Chapter 9

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

Outskirts of Sunspear, 126 AC...

Alyssa stood with her children inside the dragon caves. Qyle held onto her skirts, fiddling with the crystals hanging off her belt. Coryanne stood beside him, watching with wide, eager eyes. Aliandra was with the dragonkeepers, listening to their instructions. Alyssa had brought four dragonkeepers from Dragonstone, apprentices that had completed their training and were honored to come to Dorne. The red-orange she-dragon bound to Aliandra was slightly smaller than a sand stallion. Qoren had named her Nymeria, seeing the young dragon as the start of a new age for Dorne. The young dragon was eyeing the lamb, hungry and eager. "Dohaerās, Nymeria."

The dragonkeeper grabbed Aliandra's shoulder and shook his head. "You must be firm, Princess, and confident."

Aliandra nodded, re-composing herself. The young dragon started crawling toward the lamb. "Nymeria!" she called. "Umbās!"

Nymeria hissed but stopped. She stomped her feet, her predatory golden eyes glued to the nervous lamb. Aliandra felt her confidence grow. "Drakarys, Nymeria!"

The dragon crawled closer to the lamb and unleashed a breath of fire. The lamb screamed in surprise before being swallowed in flame. Aliandra smiled and glanced back at her mother. Alyssa smiled back, her heart swelling with pride. "Well done."

The dragonkeeper dismissed Aliandra while they watched over Nymeria as she ate her lunch. Coryanne looked up at her mother. "When do I get to practice with Aenarys?"

Alyssa combed her fingers through her daughter's hair. "Soon, baby girl. Aenarys is only seven years old, the same age as you. He is not ready to begin training."

Coryanne frowned. Aliandra twirled in circles as she approached her mother and siblings. "When will I get to ride Nymeria? She's as big as a horse!"

"Probably in a year or so. Nymeria has grown quickly of late." Alyssa shifted her gaze to the she-dragon. She turned to her eldest daughter and tapped her nose. "Be patient, my dear."

Aliandra rolled her eyes and sighed dramatically. Qyle mimicked her, causing Coryanne to giggle. Alyssa chuckled and ushered her children back toward the mouth of the cave. "Come. We ought to eat some lunch ourselves."

A carriage waited for them along with several Martell knights. Alyssa rubbed her stomach. She had reached the halfway point of her pregnancy and the child within was even more active than Aliandra had been. The city was alive, flourishing with trade and business. The fighting in the Stepstones had not affected Dorne as Alyssa feared it would. They defended their coasts and ventured no further than that. Alyssa was certain she could end the fighting in one trip with Starfyre, but Qoren forbade it. The risk to their unborn child was too great. Which is why the Triarchy is so relentless, she surmised.

The carriage pulled into the main courtyard. Qyle and Aliandra raced across the courtyard to see who could reach the steps first. Coryanne waited for their mother, hugging Alyssa once she exited the carriage. Alyssa hugged her back, picking her up and twirling once. Coryanne laughed. Nanna, Alyssa's handmaid, hurried over. "Princess! You must mind the baby."

Alyssa sighed and set her daughter down. She grabbed Coryanne's hand and crossed the courtyard. "Relax, Nanna. The baby is just fine. I am not so feeble that I cannot dote on my daughter." She noticed someone waiting by the doorway. "Maester Garin, good morrow."

"Good morrow, Princess." Maester Garin bowed and held out a scroll. "A letter has arrived from King's Landing."

The princess rolled her eyes as she took her scroll. She held onto it and went inside. Qyle and Aliandra continued their race and turned the corner at the opposite end. "If this is yet another damned letter from Tyland Lannister, I will fly to King's Landing myself and shove my foot up his-" Nanna covered Coryanne's ears as they walked "-golden ass."

"It is actually from your cousin, Princess," the maester said.

"Rhaenyra?" Alyssa stopped in the middle of the hallway and read the scroll. She raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Has my husband seen this?"

"Not yet, Princess."

"Very well. I will discuss it with him." Alyssa turned to Nanna. "Take the children to lunch."

Nanna curtsied quickly and took Coryanne's hand. Alyssa watched them disappear down the hall after Qyle and Aliandra. She fidgeted with the scroll as if it was scorching hot. She gestured for the maester to follow her up to Qoren's study. The Prince of Dorne was pouring over the various inquiries they had received from the Triarchy, each promising one thing or another. Alyssa approached her husband and ran her fingers through his hair. She massaged his scalp as she did. Qoren sighed, relishing her touch. He swiveled in his chair, putting an arm around her and kissing her belly. "You always know how to relieve my pain."

She smiled. Alyssa sighed and held out the scroll. "Rhaenyra has written."

Qoren took it and began to read. He grunted in displeasure and tossed the scroll onto his desk, slumping back in his chair. "Unbelievable."

Alyssa placed her hand on his shoulder, squeezing lovingly. "It is a good proposal, my love. Prince Jacaerys is Rhaenyra's heir. He will be King of the Seven Kingdoms one day. Our daughter would be his queen. The Queen."

"Aliandra is our eldest child and the heir of Sunspear. She is to be the first ruler of Dorne with a dragon," he reminded.

"All of our children are dragonriders. Coryanne will be a wonderful Princess of Dorne." She grabbed Qoren's hand with both of hers. "Aliandra is Dornish to her core, I know that...but she will be a splendid Queen."

He withdrew his hand. "Your love for your Targaryen family blinds you, Alyssa. This is no different than another invasion. They seek to gain control of Dorne and become Eight Kingdoms."

"Even if it is, you act as if Dorne would suddenly disappear from existence," she scoffed. Alyssa grabbed the scroll. "This proposal came from Rhaenyra, not the King. She is trying to secure allies, Qoren. It's no secret that her status as heir to the Iron Throne is constantly under threat by Queen Alicent."

"And no secret that her son is not her husband's," he added.

"Jacaerys is a Targaryen and a dragonrider. That's all that matters." Alyssa glanced at Maester Garin for support but the old man only remained silent. She leaned against the desk, fidgeting with the scroll's edge. "Queen of the Seven Kingdoms is greater than anything the Triarchy could offer. You both know I'm right."

Qoren slowly blinked at her. "Aliandra and her dragon would have to leave us. To be raised by strangers and far from our protection."

"Then we make it a condition to the proposal that she remain home until she is of age," she suggested. "Rhaenyra said she is moving her household to Dragonstone. We visit on occasion and expect the same. This is not an impulsive decision, Qoren."

Qoren considered her words. He glanced over at Maester Garin. "It is a smart move, my Prince," the old man said. "It strengthens Dorne's power more so than an alliance with the Triarchy would."

The Prince of Dorne sighed. He placed his hand on Alyssa's belly, rubbing softly. "As long as your cousin understands this an alliance, a partnership...we shall accept."

King's Landing...

"Word arrived from Driftmark," Daella said, rocking Joffrey in her arms. "Lady Laenys will make a full recovery."

Rhaenyra checked over the stacks of luggage and furniture being loaded into the cart. "That is fortunate. Not many encounter the Cannibal and live to tell the tale."

Jacaerys and Lucerys were being entertained by their father who told them of his adventures in the Stepstones. Daella felt her eyes burn. She hugged Joffrey closer. "Please don't go."

Rhaenyra approached her sister, combing her fingers through Daella's hair. She settled her hand on Daella's shoulder. "I'm the Princess of Dragonstone. It was inevitable I would move my household there. You know how this works. Ruling Dragonstone prepares me to rule the realm."

"Then take me with you," she pleaded. "I'm part of your household."

"I wish that I could, sweet sister." Rhaenyra cupped Daella's face. "Your place is here with our father. King's Landing is your home."

"Not if you and the boys aren't here."

"Listen to me, I am not abandoning you. Dragonstone is not far, especially on dragonback. You can visit whenever you want, as much as you want." She kissed Daella's forehead and then took Joffrey. "This isn't goodbye, Daella."

She nodded reluctantly. It felt like goodbye. Daella hugged Jace and Luke tight, kissing the tops of their heads. They hugged her back just as tight. There were no tears, but much sadness. Daella watched them climb into the carriage, watch the driver snap his reins...watched the doors close behind the carriages. She took steady breaths, willing herself to remain strong. She wondered if she visited Dragonstone enough, perhaps Rhaenyra would simply let her move there. Daella sighed and stomped back inside. She headed up the stairs, past the floor of the royal children's apartments. Rhaenyra had gifted Daella her old room. One floor below the Queen's chambers. Daella was grateful. Rhaenyra's room was much larger with a wider balcony. Along with a secret door.

Daella entered the short hallway to her new room. Some of her furniture was piled outside the doors, awaiting her instruction on how she'd like them placed. She entered her room and found two unwanted visitors. Ser Criston Cole and Queen Alicent were whispering to each other as they stood near the window. They hadn't noticed Daella enter the room so she cleared her throat, quickly curtsying. "Your grace."

"Daella," Queen Alicent greeted. She nodded to Ser Criston and he left the room, closing the door behind him. "I see Rhaenyra gave you leave to take her old room. I suppose she does not plan to return then."

"Try not to look too delighted."

The queen approached her stepdaughter. "Your sister is the Princess of Dragonstone, and she should have left years ago. The choice was hers alone. Your hostility to me is unfounded and undeserving."

Daella scoffed, shaking her head. She had clasped her hands behind her back in an attempt to control herself. "What is it you want from me, stepmother? It's rare for you to seek me out so I assume it must be dire."

"You have caused strife between my sons," she said. "Aemond tells me Aegon upset you. Aegon tells me you assaulted him unprovoked. I'm inclined to believe the latter since you have a history of bullying your brother."

"He tried to bed me," she snapped. "Aegon lured me into his room with a lie of some surprise and in truth, wanted me to 'make him a man'. He got in my face and I shoved him away. Nothing more. Aemond surely told you as much."

"Aemond saw you leave Aegon's room." Alicent stepped closer. "The two of you were alone."

Daella shrugged. "For a few minutes, I suppose. As I said, he got in my face and I shoved...why are you looking at me like that?"

"You used to be such a sweet, kind girl. I fear your sister has corrupted you with her honorless ways and disregard for decency."

"You think...?" She shook her head, incredulous. "Aegon did not touch me. If he had, he would be telling you his lies with a bruised face because I would've beaten him more senseless than he already is."

Alicent clutched the chains on her chest. "Your penchant for violence is disturbing and quite frankly, I now fear for my son's safety."

"Your son is a vile, lecherous snake," Daella spat. "Though, I shouldn't be surprised. You seem content to surround yourself with liars."

"This isn't about me, Daella. Your behavior of late is unbecoming of a Princess and I am at my wit's end with you." Alicent took a deep breath, refusing to let her composure slip. "I've spoken to your father. As punishment for your actions, you will no longer serve as the king's cupbearer. Aemond will take that honor."

"What?!"

"And you will apologize to Aegon. He is going to be your husband one day, Daella. Humble yourself and make peace with him."

Daella raised her eyebrows. She whirled around and stormed out the door, ignoring Ser Criston as she hurried past him. Queen Alicent called after her, but the princess ignored her. Daella ran up the stairs, her hair flying behind her as if she were on dragonback. She glanced back for a brief moment to see Ser Criston giving chase with the queen not far behind him. Daella was thankful she had dressed in her riding clothes. She ran faster, bypassing servants and lords. The sounds of Ser Criston's armor clanking began to fade, but Daella increased her pace. She came upon her father's chambers. "I need...I need to speak...with my father."

"Are you alright, Princess?" Ser Harrold asked.

Daella wiped the sweat off her forehead. "I'm fine. I just...I need to speak with him. Please."

Ser Harrold knocked on the door. The King summoned him in and the Lord Commander let Daella inside. "Princess Daella, your grace."

Viserys did a double-take of his daughter and set his paintbrush down. He forced himself off his stool and she ran to him, hugging him. "Daella, what is it? What's wrong?"

"Please don't make me," she cried into his chest.

"Make you what? My dear, look at me." He pulled away a bit to look at her. Viserys wiped the tears off her face. "What is wrong? Tell me."

Daella sniffled. "Don't make me marry Aegon. Please."

"What? Who said anything about you marrying Aegon?"

"The queen," she said.

Viserys sighed. He rubbed his eyes, a headache forming. "The queen did bring up a betrothal between you and Aegon, but nothing has been decided yet. She probably meant to approach the topic with you."

"She told me as if it had been decided, Father," she said softly. Daella wiped another tear away. "I cannot marry him. He betrayed my trust, he lured me into his rooms with the intention of bedding me, and-"

"What? When was this?" he demanded.

"Just before the Small Council meeting last week."

Viserys smoothed Daella's hair from her face, studying her from head to toe with helpless worry. "Did he...?"

She shook her head, fresh tears blurring her vision. "No. I did...shove him. But I was angry and hurt. He humiliated me."

"I am so sorry, Daella." He pulled her in for another hug. Ser Harrold knocked on the door. Viserys rubbed his daughter's back and then released her. "Come!"

"Queen Alicent, your grace." Ser Harrold opened the door and the queen swept into the room.

Alicent flicked her gaze between the two of them and slowly approached. Daella stepped aside, head lowered as she fidgeted with her belt buckle. Viserys frowned at his wife. Alicent brushed it off. "I wish to speak with you alone, husband."

"This concerns Daella," he said. "The two of you will make peace. I had my fill of your disagreements with Rhaenyra and I will not suffer for you do so again with Daella."

Alicent scoffed. "I have been nothing but courteous and patient. The princess seems content to throw my goodwill back in my face."

"Your 'goodwill' is insincere."

"Daella," Viserys scolded. He turned back to Alicent. "You told her she is to be married to Aegon?"

"I approached the subject with her," she said.

"Look at her, Alicent." Viserys gestured to Daella. "She fled from you. In tears, no less. And she tells me Aegon tried to bed her? That is a far more concerning issue."

"Aegon told me she attacked him unprovoked," she said bitterly. "She has bullied him before, you know that to be true."

He threw his hand up. "When they were toddlers, Alicent. Children fight all the time." He rubbed his forehead again. "This is as good of a sign as any, my queen. Aegon and Daella are not meant to be."

Daella inwardly sighed in relief. "Summon Aegon," the king continued. "I will speak with him about his behavior. He must understand the consequences of what he attempted to do."

"You punish your son for his curiosities but not your daughter for laying her hands on him?"

"Attempting to defile his sister is more than just 'curiosities', Alicent," Viserys snapped. "I will deal with Aegon, you will apologize to my Daella, and Aemond shall serve as my new cupbearer. There. No one is happy but the matter is settled."

A vein in Alicent's forehead protruded and her face grew red despite her composure. She stared Viserys down and he did the same. Daella thought of what her sister would do in that very moment. "I apologize," she said, surprising the King and Queen. "You were right, my Queen. I was...unnecessarily hostile toward you. I was hurt that you did not believe me, hurt that you would think I would sully myself. You always preach of honor and decency and I should adhere to that. So...I am sorry I ran from you."

Viserys gave his wife a furious, pointed look. Alicent took a deep breath, clearing her throat. "Thank you, Princess. I am sorry as well. It wasn't my intention to upset you."

Daella accepted the apology with a polite nod. She kissed her father on the cheek and left the king's chambers, knowing the two of them had much to discuss. Daella closed the door and felt a tremendous weight wash off of her. She leaned her head against the wood. "Are you alright, Princess?"

She pushed away from the doors. "Yes, Ser Harrold. Thank you."

The Lord Commander nodded. As she turned to leave, she noticed Ser Criston watching her with a stern frown. She mirrored his frown. For as long as she could remember, Ser Criston was rude and disrespectful to anyone but the Queen. Always at her side, guarding her as if Alicent was the Mother herself. She could not picture a world where Ser Criston ever served as Rhaenyra's sworn protector. For his hatred of the heir was far greater than the queen's.

The godswood, the next day...

"Se Blākuata Rāsho drāñot...vilinio vartis."

"Viārtis," Daella corrected.

Aemond frowned at the book. He re-read the sentence to himself. "They landed at the mouth of the Blackwater?"

Daella nodded. He continued reading, dragging his finger along the glyphs. "Guēsi ropakakson Āegot Ērinȳ ūndas...Aegon won against the...trees?"

"Ērinȳ means conquer. When conjugated with Aegon's name you get 'Aegon the Conqueror'...Āegot Ērinȳ," she explained. Daella tapped the glyphs next to his finger. "Aegon the Conqueror ordered that the trees be felled."

Aemond swallowed and wiped his sweaty palm on his pants. The day was cool, but it was warm under the weirwood. He was the only one of his full-siblings that showed any interest in learning High Valyrian. Aegon only knew the commands for his dragon and Helaena preferred her bugs. And Daeron was far away in Oldtown. When he learned that both of his half-sisters mastered the language when they were his age, he became determined to do the same. But Aemond could tell Daella was distracted. She stared off at the distance, deep in thought. Aemond closed the book. "You're angry with me."

"I'm not angry with you."

He fiddled with the corner of the history book. The leather was cracked and peeling with age. "I didn't ask to take your place as the king's cupbearer. My mother said I have to."

"It was bound to happen eventually," she said. "It's a great honor."

He frowned. "How? You're just filling cups all day."

Daella bumped his shoulder with hers. "Yes, but the cups you'd be filling are those of the Small Council. You get to listen to important matters of the realm. Council meetings are where wars, marriages, and alliances are discussed. You should take pride that you were chosen over Aegon."

"Aegon would've just guzzled all the wine himself." Daella laughed. The sound brought a small smile to Aemond's face. He fidgeted with the book some more. "About what I said to my mother..."

Daella bumped his shoulder again. "Don't worry about it. What's done is done."

Aemond opened his mouth to say something but a large shadow passed over them. They both got up and walked out of the shade of the weirwood. Above the castle, a pale blue dragon roared, circling. Daella watched the dragon weave between the towers, a flash of silver and pink on her back. "That's Helaena. She claimed Dreamfyre."

"What?" Aemond shielded his eyes as he focused on the dragon and her rider.

Daella chuckled and then took off running. Aemond followed after her. They ran through the castle, weaving between people going about their business. Daella turned a sharp corner, heading eastward. The end of the hall was bright, leading to the cliffs beneath the Red Keep. Daella whistled. A sharp, piercing sound that made Aemond cover his ears. Daella whistled once more and then leapt out of the castle, straight to the cliff's edge. Aemond ran faster. "Daella!"

She jumped, disappearing from view. Just as Aemond slid to a halt, Silverwing appeared. The she-dragon soared up into the sky, Daella safely on her back. Dreamfyre circled around the castle, calling out to her sister. The two dragons zipped past each other and arced around, entering into an ancient dance of the skies. Daella could see Helaena's joy. Though Dreamfyre was smaller, she was faster. The girls raced the dragons along the Blackwater, dodging the micro islands and ships. Daella pulled on the reins and Silverwing took off higher into the sky. Dreamfyre gave chase. Daella glanced back, seeing Helaena gaining on her. "Drakarys!"

Silverwing let out a bellow of fire and then dove around it. Dreamfyre twirled in the air, tail slashing at the fire. They both circled around, coming together as the girls screamed in delight. Helaena directed Dreamfyre back towards the Red Keep heading for the main courtyard. Daella decided to stay in the air, pulling the reins so that Silverwing shot up into the sky. They rose higher and higher. The air grew cold, but Daella didn't care. Silverwing soared over the clouds, roaring at the sun. Daella closed her eyes and let go of the reins, spreading her arms wide. Desperately wishing for the moment to last forever.

Hidden passages, a week later...

Daella ascended the secret stairs in the Tower of the Hand. It was a tight space for most adults, but she had no problem walking through the walls. She reached the top of the stairs and crossed the narrow hallway to a secret room. To her left was what most people thought was another set of windows. In truth, it was a wall separating the Small Council room from the secret room. There was a skylight above head that aided the illusion. Daella peeked through the window. Everyone had gathered. Viserys grunted as he plopped down in his chair. Aemond came into view and Daella ducked back into the shadows. Aemond grabbed a pitcher of wine and walked back to the table to fill everyone's cups. "Good morrow, my lords," Viserys greeted. "It pains me that we must begin this meeting with such sad news."

The lords and the queen turned to look at the empty chair of the Hand. "Lord Lyonel Strong...and his son, Ser Harwin," the king continued, "tragically passed away when a fire broke out at Harrenhal. I am told the fire took many lives."

"Lord Lyonel was an honorable man and superb Hand," the queen said, her voice shaking slightly. "He will be sorely missed."

"Thank the gods, his other son, Lord Larys, remained here," Lord Tyland added. "House Strong could've been simultaneously wiped out by such a terrible accident."

"Yes, well...I'm sure Lord Larys will honor his father and rule Harrenhal faithfully." The king glanced at Alicent, hesitating for a moment. Finally, he said, "I have discussed Lord Lyonel's successor with my queen."

The lords held their breaths, leaving only the sound of wine filling a cup. "We have decided to summon my father," the queen said. "Ser Otto Hightower."

"I dismissed him years ago, I know, but...I cannot think of anyone else who is more suited to serve as Hand."

Daella frowned at the floor, unsure of what to think about the decision. She couldn't recall what Ser Otto looked like. She was only four when he was dismissed. Daella leaned her head back against the stone. Rhaenyra, you left at the worst possible time.

"We shall welcome back Ser Otto with open arms," Lord Tyland said dutifully. The other lords nodded in agreement.

Aemond returned to the side table and set the pitcher down. Alicent took a sip of her wine before speaking, "until my father arrives to resume his duties as Hand, there are some things that will need to be dealt. Lord Tyland?"

"Mm, yes." He cleared his throat. "Princess Alyssa has sent us word that Dorne has cut ties with the Triarchy. She and Prince Qoren have accepted Princess Rhaenyra's proposal of betrothing her heir, Prince Jacaerys Targaryen, to Princess Aliandra Martell, their eldest daughter. They wish to discuss terms and conditions this alliance entails."

"Well, that is happy news indeed," the king said.

"This is an overstep," Alicent countered. "The princess had no right to make such an arrangement. And with Dorne of all places?"

"She had my leave to do so, my queen," he reminded. "It was a gamble as Dorne has always refused our offers of marriage alliances in the past. I had thought Princess Alyssa was an exception, but now? Another step towards bringing Dorne into the fold."

"Is there no concern over having a Dornish Queen? A Martell?" Lord Jasper asked.

"She is Targaryen on her mother's side," the king said. "Her children will have the blood of the dragon."

The queen slammed her wine cup down. "Then I propose we betroth Prince Aegon to Princess Helaena."

Daella rolled her eyes. Unbelievable. The room grew uncomfortably silent. Viserys sighed. "My queen-"

"Everyone knows Targaryens must keep their bloodline pure. The alliance with Dorne is important, I know, but any children Jacaerys and Aliandra have...they will need cousins to marry. Aegon and Helaena could provide that." From where she hid, Daella could see Alicent squeezing her hands tightly. Aemond quietly refilled his mother's cup. "It's fine, husband. Aegon swore to you that he would do better."

Daella shook her head. She's definitely gone made. Father will never-

"Very well." Viserys slowly nodded his head. "Prince Jacaerys will marry Princess Aliandra...and Prince Aegon...will marry Princess Helaena."

Daella backed away from the window. The lords began to discuss writing letters to Dorne, but Daella could not hear them. She turned away, her hand going to her forehead as her heart sunk. Was this her fault? Did her rejection of Aegon doom Helaena to a lifetime of misery? Daella slid her hand up into her hair, gripping it tight. What have I done?

Sunspear...

Prince Qoren entered the gardens with a somber frown. The sun was shining and the flowers were in full bloom, but they did nothing to lift his spirits. He found Alyssa lounging by the pool. She watched their children admire the fish swimming around in the pool. Coryanne pointed to each fish and gave them silly names, earning giggles from her siblings. Alyssa smiled at her husband as he approached, but it faltered when she saw the dark look on his face. "What's wrong, my love?"

Qoren knelt down beside her, placing a hand on her thigh. "A message arrived from Pentos. From your father."

"Is everything alright?" Alyssa sat up, putting her hand over Qoren's. "Has something happened?"

"I am so sorry, my love." Qoren tucked a curl behind her ear. "Laena is dead."

End of Chapter 9