Chapter 4

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

Velaryon Camp, Dwarfstone, 115 AC...

Prince Qoren had moved his entire military camp to Dwarfstone. The island could barely hold everybody. A few tents overlapped each other. And a few had to share in order to conserve space. The Velaryon soldiers were suspicious of the Dornish and the feeling was mutual. They were all enemies two days ago, and now were allies. Princess Alyssa hid her nervousness well. She bathed and braided back her curls, pulled out her cleanest tunic and trousers. There was no need for dresses in a war, and she had hoped Prince Qoren would not take offense. There was no time for a lavish ceremony. The allied army would bear witness to the wedding and Dorne provided barrels of wine and even some fresh spirits from Volantis.

Alyssa calmed her mind as she wrapped her braids into a bun, securing it into place with the valyrian steel hairpin. Daemon leaned against one of the posts as he watched his daughter get ready. He had cleaned up a bit, wiped the grime from his face and fixed his hair. "When the fighting is done here...I will explain things to my brother."

"Would it not be better for me to do so myself?" she asked.

Daemon grabbed the plain Targaryen banner. He wished it was a true Targaryen maiden cloak, the one worn by his mother and grandmother. "The Small Council won't like this match...especially without the king's consent. I'd rather you be safely away from his ire."

"If that is what you think is best. I wouldn't know what to say." Daemon placed the banner on her shoulders like a cloak. "I did consider the possibility of being labeled a traitor."

"Viserys will be angry at first, but he cannot hold a grudge for long," he said. He smoothed the fabric over Alyssa's arms and back. "You deserve better than this."

Alyssa nodded dejectedly. "I had hoped for a proper wedding once the war was done, but Prince Qoren was adamant. He hopes to get me with child so that I might be excused from the fighting."

Daemon's eyebrow twitched. He placed his hands on her shoulders and took a deep breath. "Alyssa, you are aware of marital duties...? What occurs between a man and a woman on their wedding night?"

"The consummation."

"Yes, yes, the...consummation," he forced the word out. He had difficulties looking directly in her eyes. "The act itself...it's natural, really, but you should know that it can be...it can be more than just performing one's duty. Some women just lay there but that would bring you no plea-pleasure and-"

"Stop, please." She grabbed his wrists. "You do not have to explain sex to me, Father. Mysaria took care of that."

He withdrew his hands. "Mysaria?"

"Yes. She answered all of my questions."

"When was this?"

Alyssa shrugged. She readjusted her maiden cloak. "During our time on Dragonstone, I was curious about the details of her work and we spent several hours discussing all aspects of 'intimate relations'."

Daemon groaned. He stepped to gather himself, wiping his hands over his face. He sighed again and turned to look at her. "When did you become a woman grown? In my eyes, I still see you as a child."

"A father's curse, I suppose."

He chuckled. Daemon took her hands into his and kissed her knuckles. He gestured to the tent entrance and Alyssa nodded. She took his arm as they exited the tent. For Alyssa, it would be the last time she would share her father's tent. Soldiers lined the path to the chosen spot for the ceremony. The center of the island was originally a communal cluster of fires where soldiers and knights sat together to eat. The fires were moved and a bonfire was made. The Septon waited a safe distance from the fire. To his left stood Prince Qoren. His dark hair was combed back, shiny and luscious. He had shed his armor and wore nice Dornish robes of orange silk and gold embroidery. Not exactly wedding-worthy, but Alyssa appreciated the effort.

With each step she grew more and more nervous, clutching her father's arm to keep herself upright. They stopped a couple of feet away from Prince Qoren and the Septon. Daemon hesitated for half a moment. He shot Prince Qoren a suspicious glare and then turned to his daughter. He took the banner off her shoulders, draping it over his arm. He kissed Alyssa on the cheek and then stepped away to stand beside Lord Corlys. Alyssa gave Qoren a warm smile as she stood beside him. Septon Cassan gestured to the cloak in Qoren's arms. "You may now cloak the bride and bring her under your protection."

Alyssa turned around so that Qoren could drape the Martell bride cloak on her shoulders. He pulled her hair free from the cloak, his fingers grazing her skin just above her tunic. She turned back around to face the Septon. "We stand here in the sight of gods and men to witness the union of man and wife," he continued, "The love of the Seven is holy and eternal. The source of life and love."

Qoren held out his left hand and Alyssa placed her right hand on top. Septon Cassan used a gold ribbon decorated with red and gold suns and gently tied it around their hands. "Let it be known that Qoren of House Martell...Alyssa of House Targaryen...are one heart, one flesh, one soul. Cursed be he who would seek to tear them asunder. In the light of the Seven, I hereby seal these two souls, binding them as one for eternity. Look upon one another and say the words."

They moved as one, facing each other, and spoke as one. "Father, Smith, Warrior, Mother, Maiden, Crone...I am hers/his and s/he is mine...from this day until the end of my days."

Septon Cassan removed the ribbon. Qoren cupped Alyssa's face. "With this kiss, I pledge my love."

His kiss was soft and chaste, rubbing her cheeks with his thumbs. The soldiers and knights erupted into applause. The newlyweds turned to face them, smiling brightly. Alyssa looped her arm around his, her heart racing with excitement now rather than nervousness. She met Daemon's gaze, noting his proud smile. Against her will, the image of Rhaenyra's face came to mind. Then Daella and Viserys'. Their hurt, disappointed faces flooded her mind. She tried desperately to fight them off. Qoren shook her. "Are you alright, my love?"

Alyssa cleared her throat, ignoring the stinging of her eyes. "Yes...just a bit overwhelmed."

He placed his hand over hers, squeezing reassuringly. Qoren led her towards the men. The Dornish commanders and soldiers greeted their new Princess of Dorne with a warm welcome. Daemon even gave his goodson a strong handshake. The Velaryon cooks prepared fish aplenty while the Dornish ones prepared dishes that none of the Velaryons had seen in three years. Lamb with honey, lemon, and fiery peppers, marinated feta, and other cheeses with Dornish wine to wash it down with. A few men brought out their fiddles and harps. One even had a pair of drums. Alyssa found herself at ease beside her new husband. He introduced her to his vassal lords; House Dayne, House Allyrion, House Uller, and more. Names she had learned alongside her friends...

The sun had long disappeared from the horizon. Laenor and Ser Joffrey had slipped away once the sky grew dark and Daemon was engaging Lord Yronwood in a drinking contest. Alyssa glanced over at the dark hills where the dragons were resting. She grabbed Qoren's hand and lead him away from Lord Jordayne and the lord's son. "Would you like to meet Starfyre?"

Qoren blinked. "Do you mean to kill me so soon?"

"Not before we spend a lifetime together." She set her cup down on an empty barrel. Alyssa cupped his face, rubbing the stubble along the edge of his beard. "The bond between a dragon and their rider is special. Starfyre feels what I feel, in a sense. I want her to get to know you as well. Perhaps even ride with me one day."

His eyes went wide for a moment. Qoren ran his fingers through his hair. "Would it not be better to do so during daylight? Dragons are more terrifying at night, are they not?"

"She will not harm you with me there." Alyssa slipped her hands behind his neck, bringing him down to kiss him. Qoren's hands went to her waist and then began to slide around her and up her back. Alyssa pulled away, running her hands from his neck down to his arms to his hands. "Come. Don't be afraid."

Qoren summoned his courage and let her lead him away. The laughter and music carried on the wind, high into the hills. They reached the top where Starfyre and Caraxes were sleeping. Seasmoke was curled up under a large tree away from them. Starfyre groaned and lazily raised her head. Alyssa gave Qoren a bright smile and dragged him over. Caraxes whistle-snorted and turned away, unbothered. Starfyre's green eyes were as bright as the stars, she sniffed in the humans' direction. Alyssa let go of Qoren and hugged her dragon's snout. "I know, I'm sorry. You were sleeping, I know." Starfyre groaned. "Be calm. I have someone I want you to meet."

She glanced back at Qoren, reaching for him. Hesitantly, he placed his hand in hers. Alyssa dragged him forward, pressing his hand against Starfyre's skin. He spread his fingers, surprised at the softness between her scales. Alyssa leaned in close to her husband. "It will take time before she lets you approach her alone, but...there are a few commands to help."

"Commands?"

"She is still solely mine. But commands from you would help keep her at ease once she's accustomed to you," she said. "Lykirī. Dohaerās."

"Lykirī...Dohaerās," he echoed. "I'm familiar with many dialects of the Free Cities, but High Valyrian still eludes me."

Alyssa hid the faint blush on her cheeks, scratching Starfyre's favorite spot. "Perhaps I can teach you."

Qoren shifted his gaze to his wife. He tucked her hair behind her ear then grabbed her chin, and gently turned her head to face him. Starfyre purred, raising her head and shaking off a bit of sand. Alyssa grabbed Qoren's hand and they ran out of the cloud of sand. They slowed to a walk but did not stop. Qoren took the lead, heading back to the camp. No words passed between them as they weaved their way through the celebration. A couple of lords stopped to talk to them, but Qoren was quick to dismiss them. The prince's tent - their tent - was across from Lord Corlys'.

Alyssa oddly felt calm. Admittedly nervous, but she was ready. Qoren released her hand to tend to the fire in the center. It was a short pit with dozens of cushions surrounding it. Alyssa surveyed the tent, noting the lavish rugs, the ornate furniture, and a display of popular fruit and cheeses. She made her way to a table where her bride cloak was draped over. She shrugged off her overshirt and belt, setting it atop the cloak. She felt Qoren's fingers on her shoulder. Alyssa turned around to face him. "Come sit with me."

He led her to the cushions and they sat facing each other. Alyssa examined Qoren's clothes. "You're wearing so many layers. More than me."

"You sound disappointed?" he said.

"Dorne is mostly covered by desert...wouldn't you wear thin clothes? You must be so hot in Sunspear."

Qoren grabbed her hand, noticing a slight shake. "You will learn quickly that it is best to cover your skin in the desert. The sun can burn everything it touches given the chance." He reached behind her head and pulled her hairpin free. "You're very beautiful, Alyssa."

She swallowed. "You're very h-handsome."

He cupped her cheek while his other hand went to her knee. Alyssa wasn't sure what to do so she mirrored his movements, touching his knee and stroking his beard. Qoren's fingers slid down to her neck, settling on her pulse. "Don't be nervous."

"I'm not...nervous," she breathed.

Qoren hummed. He leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers. Soft, gentle kisses that grew into more. Alyssa wrapped her arms around him as he pushed her onto her back. She parted her lips and his tongue slipped inside. Alyssa gasped in surprise. She had kissed before, silly games she played with Rhaenyra and Alicent, but nothing like the way Qoren kissed her. It made her body hot. He pressed his body against hers, and she wanted more. She blindly reached for his belt, fiddling for the buckle. She hooked her fingers around the loop, tugging at it, but it remained firm. She tugged harder and still it didn't move. She growled into Qoren's mouth. He laughed and pushed himself up onto his knees. "These can be tricky."

Alyssa propped herself onto her elbows as she watched him slip off the belt with ease. He shimmied out of his coat and tunic. Alyssa's eyes went to his bare chest. He was lean with a strong chest, and there was a trail of dark hair going down his lower abs and disappearing beneath his trousers. Qoren grazed his fingers along her thighs. Alyssa lowered her gaze to watch him trace the outer seams of her pants. He pushed the hem of her tunic up, finding the waistband. She shivered when he touched her stomach. Qoren leaned down and kissed her once again, undoing the laces of her pants. Alyssa lifted her legs, smiling into their kiss as she pushed off her boots. He broke away, caressing her bare thigh as his eyes lowered, curiously surveying her spread before him. Alyssa felt her head go fuzzy with a mix of shyness and embarrassment. "Wait. I...I'm not, I don't...I mean-"

He kissed her again, cupping her face with both hands. "I meant it...don't be nervous, my love. This is your first time...I will be gentle. Trust me."

His kisses moved down her neck to her chest. Alyssa hoped he couldn't feel how fast her heart was beating. It was reverberating throughout her whole being. He pulled her tunic up and continued kissing down her sternum and stomach. Then lower. Qoren gazed up at her as he settled between her legs. His breath tickled her. "Trust me?"

She nodded. Qoren draped her right leg on his shoulder then hooked his other arm around her hip. His fingers opened her up and he dragged his tongue over every part of her cunt. Alyssa gasped loudly as she fell back, losing all strength. She stared up at the tent ceiling, unable to focus on the beautiful embroidery. Her mind was a mess of feeling - something she couldn't name. Something that began deep in her lower belly. He took his time exploring her. He would move his tongue one particular way and Alyssa cried out. He licked another way and her whole body shook. She slapped her hand over her mouth. Qoren withdrew from her and yanked her hand off. "No. Do not hide from me. I want to hear every noise you make."

He kissed her inner thigh and resumed pleasuring her. His tongue moved faster. Alyssa gripped the cushions beneath her as her whole body tightened. She felt out of control. She didn't know what was happening. "Qor...en..." she struggled to breathe. Her hand went into his hair and gripped tight. "Qoren...I'm...!"

The most euphoric moment of her life was when she first rode Starfyre. The first time she soared through the clouds high in the sky. She had never experienced greater ecstasy since then...until now. Alyssa blinked through her climax. Qoren licked her again and she shivered harder. He replaced his tongue with his thumb, massaging her clit as he sat up. Alyssa grabbed his wrist, squirming beneath him. She couldn't handle it. Too much...yet, she didn't want him to stop. His name was on her lips once again. Her body arched, instinctively moving away. Qoren pinned her in place, holding onto her hip. She came again. Not as hard but just as exhilarating. She melted into the cushions. She could die in that very moment and be at peace. Qoren caressed her face. "Are you alright?"

"Yes," she whispered.

Qoren quickly unlaced his trousers, freeing himself. Alyssa didn't have a chance to admire him for he lifted her tunic up, removing it. He crawled atop her, slipping his arms around her. He kissed her deeply, passionately. "It will hurt for a moment." He kissed her again. "Tell me to stop if it is too much, my love."

"Take me," she begged.

Qoren reached down between them. Alyssa was shaking with anticipation, feeling his hardness press against her. It did hurt, that was true. She held onto him for dear life, counting her heartbeats until the pain passed. Thirty beats. Qoren kissed her all over. He moved slowly at first. Soft rocking that brought a different kind of pleasure than before. She moaned with each thrust, getting louder as he moved faster, his hips slamming into hers. Her hands roamed all over. Touch the muscles of his back, the curve of his ass, the softness of his hair...she couldn't get enough. The smell of his sweat filled her nose, driving her crazy. She could vaguely hear Qoren whispering things in her ear, encouraging her, commanding her. His name was on her lips but she couldn't say it.

Qoren suddenly withdrew from her, pulling out of her. It was so sudden that Alyssa nearly burst into tears, wanting him back inside her. He flipped her over onto her stomach and entered her once more. Alyssa gripped the cushions, trying to hold on as Qoren thrusted deeper, hitting a greater part of her. He pressed his chest against her back and nibbled on her ear. His hands found her breasts, massaging them and teasing her nipples. Alyssa cried out and her body began to move on its own, rocking back - matching his rhythm. "Say my name," he breathed into her ear. "Say my name."

Her moans turned to cries. He repeated his command, over and over. "Say my name."

He angled his hips and thrusted harder. She exploded. She said his name, over and over like a prayer. Qoren wrapped his arms around her, snapping his hips to hers faster and faster until he finally came. Alyssa collapsed, breathing heavily. She stared at the flames as she came down from her high. Qoren placed kisses on her shoulder, caressing her back. He was still inside her, lazily rocking his hips. Alyssa's mind cleared a little. "Kirimvose."

Qoren leaned down, angling his head to meet her gaze. "Your cries of pleasure are all the thanks I need."

"And here I was told that most men don't know how to properly please a woman," she said.

He kissed her shoulder again before pulling out. "Dornish men are the exception."

Alyssa felt hollow. Qoren settled in beside her, wrapping his arms around her. He kissed the back of her head. Alyssa raised her hand, barely an inch from the flames. "If I died this very moment, I would meet the Stranger with a smile on my face. I've never felt this...this...I don't even know what to call it."

"If the Stranger comes for you at this very moment, I will tell him to fuck off. I have not had my fill of you yet, wife." He wrapped his arms around her tighter. Alyssa chuckled softly. She said a silent prayer of thanks to the Old Gods and the New. Most girls were not lucky in their choice of husbands, and even more, are rarely satisfied by said husbands. She recalled her long talks with Mysaria. The Lyseni dancer had prepared her for disappointment. Alyssa knew it was too soon to tell but...perhaps, I will be happy after all.

The next morning...

Alyssa exited the tent and took a deep breath. The sky was clouded over and there was a chill in the air. None of that bothered her. A dark and terrible storm could be devastating the camp and still her happiness would flow out of her. Qoren was still getting ready. I am slow to wake so early in the morning, he told her. And then he made love to her again. Based on some of the stares she was getting as she walked through the camp, she suspected she hadn't been as quiet as she thought. Alyssa had cleaned herself up, tamed her hair, and even stretched to work out the aches. The men bowed in greeting, but snickered and giggled as soon as she had walked past. Alyssa didn't mind. She was happy. Qoren was happy. That's all that mattered.

She found Daemon sitting at the war council table, looking paler than usual. "Enjoy the wine last night?"

Daemon slowly turned to look at her. He straightened up, holding onto the edge of the table. "You stink of sex."

"Then you've come to know my pain." Alyssa discreetly sniffed herself, smelling nothing but a faint lemon scent. She shrugged and reached for the breakfast Daemon wasn't eating. "Did you bring your wax seal?"

"Why?"

"I wish to write my mother." Daemon blinked in surprise. "As I've said, I will tell her I accept her decision of disinheriting me as I have no use for a worthless piece of land. And I'll tell her that I am now happily married and she may send any future correspondence to Sunspear. Signing it off with 'Princess of Dorne'."

"You are definitely my daughter," he grumbled. Daemon rubbed his forehead. "One thing at a time, Alyssa. Runestone is a low priority in the list of issues to address once this fucking war is over."

"Prince Daemon!" They both turned to look toward the voice. Four men in red armor waved their way through the camp. A soldier directed the Red Keep guardsmen to the table where Daemon and Alyssa sat. Daemon pushed himself to his feet as the lead guardsman approached. "I bring word from his grace, Viserys Targaryen, First of His Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm."

Daemon took the scroll, snapping the seal. He leaned against the table as he read. Lord Corlys and his brother and son walked over, all curious about the message. After a long moment of tense silence, Daemon rolled the message back up and gave it to the messenger. He reached for his helmet across the table and slammed it against the guardsman's head. The man fell to the ground in a heap, but Daemon pressed on. Slamming his helmet against the messenger over and over. Alyssa shouted for him to stop. She, Laenor, Vaemond, Joffrey, and Corlys rushed in, grabbing at Daemon. Alyssa grabbed ahold of the helmet, wrestling it from him as the men pushed Daemon away. The messenger, while bleeding, was alive. The prince stormed away, the soldiers parting for him. Alyssa watched him go, confused and angry. Her gaze found Qoren's. He stood with his other lords, unreadable expressions on their faces. Alyssa composed herself and turned her attention back to the messenger.

Shores of Snailstone...

Daemon dragged his little boat further up the sand and tossed the oars inside. The pitiful camp of the Triarchy enemy was a graveyard. The stink of rot and char hung in the air. Daemon paid it no mind. He grabbed a large piece of white fabric and tied it to a broken spear. He stopped on a high point of the beach and waved his white flag a few times. After a minute or so, he stuck the flag into the sand and unsheathed Dark Sister. He hung his head and kneeled, holding up the ancestral valyrian sword of House Targaryen in offering. And he waited. And waited. He was more than willing to wait for eternity. He was going nowhere. He brought no one with him. Caraxes remained back on Dwarfstone, curled up alongside Starfyre. This was it.

The crunch of sand drew his attention. A Triarchy soldier approached and Daemon lowered his head further. The soldier took Dark Sister, admiring the dark blade. Daemon lowered his arms, resting a hand on his knee. He peeked up at the soldier who turned to look back at his comrade. Now was his chance. Daemon drew his dagger, slicing the soldier's inner thigh then stabbing him quickly in the chest. The soldier screamed and dropped Dark Sister. Daemon quickly recovered his weapon and sliced through the other soldiers approaching. They fell to Dark Sister in an instant. The whizzing of arrows prompted Daemon to run. They rained down on him in haste.

Without his armor to slow him down, Daemon zig-zagged through the beach. Slicing at every approaching soldier, screaming at the top of their lungs. And then pain flared in his leg. Daemon looked down at the arrow sticking out from the side of his knee. Two more pierced his chest. He crawled beneath a broken part of a ship, protected from other arrows but now more soldiers appeared, surrounding him. A mix of Myrish, Lyseni, and Tyroshi faces snarled and screamed at him. Daemon gripped Dark Sister tighter, raising it as he made his final stand. Several soldiers broke into a run, holding their own swords and axes high.

"Drakarys!"

Green and orange dragon flame rained down on the soldiers. The ones who were spared backed away, avoiding the fire. They turned around and were met with the allied armies of Driftmark and Dorne. Starfyre and Seasmoke flew back aground, burning more soldiers before turning their attention to the archers on the cliffs. Seasmoke blended in with the fog, disappearing and then reappearing to blast the archers or knock them off to their deaths. Starfyre roared as she swooped around, blasting her green flames into the caves as she flew by.

The soldiers fell to Velaryon swords and Dornish axes. The corsairs attempted to flee into the unburnt caves but were burned before they could. Daemon chased Craghas Drahar into the caves. The allied army began to cheer as the fighting died down. Seasmoke and Starfyre dove down and landed amongst the men, roaring in triumph. Alyssa dismounted, searching the sea of faces, looking from Dornish soldier to Dornish soldier. She removed her helmet and marched through the cheering crowd. Ser Joffrey wrapped his arms around her, lifting her off the ground and spinning. Alyssa let him, continuing her search.

Ser Joffrey released her and Alyssa continued on. She zeroed in on the one she was looking for. Qoren was leaning on his spear, celebrating with his lords and commanders. Alyssa ran to him, shoving the lords aside, and wrapped herself around her husband. Qoren managed to stay upright. He removed his helmet with one hand, the other holding onto his wife. "I cannot breathe, Alyssa."

She eased her hold on him. Qoren caressed her face, tucking a curl behind her ear. He smiled. "Why so sad, my love?"

"Relief," she corrected, smiling.

He kissed her. "Today is not the day I die."

Small Council Chamber, King's Landing, a month later...

"We've received word that Dorne has pulled away from the edges of the Prince's Pass," Ser Otto reported. "Lord Caron continues patrolling the borders of the Stormlands but it appears as though Prince Qoren has given up."

"Perhaps their focus is solely on the Stepstones," Ser Tyland said with a shrug. "It is thanks to Dorne that the Triarchy endures against Lord Corlys and Prince Daemon."

King Viserys rubbed his forehead, feeling a headache forming. His councilmen had moved on to talks of coin and other petty matters. Rhaenyra sat to the left of Ser Otto, quiet but listening intently. The doors opened and Ser Steffon Darklyn entered. "Your grace, Princess Alyssa Targaryen has arrived from the Stepstones."

The men exchanged glances. Rhaenyra felt her stomach drop. She looked to her father who frowned at Ser Steffon. "Princess Alyssa?"

"Yes, your grace. She arrived in the main courtyard just a moment ago," the Kingsguard said. "She humbly requests an audience with you."

The men exchanged glances once again. Rhaenyra almost laughed. "This is an outrage," Ser Otto said. He turned to Viserys. "The princess has overstepped. She was banished alongside her father. She must be received in the throne room if she wishes to meet with you, your grace."

"Perhaps," Rhaenyra spoke up, "this is another plea for aid."

"Regardless, to demand an audience with the king in his Small Councilroom is absurd."

"Alyssa is not the type to demand," Viserys countered. "She may be Daemon's daughter, but she has more sense than he." He nodded to Ser Steffon. "Bring her in."

Ser Steffon bowed and returned to the door. Princess Alyssa stepped inside. She wore her usual riding clothes but now had an orange sash running across her torso, secured into place by a sun. She curtsied, bowing her head deeply. Her gaze shifted from Viserys to Rhaenyra and she gave her cousin a soft smile. Viserys stepped out and walked around the table, his eyes never leaving Alyssa. "You look well."

"Thank you, your grace," she said. "I do apologize for my unexpected arrival, but I was short on time."

"I take it the fighting in the Stepstones isn't going well?"

"On the contrary, the Triarchy has been pushed back to the edges of the Narrow Sea. I suspect it won't be long until they recall what remains of their forces." She glanced at the wide-eyed Councilmen. Alyssa took a couple of steps towards her uncle, Ser Steffon not far behind her. "The Crabfeeder has been defeated. His army smashed to pieces by the combined efforts of the Velaryon soldiers...and Dorne."

"Dorne? I don't understand."

Alyssa took a deep breath. "After much negotiating, Dorne agreed to an alliance and aided us in cleansing the Stepstones of the Triarchy."

Viserys approached her, his face growing dark and predatory. But Alyssa stood steadfast, meeting his challenge. "What alliance? What has your father done?"

"My father has done nothing but fight bravely. He..." she stopped herself. She cleared her throat. "In order to sway Dorne to our side, I married Prince Qoren Martell."

The room grew eerily silent. Viserys stared his niece down, but she stood strong. Rhaenyra gripped the seat of her chair tightly, unsure of her father's reaction. Ser Otto shook his head. "You married an enemy of the crown...without your king's consent. Those are treasonous grounds."

"Leave us," Viserys ordered. "All of you, out."

Alyssa said nothing as the men filed out. She ignored their side-eye glances, mixtures of disapproval and admiration. Ser Otto lingered behind the Grand Maester, hopeful the king would allow him to stay but Viserys said nothing. Rhaenyra was the last one to leave. The girls met each other's gaze, a silent conversation passing between them. Once the princess left the room, Ser Steffon and Ser Harrold shut the door. Viserys pointed to the sun pin on her chest. "A gift from your new husband. A tool to cut me down with?"

"Truthfully, he does not even know I'm here. No one does."

"Ah. Perhaps I should throw you down in the black cells, then." He turned away to pace across the room. "Ser Otto is right, Alyssa. Dorne is our enemy. What was your father thinking?"

"Marrying Prince Qoren was my plan, and mine alone, your grace. My father was wholeheartedly against it."

"And what of Runestone?" he asked.

"I've been disinherited." She noticed the surprise flash on his face. "Oh, did Lady Rhea not report that you? Yes, my mother conspired to remove me from my lawful inheritance. Ser Gunthor will inherit Runestone after my mother passes and all its lands and titles. And I've already written to her, accepting her decision."

Viserys stopped his pacing, grabbing onto a chair for support. "That decision is in defiance of the crown. You are my niece and to spurn you is to spurn House Targaryen."

"You know what will happen if you fight it, Uncle. You do not want Runestone until Dornish control."

Viserys threw his hands up. "Do you truly know what you have done? What you've given Dorne...this betrayal cuts me deep, Alyssa."

Alyssa went to him, grabbing his hand with both of hers. "I did not do this out of spite or hatred, Uncle. My loyalty is to my family. I am a Targaryen through and through. You have no reason to believe me, but I came here to pledge my loyalty to you, to the crown, and to Rhaenyra."

He shook his head. "And yet you have given Dorne our dragons."

"I will tell you the whole truth of it. Yes, by marrying Prince Qoren, I am now duty-bound to protect Dorne and her interests. I will give my husband heirs and raise them to rule Dorne...but I will be more than that, Uncle." She searched his gaze, pleading for her sincerity to reach him. "There is no guarantee my children will be dragonriders, and I do not intend to find out. If Starfyre should produce eggs, they will immediately be sent to Dragonstone."

"And your husband will accept that?" He withdrew his hand. "I imagine the promise of future dragonriders is what sold him on the match?"

Alyssa swallowed. "It is. Think of me as your agent in Dorne. Your voice. I will uphold the crown's interests. Quell any talk of invasion and keep the Dornish exactly where they should be...in Dorne."

Viserys scoffed. "You mean to be a spy?"

"I mean to be a dutiful wife to my husband and a loyal servant to the crown." Alyssa raised her chin. "No spying or conspiring or anything nefarious, Uncle. This is simply the path to bringing Dorne into the fold. Through me, Dorne has a direct line to you and you have a direct line to Dorne as well."

"Promising your husband dragons whilst plotting to keep them from him...a marriage should not be built on lies and treachery," he pointed out.

"Is it truly treacherous to ensure that dragons remain under Targaryen control?" she asked. "Admittedly, I don't know my husband very well yet. Perhaps I am being paranoid now, but there is no telling what the future holds. I intend to raise my children to uphold the alliance I have formed between Dorne and the Seven Kingdoms. And hope that their children will honor it as well."

Viserys clenched and unclenched his fists. "You're playing a dangerous game, Alyssa. The consequences could bring about your ruin and destroy everything."

Alyssa smirked. "Only if I lose."

End of Chapter 4