The Whiskered Dragon and One-Eyed Prince

by windstorm16

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2. Chapter 2

Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! And here we'll be covering the events of Laena's funeral and Aemond claiming Vhagar. But with some changes due to Naruko's presences, though we'll be seeing some things are unavoidable. So, without further ado.

I own nothing

Edit: Also forgot to include this, but special thanks to Mach9330, they've been a big help in writing this story, so go check them out and their own stories as well.

Naruko stood with her parents and nieces, staring numbly at the coffin containing her sisters remains, with the top being carved to resemble Laena herself. Though she felt it only looked like a poor imitation of her sister.

Around them were many nobles who'd come to pay their respects, including the royal family, Naruko saw her brother standing with his family and just how broken he looked. Not that she could blame him, given he and Laena had known each other much longer she did. Which had only made it that much more painful for the whiskered Velaryon, knowing how little time she got to spend with Laena.

Before Naruko looked as her uncle, Vaemond Velaryon, began delivering Laena's eulogy, having volunteered to do so when her father couldn't bear to do it himself.

"We join today at the Seat of the Sea to commit the Lady Laena of House Velaryon to the ternal waters, the dominion of the Merling King where He will guard her for all the days to come." Vaemond said looking at his family, his brothers sorrow, Rhaenys hidden behind a veil trying to remain strong while holding Baela and Rhaena close.

While Naruko looked back at the coffin, trying to imagine Laena as she was when she was alive, remembering the good memories she had of her. Focusing on the last time she saw Laena when she visited so many years ago.

*Flashback*

Naruko was practically vibrating with excitement as she held Laena's hand, following her sister to where the dragons nested. The older Velaryon having offered to take her to see Vhagar while their parents were spending time with Baela and Rhaena. Much to Naruko's excitement to see the Queen of All Dragons up close.

"Calm down little sister, Vhagar isn't going anywhere." Laena said smiling in amusement at Naruko, knowing she likely would've run off already if she wasn't holding her hand.

"I can't help it! I'm going to see Vhagar, the last dragon from the conquest, ridden by Queen Visenya, then by Prince Baelon! The oldest and largest dragon in the world, and you claimed her when you were just three-and-ten!" Said Naruko smiling in awe up at her sister, making Laena's smile grow.

"Indeed, but it was certainly no easy task. Vhagar has grown much too large for the Dragonpit and so found a new place to nest along the coast. It took time and asking many sailors from Spicetown that claim to have seen her, but I soon able to discover where she was nesting." Laena said, with Naruko looking at her eagerly to learn how she claimed Vhagar.

"Did muña and kepa take you to find her?" Naruko asked, only for Laena to actually snort and smirk at her.

"Do you really think our parents would have taken me out on a mad attempt to claim the largest dragon in the world?" Said Laena rhetorically, much to Naruko's surprise at the realization.

"You snuck away?!" Said Naruko not expecting to learn her sister had gone to claim Vhagar alone.

"I did. I paid one the ship captains that had seen Vhagar for passage and his silence, but he was willing to take me as close to Vhagar's lair as he could get. After that I had continue on foot, and that was difficult in and of itself, as Vhagar mad her lair far above the ground. Yet I refused to give up after coming so far and in the end…it was worth it." Laena said smirking as they stepped over dune with Naruko's eyes widening in pure amazement.

A first she thought it was just a very massive hill, only to realize a moment later that she was looking at Vhagar. A truly gigantic beast covered in bronze scales with greenish-blue highlights on her wings, horns and crests. Looking large enough that Naruko thought she could crush High Tide by landing on it, along with being able to devour an entire horse and its rider in one bite.

Stepping closer, Naruko saw just how large Vhagar was, seeing the rope ladder Laena had to climb just to get on the saddle. She even saw birds landing on top of Vhagar, thinking she was just a hill, rather than an apex predator.

"She's…" Naruko muttered unable to find the words describe such a sight.

"Indeed, I felt the same when I first saw her. That and some fear that if I failed to bond with her, I would be her next meal." Said Laena smiling at her mount, while Naruko looked at her in surprise.

"You were scared?" Said Naruko having never known her sister to ever be scared of anything.

"Of course, I'd be foolish not to be scared standing before such a creature. But I hid it well enough and when I went to claim Vhagar I showed my determination and refusal to give up, that I would claim her or die trying. Sīmonagon, Vhagar!" Laena called out, the Dragon Queen's eyes snapped open showing the bright green color.

Naruko's awe grew as Vhagar slowly lifted her head, sending birds and sand flying everywhere as she shook her body, before rising up from the ground. The dual-haired girl tilted her head back as far as it would go, looking up at Vhagar as the great dragon gazed down at her rider.

"Vhagar, this is my sister, Naruko. She's family, the same as Baela and Rhaena." Laena said having introduced her dragon to her daughters when they were first born, wanting to make sure Vhagar was familiar with them.

Looking at her rider, Vhagar's gaze turned to the young girl with her before lowering her head and sniffed her, getting a giggle from Naruko when the dragon exhaled releasing a blast of hot air.

"It's nice to meet you Vhagar! You're even more amazing in person, you must've seen so much together with Queen Visenya, great-uncle Baelon and now Laena." Naruko said patting Vhagar's snout, getting a low growl from the bronze dragon but didn't move away or snap at her.

Laena couldn't help but smile at seeing her sister and her dragon together, pleased that Vhagar seems to like Naruko as well. Before she leaned down next to her sister as her smile turned into a smirk, knowing she'll really like the next part.

"How'd you like to get a really close look, from the saddle?" Laena asked, making Naruko's head snap towards her, excitement shining in her eyes.

"Really?!" Said Naruko, not believing she'll also get the chance to ride Vhagar.

"Really. I've taken Baela and Rhaena riding before, I think it's only fair my favorite sister gets her own ride." Replied Laena, laughing when Naruko immediately rushed towards the ropes to climb up.

"Hurry up Laena! Come on, hurry so we can go!" Naruko said not even stopping as she went to climb up to the saddle.

"Hold on Naruko, I need to climb on fir-" Laena said knowing Vhagar doesn't like anyone climbing up her unless she's already in the saddle.

Only to be surprised when Vhagar didn't try throwing Naruko off or snap at her, instead her dragon merely turned her head watching her sister climb up and onto the saddle.

"What were you saying Laena?" Naruko asked looking down at her sister, with Laena looking at her in surprise before shaking her head and smiling.

"Nothing sister, just don't try flying off with my dragon. I'll be very upset if you try taking Vhagar from me." Said Laena climbing up to the saddle.

"No, Vhagar's great and all but I want my dragon to be my own, not one that's already been claimed, otherwise I'll just be another rider." Naruko said desiring to claim a dragon no one else has or hatch one herself.

"Mmm, that's certainly ambitious little sister. I'll look forward to the day you claim a dragon yourself." Said Laena smiling at Naruko as she climbed into the saddle behind her, confident her sister will get a dragon to call her own.

"When I do then we'll all be able to fly together, I'll also be able to come visit you, Baela and Rhaena whenever I want!" Said Naruko with an eager smile, with Laena's smile growing as she kissed the top of her head.

"We'd all love such a thing Hāedar, and you'd be welcome in our home, always." Laena said before strapping them to the saddle so they didn't fall.

"Are you ready?" Questioned Laena, with Naruko nodding excitedly.

Looking forward, Laena locked eyes with Vhagar smiling at her mount and nodded, knowing her dragon will understand.

"Vhagar, sōvēs." Laena said, with Vhagar fully standing up before getting a running start, stretching her wings as she took the sky.

Naruko couldn't help cheer loudly as she was thrown back against Laena from the force of Vhagar's take off. Turning her head to smile at her sister, which Laena returned, as they both looked forward watching the clouds and sky rush past them.

*End Flashback*

'She belonged there.' Naruko thought sniffling, knowing how much Laena loved flying and being in the sky, now she'll forever belong to the waves.

Looking at her nieces, Naruko couldn't even begin to imagine their pain, she might've lost a sister but they lost a mother. The one person who would always be there for them, who'd raise and nurture them, who'd love them no matter what, they now lost that person.

Even worse that they had seen what had been left of their mother after she commanded Vhagar to burn her.

Reaching over, Naruko grabbed Baela's and Rhaena's hands, wanting to offer any comfort she could, with the twins holding her hands tight in gratitude.

"As she sets to sea for her final voyage, the Lady Laena leaves two true-born daughters on the shore. Though their mother will not return from her voyage, they will remain bound together in blood." Vaemond said, before Naruko notice his gaze shift in another direction.

Looking where he was, Naruko saw Rhaenyra and her sons, at least her two oldest sons given Joffrey's just a baby.

"Salt courses through Velaryon blood. Ours runs thick. Ours runs true. And ours must never thin." Said Vaemond, though not everyone could understand High Valyrian, just from where he was looking many could guess what Vaemond was saying.

With the whiskered Velaryon slowly looking back at her uncle, her eyes widening in anger at what he was doing. That he was using Laena's funeral to turn attention to the Princess and her sons.

Naruko might not like that Rhaenyra is trying to pass her sons off as Velaryons when it's clear they weren't, but this was meant to be a day to mourn and remember her sister. Not a time for someone to deliver insults to who the Princess takes to her bed.

Corlys and Rhaenys were also less than pleased at Vaemond's words, the Sea Snake looking ready to throw his brother into the sea himself while Rhaenys was tempted to call Meleys.

But when everyone heard giggling, their attention turned from the Princess and her sons to the Rogue Prince, who looked at Vaemond and began laughing. Which certainly angered Corlys and Rhaenys that he was actually laughing at his wife's, their daughter's, funeral.

Though Daemon's laughter suddenly ended when he felt his instincts suddenly screaming at him of a threat nearby. Making him instinctively reach for where Dark Sister normally was, while glancing around for the danger.

Only to soon see the surprisingly fierce glare Laena's sister was giving him, the girl looking ready to breathe fire herself and incinerate him on the spot. Daemon would even swear to every god there is, that for a moment the girls eyes turned red like blood with narrow pupils, like a dragons, before returning to normal.

Luckily, everyone's attention turned back to the funeral as Velaryon men pulled the ropes to send Laena's casket into the sea and Vaemond continued the eulogy.

"My gentle niece. May the winds be as strong as your back, your seas as calm as your spirit, and your nets be as full as your heart. From the sea we came. To the sea we shall return." Vaemond concluded, as Laena's coffin was sent into the waters below.

Naruko couldn't deny inhaling sharply at the sight, feeling like it was now made official her sister was gone, that she'd never hear her voice or see her smile or feel her embrace again.

The young Velaryon decided she hated funerals.

*Later*

After the funeral, everyone had gathered on the cliffside courtyard for the wake, to honor and remember Laena as she was in life.

"How many people here even knew Laena? How many of them even really care she's gone?" Naruko asked standing beside her mother looking out over the gathered guests.

"Many here did know and met Laena, daughter. And many grieve just as we do at her loss." Said Rhaenys, only for Naruko to frown.

"Did they know how much she loved flying? Did they know of her desire to travel and see the world? What did they really know about Laena beyond her title and position?" Naruko said, with Rhaenys putting a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"We'll all miss her dearest." Rhaenys said softly as Naruko grabbed her hand.

"I hate funerals." Muttered Naruko, getting a sigh from the Queen Who Never Was.

"As do I daughter, as do I." Replied Rhaenys looking around at the gathered guests before looking at her granddaughters sitting alone.

"Why don't you go speak with Baela and Rhaena, I'm sure they'd like to have their favorite aunt close." Rhaenys said, making Naruko look to her nieces.

"Okay." Naruko said before making her way over to the twins.

Approaching her nieces, Naruko tried smiling at them but found it difficult to do so, though they both looked thankful at just her presence.

"Aunt Naruko." Rhaena said shakily, with the Velaryon taking a breath.

"I'm…I'm sorry. I might've lost a sister, but you both lost your mother and…I know she can never be replaced. But…I want you both to know I'll always be here, should you need anything." Said Naruko wanting to do anything she can to help them.

"I don't want mother to be gone." Said Baela with tears in her eyes, causing Rhaena to start crying as well.

This made Naruko wince, wondering what she's supposed to say or do to that, wanting to help but not knowing how. Only for something to soon come to her, unsure where it came from but hoped it'd help them.

"I want you both to close your eyes." Naruko said, making the twins look at her in confusion.

"Just…please, close them for a moment." Said Naruko, with them still looking at her but soon they closed their eyes.

"Now…think about Laena, everything you remember about her. Her hair, her eyes, her smile, her laugh, the sound of her voice. Everything she loved, everything she told you two, all the times you spent together. Waking up each day and going to sleep, even having meals together. Think about every memory you have of her." Naruko said, feeling a little hopeful when Baela and Rhaena slowly began smiling.

"I…I can see her." Rhaena said being able to perfectly picture her mother as she was when she was alive.

"I can too, she's…smiling and laughing, she's taking us flying and telling us stories before bed." Said Baela, making Naruko smile slightly.

"Good, that's good. Now…I want you both to remember this. This…what happened, losing Laena…it's going to hurt. It always will. Some days will be harder than others, but I want you both to never forget the good times you had with her. I want you to hold onto those moments, they arere what will help you through this." Said Naruko taking her nieces hands again, making them open their eyes.

"And even if Laena is gone, there's one thing I know she'd say to both of you. She's thankful she got the chance to be your mother, that she got to have two amazing daughter like you two. And that no matter what you two do, never doubt this one truth. She will love you, always." Naruko said, though was worried when Baela and Rhaena began crying even harder.

Only for the twins to wrap their arms around their aunt, surprising Naruko before she held them close, seeing that her words did help them.

"Thank you." Baela said when they pulled away, Rhaena nodded in agreement thankful for their aunts words.

"You both will be okay, I promise." Said Naruko smiling at them, giving their hands a gentle squeeze.

Looking around the courtyard, Naruko spotted Aegon and Aemond standing off to the side, seeing a silver-haired girl who she guessed was Princess Helaena. Along with spotting Daemon leaning against the wall looking at the gathered crowd.

"Will you two be fine here a without me?" Naruko asked turning back to her nieces, wanting to stay with them but also wishing to greet the Princes and Princess, as well as have words with Daemon for what he did

"We'll be fine aunt." Replied Rhaena smiling slightly at her aunt, Baela nodded in agreement.

"Yeah. Like you said, we'll be okay." Baela said actually believing that they will be okay after this.

"Good. But if either of you need anything, anything at all, don't hesitate to ask." Said Naruko, the twins nodded gratefully in response.

Giving them one last hug, Naruko made her way over to the Kings children, when she began hearing what Helaena was saying.

"Hands turn loom; spool of green, spool of black; dragons of flesh weaving dragons of thread. Hand turns loom; spool of green…"

'What is she…is that a spider?' Naruko thought confused at what Helaena was talking about only to notice the spider crawling on her hands, yet she didn't look the least bit concerned.

"We have nothing in common." Aegon said annoyed at how he's being forced to marry his loony sister.

"She's our sister." Said Aemond also not liking that his older siblings were betrothed, mostly with how he knows Aegon won't care for Helaena.

"You marry her, then." Retorted Aegon being more than happy to let Aemond take his place.

"I would perform my duty, if mother had only betrothed us." Aemond stated.

While he might not view Helaena romantically or as a potential bride, he'd still perform his duty and wed her if they'd been betrothed and treat with the respect and care she deserved.

"If only." Aegon scoffed taking a drink.

"It would strengthen the family. Keep our Valyrian blood pure." Reminded Aemond knowing it's expected of them to marry in the family, ensuring only House Targaryen and House Velaryon had Dragonriders.

"She's an idiot." Retorted Aegon motioning his cup at Helaena, only to tense when a hand landed on his shoulder and a shiver went down his spine.

"Cousin, do you perhaps need another reminder to be nice to your siblings?" Naruko asked tilting her head at Aegon, who couldn't help but gulp at seeing her again.

"Of course muña took my dagger so no worries of me drawing it again. But I can get creative if need be." Added Naruko with a rather unnerving smile appearing on her face.

"N-no…no need for that cousin. We were just…discussing how eager I am to wed our lovely sister." Aegon said, with Naruko humming in thought as she looked at Helaena.

"She does seem rather nice." Naruko stated seeing while Helaena might be a little odd with her muttering and apparent interest in bugs, she looked like a nice girl.

"Indeed, incredibly nice. In fact we something very important in common, we both fancy creatures with very long legs…" Said Aegon trailing off when a serving girl walked by with a tray of wine, with the older Prince taking the chance to slip away for another drink.

"Aegon." Aemond muttered shaking his head as his brother went off.

"Your brother's kind of an idiot." Stated Naruko, making Aemond smirk slightly in agreement, along with amusement at how she left an impression on his brother.

"He prefers spending his time drowning himself in wine or chasing after the serving girls." Said Aemond, with the whiskered Velaryon rolling her eyes.

"That doesn't really surprise me." Naruko said getting the impression Aegon didn't take most things seriously, before looking at Helaena.

"What about your sister? What was that she was muttering?" Questioned Naruko curiously, only for Aemond to shrug.

"I don't know, truthfully. There are times Helaena will seem to be lost in her own mind, saying strange things no one can make sense of. She also has an odd fascination with all forms of insects." Aemond said having never been able to make sense of most of the things Helaena says, but he make sure to remember them, having doubts his sister was mad or a simpleton like he's heard others whisper.

"Really?" Naruko asked looking at Helaena curiously, doubting many Ladies would be interested in bugs.

"Yes. I…" Said Aemond before stopping himself as he tried thinking of the right words.

"What?" Said Naruko turning towards him when he didn't say anything else.

"I…offer my condolences for Lady Laena's death. I had only seen her once, when she and my uncle came to receive a royal blessing for their daughters, but she seemed like a good person. I'm sorry." Aemond said bowing his head slightly, while the dual-haired Velaryon gained a small, sad smile.

"Yeah…she was good. I didn't get to meet her many times myself, she'd already left and married Prince Daemon when I was older, but I still loved the times we spent together, no matter how few they were." Naruko said before shaking her head.

"Thank you for your condolences, cousin. It…feels better, to just hear someone say sorry." Said Naruko smiling at the Prince, with Aemond merely nodding in response having never been one for many words.

Looking back at Helaena, Naruko decided to approach the Princess curious to see what she's like, still hearing her muttering to herself. Watching as she placed the spider in a shell before quickly placing her hand over it.

"Do you like collecting insects too?" Naruko asked, with Helaena not looking surprised at her voice as she turned towards her.

"I do. I find them all rather fascinating, living only for the sake of finding a home and food. Such simple lives I believe everyone desires." Said Helaena as Naruko crouched down next to her.

"It would be much less complicated of that was all anyone worried about, food and shelter." Stated Naruko knowing many Lords only sought to increase their Houses standing, put themselves above others.

"Indeed." Helaena muttered.

"You know, I'm sure Essos has plenty of different kind of insects not found in Westeros. Maybe I could find a book about them, if you'd like." Offered Naruko, getting a surprised look from the Princess.

"Really?" Helaena asked not expecting such an offer, knowing how people view her and her interest in bugs.

"Yeah. If it's something you're interested in, then I'd like to help. I might not know a lot about bugs, but if you like them then that's all that should matter." Naruko said with a shrug, while Helaena looked at her like she was the most fascinating thing in the world.

"…You are a storm, wild and unpredictable." Said Helaena, making Naruko blink in confusion.

"Uh…thank you?" Said Naruko unsure if it was meant to be a compliment or one of her odd statements.

"I would very much like a book on insects in Essos, cousin. It would be lovely to learn more about them." Helaena said as if she hadn't said anything strange, with the Velaryon merely shaking her head.

"Okay. I'll ask around the merchant ships and see about finding one. Maybe even search some ships for any insects that stowed away I could send you." Naruko said, much to Helaena's delight at the chance to also get more insects.

Though when Naruko stood up to speak with some other guests, Helaena suddenly grabbed her hand and looked at her with wide eyes.

"Thank you, for saving us." Said Helaena, confusing Naruko again before she gave her a confused smile.

"You're, uh…you're welcome Helaena. Glad I…I could help." Replied Naruko deciding to just accept it, not sure what exactly she's thanking her for, but went along with it.

"I know you are, sister. You're too kind." Helaena stated smiling at her, which only confused Naruko further but she simply nodded.

'Odd, very odd, but still nice and sweet.' Naruko thought not minding Helaena's strange quirks, feeling they just made her unique.

Looking around at the gathering, Naruko could see the Queen and Ser Criston, the King sitting down with his Kingsguard nearby, Princess Rhaenyra by the refreshments table, her father with Lucerys. Before narrowing her eyes when she spotted Daemon, intending to have words with him.

While Daemon stood by his lonesome leaning upon the ramparts of Driftmark. The Rogue Prince had never been comfortable or even good with expressing grief, instead choosing to observe the Royal Court to see how much Westeros had changed while he had been gone. Before long, his elder brother approached him.

"Your girls are the very image of their mother." Viserys commented glancing over at his nieces.

"A comfort and anguish, as I well remember. I know how you feel, Daemon. All too well, after so many years. The gods can be cruel…" Said Viserys turning back to his brother, wishing they didn't share the pain of losing their wives to the birthing bed.

Daemon took in his elder brothers sickly appearance. He steadied himself on a cane, his left arm had been amputated long ago at the elbow, his hair had grown thin, and dark blotches covered his skin.

"It seems they've been especially cruel to you," he remarked somewhat callously, with Viserys giving a humorless smile.

"I… yes. Well, I suppose I deserve that. But Daemon… I'm sorry for how things turned out between us. How I reacted and said all those awful things to you. You were telling the truth the whole time." Viserys pleaded and begged, while Daemon recalled Viserys' last words to him before he had been banished last time.

"You are no conqueror. You are a plague… sent to destroy me! Go back to the Vale, Daemon. Strive to restore whatever scrap of honor remains in you. Or don't. Matters not to me. As long as you are gone from my sight for good."

Those were the last words his brother had ever spoken to him before he had departed to the Vale to deal with his wife. They had not spoken a word to each other when he came back, uninvited, to attend Rhaenyra's marriage feast.

"What do you want from me this time, Viserys?" Daemon asked aware that Viserys rarely ever approached him for idle chatter.

"You should return with us to King's Landing. It's time that you came home." Viserys offered wishing for his brother to come home, to have his family be whole once again.

"Pentos is my home… and that of my children." Daemon retorted knowing King's Landing hasn't been his home for years.

"Daemon…" Viserys pleaded with his brother, wanting things to go back to how they used to.

"I know we've had our differences in the past but let them pass with the years. There's a place for you in my court if that's something you should need-" Said Viserys willing to give him command of the Gold Cloaks again, or even make a new position on the Small Council if it meant having his brother at his side once more.

"I need… nothing…from you," Daemon cut him off, refusing to entertain Viserys' offer, the Rogue Prince had been slighted quite enough by his brother, his loyalty unrewarded.

"Brother-" Viserys called out to him, but Daemon continued to walk, getting about a dozen paces before his path was blocked by Naruko.

"Hey, I wanna talk to you!" Naruko said to Daemon as she glared up at him.

"What the hells was that, laughing while we were burying my sister!?" Demanded Naruko wanting to know where he had the nerve to laugh at Laena's funeral.

"We each grieve in our own way." Daemon said, echoing the words he had spoken to Viserys years ago when Aemma and Baelon had died, turning his head and looking away from her.

But Naruko took his action more as a dismissal of her concerns, causing Naruko to blanch in shock before she narrowed her eyes.

"There are right ways and wrong ways to grieve, and laughing during your wife's eulogy, isn't a right way!" Naruko bit out in frustration.

"Perhaps it escaped your notice, little dragon, but your uncle wasn't being respectful toward your sister either." Daemon said, turning his gaze back to Naruko.

"Oh, I am well aware. Father will be having sharp words with Vaemond over using Laena's funeral to make a political statement. It doesn't matter what he was doing, she was still your wife!" Naruko said, her eyes becoming red like they were earlier for a moment.

'What is that?' He wondered curiously, before dismissing his thoughts.

"As I said, we each mourn in our own way. Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to mourn my wife alone." Daemon said as he walked off towards the beaches of Driftmark.

Rhaenyra stared at her uncles back, before sending her sons off to bed and walked after him. This made Naruko narrow her eyes at Rhaenyra, not having a good feeling about those two being alone together.

*Later*

It wasn't long before night had descended onto Driftmark, with many retiring to bed for evening, though many still remained.

Slumped along the steps of the cliffside courtyard, Aegon had gotten increasingly drunk as the day went by, and had drank so much by this point that he was fast asleep, embarrassing himself, as several empty goblets lay littered around him. As he was passed out, he did not hear the footsteps of another approaching.

Lord Otto Hightower looked upon his grandson with disappointment and disgust. This was who he was supposed to place upon the throne one day? Aegon had so much potential when he was babe, and it seems that it had been wasted thus far. He would have to speak with his daughter soon to rectify this. Shaking his head in disappointment, before making sure no one was around, he kicked the boy lightly in the leg to rouse him from his stupor.

"Ow!" Aegon yelped as he was awoken from his drunken stupor, before he could react, he felt himself being lifted to his feet by his collar.

"Brother?" he asked, still slurring his words, thinking it was Aemond, not being the first time his brother came to get him after drinking too much.

Otto spun Aegon around and roughly dragged him up the stairway.

"Off to bed with you," he sternly told him, refusing to let anyone see him in such a state,

While From behind a pillar, Aemond observed his grandsire dragging Aegon into High Tide, knowing his brother will have more to deal with than just a headache in the morning.

Before the young prince looked up at the sky when he heard a roar, spotting a dragon flying through the clouds. Knowing just which dragon it was, Aemond glanced around making sure no one was watching him before quickly making his way down the stairs to the beach, seeing his one chance to claim Vhagar.

Unaware that someone had been watching him before moving to follow the prince, getting a feeling of where he's going.

*Later*

Running along the beach hiding a few times just in case there'd be anyone out walking the beaches, Aemond soon came to a sand dune. Looking over it where he saw an incredibly large mass, realizing that this was Vhagar, Queen of All Dragons, and she was far larger than he anticipated being this close.

"Fuck." Aemond muttered seeing how hard this was going to be to claim such a beast.

"Yes, she's quite a sight up close, isn't she." Said a familiar voice, causing Aemond to go rigid before slowly turning his head to see Naruko standing behind him, a decidedly unamused expression on her face.

"Rather insensitive, don't you think? Attempting to claim a dragon at the funeral of their former rider." Naruko stated narrowing her eyes slightly.

"Naruko, I…" Said Aemond trying to think of an excuse, but knew she'd already caught him red-handed and trying to deny it wouldn't help.

"I was going to try." Aemond admitted, with Naruko still looking at him with narrowed eyes.

"Rhaena was going to try and claim her." Said Naruko knowing her niece hoped to try and claim Vhagar, to ride her just like Laena did.

"Then she should've claimed her!" Retorted Aemond, knowing Rhaena's had plenty of time to try and claim Vhagar since her mother's death but she hasn't, he wasn't going to make the mistake of waiting.

"She's mourning! Her mother just died and was just buried! And it might've been Laena's choice, but Vhagar's still the one who burned her!" Naruko said angrily, aware that Rhaena wouldn't try claiming Vhagar so soon after Laena's death, along with how it was still the Dragon Queen that burned Laena.

She could understand why Rhaena would be hesitant, it's not easy to simply ignore the reason her mother died nor how she died, regardless if it was her choice or not.

"…Are you going to try and stop me?" Aemond asked, while he might be thankful for what she's done for him, he wasn't going to let anyone stop him from claiming his birthright, he wouldn't, he couldn't.

For a moment Naruko didn't say anything but still gave him the same look, until she soon sighed.

"No…while I'd prefer you didn't do this the night we buried my sister, and at least let Rhaena get her chance to try, I won't stop you. There's no law saying when someone can try and claim a dragon, and I know how much it means to you to finally have one. So, you might as well try, since it is the best chance for you to attempt it." Naruko said, not liking it but beyond the timing and Rhaena's own desire, there's really nothing stopping Aemond from trying to claim Vhagar.

This surprised Aemond that she was going to let him try rather than stop him, but also thankful she wouldn't try stopping him either.

"And what of you? You don't have a dragon either. Wouldn't you wish to try and claim Vhagar?" Aemond wondered, believing that was initially the reason she was out here, to claim Vhagar herself.

"No. I saw you sneaking away and it wasn't hard to guess why. Besides, Vhagar's familiar with me so I'm not worried of her attacking, I also wanted to get away from High Tide for a while, to be alone for a while." Naruko said looking over at Vhagar's sleeping form

"Maybe I could bond with her if I tried, she seems to like me." Said Naruko, causing Aemond to gain a worried look.

"She does?" Questioned Aemond worried if maybe a bond had already been made between them.

"Yeah. It's strange really, the dragons just seem to really like me, Vhagar, Meleys, Seasmoke, Moondancer, even Caraxes one time I got close to him. None of them really snapped or gave any sign they didn't want me getting too close. It was actually surprising when Dreamfyre breathed fire at us, but that's probably because she's usually defending her eggs from being stolen again." Naruko replied with a shrug at the end.

"Really?" Aemond said now intrigued, knowing dragons only allowed their riders and the Dragonkeepers to get close, sometimes tolerating their riders family if they were familiar.

"Yep. I never questioned it since it means I can spend time around the dragons without much worry." Said Naruko before looking back at him.

"Another reason I don't try claiming Vhagar is because I want to claim a dragon I can truly call my own, not one that's been claimed before by others." Naruko added.

"That…doesn't really leave you many options." Aemond stated with how that made Vermithor and Silverwing unavailable, really only leaving the chance an egg hatched or the two wild dragons.

Sheepstealer and Grey Ghost, the latter being known as a elusive and shy beast while Sheepstealer had been left unclaimed for decades leaving it unfamiliar with humans and ill-tempered if disturbed. Of course there's the third wild dragon, but Aemond knew trying to claim that beast would only end in death.

"Perhaps you should focus more on trying to claim Vhagar, than worrying about me." Naruko said with a smirk.

"Right… And you aren't going to stop me? Even though your niece wants to try claiming her?" Aemond asked wanting to be sure she won't suddenly change her mind.

"I won't stop you, you have my word. As for Rhaena, I love my niece, but I don't think she has what it takes to claim Vhagar. But you…I think you do. I believe you will succeed in claiming Vhagar." Said Naruko looking at the Prince, causing Aemond to falter slightly.

"You…really believe I can claim her?" Said Aemond not expecting her to say that.

The most he had ever heard as far as encouragement came for claiming a dragon, was from his mother, and that was more of statement than actual encouragement and belief in his ability to claim a dragon. The feeling of having someone else believe in him, was so foreign to him.

While his brothers and nephews had already shown how little faith they had in him being able to claim a dragon after bringing him "The Pink Dread."

"I do. One just has to look at all of Vhagar's past riders. Visenya Targaryen, the Warrior Queen to Aegon the Conqueror, who saved his life two times and formed the Kingsguard. Baelon the Brave, the father of Daemon Targaryen, being brave enough to approach Balerion the Black Dread and smack him on the snout. Laena Velaryon, who shared our mothers courage and had our fathers spirit, she wouldn't let anything stop her from getting what she wanted. Vhagar is a battle-hardened war dragon, having survived a hundred battles and grown to almost rival the Black Dread in size. And all her riders have always been those that were ambitious, brave, and strong, either of body or mind. You have the bravery that Vhagar wants in a rider, you're here trying to claim her here alone, after all. And you want it badly enough to risk death at her fire. And that's why you'll claim her." Naruko explained fully believing Aemond will claim the Dragon Queen.

Though the old war grandma would certainly test Aemond for him to prove himself, she would still ultimately accept him as her rider. Dragons were not slaves and they certainly weren't mere weapons that could be wielded or stolen by another. They chose their riders and the bond itself was magical, unbroken until the death of either the rider or the dragon. The most Targaryens really did when trying to bond with a dragon was offer themselves as a potential match, it was up to the dragon to ultimately accept it.

"That's…" Aemond said really unsure what to say that, that she'd put him in the same category as Visenya, Baelon and her own sister.

"Just don't hesitate and whatever do, show no fear to her." Advised Naruko.

Steeling his resolve, Aemond nodded as he stood up and made his way down the sand dune towards Vhagar. Marveling at the sight of the old dragon, seeing she was the size of a dune herself and big enough to swallow him in while if she desired to. Easily twice the size of Caraxes and larger than Vermithor as well. The Prince couldn't help but wonder if this how large Balerion had been during the Conquest.

Watching as she shifted slightly, sending the birds that landed on top of her flying away. Aemond's gaze was drawn to the empty saddle on her back before it shifted to the rope net leading up to said saddle. Slowly, he reached out and grasped the netting. It was then that he heard an audible inhale and quickly backed away.

Vhagar's eyes opened, sensing an intruder. Raising her head, she noticed a small boy staring at her, yet he didn't seem frightened by her presence. Sniffing him, the Dragon Queen could smell he possessed Valyrian blood, along with a scent somewhat familiar to her. Though seeing he wasn't an intruder, but really interested in the boy, Vhagar looked away laying her head down to return to her sleep.

Aemond and Naruko both let out a sigh of relief. The Prince realizing just how dangerous this situation was, that if he wasn't careful it'd be his own funeral people would attend. He knew he could turn back now but then he would return to being a Dragonless Targaryen. Even worse he'd be the Targaryen that was scared away from claiming a dragon, his brother and nephews would never let him live it down.

Clenching his fist, he was determined to see this through or die trying. He grasped the rope again, rousing Vhagar once more. Now annoyed with the boy for disturbing sleep again, Vhagar growled menacingly as fire built in her chest to reduce the young prince to ashes.

Despite the imminent death, Aemond stood his ground and raised his hand to the Dragon Queen, knowing he'll either claim her or die trying.

"Dohaerās! Dohaerās, Vhagar!" he commanded in High Valyrian, burying any fear or nervousness he had, to show he won't back down.

"Lykirī! Lykirī! Lykirī." Said Aemond watching as the flames in her mouth slowly faded away as she lowered her head, feeling relief flood him that she was actually listening to him.

Gazing at each other, Vhagar could sense that despite his bravado, he was scared and yet he stood his ground and commanded her to serve him. Such a sight was enough to impress the Dragon Queen, or what passed for impressed for a dragon.

"Good, she'll allow you to mount her now." Naruko said to herself as she calmed her nerves slightly.

It would have been awkward to say the least if she would have been forced to drag his charred corpse back to the keep and explain what happened.

"Now comes the hard part." Muttered Naruko knowing this will really decide if Aemond will claim Vhagar.

Seeing Vhagar wasn't going to attack or breathe fire, Aemond grabbed the ropes once more, glancing at the dragon to see her watching him. Letting out a breath, the Prince began climbing up to the saddle, grunting as he reached up and grabbed a handlebar pulling himself into the saddle. Gathering his bearings at realizing just how high up off the ground he was. Knowing even falling from just this height would mean a broken arm or leg at most.

But despite that, Aemond felt a new confidence filling him, that he was now sitting in the saddle of the largest dragon in the world, a dragon that listened to his commands and now waited for his word.

"Sōvēs!" Aemond commanded having waited years to do this and wasn't going to waste another second.

"Dohaerās, Vhagar! Sōvēs!" Said Aemond, gasping when he felt Vhagar shaking as she got up to her feet, preparing to take flight.

Before she began shaking her body, throwing sand everywhere, while Aemond realized his mistake as he wasn't properly secured to the saddle. Forcing him to hold on as tight as he could to avoid being thrown off.

Knowing he didn't have time to fix the mistake as Vhagar began running down the shore, gaining speed until she flapped her wings taking off straight up. With Aemond screaming as he was thrown from the saddle, the only thing keeping him from plummeting to the ground being his grip on the reigns. Kicking his legs in an attempt to find his footing, Aemond grit his teeth as he began pulling himself up.

Not stopping until he grabbed the saddles handlebars again, pulling himself back into it, lessening the risk of falling to his death. But once Vhagar was high enough, she suddenly turned and began flying towards the ground, getting another scream from Aemond if she planned on crashing into Driftmark.

But just before they collided with the ground, Vhagar corrected herself and flew out over the sea, feeling the boy still on her back despite her attempts to throw him off. Letting out a relieved sigh, Aemond soon saw they were about to collide with a flock of birds, instinctively ducking his head to avoid being hit.

Once they were clear of the birds, the Prince bulled the reigns steering Vhagar back towards Driftmark and High Tide. Proving himself a quick learner like Vhagar's last rider, Aemond couldn't stop himself from smiling that he'd done it, he claimed a dragon, he claimed Vhagar!

"Yeah! Hahahaha!" Aemond laughed never knowing such an amazing feeling, now understanding why the Dragonlords were compared to gods, to command such power and experience this kind of freedom, it was everything he imagined it'd be.

Back on the ground, Naruko couldn't help but smile at the sight of Aemond riding Vhagar, happy for him at finally claiming a dragon.

Though as she watched him, Naruko heard a faint roar up in the sky before a shadow, a rather large shadow, passed over her, making her look to see a dragon flying above her. Trying to look closely to see which dragon it was, but couldn't make out any color or features with how high up it was and how dark it was.

'Did someone else decide to go for a late night flight?' Wondered Naruko, if another rider was up there now.

Looking back at Vhagar, the whiskered Velaryon saw her circling back towards High Tide, deciding she should head back now too before she began sprinting across the dune.

With Vhagar soon landing in the courtyard where everyone had been gathered for the wake. Aemond dismounted Vhagar and entered through a tunnel leading to the castle from the beach, a sense of pride and purpose in his step, no longer sullen and muted like before. Now that he had claimed his birthright as a dragon rider, he felt whole for the first time in his life. The largest living dragon was now his mount.

Removing the cloak from his shoulders, Aemond heard multiple footsteps heading his way. Until soon, Baela, Rhaena, Jacaerys, and Lucerys stood before him.

"It's him!" Baela said glaring at Aemond, seeing who stole her mother's dragon.

"It's me." Stated Aemond, not finding it in himself to care that he claimed his birthright the day of their mother's funeral, as far as he was concerned this moment was long overdue.

"Vhagar is my mother's dragon!" Said Rhaena angry that he'd taken away her chance to claim Vhagar.

"Your mother's dead. And Vhagar has a new rider now." Aemond said standing tall and proud that he can now claim to ride a conqueror's dragon.

"She was mine to claim!" Spat Rhaena hating he seemed to believe he was in the right to do such a thing.

"Then you should've claimed her!" Retorted Aemond refusing to let her act like the victim when she had her chance, it's not his fault he took a chance when he saw it.

Before he looked at Jacaerys and Lucerys, remembering what they did to him, wondering if they'll now do the same to the next Dragonless Targaryen.

"Maybe your cousins can find you a pig to ride. It would suit you." Aemond said, much to the girl's anger that he's now insulting them.

Letting an enraged shout, Rhaena ran at Aemond intent to do make him pay for, in her mind, stealing her mother's dragon only hours after her funeral. But when she tried grabbing the Prince, Aemond merely grabbed her arms and pushed her to the ground. Only for Baela to run at him next punching him right across the face for daring to touch her twin.

With the punch hurting more than Aemond anticipated, his uncle's eldest daughter was tougher than she appeared. Though not intending to let her get away with that, Aemond returned the favor punching her hard enough to knock her to the ground.

"Come at me again and you'll regret it!" Aemond warned, intent to get them to leave when they had the chance.

Only for things to spiral completely out of control, as Jace lunged at Aemond with shout for attacking his cousins, punching him across the face sending Aemond stumbling back. But when he tried attacking again, the older Prince deflected or dodged all his strikes. Knocking Jacaerys away with a kick to the chest.

Screaming at seeing his brother hurt, Lucerys went to grab Aemond only for his uncle to hold him back, followed by punching him in the face hard enough to break his nose. Only for Jace to get up and quickly push Aemond to the ground, angered at him striking his brother.

This gave Jace, Bael and Rhaena the chance to attack Aemond, keeping him on the ground as they punched and kicked him in retaliation for what he's done.

"What the fuck is going on here?!" Came Naruko's voice before Baela and Rhaena were pulled off of Aemond, their aunts arms wrapped around them.

"What're you doing?! Let us go!" Demanded Baela trying to get out of her grip.

"That's enough, both of you! You'll stop this, right now!" Naruko said giving her nieces a warning look.

"No! He stole Vhagar, Naruko! He stole mother's dragon!" Rhaena exclaimed wanting to get payback.

"You can't steal a dragon Rhaena! They aren't slaves or objects you can pass around, they decide who rides them! Vhagar chose Aemond, there's nothing anyone can do about it!" Shouted Naruko to get them to listen.

"You knew he was going to take Vhagar?! You're a traitor for helping him!" Baela said glaring angrily at her aunt, while Rhaena looked hurt that Naruko would do that.

"I followed Aemond! He was going to try it regardless if I was there or not! Both of you just calm down and we can talk about this rather than behaving like animals!" Naruko said knowing her nieces would be upset, but hoped to explain things and have them understand.

While Naruko was trying to talk her nieces down, Aemond managed to kick Jacaerys away from him, before grabbing Luke by his throat when he ran at him again. With his other hand searching for something to grab, something to force them to back off. Until he felt something and picked it up, now holding a rock in his hand, which he held in the air.

"You will die screaming in flames just as your father did! Bastards." Aemond spat, all the rage he's kept buried at how he'd been previously treated rearing its head, intent to show them he wasn't someone they could laugh at anymore.

With Jace glaring hatefully at Aemond for the insult and threat to his family, but also at having the fact he's illegitimate thrown his face when he couldn't even mourn his birth father's death. Wanting nothing more than to attack, but couldn't risk it with how he's holding Lucerys.

"My father's still alive!" Lucerys cried while hitting Aemond's arm to get him to let go, his words seeming to amuse the older Prince.

"Aemond!" Said Naruko standing in front of her nieces, not wanting them to get hurt any more than they already have.

With Aemond glancing at her, still keeping his grip on Lucerys to keep Jacaerys back, seeing the dual-haired Velaryon holding her hands up as she slowly approached.

"Aemond, put the rock down." Naruko said gently, knowing if he did anything then there's nothing anyone could do to help him.

"Why should I?" Demanded Aemond.

"Because you know and I know, that if you do anything you'll be the one in trouble. Things have already gone too far, we all need to take a breath and relax. So please, put the rock down and let him go, no one else needs to get hurt any further." Said Naruko hoping he'll listen.

Only Aemond didn't like hearing that. For the first time in his life, he wasn't powerless. He was now the rider of the mighty Vhagar and he was still high off his accomplishment. He had the power to make Rhaenyra's bastards afraid and to punish them for the way they had treated him.

"All of my life, they have made me miserable. Them, Aegon, they acted like they were always above me, that I was no better than a lowborn peasant. I, the trueborn son, who studied histories and took his lessons seriously, was treated like an outcast, because I didn't have a dragon!" Aemond said glaring at his nephews, hating that they were able to do whatever they want without worry of punishment.

While he's the one that had to train and study twice as hard to prove himself, the one who had to keep Aegon out of trouble when he's too deep in his cups, the one who got in trouble for trying to claim his birthright, the one who always had to act like the responsible one.

Now he's gained the one thing he's always wanted his life and he'll be damned before he lets Rhaenyra's bastards ruin this for him.

"I know, I know. I was there remember, I saw how they treated you, and maybe they deserve what you wish to do, but you can't hurt them Aemond. You have nothing to prove to them or anyone anymore, you have a dragon, you have Vhagar, a dragon greater than any other, certainly greater than their baby drakes. You've more than proven yourself a true Targaryen." Said Naruko, seeing he was starting to hesitate and slowly lowering the rock.

"You still breached decorum by claiming Vhagar during Laena's funeral, but we can handle that. I can help you, so you don't get in trouble. But it'll mean nothing if you bash Luke's skull in. I need you to be better than them, I need you to choose peace." Naruko said hoping that he'll listen to her

Relieved when he finally dropped his arm holding the rock, while pushing Lucerys to his brother who quickly put himself between them.

"So be it." Stated Aemond, making Naruko let out a relieved sigh, only for the Prince to still be drunk on his ascension as a Dragonrider and smirked cruelly at Jacaerys.

"You should tell your brother the truth, so he knows what he is…Lord Strong." Aemond said, much to Jacaerys' anger while Naruko now sighed in irritation.

'Damnit Aemond!' Naruko thought knowing they were so close, but now any chance of a peaceful solution went up in smoke.

Pushed to his limit at the repeated insults and reminder of his heritage, Jacaerys drew a knife and lunged at Aemond, much to Naruko's shock.

"Jace!" Rhaena shouted not expecting him to have brought a knife.

"Look out!" Yelled Naruko quickly pushing Aemond out of the way just as Jace swung his dagger at him.

Only for it to instead cut Naruko, leaving a deep slash across her left cheek and just below her eye, being dangerously close to cutting it as well.

"AH!" Naruko screamed holding her bleeding face in pain, much to everyone's horror.

"Naruko!" Baela said as she and her sister rushed to their aunt, their anger at Aemond temporarily forgotten replaced by concern for her.

"I-I didn't-" Jace said horrified at what he just did, not intending to hit Naruko, only to cry out when Aemond slammed the rock into his head sending him to the ground and knocking the knife out of his hand.

"You'll die for that, bastard!" Said Aemond, furious that the girl who stood up for him and supported him was injured, now intending to end this permanently.

Crawling away in fear as Aemond held the rock over him, Jacaerys looked around for anything to defend himself with, until he saw Lucerys picking up his knife. Acting fast, Jace grabbed a handful of sand and threw it in Aemond's face, making him grunt and begin wiping it out of his eyes.

But the moment he lowered his hand, the last thing Aemond saw was Luke's face as he screamed and swung his arm at him, before all the Prince knew was pure agony on the left side of his face.

Screaming in complete pain as he held his bleeding eye, Aemond fell to the floor having never experienced pain like this, feeling blood pouring down his face and through his fingers. Everyone feeling the ground shake as Vhagar roared in fury, feeling her riders pain through their bond. Desiring to incinerate the one who had struck her bonded.

"Aemond!" Naruko said in horror as she quickly got up, pushing Lucerys away while grabbing the knife from his hand.

"Cease this at once! Get away!"

All of the children were snapped back to reality by Ser Harrold Westerling's voice as three more Kingsguard knights arrived to separate the children. Aemond remained on the ground, wailing in agony with his hand glued to his bleeding face as Naruko held him.

"Where the hell have you been!? Some Kingsguard you are, only showing up after the damage is already done!" Naruko shouted in rage at him.

If only they had arrived and been watching the children more closely, this wouldn't have happened!

"You're right My Lady. None of this is good, but you need to let me see him." Ser Harrold Westerling said urgently, intending to find out how no one saw the Princes sneak out or alerted them.

"My Prince, My Prince. Let me see," Harrold said as Naruko turned Aemond over.

Then, the Lord Commander gasped at the bloody sight upon moving the boy's hand away from his face. The prince's left eye…was cut in half. Only a bloody socket remained.

"Gods be good…" Harrold said to himself before quickly lifting the Prince up, knowing they needed to get him to the Maester as soon as possible.

*Hall of Nine*

The Hall of Nine was bustling as the Kingsguard rushed Aemond and Naruko there, with Ser Harrold sending Criston to wake the Maester. While Rhaenyra's and Daemon's children were off to the side, guarded by the Cargyll Twins, while Ser Harrold remained by Naruko and Aemond.

Thankfully, it wasn't long before Ser Criston returned with Maester Kelvyn, who looked in shock when he saw the injury to Naruko's face.

"My Lady Naruko," Kevlyn muttered in shock as he saw the terrible gash on the daughter of his lord's face, there was also plenty of dried blood running down her face from the gash she had received.

"Help him first, Maester Kelvyn. He needs it more than I do at the moment." Said Naruko knowing Aemond's wound needed attention immediately.

"Very well My Lady. But at least press this over your injury. we must stem the bleeding." Kelvyn said taking out a clean cloth for Naruko to press against her wound.

"My Prince, I need to see how bad it is." Kevlyn said turning to Aemond, needing to see the damage done, with Aemond weakly lifting his head, allowing him to see the extent of his injury.

"Fuck." He muttered seeing the true extent of the damage, but Naruko and Ser Criston heard him.

"How bad is it?" Ser Criston demanded knowing regardless the Queen will be furious and devastated at the attack on her son.

"Very bad, the eye has been cut open, but it's still inside of him. There's no saving it, and if it is left in the eye socket, it will become infected. It will need to be removed and seared shut before I can stitch up the wound. This will be very painful for the Prince." Kevlyn replied gravely, knowing what needs to be done will be incredibly painful.

"Do what you must, Maester." Said Aemond through gritted teeth, already being in immense pain so he could handle a little more.

"…Very well." Said Kelvyn as he began preparing his tools as he'll need to be quick.

"Ser Criston, Ser Harrold, please hold the Prince steady, he cannot move during the procedure." Kelvyn said, the Kingsguard nodded before they held Aemond by his arms and shoulders.

"You may also bite down on this, My Prince. If not you may end up biting your own tongue off." Said Kelvyn pulling out a small wooden block, with Aemond opening his mouth and biting down on it, mentally preparing himself for more pain.

Standing on shaky legs, Naruko went over to Aemond's side putting her hand over his, making him glance at her.

"You'll be alright, I promise." Naruko said, with the Prince nodding gratefully.

"One my mark. One, two…three." Said Kelvyn before he began cutting out the remains of the eye, Aemond letting out muffled screams the moment he felt his eye being cut out, thrashing around to escape.

"Hold him down!" Kelvyn said, with Criston and Harrold gritting their teeth as they held Aemond down as much as they could without hurting him any further.

"Just a little longer Aemond, you can do it!" Assured Naruko doing what she can to help.

"Almost…and…it's done." Said Kelvyn as he removed the ruined eye placing it in a bowl, much to Aemond's relief it was over.

"I'm afraid though, that was the easy part. Where the eye was removed will continue bleeding profusely unless it is seared shut. Boiling wine will also need to be applied to reduce the risk of infection." Kelvyn stated knowing it's not over yet, as he went over to the fire and began heating up a thin metal rod.

"Just do it!" Aemond said through the wooden block, wanting it to be finished quickly before he threw himself into the fire.

"Aemond!" Alicent screamed bursting into the room after being alerted her son had been injured, followed by the rest of her family.

"What has happened?! What is going on?!" Demanded Alicent rushing to see what kind injury had been inflicted on her son, only for Criston to stop her.

"My Queen, please, allow the Maester to do his duty. The Prince has suffered a grievous injury and right this is his best chance." Said Criston stopping her from going any further, not wanting her to see the true extent of Aemond's injury.

"Once more, and hold him down from the start, this is going to be much more painful than before." Kevlyn said as Ser Harrold and another Kingsguard held him tightly, as he stuck the poker into the open eye socket and seared the bleeding wound shut, making Aemond's screams of pain resound throughout the hall.

The pain was greater than before and he almost could not bear it. He nearly blacked out several times were it not for Naruko holding his hand. Luke and Jace covered their ears to drown out the screams, not that they had any right to, given that this was all their doing. While Baela and Rhaena huddled together shaking, remembering the way their mother screamed trying to give birth the night she died.

The pain from searing the wound shut was so great that Aemond hardly felt the boiling wine being applied to his cut to disinfect the wound. It was a mere tickle compared to what he had just suffered through. As the Maester soaked up the boiling wine with a cloth, he set it aside and began to stitch up the wound. Ser Criston let the Queen go, seeing she wouldn't have to stare at her sons empty eye socket now, as she rushed to be by Aemond's side, her face sick with worry.

While Otto looked upon the scene with trepidation in his gaze, but also sensed an opportunity.

"Rouse the King and the Velaryons with all haste. And do it quietly." Otto said to one of the guards, as while he hadn't been back for long, he knew Viserys well enough that he would side with his daughter no matter what, even if her children were completely at fault.

But with Lord Corlys and Princess Rhaenys' daughter also being injured, then perhaps something could be done if spun correctly.

With it not being long before King Viserys entered the hall, stopping for a moment to look at the damage done to his son and cousins daughter, before rounding on his Kingsguard.

"How could you allow such a thing to happen? I will have answers!" He insisted, furious with the Kingsguard for not protecting royal blood.

"The Princes were supposed to be in bed, my king," Harrold informed none of them having seen the Princes leave their chambers.

"Who had the night's watch?" Viserys demanded wanting to know who was meant to be watching the children.

"Ser Criston did, Your Grace," Erryk answered.

"The young prince was attacked by his own cousins, Your Grace," Criston protested not intending to be solely blamed when he had no idea what happened.

"You swore oaths to protect and defend my blood!" Viserys said glaring at those who were meant to defend the royal family, yet have now failed in the worst way.

"I'm very sorry, Your Grace," Harrold apologized ashamed at his failure, the only saving grace is that no one died.

"The Kingsguard has never had to defend princes from each other, Your Grace-" Criston tried to protest again, though Viserys would not hear it.

"THAT IS NOT AN ANSWER!" Viserys shouted glaring angrily at him, refusing to hear any more excuses.

"It will heal, will it not, Maester?" Alicent asked pleadingly, seeing what will mostly likely be a scar over Aemond's face.

"The flesh will heal. But the eye is lost forever, Your Grace. I was forced to removed it before cleaning the wound, else there was a strong possibility of infection." Kelvyn replied as he finished the stitching, before moving on to tend to Naruko's wound, cleaning it with boiling wine, while motioning to a bowl off to his side where what remained of Aemond's damaged eye lay.

Much to Alicent's horror and despair, that her son will go through life scarred and permanently crippled, before she rounded on her firstborn.

"You! Where were you?!" Alicent demanded wanting to know where he was while his brother was being maimed by Rhaenyra's savage spawn.

"Me?" Aegon asked obliviously, only to recoil when his mother slapped him across the face.

"Ow! What was that for?!" Said Aegon wondering she slapped him when he hadn't been involved in what happened.

"That was NOTHING compared to the abuse your brother suffered while you were drowning in your cups, you bloody fool!" Alicent scolded her eldest, before everyone heard a door opening as Corlys and Rhaenys came down the stairs.

"What is the meaning of this?!" Demanded Corlys looking around the hall, until they saw their youngest daughter and the blood on her face.

"Naruko!" Rhaenys said rushing over to her daughter, bringing a hand up to her mouth when she saw the gash on her face.

"Hey Muna, I promise it's not as bad as it looks." Said Naruko as best as she could while Kelvyn stitched her face closed.

"Explain yourselves! First, we lost our daughter! Then her dragon claimed by another on the day of her funeral! And now my youngest daughter has been maimed, in my own fucking hall! I will have answers!" Corlys said beyond furious and swearing there will be retribution for these insults.

"Baela, Rhaena!" Gasped Rhaenys seeing her granddaughter also bruised and covered in blood, motioning them before embracing them protectively, glaring at anyone that dared step near her daughter and granddaughters, refusing to let anyone attempt to bring further harm to them.

This only angering the Sea Snake further at his granddaughters having been injured as well, turning towards the King. With Viserys feeling himself aging with each passing moment as things spiraled further out of control.

Before the doors to the hall opened as Rhaenyra and Daemon entered, getting everyone's attention, with Naruko noticing their disheveled appearances, as if they rushed to look presentable. The sight made her eyes widen in rage at what they could've been doing to arrive together.

'They wouldn't!' Naruko thought enraged that while they were mourning her sister, her husband went off to fuck his niece, in Laena's own fucking home!

"Jace? Luke!" Said Rhaenyra rushing to her sons in worry, kneeling down in front of them to make sure they were alright.

"Show me, show me." Rhaenyra said moving Luke's hand to see his broken nose, along with blood dripping down the side of Jace's head where Aemond hit him with the rock.

"Who did this?!" Demanded Rhaenyra looking around, fully intending to punish whoever dared laid a hand on her children.

"They attacked me!" Aemond shouted looking over his chair, wanting her to see what her son did to him.

"You attacked Baela!" Jacaerys shouted back glaring at Aemond.

"He broke Luke's nose! He stole my mother's dragon!" Baela chimed in, still angry at Aemond taking Vhagar from Rhaena.

"IT SHOULD BE MY SON TELLING THE TALE!" Alicent shouted.

All the children, except Naruko, began talking over each other quickly causing a headache to come on for the old King, feeling ready to collapse at any moment.

"Enough… Enough!" King Viserys ordered, only for the incessant shouting to continue, with him ready to raise his voice and bring back some semblance of order, only for someone to have the same idea.

"SILENCE!" Yelled Viserys over everyone else to silence them.

"SHUT THE FUCK UP!" Shouted Naruko, her voice sounding distorted as her eyes flashed red again for a moment.

With more than a few people jumping at such a loud shout from the young girl, some even looking at her warily from the rage in her voice. Though it helped as the shout from both royals was enough to silence the hall, much to the Kings relief.

"He called us bastards." Jacaerys whispered to his mother, causing Rhaenyra to go rigid before she stood and shielded her sons while glaring icy daggers at the Greens.

Aemond. I will have the truth of what happened." Said Viserys limping over to his second son, intending to get the truth even if he had to drag out of the children.

"What else is there to hear? Your son and the daughter of Lord of the Tides have clearly been maimed. Her sons are responsible." Alicent interjected angrily, that it's not enough they had to maim her son they also had to maim a true Velaryon as well.

"It was a regrettable accident." Rhaenyra lied, swiftly coming to her boys defense.

"An accident!? Prince Lucerys brought a blade to the ambush. He meant to kill my son!" Alicent said incredulously, wondering how someone could "accidently" cut out someone's eye or leave a scar across another's face.

"It was my sons who were attacked and forced to defend themselves-," Rhaenyra started to say, but this was all grating on Naruko's nerves, as neither was really telling the tale, just coming out in defense of their own side.

"Considering whose home you are all in, how about you all shut up and let someone who was actually there, tell it!" Naruko shouted as she stood from her chair silencing any further chatter.

"If I may, Your Grace." Added Naruko turning towards the King.

"Yes well, it would be good to get to the bottom of this. Carry on, Lady Naruko," Viserys said, relieved to have someone willing to speak rather than throwing around accusations and shouting.

"And I would prefer no interruptions, from either party." Naruko said, knowing someone will try interrupting and if they did, she really wouldn't be held responsible for what she'll do.

"Of course, proceed." Viserys ushered wanting to get this over with, much to Rhaenyra's own dismay, that her father would even entertain this.

"It was late out, and I had grown tired of the gloomy atmosphere of High Tide, and of hearing sympathies from those that didn't know my sister. I just wanted to get away from it all and be alone for a while, so I snuck out. I soon came upon Vhagar, and Prince Aemond." Naruko began.

"I confronted him about why he was hiding near Vhagar, and to his credit, he admitted that he was there to attempt to claim Vhagar. Despite the lack of decorum and how tasteless it was, I knew what it meant to him and I sympathized with his pain. So I allowed him to proceed." Said Naruko, with her parents looking at her at hearing this.

"What do you mean, sympathized with his pain?" The King wondered.

"Unlike some," Naruko said, taking a moment to glare at the Strong Bastards before turning her gaze back to the King.

"I know all what it's like to be Dragonless. To be of the Targaryen Lineage and not be a Dragonrider, and the emptiness it leaves, to know something is missing. I know there were also no laws about when one claims a dragon, so there was no legal precedent for why he shouldn't claim one. I even encouraged him to try and gave him advice not to show any fear towards Vhagar." Naruko said, surprising those present.

"So you helped him steal my mother's dragon!" Rhaena shouted from Rhaenys grasp, causing the Queen Who Never Was to grip her granddaughter tightly, not wanting them to restart any fighting.

"As I told you earlier, Rhaena, dragons can't be stolen! Zaldrīzes buzdari iksos daor. A dragon is not a slave and they certainly aren't mere weapons that can be wielded or stolen by another. They chose their riders as much as we chose them. And Vhagar saw something in Aemond and deemed him worthy of being her rider." Said Naruko with more bite than she intended, but she needed to make her understand, while Rhaena recoiled at her harsh gaze.

"Once it became clear that Aemond had fully bonded with Vhagar, I headed back the way I came, and I saw Vhagar got there before me. I entered the tunnel and came up to Baela, Rhaena, Jacaerys, and Lucerys confronting Aemond. I don't know exactly what was said, I was too far away, but I saw Rhaena rush at him to attack and he pushed her away. Then Baela threw the first punch, Aemond hit her back and everything spiraled out of control." Naruko explained.

"By the time I got to them, Aemond had fallen to the ground and they were all attacking him, so I pulled Baela and Rhaena off of him. I spoke with them and when Rhaena said that he had stolen Vhagar, I knew how this had all blown out of control. I turned back to Aemond, who was holding Lucerys by the collar while Jacaerys was on the ground." Naruko said.

"I went to Aemond and pleaded with him that this wasn't worth it, that no matter the cruel mockery he had suffered at his cousins hands, bashing their skulls in wasn't worth it. Ultimately, he chose to have peace and let Lucerys go. I thought I had stopped the situation from escalating further, but before we could leave and inform my parents, Aemond decided to get one last insult in." Naruko said, making the King lean forward, a silent fury bubbling beneath the surface.

"What did he say?" The king demanded wanting to know what insult Aemond said.

"Nothing but the truth, and it hardly matters what was said, considering what happened next. Jacaerys pulled out this knife," Naruko said, pulling out the knife both she and Aemond had been cut with, with some of those gathered gasping as the knife was still covered in blood, with Alicent glaring murderously at Jacaerys and Lucerys, that both of them had a hand in crippling her son.

"He ran at Aemond, trying to cut him, but I pushed Aemond out of the way and was cut for my troubles." Said Naruko pointing at her stitched up gash.

"I fell to the ground in pain but I could still see what was happening, while Aemond was able to knock the blade out of Jacaerys hand before more damage could be done and pushed him to the ground. Then Lucerys grabbed the dagger while Jacaerys threw sand in Aemond's face, leading to Lucerys slashing him across his eye. At that point, I rushed to my feet, getting Lucerys away from Aemond and taking the dagger, as I was afraid that Lucerys would attack him further. It was then that the Kingsguard decided to finally show up and got the Maester to treat Aemond and I." Naruko said finishing telling what happened.

"You see?! My son was assaulted and accused of theft when he had every right to claim his birthright! Now he has lost an eye, defending himself and a daughter of Driftmark from her sons!" Said Alicent, thankful that the truth was out at how savage Rhaenyra's sons were.

"It was my sons that forced to defend themselves, Your Grace! From vile insults that were levied against them!" Rhaenyra said taking the chance to say what she was going to say earlier, refusing to have her sons risk being punished for defending themselves.

"What insults?" King Viserys inquired, wanting to know what insults were directed at his grandsons they'd need to defend themselves in such a way.

"The legitimacy of sons birth was put loudly into question." Said Rhaenyra, knowing her father won't hesitate to jump to her defense on this matter.

"What?" Said Viserys wanting to make sure he heard that correctly.

"He called us bastards." Jacaerys said.

Alicent couldn't help but close her eyes, knowing any hope of her son getting justice vanished, aware her husband refused to hear so much as a whisper of his daughters behavior. While Aemond smirked slightly, still feeling some pride at speaking the truth, no matter how much his father denies it.

"My sons are in line to inherit the Iron Throne, Your Grace," Rhaenyra reminded her father.

"To question their birth is the highest of treasons. Prince Aemond must be sharply questioned so we might learn where he heard such slanders." Said Rhaenyra, with Aemond turning in the chair to look at his sister, not really shocked she'd want him tortured for speaking the truth.

"Over an insult? My son has lost an eye." Alicent said looking at Rhaenyra like she was a stranger, no longer feeling hysterical over what happened.

Now only feeling a numb horror fill her, that someone she once considered her best friend would wish to torture her child, after her own son maimed him, all just to protect her secrets.

Even more so with how Rhaenyra didn't even flinch at her words, looking completely serious in wanting Aemond "sharply questioned," as if he was a common criminal.

"Have you…lost…your damn…MIND!" Naruko shouted at Rhaenyra, not believing what she just heard.

"He's your brother! He's already suffered enough because of your sons! What kind of black-hearted, vile monster would inflict torture on her already maimed sibling!" Demanded Naruko, wondering how heartless someone could be to torture their own sibling after they've been permanently crippled.

Before she looked at the King in equal disbelief when he turned to Aemond, his now crippled son.

"You tell me, boy. Where did you hear this lie?" He demanded, intent to find out who has been spewing more lies about his daughter.

'Are you kidding!? He's just going to ignore everything I just said, because his little girl is bitching and moaning about the consequences of her actions!?' Naruko thought with rage, knowing if she had her dagger she'd have already used it by now.

"The insult was training yard bluster. It was nothing," Alicent said quickly, given where exactly her son heard it, only for Viserys to ignore her.

"Aemond… I asked you a question." Viserys reiterated, refusing to let anyone try changing the subject.

"Where is Ser Laenor, I wonder? The boys' father. Perhaps he might have something to say in the matter." Alicent reached, trying to draw the kings attention away from her son.

"Yes. Where is Ser Laenor?" The King demanded, turning away from his son for a minute looking to see where Laenor was among this mess before turning to her daughter.

Making Rhaenyra shift slightly as more eyes turned to her for answers for where her husband was.

"I do not know, Your Grace. I… could not find sleep. I had gone out to walk," She said, feigning ignorance.

"Oh I'm sure it was a very long walk you took. Did your uncle just happen to join you on it, when he wanted to "mourn his wife alone"? Or was he that quick to change his mind and find something else to do?" Said Naruko glaring at Rhaenyra and Daemon.

"What are you implying, cousin?" Rhaenyra demanded giving her a warning look, only for the whiskered Velaryon to continue glaring at her.

"You know exactly what, cousin. Since it seems I'm the only one that sees the truth and refuses to cower in fear of a spoiled brat. Or perhaps you'd like to speak the truth for once and share what other dragon was mounted the night of my sisters funeral." Naruko growled, no longer caring about decorum or this farce anymore, already knowing how it'll end the moment the Princess opened her mouth.

"I imagine Ser Laenor is entertaining his young squires, I would venture." Alicent snidely remarked, with Corlys and Rhaenys both giving her a look, not appreciating the remark regarding their son.

With only Ser Cole snickering slightly at the remark, before falling silent from just feeling the disapproving glare Ser Harrold was giving him.

"Aemond…look at me. Your king demands an answer. Who told these lies to you?" Viserys asked for the third time, having no intention of asking again.

While Aemond stared up at his father, feeling rage building up within him at how casually he dismissed him losing an eye. Only caring that he spoke the truth, that his grandsons are bastards who have no right to the Iron Throne and even less to Driftmark.

The Prince realizing that his father truly only had one child he cared for, the rest of them were simply expendable as far as he's concerned.

And knowing if he didn't answer soon he likely will be tortured, Aemond glanced at his mother, much to her fear that he'd tell the truth. Even more so when the King turned to her as well, if he already realized where Aemond heard it. Rhaenyra looked as well at her former friend, already having the answer she wanted.

"It was Aegon." Aemond answered.

"Me?" Said Aegon in disbelief at the insinuation his brother would use him as a scapegoat.

With the King turning towards his eldest living son, seeing he now had to find out where he heard this slander.

"And you, boy? Where did you hear such calumnies?" Demanded Viserys approaching Aegon, only for him to clam up with no answer, something the King wouldn't accept.

"AEGON! Tell me the truth of it!" Viserys said, with Aegon flinching at the shout before deciding the best course of action.

"We know, father. Everyone knows. Just look at them. They don't look anything like us. They're…they're not one of us." Said Aegon casting the blame onto anyone who's looked at his nephews.

Viserys was beside himself, looking at his grandsons as if the very idea never occurred to him, wondering how things could have deteriorated so much for his family.

"This interminable infighting must cease! All of you! We are family!" Said Viserys distraught at how things have come to this.

"Now make your apologies and show goodwill to one another. Your father, your grandfather, your king demands it!" Viserys commanded slamming his cane down with each word

Glancing at Aemond for a moment, with the boy looking away in resignation he wouldn't be getting justice for being left crippled. The sight breaking Alicent's heart, that her son was resigning himself to the fact his father didn't care about his maiming.

"That is insufficient." Alicent said stopping Viserys, having no intention of letting this go, not until her son received justice.

"Aemond has been damaged, permanently, My King. "Good will" cannot make him whole." Said Alicent with tears in her eyes, wanting him to at least do something.

"I know, Alicent, but I cannot restore his eye." Viserys said unable to do anything to help Aemond.

"No, because it has been taken." Alicent retorted wondering how he could be so blind and ignore what needs to be done.

"What would you have me do?! Cut off Lucerys' hand in retaliation?!" Demanded Viserys knowing no matter what he does, someone will be upset, the least he can do is prevent any further bloodshed.

"There is a debt to be paid. I shall have one of her son's eyes in return." Said Alicent glaring at Rhaenyra, if she felt entitled to taking her sons eye, she'll take one of her sons eyes as well.

With Rhaenyra quickly pushing Lucerys behind her, refusing to let anyone lay a hand on him let alone cut out his eye.

"My dear wife." Viserys said carefully knowing she's asking too much for him to cut out his grandsons eye.

"He is your son, Viserys. Your blood." Alicent said weakly, wishing he would for once take her side and care about their children half as much as he did Rhaenyra.

"Do not…allow your temper to guide your judgement." Warned Viserys bringing an end to the matter, though the Green Queen refused to let it end.

"If the King will not seek justice, the Queen will. Ser Criston…bring me the eye of Lucerys Velaryon." Stated Alicent turning to her Sworn Protector, intent to get justice herself if her husband chose to do nothing.

"Mother!" Lucerys said fearful they were going to cut out his eye.

"Alicent." Said Viserys looking at his wife warningly.

"He can choose which eye to keep, a privilege he did not grant my son." Alicent said fully intending to see it done.

"You will do no such thing!" Said Rhaenyra glaring at her former lover, swearing if he took even a step towards her sons she'd feed him to Syrax.

"Stay your hand." Viserys ordered Cole.

"No, you are sworn to me!" Reminded Alicent not letting any of them stop her from getting justice for her son.

Unsure what to do, with the King and Queen giving two different orders, along with Ser Harrold watching him. Criston knew he owed the Queen his life and would fulfill any order she gave him, but this was one he knew he couldn't complete.

"As your protector, My Queen." Criston said, to Alicent's devastation that no one cared to see Aemond get justice.

"My Queen, you're right. There is a debt to be paid." Said Naruko making everyone turn towards her as she looked at the Queen.

"Aemond's eye was unjustly taken from him, Lucerys is the one responsible, so it's only right he loses something as well. But not his eye." Naruko said turning towards Rhaenyra and her sons, looking the Princess right in the eye, with Rhaenyra unable to ignore the shiver going down her spine when Naruko's eyes flashed red for a moment.

"His punishment should be losing his inheritance. He'll no longer be in line for the Iron Throne and he'll no longer be Heir to Driftmark." Naruko said, with Alicent's eyes widening at this before she turned towards the King.

"Yes! Lucerys may keep both his eyes, but he will no longer be part of any line of succession. He will lose something that will never be restored, just as Aemond has." Said Alicent liking this punishment even more, Aemond will have justice and one of Rhaenyra's bastards will no longer stand to inherit anything.

"No! Your Grace that is too cruel, my son is a child yet they would rob him of his future, he will have nothing to his name!" Rhaenyra said refusing to accept any of her sons being robbed of their inheritance, even if they had no claim to Driftmark.

"Just as he robbed my son of his eye! Perhaps he will know a fraction of Aemond's pain when he has nothing to inherit!" Retorted Alicent angered that Rhaenyra would protect their false claim even now.

"He'll still have his dragon, which is already more than he deserves." Naruko added, whispering the latter part to herself.

"Indeed, your son will still have his dragon and both his eyes, more than Aemond will be left with." Alicent stated believing Lucerys should be lucky to even still have a dragon.

"Your Grace, father, you cannot accept such a thing. My son is a child, what happened was a regrettable accident, he cannot be expected to suffer the consequences the rest of his life." Rhaenyra said giving her father a pleading look.

"But it's perfectly fine for Aemond to suffer the rest of his life from a "regrettable accident?" I suppose I must do the same, suffering from the mistake from protecting someone your son attempted to kill." Said Naruko, as Rhaenyra gave her a look.

"My sons had only defended themselves from vile accusations and lies! They cannot be held responsible for the actions of others!" Rhaenyra retorted, only for Naruko to scoff.

"That's a nice excuse you like to use. I wonder if King Maegor liked using excuses for his own actions too." Naruko said, with many gasping she'd all but compared the Princess to Maegor the Cruel.

"ENOUGH!" Viserys shouted preventing more fighting from starting.

"This matter…is finished. Do you understand?" Demanded Viserys looking around, daring anyone to try contradicting him.

"And let it be known, anyone whose tongue dares to question the birth of Princess Rhaenyra's sons should have it removed." Viserys warned, swearing he'll cut out the tongue of anyone who so much as breathes a whisper of his grandsons being bastards again.

This made Naruko clench her fists, that he really was going to do nothing to help Aemond, he hadn't even tried comforting his son after he lost an eye. The only thing he cared about was that not everyone was as blind or ignorant as him.

'Try cutting my tongue out, you sorry excuse for a king!' Naruko thought opening her mouth to shout it loudly that Rhaenyra's sons were no nephews of hers, that they were nothing but the bastards of House Strong.

But before she could even get a word out, Rhaenys' hand shot out covering her daughters mouth.

"Don't even try it!" Rhaenys hissed lowly, knowing her daughter well enough to know exactly what she was going to do.

And while she had tried convincing Corlys earlier that night to let Driftmark pass to Baela rather than hand it over to House Strong, to little success. Rhaenys wasn't going to let her daughter announce to the entire hall the truth.

Not because she didn't think Viserys would cut out her tongue, Rhaenys fully believed he would do just that if it meant protecting Rhaenyra. But the Queen Who Never Was would rather not be branded a Kinslayer and Kingslayer, because if Viserys dared touch her daughter she would feed him to Meleys along with anyone that got in her way. Which would likely mean robbing her granddaughters of their father as well, and she'd rather not hurt them more than they already have been.

"Thank you, father." Rhaenyra said grateful he wouldn't let them take Luke's inheritance or eye, and a more spiteful part wanting to remind the Greens her father will always choose her.

Though this proved to be a mistake, as what little restraint Alicent had left snapped at Rhaenyra's words. Just hearing the smug satisfaction at getting away with doing whatever she wants again without fear of punishment. Before her eyes went to the Valyrian Steel dagger at her husbands side, wondering if she'd finally gone mad with what she intended to do.

She didn't care and embraced the madness.

Before anyone could react, Alicent lunged forward grabbing the dagger and headed for Rhaenyra, intent to make her feel the same pain she has and take her sons eye herself if no one else will.

"Alicent!" Viserys shouted in shock at what she was doing.

"Your Grace! Stay with the King!" Yelled Ser Harrold pulling Viserys back while ordering the remaining Kingsguard to protect him.

With the sudden shouting getting Rhaenyra's attention from looking over Lucerys, only to see Alicent coming at her with her father's dagger. Much to the Princess's shock before she stood up, shielding her sons and grabbed Alicent's arms holding the dagger back, not expecting Alicent to try stabbing her.

"Hold your approach!" Criston shouted running through the crowd to the Queen, until he saw Daemon moving from his place at the door and changed course to stop The Rogue Prince.

"Do not, Ser Criston!" Ser Harrold said moving through the crowd, thinking Criston was still heading towards the Queen and Princess.

"Alicent!" Viserys shouted trying to talk sense into his wife.

While Daemon moved to deal with the Green Queen, eager for the chance to eliminate the Greens all at once here and now. But before he reached them, Criston slammed into him holding Daemon back, giving him a warning glare.

"Give me an excuse." Criston said more than ready to do what he should've done at the Heir's Tourney and crush Daemon's head with his morningstar.

"I don't need one, Ser Crispin." Said Daemon smirking darkly, just as eager to take the Kingsguard's head off.

"Stay your hand, Cole!" Ser Harrold ordered as he tried keeping the crowd back from the Princess and Queen, while the Cargyll Twins separated Criston and Daemon.

"You've gone too far!" Rhaenyra warned, knowing now everyone will see Alicent for what she truly is.

"I?! What have I done but what was expected of me?!" Demanded Alicent enraged that even now Rhaenyra thought she was in the right.

While she was the one who had been sent to seduce a widowed man old enough to be her father, the one forced into a marriage she never wanted, the one forced to become a mother when she was just a little girl, the one who was left alone for years with only her children as support terrified of the day her husband died and their sister came for their heads to protect hers and her bastards claim.

And here was Rhaenyra, who always did whatever she wanted, acting how she pleased without a care, who had her choice of any suitor in the Seven Kingdoms, yet threw it all away by seducing her own Kingsguard. And still she does as she pleases, fucking her new Sworn Shield, birthing his bastards, passing them off as Velaryons when anyone can see the truth.

Now they've crippled her son and still Rhaenyra believed herself innocent.

"Forever upholding the kingdom, the family, the law! While you flout all to do as you please!" Alicent said wanting to force Rhaenyra to understand, what she was forced to become while she did as she pleased.

"Alicent, let her go!" Ordered Viserys refusing to let her harm his daughter.

"Where is duty?! Where is sacrifice?! It's trampled under your pretty foot again!" Said Alicent searching Rhaenyra's eyes, hoping to see even just a spark of guilt or regret, that some remnant of her friend still existed in this spoiled Princess.

"Release the blade, Alicent." Otto commanded before his daughter did anything foolish, yet at the same time he was intrigued, to witness such a side of his daughter he doubted existed.

"And now you take my son's eye, and to even that, you feel entitled." Alicent said tearfully, that even after her son, her brother, lost an eye, Rhaenyra still showed no remorse.

The Queen hoped, prayed, that she would finally understand, only for it to fade away at Rhaenyra's next words.

"Exhausting, wasn't it? Hiding beneath the cloak of your own righteousness. But now they see you as you are." Rhaenyra whispered, as Alicent looked at her in shock and disgust.

Part of her not believing what she just heard, that Rhaenyra truly believed she was the victim in all this, while she was the self-righteous monster. When all Alicent wanted was sympathy, understanding, even just acknowledgement of her pain and sorrow, for Aemond's pain and sorrow.

Instead the only thing she saw, is that her best friend was truly gone.

Screaming in anger, Alicent brought the blade down forcing Rhaenyra away as she fell back against her husband. Until she saw that she actually cut Rhaenyra across her forearm, much to Alicent's horror at what she had done, at what will happen due to her action. Losing her grip on the dagger as it fell to the floor, the only sound in the now silent hall.

"Do not mourn me, mother." Aemond said getting everyone's attention as the Prince stepped forward.

"It was a fair exchange. I may have lost an eye…but I gained a dragon." Said Aemond, stunning everyone as the Prince effectively brought an end to the fighting, his words also sinking in for many of them.

With the horrifying realization dawning on Rhaenyra, that Aemond now possessed Vhagar and she just gave him every reason to hate her and her sons. Daemon looked rather intrigued at his nephew, not expecting much from any of the Hightower whelps, but he's now interested. And Otto couldn't deny the sheer satisfaction he felt, along with lamenting how Aemond hadn't been born first.

"This proceeding is at an end." Declared Viserys before limping out of the hall, refusing to hear another word from anyone.

Unaware of the lines now being drawn between his family, as the Princess and the Queen stood across from each other, both sides now fully divided. With Aemond stepping over to his mother to try and comfort her, Ser Criston joining them reaching down to grab the dagger.

Only for Naruko to grab it first, picking the blade up and looked it over, seeing the telltale ripple patterns of Valyrian Steel and the black dragon bone hilt.

Before Naruko looked over at the Princess, staring her right in the eye as she held the dagger out towards Aemond. The Prince glanced at her before reaching up and taking the dagger, understanding the message she was sending.

Not taking her eyes off the Princess, Naruko walked over to the Blacks until she stopped right in front of them, looking at Rhaenyra with nothing but contempt.

"A day will come when you think yourself safe and happy, and suddenly your joy will turn to ashes in your mouth, and you'll know the debt is paid." Naruko said, unaware as her eyes turned red again, but Rhaenyra and Daemon saw it clearly, neither sure what exactly they were looking at, but it was no normal little girl.

So, what did you think, good. Yep we see Laena's funeral as Vaemond gives her eulogy, while also getting a flashback showing Naruko's bond with Laena. Along with how Naruto doesn't take kindly to Vaemond using Laena's funeral to make statement nor Daemon laughing to distract everyone from Rhaenyra and her sons.

Before we go to the wake where Naruko speaks with some people, including offering her condolences to her nieces and some words to know they still have Laena with them, as long as they never forget. Along with speaking to Aegon and Aemond again, and meeting Helaena who gives her some rather strange words but does think the Princess is still rather nice and sweet. Before she then finds Daemon after he speaks with Viserys, expressing her displeasure at his actions with Daemon trying to brush them off only for Naruko to refuse to let it go until he goes off to "mourn alone". Only for Naruko to watch as Rhaenyra soon follows after Daemon.

Next we see Otto bringing a drunk Aegon inside giving Aemond the chance to sneak away to find Vhagar, unaware someone was also following him. With Naruko revealing herself once he reached Vhagar, knowing what he's planning to do, to her displeasure he's choosing to do it at Laena's funeral and before Rhaena can try claiming her.

But rather than stop Aemond, Naruko lets him go knowing how badly he wanted a dragon and even believes he could claim Vhagar with what all her previous riders were like. Something that does encourage Aemond as he makes his attempt, knowing he'll either claim Vhagar are die trying.

With him succeeding in claiming and riding Vhagar, giving him a new pride and confidence at becoming a true Targaryen. While Naruko watches his flight, only to notice another dragon in the sky, but is unable to see which one, before returning to High Tide when Vhagar lands.

Only to find Aemond being attacked by the other children, with Naruko pulling Baela and Rhaena off to try and deescalate the situation. Nearly succeeding only for Aemond to get one more insult in, leading to Jacaerys drawing his knife to strike him. Only for Naruko to get in the way, receiving a gash across her face (for a better idea, it's the same scar Ciri has in The Witcher games). Leading to Aemond attacking again, only to soon be struck as well costing him his eye.

We then go to the Hall of Nine as Viserys tries getting answers, only for things to soon devolve into shouting and fighting as more and more people arrive. Only being silenced by the Kings declaration and Naruko's own shout, leaving everyone stunned silent. With Naruko attempting to explain things herself of what she saw and heard.

Only for it to mean nothing when Rhaenyra takes her chance to turn Viserys to her side at the "vile insults" Aemond said about her sons. Much to Naruko's anger at how the King ignores everything, including his sons maiming, in favor of Rhaenyra. Her anger only growing with how Daemon and Rhaenyra arrived together, guessing what they were doing.

With things going similar to the show, until Naruko suggests that Lucerys loses his inheritance instead of his eye, removing him being able to take the Iron Throne or Driftmark. Something Alicent agrees with, only for Rhaenyra to refuse to have them take anything from her sons. With Viserys taking Rhaenyra's side again, much to Alicent's anger until she tries taking matters into her own hands.

Finally we see the lines being drawn between the Blacks and Greens, with Aemond being the one who ends it for Alicent's sake, while also reminding everyone that he might've lost an eye but he now had Vhagar, and now every reason to hate Rhaenyra and her sons. With Naruko making her own statement handing the King's dagger to Aemond and giving some parting words to Rhaenyra, who sees she's made more than one enemy tonight. So, for those that like the story, thanks for your support. For those that don't or at least don't like the direction taken, you're more than welcomed to drop the story. But thanks for giving the story a chance anyway.

Storm out