DISCLAIMER: Chapter one. Okay just to give ya'll a for instance about the dragons sizes. Their sizes range about the size of an a330-300 planes, they grew faster because they gorged more than Dany's dragons.
Chapter rating: T
NicoleR85: I hope you enjoy the next update!
10868letsgo: Glad you enjoy!
gondraxider Jon actually will be important soon. I plan to bring him in in the next few chapters. Hopefully, I can tie him in correctly! Please continue to enjoy the story!
LifeIsASacrificeWorthMaking: Thank you! I hope you enjoy the rest!
Guest: Here you go. Sorry for taking so long with the next chapter.
Chapter Twenty-Three: Summit for Two Stags & a Dragon
Rhaenyra grunted as she tried to guide Rhaella where wanted to go. The dragon was stronger and a bit more stubborn than her. But Rhaenyra was able to produce her whip and caught Rhaella's hide to get her to listen. The dragon growled but obeyed her mother's order to fly around Dragonstone. Stannis ordered his men to always keep their eyes out for the queen if she suddenly drops from her dragon's back. But Rhaenyra seemed to be able to cling perfectly to her back when the dragon did sideways dips. Rhaella felt comfortable flying around with her mother and the occasional snap from her whip was not painful but a stronger nudge for the queen to her mount. Rhaenyra now understood the positives of reins or a saddle as she had to hang on to the spiked scales as Rhaella moved, the air current pushed against her harshly. Alysanne and Rhaenys seemed eager to fly around their mother.
When Rhaenyra pushed on Rhaella's left shoulder the dragon dove sideways left, calling out as she flew around the fishermen who cheered as they saw the queen on her back. Many encouraged her to fly further but Rhaenyra did not want to risk it until Rhaella did it herself. Stannis even agreed that the dragons were smart enough to know when they were strong enough to carry their rider over the ocean. A whistle from Valaena made Rhaella shriek before flapping her wings as she landed heavily, trilling and cooing to her mother who carefully dismounted from hopping down from the back of her ankle.
"An hour, you have been gone. I was surprised the beast did not tire," Raynor playfully teased as Rhaenyra smirked.
"An hour? It did not feel like it," Rhaenyra commented softly, accepting the cup of wine from Roslyn. A wrinkle on her nose before clearing her throat. "Ale. Why could we not bring ale? I prefer that, sadly," Rhaenyra commented as her ladies and guards laughed.
"You were raised in the North, Your Grace. It's preferable to your tongue," Roslyn smiled with a small shrug. "I dislike fruity wines, but my father always ordered them. So many of us appealed to the merchants to have a small barrel of ale from northern lands," Roslyn smiled as Lynara praised the girl.
"But we are the guests, so we shall adapt until returning to our army," Rhaenyra ordered as everyone agreed. Ser Barristan, Valaena, and the Dornish were amused by the Northerners and Riverland girl dislike of wine they were used to.
"We'll have to see if we can get a barrel to go," Tyene teased as Rhaenyra shivered with a slight nauseous feeling.
"I will happily drink water or ale from an alehouse," Rhaenyra commented with some of her maids agreeing.
"Your Grace! You have a letter from your husband," one of her guards said while offering the direwolf sealed paper as Rhaenyra took it while reading it. Smiling after reading it, Rhaenyra folded it back as she summoned her group to follow her. The group made their way into the castle as the dragons flew around, eager to hunt no doubt.
"Queen Rhaenyra, how was your morning flight?" Stannis asked as the young queen entered. A guard already pulled out a seat for her beside Selyse before another was pulled out, and to everyone's surprise, Melisandre guided Shireen in. "Shireen, sit here, please," he requested for his child as she nodded. Sitting ladylike in between her father and mother.
"My flight was well. Rhaella is responding well to the teaching methods I've adapted with the whip my sister gifted me," Rhaenyra announced as she denied wine and took water. It soothed her stomach lately.
"Is she able to fly for long periods of time?" The Red Priestess asked.
"Aye, she flew me over an hour and did not become tired," Rhaenyra said as a lord hummed.
"Soon she shall be big enough to join for war, your ancestor won his conquest with three," a lord said as Rhaenyra bit her cheek.
"Well, my girls are still too small, but they will be trained soon enough," Rhaenyra claimed as Stannis changed the topic quickly.
"Your husband sent a reply?" he asked as Shireen looked interested.
"He did, and he and his men all agreed. If Shireen wishes she may join up with Robb and I for a few weeks before she is sent to Winterfell, or she may join Winterfell right away. Lord Manderly offered his best ship to sail her back and knows where to dock as close to Winterfell as possible to get her there safely," Rhaenyra claimed.
"I would prefer her to be in Winterfell so she could learn quickly," Stannis claimed, he did not wish for his daughter to be in danger as Rhaenyra nodded.
"Very well. I could send word to Lady Manderly and have her put a safe voyage together for the Princess," Rhaenyra said as the Baratheon man nodded. Shireen knew what they were discussing and was prepared to do her duty as a young woman. She was reaching her tenth year soon and if she had a good betrothal then she would be safe until she marries and starts having children. "And you have reviewed all the trade routes and resources our kingdom has to offer?" Rhaenyra questioned as Stannis agreed, giving her his parchment of their trade rights and the items needed.
"We will be leaving soon to meet with Renly," Stannis determined as Rhaenyra agreed, pausing when her guard came inside with another letter. His presence alone silenced the entire table it seemed.
"What is this?" Rhaenyra questioned suddenly as her guard bowed before leaving. Ser Barristan tensed and bolted after the man as some of the Dornish joined. Melisandre immediately stood, offering her hand to the young queen.
"Allow me, Your Grace. So that way no poison may get to you," the Red Preistess requested. Wanting to open the letter as the Targaryen woman agreed.
"Here," she laid it in the other's outstretched palm as she bowed before opening it, Valaena standing directly behind her to read it herself. Valaena's eyes widened a bit.
"What is it?" Rhaenyra demanded, knowing it was something as the two Valyrian speaking women looked to one another before Valaena turned to her mistress.
"Konīr iksis iā kȳvanon istia ivestragon riña Katlīn nūmāzma! syt nyke zūgagon kostas sagon isse hinikagon!" Valaena revealed in High Valyrian, not trusting certain people in the room. But the Baratheon father and daughter duo knew it, because of the Red Preistess's teachings. Stannis made a motion to his child who slid from her seat and snuck over to read the paper as well. Turning her head softly as she read before the priestess held it for her to read as well. Eyes widening, Shireen bolted to her father and relayed the news to his ear. Stannis nodded and stood.
"Your Grace. You should figure this out, and send word to your husband's mother," he said as Rhaenyra narrowed her eyes in thought.
"We are meeting her in little over a week, yes?" Rhaenyra questioned at his nod.
"Yes." Rhaenyra looked away before meeting the elder's eyes.
"I will tell her then, I do not know who will read my message or if it will get to her," The Targaryen woman decided before seeing her dragons fly.
XXIII
"Are you sure Rhaella is strong enough to fly you from Dragonstone to Storm's End?" Valaena asked as Rhaenyra, who was dressed in simple riding clothes, took an enormous sigh.
"I am trusting Rhaella to be strong enough to carry me. Stannis said once we pass into Stormlands, she'll be able to rest on the embankment if she tired," Rhaenyra spoke as she approached her dragoness who trilled to her, eager to fly again. Rhaella seemed to enjoy flying with her mother and sisters. "Do you think Baela would be able to fly?" Rhaenyra asked curiously while her cousin looked at her.
"As her mother, I would like to not try it," Valaena requested to her queen's amusement.
"I would guess my husband and good mother would say the same if they had seen me fly," Rhaenyra chuckled. "But do not worry. I will encourage her to stay near the ships," Rhaenyra reassured her cousin who sighed before nodding.
"Yes, Your Grace," Valaena nodded before rejoining the passengers as Rhaenyra approached Rhaella. The dragoness trills while crooning to her mother, accepting the strokes which caused the female to lower her body perfectly for her mother. Rhaenyra carefully stepped up onto Rhaella's back.
"Sȳz." Be good. Rhaenyra ordered her dragon who crooned. "Sōvētēs," Rhaenyra held on as Rhaella surged into the sky, her sisters following as others watched the dragon queen fly off, her dragons happily following the ships and shrieking as Rhaenyra always kept the ships in her sight. Rhaenys and Alysanne shrieked and flew nearer and would dive around the ships, many of Stannis' household were still unused to seeing the dragons fly so freely and would watch them. Shireen stood beside Ser Davos as both admired the dragons. Rhaenyra noticed Rhaella would always fly a certain height above the water while her sisters flew lower and would play. Rhaella though seemed to know she was responsible for her rider's safety, and did nothing that would upset that.
XXIII
"Vilagon," Land. Rhaenyra ordered her dragon down as Rhaella did so, roaring as she crooned, allowing her mother off her back. "Sȳz riña," Good girl. Rhaenyra praised her dragon as Rhaenys and Alysanne quickly landed too. The dragon trio trilled and crooned to the young woman who cooed at the she-dragons. Stroking the large beasts who sniffed and hissed at their new surroundings.
"They do not seem to like it," Valaena spoke as she exited the boat. The dragons had not flown fast, obviously staying close to the ship for their mother.
"New surroundings. Most animals detest new places that might be dangerous to their owners, or in the dragons' case, their mother," Stannis spoke as Shireen came forwards. Offering her hand to the blue dragon. Alysanne accepted the pet from the girl who was very kind and would always give them attention when their mother would stop. "We will rest here and continue on in a few moments, we are allowing the rest of the passengers to rejoin," Stannis said while Rhaenyra agreed. Urging her dragons to hunt or rest. Rhaenyra accepted the food and wine from Roslyn who was slowly adapting to fill in for Baela.
"Your Grace," a guard called out as she turned. He turned the letter and when she saw no seal it made her cautious.
"Allow me, Your Grace," Ser Barristan spoke. The Lord Commander took the letter himself and carefully unrolled it. He eyed it curiously. "Forgive me, Your Grace. I still have much to learn with High Valyrian," Ser Barristan said as Rhaenyra took it before smiling.
"It's from Sansa," Rhaenyra revealed. Seeing no harm as Stannis looked at her.
"How?" he demanded.
"There is someone in King's Landing who always looked out for me, they sent word when an assassin was sent or if I was brought up in King's Landing, namely the council. So, I assume it is someone who is on the council and not a supporter of the Lannisters. They are the one who gives and receives Sansa's letters," Rhaenyra told them. "There are specific phrases Sansa puts to tell me it is her and not a forced letter," Rhaenyra explained further upon seeing Stannis' face. He was about to question the safety of the passing of letters.
"Can you trust this person?" the King asked as she paused, truly thinking the question over.
"So long as Sansa's safety is never compromised, yes. For now," Rhaenyra spoke while reading her goodsister's letter. "My husband's terms have made it to King's Landing, and they are anticipating her marriage to Joffrey. Asking when it will be," Rhaenyra translated.
"How?" Shireen asked.
"She has to bleed, Princess," Melisandre explained quickly. "I assume the young Princess has not bled yet?" the Red Priestess questioned.
"Not that I am aware of. Though, I am very grateful as it is keeping her safe," Rhaenyra claimed to the Red Priestess who agreed.
"I agree. But it will be soon, I feel it," the priestess warned while the queen froze. Terror filling her veins with ice at the thought of Sansa being raped by that bastard claimed Baratheon King.
"If her Old Gods will not protect her in King's Landing. Then we pray that the Seven her mother is devoted to will protect her in the South," Valaena said while the others agreed.
"My King! Queen Rhaenyra!" A Baratheon guard called as he dismounted his horse. The Stag King and two Queens turned. "Your brother is approaching the summit," the guard answered while Rhaenyra looked to see Rhaella landed behind her. Roaring as her sisters remained airborne. Rhaenyra with some caution, mounting her dragon's back. Stannis mounted his horse and followed as Rhaenyra held on while her dragon flew up. Joining the other two as Rhaella followed Stannis. Rhaenyra felt this was a bit over the top on arriving on dragonback, but others agreed that it was necessary so Renly knew what his brother was allied with.
Stannis pulled his horse to a stop as Valaena, Lynara, Roslin, and Ser Barristan all pulled their horses to a stop as well. Raynor had attached himself to Shireen and her mother, helping in protecting them with Ser Davos beside him as well. The two knights got along and conversed daily, allowing them to learn about the other and their respective rulers. Ser Davos learned certain things from a man who helped raise his rulers while Ser Davos worked alongside his king for many years. Stannis decided to wear his crown which bore red gold with points fashioned in the shape of flames. Selyse had suggested Rhaenyra wear hers as well for the strength many saw in it, she did so with a mother glare from Lynara.
The horses marched up as Stannis spotted his brother and the Tyrell retinue. Catelyn Stark among them as Rhaenyra warned she would be a peacekeeper like Rhaenyra was meant to be.
"Where is Rhaenyra?" Catelyn asked once she spotted the group without her good daughter. She saw Rhaenyra's guards and ladies but no Rhaenyra.
"Her Grace is-" Lynara was cut off by Rhaella who shrieked and flew down. Slamming down with a viscious snarl and roar, frills flashing and spit flying as Renly's horse backed away in fright along with his wife and men's horses. And on her back was Rhaenyra, sitting like she would on a horse. Renly stared at her in slight alarm, the Tully woman never told him that Rhaenyra was a dragonrider now.
Rhaenys and Alysanne flew around as Rhaella continued to shriek and flash her fangs at the Tyrell men who almost fled from the viscious creature.
"Kelītīs," Rhaenyra demanded as she dismounted her dragon with a bit of practice. Rhaella hissed, puffing up her frills once more, crooning to her mother before flying off as her wings pushed on many occupants of the parley. Stannis had dismounted as well to stand alongside the young queen Renly who smirked.
"You seem to have acquired a new queen among your army," he commented softly but Rhaenyra saw his eyes carefully looking around. He knew they were nearby. "Queen Rhaenyra," he greeted softly as Rhaenyra smiled. It was when Alysanne slammed down, effectively causing a tiny tremor, startling the horses and men while Catelyn gasped softly and cooed to the dragon who trilled and gently nudged the elder woman's hand. The dragon was now eye-to-eye with Catelyn who was amazed by how fast they grew, Rhaenys also joined, coming onto the other side of Catelyn's skittish horse who was nervous about being surrounded. The two she-dragons sniffed and examined their 'grandmother' and were imprinting her scent so they could track her. Rhaella stayed away, having already introduced herself to the men.
"Gods be good," a man muttered, he looked withered and almost bald.
"I wish you all to meet my dragons; Rhaella, Rhaenys and Alysanne," she introduced them as Renly swallowed. "My husband and I had sent a proposition for both of you. Stannis has agreed already," she revealed as Renly looked intrigued.
"Has he?" he asked, watching the dragons before looking at his brother.
"I have agreed to be allied with Robb Stark. He will be King in the North and should we win, I would be King of the South. You, my heir, until I have a son," Stannis explained as Renly looked to Rhaenyra who kept his gaze. She whistled, sending the two dragons off, joining their sister and flew off to no doubt hunt. Some muttered and became nervous while Catelyn kept watching her good daughter.
"This is something you have agreed to?" he asked nervous, his brother may not have many but with the Northern forces and Dornish he knew hated him for being at Storm's End, he could overrun him and those dragons were bigger than Catelyn described, though he could see the shock in her face when they landed, they must have grown while at Dragonstone.
"Aye, we even have a marriage alliance between it," he spoke as Rhaenyra sighed softly, knowing yelling would ensure it.
"Whose? Her children?" he asked as a small smile played on his lips.
"No, her's," he nodded to Catelyn who's mouth fell open in horror.
"You bartered one of my sons?" she asked, incredulous.
"You did the same to me, a child I do not even have yet," she growled out irritated about the marriage pact between Frey and Stark still.
"Your son, Rickon, is to marry my daughter, Shireen," Stannis revealed as Renly bit the inside of his cheek. His young wife seemed to be put out too, unsure of what to do as she looked to whom Rhaenyra assumed was her father. The plump man known as Mace Tyrell, stuttered before sighing, deflating a bit. Catelyn nearly yelled as she heard the stories about the Baratheon Princess, but remembered in guilt of what she had promised about her unborn grandson.
"How about we take a walk?" he offered as the two nodded. Ser Davos was already helping Rhaenyra down before Ser Barristan could move, Stannis waited for her as Renly carefully approached, being deliberately slow so he could examine the dragons, watching them eat together or fight for certain pieces. Rhaella didn't fight or get her pieces snatched, he could see the dominance in her stance. Quickly the three leaders walked a bit from their guards as Rhaenyra noticed Rhaella stop eating and lift her head suddenly, frills flaring up as she turned away from the food.
"Catelyn obviously did not realize your plans for her youngest," Renly commented as Rhaenyra scoffed.
"She auctioned off my future son who I don't even have yet, she has no reason to snarl at me," the Dragon Queen growled as Stannis scoffed.
"Walder Frey? And you trust him?" he asked as Rhaenyra laughed with a hate in her tone.
"I'd rather toss him in his precious river his beloved bridge resides in," she growled as Renly laughed, realizing that Rhaenyra held no love for the Frey blood. "He gained quite a bit by letting my husband cross. Catelyn is to ward two grandsons, Arya is wed to his son once she is found and as you both already know when I am to have a son he is to be warded at the Frey house then marry a granddaughter," she growled as Renly looked stunned.
"I bet if he could, he would have offered another wife for Robb," he muttered.
"He was or offered a mistress. Despite their sizes, that girl would have been sent back burned or dead, I would not have cared," she muttered, making Stannis chuckle. "So My Lords?" she asked, dropping all titles with them as they did with her.
"I will set aside my crown," Renly announced, it surprised both that he said so, so easily. "If you remain true to your word Stannis, I will bow and name you my king," he claimed as Stannis paused. "It would do well to merge our armies together, in better protection," he spoke as Rhaenyra nodded.
"Do you agree with this? Why?" Stannis asked as Renly froze.
"You are in an alliance with quite a big army where they number in 20,000, give or take a few from the battles you've suffered," he commented as Stannis huffed. "But if you plan on attacking King's Landing like I figured you would, given the fleet you have, it would do well to have a land army just in case," Renly claimed as Stannis thought. Rhaenyra felt nervous and a bit nauseous thinking about all of it.
"Okay," Stannis agreed as the two men shook hands while Rhaenyra sighed softly in relief as Rhaella approached and nudged her mother's hand, allowing her to pet her dragon. Together they all walked back to their party as they mounted up with ease while Rhaella took the remains as her sisters whined, following quickly.
"I have made my decision," Renly announced. "I will renounce my claim and agree to be heir to Stannis Baratheon, King of the South," he said as his part of the army muttered in confusion and shock.
"What?" Mace Tyrell asked in shock as Catelyn looked to Rhaenyra who watched her dragons instead with a fond look. She frowned softly at seeing the look as Ser Barristan and Valaena watched her with their own soft expressions.
"It is my decision and that's final. I will fly my banner underneath my brother King Stannis Baratheon, ally of Queen Rhaenyra and King Robb," he declared as his army started to talk before nodding and accepting his decision.
XXIII
Margaery slowly approached Rhaenyra who stood with her dragons and Shireen Baratheon while Stannis and Renly talked and decided on what they would do.
"Lady Margaery," Valaena greeted the woman who paused when she eyed the Targaryen woman's ladies-in-waiting.
"Hello," she greeted while the young queen turned to her.
"Good evening, Lady Margaery," Rhaenyra greeted the woman who froze when the dragons faced the Tyrell woman. Shireen had been reading to the dragons, enjoying the young girl's voice it would seem. Shireen, pausing when Margaery approached, hesitant, greeted the lady as well.
"Good even, My Lady," Shireen spoke, her voice very small and soft, Margaery almost didn't hear her.
"Hello, Princess," Margaery greeted the girl with a smile. She stopped approaching when Rhaella moved her head to face the auburn haired woman. Many of the approaching Tyrell men froze when the orange-red eyes narrowed as she eyed the men approaching her mother and Shireen. Raising her sword-like teeth at them, a small growl came out before her mother rubbed her nose.
"Lykirī" Rhaenyra ordered, Margaery who had very little of High Valyrian taught to her as a noble lady recognized the order to be calm. Rhaenyra obviously did not see her as a threat, or did not wish to scare Shireen. Though the girl just sat there not even bothered by the dragon who she sat beside, the girl was an ant compared to the dragons. It amazed Margaery and terrified her of the girl's no fear of the monstrous beasts, though the Tyrell girl felt ridiculous to call beasts that were smaller than most of the Targaryen ancient beasts monstrous, but given their fast-growing nature and even Renly's hesitance to upset them or their mother, she felt the word matched them. "You may approach," Rhaenyra encouraged. "Shying away tends to be a negative view to them. It means you are not important to not attack, you should show strength to them, not fear," Rhaenyra spoke to the older woman who chuckled softly.
"Forgive me, Your Grace. But dragons are terrifying, this you must know," Margaery hoped as the other smiled.
"To one who did not raise them, I suppose they are terrifying," Rhaenyra commented, looking at her creatures. The look of a loving mother was clear on her face as she stroked Rhaella's scaled cheek. The she-dragon crooning and nudging her mother, wanting more attention.
"I'm not scared of them!" Shireen defended, a bright look in her face.
"No, Dōna Riñītsos, you are not," Sweet Girl Rhaenyra confirmed, a soft look on her face as she looked at Shireen. "Forgive me, My Lady. Did you need something?" Rhaenyra commented, turning to face Margaery.
"I just wanted to talk. I, uh," Margaery chuckled softly, truly nervous around the dragons.
"Jikagon." Rhaenyra ordered her dragons to leave. The grumbling from the three beasts made Shireen giggle. The nine-year-old girl stroked the dragons as they walked by before launching into the air. Margaery noticed Shireen holding onto Rhaenyra's cloak from the air. Rhaenyra just turned her head away to avoid the dust that was picked up, before encouraging Shireen to rejoin the group. "So, talk," Rhaenyra requested to the elder's surprise. Rhaenyra was different around Shireen. Sweeter, mother-like, a woman who had grown with five younger siblings rather than her original two in Essos.
"Why are you convincing Stannis and my husband to be allies?" Margaery asked, to the point it would seem is what this Dragon queen wants.
"Why try and help brothers fight together rather than one brother decimate the other's army? Do you really need to ask?" Rhaenyra pointed out.
"Stannis wouldn't have won. We have the numbers-"
"By the time he went to battle with Renly, my dragons would've been bigger and he would have lost. Did you wish your husband would lose, My Lady?" Rhaenyra questioned. Showing that her dragons would have backed Stannis to honor their deals.
"They are not that big," Margaery commented, only for the young queen to chuckle softly.
"Just a year ago maybe a few weeks give or take, they were the size of kittens, barely big enough to fly themselves or defend themselves. Tell me if in just a few months, how much bigger do you think the girls would be by then?" Rhaenyra inquired. Margaery froze, eyeing the large dragons flying above them. "I do appologize, My Lady, I originally did not wish to use threats to get my point across but please know that we in the North and Riverlands will not accept a Southern ruler," Rhaenyra warned as Margaery continued to watch her. "We are to march on King's Landing to punish those that took my husband's father and kidnapped his sisters, refusing to return them despite my husband's generous offers of the Lion's own kin, they still refuse. So when we come upon where they are keeping the girls and my father by law's bones, we will go home. My husband and I will rule our lands and come to Stannis' aid when called as agreed upon. And once Rickon is of age, he and Shireen will marry," Rhaenyra told Margaery the plans after the war as the Tyrell girl frowned softly.
"You have very sound plans, Your Grace. But what if your dragons were to fall in the war? Or you? Assassinations are not uncommon and I have heard many try to kill you and your twin, who is across the sea, or have I been mistaken?" Margaery tried her hand as Rhaenyra smiled.
"Aye. And where are they now? Dead. And about my dragons dying in the war. It has been a century and a half since the last dragon in war. They will not have any weapons against them unless they could find old designs and start making the scorpions again," Rhaenyra commented as Valaena paused in worry at her queen's words.
"They would need to understand High Valyrian, Your Grace. Very few outside Valyrian families and those who choose to learn it-"
"They could use Sansa, if she knows it? I noticed Lady Stark read a letter in High Valyrian, so I assume she knows it too?" Margaery asked while Rhaenyra narrowed her eyes.
"It is a way for my family and I to talk without others knowing. Unless their maester is fluent in it like Maester Luwin," Rhaenyra revealed while Margaery hummed.
"Then I will try to ensure my husband and his army stays loyal to Stannis' cause. When we march on King's Landing, we will ensure the girls' safety. And in a lieu of peace, will retrieve all bones of the northern people in King's Landing so they can be burried in their ancestral home," Margaery offered as Rhaenyra paused. Eyeing her softly before smiling.
"We have an agreement, Lady Margaery," Rhaenyra spoke while pausing. "Walk with me?" Rhaenyra asked. Margaery smiled and nodded, looping their arms together while Valaena approached Catelyn.
"She now rides the dragons?" Catelyn asked as Valaena sighed.
"Only one. One can only bond to one at a time, you know this from the stories too, My Lady," Valaena spoke. "And as a show of peace, King Stannis has requested his men create a saddle from the designs they found in Dragonstone. Some of our people are there and can translate. But also he is sending the designs with Shireen when she goes North to be with Rickon," Valaena spoke while Catelyn bit back her growl. "She is a good girl, sweet, and will not betray the family. She will be loyal to Stark blood and help keep the peace," Valaena defended the girl she spent time with over the weeks. "You could have a power-hungry girl like the Tyrell girl or Cersei Lannister. Be grateful for the gentle-nature of Shireen Baratheon," Valaena spoke while leaving when Rhaenyra called her to join the walk.
XXIII
Rhaenyra felt herself grow used to sitting on her dragon as time passed. While Stannis and Renly were finishing their terms, Rhaenyra decided to try and fly around for a few hours before they left. Melisandre stood with Rhaenyra's people, watching over the young queen as she flew with her dragons. Many of Renly's people were watching as well, amazed at seeing her fly with Rhaella. Alysanne and Rhaenys shrieked, flying over the crowd who would drop down in avoidance if their tails flew too low, sometimes they'd do it to intimidate the crowd, they avoided doing that around Catelyn's head. But the Northern King's mother just stared with her party as many cheered and were congratulating their Queen on mounting her dragon.
"Our Queen will eventually be able to join her husband in battle," Wendel Manderly spoke as Catelyn froze. She could hear the pride in the man's voice as she turned.
"She has other duties as Queen. Such as birthing children," Catelyn spoke softly while her man paused.
"Forgive me, My Lady. I meant no offense," Wendel answered quickly, not wanting to insult his gentle-natured lady. "I only speak what all have been thinking. Once her dragons are large enough, they'd join just as her ancestors did. And I believe King Aegon's sister-wives had no children and had joined in battling with their husband to help win his crown? I know Targaryen history is more common in your home when your children were raised. But I do remember some things my maester smacked into my thick skull when I was a child. I was stubborn, aye. But I do remember," he jested as she smiled, chuckling when he pointed to make his point before laughing with the men surrounding them.
"I just cannot see her fight, I do not think I could stomach it. It pains me to send Robb out, but to send two children who I raised and now mean the world to our Kingdom. It worries me," Catelyn revealed to her party who came closer to hear her worries and keep them secret. Northern men were loyal and would take their noble lady's words to their graves unless told otherwise. "But if she wishes to fight, who am I to stop her?" Catelyn questioned, watching as Rhaella flew near, shrieking to echo her now growing threat to Westeros.
"I wonder when King's Landing will hear their threats," one man commented as Valaena joined.
"Not until they are much larger boys, you know this," the maid spoke before giving Catelyn a letter. "It is from Sansa," Valaena said as Catelyn took the letter. "Arya is no longer in King's Landing but no one knows where. Sansa cannot hear who. They stop talking when she or any of her ladies are close," the maid continued as Catelyn read the letter.
"What about her guards? They are kind to her, yes? Maybe they can find something out," Catelyn spoke hope in her voice.
"I am not sure. They are from Lannisport. So they might be loyal to the Lioness. But Leo and his brother who seem to care for Lady are who Sansa looks to for protection, we pray they would choose her if it came to it," Valaena claimed while her lady sighed.
"What is Rhaenyra's plan to get Sansa from King's Landing?" Catelyn demanded as Valaena narrowed her eyes.
"I am not privy to those discussions, My Lady. You would need to ask Her Grace or King Stannis," Valaena reminded Catelyn that she is no longer allowed to listen to private discussions. Robb held nothing back from the woman who used to be a part of Rhaella Targaryen's household and therefore was close to knowing how Aerys handled his court. But Stannis' men seemed to not trust her fully, especially after repeated refusals of men trying to have her married since she was the last Valeryon that had Targaryen blood. Many wanted her even if she had a bastard daughter with the Kingslayer, Valaena was unsure of how her daughter's paternity came out but she held nothing back nor was she shy of it. Claiming she taught him a thing or two, bringing howls of laughter from the women and few men, who enjoyed the company of men, cheered her on.
"Here you are, My Lady," Shireen shyly approached her future mother by law. Lynarra followed at a distance, ensuring Catelyn did not upset the nervous girl.
"Why thank you," Catelyn smiled at the gesture, knowing it was meant to be a sign of peace between mother and daughter-to-bes. "Here." Catelyn allowed her smiling maid to take the flowers as the younger girl softly touched the petals, rearraigning them slightly to pull the bulbs out a bit as Shireen watched enamored by the elder's teachings. Catelyn pulled out a Valyrian chain with a direwolf pendant attached to it. "My husband's father's wife gave me this when I was to marry Brandon and I still kept it as I married his brother Ned. It is given to the wives of Stark men. Rhaenyra already has one with a dragon attached to it that Robb made personally for her. And as you are to marry Rickon, I wish for you to wear it. To give you strength," Catelyn urged while putting the necklace around the Princess' neck. "And now you can pass this down to your daughters or future daughter by laws," Catelyn smiled.
"Thank you, Lady Stark," Shireen beamed. Happy to be on her way to acceptance with Catelyn. The Stark matriarch smiled at the girl.
"Shireen. Come we are to leave," Stannis urged his daughter, kneeling a moment and eyed the new necklace before nodding. "Make sure not to lose that. It is important to your new family," he reminded as she nodded. A serious look that resembled her father's. Renly smiled gently before asking to say goodbye to his niece.
"Do your duty to the family, but also remember you both are children. Strive to be like Queen Rhaenyra, she grew with her betrothed and both have a good marriage. Try to bring out your inner Princess. And I am sure if you have any questions you can ask her," he smiled while Shireen smiled back, small and thinking. She gave her uncle a small hug before leaving as she said goodbye to his lady wife. Margaery knelt and encouraged her niece to write to her so that they could get to know one another. But also in case Shireen was too embarrassed or shy to ask Rhaenyra or the mothers. Rheanyra had landed a moment after fighting her dragon to do so, Rhaella enjoyed flying, wishing to rejoin her sisters. The dragon queen embraced her mother who held her close, kissing her head. Catelyn took notice of the change in Rhaenyra's scent; she once read that one could find a dragon rider by the scent of smoke and sulfur. Now Rhaenyra carries the scent as well.
"Be safe, Lady Mother," Rhaenyra urged as Rhaella came closer, blowing hot smoke around the matriarch who smiled and stroked the dragon's nose.
"I remember when she was not but the size of a kitten. Now look at how she has grown," Catelyn claimed while staring up, into Rhaella's fire-filled eyes.
"Aye, and now she is an over indulging menace," Rhaenyra smiled while Catelyn returned it.
"You will have to be more stern with her training," Catelyn warned as her Queen paused.
"Aye. I know. I do worry that I will not be successful in doing so," Rhaenyra presumed.
"You will," Catelyn reassured her daughter by law. "I know you will," Catelyn smiled, knowing Rhaenyra will do better than staying in Winterfell, now that she sees the change in her gooddaughter. Giving her a final hug, Rhaenyra turned to Rhaella and carefully climbed up, situating herself on the red-black dragon who gave a small shriek and roared before launching herself into the sky. Her wings pushing a few people around aside from those used to bracing themselves against the wind current of dragon wings.
XXIII
Rhaenyra breathed deeply as Rhaella flew up and through the clouds as Alysanne and Rhaenys joined. Happily shrieking and crying out as they did so, their mother smiled at seeing them so happy, obviously they had refrained from flying so far and high but enjoyed it now that she was with them. Rhaenyra wishes she could show Robb this but knew her dragon might not be strong enough for both. Rhaella banked suddenly, dipping down and Rhaenyra saw Dragonstone. They had left at daybreak and it was now quite possibly close to the hour of the eel. Rhaenyra remembered Maester Luwin's teachings of judging the moon phase, it was this that helped her figure the hour. But it was only a guess, she sighed to herself. Rhaella landed near the pier as her rider pushed her in that direction. Wincing with a small 'ow.'
"Are you well, Your Grace?" Ser Davos asked, appearing suddenly, offering his arm as Rhaenyra took it.
"Aye, I am. Flying for hours on end, I am not used to yet," Rhaenyra chuckled with another wince as he joined in her laughter.
"Always think of it like riding a horse, Your Grace," Ser Davos smiled as she grinned.
"Except horse riding I am very good at. I used to race my husband and two of our friends through the woods of Winterfell and back. I won quite a few," Rhaenyra chuckled as they walked up the stairs and noticed the ship party docking. "How did you get to shore so quickly?" Rhaenyra asked, curious.
"I and a small group of men took a rowboat to get to shore to greet you. Rhaella no doubt would have gotten you to the ground before the ship docked. So His Grace sent me ahead with the Princess and your guards," Davos spoke, pointing at Shireen who raced to her.
"The saddle makers are almost done! They just need Rhaella's measurements to ensure it will fit her well," Shireen claimed with a bright smile as Rhaenyra grinned.
"Very well," the young queen spoke, allowing the child to take her hand. Rhaenyra knew it would be challenging to have strange men approach the dragon. She disliked strangers to a severe degree.
"Rhaella!" Shireen called out while the saddlers stood nearby and greeted the young queen pleasantly. Asking how she felt on a dragon compared to a horse, what the differences were and similarities that they could work with.
Rhaenyra did not believe they were similar in much other than being mounts. Dragons were smarter, thought for themselves more than other animals, Rhaenyra compared them to her husband's family's direwolves. Smarter than the average animal and deadly when enraged. Rhaenyra warned the men to be cautious as she did not control her dragons; they only obeyed her so long as their appetite was satiated. It startled the men but amused those that knew the dragons. And as Rhaenyra watched her girls gorged, playfully stealing each other's food before Rhaella would shriek, ordering them to stop as she resumed eating. It was here that Rhaenyra realized her time to join the army would be soon, because once her dragon's saddle was made, she would join once she trained Rhaella to obey her commands in battle and not mistake her men from the enemy and eventually would have to ensure her other dragons, who would no doubt follow her into battle, knew the differences as well. She knew that would take time. But something she would strive to work on.
XXIII
End of the chapter. Hope ya'll enjoyed it. Sorry it took so long, I have a new job and it took some time to get used to. I hope to have more chapters up soon! Please R&R.
~Rusty14~
