Pentos ― Prince Reggio's manse…
Rhaena, the youngest daughter of Prince Daemon and Lady Laena, spent the night holding her dragon egg near the burning brazier in her room. Although her older sister Baela has a young hatchling of her own in Moondancer, she, on the other hand, was without one herself; despite having an egg placed beside her in the cradle as a baby to help bond with it, she still hadn't hatched after more than eight years – much to her disappointment. While Rhaena was humming, she hadn't heard the door to her room opening nor heard her mother enter.
"It's been eight years, sweetling," Laena consoled her daughter. "Half of them never do, you know?"
"What?" Rhaena asked.
"Hatch."
Rhaena hung her head low. "Will they let me stay?" she inquired.
"Will who let you stay?" Laena questioned.
"The Prince of Pentos. He wants you and father… and Baela… because you three have dragons. I… I don't have one. Will he let me stay?"
Ah, so Daemon hasn't told you yet. Pity... "There is more than one way to bind yourself to a dragon, Rhaena. I was without one until I was 16 years old." Laena adjusted herself to ease her growing discomfort. "Before you and Baela were born… before I married your father, my cousin offered a dragon as a dowry if it meant securing your grandfather's support." She unveiled the gold Valyrian medallion she kept wrapped around her neck. "This amulet once belonged to Queen Visenya Targaryen, one of Aegon's sister-wives before the Conquest. Look," she traced a finger along the ancient High Valyrian runes engraved on the medallion. "There are only a few left remaining after the Doom. Queen Visenya recited the engravings to tame Vhagar, who at the time was the smallest dragon between herself, Meraxes, and, of course, Balerion the Black Dread himself."
"Really?" Rhaena asked curiously.
"Mm-hmm. Once I didn't have a dragon, but now I ride Vhagar, the largest in the world. And one day, she will go to you as we agreed."
"You think so?"
"I know so. Vhagar might seem menacing but treat her well and give her lots of love and kindness, and she's a big old softie."
That seemed to cheer Rhaena up. "Mother?"
"Yes, sweet girl?" Laena replied.
"What was he like?"
"Who?"
"Our cousin. At supper, Prince Reggio mentioned that father had a nephew in Westeros. The thing is… Baela and I never knew we had any cousins. Neither did we learn anything about other family members on the other side of the world. Can you tell me a little about… what he's like?"
Laena hummed. "Hmm… The last time I saw him was ten years ago. But from what I do recall, Prince Aeonar Targaryen is a well-renowned spymaster back home," she explained. "No matter where anyone was or what they were doing, no matter what was going on, he'd always find a way to know about it. On the outside, he might seem cold and intimidating… but once you get to know him and earn his trust, you'll learn that he does care about family. He won't admit it, of course. Intelligent and charismatic, yet so proud and stubborn, but there was a certain fire about him – the look in his eyes that burned with ambition. He's first in line to ascend the Iron Throne and become king of the Seven Kingdoms one day. He was the one who gave me Vhagar." She turned to her daughter. "And as per the agreement he made at Driftmark with my father – your grandfather, Lord Corlys Velaryon, Vhagar was given to me and one day shall be inherited by my children after me." She brushed a strand of hair from her daughter's face. "You have a harder road. But don't lose faith, Rhaena. Chin up. If you wish to be a rider, you must claim that right. Your father would tell you the same. When my time is done, Vhagar will be yours. I promise."
"Father ignores me," Rhaena implied.
"He's doing his best."
"Mother?"
"Mmm?"
"Do you think we'll go see them one day? Grandpa, grandma, and our cousins?"
Laena felt homesick. She yearned to see Driftmark again. "Yes, I believe so," she swore. "One day, maybe when you least expect it, you and Baela will see them. We'll all go home – our real home – as a family. Together." Daemon, I don't want to deny our girls the right to get to know their extended family. Mother and father, they'd love them. Your brother misses you. I know you say you believe otherwise, but I can tell that you miss home too.
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Daemon spent the following night outside looking out over Pentos's night skyline from the roof of the mansion. Far from home, the Rogue Prince was more than content with his new lavish life in Pentos and Prince Reggio Haratis's straightforward approach compared to the complex court politics of King's Landing, still contemplating the offer of permanent residence in exchange for protecting them from the Triarchy... or whatever remains of them. Word had soon reached him about the latest attempt to assassinate Aeonar, but from what he heard, it failed miserably. More so, Daemon's old ally, Lord Corlys, who had been given critical information gathered from the fallen assassins, had launched a retaliatory naval strike in the Stepstones, crushing the Triarchy remnant forces near New Tide, Silver Haven, and Bloodstone. No doubt the Sea Snake would again decimate the Triarchy by himself. And with the Principality of Dorne declaring neutrality, it was only a matter of time before Lys, Myr, and Tyrosh – the city-states who formed the Triarchy – would meet their fated demise.
"Daemon."
Daemon looked over to see Laena approaching him. The two exchanged looks before the Rogue Prince moved a cushion to allow his young wife relative comfort as she sat beside him.
"I take it you've heard," Laena suggested.
"Attacking him at the heart of King's Landing was pretty desperate," Daemon waved it off. "But I do know that he owns Blackfyre now." I remember. From what father told me and Viserys, to be bequeathed with the Conqueror's Valyrian steel sword symbolized the monarchy, a tradition of passing it from king to heir since Aegon's time. Huh… Beatrice must have been steamed about it. "More so, I take it you heard back from the others?" he asked.
"I did. It took time, but Laenor wrote to us. Rhaenyra has delivered another son."
Another who doesn't look like him in the slightest. "Does your brother mention if this one also bears a marked but entirely coincidental resemblance to the Commander of the City Watch?"
"He seems to have left that detail out," Laena stated. Despite her brother's homosexuality, she was happy for Laenor. From what she was told, her brother loves the three boys – Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey – as if they were his flesh and blood. One day they would be given the taste of a seafarer's life. Best introduce it to them when her legal nephews are still young. One day, they would grow to become sailors, mariners, and the next Lord of the Tides. However, Laena was also aware of the gossip at King's Landing surrounding the legitimacy of Rhaenyra's children. They did not physically resemble Laenor Velaryon, but rather Harwin Strong. She wanted to meet Jace, Luke, and Joffrey. She wanted to see her father, her mother, and her brother again. She yearned for the smell of the salty sea air of High Tide, to hear the waves of the Narrow Sea crashing against the shores near the port of Spicetown. She wants to go home. "I miss my brother, Daemon," she admitted. "As I think do you."
"Huh. Viserys has a funny way of showing it the last time we spoke," Daemon scoffed. "The only thing I miss is Westerosi strongwine. It could be depended on for a few hours of peaceful oblivion, not this... amber shit they drink here," he threw down his chalice. The Rogue Prince stood before leaning against the edge of the balcony overlooking the buildings from on high. The city burned with candles lit, though not as brightly as the ones in King's Landing.
Laena could tell Daemon was dissatisfied with his life in Pentos, even if he won't admit it. "Do you ever long for home?" she asked.
"No."
"I don't believe you."
"Believe what you want to."
"You laud the virtues of Pentos, but you have no interest in it," Laena pointed out. "If you did, you would venture into the city, but instead, you spend your time here, in the library, reading accounts of the same dead dragonlords whose legacy you claim has no hold on you."
"Didn't know I was being so minutely observed," Daemon sarcastically replied.
"You do not sleep."
"Well, how can I with you haunting my every move?"
Laena felt stung. That hurts, Daemon. That… really hurts. "Life has, I know, disappointed you," she spoke softer. "Perhaps I too am not the wife you would've wished for yourself." I know I wasn't your first choice – I know you've had your eyes set on someone else, and I've tried so hard to meet your expectations and satisfy your every need, gave you two beautiful girls with another on the way… but I know I can't fill the void in your life.
Now it was Daemon's turn to feel stung. "Laena…" he tried waving the notion aside.
"It does not pain me. I have made my peace. But you are more than this, Daemon. The man I married was more than this."
Daemon could say nothing other than watch his young wife leave to return inside the mansion. The Rogue Prince made his choices a long time ago, but even he could tell that Laena knew what he wouldn't admit. Daemon was fond of Laena, and he loved their daughters, but he did have his eyes set on someone else – someone he coincidentally groomed a long time ago during the Summer Festival ten years ago. Laena Velaryon wasn't his first choice, but he settled for her to keep Driftmark aligned with his goals of restoring the House of the Dragon to greatness, for it to become the dynasty it was destined to be since Aegon's Conquest. He was certain his nephew Aeonar felt the same way, but their methods were so different. Uncoordinated, opposing strategies. The only time they were effective was when they fought Craghas Drahar in the War for the Stepstones when the Triarchy was at the peak of its military power. Now? Daemon heard of Aeonar's growing reputation, his influence, his power... but also, the enemies both he and Rhaenyra were facing: the Caltrops, loyal followers of his brother's second wife, Beatrice Peake. But how could he return to Westeros after everything he's been forced to endure: ridiculed instead of praised, looked down upon by the lords instead of being respected, and treated with scorn, hate, distrust, and suspicion instead of acceptance? No. Viserys made his choice – and Daemon made his.
Caraxes, resting on the shores near the mansion, raised his head and slithered his way toward the edge of the mansion looking up. The Blood Wyrm could sense his rider's restlessness. He hissed silently.
Nykēla gīmī, Karakses. Nykēla gīmī. (I know, Caraxes. I know.)
Red Keep ― Maegor's Holdfast…
Rhaenyra had been feeling restless since the assassination attempt several days ago. From all reports, the crown has committed to providing Driftmark with sufficient resources to defeat the Triarchy in the Stepstones; however, since the attempt, there had been a noticeable increase in security as well. More guardsmen had been seen patrolling the halls and the battlements, keeping an eye out for more suspicious activity should another would-be assassin dare try to infiltrate again. Cradling her infant son Joffrey, Rhaenyra spent her afternoon raising him. She remained uneasy but did what she could as a mother to not let her innocent infant be affected in any way. By then, another servant arrived.
"Pardon me, princess. The queen... she's trying to pursue an inquiry into your children's birth."
Rhaenyra listened. When she rejected the princess's offer of a betrothal between Jacaerys and Helaena, Beatrice was actively moving to disprove the legitimacy of Jace, Luke, and Joffrey as the queen pressed her claim that all her stepdaughter's children are bastards born out of wedlock. That matter did not concern Rhaenyra. Her father, Ser Laenor, and even Lord Corlys the Sea Snake himself had never questioned the legitimacy of her children. And Rhaenyra knew, despite Aeonar's words, that he would never allow any harm to come to his nephews, whom his own children were greatly fond of. Beatrice is grasping at straws. I have three sons compared to her two. And of her three children, only two were dragonriders still in training. She looked over at the brazier on which a dragon egg rested, one selected by Jace and Luke for their new brother. She was certain that she had seen it stir when it had been laid next to Joffrey in his cradle. Soon all three of her sons would ride dragons. And if any dared to challenge the legitimacy of her sons, Laenor would kill them. And if he did not then Ser Harwin would finish the job.
"Excuse me, princess," arrived Elinda Massey, one of Rhaenyra's ladies-in-waiting and a young noblewoman from House Massey. "There's been a situation that needs to be brought to your attention," she informed.
"What now?" Rhaenyra inquired.
"It… stems from what occurred in the courtyard."
Rhaenyra normally wouldn't have been concerned with something as mediocre as what occurred in the training yard that day. Everyone knows what happened. Her sons, her nephews, and younger half-brothers were training together. Jaehaerys had defeated Aegon the Elder in a sparring match in plain view of everyone; and, although Aegon did move to retaliate upon being humiliated, was quickly apprehended by Ser Harwin – a controversial move that earned him a private reprimand. After Aegon had stormed off in a huff, Harwin remained to provide advice to the Velaryon brothers as they trained with Aeonar's sons.
Still, for Harwin to lay his hands on Aegon the Elder in public to be pulled aside even after mobilizing the City Watch to retrieve Aeonar from a group of would-be assassins so early would be interpreted as a move by the Caltrops. Like the other courtiers, the Caltrops spread gossip that Rhaenyra's children were not fathered by Laenor Velaryon, but rather are bastards sired by the Bonebreaker, Ser Harwin Strong as the three children did not share any Velaryon features nor Targaryen ones.
The story quickly caught fire and spread throughout the Red Keep. Deciding to trace the source of the allegations from the inside herself, Rhaenyra uses the hidden entrance to the secret passage system that her uncle Daemon showed to her more than ten years ago to sneak out. Walking along the corridors, Rhaenyra leaned against one of the side pillars to see Alicent and Aeonar discussing certain matters. She couldn't hear what they were saying, but based on her sister-in-law's posture, she determined it was still about the assassination attempt. Their mouths moved and their postures shifted, but it ended when both embraced each other. Aeonar kissed Alicent's forehead and sent her off. It all seemed too tender… until Rhaenyra noticed her brother shifting his gaze upward to stare directly at her. He had seen her! The Young Dragon knows the route she used. Shaking his head and wagging his finger, Aeonar didn't say a single thing and walked away.
Well… fuck. Rhaenyra climbed more flights of stairs until she heard shouting and quickly behind a pillar once she determined those voices belonged to both Lord Lyonel and Ser Harwin.
"You fool! Do you have any idea what you've done?" Lord Lyonel shouted at his eldest son and heir, treating the hulking man as if he were still a child. "It fills me with unrelenting shame."
"So that's what this is about then? Your shame?" Harwin said dismissively.
"Our shame, Harwin! Shame on the whole of House Strong!"
"Prince Aegon tried to attack Prince Jaehaerys, the future heir to the throne, when his back was turned after the sparring session was over and would have gone after the rest of the boys if I hadn't stepped in. I've seen firsthand how that insufferable son of a steward Cole trains them. How to be cruel and not even have the decency for remorse at all."
"He is a knight of the Kingsguard now, a defender of the crown. Your intentions might have been noble, but by laying your hands on a prince you have laid us open to accusations of an uglier treachery."
"And what accusations would you be referring to?"
"Don't play the fool with me, boy. You play a dangerous game. Do you understand what could happen?" Lyonel warned. "Your intimacy with Princess Rhaenyra is an offense that would mean exile at best or worse, death – for you, for her, for the children! A paper-thin shield alone is all that stands to protect you from the headsman."
Harwin merely scoffed. "You speak of rumors, father. Nothing but filthy lies and slander spread by the princess's enemies."
"People have eyes, boy. But His Grace the King, gods preserve him, will not accept what his eyes see. He closes them and his ears to what is being said. The willful blindness of a father toward his child."
"If only my father were affected by a similar blindness."
"I am protecting you, Harwin! Have I not these many years? His Grace won't live forever, and do you think Prince Aeonar will show the same restraint?"
"You have your honor and I have mine."
Lyonel sighed deeply. "You will resign from the City Watch...and return to Harrenhal."
Harwin spun around. "What?!" he said with outrage. "You can't send me off like―"
"I CAN AND AM! You will return to Harrenhal and remain there. The further you are away from the capital and the... distractions in it, the better."
As Rhaenyra was overhearing the conversation, she heard a knock-on Lyonel's door. When it opened, Rhaenyra peaked around the corner to see it was none other than her nephew.
"Excuse me, my lord Hand," Jaehaerys arrived. "My grandfather wishes to have a word with you as soon as you are able."
Lyonel collected himself and turned to face Jaehaerys, bowing to the prince respectfully. "Of course, my prince. I shall be with him shortly." He said before shooting one final look at Harwin, he then followed Aeonar's eldest son out of the room.
Harwin stood there, clenching, and unclenching his hands. Then with a roar worthy of a huge bear he seized a vase and hurled it against the wall, shattering the decoration into a hundred pieces.
Rhaenyra flinched when the vase broke. This deeply upsets Rhaenyra, who had been in something of a bubble at the royal court and didn't consciously admit just how widespread the suspicions were. Before long, she began feeling a horrible pain in her chest. Damn it! Not again. Holding her breasts in relative discomfort, nobility don't feed their children but instead use wet nurses. Quickly fleeing to her private chamber, she informs Elinda of her situation and waits as her handmaiden wrings warm soaked towels.
"For the pain, princess," Elinda presses the cloth against the princess's exposed chest.
"Thank you," Rhaenyra sighed in relief.
"You'll feel better in a day or two when the milk dries up."
Rhaenyra slinks her way onto a nearby chair to rest until she hears the echoing sound of the indistinct singing of two drunk men nearing her door. She could hear it, yet it already annoyed her greatly – as if she weren't already under enough stress. First the questions of her children's legitimacy, assassins targeting her brother, and now this? The Hand of the King forcing Ser Harwin to step down from the City Watch and sending him away? But when will it happen? So many thoughts going through her mind… and that loud, drunk singing was not helping at all. When the doors burst open, Rhaenyra saw it was none other than Laenor and Qarl, who had been released from the infirmary – as evidenced by them being wrapped in bandaged cloth and staggering in both pain and intoxication. They were very drunk indeed.
"My dear wife," Laenor slurred.
"Princess," Qarl greeted.
"Oh, I… maesters patched us up. We… might have gone out for drinks… afterward. I think. I fell… once or twice. Thrice? I can't recall."
Rhaenyra shook her head. You're drunk. "I can see that," she said. Are you still going on about the loss of your men, the same men you assigned to protect my brother – your brother-in-law, your commanding officer – from the people who tried to kill him?
Drunk as he may be, Laenor squinted his eyes and tried to steady himself. "Are you in very much pain?" he asked. "Of course, you are." He turned to Qarl. "The milk... swells the breasts―"
That's it. "Would you mind, Ser Qarl? I would like to speak with my husband," Rhaenyra interrupted.
Qarl tensed. Quickly sobering up, he realized she was being serious. "O-Of course, princess," he curtsied clumsily before staggering away. Elinda followed him out as well.
Laenor approached, stumbling slightly as he leaned against a chair to hold himself up. "We've struck back against the Triarchy, Rhaenyra… and won a major victory," he announced. "I just heard this morning from the patrons in Flea Bottom. Thirty warships lying in wait, only for them to be ambushed by our fleet before being forced to retreat from the Stepstones… with only twelve vessels remaining. That's eighteen ships destroyed. Eighteen Triarchy ships sunk to the bottom of the Narrow Sea!" He sat down. "Qarl's been fighting there before I enlisted him for the Honor Guard. He's shown me a… He showed me a sack of sapphires big as walnuts he took from the pirate he slew. Ah… after all this time, this is just what I need, a little adventure. A good, honest battle to enliven my blood again. He says there is a Tyroshi general there, a giant, they say, who dyes his beard purple and wears women's frocks. Ooh, how I long to be back at sea again…"
"And risk being designated a deserter? Are you mad?" Rhaenyra scolded. "Do you know what's happened… while you've been in the infirmary, while you've been… guzzling all the ale in Flea Bottom? Gods know what besides?" She tried to calm herself down. "Dark rumors are hunting us, Laenor. They nip at our heels. Questions about our sons' parentage. Vile, disgusting insinuations."
"Insinuations, are they?"
"They are our sons! Jace, Luke, Joffrey… all three of them! Yours and mine. And their true father will not abandon them now to go carousing through the Narrow Sea, waggling his sword, and winking at his sailors. Not now! Not while prying eyes will keep leering at three innocent little children. Threats against us are mounting and this is all you can think of?"
"I am a knight… and a warrior," Laenor tells her. "And I have played my part here, faithfully… for 10 years. I am owed some―"
"You are owed nothing! For 10 years, you've been given a prominent position at court: captain of the Prince of Dragonstone's elite honor guard. For 10 years, you have indulged yourself, bought the finest horses, drank the rarest of wines, fucked the lustiest boys." Rhaenyra sighed, still trying to calm herself down. "This was our agreement. I have not begrudged you. And I do not hold it against you for the lives of your men who sacrificed themselves to protect my brother from the Triarchy. For that, I will always be grateful. But… you do not abandon your post when the storm lashes at home or abroad."
"The wise sailor flees the storm as it gathers rather than try to defeat it."
Rhaenyra slunk back. "So that's how it's going to be," she sighed. "Very well then. I command you. As your princess, I forbid you from even thinking of leaving your post. Instead, you will remain here in King's Landing at my side and that of your children who need their father the most. Should you refuse or fail in your task, then I'm afraid Prince Aeonar will have to be informed. And I assure you, Ser Laenor, my brother is not as forgiving as I am… as you well know."
Laenor sighed in defeat. It seemed like ten years ago when he and Joffrey Lonmouth both got their transfers approved. He reflected on his past self, believing that he had a place within Aeonar Targaryen's elite Honor Guard – the best of the best, many of them veterans from the War for the Stepstones. At the time, when the request was granted, both he and his late lover were thrilled about the potential glory. But this? Ten years later? This... wasn't what he expected. The duty, the responsibility as captain... The pressure kept mounting no matter what he did. Laenor could still remember their faces, how their cold, dead eyes looked up at him when they were slain on the beach. 'Captain of the Honor Guard'… what a title fitting for a man of his station.
But neither consciously admitted just how widespread the suspicions were about their sons. No… this battle – this war in the shadows – between the Blacks and the Caltrops had only just begun. And it was only bound to get much worse.
Chapter End
Author's Note: Things are getting intense in King's Landing with Rhaenyra and at Pentos with Daemon. We catch a glimpse of their lives, their wishes, and desires, and, of course, the foreshadowing of the things to come. Laena wants her and her family to go home, but Daemon won't budge. Laenor wants to resign his post and go sailing, but Rhaenyra won't allow it. However, there remains the revelation that even the Hand of the King Lord Lyonel Strong is aware of the rumors surrounding the legitimacy of Rhaenyra's children and is the only thing standing between Ser Harwin and the executioner. How will things pan out going forward? Let me know.
Guest #1: Will we see the death of Laena, Harwin and Lyonel in the next chapter?
―Wait and see.
SupremeWarwick14: I can see why Daemon wants to stay in Pentos. In Westeros, a lot of the nobles saw him as Maegor reborn and disliked him. In addition, the only member of his family that he always got along with was Rhaenyra, as they both were rebels and they have fire. Viserys loved him, but as their personalities are very different, they often clash, and he felt envious of Aeonar, as Daemon felt he was supposed to be his brother's heir. And I think that "You are just supposed to be a second son, uncle" really hurt him, even if Runestone didn't belong to him. On one hand, I think, as much as I hate to admit, that he is right that his family don't appreciate what he does for them. He defended them and the Realm in the Stepstones, and he was ready to fight the Sea Snake himself for his brother. But he has a mad and dangerous nature, that people finds him unpredictable. Aeonar can't barely control him, and he is a loose canon. The struggle of the heart with itself, the very core of George R.R. Martin writing. Well done. However, it is kinda hard to feel sorry for him because he himself started the problems that his family shunned him for, because he admitted he groomed Rhaenyra, and because I think he should also think of his wife. The love between him and Rhaenyra is because he feels some type of kinship, and so does Rhaenyra. It's an irrational and maddening love. However, Daemon is a narcissist and he loves mostly himself.
Rhaenyra saying to Laenor that Laenor had done nothing is kinda hypocritical she had done nothing as well. Both failed in their duty when the Strong boys were born. And it's good how you show her willingness to hide the truth. I was expecting Rhaenyra to change after being given so many "Wake up calls", but she is still the same girl who wants to eat cake. She, influenced by Daemon, believes that Targaryens can do as they want with no consequence, and that her father and her brother are going to protect her. I guess some people don't have salvation after all.
As much as I ship Harwin and Rhaenyra, those children shouldn't have been born, for everyone's sake. I don't think Aeonar is gonna mind he is leaving, he will just replace him with Gwayne most likely, and he doesn't have a way to predict the fire on Harrenhal. However, he loses the Strongs in general, as Larys is a Caltrop. I think either Otto or Unwin is gonna be the next Hand of the King.
Questions:
- Is Aeonar planning to expose her sister for having the Strong boys? Or he just simply plans to wait until someone does?
―He doesn't have to. He already knows.
- Meta question: What was your intention with Rhaenyra ending her wedding's chapter saying she was gonna mature and then ten years later she is still the same selfish woman? It falls flat.
―The deal with her wedding's chapter was to solidify an alliance with House Velaryon. What they didn't take into account was Laenor's homosexuality and inability to sire children of his own - only Viserys seemed to be in denial because they're his grandchildren, Corlys seemed to be in denial thinking it's something Laenor will "grow out of" but still cannot see it.
- Does Aeonar know that Daemon groomed Rhaenyra?
―Yes, he does.
- Will we see Aeonar and Alicent offer their condolences to Daemon during Laena's funeral?
―Alicent might say something, but end up being ignored. Aeonar knows how his uncle is.
- Is Aeonar gonna open an investigation into the deaths of Lyonel and Harwin?
―If the pieces were there, he wouldn't deny or ignore lingering suspicions.
- I guess at this stage, the children of Aeonar, especially Jaehaerys and Aemma, know what his cousins are, don't they?
―Yes, they are.
C.E.W: So Lyonel Strong finally confronts his son Harwin about the courtyard, was wondering when that was going to happen.
The cold war between the Blacks and the Caltrops has only just started, and things are only going to get much worse. Right now, they stand united by their common enemy of the Triarchy, although that won't last long, especially with the recent victory the Sea Snake has achieved against them. The less the Triarchy becomes the threat, the more likely that both parties will start clashing again. King Viserys alone is all stands between them taring their throats apart. Its only going to get worse as King Viserys' health begins to weaken. Beatrice as expected rejected the proposal to marry Helaena to Jace, although Beatrice will be seen as the one in the wrong given she rejected an offer that could ensure peace, and give her son Aemond a dragon.
I'm sure Aegon the Younger, Viserys and Daeron would like to say goodbye to Harwin Strong. I'm sure the boys had fun getting caught by the former Lord-Commander of the City Watch. Probably after Harwin says goodbye to Rhaenyra and their boys Jace, Luke and Joffrey. I guess Rhaenyra and her family will split from the capital right after.
I'm sure Otto Hightower will be at Laena's funeral, either becoming Hand, or Urwin Peake becoming Hand, and Otto goes to the funeral to voice his concern about the growing power of the Peakes to Aeonar and Alicent.
Questions:
I take it the next chapter is where tragedies strike for the Blacks?
―We're getting in close to that point.
Will Lyonel Strong attempt to resign as Hand of the King?
―He'll try.
Will Aeonar be grieved to hear about the deaths of Lyonel and Harwin Strong? He known them a long time, and served on the Small Council with Lyonel Strong for twelve years, given four years which Aeonar resigned.
―He'll be caught off-guard when he finds out.
Are the Triarchy are on the verge of being completely destroyed?
―If they hadn't retreated from the Stepstones, they certainly risked complete annihilation.
KingInTheNorth27: Great chap love the interactions between each character this chap as it getting close to the start of the clash at drifmark between the black and the caltrops. I have a question if the plot follows the show will Aeonar help get Rheana dragon like he gave Leana a dragon if Vhagar get stolen by Aemond. I know in the books she hatches a dragon during the dance but will he really leave it on the chance she may hatch a dragon when there are still wild dragons like sheepstealer and grey ghost on Dragonstone or even canon dareon dragon tessarion in the dragon pit if it hatched already.
―One way or another.
Grimharry77: the one thing i can't understand is, how or why a war will happen? the line of succession is clear. who in the right mind would support peake?
―Someone is apparently too greedy and power-hungry for their own good.