DISCLAIMER: Chapter one. And if I mentioned White Harbor for Rhaenyra to go to and from Dragonstone it was meant to be Gulltown. Shireen will be going to White Harbor to go to Winterfell.
Chapter rating: T
Crystal-Wolf-Guardain-967: Glad you're enjoying it!
Wolfygirlxx: Yes, these dragons will be a bit more impenetrable and not as easy to kill like the GoT TV dragons. RIP TV Viserion and Rhaegal.
Ladyespeon164: I'm hoping to have the next chapter up. And thank you. I always thought I was a morning person, this job is proving me wrong ;)
NicoleR85: Glad you liked it. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Chapter Twenty-Four: Ancient Relics Found
(East)
Daenerys felt uncomfortable as she waited for her husband's men to return to their small horde. They had been waiting for days for their Khal to return. Her son's cough alerted her to his discomfort. Ser Jorah softly bounced the babe as he felt the child's forehead.
"Ser Jorah?" Daenerys questioned, approaching as her knight sighed.
"I believe he is becoming sick, Khaleesi," Jorah whispered, not wanting others to hear of a sick heir. It was an omen to their people. As it was, Ser Jorah worried about how long Drogo was taking to return to the horde. The women nearby gasped silently and surrounded the knight who shushed the child trying to keep him calm. Rhaego whined softly as his mother took him, softly undoing her shirt to feed her son, wondering if he was hungry. Rhaego suckled just a bit before turning his head away. Whines leave his throat Irri came to be of help as Rhelli cooed.
"What is wrong with him?" Daenerys asked, desperate for her son to survive.
"I am not sure, Khaleesi," a healer spoke gently to the new mother.
"Rhakaro, what would happen to my daughter?" Daenerys suddenly asked.
"She is female. Marriage to one inside the khalassar will be for the khalakki. The Khal would choose a bloodrider or ko for their loyalty." Daenerys felt her stomach roll at the news, but it meant her daughter would remain within the horde with her and Rhaego. Daenerys truly wished to bring another of Drogo's children into this world, hoping she was carrying one now. "Do not worry, Khaleesi. She would be loved and cherished by the Dothrak honored with her hand in marriage," Rhakaro reassured his leader while taking Rhelli from Irri. He felt easy holding the babe, not bothered unlike some others who felt uncomfortable. But those close to Daenerys were used to holding the babies.
"Khaleesi!" A rider called as Daenerys turned with her guard as Ser Jorah helped stop the horse. "The Khal has been wounded. But he is returning to the khalassar," the man spoke as Daenerys sighed in relief. Ser Jorah, though, saw the man's face. The wound must be severe.
XXIV
(King's Landing)
Sansa smiled as she read the letter with a small sigh before standing and threw it in the fire. Lately, Sansa has taken to burning her letters from her family. Shae had noticed someone had gone through the girl's chambers recently when they had returned from lunch with the queen and princess. It looked like the intruder was looking for something. Sansa instantly ran to the small chest completely hidden by Lady's bedding. No one thought to look here as nothing was touched. Sansa wondered if they feared Lady would smell their intrusion to her space. Direwolves were intelligent and territorial. Leo had questioned anyone and many had been surprised by his revealing that someone had gone through Sansa's chambers. But the Lord Commander demanded him to stop questioning things, saying it wasn't uncommon for someone to search through the chambers of royals or nobles.
"Let's just pray to the Mother in thanks that she was not in there," he said which made Leo freeze. His commander had never said that about crime before. It made the knight feel like his Commander was a part of the incident.
"He could just not want to accuse a member of the guard or Kingsguard, Ser Leo," Sansa spoke softly as he accompanied her on her daily walks with Lady who bounded ahead of them, the giant beast continued to grow, worrying many. But Sansa still somehow keeps the beast calm and gentle. As Sansa and a guard had playfully had the guard's babe balanced on the wolf's back as her giggles filled the courtyard. Some had thought it odd, but others had been reassured the female direwolf meant no harm. It was those that truly knew wolves, and even direwolves if pushed to it, would defend their human companions with their lives.
"Princess," a man said as Sansa froze. Myrcella was not in her chambers with her, so who? "Please, do not be afraid," the man whispered as Lady snarled, baring her fangs. He showed a sygil of House Tyrell. "The Baratheons and Tyrells have rallied their allies and are now allied with your brother, King Robb. Be at ease, Princess Sansa," he bowed. "We will free you from this Keep soon. I just appologize I cannot take you with me now," the knight spoke, his tone and face showing sorrow and regret he could not help Sansa now.
"If you are allied with my brother. Then that is what will give me peace to continue my fight. Please, let it be known that I and my direwolf, Lady, are the only northern prisoners King's Landing holds. My sister had long fled the Keep and city when the Lannisters purged King's Landing of those with northern and riverland blood," Sansa revealed as the man froze.
"Yes, Princess." He promised, bowing once more. "I pray for your and Lady's safety from this hell. As I pray we find your sister to ease your family's worry," the Tyrell guard swore. "Please, be safe and do what they request. This is requested from my Lady Margaery. I must go before your guards and ladies return," he urged before leaving as she nodded. Urging him to be careful on his trek through the tunnels and back to the Baratheon army. Sansa smiled to herself, happy to know that she will be saved soon, hopefully.
XXIV
(North)
Bran sat there at his desk, reading all his letters while Maester Luwin stood beside him. Giving him certain papers to read if the Maester thought they were important.
"What is this?" Bran asked, receiving the paper from Rhaenyra.
"It is from Her Grace. She writes that Princess Shireen Baratheon will be joining our household," Maester Luwin spoke slowly and carefully when Rickon came in with Osha and Hodor.
"You asked for us, Maester Luwin?" Osha questioned, curiously. Septa Unai normally took the youngest Stark Prince for his training but she was here to help keep him calm.
"The Queen claims we are to house Princess Shireen Baratheon. She will be taught ways in the Northern lands and Riverlands, you are to be her future husband, Rickon," Bran revealed to his little brother.
"What?" Rickon frowned, being only five, he did not understand.
"You know how Rhaenyra and Robb are married? And Mother and Father? You and Shireen will do that once you two are of the right age," Bran spoke carefully.
"Why?" Rickon demanded.
"Easy, Little Prince," Septa Unai warned, knowing the boy's temper. "This is to help strengthen the bond between kingdoms. This is how it is," she claimed while the child frowned.
"I do not wish to marry!" Rickon snarled about to run before Osha restrained him.
"We all do what we do not wish to, Rickon," Bran said. "I did not wish to be Prince Regent of the Kingdom while Robb and Rhaenyra are gone, but I am. And you, you are to be pleasant and nice to the Princess when she arrives. This is what Mother and Rhaenyra taught us, I know you know this," Bran told his brother who looked down. "It is what is expected of us, brother. You know this," Bran said as Rickon huffed before marching off.
"It will take time, Your Highness. King Robb and Queen Rhaenyra grew up knowing they were to be married. Rickon, a boy turning six soon, will not know what to do and behave. But he will learn," Maester Luwin said.
"I will go and talk with him," Septa Unai spoke, softly leaving as Bran sighed.
"Are you still having those dreams, Little Prince?" Osha asked, gently placing her hand on the prince's forehead with worry.
"Aye. But I doubt they will leave. I found a journal from Rhaenyra. Apparently she had dreams all her life and they continued up until she stopped writing in it," Bran said with a frown.
"That was the queen's personal journal, little prince." Maester Luwin frowned at the boy's thumbing through the queen's book. "I doubt she would do that to you," he eyed the boy.
"Rhaenyra never minded me looking at it. I've read it before," he smiled as Osha chuckled.
"Private thoughts never stay private if they are written down," she commented as the boy nodded.
"It is what Robb always said too, he said it was father's favorite saying when keeping things secret and in your head," he grinned. Maester Luwin chuckled as well.
"Yes, I remember when he tried to use logic on me and win his arguments," the maester said while taking signed documents.
"I am done for now. I will walk with Summer," Bran said as he used his cane to stand before walking off. Summer joined him and eyed everyone while they walked outside.
"Little Princes are growing up," Osha commented as Maester Luwin smiled.
"That they are, My Lady," Maester Luwin agreed.
XXIV
(Dragonstone)
Rhaenyra giggled as she watched the men attach leather straps from the saddle around Rhaella's neck/chest. The she-dragon growled irritated as her sisters trilled and squealed. The saddlers worked carefully with the dragons and would pause when they'd shift.
"Keep going, if they start to growl or puff their frills then move," Rhaenyra encouraged, wishing to see how this contraption worked. Stannis wanted to ensure it worked and would make sure she could fly around without issue.
"Very well, Your Grace," one spoke before soothing the beast and threw the long strap over and shoved the saddle on while a guard pulled the strap. Rhaella showed her teeth, irritated while eyeing the whip in her mother's hand. She knew if she tried to eat the men she'd get whipped in punishment. Growling softly as her tail flicked back and forth.
"Kelītīs! Lykiri, Rhaella," Stop! Calm, Rhaella. Rhaenyra ordered, her patience being tested with the dragon's short-temper about others being near her.
"She will have to be trained to accept certain men willing to saddle her for you, Your Grace," Ser Barristan spoke suddenly as Raynor smirked.
"Certain men in Winterfell who are our horse saddlers were able to be close to the dragons, they were the ones to help make the saddles for when they were babies, created the perfect notches so they could ride with their mother and be used to horses. It was beneficial they would not see horses as food at all times, just like with the direwolves," Raynor told the elder knight who nodded.
"Very good. But you must trust these men with your dragons' lives," Ser Barristan warned as she nodded.
"And I do. Because their daughters were close friends of Arya's. And in turn their sons had gotten good jobs when I noticed many were good guards. You've met some, Ser Barristan, Edwin and Merrick? They are sons of our stablemaster," Rhaenyra revealed as the knight nodded.
"Yes. Good men, Alysanne and Rhaenys seem to not mind them, Rhaella-"
"Is a short-tempered pain and she will learn," Rhaenyra spoke a bit louder as her dragon narrowed her eyes at her in irritation, hissing.
"We have everything, Your Grace," Melisandre spoke up as she ran a hand down the dragon's neck to keep her calm. The Red Priestess seemed to have been able to gain the dragon's trust and stand near them. Rhaenyra saw how it hooked around Rhaella's chest and loosely laced under her wings, it gave them room to move and to grow so it would not stunt the wings, it laced to the back of the saddle. Rhaenyra spotted reins that were tied to the saddle sides of her neck, no doubt to guide her where to go.
"I do not doubt your craftsmanship. But you are sure everything is in order?" Rhaenyra asked softly as one of the men helped her while she had Rhaella lower herself a bit more. Balancing on her foot while hanging onto her scales.
"Yes, Your Grace. We made sure to follow everything to the letter," the man swore. Praying their work succeeded. They feared the failure should the saddle not work.
"Do not worry, Your Grace. I am sure your dragons would catch you should something happen," Ser Barristan urged as he aided Rhaella to stop moving with a hand to her nose.
"For which I pray nothing does," Rhaenyra hoped as she carefully climbed up and settled with her knees bent outward behind her. It was awkward. But she would grow used to it, the saddlemaker wrapped a belt around her waist and fully hooked her up, showing her what straps to attach and how it's tightened.
"You may control the reins or wrap them around the horns if you wish for a leisure ride," the man instructed as Rhaenyra nodded. She was doing her best to take all the information in as the man told her he'd leave the papers with her and have the instructions on how to build the saddles with Shireen for the saddlers back in Winterfell. "Good luck, Your Grace," the man wished, laying a hand on her in prayer for a moment as she nodded.
"Thank you," Rhaenyra thanked the man as he hopped off the dragon's foot so the female could stand once Ser Barristan moved aside. "Sōves," Rhaenyra urged as the female trilled before launching into the air as Rhaneyra felt the brace of the saddle, the belt as it held. Valaena who had been below sighed in relief on seeing Rhaenyra's saddle hold, she was truly relieved to see her queen flying properly, smiling as she watched Rhaenys and Alysanne join. Ser Barristan and Raynor smiled at seeing her fly.
"She's happy," Melisandre commented with a smile of her own. Watching how Rhaenyra used the reins, noticing how her two other dragons flew behind Rhaella. "And she will be happier yet," the Red Priestess spoke softly to Valaena's curiosity.
"Will she?" Valaena asked as the other nodded.
"She will learn," the priestess claimed, a gentle smile that made the other Valyrian woman smile as well.
"I thought so," Valaena commented while watching Rhaella fly around. Rhaenyra was enjoying it, one could tell when Rhaella flew low enough. Lynara thought Rhaenyra might actually be able to fly back to the army, Ser Barristan and Raynor hoped she could, it would invigorate the men and others on the Northern army's side. The Dragon Queen finally riding her dragons, they will be able to join the war soon, which might terrify others.
"She would need to be careful, such as Rhaenys' namesake was struck by a bolt to her dragon's eye that brought a conqueror down. And with her dragons not being older nor larger, their scales are just as weak," Melisandre commented before one of the armors spoke up.
"We can see if we can create some type of armor for the young dragons until they grow old enough to defend themselves," one man suggested before Ser Barristan shook his head.
"Her ancestors' dragons survived without armor, the only ones who needed it were their riders," the knight said as her group nodded. The small group decided to walk around, knowing unless something was wrong, Rhaenrya would not land for some time.
"Lady Valaena!" Shireen called out as she came up with some fisherman children. "We found an old dragon cave!" she smiled. Obvious by the soot on her face and the childrens' hands and faces too.
"Well I can see that," Valaena smiled, producing a cloth when a guard ran off before returning with some wet clothes.
"It's so amazing, milady!" One spoke, a bright smile with some teeth missing. "His bones are so large!" The boy continued as Valaena perked up.
"His bones- you mean there is a dragon skeleton down there?" the woman asked curiously.
"Yes!" Shireen beamed before taking Valaena's hand to show her.
"Go. I will stay and watch over Rhaenyra," Lynara encouraged as she also encouraged Roslin to join. The boys' taking her hands as Shireen and their sister showed Valaena the way.
XXIV
(Northern Army)
"Robb," Baela called. "Emagon ao jiōragon udir hen Rhaenrya iā ñuha muña?" Have you heard from Rhaenyra or my mother? She was seen wiping off her blade while Robb sent scouts off.
"Daor. Nyke emagon daor," No. I have not. Robb responded. It was not uncommon for the King to speak in High Valyrian to friends and close people. Theon and Baela were main speakers of the language as well. Ser Rodrik also spoke, though not as fluent nor as frequent but he understood it well and could converse by using the Common Tongue to respond.
"Nyke bē īlon emagon daor rȳbagon mirros. Daor sesīr hēdrȳ aōha muña." I am concerned we have not heard anything. Not even from your mother. Baela continued as they passed some of the men who greeted them respectfully. Unlike other bastards, many treated Baela better as she was the queen's lady-in-waiting but also many noticed how she quickly joined in the fighting when she wasn't waiting on her lady. Many never realized Baela learned the same fighting style as her King and Theon. Ned knew should anyone find out the truth about the girls, they needed to be able to defend themselves. So he had them learn swordskills. Rhaenyra was better with archery as Baela was better with hand-to-hand and swords; it had made Ned and Ser Rodrik proud of her skills in learning the trade. And Baela enjoyed learning it.
"Īlon ziksoso." We will. Robb swore. He knew Baela hated being separated from her cousin and mother so much, she had stayed because Rhaenyra had asked her to. To help protect Robb and ensure no one did anything. But Baela was also driving the girls away, she had stopped a small handful of whores who thought because the queen was gone, the King was open to sleep with. Baela was irritable and her King's shadow now, it seemed Grey Wind also took up driving the girls out.
"Ilībio hakogon, Ñuha Dārys." Those whores are irriating, My King. Baela cautioned Robb who grinned.
"Do whatever you wish, My Lady," Robb said, dropping the unique tongue once they neared other lords who perked up at the language. Some had started to learn with Theon helping them, he was as fluent as Oberyn many noticed, the two could easily be seen and heard talking in High Valyrian to one another.
"Will do, Your Grace," Baela called out, smirking to Nymeria who quickly joined her.
XXIV
(Dragonstone)
Rhaenyra laughed, breathless as she landed. Smiling brightly when Shireen rejoined her.
"Your Grace! Follow me!" Shireen urged, grabbing the young queen's hand as the woman did so. Curious about what the young princess wanted to show her. "A few boys and I found something!" she smiled. Rhaenyra and her small guard followed. Rhaenyra was surprised that she was led to a cave. It was lit up.
"What is this?" Raynor asked, curious.
"A dragon cave," Shireen revealed. Giving a toothy smile to the adults' amazement.
"A dragon cave?" Rhaenyra asked, stunned. She figured these would've been raided.
"Father said no one ever went near, in fear the dragons might still be alive in some way or a curse might befall one to invade a dragon's nest," Shireen commented. "Follow me," she urged, pulling Rhaenyra with her.
"Your Grace," Roslin greeted, smiling. She too, was covered in soot, just like the children.
"Gods, Roslin you will need a bath after this," Rhaenyra laughed, gently wiping her friend's cheek as the girl giggled.
"His skeleton is so huge, it is amazing," Rosling spoke in awe. There behind many was the giant skeleton of a dragon, Rhaenyra was not even the height of his nose. The blackened bones looked eerie to her, realizing that all dragons carried this feature. It amazed Rhaenyra to realize how big her dragons were meant to become.
"Whose?" Rhaenyra quesitoned.
"The dragon one many called Cannibal, Your Grace," Melisandre spoke. "We believe this might have been his cave. There are many dragon bones and destroyed egg shells. Given the name, we guessed this must have been his cave," the Red Priestess surmised as the Princess agreed.
"Here," Shireen showed shards of destroyed eggs. It pained Rhaenyra to know a dragon ate one of their own as a meal and ate viable eggs no doubt. The young queen wondered if he was to blame for the decline in dragons centuries ago. Something must have happened to not allow the eggs to hatch nor allow the dragons to grow. Rhaenyra hoped she and Daenerys could change that.
"Well, let's look at this nest then," Rhaenyra smiled as her party agreed, joining the kids in looking at everything. Rhaenyra laid a hand against the skull.
XXIV
(East)
Daenerys felt dread creep into her bones as her men started to mutter to one another. Her son's breathing got worse as Ser Jorah tended to him too.
"Why is he suffering?" Daenerys asked her handmaidens sadly. Doreah frowned and looked to the others, Irri pushed others aside before embracing her Khaleesi.
"Think him healthy, Khaleesi. Do not dwell on his sickness. If he passes, he passes. You and the Khal will have another son," the Dothrak girl knew there was no way to save the child if he truly was sick. If he passed into the shadow realm then he would do so, she only prayed the Dothraki did not blame Daenerys who was devastated by her son's sickness.
But another worrying thought filled the young Khaleesi's mind. Where was her husband? There should have been a word by now. Has his wound taken longer?
"Khaleesi!" A voice shouted as Daenerys turned to see Cohollo riding and alongside him, was an exhausted Drogo. He was paler than normal and from the worry in his man's face. "Camp?" He questioned as she nodded and directed everyone where to go as Kovarro raced over, greeting Cohollo respectfully before helping in guiding everyone as Daenerys came to her husband.
"My Sun and Stars?" She called sweetly as he smiled to her.
"Moon of my Life," he responded as one of his men walked near.
"Take the Khal to the tent and have the healers tend to him," she requested as the men nodded and guided their Khal where to go. Being strung out on Mare's milk being the only thing to numb his pain. "Watch over him" she requested one of her husband's closest men who nodded sharply, marching off to go do what they could.
"Khaleesi?" Ser Jorah questioned.
"Should I have left, Ser Jorah?" Daenerys questioned her knight who paused.
"Quite possibly, Khaleesi. Now. His men are here, if the Khal passes, your son and daughter will be plucked from your arms and given to the dogs, quite the same for your dragons," Ser Jorah spoke while Daenerys froze.
"My daughter would be killed as well? She does not pose a threat," Daenerys said while going near her children who slept in Irri and Jhiqui's arms.
"To others she could be," Ser Jorah spoke as Daenerys frowned. Hoping things changed for the safety of her children.
XXIV
(Riverland)
Baela laughed with the men as they returned, she teased some of the prisoners for being bested by a woman, though she nearly stabbed another when he called her a bastard whore.
"Bastard's one thing, little boy," she smirked as the man winced. "A whore is another, which I believe is where you come from." The men howled with laughter that attracted Jaime's attention. He wondered if his daughter would visit him but knew her loyalty was one of northern trust and love to Rhaenyra and Robb. She grew up their sister, friend, confidant, and one who would do anything for her leaders. Jaime saw himself in her that wasn't Valaena, she held her mother's valyrian beauty while holding certain traits that were Jaime when he was younger before he allowed his arrogant nature to take hold. Baela was generous, honorable, and more respectable to the people around her because of her bastard status. And like his brother with his dwarf nature. She wears her bastard name with pride. He's overheard the men talk about her, disregarding that he is her father, many have commented about the use of her status as cousin to the queen. But another countered with the fact that Rhaenyra would rather her cousin be her guard and ears when needed, as bastards are not looked upon twice, even a Targaryen bastard.
"Here," Baela's voice startled him as she dismissed his guards, passing him a plate of food and an empty cup as he spied a jug next to her. "A cook named Rhaenyra used to make your food. I heard it was the queen regent's nameday. So, it is your nameday too," she gave a small smile. Many would not know that Rhaenyra asked her cousin to try and talk with Jaime, he was her father and should they try and see if he could be swayed. Greatjon once told the girls that 'all men wish to father children. And should a child be on the opposite side of a battle it could possibly sway him.' But Baela figured the three children he had with Cersei might anchor him to the Lannisters for good. Robb commented how it might not be bad to learn a bit about her father's side. She was confused before shrugging and giving it a try.
"Kirimvose," Jaime stuttered, he remembered very few words he learned being guarded by Targaryens who spoke it regularly. Baela looked surprised before smiling softly as she nodded.
"Sȳz. Good," Baela confirmed with a smile as she filled both their cups up and decided to talk to one another. Not as father and daughter but as two family members slowly getting to know one another. Baela did not know how long she had with Jaime, but she did wish to see if she could find the man her mother fell in love with all those years ago. The man that prompted her to carry his child to term rather than drink moon tea and ensure nothing remained.
XXIV
(Dragonstone)
"So everything is settled?" Stannis questioned.
"I believe so. Princess Shireen will be arriving to Winterfell within the month and she will start her education about the northern lands and helping control them. Our Maester and the Septa that is in charge of the children are good teachers," Rhaenyra claimed while Stannis nodded.
"Very well. And when the South calls for aid?" Stannis asked as Rhaenyra gave a nod.
"The northern army will come when called. As we expect the same if the north were to call upon you?" Rhaenyra asked. Stannis agreed as his Maester drew up their contract. "If everything is in order, Your Grace. Then I will begin my departure to return to my husband," Rhaenyra said. Her men bowed as Stannis nodded, bowing his head to the young Queen farewell for the night. "Oh, Your Grace. If I might trouble you with one request, for two innocent children. I would ask that two children, born like I, would be innocent of their mother and father's sins, as well as separate from their mad brother," Rhaenyra asked as Stannis paused, narrowing his eyes.
"I will try to keep Myrcella and Tommen from being put to the sword. Yes, they are innocent, it will not do well if we butchered two children as your niece and nephew were," he commented as she swallowed, thinking of Rhaegar's innocent children. "It had sent many against Robert and many of Dragonstone despised us for a time, though I believe it was Shireen that won the people over," Stannis praised his daughter who gave a small smile.
"Thank you, Your Grace," Rhaenyra bid before leaving as Stannis ordered their words to be written down for others to know.
"Do you miss your husband, Your Grace?" Valaena asked with a small smile.
"Very much so. It is very hard to fall asleep when I am so used to another body, either him or Grey Wind if Robb was in meetings," Rhaenyra smiled wistfully as she thought of her husband. "I just pray we receive word from Daenerys by the time we return," Rhaenyra prayed as Melisandre froze.
"Death will linger around your sister, Your Grace," the Red Priestess spoke, sadness in her tone.
"What do you mean?" Rhaenyra asked. Suddenly fearful for her sister. She read of the Dothraki and if her sister's Khal husband were to die, unlike Westerosi where male children are valued, even girls if there are no other candidates, they would kill her children. A merchant who knew a bit about the Dothrak as he traded with them, he was the one who told her how they don't sell or buy but barter either with slaves, horses, or goods they find. But he also told her if a Khal were to die his wives would be given to Dosh Khaleen, where widowed wives live and in Theon's words 'rot and kept quiet' though another claimed they were the true voices behind the Dothraki culture, Daenerys would be cared for and loved, in the Dothraki way.
"Death. It will follow your sister and she will be among bones. But she will not be alone," Melisandre said once more as Rhaenyra frowned.
"Lady Melisandre, do not confuse the poor queen with words unless you can explain them for all of us to understand," Stannis said as he also was confused and did not know what his priestess meant. He did not wish to upset Rhaenyra and make her worry about her twin as she is to return to her husband.
"I do not mean to worry, Your Grace. But simply to try and ease you when your sister's letters stop. They will continue after a time but for a bit, you will not be able to talk with her," Melisandre said, her tone stern and believing as Rhaenyra sighed.
"Very well, thank you, My Lady," Rhaenyra nodded, leaving as Valaena looked at her. "Send a letter as quickly as possible," Rhaenyra ordered as Valaena nodded. Walking off quickly, Valaena wrote a letter to her cousin in the East, praying they could get to her.
XXIV
Rhaenyra sat in front of her fireplace that had dragons all over the mantle, scales lining the walls as she thought about her family and husband. She truly missed her husband and could not wait to see him, she'll lock him into their chambers for days. Rhaenyra felt comforted by the smell and presence of the fireplace, it seemed to burn brightly and offer a heat Targaryens enjoyed. Slowly, she drifted off to sleep as her dreams took over.
A young child ran by Rhaenyra as she turned to see a brown haired boy, but Rhaenyra felt that was wrong as she approached the child who was with two others. It was when the child turned that Rhaenyra felt her throat close up.
"Arya?" Rhaenyra called, praying it was true.
"Rhae, don't trust him. He will bring death when uncle marries. You must burn him from the stem, so nothing grows again," she said with determination in her face. Rhaenyra frowned, not understanding.
"I-I don't understand, Arya. What do you mean?" Rhaenyra asked.
"Do not trust him. Or the woman in white," Arya said before disappearing.
Rhaenyra sighed, confused beyond anything as she was awoken by Valaena.
"You will get a crick in your neck, bed," the maid demanded as her queen chuckled.
"Very well," the woman sighed, groaning as small twinges she didn't recognize from before.
XXIV
The next morning found the Dragonstone residents saying farewell to Rhaenyra and her party. Shireen looked saddened as Rhaenyra knelt infront of her. She was dressed in riding leather instead of her dresses, Rhaella had flown her out to some of the fishing ships that were a good distance from Dragonstone. The she-dragon enjoyed flying low as her feet would glide over the cool water, many of the men cheered when they saw her. It surprised Rhaenyra by how welcoming those of Dragonstone were to her and her dragons. Stannis had said those who feared the dragonfire were long dead and gone. Now are those who are enamoured by the thought of seeing mythical creatures once again, as those who were always amazed by the direwolves when they saw them.
"Can you not stay a bit longer?" Shireen asked, holding the queen's hand as they walked to the dragons. They were still gorging on a carcass that Rhaella had found, Rhaella though paused as she saw her mother approach and took one more chunk from the carcass as she approached her rider.
"No, Shireen. I have to go back," Rhaenrya smiled, kneeling softly, now the girl was a bit higher in height. "My husband and the army need me," she commented with a wink as Shireen giggled. "And you are to be off to Winterfell soon. Once there you are to begin learning in the way of a Princess of the North. And I do appologize in advance for Rickon. We left when he was still too young to understand everything and might be a bit unruly, please know though, he is a sweet boy who is hurt and devastated by the losses our family has suffered. His father and sisters gone when he assumed he would see them once Bran had woken, his mother, brother, and sister had left too and now the war is in full swing," Rhaenyra frowned as Shireen smiled.
"He must also handle the title of being 'Prince' now," the young girl said to which the young queen nodded. Softly leaning up, she pressed a gentle kiss to the girl's scarred cheek, before embracing her to her body as the girl clung to her.
"Will you help him Shireen?" Rhaenyra asked as she nodded with a smile. "You can always write to me. And practice in your Valyrian," she whispered that last part as Shireen smiled and nodded. "Even see if Ser Davos will finally learn before you go," she grinned, knowing the older man could not read and seemed quite determined to keep it like that.
"I'll try," she giggled. Standing with grace and embracing the girl one more time she turned and also embraced Selyse, it surprised the elder who chuckled softly and hugged her back gently. Stannis was more sombre and kissed her hand in goodbye as she curtsied for him.
"Safe travels, Your Grace," he bid. "And congratulations," he said, making the young queen pause. "I know a pregnant woman when I see one," he reassured them as Rhaenyra laughed softly.
"Then I shall be bringing good news back to my husband," Rhaenyra said, curtsying softly in respect before embracing Shireen again.
"I pray you have a healthy son, Your Grace," Selyse prayed.
"I just pray for a healthy child, Queen Selyse. I know of the struggles many have had to carry children. My mother was one, so I wish for a healthy child, boy or girl," Rhaenyra hoped, a far away look in her eye. Melisandre smiled softly.
"Summon me when you are closer to your time. I will be there to help," the Red Priestess requested, softly holding Rhaenyra's hand as she smiled. "I see purple and blue eyes in your future," the priestess smiled gently.
"With my luck, all will have their father's hair," Rhaenyra smirked as many chuckled.
"Not all," Melisandre smiled as Rhaenyra narrowed her eyes playfully while turning her head as the Red Priestess smiled once more. "Go on, Your Grace. Your mount awaits," Melisandre urged. "And worry not, your ancestors flew for years even pregnant, you will not have to worry about that," the priestess said as the younger nodded a smile on her face.
"Thank you, My Lady," Rhaenyra nodded. She had not wanted to become friendly with this woman, she made her nervous and Rhaenyra hoped to overcome that. Calling Rhaella to approach, Rhaenyra took hold of her rope ladder and climbed. It was awkward and uncomfortable as she had to be nimble footed to get up to the saddle quickly. She will have to practice her climb, as it is as if she feels like a child learning to sit on a horse saddle once more. Rhaella shrieked as she quickly took off, after her rider watched her party gather in their ship and set sail. Rhaenyra knew her dragons might fly faster, especially if they become weary and are near land, she wanted to match them and also try and protect them if she could. Rhaenyra knew her dragons had no training but Stannis told her the animals would go based on instinct, especially if they are close to the humans on that ship. Rhaenyra smiled once more as she took to the skies, gripping the reins tightly as Rhaella dipped and flew up. Rhaenyra enjoyed the flying patterns of her dragon, knowing each had something different. But she also knew her heart now belonged to Rhaella, she would never mount the others. And as much as she wished to obey her loving cousin/mother-figure, she would hint for Baela to try, to give her Valyrian blood a chance.
XXIV
End of the chapter! How's this? Please R&R! And Dany's life is getting a bit interesting, let me know what ya'll think!
~Rusty14~
