Chapter 15

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

Mysaria's Manse, King's Landing, 131 AC...

Daella stared at the infant sitting on his mother's lap. He was barely a year old, small-bodied with wispy pale blond hair. His face was round like his mother's with the same button nose. Daella scratched the corner of her eyebrow and glanced at Mysaria. "Not Aegon's."

The woman's smile fell. She readjusted her son on her lap. "I assure you, Princess...my son was sired by the prince. I even named him Gaemon after your ancestor. His ancestor."

"I've met enough of my brother's bastards to know that your son is not one of them." Daella sat back, folding her arms under her chest. "I suspect as Gaemon grows it will become evident that he was fathered by someone else. We're done here."

Mysaria summoned her guards. The woman clutched Gaemon to her chest. Her pleas were ignored as she was escorted off the patio. Mysaria turned her attention to Daella, tilting her head as she studied the princess. Daella seemed to be staring at nothing in particular, absentmindedly chewing on her lip. "You've been quite distracted of late. What troubles you?"

"Nothing."

"I have known you long enough to know when you're lying, Princess. Tell me what is on your mind." She placed her hand on Daella's thigh. "Are we not friends?"

Daella glanced down at the Lyseni's hand and then met her sly gaze. "Is it friendship when I pay you to keep my secrets?"

"That I do for free," Mysaria said, sliding her hand up. "You pay me to keep Prince Aegon's bastards and their mothers well secured. I have not charged you for the...special favors."

"Not with coin," she grumbled.

Mysaria smirked. She grabbed hold of Daella's thigh and threw her leg up and around to rest atop the backrest of the couch. Daella did not protest as she fell back against the cushions, letting Mysaria hover over her. The Lyseni's dark hair fell around them like a velvet curtain, blocking the candlelight. "As I recall, it was your own curiosity that brought you to me. The things I've done for you, things I've done to you...consider them a benefit of our unique friendship."

She rolled her eyes. "I'm starting to understand how it is you wormed your way into my uncle's heart."

"Is there any room for me in yours?" Mysaria teased. "Or do you wholeheartedly belong to Prince Aemond now?"

She pushed Mysaria off, pulling her leg down to sit upright. "Aemond has always had my heart. But I don't know when I stopped seeing him as my brother and started seeing him as...something more."

Mysaria fiddled with a lock of Daella's hair. "Do not feel ashamed. You are both Targaryens. It's perfectly natural."

"I fear I've somehow corrupted him." Daella ran a hand over her face. "I'm as bad as Aegon."

"You are the Maiden herself compared to him," she said. "Even with your particular tastes."

Daella bristled and turned away, setting her feet on the floor. She braced her elbows on her knees and buried her face in her hands. "I do not regret accepting my own desires. I just...I feel guilty."

"For what?"

"For being happy," she whispered. Daella raised her head and looked at Mysaria. "I'd be betraying Rhaenyra."

Mysaria raised a curious eyebrow. "Then you mean to say Prince Aemond feels the same?" Daella snapped her mouth closed. "Despite everything, I do consider you a friend, Princess. What you tell me in confidence never leaves us."

Daella groaned, her resolve crumbling as Mysaria rubbed her back. She sighed in defeat. "It was the night of Aegon's wedding..."

Two weeks ago...

Daella sat in front of the fireplace, casually flexing her right hand. She stared at the flames while lost in thought. The image of the Red Keep guards dragging the Baratheon boy away flashed in her mind. She didn't care where they took him so long as he was far away. It was a problem for tomorrow and she didn't want to sully the night with more bloodshed. Aemond walked over and grabbed her hand, turning it towards the light. He traced his thumb along her knuckles. "Hardly a scratch."

She slipped her hand free and hid it in her lap. "He's fortunate I did not do worse."

"Would you like me to gift you his tongue as well as his eye?"

Daella glanced at him. "How much did you hear?"

"Enough to send him to the Lord Confessor." Aemond sat down on the chair beside her. He studied her in the firelight, his eye following the slope of her nose down to her lips and further, along the length of her elegant neck. He liked the dress she wore, the way it clung to her curves. He liked the tendrils of hair falling from the braids coiled atop her head. His face grew hot the longer he stared. "Did you think about me while you were in the Vale?"

"Of course," she said. "I thought about everyone."

"Yet you brought a gift only for me."

She leaned toward the shadows, hiding her face. "Not sure why you're surprised. You're my favorite brother."

He narrowed his eye. "Is that all I am to you?"

Daella gave no reaction. If she weren't already in her room, she'd be making some excuse to leave. To escape. Ser Otto's words plagued her mind. You're constantly running from the inevitable. She always silenced the selfish thoughts that threaten to take hold of her. Even now, the real answer to his question was crawling up her throat, eager to be voiced. But she resisted. "You should go. It's quite late."

Aemond clicked his tongue, disappointed. "And what would people think when they see me leaving your room so late at night?"

"If you're so concerned with the opinions of others, you can sleep on the couch. I should warn you that it's not as comfortable as the one in my old room."

"I'd rather sleep in your bed."

Daella frowned at him. "Stop that."

"What?" he asked innocently. "You used to invite me into your bed quite often."

"When you were six," she reminded, leaning away from him. "You were too scared to walk up to your mother's room so yes, I let you sleep with me until you told me you were too old to be coddled. And don't act as if it was something more. I did the same for Helaena and our nephews."

"Then why did you kiss me?"

Daella turned to glare at the flames, hoping the orange light hid the color of her face. She knew he would ask. Why wouldn't he ask? The moment had replayed in her mind over and over for the last six months. Tormenting her, comforting her. "I shouldn't have done that. It was a mistake."

"You are either a liar," he stood up, "or crueler than I thought."

She shrugged helplessly. "Think what you want."

"I've grown tired of your games." He moved to stand directly in front of her. The heat of the fire barely affected him. "Am I nothing more than a plaything to you? Something for you to toy with whenever you get bored?"

Daella's heart ached from the pain in his voice. She raised her head, meeting his gaze. "I never meant to hurt you. I'm sorry for what I did. You were right. It was cruel. I'm so sorry, Aemond."

He leaned down, grabbing onto the armrests to cage her in. "I do not want an apology. I want the truth."

She was rendered frozen beneath his gaze, surrounded by his presence. She wanted him closer and she hated herself for it. "Can we not return to what we were? Before I ruined everything?"

"There is no going back to what we were," he said, dropping down to one knee. "All my doubts, my wondering, my guilt for the unholy thoughts that plagued me...burned away the moment your lips touched mine."

She closed her eyes and shook her head. "Please, stop."

"Why? You were so willing to throw yourself into my arms, to steal a kiss from me." His eye lowered to her mouth for a brief moment. "Why do you deny me? Why do you make me suffer?"

Daella winced and covered her face with her hands. Aemond grabbed her wrists, yanking them down to force her to look at him. "Look me in the eye and tell me you do not want me. Tell me you do not think of me, dream of me, desire me...tell me you do not love me as I love you."

She stared up at him, lip trembling. The lies were right there on the tip of her tongue but she could not speak them. "You...you deserve a good woman, an honorable woman. Someone kind and gentle."

"You think a doe or a lion is better than a dragon?" He pressed his forehead against hers. "I'm not a child. I know what I want. And I want you."

Daella leaned back, searching his gaze, searching for any sign of doubt. There was none. Her resistance crumbled into dust, washing away as her heart beat faster. She was tired of fighting, tired of denying herself. Slowly, she nodded her head. "I do...think of you," she said, barely a whisper. "I dream of you. I desire you. The kiss I stole... has haunted me every moment I was away. I tried to forget, to let it fade but it never did. Because I don't want to forget. I'm selfish. I want more. I want to feel you again, taste you again. I want your skin on mine. I want you, body and soul. I want you to be mine forever."

Aemond let go of her wrists and slid his hands around her neck, cupping her chin as he kissed her. Daella breathed him in, grabbing onto his shirt. She slid off the chair onto her knees and pressed her body against his. Aemond gasped as he felt her tongue against his. It made his whole body shiver. "Let's go to the bed."

Daella smiled softly. "No."

"Would you rather I take you here?"

"Not until you are mine by the laws of gods and men," she said, caressing the edge of his scar. She held onto him for dear life. "I meant it...I'll take you as you are, body and soul. Will you do the same? Will you take me as I am and make me your wife?"

Present...

"How romantic," Mysaria said, delighting in Daella's blush. "And what was his answer?"

"He nearly dragged me from the room to go and find the High Septon. I had to remind him that we cannot marry until next year."

Mysaria smirked. "How considerate of you to wait until he's of age. Most men do not even have the patience for that."

"You make me sound like some sort of villain." Daella sank into the sofa. "My sister will not be happy."

"I disagree. She will understand that your marriage to Prince Aemond is one of love." She eyed Daella curiously. "Unless you seek to use him to your advantage? Turn him from the Hightowers?"

"I could never do that," Daella confessed. "It's why I fought my feelings for so long. But in the end, I'm just as selfish as Rhaenyra."

Mysaria slid her hand up to Daella's shoulder, squeezing gently. "Your sister loves you. She knows the lengths that you will go to defend her. And I know she will rejoice in your happiness. Forget the consequences, forget the schemes...be selfish, Princess. You deserve it."

"Thank you," she said. Despite the uncertainties, she did feel free. At peace with her own heart. "You do realize that the 'benefits' of our friendship must end?"

"If that is what you wish, I will respect it. I will continue to serve as your confidant and keeper of your secrets. No doubt more bastards will appear and need my protection." Daella hummed dejectedly. Mysaria thought for a moment. "What happened to the Baratheon boy? The one who insulted you?"

"He chose to take the Black. He left last week...minus a tongue."

Red Keep, a few days later...

Daella sat beside her father as she carefully painted the details on a Valyrian manse. The King was hunched over the stadium, dusting off the viewing boxes Valyrian nobles would've sat in. His health had improved since she returned, finding the energy to tend to his lifelong hobby. Daella enjoyed the time she spent with him. She loved learning about old Valyria. As a child, she'd daydream about what her life would've been like had the Doom never happened. House Targaryen was far from powerful, but ruled the Freehold alongside the other 39 noble families. She wondered what friends she'd have, what foods she would eat...what man she'd marry. Daella sighed and set down the brush. "Father, I need to speak with you about something."

"Don't tell me you wish to leave for the Riverlands already," he said with a chuckle.

"It's about Aemond." She waited until he sat back to look at her. "We wish to marry."

Viserys blinked. "You...want to marry Aemond?"

"You told me I could choose my own husband, choose the man I would spend the rest of my life with," she said. "I choose Aemond. Wed me to him."

He furrowed his brows. "Does he feel the same? Have you spoken to him about this? I thought you had no desire to marry. You've never shown any interest...in anyone."

"I denied my own feelings...for a very long time. And then he told me that our hearts are the same," she confessed. "Father, I love him. And he loves me."

Viserys set his brush down as he turned to face her fully, searching her gaze. "My dear, are you sure?"

Daella nodded, allowing her happiness to show through. Viserys smiled sadly. For a moment, he saw Aemma sitting before him. The same age as Daella. Her beautiful face flushed with joy as she confessed her love. It was a bittersweet memory. He blinked and Aemma was gone. Leaving a silent but eager Daella staring at him. "You have my blessing."

She ran around the model and hugged him, careful not to knock him over. "Thank you, Father. Thank you."

Viserys wrapped his arm around her, rubbing her back. "You will need to wait until Aemond is of age."

"Of course," she said, pulling away to kneel down. "Do you think the Queen will agree?"

"If Aemond truly feels the same as you do, she dare not refuse." He tapped his finger against her cheek. "I cannot recall the last time I saw you so happy. He does not deserve you."

Daella smiled bashfully, not caring how she must look. "My tour of the Riverlands isn't for some time, but...I'd like for Aemond to accompany me. I'd think my time away would be significantly shorter with him by my side, and I'd like to be done with all of them by the time we are wed."

Viserys laughed. "There is no rush, my dear. But...it would make me very happy to have you home. I've missed moments like this."

She grabbed his hand with both of hers, squeezing affectionately. "As have I."

The next day...

Cassandra stood on the balcony that overlooked the training yard. She watched as Daella and Aemond discussed the various sparring weapons. They were far too close to each other. Their elbows constantly touching. Aemond said something and Daella laughed. An obnoxious sound that drew the attention of others. Cassandra bristled at the sight. She was already seething from the way her cousin had been treated, and now her hopes for tying House Baratheon and House Targaryen further together were being squashed. I won't give up, she promised herself. This isn't over.

She turned away, unable to watch them a moment longer. She entered the hall, ignoring the guards and servants. Questions and schemes ran through her mind. Cassandra chewed on her thumbnail as she thought over various options and outcomes. She knew she needed to separate them. Give Maris more time with Aemond and dangle Daella before some other lord or his son. She didn't care where the princess went, so long as she was far away. But how?

Her gaze shifted up, noticing a man walking a few yards ahead of her. She recognized the mop of golden hair. "Lord Tyland!"

Tyland halted before turning the corner. He smiled as Cassandra approached and bowed. "Lady Cassandra, good morrow."

"Good morrow, my lord." She quickly curtsied. "May I speak with you?"

"I'm actually on my way to a Small Council meeting."

"I'll walk with you," she said. "I only need a few moments of your time."

He nodded and gestured for her to follow him. Cassandra had to walk fast to keep up with the much taller man. "When was the last time House Targaryen toured the Westerlands?"

Tyland thought for a moment. "Oh, it's been a long time. Over forty years. Though, Princess Daella will be touring late next year."

"A shame it's always her going on these tours, don't you think?" she asked.

He shrugged. "It should really be Princess Rhaenyra since she's the heir, but she'd rather waste her time on Dragonstone. One could also suggest that your husband ought to be the one to tour. He is the king's eldest son. The lords of the west would rather host a Prince over a Princess."

"Maybe...but I do not think he is quite ready for that. His focus is on attending the Small Council meetings presently." Cassandra caught the dubious look on his face. "You must give him a chance, my lord. It's only been a few weeks."

Tyland stopped and turned to face her fully. "Forgive me, my lady, I meant no offense. We are happy that Prince Aegon chooses to attend."

"Good. It's important he learns how the Small Council serves the King. It's all part of his preparation."

He eyed her curiously. "Preparation...for what?"

Cassandra shrugged innocently. "To serve the realm, of course. When Princess Rhaenyra ascends the throne, she will be ill-equipped to govern since she's been away from court so long. Who better to guide her than her own brother? Who better to show her how to rule?"

"Prince Aegon is fortunate to have such a supportive woman by his side," he said, smirking.

"Prince Aemond could also benefit from such fortune," she said. "I've heard your niece, Lady Tyshara, is quite fond of him."

He nodded. "She is. But she is young, too young for marriage...unlike Princess Daella."

Cassandra resisted the urge to roll her eyes. She clasped her hands together and stepped closer. "Princess Daella is a worthy match, I'll admit. She's a dragonrider, a Targaryen...but she does not have the might of the Westerlands behind her."

"I thought you were pushing for one of your sisters as a bride for Prince Aemond?" She shrugged again, earning a chuckle from Tyland. "I'm afraid you are too late, my lady. The King already gave his blessing."

"A blessing is not a betrothal," she reminded. "Prince Aegon married me to secure the Stormlands to the crown. Why not do the same with the West?"

He gestured to himself. "I have served as Master of Ships for over fifteen years now. The loyalty of the West is secure. You are clever, my lady, I will give you that, but you are young. Can you not see the benefit of Daella marrying Aemond? Bringing Silverwing to our side gives us a fighting chance. Dragonstone has the majority of the realm's dragons."

"Half of those dragons are no bigger than elephants."

"True, but they will grow." He sighed disappointingly. "It was a valiant effort, my lady. But believe me when I say...Aemond must marry Daella for the good of the realm."

"There you are!"

They both turned towards the cheery voice. Aegon approached them with a wide smile. Cassandra stepped back from Tyland and mirrored her husband's smile. Tyland bowed his head. "My prince, are you on your way to the Small Council room?"

"Yes," he said. "But I need to speak with my lovely wife first. I will head to the meeting shortly after."

Tyland nodded and bid them both goodbye. Cassandra watched him disappear around the corner, wondering when she might catch him again to continue their conversation. She wasn't going to give up. Aegon grabbed her hand and led her in the opposite direction. He glanced around and then dragged her into a side hall that led to an empty sitting area. Before Cassandra could question him, he pressed her against the wall, kissing her deeply. "I've been thinking about you all morning," he whispered between kisses. "I want you."

Cassandra groaned, reluctantly resisting. "You need to go to the Small Council meeting."

"I need to be inside you." He trailed kisses down her neck as he pulled up her dress, slipping a hand between her legs.

"They're important." She removed his hand. "You need to go."

He audibly sighed. "They're so boring. I'd much rather be fucking you against this wall."

She pushed against his chest to prevent him from kissing her again. "We talked about this. Attending the meetings is how you learn to be a better prince, it's how you prove yourself. You promised me that you would try."

"I am trying," he said. "It's not my fault that I have nothing to offer. The endless droning of accounts, planning tourneys, petty quarrels between lords, relentless negotiations with Dorne...what am I supposed to say? What am I supposed to do?"

"Listen. Learn," she suggested. "Even I know running the kingdoms is more than just talks of tourneys and feasts."

"Then maybe you should attend in my place?"

The corner of her mouth twitched. "It would not be appropriate for me to attend. I'm only your lady wife."

He smiled coyly. "You're so pretty when you're jealous."

"Aegon, I'm serious. You need to go to the meeting."

"I will...after I fuck you." He pressed his body against hers as he resumed kissing her. Cassandra went still, her entire body tensing as she snapped her mouth closed. Aegon leaned back, his eyes growing fearful from the disapproving look on her face. "Please don't..."

She softened her frown as she caressed his face, tucking his hair behind his ears. "I'm only trying to help you, my love. Go to the meeting. Pay attention. Learn." She smiled softly. "And when you're done, come find me in our chambers...and I will give you a well-earned reward."

He nodded and then kissed her eagerly, relieved that she was kissing back. He pressed his forehead against hers as he held her. "How will I be able to focus when all I'll be thinking about is you?"

"If you want a proper reward, you will be a good boy and do as I ask," she said, smiling up at him. "Now go."

He kissed her once more and then reluctantly left her. Aegon walked backwards into the hall, a look of longing on his face. Cassandra gestured for him to hurry, trying to frown like a stern Septa. Once he was gone, she breathed a sigh of relief. She did feel a little guilty for manipulating him, but she brushed it off as a necessary evil. Cassandra smoothed her skirts and retied the laces of her dress. Guess I better enjoy what little time I have before I'm stuck in bed.

She entered the hall and nearly ran into someone walking by. "I am so sorry, my lord."

"It's quite alright," Lord Larys said, leaning on his cane. He bowed meekly, readjusting his large clubfoot. Cassandra curtsied and motioned to leave, but Larys stopped her. "May I have a moment of your time, my lady?"

Small Council room, that evening...

Daella glanced around the room curiously. She stood beside Aemond a few feet away from the table. An emergency meeting had been called and because the King needed his rest, Alicent sat in his chair as his representative, looking a little too comfortable. Daella was surprised to see Aegon sitting in Rhaenyra's old seat beside the Hand of the King...and that he was sober. For now. A servant dutifully went around the table to fill everyone's cup. "Thank you for returning on such short notice, my lords," Otto said. "Lord Tyland, if you please."

Tyland set a couple of scrolls down on the table. "Ravens arrived barely an hour ago from Winterfell. Wildlings have invaded the North once more. A host of them, led by their King-Beyond-the-Wall, have somehow crossed the Wall and are slowly making their way down the Gift."

"Surely the Warden of the North will rally his bannermen and deal with this wildling invasion," Lord Jasper said. "Though, he is only nineteen and recently widowed."

"He has requested the crown's aid," Tyland continued. "Winter is in full swing and it will take the Northern army time to gather and march. House Umber is the closest vassal house and will likely be the wildlings' first target."

"It will take the same amount of time to send our troops north," Alicent countered.

"What if we sail the army north?" Aegon suggested, fiddling with his attendance ball. "Ships are faster."

"A sound idea, my prince," Otto said, smiling encouragingly. "However, the Velaryon Fleet is preoccupied with the Triarchy in the Stepstones. And there is nowhere for the Lannister Fleet to dock on the western shores of the North."

"There must be something we can do?" Lord Lyman asked. "We cannot abandon the North in its time of need."

"Send us." All eyes turned to Daella. She met each of their gazes confidently. "That is why you summoned us to this meeting, is it not? Send your dragonriders. We will make short work of this King-Beyond-the-Wall and his army."

Alicent folded her hands atop the table. "You were summoned here to discuss your upcoming royal progress, Princess...not to send you off to war."

"The wildlings are less organized than the mountain clans that plague the Vale. Let us bring fire and blood and end the invasion before it even truly begins." Daella flicked her gaze to Otto and then to Tyland. "You should send word to Dragonstone as well."

Otto frowned. "Dragonstone?"

"Prince Daemon is a skilled battle commander. He defeated the Triarchy in the Stepstones-"

"He won one battle," Jasper grumbled.

"-and organized the City Watch as well the guards of Pentos during his time there. He is the best choice to lead us in ridding the North of the wildling host once and for all." She glanced briefly at Aemond. "I should not be the only battle-experienced dragonrider in King's Landing."

Aemond inhaled deeply and stood firm, raising his chin. "I am ready, Mother."

"I...I will also do my duty," Aegon added, sounding less self-assured.

The lords all turned to look at Alicent. The Queen said nothing, only stared at her stepdaughter with a hard frown. And Daella stared back, unwilling to back down. Otto studied his grandsons and then his daughter, seeing the rage pouring from her. "Perhaps Prince Aegon ought to stay. We cannot leave the capital undefended after all. Silverwing and Vhagar...along with Caraxes...is more than enough to deal with the northern threat."

Alicent eyed her father suspiciously. "Yes, Aegon will stay...but so will Aemond."

"What?" Daella and Aemond said in unison.

"You are too young, Aemond," Alicent argued. "Far too young to be flying off to battle. And as skilled as he is, I do not trust Prince Daemon's judgment. He dragged his eldest daughter into war when she was just a girl. It is only by the will of the gods that she survived."

"Alyssa was the same age Aemond is now," Daella reminded. "He cannot stay locked up here forever, your grace. Fighting on dragonback further strengthens the bond between rider and dragon. He needs to go."

The Queen's frown deepened. "I will not put my son in harm's way."

"But, Mother, I am-"

"My decision is final!" She slammed her hand down on the table, causing her sons to flinch.

Daella turned to Aemond, silently urging him to fight back, to advocate for himself. But he only lowered his gaze in reluctant submission. The princess shook her head in disapproval. None of the lords showed a willingness to argue, not even Otto. Daella cleared her throat. "If I must fly alone to defend the North, then at least permit Prince Aemond to take my place in the royal progress of the Riverlands...assuming you don't find that too dangerous for him."

Alicent rolled her eyes. "We will send a raven to Dragonstone at once. Prince Daemon will deal with the wildlings. You will remain here as there is another royal wedding to plan."

"The wedding is not for another year. You will grant me leave, your grace. I imagine the lords of the North will be eternally grateful to know the crown has not forsaken them. Unless you wish for my uncle to claim that honor for Rhaenyra?" The lords all exchanged uneasy glances. Daella gave them an exaggerated bow, spreading her arms wide. She shot Aemond a despondent look as she left the room.

Daella fumed as she stormed down the hall towards Maegor's Holdfast, servants and guards giving her a wide birth. Despite her mind burning with various curses for the Queen and the useless lords of the Small Council, she sensed someone stalking behind her. She recognized the fierce presence as it grew closer, looming over her like a tidal wave ready to drown her. But she was not afraid. Daella whirled around, dodging Aemond's attempt to grab her. "Have you decided to join me, brother?"

"Do not call me that," he snapped. "The Queen has commanded that you return to the council room at once."

"'Commanded', did she? More like she sent you to change my mind." She walked up to him, softening her voice. "You're not a child anymore. Vhagar is no stranger to war but it means nothing while you're inexperienced. Come with me, Aemond."

He burned with the urge to surrender to her, his heart racing with excitement from the way her violet eyes sparkled. She was so close, he could smell the rose oil that perfumed her skin. He clenched his fists, yearning to run his fingers through her hair. But his mother's pleas overpowered him. He grunted low in his throat, turning his glare elsewhere. "My mother's decision is final."

"Honestly, a little rebelliousness would do you some good," she said. "My decision to go is final. It is our duty as warriors and dragonriders to defend the realm."

"So you are determined to leave me...again."

"You are so adorable when you pout." She moved closer, leaning her head back as she held his gaze. Her lips hovered an inch below his. "I am not abandoning you. If you choose to stay here, I will respect that. Though...I'd much rather have you with me. Fighting beside me, keeping me warm during the cold nights..."

He said nothing as his cheeks turned red, his eye glimmering with desire. Daella bit her lip and clasped her hands behind her back to keep herself composed. "With two dragonriders cleaning up the North, my time up there should be rather short. Perhaps I will return before the royal progress of the Riverlands. We could...tour together?"

He hummed amusedly. "I am more than willing to consummate our marriage early if that is your intention."

"If I am to corrupt you, I'd rather do it when you are bound to me by oath and by law," she said. "So that you cannot escape me."

Aemond tilted his head, curious by her choice of words. Daella began to walk backwards down the hall, her gaze never leaving his. "I will write to you while I'm away. To remind you that my love for you will never change or diminish. Make no mistake, Aemond. You will be mine soon."

"And if I happen to marry another while you are gone?" he dared.

She threw her head back and laughed. A type of laugh he had never heard before, full of sinful promises and wicked desire. "Then prepare to become a widower when I return."

Sunspear, Dorne...

Helaena jolted upright. She blinked in the darkness, images of fire and blood still fresh in her mind. She glanced around her room. Moonlight poured in from the window, illuminating the half-finished book laying on the desk. "Gaze upon the starry eye," she whispered to herself, "and be swallowed by the sun."

She threw the covers off and went to the book, sliding into the chair. The visions flashed before her eyes again. Soldiers burning in open fields, massive tidal waves washing over a castle, a blood-covered woman with eyes as green as moss smiling at her...Helaena rubbed her face to chase the image away. Every time she saw the green-eyed woman, she felt as if the witch could see into her very soul. Go away. Go away. Go away!

The woman appeared again. Silver-haired bodies scattered around her. Never.

The North, four days later...

"Dragon approaching!"

Daella stood beside Lord Umber and Lord Karstark as she stared up at the sky. The fierce wind carried the whistles of Caraxes as the red dragon slithered through the clouds. The Blood Wyrm circled the camp and landed near an irritated Silverwing. The silver she-dragon hissed at Caraxes before scooting closer to a large bonfire built to keep her warm. Daella wrapped her cloak tighter around her body. She did not like the North. Every moment was a constant battle to keep herself from shivering to death. Prince Daemon sauntered over, removing his winged helmet. Lord Karstark and Lord Umber knelt. Daella did not move. "Prince Daemon, welcome," the lords greeted. "We are honored to have you here to fight with us."

"The honor is mine," he said. Daemon shifted his gaze to Daella. "Niece."

"Uncle."

He smirked at her discomfort. "What is our current standing?"

"We've gathered four thousand men. Seasoned soldiers of Last Hearth and Karhold," Lord Karstak answered. "Roughly six hundred archers, a hundred knights, and...two dragons."

"Have the wildlings made it south of Queenscrown yet?"

Lord Umber gestured for the prince to follow him to the war tent. Daella fell in line behind her uncle as they walked through the camp. "The wildlings still raid various small villages in the Gift," Lord Karstark explained. "We've managed to evacuate the smallfolk but I fear too many stayed behind. This winter has been a fierce one."

"When is Lord Cregan expected to arrive?"

"Not for another three weeks," Daella said, her teeth chattering slightly.

"No matter," Daemon said. "The wildlings are no true army. Once they feel the heat of dragonflame, they'll scurry back up the wall like the rats that they are."

"As long as I get to bury my axe into this King-Beyond-the-Wall," Lord Umber said, grinning devilishly.

They entered the tent and Daella breathed a sigh of relief as the heat from the brazier washed over her. She rubbed her arms as she joined them at the table, a map of the North laid out. "The wildlings have gathered mostly over here," Lord Karstark pointed to the northern edges of the mountains, "but they'll likely spread eastward before they turn south."

Daemon glanced at Daella. "Have you surveyed their numbers with Silverwing?"

"I have. My guess is about...seven or eight thousand? But I think more lurk beyond the wall. Silverwing won't fly far enough for me to see." She glanced at the northern lords uneasily. "I apologize if I sound naive, but I've dealt with the mountain clans in the Vale...these wildlings are different, Uncle. They're chaotic and disorganized, yes, but they are much smarter."

"It may seem that way, Princess, but rest assured that the savages are no match for the might of the North," Lord Karstark said. "And your dragons give us a significant advantage."

"He is right." Daemon placed his hand on her shoulder. "Our victory is well within reach. I'd be surprised if this invasion even lasts the year."

End of Chapter 15

Author's Note: Apologies for the lack of Alyssa and Dorne content. There will be more of both later on, I promise. Please bear with me.