It wasn't supposed to be amusing to see Daemon's face scrunch up in disgust and then to see him blanch at the scathing look Rhaenyra gave him. "Don't worry, Your Grace. It will not come to pass."

I did laugh at the relieved look he gave me. Even though it was absolutely terrifying to be here, it feels almost like home. I was quite unhappy with my... previous life but there are people I will mourn. It's something I will do in private and not in front of Rhaenyra and Daemon.

"Are you really not a Targaryen bastard then? You look identical to Rhaenys," Daemon questioned.

I rolled my eyes. "I mean I guess I am a bastard, but not a Targaryen one. Though it really doesn't matter where I come from."

That seemed to intrigue both of them. Rhaenyra however seemed more wistful. "I worry for my children, Lyna. I am ashamed that I was the one to put them in danger."

"Don't be ashamed, Your Grace. This war would've happened regardless of who you married. Alicent and her father desperately want their blood on the throne. If you had married Daemon at the start, they would've fed your father lies about how Daemon would control you which would be believable if they didn't know you," I explained.

"And you know us?"

I hesitated to answer because the truth is ludicrous. I can't exactly tell them I watched them through a screen. "Extremely well but as I said before you wouldn't believe me and you're better off not knowing. Just know that I am your greatest ally."

They both nodded when I felt something that was not my own. It was anger but it was faint. Realizing it was Balerion, I stood up. "Can one of you escort me outside? My dragon is.. not happy at the moment."

"Of course. I'll call a council meeting while my husband goes with you," the Queen commanded.

Realizing something I turned to go to Rhaenyra. I whispered, "If it's who I think it is, ride Syrax to the bridge as soon as possible. Remember, showing mercy will not be the wise choice."

Daemon didn't look too happy to be walking with me. I'm honestly surprised he didn't question me on what I told the Queen. I tried to walk as slow as possible which I could tell was making him angrier by the minute. I had to give the Princess time to go on Syrax. Realizing I was next to pretty much a legend I wanted to take the time to ask him questions, but Balerion's discomfort was getting worse. if I had to guess, people were near him. It was confirmed when there was a warning growl in the distance. Both Daemon and I stopped in our tracks when they saw Otto and his guards. The first order of business is to cut the head off the snake. I could feel Balerion through our bond and I can tell he was was waiting for me.

I smiled deviously on the outside. "This will be fun." Though on the inside, I'm panicking. This wasn't supposed to happen for at least a day. Did I get my days wrong?

Daemon matched her smile and stepped forward. Before he could say anything Otto had said, "I have come at the behest of the dowager Queen Alicent, mother of King Aegon, second of his name, lord and protector of the Seven Kingdoms. I've been directed to deliver her message only to Princess Rhaenyra."

"Princess? She is now Queen," mocked Daemon.

Otto ignored him. "Where is the Princess?"

It was timed so perfectly. Queen Rhaenyra looked fierce upon Syrax. It was unlike anything I have ever seen or read before. They greatly understated her beauty and didn't do her justice at all. It was like her entire being demanded respect. She landed several feet away and walked to where they were standing.

"Princess Rhaenyra-" Otto started.

Rhaenyra had cut him off. "I'm Queen Rhaenyra now, and you all are traitors to the realm."

Otto had ignored her and continued on. I can't believe he got away with this before. It was so disrespectful. Didn't his mother teach him manners? Apparently not. "King Aegon Targaryen, second of his name, In his wisdom and desire for peace, he's offering terms. Acknowledge Aegon as king and swear obeisance before the Iron Throne."

I scoffed out loud. He couldn't be serious could he? He came here to the rightful Queen to try and get her to bend the knee? I had to bite my lip to keep from saying anything. I keep forgetting that I am no royalty here.

The Queen had ignored the sound I had made, but it made Daemon smirk. I was curious about what the Queen had to say and was pleasantly surprised. "It's good you are here. It saves us a trip to King's Landing. If you and your party bend the knee here and now to me, I will spare your lives. if you decide not to, I'll send Alicent your head."

Otto looked visibly shocked by what she said, but held out a familiar piece of paper. This was it. This was the moment that could change what happens. Will Rhaenyra go against my advice?

"Queen Alicent has not forgotten the love you once had for each other. No blood need be spilled. The realm can carry on in peace," Otto tried to say. It was amusing to watch him try and gain control over the situation. Were they really that stupid to not see the gigantic dragon near them? It was honestly embarrassing that in the previous timeline Rhaenyra had her dragon and all but let Otto take control.

The Queen looked at me and I nodded. "The audacity you have to come here Otto. And with what? A useless piece of paper? Have you noticed the dragon behind you? That he is Balerion reborn?"

I'm glad to see that Rhaenyra has stepped into her role. That grief hasn't consumed her in this life. It hasn't smothered the fire from her. Rhaenyra turned to me and I was confused on what she would ask of me.

"Lyna, you can do the honors."

I stared at her in shock. Not knowing how to feel about taking a life, but this could save plenty from war. Isn't this what I wanted? To be strong and needed?

"Gladly, my Queen," I turned to Balerion and he rose to an impressive height. It was morbidly fascinating to see the horror on Otto's face. " Balerion! Dracarys!"

Prince Daemon, Queen Rhaenyra and I stepped several paces back and watched as Balerion drowned them in black flames. It was unlike anything I have ever seen and I'm a bit horrified that it is quite addicting. It was a rush to know that I was bonded to this dragon. That I was worthy enough to have been chosen. Once the air was filled with the smell of burned flesh, Balerion approached me. I could hear the hitch of the Queen's breath and wondered if she was scared.

I ignored her as I felt the bond between us was growing stronger. It just made me wonder how Aemond wasn't able to bond with Vhagar enough to where he could stop her from killing Arrax and Lucerys.

I close the space between us and put my head against Balerion's giant skull. I should be afraid. I should be crying like I was when I first saw him. But all I could feel was safe and protected. "good, Balerion."

"You don't speak Valyrian?" Daemon questioned.

"No. Like I said I am not a Targaryen. I don't understand it myself, but Balerion and I understand each other. I can feel his emotions through our bond," I confessed.

The Queen seemed to consider something and what she said next had absolutely shocked me. "Would you take the position as my hand, Lyna?"

I stood there and gaped at her. "What?" Oh my Gods.

"You have already given me sound advice and I know that you'd make a great Hand," she explained. She stood there calmly, not looking as if she was making a huge decision.

"As much as it honors me, I don't have a standing in this world. I don't come from nobility and" I looked at Daemon who seemed to look indifferent. "and I don't want to be on the end of your husband's blade."

Rhaenyra seemed to be shocked at what I said and turned towards Daemon. Before she could say anything, Daemon did. "I agree with my wife. Your knowledge is invaluable and it helps that you have the biggest dragon. As for your standing, it's simple enough. The Queen will make you a legitimate Targaryen."

If it was possible, my jaw had dropped further. Wow this was way too much to process. When I stumbled back towards Balerion, he had tried to curl his body in front of me. "I'm alright," I coaxed the dragon.

"You both honor me and I will gladly accept the position," I said faintly. Who am I to deny a literal Queen? I mean am I even allowed to?

The Queen smiled at me and gestured for us to go back to the council table. She had explained that everyone should be there. It took a few minutes to have Balerion release her but after reassuring him, he let go. It was a bit surreal to be embraced by a dragon that could easily devour me.

I paid close attention to how the Queen and her consort interacted with each other. They both genuinely seemed to love and care for each other. It shouldn't have been surprising to see Daemon caress her stomach, but it was. Did the death of their unborn child really send them apart from each other? Was that the catalyst to their downfall before?

I couldn't stop trembling when the Queen had placed the pin on my attire and introduced me to her council. When her son Jace had said to send them, it filled me with dread. My eyes automatically went to the 14 year old Luke. The poor child was obviously frightened, but would do anything for his mother.

I could tell the Queen was worried and when she said Luke would go to Storm's End, I had to cut in. "If you allow it my Queen, I will accompany Luke. I fear the outcome of that meeting."

Now that definitely got both the Queen and her consort's attention. They knew I wouldn't have said anything against it unless it had a terrible ending.

The Queen immediately nodded her head. "That is wise." before she could continue, Luke had tried to interfere and say he could go alone. The Queen looked at me as if to ask if she could tell them and I nodded my head. "Luke, Lyna is a.. dreamer. She has already been instrumental against the Greens. It would be wise to listen to her for she controls our future."

I think she laid it on pretty thick with that last sentence. But I couldn't deny it would certainly get their attention and make them listen. "Don't worry ,my Prince. You will still be making the negotiations. I will just be there to make sure nothing goes awry."

"How will you do that?" Luke innocently asked.

It was Daemon who spoke up. "She rides Balerion, the reborn."

Of course the only time he spoke up was to cause chaos. It seemed the room exploded and Luke, Baela, and Rhaena went to look out the window. "Where did you get him? How did you find him?"

"I didn't. I woke up and he found me," I responded honestly.

Luke looked at me in awe. "You must be blessed by the Gods."

It was unfortunate that I had taken a sip of wine when he said that. It caused me to choke and curse. "I would say you are very right, my Prince."

With that being said there were plans to officially crown Rhaenyra. They would do it that very day. The Queen had been kind enough to give me some of her riding clothes, and she barely used them anymore. We were built similarly and the clothes fit me perfectly. I accompanied her and the children to where the crowning would begin and was interested in the stories they were telling. It was a lot better to hear about the structure of the family than to read/watch it. Their family was blended together so perfectly that it made me reevaluate everything I had seen. When the crowning had begun, it was relieving to see the Queen's face happy, instead of devastated. She doesn't know loss of a child yet and i will make sure she doesn't.

When the crowning had ended I pulled Rhaenyra aside. "If there was a way to get Aemond and Helaena to bend the knee, would you let them?"

I could tell Rhaenyra wanted to say no. "Aemond has too much hatred to bend the knee." It was sad that she couldn't see that this could have been avoided if she had been close to her siblings.

"It was only due to the fact he was made fun of for not having a dragon. He even said that it was worth it. Not only that, but you need to realize these are your siblings, Rhaenyra."

"They're only half."

That made me sad. "I have- I mean had half sisters. They were the most important people to me. It didn't matter we had different mothers or fathers. We stuck by each other and didn't punish each other for our parents'mistakes." My eyes watered when I thought of my little sisters. "We can offer Aemond, Helaena and her children safety so they would join us."

"What if Aemond wanted more? I hear what you're saying but there is too much bad blood to reconcile now," The Queen argued.

"There will be if you don't listen, my Queen. Act your age, Rhaenyra. Your siblings and your children need you to put aside your hatred because if you don't all will be lost," I ranted. I could see she was still conflicted and I came to the conclusion I will also have to make a sacrifice. But would it really be one? "I will offer my hand to sweeten the deal."

The Queen looked at me in disbelief. "You would do that?"

"I would do anything to stop this war. Even if it's not personal to me, I will. I see what becomes of the Targaryen's. The loss of family and dragons."

She nodded, understanding the importance of duty. I was surprised when she embraced me. It was an odd feeling as she hadn't had a motherly embrace in so long. Even though I had sisters, I was the oldest so I was always comforting them. "Thank you for everything, Lyna. I know you're saving my family and I would be glad to welcome you in it."

I couldn't help but the lone tear fall. It was another reminder that I will never see my family again. "Do I have your permission, your Grace?"

"Of course. I will talk to Daemon about it. There won't be a problem from him, especially if it came from you. Whatever you said to him earlier had scared him, I can tell," She explained.

I nodded. Good at least he was listening. He seems to be more level headed than I originally suspected.

"As it's getting late, we'll get you both ready tomorrow. You look as tired as I feel," the Queen teased.

I laughed tiredly. "That's understating a bit I think. I will be glad to rest." The Queen walked me to my rooms and bid me a good night. When I was sure she was alone, I cried. I cried for the people I left behind and the sacrifices i'm going make. The only comfort I have is to hope the marriage with Aemond will be good. It would be nice to fall in love with my future husband.

--

Aemond's POV:

Aemond was sitting with his sister and her children, when she gasped. "Are you alright sister?"

It took a moment for her to answer, but she responded by smiling. "When you see the black dragon, embrace what she says. She will be our salvation."

He looked at her in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"Everything isn't as it seems. Embrace the black dragon, she will save us."

A/N: This chapter made me tear up, not gonna lie. I couldn't imagine life without my sisters 3