Chapter 10 [edited as of 11-4-2022]

Disclaimer: I do not own A Song of Ice and Fire, Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, nor any of George RR Martin's works

Rated M for strong language, violence, adult content, adult situations, incest, age-gap relationships, and some sexual content

Enjoy

High Tide, Driftmark, 126 AC...

House Targaryen and House Velaryon gathered around the coffin that held the bones of Lady Laena Velaryon. King Viserys stood at the base of the platform - the Seat of the Sea as the Velaryons called it. He watched as the Velaryon guards prepped the coffin, linking thick rope around it. To the king's left, Lord Corlys stood with his arm around his remaining daughter, Laenys. Princess Rhaenys held onto her granddaughter, Baela, rubbing her back, and Aliandra had her arms around Rhaena, both of them quietly crying. Beside them, Alyssa stood with Daemon and Coryanne, one hand holding her father's arm and the other around her daughter's shoulders. To the king's right, Queen Alicent stood beside him with Aegon, Aemond, and Helaena. Rhaenyra and Daella stood beside a bereft Laenor. Jacaerys leaned on Daella, resting his head on her shoulder. Rhaenyra had her arms around Lucerys, gently combing his curls.

Ser Vaemond was across the platform from his nephew and the princess, dressed in Valyrian funeral garb as he honored his niece. "We join today at the Seat of the Sea to commit the Lady Laena of House Velaryon to the eternal waters, the dominion of the Merling King, where He will guard her for all days to come."

Ser Otto, the new Hand of the King, surveyed the gathered families. He happened to glance down at Aemond, noticing him staring at Daella. "As she sets to sea for her final voyage, the Lady Laena leaves two true-born daughters on the shore," Vaemond continued. "Though their mother will not return from her voyage, they will all remain bound together in blood."

Aegon lowered his head to yawn, earning a scolding elbow to the ribs from Alicent. Ser Vaemond flicked his gaze from Laena's coffin to Princess Rhaenyra. "Salt courses through Velaryon blood. Ours runs thick." Several heads began to turn, eyeing Vaemond with raised eyebrows. "Ours runs true."

Rhaenyra furrowed her brows and tightened her hold on Lucerys. A smirk appeared on Ser Vaemond's face. "And ours must never thin."

Daemon erupted into giggles, shaking his head. Alyssa rolled her eyes but did not scold him. Ser Vaemond cleared his throat as the guards pulled on the rope, dragging the coffin closer to the edge of the Seat. "My gentle niece. May your winds be as strong as your back, your seas be as calm as your spirit, and your nets be as full as your heart."

The guards yanked the rope harder and Laena's coffin dropped into the sea, joining her ancestors in the depths below. "From the sea, we came. To the sea, we shall return."

With the ceremony complete, everyone moved inside to attend the wake on a large balcony above the Seat of the Sea. King Viserys settled under the shade that had been erected for him. Food and wine were set up near the doors, but there was no merriment. No laughter. The wind was strong and the sun warmed the guests. The Targaryen and Velaryon dragons flew around High Tide save for Vhagar and Silverwing, both too large to mingle on the rocks with the other dragons. The silver she-dragon opted to lie on the beach, stretched out beneath the sun. Rhaenyra joined the wake, her eyes immediately finding Daemon. He was leaning on the stone guard rail, conversing with Alyssa. Rhaenyra forced herself to look away and saw Jacaerys all alone and went to him. "Have you seen your father?"

Jacaerys shook his head. Rhaenyra surveyed the guests. She noticed Baela and Rhaena sitting on a bench with their nieces, Aliandra and Coryanne. "Your little cousins have lost their mother. They could use a kind word," she told him. "As well as your betrothed."

"I have an equal claim to sympathy," he grumbled.

"Jace-"

"We should be at Harrenhal mourning Lord Lyonel and Ser Harwin."

Rhaenyra glanced around, making sure no one heard him. She knelt down to his eye level. "It would not be appropriate. The Velaryons and the Martells are our kin and the Strongs are not. Do you understand?"

Jacaerys reluctantly nodded. He hung his head as he weaved through the guests, making his way over to his cousins. All fours girl turned to look at him as he approached, their faces stained with tears. Jacaerys noticed they were all holding hands. Feeling a bit shy, he moved to stand beside the bench. Aliandra held out her hand to him. Jacaerys took it, giving her a small smile. The Dornish princess tugged him closer to join their little huddle of friendship. A servant squeezed by the little prince, walking around the brazier and Princess Helaena to bring the king his wine.

Aegon and Aemond watched as their sister played with a spider, kneeling in front of a pile of discarded seashells. They were too far to hear what she whispered under her breath. The longer Aegon watched her, the more repulsed he grew. "We have nothing in common."

"She's our sister," Aemond said.

"You marry her then."

"It is our duty to keep our Valyrian blood pure." Aemond shifted his gaze to the food table where Daella was. "To strengthen the family."

"She is an idiot."

Aemond rolled his eyes. "She's your future queen."

Another servant walked around Helaena and headed towards a group of lords. Aegon stepped in front of her, surprising her. He set his cup down on her tray and grabbed another goblet of wine. "We actually do have one thing in common," he said and leaned down closer to his brother as the servant walked away. "We both fancy creatures with very long legs."

Aegon turned on his heels, chasing after the servant. "Wench! Another!"

Aemond shook his head. He glanced back at Daella and tentatively made his way over to her. She greeted him with a smile and offered some of the berries in her hand. He grabbed a couple of blueberries. "Kirimvose."

"Aōla drējī jiōrna."

There was a faint dragon cry and Aemond glanced up at the sky. He swore he saw something large moving in the clouds. Dragons have consumed Aemond's thoughts lately, especially after Helaena claimed Dreamfyre. He stepped closer to Daella. "Can you tell me how you claimed Silverwing?"

"I told you...in the Dragon Mount," Daella said, popping a couple of grapes into her mouth. "I called out to all the dragons that dwell there. Silverwing was the only one who answered me."

"But...how?"

Daella studied her half-brother's face, seeing the eagerness in his eyes. She finished chewing the food in her mouth, wiping away the crumbs. "It's not so easy to explain, Aemond. Dragons are not horses. They have their own minds and desires. When you faced Dreamfyre, how did you feel?"

"Afraid," he admitted.

"I felt shame," she said. "I tried to force a bond with her and she rejected me. Dreamfyre, at her core, is a mother."

"Helaena isn't a mother."

"Yes, but...I think Helaena shares many traits with Queen Rhaena, Dreamfyre's previous rider." Daella gazed out across the sea. "Nothing was forced when I bonded with Silverwing. She is a friendly dragon, yes...but she is clever and fierce at heart. To me, it felt as if I was meeting an old friend for the first time."

Aemond's frown deepened. "That doesn't make sense."

Daella suppressed a chuckle. "It will...whether you claim a dragon or have one hatch in your lap, you will feel what every dragonrider has felt. Deep in your bones. A sort of power that is somehow ingrained in our very being."

Aemond was about to ask something else, but Princess Rhaenys appeared, reaching for a cup of wine. Daella gently steered her half-brother aside so that they were out of their cousin's way. She bowed her head to the grieving mother. "My condolences, Princess Rhaenys."

"Thank you," she said with a thin smile. Rhaenys glanced at Aemond who bowed his head as well. Another sad dragon cry carried on the wind. All three Targaryens listened, gazing up at the sky.

"Is that Vhagar?" Daella asked.

Rhaenys nodded wistfully. "The old she-dragon is as bereft as we are. Though she is no stranger to death."

"I imagine it doesn't get any easier...at her age. Having now lost three riders." Daella clasped her hands behind her back. "But I'm sure Caraxes and Meleys are a comfort to her. They are old friends after all."

Rhaenys bristled at the mention of Caraxes. She flicked her glare towards her former goodson. The princess cleared her throat and excused herself. Daella's smile fell as she watched Rhaenys walk over to her granddaughters and their cousins. "Did I say something wrong?"

Aemond only shrugged. Daella shifted her gaze to Helaena. A servant stumbled over her the princess' cloak and nearly dropped their tray. Daella sighed and hurried over. Aemond motioned to follow but found himself unable to. A shadow passed over the castle. Aemond only caught a glimpse of a large tail. He absent-mindedly followed it. He slipped through the crowd, his eyes never leaving the sky. The tail disappeared behind a tall tower and Aemond walked faster, eager to catch up to it. He bumped into someone, almost knocking their drink from their hand. "Oh, excuse me..."

Rhaenyra shook the drops of wine off her hand. She furrowed her brows at the frightened look on his face. "Are you alright, Aemond?"

"No - yes! I'm fine," he said, composing himself. "Apologies, Princess."

He bowed stiffly and turned away. Rhaenyra watched him go, confused by the encounter. She brushed it off and noticed her wine cup was now empty. As she walked back to the food table, her eyes swept over the guests. All a blur of faces until her gaze fixed on one person. She couldn't help herself. He stood out from all the rest, a shining beacon in the darkness. Her heart raced every time she looked at him. Would he recognize me? she wondered. Would I recognize him?

Across the balcony, the Rogue Prince dejectedly sipped his wine, staring out at nothing in particular. Alyssa fiddled with her own cup. "Rhaenyra keeps looking this way."

"We have not seen each other in a decade," he said. "Perhaps I look old and feeble."

Alyssa snorted. "You are a grandfather."

Daemon placed his hand over his heart. "You wound me, daughter."

She chuckled. Alyssa glanced over where the children were gathered. Princess Rhaenys had joined them, comforting her granddaughters. "There's a place for you and the girls in Sunspear," she told him. "They would love it there."

"I'm sure your husband would be delighted to welcome more dragons."

She placed her hand on his arm. "I only wish to have you and my sisters safe with me."

"Pentos is where they were born," he said. "Pentos is where they shall remain."

"That is not what Laena would've wanted and you know it. This is unlike you, Father. Since when do you choose to run and hide?"

Daemon recoiled from her, shaking off her hand. He noticed Rhaenyra staring at him, smirking. It softened his rising anger. Before he could answer his daughter, King Viserys approached, gripping his cane tightly. "Brother. Princess Alyssa."

"Your grace," Alyssa greeted. She studied her uncle from crown to boots. "Are you well, Uncle?"

"Yes," he said with an unconvincing nod. "May I speak with your father?"

Alyssa nodded. As she moved to step away, Daemon grabbed her arm. Alyssa gave him a pointed look before kissing his cheek and slipping her arm free. She headed towards the food table and noticed Rhaenyra watching her with curious eyes. Alyssa raised an eyebrow, you're very obvious.

Rhaenyra frowned, no, I'm not.

Alyssa chuckled. She grabbed a new cup of wine off the tray of a passing servant and walked over to the stone guard rail that faced the road between the castle and the mainland, unaware that she was being watched by the queen. Alicent cradled her wine cup to her chest as she studied her former friend. Ser Criston tapped her shoulder, bringing her attention to the king as he walked past. Viserys stopped to address his wife. "I'm going to bed, Aemma."

Alicent stared at him, utterly speechless. "Shall I see after Queen Alicent, your grace?" Ser Harrold asked.

Viserys paused mid-step. He glanced back at Alicent, blinking through his headache. He sighed and continued on inside. "No, Ser Harrold."

"You have the night's watch, Ser Criston."

Ser Criston bowed his head in acknowledgment. Alicent brushed off her building emotions, retaining her composure. She flicked her gaze back to Princess Alyssa and headed toward her, Ser Criston dutifully following. Alicent set her cup down on the tray of a passing servant, slowing her pace as she approached. She cleared her throat to announce her presence. "Princess Alyssa."

"Queen Alicent." Alyssa gave her a polite smile. "I suppose I should congratulate you."

"Congratulate me?"

She gestured to Ser Otto who was conversing with Ser Vaemond. "Your father has been reinstated as Hand. You must be elated to have him back at court."

"I am. Thank you, Princess." Alicent folded her hands together, keeping herself from digging at her nails. "There is something I wish to speak with you about."

"Oh?" She turned to lean back against the stone rail, resting a hand on her belly.

"I understand that your eldest daughter, Princess Aliandra, is betrothed to Prince Jacaerys," she said. "And so your second daughter, Princess Coryanne, will succeed your husband as the ruler of Dorne."

"Were you worried I had forgotten that fact?" Alyssa teased.

The corner of Alicent's mouth twitched. "I would like to propose an additional offer to our alliance. A match between your daughter and my son."

Alyssa hummed in thought distastefully. She scanned the crowd, looking for Alicent's son. "I'm not so sure your son is a worthy consort for my daughter. He's been drowning in his cups all day."

"I was speaking of my second son, Prince Aemond," she corrected.

"What's wrong with Aegon?"

"He is already betrothed," Alicent said. "To my daughter, Princess Helaena."

Alyssa frowned. "Didn't you use to piss on Targaryen customs?"

Alicent flinched at the princess' bluntness. She brushed it off. Remaining regal and composed. "Targaryens are different. I understand that now. Our children are kin, Princess. Prince Aemond would be a strong consort for your daughter. He shows great promise as a warrior and is nearly fluent in High Valyrian. He studies his family's histories and philosophies. He is mindful of his duties and would serve Dorne faithfully."

The Princess Consort regarded her old friend decorously. "As a mother...I appreciate you bringing me this offer yourself. Face to face, no less. It's more than most lords would've done."

"It is our duty to see our children's future well secured," Alicent agreed.

"I am surprised by the offer, though. You and the lords of the Small Council seem to think I'm hiding hordes of dragons."

"You've told us repeatedly that you are not." A smirk slipped through Alicent's mask. "Then again...you did unabashedly marry a Martell."

Alyssa chuckled. She audibly sighed as she mulled over the advantages and ramifications of the offer. With Rhaenyra, there was no reason to hide her children's dragons. Her cousin could see the bigger picture, what Dorne could provide the Seven Kingdoms and vice versa. She doubted Alicent could do the same. And yet... "Perhaps, on the morrow, we should break our fast together? Give Coryanne and Aemond a chance to...get acquainted."

Alicent's face lit up. "That would be wonderful."

"I cannot make any guarantees, your grace," she said. "But I will bring your offer to my husband and we will discuss it at length. Strengthening the alliance between the Seven Kingdoms and Dorne has always been my goal."

The queen relaxed her shoulders and nodded. "Thank you, Princess. I look forward to your answer."

That night...

"Will you stay here in Driftmark?"

Baela shrugged. She sat on a large bed with her sister and her aunts. Coryanne was asleep, her head resting in Aliandra's lap. Rhaena sat beside her sister, hugging a pillow to her chest. "Our father wants to return to Pentos," Baela said sadly. "But I don't want to go back."

"I heard our mother say she was going to ask your father for you all to come live with us," Aliandra whispered. "Your dragons are invited, too."

That made her aunts smile. Rhaena leaned in, whispering as well. "Do you truly have dragons in Dorne?"

Aliandra glanced around, making sure no one else would hear. "Yes. Me, Coryanne, and Qyle...we all have dragons."

Baela and Rhaena's eyes lit up. "But you mustn't tell anyone," she added. "My mother would kill me if she knew I told you. Only your father knows."

"Are they big enough to ride?" Rhaena asked.

"Not yet. Mother says in a year or two, I can start practicing."

"We could fly our dragons together," Baela said, beaming. "See the Red Mountains and the great desert and, and...and even help stop the fights in the Stepstones like our father and sister."

Their excitement grew. They covered their mouths to quiet their giggles. Aliandra put a hand on Coryanne's ear so as to not disturb her. It delighted her to see her aunts laugh. Rhaena's excitement suddenly died. She lowered her head and started picking at the corner of her pillow. "Except...I don't have a dragon. I fear I never will."

"Your dragon egg will hatch," Baela said, hugging her sister. "I know it."

Rhaena shook her head. "It's been eight years...Mother said more than half never hatch."

Aliandra thought for a moment. She studied Rhaena and then glanced out the window. The near-full moon was bright, illuminating the waters that surrounded the castle. "What if you claimed a dragon?"

"Who would I claim?" Rhaena asked. "All the dragons here have riders."

"Not Vhagar."

Rhaena furrowed her brows, feeling conflicted. "But our mother..."

"...is gone," Aliandra said quietly. "Who better to claim your mother's dragon than you, Rhaena?"

"I-I'm too young," she argued. "Mother was fifteen when she claimed Vhagar."

"I heard Princess Helaena recently claimed Dreamfyre and she's eleven," Baela said. "The King's youngest daughter."

Aliandra grabbed Rhaena's hands with her own. "Vhagar knows you. Claim her just as your mother did."

Rhaena looked over at Baela who gave her an encouraging smile. But she couldn't help the doubt creeping up her chest. "Father would never let us get close."

"Then we go on our own," Baela said. "Father will be angry...but when he sees you on Vhagar?"

"Wait," Rhaena looked back and forth between Baela and Aliandra, "you mean...claim her now?"

"Why not?" Aliandra asked with a shrug, releasing Rhaena's hands. "Our parents will be angry, but what can they do? Take away our dragons? Baela is right. When they see you on Vhagar, everyone will be so happy for you."

Rhaena pursed her lips as she thought. It did not help that Baela and Aliandra were staring at her expectantly. She crumbled and sighed in defeat. "Fine."

Baela and Aliandra exchanged excited glances. The Targaryen sisters hopped off the bed while Aliandra eased Coryanne off her lap. But her younger sister awoke the moment her head touched the blanket. She sat up, eyes barely hoped. "Ali?"

"Go back to sleep," Aliandra ordered. Baela and Rhaena were already at the door.

"Where're you going?" Coryanne rubbed her eyes and then slid off the bed. "Take me with you."

"No, you have to stay." Aliandra tried steering her sister back to bed, but Coryanne resisted.

"Take me with you or I'll tell Mother," she warned, wriggling out of her sister's grip.

Aliandra looked back at her aunts who only shrugged, waiting impatiently. "Fine. You can come," she told Coryanne. "But you have to be quiet. Aunt Rhaena is going to claim Vhagar."

Coryanne audibly gasped in excitement. Aliandra covered her mouth, whispering in her ear to be quiet. Baela eased the door open and poked her head out into the hall. A few torches were still lit but it was empty. She held the door open and ushered everyone out. "Most of the dragons are on the rocks near the cliff," Baela said. "But I think Vhagar is at the bottom of the caves near the sand dunes."

The door at the end of the hall opened and the girls froze. Jacaerys stepped out, lazily blinking. "What's going on?"

"Nothing. Go back to bed," Baela urged.

"You should be in bed," he countered, rubbing his eyes. "Has something happened?"

"We're going to see Vhagar," Coryanne said. Aliandra hissed at her to be quiet, startling her younger sister.

"Vhagar? Why?"

The girls exchanged wide-eyed glances, each telling the other to say something. Rhaena raised her chin, standing firm. "Because I'm going to claim her."

That woke him up. "Wait for me!"

The girls shushed him, causing Jacaerys to flinch. Rhaena waved for him to hurry. Jacaerys ran back into the room. A few moments later, he returned fully dressed with a half-asleep Lucerys in tow. Baela took the lead, running down the halls as quietly as they could. They descended the great stairs, cutting through the Hall of Nine. They snuck past some of the off-duty guardsmen and headed into the caves. The torches were still lit, warming the damp tunnel. Jacaerys made sure to grab one. As soon as they exited the cave, they were blasted with cold sea wind. Coryanne huddled close to Aliandra. "Where is she?" Baela asked.

A few dragons were curled up on a few boulders to their left. Jacaerys lowered the torch, the moonlight providing better visibility. "I think...back there? There's a dune and it looks like...it looks like it's moving."

The kids crossed the sandy plain and stopped at the crest of a grassy hill. Vhagar was curled up like a cat, sleeping soundly nearly two hundred yards away. Rhaena gripped her skirts nervously. She turned to the others. "I...should probably go on my own from here."

"Are you sure?" Baela asked. "What if...? We could get a little closer. If something happens..."

"Vhagar knows me...but she doesn't like being crowded, remember? I have to do this."

Jacaerys offered the torch but Rhaena shook her head. Baela and Aliandra gave her encouraging smiles. Rhaena took a deep breath, summoned her courage, and marched down the hill. She could see the empty saddle on Vhagar's back, the silver metal adornments her mother had added reflected the moon's light. It felt like a calling, like she was being summoned to it. The closer she got to the old she-dragon the less afraid Rhaena was beginning to feel. Clouds blocked the moonlight and Rhaena had to squint from the darkness. When the light returned, she noticed a figure standing near the rope ladder on Vhagar's side. "Hey!"

The figure whirled around. Aemond felt as if his heart was going to burst out of his chest. He breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing Rhaena. "What're you doing here?" she demanded.

He sneered at her. "Go away. This doesn't concern you."

"Vhagar is my mother's dragon."

"Your mother's dead," he said, turning back to the rope ladder.

Rhaena marched over to him. "Vhagar is mine to claim!"

Vhagar groaned, startling the both of them. She raised her head and looked over at them. The two Targaryens froze as Vhagar leaned in close, sniffing. Rhaena bravely touched Vhagar's snout. Her little hand barely covered a scale. Satisfied, Vhagar laid her head back down. Aemond looked over at the rope ladder. He reached for it, determined to see his mission through. Rhaena grabbed his cloak to stop him. "You stay away from her!"

"Let go!" Aemond tried to pull his cloak free, but Rhaena held on tight. She tried to drag him away from the ladder. Aemond unhooked the cloak and Rhaena fell flat on her rear. He loomed over her. "I'm going to claim Vhagar."

Rhaena scrambled to her feet. She shouted in frustration and grabbed onto him, fury driving her. Aemond easily brushed her aside, throwing her to the ground. Vhagar swung her head back around, growling. She opened her mouth, her throat alight with fire building within. Heat washed over the kids. Aemond raised a calming hand. "Dohaerās, Vhagar!"

"Lykirī!" Rhaena shouted, on her knees but also raising a calming hand.

Vhagar hesitated, the firelight fading. Aemond and Rhaena exchanged challenging glares. Vhagar leaned closer to the children. She was too close for either of them to tell which of them she was focusing on. "Dohaerās," Aemond repeated. "Dohaerās, Vhagar."

Rhaena looked back and forth between Aemond and Vhagar. "Daor, Vhagar!" She got up. "Yne dohaerās!"

Vhagar hissed in annoyance. She herded Rhaena away from Aemond, her lips curling in warning. The girl walked backwards, whimpering as her fear returned in full force. Aemond had taken the opportunity to scurry up the ropes. Rhaena watched helplessly as Aemond climbed onto the saddle. Vhagar raised her head higher, unfurling her wings. Rhaena had to run further back to avoid the sand shower. "Sōvēs!" Aemond commanded. "Dohaerās, Vhagar! Sōvēs!"

The old she-dragon groaned as she rose to her feet. Rhaena shielded her face as more sand blew around her. Vhagar took off running, stepping over Rhaena and taking off into the sky. Rhaena could only watch in bitter defeat as Vhagar took the screaming Aemond high into the clouds. She crumbled to her knees, grabbing fistfuls of sand. "No..."

"Rhaena!" Baela and the others came running, kicking up sand and grass. Rhaena tucked her chin to her chest, eyes burning with tears. The kids surrounded her. Baela knelt down beside her sister. "Rhaena, what happened?"

"He took her!" she cried. "She was supposed to be mine!"

"Who?" Aliandra urged. "Who was that?"

Rhaena shrugged, frustrated and bereft. "The King's son. I don't know his name."

Aliandra frowned in confusion. She gazed up at the sky, watching Vhagar soar over the water. Jacaerys looked over at the sleeping dragons on the rocks and then up at Vhagar. And then realization hit him. "It's Aemond."

"He's coming back," Lucerys said, pointing.

Vhagar was circling the castle. Aliandra clenched her fists. The more Rhaena wept, the angrier Aliandra got. She knelt down in front of her aunt and grabbed her hand. "Come on. He won't get away with this."

Guest Chambers, inside the castle...

Alyssa sat by the fireplace, resting her chin in her hand as she absentmindedly rubbed her belly. She stared at the flames as she listened to Lord Corlys. The Sea Snake was pacing behind her as he discussed the skirmishes in the Stepstones. Alyssa had long given up trying to explain Dorne's stance. She was tired but knew the old sailor would need to say his piece before he'd leave her be. She just wanted to bury her dear friend and not think of war. "...won't be long until the fighting descends into war once more," the Sea Snake said. "You cannot be content with solely defending the Dornish coasts."

Alyssa rubbed her temple, feeling a headache forming. "I've spoken to Prince Qoren many times about putting an end to the Triarchy's army once and for all, but he is not interested."

"Then perhaps your husband must be given incentive," Corlys said. He sat down in the empty chair beside Alyssa. "It's how we brought him to our side in the first place."

"What do you suggest?"

"Let us betroth my youngest grandson, Prince Joffrey, to your daughter, Princess Coryanne, the future ruling Princess of Dorne." A small smile appeared on his face. "Bind House Velaryon and Dorne together. Laenor and Rhaenyra would find it favorable, I know it."

Alyssa leaned her head back against the chair. "Well, that puts me in an awkward position. Queen Alicent has offered her son, Prince Aemond, for my daughter. She spoke to me earlier today."

"Her boldness is admirable," he said with a snicker. Corlys' smirk fell upon seeing the look on Alyssa's face. "You're considering it?"

She shrugged. "Why shouldn't I?"

"This is a plot to undermine the alliance," he pointed out. "The Hightowers mean to pull Dorne away from Rhaenyra. Pull you away from her."

"I know. I'm not blind. If the Greens cannot have Dorne by their side, then they'd rather render us neutral should they choose to go to war with Rhaenyra." She turned her gaze back to the flames. "And Alicent is no fool. Prince Aemond is dragonless. He is the only child she can put forth as she would never surrender a dragon."

"And you think Prince Qoren will agree to it?"

"He will certainly entertain it," she admitted. "He dislikes long engagements. Joffrey is barely three months old...Aemond is ten. Your offer is a good one, my Lord, but you deserve my honesty. I seek to protect my family and their people and if that means binding myself to Rhaenyra and Alicent...then so be it."

Corlys regarded her solemnly. "I can respect that." He thought for a moment. "How about a slight change to the offer? One that your father would need to agree to, but...I trust he'd see the advantage it brings."

"My father?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Nothing has been set in stone yet, but...Princess Baela will marry Prince Lucerys so as to keep Velaryon blood on the Driftwood Throne." Alyssa shot him a warning look, but he brushed it off. "I propose we betroth Princess Rhaena to Prince Qyle, your son."

Alyssa scoffed. Her first instinct was to argue against the idea, but the words would not come. "Your marriage to Prince Qoren ten years ago pulled Dorne from the Triarchy," he continued, "and to our side. Together, we eliminated the Crabfeeder and his army. Wedding Rhaena to Qyle is the incentive your husband needs to bring Dorne back into the fight."

Memories of the parley on Pinkstone and her wedding came to her mind. Alyssa could still recall how she felt when she saw Qoren for the first time. She did what needed to be done to end the war. And she had no regrets. But she did despise the logic of Corlys' words. "I must confess...Laena and I...we often spoke of one day uniting our family. A daydream we shared with each other."

Corlys lowered his gaze. The thought of Laena made his chest ache. "You are right," she added. "Betrothing Rhaena to Qyle...it would push Dorne to act. I have long grown tired of the Triarchy slowly creeping through the Stepstones."

A knock on the door startled them both. The door opened and two guards stepped inside. One Martell the other a Velaryon. They both bowed, faces pale and grim. "Apologies for the intrusion, Princess. My Lord," the Martell guard said. "There's been an incident...with the children."

Hall of Nine...

"How could you allow such a thing to happen?" Viserys asked, resting on the Driftwood Throne.

Maester Kelvyn tended to Aemond's eye near the fireplace. Every stitch made Queen Alicent shudder and cry. The young prince fought the pain, squeezing the armrests of the hair with all his might. Talya, the queen's handmaid, stood behind them with a silent Helaena and a sleepy Aegon. Daella could hardly look at her brother's wound. She could hardly believe it was real. Jacaerys and Lucerys were behind her, clinging to her arms. Behind them, Martell guards protected their Dornish princesses and their aunts. All of the children save for Coryanne were covered in blood and bruises. The King was addressing his Kingsguard, questioning why the royal children were unguarded and found outside the castle. They could provide no answers. It was the Velaryon guards on patrol that found the Prince Aemond on the ground, howling in pain and surrounded by his nephews and cousins. "It will heal, will it not?" Alicent asked, wringing her hands. "Maester?"

"The flesh will heal." Maester Kelvyn finished the last stitch, cutting the thread. "But the eye is lost, your grace."

Alicent covered her mouth to silence her wail. Daella despaired as she found herself conflicted, rage for her brother flared inside of her yet it was mixed with the same rage for her nephews. Lucerys had a broken nose but it was nothing compared to the various bruises that covered Jacaerys' face. He wheezed behind her, struggling to breathe right. "He was gonna kill Jace," Lucerys told her.

The Queen whirled around, her fury finding Aegon who was yawning. "Where were you?"

"Me?" She slapped him. "Ow! What was that for?"

She grabbed hold of his shirt, shaking him. "That was nothing compared to the abuse your brother suffered while you were drowning in your cups, you fool."

"Mother!" Coryanne called.

Alyssa hurried down the steps, pushing past the Martell guard that accompanied her. The Princess Consort gently cupped Aliandra's face, stunned speechless at the state of her daughter. Aliandra clenched her little fists, trying desperately not to cry. She had a bloody lip, a black eye, and a bruise forming around her neck...as if she had been choked. She showed her mother a tender spot on her head with scratches on her scalp. Alyssa surveyed her sisters. Baela had a cut on her eyebrow and her knuckles were red. The side of Rhaena's face was all cut up and she held onto her right side, wincing in pain. "Who did this to you?" Alyssa asked as calmly as she could. "Tell me."

"He did," Aliandra snarled, pointing her chin at Aemond. "He stole Vhagar from Rhaena. He hurt her and we tried to stop him."

"Vhagar? I don't understand."

"I was going to claim her," Rhaena said, sniffling. "He took her before I could."

Alyssa glared at the little prince over her shoulder. Maester Kelvyn was cleaning his wound, wiping the excess blood. She furrowed her brows in shock at the sight of the boy's face. Aliandra leaned closer to mother to whisper. "He was going to kill us. He almost beat Jace to death."

Alyssa whipped her gaze back to her daughter. "Luke saved Jace, though," Aliandra added.

"Baela, Rhaena!" Laenys jumped from the steps, her parents not far behind her. The girls began to cry as they wrapped their arms around their aunt, burying their faces in her robe. Rhaenys looked from her granddaughters to the Dornish princesses, her eyes wide with disbelief. "What happened?" She turned to Alyssa. "What happened?"

Before she could answer, the door to the hall opened and Rhaenyra entered, Daemon right behind her. She scanned the room. "Jace? Luke?" She found her sons with Daella and rushed over to them, kneeling down to their level. She cradled Lucerys' chin and then gasped at the sight of Jacaerys' face. She glanced up at Daella. "What happened? Who did this?"

"I-I don't know," Daella said, her voice shaking. "The guards found them all beaten up, Aemond on the ground screaming...he lost an eye but Luke said he was protecting-"

"They attacked me!" Aemond snapped.

"He started it!" Aliandra spat.

"Liar!"

"Bratsio!"

Alyssa had to stop her daughter from running at him. Aliandra clung to her mother's arm as she glared daggers at the wounded prince. "He said we'd die screaming in flames because he was going to feed us to Vhagar!"

"And he broke Luke's nose!" Baela added.

"He came at me first!"

"He was gonna kill Jace!" Lucerys argued.

Heads turned back and forth as the children's shouts filled the hall. Despite her desire to tear into the boy for putting his hands on Aliandra, Alyssa remained rooted in place, holding onto her daughters protectively. Vhagar?! That changed everything.

"Enough!" the king demanded.

Jacaerys leaned closer to his mother and whispered something in her ear. Rhaenyra swallowed her anger and stood up, ushering her sons behind her. Daella looked at her sister questioningly, but Rhaenyra did not meet her gaze. The King made his way from the Driftwood Throne over to his second son. "Aemond. I will have the truth of what happened."

"What else is there to hear?" Alicent asked before her son could answer. "Your son has been maimed by Prince Lucerys. He brought a blade to the ambush. They meant to kill him."

"An ambush? Really, Alicent?" Alyssa derided. "You think these children as would-be assassins? Look at what he did to the five of them!"

"Look at what they did to him!" She gestured to Aemond's face. "My son was cornered and beaten. I will hold no fault to him defending himself."

"He started it!" Aliandra repeated. "He attacked Rhaena!"

"She got in my way!"

"He admits it," Rhaenyra interjected. "He attacked his cousins and my sons. They were forced to defend themselves. Vile insults were levied against them."

The King frowned. "What insults?"

"He called us bastards," Jacaerys said.

Daella flicked her gaze to Aemond who turned away, slumping back in the chair. She rubbed her forehead, feeling as if the very room was spinning. "My sons are in line to inherit the Iron Throne, your grace," Rhaenyra continued. "Prince Aemond must be sharply questioned so we might learn where he heard such slanders."

"Rhaenyra," Daella scolded.

"It is the highest of treasons," she reminded, ignoring Aemond's glare.

"Over an insult? My son has lost an eye," Alicent argued. "It's treasonous to even lay hands on him, a Prince. I ought to have the whole lot of them arrested."

Rhaenys wrapped her arms around her daughter and granddaughters. Alyssa pushed Aliandra and Coryanne behind her. "You come anywhere near my daughters or my sisters, and you will have the fury of Dorne to deal with. What kind of Queen threatens and terrorizes children?"

"A mother whose son has been savaged!" she screamed. "Would you not demand justice if it were your own daughter sitting here with stitches on her face?"

"My daughter did not take his eye!"

"No...but he did." Alicent turned her glare to Lucerys. "I will have justice. Ser Criston!" She turned to her sworn protector. "Bring me the eye of Lucerys Velaryon."

"Mother!" Luke cried.

Alicent glared at the little prince. "He can choose which eye to keep, a privilege he did not grant my son."

"This is madness," Daella said, beyond incredulous. "Hasn't enough blood been spilled this night? Taking Luke's eye will not make Aemond whole. Y-You can't just-!"

"I can and I will! Ser Criston!"

"You will do no such thing!" Rhaenyra snapped. "Aemond must answer for his slander! I will know where he heard his lies!"

"Stop it, both of you!" Daella shouted over them.

The hall erupted into chaos again as the three women yelled at one another. Ser Criston remained in place beside Ser Harrold, watching Rhaenyra and Alicent slowly grow closer. Daella stood between them, trying desperately to diffuse the situation but her loud words only mixed with the venom her sister and her stepmother spewed. Viserys had heard enough. He slammed his cane down. "SILENCE!"

The women obeyed. All three of them glared at one another, chests heaving. "This interminable infighting must cease! All of you!" Viserys demanded, walking towards the center of the room. "There will be no taking of eyes! No questioning or terrorizing! I will have none of it!"

Alicent clenched her fists. "My king-"

"No!" he shouted in her face. Alicent lowered her gaze in angry submission. Viserys looked around the room at the state of his family. "Now make your apologies and show goodwill to one another. Your father, your grandsire, your king demands it!"

No one moved. Daella looked at her sister pleadingly. Make peace, she begged. Please. Rhaenyra narrowed her eyes at her, giving a slight shake of her head. "Bring the children here," Viserys ordered. "Aemond, get up."

Aemond pressed his lips in a tight line and motioned to stand, but his mother stopped him. "No. Your daughter threatens our son with torture over an meaningless insult. Aemond deserves more than an apology. He deserves justice."

"Alicent, enough," he approached her once more, "if you continue to push, I will have no choice but to act accordingly. This matter is finished. Do you understand?"

The Queen said nothing, only staring back at him with angry tears running down her cheeks. "And let it be known," Viserys declared, "anyone whose tongue dares to question the birth of Princess Rhaenyra's sons should have it removed." He glanced at Alicent. "Regardless of station."

Rhaenyra glanced at her sister. With her anger cooling, she began to realize the errors she made. Rhaenyra cleared her throat. "Perhaps we make the apologies in the morning, your grace. The children are exhausted. We all are. Cooler heads will prevail."

The King nodded, his shoulders relaxing. Rhaenyra shot her sister an apologetic smile before turning towards her sons. Daella breathed a sigh of relief. She glanced over at Aemond who was staring at her expectantly. Daella looked back at her sister and nephews and then began to make her way over to her half-brother. Rhaenys and Alyssa steered the girls towards the stairs, reminding them of the late hour. Queen Alicent watched them all silently, ears ringing with pure rage. Without a second thought, she reached around her husband and snatched his knife.

"Alicent!"

The Queen bumped into Daella as she crossed the room. Her vision was red, focused solely on Lucerys with the knife raised high. Martell and Velaryon guards warned her to stay back, but she heard none of it. Rhaenyra whirled around in time to catch Alicent's arm before she swung down. Lucerys screamed in terror as he was dragged away by Corlys. Ser Harrold and the King shouted for Alicent to withdrawal, but their path was blocked by the funeral guests backing away. Ser Criston ran around the crowd, heading to come up behind Rhaenyra. Daemon jumped in, blocking the knight's path. Alicent tried to force the blade to reach her target, but Rhaenyra shoved her back. "You will not touch him!"

Daella rushed over, grabbing onto Rhaenyra and Alicent's wrists. "Enough! Stop it!"

Alicent struggled against them, raising the knife higher. "I've only ever done what was expected of me while you flout all to do as you please!"

"Exhausting, wasn't it?" Rhaenyra seethed. "Hiding beneath the cloak of your own righteousness!"

"Stop it! Give me the knife!" Daella pulled on their wrists. She jumped to try and grab the handle out of Alicent's hand, but she had a death-grip on it. The three of them swayed and pushed and tugged.

"And now they see you as you are!" Rhaenyra snarled.

Daella jerked on their arms with all her might. Alicent screamed as they were forced apart. She stumbled back, nearly running to Viserys who had finally pushed through the crowd. Corlys caught Rhaenyra before she fell, easing her back onto her feet. Daella was bent over. She dropped to her knees and the King's dagger clattered onto the stone floor. Blood oozed between her fingers as she held onto her chest. Daella lowered her shaky hand and looked at the terrible gash running from her right shoulder to her left breast. Rhaenyra turned her gaze to her old friend. "What have you done?"

Alicent stared at her stepdaughter in disbelief. "I...I didn't..."

"You cut her," Rhaenyra fumed. "You tried to kill her!"

"No, she grabbed my arm! I didn't mean to-!"

"Father, this is-!"

"STOP IT!" Daella screamed. She pressed her hand back to her wound as she raised her head, tears in her eyes. She looked from Rhaenyra to Alicent. "Just stop...both of you. Please."

Viserys approached his daughter. "Maester Kelvyn," he summoned. The maester hurried over, kneeling down beside the young princess to inspect her wound. The King looked from his wife to his heir, stunned by their actions. "This proceeding is at an end."

End of Chapter 10

High Valyrian translations:

Aōla drējī jiōrna = You're very welcome.

Bratsio! = You bitch!