhaena hard in the ribs then backhanded Aliandra. He grabbed hold of Baela and tossed her away. Luke rushed in, ready to pounce, but was caught by the throat. Aemond sat up, unaffected as Luke pounded on his arm. He grabbed a large rock, holding it up as he got to his feet. Jace stepped in front of the girls protectively, his eyes searching for a way to save his brother. "You will die screaming in flames just as your father did!" Aemond snarled. "Bastards."

"My...my father's still alive!" Luke struggled against his uncle's grasp.

Aemond snorted, lowering the rock as he smirked at Jace. "He doesn't know, does he? Lord Strong."

Jace drew his knife. He slashed toward Aemond's arm, aiming to free his brother. Aemond dropped Luke and dodged Jace's blade, slamming the rock down onto his nephew's head. "Jace!" Rhaena screamed.

Luke crawled around his brother, grabbing the discarded knife. Aemond loomed over Jace, raising the rock high. Jace grabbed a fistful of dirt and tossed it into Aemond's eyes. He shielded his face, turning away. He lowered his hand and Luke slashed the knife up at his left eye. Aemond screamed and fell to the ground, covering his face as blood pooled beneath him. "What the Seven Hells is going on?!" someone bellowed.

The kids recoiled from Aemond and Luke dropped the knife. Daella appeared with Coryanne, Ser Erryk, and the other Kingsguards behind her. Her eyes went wide as she studied each child's bruised and bloody face. Coryanne squeezed past her, running to Aliandra's side. "Ali!"

Daella went to her nephews, stunned speechless at the sight of Luke's bloody nose and the blood dripping down the side of Jace's face. "Wha...? What happened?"

Ser Harrold knelt down beside Aemond, gently pulling him into a sitting position. "My Prince, let me see. Let me see." Aemond lowered his hand. "Gods be good."

Hall of Nine...

"How could you allow such a thing to happen?" Viserys asked, exasperated and beyond exhausted.

Maester Kelvyn tended to Aemond's eye near the fireplace. Every stitch made Alicent shudder and cry. Aemond fought the pain, squeezing the armrests and trying not to move. Talya stood behind the two of them with a silent Helaena and a sleepy Aegon. Across the hall, Daella stood with Jace and Luke, hugging them protectively. Alyssa was next to them with her daughters and sisters, surveying their wounds. Numerous Martell, Hightower, and Velaryon guards as well as the remaining funeral guests separated them. Coryanne continued to weep, feeling helpless at the state of her sister and aunts. Aliandra had a bruise forming on her neck and the side of her head was tender, her scalp red with dried blood. Baela had a thick cut on her eyebrow. Rhaena held onto her side where Aemond had hit her and the heels of her palms were cut and bruised.

"I will have answers," the king demanded. Daella flinched at his harsh tone, startling her nephews. She watched Alicent with fearful eyes.

"The princes were supposed to be abed, my King," Ser Harrold said.

"Who had the watch?"

Ser Criston stepped forward. "The young prince was attacked by his own cousins, your grace. The Kingsguard has never had to defend princes from princes."

"That is no excuse!"

"It will heal, will it not, Maester?" Alicent asked, wringing her hands.

"The flesh will heal." Maester Kelvyn finished the last stitch, cutting the thread. "But the eye is lost, your grace."

Alicent covered her mouth to silence her wail. Viserys studied the ugly wound on his son's face and hung his head. Daella tightened her hold on her nephews, her heart torn as she wanted to comfort her half-brother but her instincts told her to protect her sister's sons. The queen whirled around, her fury finding Aegon who was yawning. "Where were you?"

"Me?" She slapped him. "Ow! What was that for?"

She grabbed hold of his shirt, shaking him. "That was nothing compared to the abuse your brother suffered while you were drowning in your cups, you fool."

"What is the meaning of this?!" Lord Corlys bellowed. He descended the stairs, followed by his wife and daughter.

Laenys hurried past her parents, running to her nieces. "Baela, Rhaena!"

The girls began to cry as they wrapped their arms around their aunt, burying their faces in her robe. Rhaenys looked from her granddaughters to the Dornish princesses, her eyes wide with disbelief. "What happened?" She turned to Alyssa. "What happened?"

"I do not know the details," the princess said, her tone level with controlled anger. "The Kingsguards found them fighting in the caves."

"Fighting?"

The door to the hall opened and Rhaenyra stepped inside, Daemon right behind her. She scanned the room. "Jace? Luke?" She found her sons with Daella and rushed over to them. She cradled Luke's face who began to cry. "Show me. Show me."

She gasped at the sight of Luke's crushed nose and then glanced up at Daella. "Who did this?"

"Aemond," she said, her voice shaking. "But I-I don't know why they were fighting. Luke said he was trying to save Jace...? I don't-"

"They attacked me!" Aemond shouted.

"He attacked Baela!" Aliandra shouted back. Alyssa had to stop her from running at him as the hall descended into chaos.

"He broke Luke's nose-!"

"-stole my mother's dragon-!"

"Enough," Viserys said.

"-was gonna kill Jace-!"

"-slapped me and pulled my hair-!"

"-said he'd feed us to Vhagar-!"

"Enough."

"-my son is telling the tale-!"

"-I didn't do anything-!"

"-he called us-!"

"SILENCE!" the King roared.

Jace leaned closer to his mother and whispered something into her ear. Rhaenyra swallowed her anger and stood up, ushering her sons behind her. Daella put her arm around Jace, rubbing his shoulder. The king made his way from the Driftwood Throne over to the fireplace. "Aemond. I will have the truth of what happened. Now."

Aemond stared up at his father, struck silent by the look on the king's face. "What else is there to hear?" Alicent asked. "Your son has been maimed. Her son is responsible."

"It was a regrettable accident," Rhaenyra said.

"Accident?!" the queen echoed, eyes cloudy with tears. "Prince Lucerys brought a blade to the ambush. He meant to kill my son!"

"You really think an eight-year-old would concoct such a plot?" Alyssa interjected. She hugged Aliandra to her body, her daughter glaring daggers at Aemond. "An ambush? Really, Alicent? Look at what he did to the five of them."

"Look at what they did to him!" She gestured to Aemond's wound. "My son was cornered and beaten. I will hold no fault to him defending himself."

"It was my sons who were attacked and forced to defend themselves," Rhaenyra said, holding onto Luke. "Vile insults were levied against them."

"What insults?" Viserys demanded.

"He called us bastards," Jace said.

Viserys closed his eyes, shaking his head while Aemond slumped in his chair, smirking. Daella hugged her nephew tighter, her eyes flicking back and forth between her sister and her father. Rhaenyra ignored the lords and guards exchanging knowing looks. "My sons are in line to inherit the Iron Throne, your grace. This is the highest of treasons. Prince Aemond must be sharply questioned so we might learn where he heard such slanders."

Aemond turned to glare at her over his shoulder. "Over an insult?" Alicent asked, distraught. "My son has lost an eye!"

Viserys leaned down to his son's eye level. "You tell me, boy. Where did you hear this lie?"

"The insult was training yard bluster," the queen said. "The lot of boys. It was nothing."

He ignored her. "Aemond...I asked you a question."

"Where is Ser Laenor, I wonder?" Alicent scanned the room. "The boys' father? Perhaps he might have something to say in the matter."

"Do you wish to confess some guilt, your grace?" Alyssa asked with a raised eyebrow. "You seem dreadfully nervous. I, too, wonder where your son has heard such lies."

"Enough!" Viserys snapped. "Aemond...look at me. I am your father, your king, and I demand an answer."

Aemond flicked his gaze to his mother, seeing the desperate fear in her eyes. He swallowed, his throat going dry, and hung his head in defeat. "It was Aegon."

"Me?"

"And you, boy?" Viserys approached his eldest son who could not meet his furious gaze. "Where did you hear such calumnies? Aegon!"

"We know, Father," he said softly. "Everyone knows. Just look at them."

Viserys blinked, taken aback by his words. He looked over at his grandsons and then at the other lords. Many of them lowered their heads, silently acknowledging the truth. Viserys turned his gaze to his wife who gave him a pointed glare. He would have none of it. "This interminable infighting must cease! All of you! We are family!" He slammed his cane down as he walked toward the center of the room. "Now make your apologies and show goodwill to one another. Your father, your grandsire, your king demands it!"

He stomped past Alicent, catching sight of a calm Daemon watching him. The queen shook her head and followed after her husband. "That is insufficient. Aemond has been damaged, permanently, my King. 'Goodwill' cannot make him whole."

"I know, Alicent, but I cannot restore his eye," he said, exhausted. "What would you have me do?"

"There is a debt to be paid." Alicent raised her chin, looking straight at Rhaenyra. "I shall have one of her son's eyes in return."

Daella gasped in horror. The lords whispered amongst each other. Rhaenyra shoved Luke behind her. Viserys shook his head, unable to even process her demands. "He is your son, Viserys," she pleaded. "Your blood."

"As is my grandson," he reminded, walking towards her. "Do not allow your temper to guide your judgment."

He turned to leave the room, Ser Harrold moving to follow. "If the King will not seek justice, the Queen will," Alicent declared. "Ser Criston...bring me the eye of Lucerys Velaryon."

"Mother!" Luke cried.

Alicent glared at the little prince. "He can choose which eye to keep, a privilege he did not grant my son."

"You will do no such thing," Rhaenyra said, guiding Luke to Daella and Jace.

Viserys pointed at Ser Criston. "Stay your hand."

"No, you are sworn to me!"

Ser Criston flicked his gaze back and forth between the queen and the king. After a moment, he said, "as your protector, my Queen."

"Alicent," the king approached his wife, "this matter is finished. Do you understand?"

The queen said nothing, only staring back at him with angry tears running down her cheeks. "And let be known," Viserys declared, "anyone whose tongue dares to question the birth of Princess Rhaenyra's sons should have it removed." He glanced at Alicent. "Regardless of station."

"Thank you, Father," the princess said softly.

Rhaenyra turned her back to them. Daella guided Jace and Luke towards her, whispering apologies with teary eyes. Rhaenyra hushed her sweet sister with a comforting stroke of her hair. She smiled down at her sons, cupping their faces. Rhaenys gestured for her daughter and granddaughters to move to the stairs, reminding them of the late hour. Alyssa shook her head in disapproval at the whole situation. Aliandra continued to glare at Aemond, only turning away when Alyssa blocked her view. Queen Alicent watched them all silently, ears ringing with pure rage. Without a second thought, she snatched Viserys' knife.

"Alicent!"

Ser Harrold ran after her. Martell and Velaryon guards ordered the queen to stay back, but she heard none of their warnings. Her crazed eyes fixed on Lucerys with the knife raised high. Rhaenyra stepped in Alicent's path, catching her arm before she swung down. Luke screamed in terror. Daella grabbed him as she and Jace were dragged away by Corlys to hide behind Rhaenys and Alyssa, the two women shielding the children. The guards drew their swords, but Ser Harrold urged them to hold. Ser Criston ran around the crowd, heading to come up behind Rhaenyra. Daemon jumped in, blocking the knight's path. Ser Erryk and Ser Arryk stepped in to assist the prince. Alicent tried to force the blade to reach Luke, but Rhaenyra shoved her back. "You've gone too far!"

"I?!" Alicent cried. "What have I done but what was expected of me? Forever upholding the kingdom, the family, the law while you flout all to do as you please!"

"Alicent, let her go!" Viserys ordered.

"Where is duty?! Where is sacrifice?!" she shouted into Rhaenyra's face. "It's trampled under your pretty foot again!"

"Release the blade, Alicent," Ser Otto demanded.

Fresh, hot tears poured from the queen's eyes. "And now you take my son's eye, and to even that, you feel entitled."

"Exhausting, wasn't it? Hiding beneath the cloak of your own righteousness," Rhaenyra said through gritted teeth. "But now they see you as you are."

Alicent screamed and shoved her away with all her might. Corlys caught Rhaenyra before she fell. Daella slipped through Rhaenys' arms and rushed to her sister's side. Rhaenyra cradled her left arm, blood pouring from a large gash on her forearm. All eyes turned to Alicent who let the knife slip from her fingers. Viserys looked from the knife to his wife and then to his daughters. Daella glared at the queen. "You cut her."

The queen took a step back. "I...I..."

"This proceeding is at an end," Viserys said.

Alyssa slipped through the crowd, her disbelief driving her. "The Queen assaults the Princess, the heir to the Iron Throne, your heir...a treasonous offense, punishable by death, and you simply wash it away?"

Viserys rolled his eyes, utterly defeated. "Must we drag this out? Look at what it has come to."

"Yes, Uncle. Take a good long look." She picked up the knife and held it up. "Your daughter's blood...taken with the intent to kill. If Rhaenyra hadn't stopped her, the queen would now be holding the savaged eye of your eight-year-old grandson."

"Enough," he begged, shaking his head.

"How blind can you be that you cannot see the hatred in your own wife's heart?!"

"Alyssa," he said, softer. "Enough."

She exhaled, disappointed. Alyssa glanced at Alicent who was catatonically crying and the princess looked away in disgust. Aemond got up from his chair and went to his mother's side. "Do not mourn me, Mother. It was a fair exchange." He glanced at Alyssa then over at Rhaenyra. "I may have lost an eye...but I gained a dragon."

"We are done here," Viserys said. He glared at Alyssa for good measure and stormed out.

Ser Criston shook off his comrades while Daemon went to Rhaenyra's side. Rhaenys released the children and Luke and Jace ran to their mother, fussing over her arm. Ser Criston approached the Queen and the Princess Consort. He held out his hand to Alyssa. The princess studied her old friend once more. She placed the knife in Criston's hand, shaking her head as she walked away. Aemond hugged his mother, placing his head on her shoulder. Alyssa hugged both of her daughters, exchanging glances with her father. She recognized that knowing look on his face. The same look he gave her fourteen years ago. The same look when they rode to war.

End of Chapter 10

High Valyrian translations:

Aōla drējī jiōrna = You're very welcome.

Bratsio! = You bitch!