Daena
Daena sat up on the bed, one hand clutching her belly. Seconds later, Aerion opened an eye and mumbled, "Daena?"
It was late at night. Daena had hoped that Aerion would stay asleep, but he was amazingly sensitive to her movements. He held her hand, concern slipping into his tired voice, "are you feeling unwell?"
Aww he cares. A warmth grew in her heart— Aerion loved her, that was no lie. She had fewer qualms about lying though. "I'm just hungry, I'll get someone to find me something from the kitchens. You should sleep." He would believe it. It was not the first time she craved food during odd hours since they discovered her pregnancy.
Their second child. This one felt like it demanded more nutrients from her than Rohanne did, and her belly was more swollen than last time. Perhaps they were twins, just like herself and Haegon. Her mother gave birth to three sets of twins, after all.
…Daena did not even know if they would get the chance to have another child after this one. Should Aerion…
"Get the hedge knight to do it," he suggested, not suspecting anything, "that's all he's good for, running errands for us..." he drifted back into a deep slumber. Daena left their bed, tip-toeing carefully so she would not wake him again.
After pulling a robe over her nightgown and putting on a pair of shoes, Daena called for the knight stationed outside their chambers… just as Aerion wanted, Daena thought, slightly amused. But for an entirely different reason.
She did not forget to bring her daggers. Just in case.
"Sorry for calling you up so late, Ser Duncan," Daena smiled apologetically at the knight, "but could you accompany me for a walk?" There was no need to lie to him. It was not like he would tell on her to Aerion.
When Calla picked this man to guard them, she had told Daena all about him. Ser Duncan was a good and brave man whose morals could not be compromised by whatever Aerion would offer him. He might not be a fan of the Blackfyre regime, but his past with Aerion meant that in case a conflict arose, he would always defend Daena against her husband.
Tonight, however, she wanted to bring him with her for another purpose.
Duncan blinked, seemingly confused about her request. "Of course, Your Grace. Where do you want to go?"
"The place we went last time," she said. "You remember, don't you?"
Suddenly the tall knight was no longer sleepy. Clearly, he remembered.
—
The leaves rustled beneath Daena's feet as she walked. Duncan held a lantern for her, but her hands were still occupied with holding up the hem of her dress. She would rather not have Aerion questioning the dirt on her nightgown tomorrow.
This part of the Red Keep was deadly quiet at night… or rather, should be. Daena could hear it clearly, the low growling that sounded like a wounded beast. She knew that Duncan could, as well. But no one else could, not unless they came all the way out to here. And there were only a few people that could wander freely inside the castle at night.
Just so that nobody would find out…
It was simply a coincidence that Daena discovered it last time. She felt the need for a walk to help her digest after eating, and so she left her chambers for some cold, refreshing air… it just happened that she would hear him inside the woods.
She was too shocked to approach him that night, but now she was ready. This could have been going on for months, possibly years. She needed to put it to a stop.
Daena felt a kick in her belly as if complaining about the walk. Almost, my child, she thought, we're nearly there.
Pushing away from the branches, Daena peeked into the ground where the "beast" stood. Panting, a man held his sword and stabbed the ground repeatedly. "I'll kill you again," he growled, "I don't regret it… I don't…"
Crying, screaming… it was the weak denial of a child.
Daena's fingers tightened into a fist. He could have hidden in his room, his study, and no one would know. He came all the way here because he wanted to eliminate the possibility of anyone finding out, any rumours leaking out. Because he was king, and could not show such weakness.
Even if people still remembered his mistakes, Aenys' kingly pride would not allow his image to sink lower. Daena could not blame him for that. They had all read Calla's letter. Westeros was in danger, and as its leader, he must look strong.
But he needed help, and she needed answers.
"Aenys," she whispered. Instantly her brother jerked his head towards her, his motion so sudden and wide that he was forced to support himself on Blackfyre. His eyes widened. Daena could see that they were red.
"Don't come any closer!" he screamed, lifting the Valyrian steel sword with trembling hands, "I'll… I'll kill you! I'll prove that I can… I'll never give it back…"
His words were scattered and smashed. Several thoughts came up in Daena's mind, of what Aenys was afraid of, of what drove him to be this way— but she pushed them aside for the moment as she stepped out and addressed him more clearly. "Relax, brother. It's just me."
But when Aenys saw her, his face twisted even more. He dropped Blackfyre's pommel as if it was burning, his gaze locked at her face. "No!" he cried.
"No?" Daena repeated, frowning, "Aenys, you know that you can't hide this from us forever—"
"No," Aenys said again. His face flushed red, veins popping up on his forehead, "No, I won't give it back! I won't! It's mine!" His cry was hoarse and his body visibly shivered as he shook his head.
Daena's chest tightened with pain. It was worse than she thought. Aenys needed help, and she must do this if she could not simply talk him down. "Ser Duncan! Hold him!"
The good knight did not hesitate, just as Daena wanted. In a few steps, he was close enough to Aenys to hold the king up on both arms, a pair of royal legs swinging fruitlessly in the air. Aenys kicked and screamed, sweat rolling down his face, but Duncan's grip did not relax. Good.
Sighing, Daena approached Aenys. He glared at her with bloodshot eyes, black circles around them. He hasn't gotten a good night's sleep in forever, Daena thought, a sorrow growing in her heart. Slowly, she wiped his face and gently cooed, "Aenys, sweet brother, it's fine. What is yours is yours. Nobody will take it away."
Slowly, painfully, Aenys stopped struggling. Panting, he dropped on the group as Duncan released him. Listening to his breathing, Daena put a hand on his forehead, murmuring comforting words.
They stayed like that for a few minutes. Eventually Daena's words died down, and she stared at him wordlessly. Duncan, looking half-worried and half-confused, had kneeled in front of them, blocking the wind and glancing at them with a frown. He had heard as much as Daena did. He must have had his own idea of what Aenys was going through… but thankfully, he did not say anything, allowing Aenys' panting to be the only sound in the woods.
Finally, Aenys' eyes regained focus on her. "...I know this doesn't look good," he said wryly.
"...You know, I had worse." Daena had gone through nights where she would cry and kick and scream until morning came… "Except that no one could hear me because I couldn't speak." After her mother died, Daena had lost her voice until Haegon's and Aenys' support helped her out of the maze. He would remember that. Daena hoped this reminder would give him another perspective…
Light returned to Aenys' eyes. "I… almost forgot. After you recover, you're no different from before so I..."
"No different, huh?" Daena smirked. She only started bringing a dagger with her all the time after that day. "That's all thanks to you, brother."
"That's…" Aenys grimaced, "That's Haegon. I just followed you two around, like I always did."
"You brought me flowers. That's enough." Daena repeated, her tone stronger and her words heavier, "More than enough."
Aenys lowered his eyes. "...How did you find me?"
"Since I was pregnant again I felt the need to move my legs more. It just happens that you and I wandered to the same place." Even though Aenys was clearly not wandering, Daena still said so. They would get to the important questions in time.
"Move your legs…" Aenys chuckled dryly, "In the middle of the night? Why, your jealous husband will cause a ruckus thinking that you're going to put him aside for someone better."
I could say the same for you, Daena wanted to say. Aenys had not appeared in the same room with his queen for nearly a year now. But getting angry at Aenys would not help, not after what she had seen. "Aerion is sleeping," instead, Daena shrugged, "Given that I'm only walking around at night because I'm carrying his child, he shouldn't be worried."
"I suppose so," a thoughtful pause, then Aenys said, "You must be wondering what this is about."
Yes, and I'm patiently waiting for you to talk about it. "I have a few guesses," Daena sighed, "But first I want to know… how long? This can't be the first time you're out here in the night."
"Since the—" Aenys avoided her gaze. "Since I was king. At first, it's just nightmares… it got worse over time."
So it was not just about her children and Aerion being a visible threat to him. Aenys was troubled long ago… and what happened with his son and Selyse could not have helped. "Does Selyse know?" she asked, "Is this related to the reason you no longer see her?"
"She knows… to a degree," he confirmed, "You remember well that I have hurt her. I don't trust that I can control myself if there's a second time. I would rather leave the castle and stay here while I am… like this, instead of letting anyone get harmed. I…" he sighed, "I can't even blame me hurting her on this. I knew what I was doing, I knew who I was facing. I knew it wasn't her fault. But I still did it."
"She said that," Daena could recall Selyse's words clearly, "She cannot forgive you, but only because there's nothing for her to forgive. She doesn't blame you, brother."
"...Yes, you have told me," a sad smile formed on Aenys' lips, "She is too kind. But even so, I…" he switched to a murmur so low that Daena was certain that not even Duncan could hear, "I could have killed her, that night."
In a flash, Daena remembered Selyse's bruises on her neck. That was not simply a sign of abuse… but attempted murder? "You—" Daena forced herself to stop. There was no point in scolding him further. She had seen the guilt wrecking him more than any harsh words she could give. "Brother… you're only hurting her further by completely isolating yourself from her. The wounds you have affected on her can heal with time, but the ones on her mind will only fester unless you work on them."
"I will talk to her. But not now, not yet. I want to make sure that…" Aenys shook his head, "I was a horrible person. But even so, I want to see this to its end. This… the Iron Throne, the crown… is what I have wished for. So I won't give it away until I die… or until someone takes it from me with force." He looked at her pointedly.
I tried so hard not to force you, yet this is what you say? "You're as bad as Aerion," she said, rolling her eyes, "There's no conspiracy to dethrone you—"
"There is!" he yelled, a sound that surprised Daena and Duncan as they recoiled from him. Aenys glared at Daena, "Other people might be tricked, but I grew up watching you, Daena, and you're not as good at lying as you thought you are. You know that your Targaryen boy-toy is planning something, so stop trying to cover for him. And you, big knight," pointing at Duncan, Aenys hissed, "Calla has arranged a nice wife and lordship for you at the end of your term, so you better spill it out if you know something."
But Duncan did not get the chance to say anything. "Aenys Blackfyre, you dare accuse me of betraying my house? Betraying you, my brother and king? Who do you think I am?"
Aenys opened his mouth to speak, but Daena was not done yet. Standing up, Daena pulled Aenys up by his collar and hissed into his face, "I'm done with playing nice with you just because you're unwell. If you're going to insult me, dearest brother, then we're going to do this my way."
Ignoring her heartbeat— because Aenys was not wrong, she knew what Aerion was planning— she whispered, "Aenys. What makes you so distressed? What made you attempt to kill your wife? It isn't the stress of being king. It isn't about your poor Daemon. It isn't even about Calla's letter. There's something else you're hiding and I'm sick of dancing around the topic. Tell me, and…" taking a deep breath, she said, "allow me to forgive you."
Aenys stared at her, his eyes widened in shock. "You'll forgive me, even though you don't know what I have done?"
So you admitted it. I knew it was something bad that you have done which drove you crazy. And considering the timing, you—
Daena swallowed the urge to scream, to rage, to vomit. She would not make the mistake of accusing him. If that was what Aenys had done, she would hear him say it with his own will. And when he said it… she would need to forgive him. "You're my only brother left. Even if the world doesn't forgive you, I will." I'm not like you, Aenys.
Aenys dropped back to the ground, lowering his head. "Is that it?" he asked, in a trembling voice that sounded like crying. "Is it that easy?"
"Not for the others, mayhaps. But I'm your elder sister." And no one valued family more than her.
"I'll tell you," Aenys murmured, "And Calla and Uncle Aegor. Once they come back, I will tell all of you. I can only… do that once. Before I…" Taking a sharp, painful breath, Aenys asked, "Can you accept that, Daena?"
"...Very well," Daena sighed. Knowing how painful that confession would be, she did not have the heart to make Aenys say it now. "I should go back to sleep. Brother," don't deplore yourself, she wanted to say, but the pain in her chest stopped her, "...you should leave soon, too. And don't forget Blackfyre."
"Daena," but he called for her, "one last thing."
Daena stared at him. He stared back, with the same shade of purple eyes. "I'll fight until the end because I'm the king, but for you…" he said softly, "If one day the Targaryens get their throne back, I want you to save your life first and foremost. Don't fight them. It's theirs, to begin with."
"It won't happen," Daena blurted out. Before she noticed, she was clenching her fist. "I won't let that happen," she announced, louder than she wanted. Aerion won't—
"Normally it won't," Aenys sighed, "But we're facing a world-ending monster unrecorded in Westeros' history, and I…" he spread his arms, a sad smirk on his face, "...am the king. If it wasn't me… if it was Haegon, or even…"
What can I say? Or rather… What do you want me to say? She was still angry. She knew she needed to forgive Aenys, but the anger boiling in her heart would not allow her to comfort Aenys further. She could never be as forgiving as Calla.
"You have me," eventually, she said, "No matter how many enemies are out there, I won't let them succeed. I'll do anything to protect our house."
"House Blackfyre," Aenys' gaze was sharp, "Not my kingship. That's good. That's what I want. Your heart is the strongest of all of us, sister. I know that… you can do it."
—
"Ser Duncan," Daena asked quietly as he walked her back to her chambers, "Do you think that a Targaryen… no, do you think Aerion has a chance to retake the Iron Throne?"
The huge knight scratched his head awkwardly. "Princess, I don't know."
"Take a guess from what you know of him. You know him longer than me."
"...I don't think it's possible." Duncan's words instantly made Daena feel better. "King Aenys might have mishandled the city, but Aerion hasn't presented himself to any better."
Daena laughed, hearing the hesitation in his voice. "You don't have to hold your tongue, I know he's a horrible person. I'm not so blind by love to overlook that."
Why do you love him then? Daena could already see the question forming on Duncan's lips. Quickly, Daena asked, "What of the people who have the incentive to support him? The Targaryen loyalists, the houses we have displaced or neglected? Will they make Aerion king if they have the chance?"
Duncan looked… horrified. "There might be people who want that," he spoke, quietly and determinedly, "but I don't think they're supporting him wholeheartedly. They're only planning to use him, but they don't understand how terrible he is. I don't know what I can do, but I'll stop him from holding any power if I can."
…He pretty much confirmed Aerion's plan out there, didn't he? "I see, thank you for your opinion, Ser Duncan. You're a good man, and a better knight than most."
"Princess, if you don't mind me asking…" as Daena looked back at Duncan, she saw his face all scrunched up in confusion. "Why don't you stop Aerion if you know what he's planning? Why do you let him scheme and plot as he pleases?"
"That's because…" Daena smiled bitterly, "...I wonder why?"
I really am a fool, am I not?
—
Daena could not sleep even after she went back to her bed. Instead she watched Aerion, deep in his sleep, and wondered whether she should plunge a dagger into his heart right then and there.
You won't actually go through with it, will you? She knew... she knew that he wanted to take back the Iron Throne, she had known about it since almost a year ago. But he had no means of achieving his goal then. Soon it would be different.
Calla wrote about the monster in the North, a monster that was larger than a mountain and consumed everything in its path, people, animals… forests and castles. This was the greatest challenge House Blackfyre had faced in their reign, and the perfect timing for discontents to rise up... to put a red dragon back in their place.
Aerion could get support from those who did not believe the threat in the North— people were capable of believing what suited them, even if they would eventually be ruined by it. Daena could even pinpoint, precisely, where Aerion's army would come from: the Tyrells of the Reach had long resented Aenys' choice of queen. Then the Stormlands. Dorne would follow next. Yronwood's rule was unpopular and the Daynes and Martells would rush to crown a King with their blood…
But the problem was Aerion. If he did not want it— if he knew what it actually meant to be a king—
—Don't be silly. This is Aerion we're talking about.
Daena sighed. Aerion would not have seen the eventual assassination, the overthrew he would surely face. All he saw was the glory, the rightness of taking back what should be his.
He was just shortsighted enough to not consider the part where he actually ruled Westeros… but, surely, not shortsighted enough to ignore the immediate consequences. What he would have to do to the members of House Blackfyre.
...Aerion might be just naive enough to believe that he could keep Daena and their children alive. But at what cost?
Daena shook her head woefully. It would not work. Aerion would not spare anyone else, and he was not a strong enough king to protect her and the children. If Aerion became king, they would all die.
—It won't come to this. It won't. You know exactly what I'll think of you if you do this. I have warned you clearly. Unless…
Unless Aerion did not love her the way she thought he did.
Feeling moist beneath her eyelids, Daena gritted her teeth. No tears. I won't cry. I won't. I'm Daena Blackfyre, the black dragon's daughter. I don't cry.
She was winning this war-of-tug of love from the first day they met. She knew all about him, he knew nothing about her. She seduced him, in a plan of self-preservation, wanting to save their bloodline in the worst-case scenario. Everything went well. So how come it was Daena that was lamenting for his love? How could she be such a fool?
—If one day the Targaryens get their throne back, I want you to save your life first and foremost. Don't fight them. It's theirs, to begin with.
Biting her lips, Daena frowned. Aenys was not wrong, but she wanted to scream nevertheless. This is all wrong. It should not end this way. It would not end this way.
She did not want to give up on Aenys, despite everything. But she did not want to give up on Aerion, either.
—Why don't you stop Aerion if you know what he's planning?
…It was true that she could stop him whenever she wanted. She had… preparations. But…
She loved him, and she trusted him. She did not believe… did not want to believe that he would betray her. She wanted to give him a chance to turn back… before it was too late.
Just a few hours ago, he was looking at her worriedly, calling out her name so lovingly…
Everything about Aerion... said that he could lie about everything, but not his feelings towards her.
—You can lie about everything. Only this... must be true.
You're being a fool, Daena's senses screamed. He'll ruin you. He'll become king then throw you to the side, discard your marriage. He'll find another woman to be his queen, and put you on the pyre. Or keep you in the Black Cells, alive only for his entertainment. Which is worse?
He's not that kind of man, Daena protested in her mind weakly.
…But no, he's exactly that kind of man. However, just for Daena… he would not do that to her.
Because he loves me.
And I... trust him. I know that he'll turn back before it's too late.
I'll give him a chance… as foolish as this seems to be.
