Chapter 8

Author's Note: Again, thank y'all so much for the reviews. :)

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

Driftmark, 126 AC...

Laenys Velaryon walked along the beach of High Tide. She waved to the fishermen out in the water and to the guards riding past on their patrol. The sun was hidden behind gloomy clouds not dark enough to warrant a storm. Despite winter being over, the mornings were still cold. Laenys hugged herself, feeling the cold penetrate through her clothes. She hiked through the grassy dunes to where the Velaryon dragons made their nests. Vhagar was far away, traveling Essos with Laena. Seasmoke was in the capital. Which left Meleys and Twilight. The Red Queen was nowhere to be seen. Probably hunting, Laenys guessed.

Twilight was curled up around a smoking egg sack. The dark blue dragon was a true father, guarding the eggs Meleys laid. He raised his head, sensing Laenys' approach. Twilight crawled over to his rider, greeting her with a sniff and a nuzzle. Laenys hugged his jaw. "My, my...I missed you, too."

The sky grew darker, but Laenys paid it no mind. "Feeling up to a ride?" Twilight purred as she scratched the underside of his chin. "Visit Pentos, perhaps? I know how much you miss Vhagar."

The darkness faded and something large landed on the nest, right where the egg sack was. Twilight roared, twirling around. Laenys ducked to avoid being hit. A fearsome coal-black dragon opened its jaws, snapping down on the egg sack. Twilight roared while Laenys screamed. "No!"

Twilight lunged at the bigger dragon, blowing fire into its face. He slammed into the attacker. The two dragons rolled away from the egg sack and onto the otherside of the dune. Laenys hurried to the sack. Two eggs were missing and the other was broken. Shattered to pieces. "No. No, no, no."

Dragon flame lit the sky. Laenys raised her head and saw the bigger dragon latch onto Twilight's tail and toss him away. Its menacing green eyes zeroed in on Laenys. It roared with such fury that Laenys felt the entire island quake. She moved to run but the coal-colored dragon was faster. Laenys dove towards the sand, but razor-sharp teeth snapped onto her right arm. She screamed, rolling over onto her back. She tried to raise her right arm but found a bloody stump, everything gone from her elbow down. She screamed again. "Help!" she cried out. "Someone, help!"

The cannibal dragon circled around, bloody drool dripping from its mouth as it hissed and snarled. Laenys gazed upon the dragon in fear. It roared and lunged for her, mouth opening wide with firelight. Laenys closed her eyes, praying to the gods for a quick end. But it never came. A blur of red smashed onto the Cannibal. "Drakarys!"

Meleys blasted her foe with bright red flames. The Red Queen was smaller but fiercer, faster. She breathed fire upon the Cannibal, giving him no room to counterattack. The coal-black dragon roared defiantly before taking off into the sky. Meleys roared, chasing the attacker off with more fire. Laenys cried out in relief. Meleys landed near her nest, whining as she surveyed the destroyed egg sack. Princess Rhaenys jumped off the saddle and ran to her daughter. "Laenys? Laenys!"

"Mother!"

Rhaenys knelt down beside her child, surveying the mess of what remained of her arm. Laenys wept, crying out for her missing arm and the stolen eggs. Rhaenys remained strong. "I'm here, Laenys. I'm here," she said, over and over. "You're safe. You're safe now."

King's Landing...

Rhaenyra leaned her head back to rest on Daella's shoulder. She was covered in sweat and her hair was stuck to her skin. The princess breathed in and out. She had done this twice now. She knew what to do. Inhaling deeply, Rhaenyra gripped her knees and pushed. "That's it," Willow said. "Push, push, push, Princess."

"I am, you cunt!" she cursed through gritted teeth.

Daella's eyes went wide. She remained silent as she supported her sister. Willow appeared unbothered by the profanities. Rhaenyra pushed again. "The head!" Elain pointed out. "You're almost there, Princess."

Rhaenyra took several deep breaths and pushed once again. An unbelievable amount of pressure, almost unbearable, and then it was gone. Blood stained the bed as Willow pulled the newborn out. Daella smiled, eyes gleaming with amazement. "It's a boy, Princess," Elain said. "Praise the mother."

They worked quickly, cleaning the newborn's face and smacking his bum. Angry wails followed. Rhaenyra leaned against Daella in relief. She reached for her son, tears of joy streaming down her face. "Healthy?"

"Kicking like a goat," Willow said, placing the boy into the princess' arms.

Rhaenyra held her son close, kissing the top of his head. Daella could see bits of dark hair on her nephew's head. "He's beautiful, sister."

The princess nodded happily. Her son was perfect. Rhaenyra pressed kisses on his little head, whispering loving words. She vaguely heard the door open, lost in her own joy. Elinda walked in and bowed, a sad look on her face. "Princess...the Queen has requested that the child be brought to her...immediately."

Rhaenyra's smile fell. "Why?"

Elinda lowered her head, unable to give an answer. Daella stood up, taking a towel from Elain to dry her hands. "I'll go speak with the Queen and explain-"

"No, I'll go. I'll take him myself." Rhaenyra slid off the bed, ignoring the wobble of her legs.

The midwives swarmed, hands hovering over her. Daella blocked her path, grabbing her sister's arms. "You need to rest. You...you just gave birth not even a minute ago."

"Her grace wants to see my son then so be it." She placed her son in Daella's arms and gestured to Elinda. "Help me dress."

Elinda, Elain, and Annora worked on cleaning Rhaenyra up to dress her. While Daella held her newborn nephew, Willow cut the umbilical cord. The babe began to cry and Daella gently rocked him, patting his bum. She stood close to her sister so that Rhaenyra could softly soothe her son. Her handmaids put a pale blue dress on the princess. Her hair was combed through and cleaned of blood. She suddenly doubled over, clutching her middle. "Oh, it's coming."

"The afterbirth!" Willow dove down beneath Rhaenyra's dress.

Daella could only watch, helpless, as blood splattered the ground between Rhaenyra's feet. Willow guided the rest of the umbilical cord out and then the afterbirth. Daella had to turn away, covering her mouth and hiding her green face. Elain cleaned the princess' legs. "You should really be abed, Princess."

"Yes, I should!" Rhaenyra paused to catch her breath. "Make haste...before she sends her fucking lap dog."

The midwife and the handmaids said nothing further. Daella went with Willow to wash the boy as efficiently as they could. They wrapped him in a dark red baby blanket embroidered with gold seahorses. Once Rhaenyra deemed herself presentable, Daella handed the babe to his mother. "Rhaenyra, are you sure?"

"As if I have a choice," she said, groaning for a moment. "Help me walk."

Daella went to her sister's right side. Rhaenyra carried her newborn son with one arm and used the other to wrap around Daella's shoulders, using her for support. They headed towards the doors just as they swung open. Laenor, out of breath, smiled as he ran in. "A boy! I've just heard." Rhaenyra only moaned in response as she and Daella shuffled past him. "Where are you two going?"

"She wants to see him."

"What? Now?" Laenor followed them into the hallway. "I'm coming with you, then."

"I should hope so."

He reached for their son. "Let me take him."

She tightened her hold. "No."

"Rhaenyra," Daella scolded.

"She'll get no such satisfaction."

"Let me support you, at the least," he said. Rhaenyra nodded, pausing to readjust her son in her arms. Laenor wrapped his arm around her while Daella held onto her sister's skirts so she wouldn't trip. Laenor smiled at the sleeping newborn. "Was it terribly painful?"

Rhaenyra rolled her eyes. They exited the hallway and she blanched at the sight of the numerous lords and ladies gathered around. Daella gave polite nods as the lords and ladies greeted the royal family. "Sister, maybe we should go back to your room? Alicent can-"

"No, no," she said, shaking her head. Rhaenyra cleared her throat. "The Queen commands me to bring my child to her the moment he is born, and I must obey."

Whispers filled the hall. The princesses and Ser Laenor slowly turned the bend and reached the stairs that led to the Queen's chambers. Daella raised Rhaenyra's skirts a bit higher so that she could take her first step, but Rhaenyra felt a ripple of pain as soon as she stepped up. Laenor kept her from falling. "What is it?" Bells rung, signaling the birth of a royal prince. "What is it?"

"Rhaenyra?" Daella whispered.

"...fuck. Walk," Rhaenyra ordered. "Walk."

The princess righted herself as best she could as she let Laenor and Daella help her up the stairs. "What could she possibly want?" Laenor asked. "I thought we were past this."

"At this point, nothing the Queen does surprises me anymore," Daella muttered.

Lord and Lady Caswell moved aside as the royals shuffled by. Lord Caswell bowed his head, "Princesses, Ser Laenor...it is a privilege to be amongst the first to congratulate you."

"Thank you, Lord Caswell," Rhaenyra said.

"If I may be of any service...!" he called after them.

"The day may yet come, my Lord."

They reached the top of the stairs. Rhaenyra took a deep breath and a stab of pain made her shudder. Daella cradled her sister's arms before she lost strength. The princess breathed through the pain. Laenor shook his head and motioned to turn back. "This is absurd. Daella is right. We're going back to your room. She can came to us, all right?"

Rhaenyra shook her head, yanking Laenor away from the stairs. "No."

"Rhaenyra," Daella begged. "You're pushing yourself too hard."

"I know." She closed her eyes, squeezing Laenor's arm hard until the pain passed. "Help me to her chambers or, don't. But I am going. Even if I have to crawl my way there."

Laenor and Daella exchanged exasperated glances before resuming their support of the heir. The rest of the walk down the hall was silent save for Rhaenyra's occasional groans. There were fewer people on the floor of the Queen's apartments. Servants and lords avoided it as often as they could. The trio reached the door and Ser Criston stepped out of the shadows. He bowed his head to the Targaryen sisters. "Princesses."

He ignored Ser Laenor and opened the door. They went inside the bare, gloomy room. The old murals that decorated the room had long been removed. Only the ornate furniture remained. Queen Alicent stood on a short stool, wearing a new green dress that was being hemmed. She gasped upon the sight of her stepdaughters. "Rhaenyra! You should be resting after your labors."

Rhaenyra forced a smile. "I have no doubt that you would prefer that, your grace."

"You must sit," Alicent said, stepping down. "Talya, fetch a cushion for the Princess."

Talya, Alicent's handmaid, nodded and brought a large pillow to the chair facing the sofa. Rhaenyra suppressed another groan of pain as Laenor and Daella helped her to the chair. Rhaenyra let Daella take her son so that she could get situated. Alicent craned her neck, trying to get a look at the newborn over Daella's shoulder. "Let me see him."

Daella ignored her, bending down to adjust the bottom of Rhaenyra's dress. "Careful, sister. Don't step on your dress."

"What happy news this morning!" called the King. Viserys swept into the room, a big smile on his face. Alicent took a step back as her husband joined them. "Where is he? Where is my grandson?"

Daella stood and presented her nephew. Laenor remained at Rhaenyra's side, a small smile on his face. Viserys squatted down so that Daella could place the infant in his arm. She adjusted the blanket so that he could see his grandson's sleeping face. "Ah, there he is. A fine Prince. You will make a fearsome knight, won't you?"

"Does the babe have a name yet?" Alicent asked.

"We haven't chosen-"

"Joffrey," Laenor announced. "He'll be called Joffrey."

Rhaenyra shot Laenor a pointed look. Alicent hummed, suppressing a smirk. "That's an unusual name for a Velaryon."

"His aunt is quite taken with him," Viserys said, teasingly. Daella smiled, touching Joffrey's soft cheek. "Soon it will be your turn to present your child to us, my dear. I shall never tire of more grandchildren."

Daella laughed. "Motherhood is years away for me, Father. I haven't even flowered yet."

Joffrey cooed, his little mouth opening and closing. Viserys turned to Laenor. "I do believe he has his father's nose."

Laenor chuckled at the compliment. Rhaenyra lowered her gaze, rubbing her sore stomach. Alicent went to her husband's side. She moved the blanket off of Joffrey's head, exposing the bits of dark hair on his head. She smiled up at Viserys and gently took Joffrey from him. Laenor followed after Alicent as she walked towards the door. Rhaenyra grabbed Daella's hand, silently pleading for help. Daella hoisted her sister to her feet. Viserys pulled his daughters in for a hug, surprising them. He squeezed Rhaenyra's hand. "Well done, my girl. And Daella, I'm proud you were at your sister's side. Was the labor easy?"

"She called the midwife a cunt," Daella said.

Viserys blinked in surprise. He looked at Rhaenyra who smiled slyly. The king laughed and kissed Rhaenyra's cheek. He then turned his body to smack Daella with his right arm sleeve, his arm long gone. "Do not forget about the Small Council meeting later today. Cannot have an absent cupbearer."

"Don't worry, Father. I'll be there," she said, grabbing the cuff of his sleeve.

Viserys admired his daughters. Both of them were the very image of their late mother, so much so that at times, Viserys could scarcely look upon them. He kissed Rhaenyra's hand before releasing her. "Off you go, you must rest. Take good care of your sister, Daella."

Daella beamed. "I always do."

Pentos...

Laena exited the tower to walk along the fortress walls. Her husband, Prince Daemon Targaryen, was lounging on a bench with a thick history book in his lap. Laena felt her stomach jolt from within. She rubbed the bottom of her belly. "Easy, little one."

She continued rubbing the spot as she approached her husband. He scooted over a bit so that she could plop down beside him. "Laenor has written. Rhaenyra has delivered another son."

Daemon hummed, closing his book. "Does your brother mention if this one also bears a marked but entirely coincidental resemblance to the Commander of the City Watch?"

"He seems to have left that detail out," she said with a chuckle. Her smile then fell. "Alyssa has written as well. She says the fighting in the Stepstones has gotten worse...she will not be able to visit us."

"She doesn't need to fly out here every time we have a child," Daemon grumbled, taking a sip of his wine. "Besides, Prince Qoren wouldn't allow it since she's with child herself."

"We've always been by each other's side when our times' neared." Laena felt a pang in her heart. "I miss my family, Daemon. My home."

"I miss Westerosi strongwine," he said. "It could be depended on for a few hours of peaceful oblivion. This amber shit that they drink here..." he trailed off as he got up and went to the stone guard rail.

"Do you never long for home?" she asked.

"No."

Laena scoffed. "I don't believe you."

"Believe what you please."

"You laud the virtues of Pentos but you have no interest in it," she argued. Laena pushed herself to her feet. "It is the same everywhere we go. Norvos, Braavos, Volantis...even Dorne. You spend your time in libraries, reading accounts of dead dragonlords and ancient battles, instead of focusing on your daughters, your grandchildren."

"Didn't know I was being so minutely observed," he said, keeping his back to her.

"You do not sleep!"

"How can I with you haunting my every move?"

Laena took a step back, his words cutting deep. She felt another kick in the same spot, and she sighed. "I know life has disappointed you...perhaps, I too, am not the wife you would've wished for."

Daemon slumped his shoulders and turned around. "Laena-"

"It does not pain me. I knew what I signed up for when I married you, despite what others may think." She grabbed his hand with hers, rubbing her thumb over his knuckles. "But you are more than this, Daemon. A Targaryen prince, a renowned warrior, a fearless dragonrider and father to princesses...that is the man I married."

Daemon knelt down before her, his hands rubbing her belly. He leaned his forehead against her. After a long moment, he signed. "After the baby is born," he said. "Then we will leave."

King's Landing, a week later...

"I promise, it's worth the wait."

Daella frowned at Aegon, dubious. He ushered for her to follow him. When Daella finished her practice with Silverwing, she found her half-brother waiting for her in the main courtyard. His hands clasped behind his back and an innocent smile on his face. He claimed to have a surprise for her. One he was positive she would love. Daella almost refused, but Viserys asked that she make peace with all of her siblings. "Not just Helaena," he told her. "The queen wishes it. As do I."

So she begrudgingly obliged. To her surprise, Aegon kept his hands to himself as they walked through the castle. He loved to touch. Loved to invade one's personal space regardless of how uncomfortable it made them. On her 13th nameday, Aegon had given her an unexpected hug and an unwanted grope of her backside. Daella elbowed him in the gut for it. However, it appeared to others that she had violently spurned her half-brother so Daella kept the truth of it to herself. And Aegon didn't try again. "It's going to be great, you'll see."

Daella raised an eyebrow but said nothing. They were in the royal apartments. As far as she knew, there were no renovations or special projects going on. All of the royal children shared the same floor in the inner keep. They came upon the T-intersection. Daella and Helaena's rooms were to the right, and to the left was where all the boys' rooms were. Aegon's was at the end of the hall. He opened the door and motioned her inside. Daella shook her head and turned around. "I've changed my mind."

"No, no, wait!" He ran around and blocked her path. "Please, come inside."

"Why? Why do we need to go into your room?" she asked.

"Because the surprise is in there. Please, just come and see."

She shook her head. "No. Whatever it is, you can bring it out here and show me."

"I can't," he said. "It's sort of...fixed into place. Please, sister, just come inside."

Daella looked over his shoulder, seeing nothing but empty hallways. Aegon stared at her pleadingly. She bit her lip as she internally toiled. "Fine."

Aegon smiled and jogged back to the door. All of her instincts were screaming, but Daella walked inside. The sitting area was actually pretty clean. She fully expected to see trash littered about, clothes and gods know what else scattered everywhere. Aegon crossed the room to a set of doors on the other side. "Through here."

Daella hesitated for a moment but willed herself to move. Aegon threw the doors open to his bedroom. A thick mattress lay underneath large windows, covered in fine blankets with numerous pillows. Aegon pulled the dark curtain over the windows, blocking the light. The lit candles gave the room a moody glow. Daella surveyed the rest of the room. High ceilings with large portraits of people in throes of passion. Some even showed humans and dragons in coitus. It was nothing different from what covered nearly every wall in the castle. Maegor the Cruel was oddly fond of sexual murals. There was a table against the left wall with more candles and various bottles of wine. Aegon gestured to the entirety of the space. "Well? Do you like it?"

"Like...what?" She continued looking around. "This is just your bedroom."

"Yes, and I've set it all up," he said, waving towards the bed and the candles.

"I don't understand. Set up for what?"

Aegon leaned back against the curtain-covered windows. "For us."

Daella continued to frown at him. She studied the room again and then Aegon's odd smirk. Then it dawned on her. "Oh...gods. Oh, gods!" She pressed her hand to her forehead, trying to process everything. "You...have you lost your mind?"

He blinked. "You don't like it?"

"You lied to me!" she snapped.

"I didn't lie. I told you I had a surprise and this is it."

"Your bedroom?" she scoffed, incredulous. "What in the Seven Hells would make you think I would even want to lie with you?"

Aegon sighed. He pushed off the wall and walked towards her. "You're a woman and I'm a man. More than that, we're Targaryens. We must keep our bloodline pure." He shrugged, his eyes grazing over her body. "Everyone knows you and I will be married one day. Why prolong the inevitable?"

"Except I'm not a woman yet! I'm a child!" She rolled her eyes, trying desperately to control her temper. "And you're thirteen, for gods' sake. You're not a man."

He leaned towards her, uncomfortably so. "Then perhaps you should make me one."

Daella shoved him. Aegon fell back onto the bed, bouncing once. "This isn't a game," she told him, fists clenched. "You think it's harmless fun, but there are real consequences to what you suggest, brother. Unlike you, I care about my duty to the realm, to the family, to our future Queen. And I will not bind myself to a lifetime of disappointment and misery."

She turned to leave. Aegon scrambled to his feet. "I know you've flowered!"

Daella stopped dead in her tracks. "You keep telling everyone that you haven't, but I know the truth," he continued. "There's no reason to hide it, sister. As I said, our betrothal is inevitable, so we may as well just..."

She turned around, confusion evident on her face. "I'm not sure what disturbs me more...you spying on me, or you spying on the servants as they do my laundry. Which is it?" He opened his mouth but she cut him off. "You know what, I don't want to know. And best believe I'm telling Father about all of this."

"As if he'll believe you after I tell him about your lies," he snapped.

Daella stormed out. "Fuck you, Aegon!"

"I wish you would!"

She threw the doors open with all her might. They swung out, slamming against the wall as she stomped into the hall. Her vision was red and her whole body shook with the urge to do something violent. It took all her willpower not to smash Aegon's head against the wall. Her eyes burned with tears of shame. She felt so stupid. Give him a chance, she told herself. He's just being nice. She wiped at her face. Should've known better.

Someone grabbed her arm, and Daella's instincts kicked into gear. She yanked her arm free as she spun around, ready to punch Aegon in his face. Only...it wasn't Aegon that flinched away from her. Daella lowered her arm and breathed a sigh of relief. "Aemond. What do you want?"

"I...I saw you leave Aegon's room. I thought..." He glanced back at the open doors then to her. "Are you alright? Did he...hurt you?"

"Not physically." Daella was pacing from wall to wall like a cornered mountain lion. She rubbed her face, wishing she had a pillow she could scream into. "I swear, Aegon is the stupidest, most perverse...cruelest, stupidest...gods' damn it, I can't even think straight I'm so fucking mad!" She turned to Aemond. "And you!"

He took a step back. "Me?"

"Why have I been cursed with brothers like you?" she snapped, poking his chest.

"What did I do?"

She poked him again. "You've been avoiding me ever since I returned from Dragonstone and I don't even know why!"

Aemond backed away from her, rubbing his chest. "I'm sorry. I just...didn't know what to say."

"Say about what?" she urged. "Have I forgotten about some disagreement between us? Did I offend you?"

"No, no. It's not..." he struggled to find his words. Aemond glanced back at the doors once more and then gestured for her to walk with him further down the hall. "I've been avoiding everyone, actually. My mother wouldn't let me go to Dragonstone with you. She said our sister would neglect me, have me thrown overboard, or feed me to one of the wild dragons."

"You know that none of that would've happened," Daella said, rolling her eyes. "Your mother is unreasonably paranoid. Our sister knew how much you wanted to go. You would've loved it."

"I didn't go...and you came back with Silverwing."

Daella stopped and turned to face him. Aemond didn't meet her gaze, only glared at the floor in sadness. Daella placed her hand on his arm, squeezing gently. "No one knows your pain better than me. My egg never hatched. I too had to watch Aegon and our nephews grow alongside their dragons."

"Soon I'll be the only one without a dragon," he said longingly.

"You often make me forget you're only ten," she grumbled. Daella grabbed Aemond by the shoulders, forcing him to face her. "You won't be dragonless forever. Our father claimed Balerion when he was sixteen. I understand your eagerness but focus on your studies. Listen to the dragonkeepers. And in a couple of years...you will have a dragon. Your patience will pay off, I promise."

Aemond nodded, his frown softening. "Can you...can you tell me how you claimed Silverwing?"

"Another time. I have to go. Small Council meeting." Daella pinched his nose. Aemond shoved her off, rubbing his face. As he watched her run off down the hall, his frown disappeared into a smile.

Small Council room...

Daella listened quietly as she poured wine into her sister's cup. Rhaenyra gave her an appreciative smile and Daella moved on to Lyonel as he read over an issue regarding a border issue in the Riverlands. "It is Lord Blackwood's contention," the Hand explained, "therefore, that the Brackens moved the boundary stones in the dead of the night and put their horses to graze in his field."

"Why was this issue not brought before Lord Grover?" Queen Alicent asked. "Has he grown so feeble that he cannot settle a quarrel over rocks?"

Daella filled her father's cup and then moved on to the Queen's. "I've heard tale that Lord Grover's son now rules Riverrun in all by name," Lord Jasper Wylde said.

"Well, he is also a Tully," the Queen reminded, "and this remains a Tully problem."

"I would agree," the King said with a slow nod.

Lord Tyland glanced around the room and then reached for a set of scrolls he had placed on the table. "If we may move on, my lords-"

"And yet," Rhaenyra spoke up, fidgeting with her attendance ball, "the Brackens and the Blackwoods will use any excuse to spill each other's blood. You are right, your grace...it is a Tully problem, but it is concerning that the issue has been brought before us. And now, we must handle it."

"What would you have us do?" Alicent asked. "If we dealt with every little dispute amongst the numerous vassals, there'd be no end to it."

"Yes, but it is our duty to act." She nodded to Lord Lyonel. "There will be countryfolk who know where the lines have been drawn for generations. That should at least settle the boundary issue."

"That is easy enough," he agreed.

Alicent scoffed, shaking her head and muttering, "of course."

Daella pressed her lips together, holding back the urge to smile at the tension building in the room. She filled Lord Jasper's cup and then returned to the table off to the side. Lord Tyland cleared his throat. "We should address the latest developments in the Stepstones, my lords."

King Viserys groaned, rubbing his temple. "Will we ever be shut of that blasted place?"

"If you ask me, I think the Blackwoods have the upper hand," Lord Lyman said.

Alicent sighed. Grand Maester Orwyle gently placed his hand on the Master of Coin's shoulder. "We've moved on to the Stepstones, Lord Beesbury."

"And the Triarchy's negotiations with Dorne!" Lord Tyland said, loud and slow.

"Has there been any word from Princess Alyssa?" Viserys asked. "Surely, she would not allow her husband to entertain an alliance...? After all she went through to pull Dorne away from the Triarchy?"

"What do you expect?" Alicent set her empty cup down, and Daella hurried over to refill it. "She lied about giving Dorne dragons. I wouldn't be surprised if she inquired the Triarchy herself."

"Those are just rumors, your grace," Rhaenyra reminded. "We have no proof she is hiding any dragons. Or that she means to betray our alliance. It was Princess Alyssa herself that turned the tide of the war in our favor."

"And where is her father, Prince Daemon, I wonder?" Lord Jasper mused. "Or I suppose I should call him 'King' as he styled himself when he won a battle there...once."

Alicent rolled her eyes. "That was a decade ago and he has since abandoned his so-called kingdom."

"We've abandoned it," Rhaenyra corrected. "Prince Daemon and the Velaryons represented us in that fight and it fell upon us to defend what they won for the Seven Kingdoms. We all know Dorne is only interested in defending its shores...therefore, we should've had fortifications built, ships to escort merchants, a garrison of soldiers to hold our ground."

"We cannot afford it," Alicent argued. "Our coffers are great, but not infinite. We must consider the cost to our subjects."

"I must agree," Lord Lyman said.

"And if the fighting descends into war?" Rhaenyra stressed.

The Queen took a deep breath to calm herself. She stood up, looking at her husband. "Let us be finished."

He nodded. The sound of chairs scraping the floor filled the room. Rhaenyra sat upright. "Wait!" she called. "I wish to speak."

Viserys hadn't yet stepped out from the table. He plopped back down in his chair and gestured for the other lords to do the same. Once they were all seated again, Rhaenyra stood. "I have felt the...strife...within our family of late, my Queen. And for any offense given by mine, I apologize."

Alicent said nothing, only stared with a hard frown. "But we are one house," Rhaenyra continued. "And long before that, we were friends. Prince Jacaerys will inherit the Iron Throne after me...I propose we betroth him to Princess Helaena. Bind ourselves and strengthen House Targaryen further. Let them rule together."

Viserys smiled and tapped his fist atop the table. "A most judicious proposition."

Alicent began to shake her head. "Additionally, if Syrax brings forth another clutch of eggs, Prince Aemond will have his choice of them," Rhaenyra offered. "A...symbol of our goodwill."

Though she knew no one was considering her opinion, Daella nodded. She could imagine Aemond's delight in choosing an egg for himself. Alicent lowered her gaze to the princess' chest. "Rhaenyra."

Rhaenyra glanced down at her chest, milk had seeped through her dress and stained the fabric. "Oh, Seven Hells."

Daella grabbed one of her towels and hurried over to her sister, Rhaenyra took it silently. The lords looked away as to not embarrass the princess further. Viserys ignored the spiraling tension. "My dear...a dragon's egg is a handsome gift."

"The King and I thank you for your offer and we will consider it duly." Alicent nodded to Viserys. "You must rest now, husband."

Viserys frowned at Alicent, unsure of why she seemed so stern. He decided not to press it and got up. Rhaenyra remained in her seat as the other lords exited the room, holding the towel to her chest tightly. Daella made her way around the table. She pulled the Hand's chair out and sat down. "That went well."

Rhaenyra snorted, sniffling. "I truly do not know why she hates me so."

"She's a hateful person."

"She wasn't always," she said dolefully. Rhaenyra heaved a deep sigh. She nudged Daella's foot with her own. "Perhaps I should betroth you to Jace. You were my heir before he was born."

Daella chuckled and shook her head. "I love my nephew, but I'd rather become a warrior and fight in great battles like our cousin, Princess Alyssa."

Rhaenyra smiled sadly, recalling a moment many years ago when she said something similar to their mother. There were times she missed those days. Before Alyssa fought in the Stepstones, before Alicent married the king...those were happier times. Her mind drifted to her visits to Dorne. Of Alyssa and her children. Her children. Rhaenyra almost laughed. "Alyssa would have my head for thinking of her as a second choice."

End of Chapter 8