Heavy is the head that wears the crown

by QueenNothingness

Million of stories have been told about Aegon the Conqueror and his sister-wives. But what if he had a third wife? Daenys Targaryen is nothing like her brother and sisters. The third queen is clumsy, has no skills at all and is plain. But if your brother/husband brings you a crown, you wear it. Even against your will. Drabble-series.

31. Chapter 31

You can hold a grudge but you need to know when it is time for forgiveness, and time to move on

Silence keeps reigning over the room. The nobles are silent, mouths falling open at the anger that rolls off in waves of the youngest Targaryen Queen.

Daenys' eyebrow raises, her gaze crossing that of Visenya. 'Well? Where are all your bold claims now? Step forward if you wish to become the fourth wife of my brother.' Visenya says, a grin hidden behind her hand. This is exactly what they needed. Maybe now they'll leave Daenys alone, and accept her for the queen she is.

'No participants?' Rhaenys innocently asks. 'Well? You don't want to, Lady Illyria?' One of Daenys' former ladies-in-waiting blushes and shakes her head, growing pale when Daenys' gaze bores into her.

'Two days ago you were bold enough to claim you were going to take Daenys' place. Where is all that boldness gone now? Mmm?' Rhaenys asks again, but the girl lowers her gaze and swallows.

'I think you have made your point clear, King Aegon, Queen Daenys.' Lord Thomas answers for the whole court, smiling at Daenys. 'I'm sure they did not mean any disrespect.'

Aegon stands, hands crossed in front of him. 'Do all of you recognize Queen Daenys' power as my wife and your queen?' The nobles mutter and eventually they all bow.

'ALL HAIL QUEEN DAENYS!' the nobles all shout, a smile appearing on Daenys' lips. Daenys nods and sighs, than claps in her hands.

'I'd like to start over.' Daenys says, a stunned silence filling the room once more. The court would have thought she'd be the stonecold queen they saw a few moments ago, but Daenys has never been one to hold grudges, and she just wants to move on.

She has reminded them she can be ruthless and cold as ice if need to be, and she figures that is enough. 'I have not really shown that I can be a good queen.' Daenys continues, gaze once again a gentle one.

'If I do my best to try and prove I can be a good queen, will all of you stop the rumors and jesting behind my back and start with a clean slate? I will make mistakes, as any person would when they are new, but I hope you will help me become the queen this land deserves.'

A silence stretches on for a few moments, and than one by one, the nobles accept, shouting their agreement.

'Our sister will hold court in the coming weeks, so she can learn this part of ruling as well. When you are satisfied with her progress, than Visenya and Rhaenys will take over once again.'

Calls of agreement are heard again, and Daenys can do nothing else but throw a relieved smile at her brother and sisters.

It will not be easy, but it is a beginning. In the weeks to follow, Daenys holds court, and though she makes mistakes sometimes, the nobles are willing enough to give her a few more chances.

Daenys has to admit it is nice not to be followed by whispers and mocking laughs, and it makes her feel much better.

Sometimes starting with a clean slate is all you need to have. Daenys hopes this new path will make of her the queen and woman she has always wanted to be.