Dressed in a simple black gown, hair fashioned in a regal top-knotted braid, she watched as her grandfather's men tied ropes around her aunt's sarcophagus. The few occasions they had come to Driftmark had been loud and joyous as they played in the surf or flew on their father's dragon. Today, the sea was as still and sorrowful as the members of House Velaryon who had gathered.
Jaedys's mind wandered as she looked at the scene before her. The whole court was present for the funeral of Laena Velaryon, as was the full strength of her father's house. She had embraced her heartbroken grandparents when they had arrived. Lord Corlys and Princess Rhaenys had always been very kind to her, her grandsire in particular. Yet seeing the way her grandmother fiercely held her cousins Baela and Rhaena impressed upon her the politeness of their relationship.
She was tired. While the voyage had been short, grief had made their days feel long. Surrounded was she by new faces of dear family she had never before met. Her cousins, her uncle, many others in House Velaryon who observed her and her brothers from afar. Vaemond Velaryon's eulogy was slow and went on, causing her to feel even more tired than she already was as she thought of another funeral being held that day many miles away at Harrenhal. She stood between Jace and her father, holding the latter's hand as she leaned her head on his arm. Her one solace on this long exhausting day was the small smiles Aemond sent her way. They had not yet talked for there had been no opportunity to do so, but as they had passed one another walking down to the cliffside funeral, he had bumped her shoulder softly and given her hand a small squeeze.
She felt her father shake beside her, eyes never leaving his sister's tomb. So absorbed was he in his grief, he did not take note of his uncle Vaemond making narrowed eyes at her, her mother, and her siblings as he spoke in Valyrian, "Salt courses through Velaryon blood. Ours runs thick. Ours runs true. And ours must never thin."
At this she heard what could only be described as a giggle from Prince Daemon. The eyes gathered looked at him, shocked and offended. Was he a madman, she questioned. Her father's grip on her hand tightened as they began to pull her aunt's sarcophagus toward the sea. With a thundering splash, the great stone vessel fell over the cliff and Lady Laena's body was committed to the sea to join her ancestors. Her father let out a whimper and let go of her hand, turning down the shore alone. She turned to watch him, hoping she might someday have her father restored, knowing one had already been lost to her.
With her father gone, Jaedys felt it only right to go to her grandsire Corlys and offer her comfort. As much as she wanted to pass the time with Aemond, go off and make up for the time they had spent apart, she did not feel that it was yet appropriate. She stood holding his hand as many a guest came to pay their respects to him and her grandmother. From where she stood, she continued to observe much as she had during the interring. Some things brought her small comfort: watching Helaena play with a spider she had found; the reliability of Aegon knocking back goblet after goblet of wine; seeing that Ser Criston still carried the bruises that Ser Harwin had left. The one on his eye made her particularly pleased.
She was, however, unsettled by the looks she saw pass between her mother and Prince Daemon. Lord Corlys followed her gaze.
"He's a brave man, your Uncle Daemon, and a fierce warrior. You know we fought together in the Stepstones," he said civilly, "He and your mother were close once."
"I did not know," she replied, "She's hardly ever mentioned him, nor has Grandsire. All I know about him I know from Father or from rumors at court." Feeling eyes on him, Daemon Targaryen looked over at the Seasnake and his granddaughter. She did not look away, though there was something unsettling in his gaze, a predatory intensity as if he were musing over whether he meant to make you supper. After a long moment, he raised his cup to them and looked back toward the coast.
She noticed Jace standing by himself overlooking the balcony to the sea below. Giving her grandfather's hand a squeeze, she let go and made her way to her twin. They had scarcely spoken since the death of Ser Harwin. While she had thrown herself into serving her family as best as she could, particularly given their mother's absence, Jacaerys had withdrawn into himself.
"Hi," she said in a small voice.
"Hi," he replied not looking at her.
"Are you alright?" she asked.
"Of course I'm not alright," he huffed, "We shouldn't be here."
"This is exactly where we should be. Father's sister just died," she whispered.
"He's not—" he cut himself off before finishing his thought.
"He is in many ways that matter," she replied.
He looked at her incredulously. "You spent all that time with Ser Harwin. How can you not care?"
She glared at him, her whisper coming out in a hiss, "Don't you ever accuse me of not caring. I loved Ser Harwin. I will always love him. But there is nothing I can do for him now, as much as it pains me."
Just then their mother glided over to them, looking regal in her black and red gown, her hair styled like her daughter's. "Have you seen your father?"
They both shook their heads.
"Grandsire was also looking for him," Jaedys replied.
Rhaenyra looked toward the Seasnake and scanned the rest of the gathering, eyes landing on Baela and Rhaena. Her eyes stilled on them for a moment; they looked so like Laena.
"Your little cousins have lost their mother. They could use a kind word," she encouraged squeezing both their hands.
"I have an equal claim to sympathy," shot Jace. Jaedys's eyes narrowed at him.
"Jace—" their mother started.
"We should be at Harrenhal, mourning Lord Lyonel and Ser Harwin," he said mournfully. Their mother looked around them frantically making sure they were not overheard.
"I've already told him it wouldn't be appropriate, Mother," she sighed. Rhaenyra gave her a pained smile and nodded.
"But why?" he continued, "If he was Jade's sworn protector why shouldn't we go?"
"It would not be appropriate, as your sister said," Rhaenyra continued in an undertone, "The Velaryons are our kin and the Strongs are not. Look at me."
He reluctantly looked to their mother, his twin knowing full well he wanted to rebel in that moment and take Vermax to Harrenhal.
"Do you understand?" their mother demanded in a whisper. Jace said nothing and stalked off toward their cousins. Jaedys looked at her mother. She seemed to have aged years in the mere month they had been gone from King's Landing. Rhaenyra sighed deeply and Jaedys was surprised she could stand as grief-stricken as she looked.
"He's not stupid, Mother. He won't say anything if that's what you're worried about," she soothed.
She looked at her daughter and stroked her hair, identical to hers in all but the color; Jaedys's brown curls poked out from the braid, not as easily tamed as her mother's straight Valyrian locks.
"I have not thanked you for all you've done these last few weeks," she said sadly.
Jaedys shook her head. "You do not need to thank me, Mother."
Rhaenyra nodded, eyes growing watery. "Yes, I do. In my grief I have acted the child and you the mother. I did not take into account how…how difficult everything has been for you since we moved to Dragonstone and how you are suffering your own grief. I have not been present, my daughter, and for that I am sorry."
Jaedys nodded, her own eyes growing watery. "I miss him," she whispered, swallowing down the sob that threatened to come forth.
Her mother smiled, "As do I," she scanned back across the gathering, eyes settling on a figure across the courtyard, "But I believe I see someone else whom you have missed."
Jaedys followed her mother's gaze and found Aemond standing by the fire, head whipping so fast she was sure he had just been looking in their direction.
"Go," said her mother. "This is also a day for reunions, I think." Jaedys nodded and made her way to Aemond. As she did, she felt a hand on her shoulder and paused. Turning she came face to face with Lord Larys Strong, her–Ser Harwin's brother. From a ways away, she could feel the eyes of the Queen and Ser Criston Cole watching.
"I simply wanted to offer my condolences, Princess, on the passing of your sworn sword. My brother was quite dedicated to you I believe," he said softly.
"I believe it is I who should be offering you condolences, Lord Strong. Ser Harwin was your brother after all," she said in a small voice, completely caught off guard.
"No," he said with a knowing look in his eye, "I believe I am quite correct in offering my condolences."
She felt her cheeks flush and clenched her fist to her side. She would not react, not in front of all of these people, not in front of eyes that would surely not forget.
"I am quite surprised that you are not at Harrenhal yourself laying him and your lord father to rest. But then I'm sure you had your reasons," she glanced over at the Queen who looked away, "My Lord."
With that she continued to where Aemond stood waiting.
"What was that about?" he asked when she reached him, looking passed her to where Larys Strong sipped his wine with a dubious smirk.
"Nothing important. I think he was trying to catch me out," she turned back to him, "If we weren't at a funeral right now, I'd throttle you."
"What? Why?" he asked in alarm, "Is that why you haven't written to me?"
She looked aghast, "I have written to you! It's you who never responded."
"I did. By the gods of Old Valyria, I swear I wrote you and received nothing," he said desperately.
"The ravens made it back empty-handed. Did you post them yourself?" she asked.
"No, I took it to the rookery and left it with the maesters," he replied. She quirked her brow at this.
"Well clearly somebody didn't want us writing one another," she said bitterly.
He mused for a moment, then asked, "How do you it wasn't someone on Dragonstone keeping them? Someone with orders?"
She looked at him incredulously, "My mother wouldn't do that. And anyway…she's been rather busy of late."
He nodded, recalling the horrible news that had come from Harrenhal.
"I'm sorry about Ser Harwin. I wrote you as soon as I heard. I even went to the Godswood and prayed for you," he said softly. Despite here grief she smiled, the first real smile she had given since hearing of her protector's death.
"You prayed in the Godswood? I'm sure your mother would have much to say about that! Isn't she rather dedicated to the Seven?" she laughed.
He shrugged, "I don't think she really cares except for appearances. And anyway, Ser Harwin followed the traditions of the First Men. Since he was your…your sworn protector I thought it appropriate."
She wanted to kiss him. She felt herself vibrating all over with love for her best friend, how thoughtful he had been to her pain despite their separation. Not Jace, nor her mother, no one on Dragonstone had paid her grief any mind, save on occasion her father- awkward though it was. She settled instead for taking his hand in hers.
"Thank you," she whispered. He smiled at her. They walked over to where Jace stood with Baela and Rhaena. It was slightly uncomfortable. Though they were all cousins, none of them had ever met the twins before. Baela, she noticed, was holding Jace's hand. She arched her eyebrows slightly. Her brother recoiled nearly every time she had done so, but he did not seem to mind when Baela held his hand. She smiled slightly to herself.
"Hello, cousins," she said kindly, "I am sorry for the loss of your lady mother. She was always very kind in her letters, and very generous. She sent me this ring for my last nameday." She held up the hand that has not clasped around Aemond's, showing them a turquoise ring in the shape of a flower.
Rhaena smiled sadly, "Turquoise was mother's favorite. She'd be glad you like it, cousin." Baela nodded without speaking; her grief seemed to be beyond words.
Jaedys looked at Aemond next to her and gave his hand a squeeze.
"I am also sorry for your loss, cousins. My father said your mother was a fierce dragon rider; that she claimed Vhagar when she was only fifteen," he said awkwardly.
The girls nodded, beginning to tear up. Jaedys looked to him reproachfully. She didn't think they wanted to be reminded of Vhagar at that precise moment. He shuffled his feet awkwardly wondering what he had said wrong. They were saved from further awkwardness when her grandmother Rhaenys came and enveloped her two granddaughters in a tight hug. She and Aemond took a step back toward the fire, Jaedys shaking her head slightly at his comment. Jace followed, letting Baela's hand fall out of his. Aemond looked to him smiling slightly, an attempt to make some peace. Jace, however looked to Aemond, then at the hand holding his sister's, and glared. Jaedys observed her brother in surprise.
"Jace–" she began, but he stalked off.
She sighed, "Don't mind him. He's been like this since we heard about Ser Harwin."
"He's never liked me," Aemond said softly. She gave his hand a squeeze.
"I don't care, and neither should you," she reassured him. He looked at her pursing his lips slightly.
"Hmm, but I do care. He's your brother," he replied.
"He's an idiot and I like you. Come, let us catch up," she steered him over to an alcove a ways from the gathering and where they shared everything that the other had missed. They shared what they had put in their letters, discussing Aegon and Helaena's betrothal, Ser Otto's appointment, her life on Dragonstone, and other small inconsequential things that didn't matter. Ecstatic were they just to be in each other's company once more.
"I'm telling you, there are so many dragons on Dragonstone left unclaimed. Father says there are probably eggs inside the Dragonmont as well," she said happily looking out over the bay as the sky darkened.
"Why haven't you claimed one yet?" he asked observing her. She was his Jaedys, much unchanged except for the sorrow of the past weeks which had aged her eyes.
"Well…I thought we could go together," she said softly. He smiled at her.
"If we were powerful dragonriders like King Jahaerys and Queen Alysanne. No one could stop us doing what we wanted. If I rode Vermithor, we would never have to be separated," he paused, "We could even marry when we came of age."
She nodded, "Would we have to have children? It seems a terrifying thing."
He clasped her hand, "You would never die like that. That won't happen to you," he tilted her chin up to meet his gaze, "But if all you want to do is kiss and read books alone just us two until we're old then that's fine with me."
She smiled at him, looked around them, and pecked him quickly on the lips.
"I've been waiting several weeks to do that," she said coyly. He smiled at her and prepared to kiss her back when they heard footsteps approaching. Princess Rhaenyra made her way over to them.
"Prince Aemond, I apologize, but it is time that Princess Jaedys get to bed" she said politely.
"But mother–"
"No buts, my dear, you and Aemond will have all day to play along the coast tomorrow. I promise," she replied. Jaedys looked to Aemond regretfully.
"Tomorrow then?" she asked.
"Tomorrow," he smiled as she allowed her mother to steer her away. Just then he heard a mournful screech from beyond the hill above them. It occurred to him that there was at least one unclaimed dragon on Driftmark. Why should he settle for the Bronze Fury when there was a chance he could mount the Queen of Dragons? His mind turned at the machinations forming. With Vhagar bonded to him, no one could keep him from Jaedys. He could feel her slipping away already, felt her absence made hollower by whomever it was that had meddled and taken their letters. Aemond could venture guesses, but the only thing he knew for certain was that powerful people had designs of keeping him from the girl he was now certain he loved. Vhagar would put an end to such schemes.
"Where is father?" she asked as her mother led her back through the throng of mourners.
"He was in a state. Ser Qarl has retrieved him and taken him to his quarters," she said rubbing her daughter's arm. She felt guilt at hearing how her father suffered.
"I should have been with him," she muttered.
"Nonsense," said her mother, "It is not the duty of children to caretake their parents. You were exactly where you should have been."
"Mother? You would tell me if I'd received letters from Aemond, wouldn't you?" she asked meekly.
"Of course, darling. Why do you ask?" she replied, nodding politely to several people who bowed as they passed. Jaedys held her mother's wrist to keep her from walking on and whispered.
"Because somebody stole our letters to one another." Rhaenyra observed her daughter pensively for a moment. Realization seemed to hit her, and she glanced over at her stepmother.
Inhaling deeply, she said, "I will ensure that does not happen again. You have my word."
Jaedys nodded satisfied. They collected her brothers who had rejoined their cousins and set off inside toward their shared bedchamber inside the castle.
Rhaenyra watched her children go. After their retreating figures had disappeared up the stairs, she pivoted seeking out the one person she knew she could trust.
"Father," she said curtsying before kissing his cheek lightly.
"My dear," he said between heavy breaths, "I wish you would return to us. The Keep is your home."
"I find myself making Dragonstone my home of late, Father. It seems to suit us," she said reassuringly.
"You sound like Daemon," he muttered, "He said as much about returning to Pentos when I offered him his place back on the Small Council." Her eyes darted looking for her uncle. She did not see him among the mourners, but would certainly seek him out once she had kept her promise to Jaedys.
"Father, Jaedys came to me with some troubling information," she said in a low, measured voice.
"Jaedys did? Well, what is it?" he asked sitting up straighter.
"You know how fond she and Aemond are of each other. It seems their letters to one another have been intercepted. It has caused them much pain and I would hate to see the distance between them become more than just physical," she said with urgency.
He nodded, their eyes communicating their shared understanding. "Leave it to me, my girl. They will not be troubled again."
Rhaenyra paused a moment, thinking she might try her luck. "On the subject of Jaedys and Aemond. Now that you have betrothed Aegon and Helaena, might we settle my daughter's betrothal? If our duty is to unite the realm, would it not serve us to marry her to Aemond?"
He smiled to himself nodding. "I watched them together just now. They remind me so much of your mother and myself when we were young," at this he felt himself grow misty and cleared his throat, "I shall discuss it further with Alicent. I would not feel honorable coming to an agreement without discussing it further with her."
Rhaenyra nodded, sweeping down to kiss him on the cheek. "Thank you, my King." She curtsied and withdrew, walking down the steps to the beach where she suspected Daemon had gone. Alicent watched her go.
It took the Velaryon children quite some time to get to sleep. Jace had been more talkative than he had been in weeks, saying how much he liked their cousins and wished they would not return to Pentos. Jade had been overwhelmed with the emotion of the day; all had felt heightened- her grief, her hope, her joy. Both older siblings had also stayed up comforting their younger brother. Too overwhelmed was he by all the recent deaths that he had been firm in renouncing his claim to High Tide.
"Grandsire, says that you'll get Driftmark, Jace, and that Jade will have the Iron Throne, but you realize that means that everybody we love will be dead! Just like Ser Harwin and Aunt Laena and I don't want it if it means Grandsire has to die!" he had ranted frantically. They had soothed him, telling him that it would not be for many years, reminding him that their Grandsire was a strong warrior.
"Nobody else is going to die, Luke. Not for a long time. Just go to sleep," Jace had grunted from his bed. Jaedys shook her head at her twin.
"I'd have thought holding Baela's hand all afternoon would have left you in better spirits, brother," she teased. He did not hide the small smile that appeared.
"And what of you holding Aemond's hand?" he sneered back.
"You may jest all you like, but I have no shame in it," she shot back.
"He has no dragon," he retorted.
"Neither do I."
"Aegon doesn't like him."
"Aegon is an idiot and so is anyone who follows him," she said sticking her tongue out.
Jace paused for a moment looking at her with genuine concern. "I don't trust him, and neither should you."
She looked back at her twin, unsure of what to say in that moment that could bring Jace over to her side. He would just have to see in time. Jade sighed, turning back to Lucerys.
"Here," she said handing him a charcoal from the bedside table, "Do some drawing. That'll help you sleep."
"What should I draw?" he asked.
She thought for a moment then gave him a toothy smile. "Draw me."
"Don't do it, Luke, not unless you want to draw something scary," laughed Jace. She jumped on her twin and smacked him.
"Hold your tongue or when I'm Queen, I'll have it removed!" she cackled.
"Alright! Alright, but you must hold still!" said Luke as he grabbed some parchment.
Having successfully pacified their younger brother's anxieties, Jace and Jade settled into their own beds laughing. She watched as Luke sketched onto a square piece of parchment on the bedside table, a small smile on her face at the peace of the moment as she faced him. She drifted off in this position, but woke suddenly some time later after the candle had burnt out and the sound of Lucerys sketching had died away. Someone shook her by the shoulder, a dim light in their hands.
"Jace, Jade, wake up. Please, wake up. Someone stole Vhagar," her cousin Baela whispered.
Jade's eyes shot open, dread filling in the pit of her stomach.