Author's Note: After much thought, I chose to rewrite the previous chapter. I don't think I pushed myself enough and that became evident as I was writing this chapter. The story wasn't flowing. So please, go re-read chapter 10 before reading this one. Thanks so much for y'all's support. :)

Chapter 11

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...

Alyssa gently combed Aliandra's hair, being mindful of her daughter's injury. The blood had been cleaned away and healing ointments were applied. The girls were focused on eating their breakfast, exhausted from getting only a few hours of sleep. The handmaids were busy packing their things, hurrying for the journey back. The ship would be avoiding the Stepstones by sailing to The Tor and then transporting the servants and guards to Sunspear on land. Alyssa would be flying with her daughters on Starfyre since the girls were small enough. There was a knock on the door and a Martell guard poked his head in. "Prince Daemon."

"Grandsire!" Aliandra and Coryanne scrambled out of their seats and ran over to Daemon as he entered.

He moved his sword aside as they hugged him. He gently cupped Aliandra's chin, looking over the bruises. "A warrior at heart."

She smiled up at him. "Let your grandsire breathe, girls," Alyssa said. "Your food will get cold."

Daemon dismissed them with another hug. He sighed and walked over to the fireplace as the girls returned to the table. Alyssa joined him, rubbing the bottom of her belly. "How are my sisters?"

"Still sleeping. They're understandably exhausted." He rested his elbow on the chair's backrest. "Rhaena is distraught. She told me she attempted to claim Vhagar and now despairs over my disappointment."

Alyssa sighed. "Aliandra confessed to me that the whole idea was hers. She encouraged Rhaena and now feels as though the events of last night were her fault."

"What's done is done," he said. "Though I am disappointed they went through with their plan. Vhagar could've easily killed all of them and we'd be none the wiser. Waking this morning with news of charred bones and dead children rather than bruises and cuts."

"Such a disgrace to Laena's memory." Daemon hummed in agreement. Alyssa stepped closer to her father, resting her forearms on the chair's backrest to alleviate the ache in her lower back. "There is something I wish to discuss with you. Lord Corlys has suggested betrothing Rhaena to Qyle."

Daemon rolled his eyes, groaning softly. "Will I ever escape these fucking leeches? I came here to bury my wife."

"I feel your pain. The gods' damn politicking never ends. The Sea Snake offers Joffrey for Coryanne, but the Queen offered her son for Coryanne, and now-"

"What?"

"During the wake, Queen Alicent approached me offering Prince Aemond as Coryanne's future consort. But that's off the table now. The moment her son claimed Vhagar..." she shook her head "...Qoren would've never agreed to it anyway. He despises Reachmen."

"Does the King know about this offer?" he asked.

"I truly don't know," she said with a shrug. "I'm eager to return to Sunspear and discuss...well, everything. I can hardly think in this fucking place. The Sea Snake wants Dorne involved in the Stepstones, the Hightowers want to use us as a shield. I just...I'm tired of it all."

Daemon rubbed the stubble on his face as he thought. "Well, you're right about the Queen's offer. There's no way they'd surrender Vhagar to you. If it were up to Otto, he would send his grandson to Sunspear to slaughter the dragons you're hiding."

"He is not that foolish, Father. And that boy is no Visenya." She turned her gaze to the fireplace, watching the flames flicker against the fresh wood. "It would be years before his grandchildren are ready to ride to war. Not us, though. Caraxes, Meleys, Starfyre, Seasmoke...all are battle-hardened veterans. Even Silverwing has quelled skirmishes along the coast."

Daemon smirked. "So eager for war, are you?"

"I'm being realistic. Lines were drawn last night." She rubbed her fingers along her hairline, feeling a tightness forming. "The King's love is what shields us all. I dread the day he leaves this world."

"Rhaenyra will prevail. She's not as cold-hearted as our dear Queen." Daemon tucked a curl behind Alyssa's ear, still seeing his little girl despite her being a woman grown. "Wedding Rhaena to Qyle is a wise decision. I would much prefer to wait until they are older to announce any betrothal. Same for Joffrey to Coryanne. Another great match."

"If you're about to lecture me on how the blood of the dragon must continue to flow into the next generation, I swear to our gods, Father, I will tear every last hair off of your head."

Daemon chuckled. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and kissed the side of her head. "Discussions for another time, daughter. For now...let us mourn our lost love."

Outside the castle, later...

Silverwing, Sunfyre, Dreamfyre, and Vhagar were waiting on the cliffs for their riders. Daella and her half-siblings navigated the narrow trail to reach their dragons. The King and the Queen had already departed High Tide in order to board the ship to sail them back to the capital. And though the distance between Driftmark and King's Landing was relatively short, the dragons would reach the city hours ahead of the King. Daella knew there was no rush, but she found herself reluctant to even leave. Her chest ached and not just from the wound. She absentmindedly touched the bandage poking out from her neckline. Maester Kelvyn told her she was fortunate the cut was clean. Any deeper and she would've bled to death. She glanced back at the castle, down near the lower balcony that overlooked the eastern waters. Rhaenyra was standing there with Daemon.

Daella had half a mind to mount Silverwing and disappear. To fly away from everything and everyone. Something changed last night and Daella feared that the family would never recover. Alicent could hardly look at her, shame evident on her face. Rhaenyra seemed intent on denial. She kissed Daella on the forehead and reiterated the invitation to visit Dragonstone at any time. Daella rubbed her chest, her wound burning. All she wanted was an apology.

"Go away," Aegon said, waving off the Velaryon dragonkeepers. "Shoo! I don't need you."

Daella wished to throw her brother into the sea. "Leave him be," she told the dragonkeepers. "Not worth it."

The dragonkeepers bowed and then squeezed by the children, heading back to the castle. Daella turned her glare to Aegon who only shrugged. "How was I supposed to know they don't speak the Common Tongue?"

Daella shook her head, unwilling to argue. Helaena went to her side. She smoothed her sister's cloak, pulling it tighter around Daella's body. "Harden your body, not your heart. Turn to spiders, not fireflies."

"Why spiders?"

"They drink blood, not nectar," she whispered. "Turn to spiders, not fireflies."

Daella nodded, unsure of how to respond. Helaena gave a small smile and continued up the path toward Dreamfyre. Daella sighed, deciding she would puzzle out Helaena's cryptic words later. Aemond approached her, fresh bandages wrapped around his face. "Are you alright?"

"I'll be fine."

"Are you sure?" He eyed the bandages he could see poking out from her dress. "You've hardly said more than three words at a time."

"I'm just tired...and eager to return home." She looked over his bandages. "And you?"

"Fine as well. Better, actually," he confessed with a smile. "Seeing Vhagar waiting for me eases my pain. She's worth more than a thousand eyes."

Daella gave a half-hearted hum and followed after Helaena. "All I've ever wanted was a dragon of my own," he continued, walking with her. "Now I have the largest one in the world. I stood before her and she chose me."

"Yes, well, you could've been kinder to our cousins about it," she said and immediately regretted it.

Aemond stopped short. "They attacked me."

Daella heaved a deep sigh and turned around to face him. "I know. They shouldn't have done so. A lot of things shouldn't have happened last night. I only meant that..."

"That what?"

"You're older and bigger than they are," she said. "And part of being the bigger person is knowing when to walk away from a fight."

"I lost an eye," he snapped. "Rhaenyra wanted to torture me!"

"Please stop yelling," Aegon begged, rubbing his head.

"No, she didn't. You called her sons bastards. She wanted to..." Daella pressed her hands to her face, forcing herself to remain calm. But it was no use. Her emotions were bubbling to the surface. "She only wanted to know where you heard the lies. No one was going to hurt you. She would never do that."

"Why are you defending her?" he demanded. "You're supposed to be on my...on our side!"

"There are no sides! We are all family! A fact everyone seems to forget!" She winced and clutched her chest. Aemond reached for her but she recoiled, brushing his hand aside. "I'm sick and tired of all this fighting. How much more blood must be shed before it all stops?"

"I didn't start-"

"I don't fucking care who started it, Aemond! That's not the point!"

"Please stop," Aegon groaned, covering his ears.

Daella pulled at her dress, seeing parts of her bandage turn red. Pain flared in her chest. Her eyes stung but she refused to let the tears fall. "I can't keep going on like this. I feel like a rope that's being pulled at both ends and some day I'm just going to..." she trailed off to breathe through another wave of pain.

"I'm sorry," Aemond said softly. "Let's just go. We don't want the ship to arrive before us."

Daella nodded. She forced herself to continue up the path. Aemond hovered behind her, ready to catch her if she fell. He walked with her all the way to Silverwing's side. The silver dragon groaned sympathetically, sensing Daella's pain. The princess grabbed onto the ropes but paused before climbing. "I am happy for you, Aemond. Truly."

"I know," he said. Daella pinched his nose, surprising him. Aemond hid his smile from her, halfheartedly telling her to stop. He waited until she was secure in her saddle before turning to Vhagar. With each step, her words echoed in his head and his pain lightened.

Queen's Chambers, King's Landing, two weeks later...

"It should come as no surprise that Dorne has allied with the Sea Snake. He has long desired to reclaim those useless rocks from the Triarchy."

Alicent sipped her wine indifferently. She sat across from her father as he ate. The queen had long lost her appetite. "Dorne is now securely at Rhaenyra's side. We must pray for Alyssa's mercy."

Otto set his fork down and wiped his mouth. "It is for the best. Can you imagine what could happen with Vhagar under Dornish control?"

"We could have at least offered Daeron in Aemond's place," she said. "One young dragon is a small price to pay to ensure peace prevails."

"Dorne is hiding dragons. We both know it to be true. If we gave them another, it would only feed into Princess Alyssa's plot."

"And what plot is that?" she asked.

Otto sat back in his chair. "This alliance with Dorne is nothing more than an act of desperation. Because of her father, she was banished from court and disinherited by her mother. She married Prince Qoren to save herself, promising him dragons with no regard for the consequences. And she lied to the King about it to protect her newfound power. With the betrothal of her daughter to Rhaenyra's son, she's all but guaranteed forgiveness for her transgressions...it's quite brilliant actually."

"Regardless, when the King passes...whenever that may be...I'd rather grant forgiveness than beg for mercy," she said, setting her cup down.

"Understandable. It is at least a comfort to know that, unlike her father, Princess Alyssa desires peace. She's worked so hard for this alliance." He studied her grim demeanor for a moment. "After the unfortunate events at the funeral...do you honestly think she would accept anything we offer her?"

Alicent rubbed her temple, swallowing the guilt and anger building within her. The very thought of Driftmark made her want to smash the glass decanter. She despised her father's logic. "As valuable as he is, I cannot help but despair over Aemond's future prospects. We must keep him close, yes...but it would be years before he could properly wield Vhagar. And his eye...who would have him now?"

The Hand thought over his daughter's worries solemnly. He knew she was right. Vhagar was too powerful of a weapon not to keep close but she was the only dragon on their side that was war-hardened. Vhagar, Tessarion, Dreamfyre, Sunfyre...we need more.

A knock drew their attention. Talya, Alicent's handmaid, quickly stepped aside, holding the door open. Ser Criston and Ser Arryk walked in with a furious Daella. "Pardon the intrusion, your grace, Lord Hand."

"What's the meaning of this?" Alicent demanded. She got up, her eyes flicking to the tight grip Criston had on the princess' arm. "Release her, Ser Criston."

He obeyed. Daella stepped away from the knight, rubbing her arm. She was dressed in her riding clothes and her hair was braided back. "The Princess was caught sneaking off to the cliffs," Criston explained. "You had ordered that no one is to leave the Red Keep."

"I wasn't sneaking off," Daella argued. "Silverwing nests in the cliffs."

"She had a bag of supplies with her."

"Of clothes, you twat."

"Daella," Alicent scolded.

The princess calmed herself and took a step toward the queen. "I wasn't running away. I was going to Dragonstone."

Alicent sighed. Her gaze lowered to Daella's chest. The image of her freshly cut wound flashed in Alicent's mind. She willed it away and folded her hands together. "I take it you've heard the news then? About Ser Laenor?"

Daella nodded. "I want to see Rhaenyra...and my nephews. Just for a few days."

"Did you speak to your father about this?"

Otto sat silently, studying the young princess. He regarded her curiously as if he was seeing her for the first time. He found it remarkable how much Daella looked like her elder sister at that age. There was no doubt in his mind that she would grow to become even more beautiful than Rhaenyra."...didn't want to disturb him," Daella told the Queen. "His cough has gotten worse and Grand Maester Orwyle said the King needs lots of rest. I doubt he even knows about Ser Laenor."

"We should wait for the King's blessing, Princess," Alicent said softly. "We could send a raven for the time being?"

"Dragons fly faster than ravens. If it's my safety that worries you, Silverwing will protect me." Daella slumped her shoulders. "Please, your grace."

Alicent fiddled with one of her rings. Again, her eyes went to the princess' chest for a brief moment. "Princess..."

"She should go," Otto said, surprising them both. "We haven't heard a word from Princess Rhaenyra. It would be good to know that she and her sons are well."

Alicent glared at her father disapprovingly. She turned back to Daella who stared at her with hopeful, pleading eyes. The Queen sighed in defeat. "Send a raven the moment you arrive. We wouldn't want to worry your father."

"I will, I promise. Thank you." Daella bowed to her stepmother and to the Hand. She jogged to the door but stopped short and whirled around. "I apologize for calling you a twat, Ser Criston. That was...wrong."

Criston accepted the apology with a curt nod. Daella hurried out, her silver hair flowing behind her like a cape. The two Kingsguards bowed and left the room as well. Alicent faced her father with a stern frown. "I do not appreciate you undermining my authority."

"Forgive me, your grace," he said. "There is no harm in letting her go. Dragonstone is one of the safest places in all of Westeros. If you want her to trust you, you're going to have to give in at times."

The Queen shook her head but held her tongue, refusing to argue. Otto tapped his fingers on the table, glancing back at the door. "Princess Daella has grown quite comely, don't you think?" Alicent frowned at him. "It won't be long before she has a line of suitors at her door. Parchments flying in from every corner of the realm."

"Speak plainly."

"It is long past time we discuss betrothing her," he said. "She will be of age before you know it. Better we choose a worthy suitor for her, one that will further strengthen House Targaryen."

"Whomever we choose, the King would never agree to it. I told you what happened when I tried betrothing her to Aegon."

"Then the King must believe the match is what Daella wants," he suggested.

"Who would we even betroth her to? She has shown no interest in boys and perhaps that is because she is young, but she is far more stubborn than her sister." Alicent sat back down at the table, lowering her gaze to her lap as she picked at her nails. "She would spurn anyone we present to her."

"Even Aemond?"

Alicent snapped her head up, noticing the seriousness on his face. Her first instinct was to dismiss the very notion, but she hesitated. "She loves him...but not like that. She would never agree to it."

"She could. As you said, she is young. We simply...guide the two of them toward one another and let the love that exists grow into something more. I know how fond Aemond is of her." He held up his hand to stop her attempt to argue. "There is no rush, your grace. We'll announce the betrothal at the right time. When they are both of age, perhaps."

"Rhaenyra would never support it. Not after what happened on Driftmark," Alicent insisted.

"If we play this right, Rhaenyra's support would be inconsequential." He leaned forward, lowering his voice. "We must pull Daella to our side. With Silverwing, we stand a better chance of balancing the scales. Vhagar alone cannot protect us."

Alicent considered his words. She knew he was right. "For the betrothal to succeed, it should be something they both want...so that the King sees it as a love match rather than political advantage."

"It will take time," Otto agreed. "With Daella as Aemond's wife, Rhaenyra would not dare raise a hand against us."

Dragonstone...

Daella squeezed her gloves, twisting them as she followed the Steward throughout the castle. She had arrived only moments ago, eagerly to see her sister. The Steward, Ser Alyn, told her the boys were at the Dragon Mount with their cousins, Baela and Rhaena. Daella found that curious. In the room of the Painted Table, Daella breathed a sigh of relief. She ignored decorum and tackled her sister in a great hug before Ser Alyn could announce her arrival. Rhaenyra had to grab onto the table to prevent from falling over. "Daella! Careful, your wound."

"I'm fine," she insisted. Daella withdrew but kept her arms around her sister. "I came as soon as I heard. I'm so sorry about Laenor."

"Yes, it was...horrible. I have no idea why Ser Qarl would do such a terrible thing." Rhaenyra fussed over her, smoothing her sister's wind-blown hair. "How are you, sweet sister? Your wound?"

Daella furrowed her brows, taken aback by Rhaenyra's demeanor. "Grand Maester Orwyle said it's healing nicely. Aemond's as well." She studied her sister from head to toe. "Did something else happen?"

"Whatever do you mean?"

"I understand your marriage wasn't exactly conventional, but I thought you'd be more bereft by Laenor's death." She gestured to Rhaenyra's person.

"I am. I loved Laenor." Rhaenyra grabbed Daella's hand. "Forgive me, I am beyond pleased to see you. After everything that happened, I feared you would not visit."

Daella softened her frown. She squeezed her sister's hand lovingly. "Not even the Stranger could keep me away."

"I am glad you're here. It feels like a sign," she said. Before Daella could inquire about her meaning, Rhaenyra turned to smile across the room. Daella followed her gaze. Prince Daemon stood across the table, his sword resting over the part that detailed The Wall.

Daella slipped her hand free and quickly curtsied. "Uncle."

He bowed his head in greeting. "Princess."

Daella shifted her gaze back and forth between her sister and her uncle. Daemon had a strange happiness about him and Rhaenyra seemed to be glowing. A terrible sinking feeling stirred in her gut. "Pardon me, but why is he here?" she asked Rhaenyra. "I thought Princess Rhaenys was petitioning to take custody of her granddaughters."

"I'm here because this is my home," Daemon said. "Baela and Rhaena are my daughters. They belong with me."

Rhaenyra placed her hand on Daella's back, motioning to steer her toward the door. "There will be time to discuss it later. Why don't you get settled into your room? The children will be back before supper. They'll be delighted to see you."

Daella stepped out of her sister's reach. She recognized the necklace Rhaenyra was wearing. Valyrian steel, adorned with little rubies and a triskelion pendant. Daella had thought it was the most beautiful piece that Rhaenyra never wore. It always sat at the bottom of her jewelry box. Neglected. And she never forgot the story behind it. Daella looked from her sister to her uncle and then back to her sister. "Whatever it is you wish to discuss, let us do so now."

"Daella..."

"No, I want to know what's going on."

Rhaenyra sighed. "There are things you don't or can't understand, sweet sister."

"She's not a child, Rhaenyra," Daemon interjected. He leaned against the table. "Tell her."

She nodded reluctantly, fiddling with her rings. "Having recently lost his own spouse, Daemon and I comforted each other in our grief," she told Daella. "You are too young to know our history, but he and I...we were always meant to be. We knew the King would never give his consent or support our love...so we took matters into our own hands."

Daella slowly shook her head. "Laenor is barely cold in his grave."

"Sister-"

She looked at Daemon. "Did you kill Laenor so you could marry my sister? I've heard the rumors about your first wife, Uncle."

Daemon raised his eyebrows, a smirk appearing on his face. "Laenor's death was not of his doing," Rhaenyra insisted. "What Qarl did was vile and unforgivable...I had no idea he would turn on Laenor like that. I thought they were friends."

"I know when you're lying, sister," Daella said, getting louder with each word. "At least do me the courtesy of explaining why so soon after your husband's 'tragic' death, you married a man you haven't seen in over a decade. You told me he was banished, repeatedly defied the King, and made a fool of you...you said he nearly ruined your reputation!"

Daemon giggled, unfazed by the glares the sisters gave him. Daella shook her head, unable to look at her sister. "Do you have any idea how this looks?"

"I do," Rhaenyra confessed. "You wish to be treated like a woman grown then I will do so. My ascension will not be a smooth one. When our father leaves this world, the Greens will do everything in their power to block my path."

"And this requires you to marry Daemon? You, you've spurned House Velaryon. Why would they stand by you now?"

"Lucerys is the heir to Driftmark," she reminded. "The Sea Snake is true to his vows. He grieves Laenor, but he sees the bigger picture."

Daella threw her hands up. "I don't believe this."

"With our uncle as my husband and King Consort, my claim is better defended. We are the blood of Old Valyria, Daella. Together, Daemon and I will restore House Targaryen to its original glory." Rhaenyra closed the distance between them, tentatively touching her sister's arm. "I need you by my side as well."

"There shouldn't be any sides," she said pleadingly. "All this does is further tear our house apart."

Rhaenyra combed her fingers through Daella's hair. "The divide began long before you were born."

"What am I supposed to tell Father?"

"The truth," she said with a shrug. "He won't be surprised. Daemon has made his intentions plain before. Better our father hears the news directly from you."

Daella swallowed, her throat tight, and stepped away from her sister once more. She clasped her hands behind her back and put on a false smile. "As you command, Princess. I shall return to King's Landing at once and tell our sickly, bedridden, pain-stricken father that you married his brother in secret barely a week after your husband's death."

Rhaenyra sighed, pressing a hand to her eyes. Daella gave an exaggerated bow to the Princess of Dragonstone and her husband and then turned to leave. Rhaenyra called after her. "I did not dismiss you!"

"Oh, by all means, arrest me then!"

Daella marched up the steps and into the hall. Her mind was reeling with anger and despair. How was she going to explain this to the King? Just the thought of her father's face when he heard the news made her wound ache. Daella breezed past guards and servants. Silverwing was still in the main courtyard, hissing at a few guards, just as irritated and hurt as her rider. Daella whirled around, heading back inside but then thought better of it and stomped toward her dragon. Silverwing moved around so that Daella could approach her side. She grabbed onto the ropes and paused. A part of her was screaming for her to go back. To talk sense into Rhaenyra. But the loudest part of her mind urged her to leave. Punish Rhaenyra for being so selfish. Make her doubt the trust they had. Daella leaned her forehead against Silverwing. I don't know what to do. I don't know how to fix this.

"You know...you have your mother's temper," said an unwelcome voice. Daella audibly sighed and turned to see Daemon approaching. "She used to look at me just like that...the way you are now. It's quite eerie."

It took all of her strength not to say or do something she'd regret. "If you're here to lecture me-"

"Lectures aren't my specialty," he said.

"But murdering spouses are."

He chuckled. Daella flinched, surprised by his reaction. Daemon took a few steps closer to her, ignoring Silverwing's low growling. "No lecture. I only came to talk. To see if I could convince you to come back inside."

She released the ropes. "Why should I listen to anything you have to say?"

"You don't have to," he said with a shrug. "You don't know me, Daella, and that's my fault. We both love Rhaenyra. She did not lie when she said her ascension wouldn't be unobstructed. Our marriage was not decided on a whim."

"Then why hide it?"

"You know why."

Daella bit her lip, turning away as she put her hands on her hips. "I won't speak to you in riddles, niece," he continued. "Come with me and we will tell you the hard truth."

"What hard truth?" she asked, taking a half step back.

Daemon closed the space between them, lowering his head to speak softly. "I know that you're quite fond of your half-siblings. If you wish to spare them from the inevitable war their mother will push them into...you'll listen to what your sister has to say."

Daella glared up at him, searching his eyes for any sign of some evil plot. But he was sincere which frustrated her more. She hated that it was him and not Rhaenyra out here trying to convince her to stay. Then again, she might've spurned her further. Daella rubbed her hand over her face. "Very well, Uncle. I'm all ears."

End of Chapter 11