Rhaenyra constantly looked over her shoulder as she ran. Her blood turned cold seeing the dozens of ravenous shadows gain ground. Their maniacal screams filled her with more dread in this one moment than all she had ever felt throughout her entire life. It wasn't just her life she had to be cautious of. She grasped tightly onto Alicent's hand and dragged her through the tunnels, praying to the Gods that they would escape before the attackers reached them.
At this point, Aegon was wailing loudly. The baby's cries echoed loudly through the tunnels. It was a ghastly sound when coupled with the barbaric taunts of the men following them. The fresh scar across Rhaenyra's brow was enough of an indication to show they were willing to kill the Princess. However, their intentions with Alicent and Aegon were not known.
Rhaenyra did not even want to consider for a moment what they would do the two of them.
So, she put all of her focus into running forward and never looking back.
Alicent nearly stumbled a few times. Holding onto Rhaenyra while keeping Aegon cradled close to her with her other arm was a difficult task. They knew that they were getting close to the entrance that led to the bed chamber. But, the attackers were not far behind. Their pursuit brought them close enough for the Queen to smell the stench of blood and alcohol emanating from their bodies. There was another smell which wafted in the air. One that the royal couple recognized swiftly…
Sea water.
More soldiers of the Triarchy?
It shouldn't have surprised them given the recent attack from the assassin not long ago.
But, the fact they were able to sneak their way into the castle through a hidden entrance puzzled Rhaenyra to no end. That was a mystery she would hopefully live long enough to solve another day. For now, she saw the light coming from the bed chamber and knew that their chance of salvation was just a few steps away.
Out of the corner of her eye, Rhaenyra saw a shadow approaching from behind. The attacker in the lead was within striking distance.
''Hold tightly onto Aegon!'' Rhaenyra yelled, hoping that Alicent would hear her as they charged through the opening.
Alicent followed Rhaenyra's instructions. Suddenly, she felt herself being thrown forward by the Princess. She nearly crashed into the side of a nearby table. A sharp pain erupted from her back and she cried out in pain.
After a glance to check if Aegon was uninjured, she glanced up to see that Rhaenyra had swiftly turned to carve the first soldier across the torso. Blood splattered over the floor as he collapsed in a heap, unresponsive. Alicent scurried to her feet while Rhaenyra backed away. Two more soldiers emerged from the opening and brandished their weapons. Curved knives that would be used to peel off the Princess's skin if given the chance. Rhaenyra remained on the back foot, countering their strikes to the best of her abilities. The soldiers were wild and uncoordinated. There was no strategy to their assault. All that mattered was making sure that Rhaenyra was dead.
Rhaenyra dodged a flurry of swipes from the one on the left and waited for an opening. When it arrived, she plunged her sword through his chest. He toppled over. The only reason he didn't fall completely was because Rhaenyra was keeping him up. She tried to retract her weapon from her opponent's body, but it wouldn't come. A crunchy sound could be heard as she tried to wedge the blade free. It must have been caught on a bone. Rhaenyra saw the other attacker advance. Thinking quickly, she used the body of his fallen comrade to shield herself. He showed no concern for the preservation of the fallen soldier's dignity. The attacker even tried to cut his way through the meat shield to reach Rhaenyra. Quickly, the dead body's pale skin was coated in blood.
Again and again, Rhaenyra tried to pull her sword free. But, it wouldn't budge. As the attacker lurched over to reach for the Princess, Alicent pushed the table she had crashed against and it collided with the man's leg, knocking him off balance. The force of the blow knocked him into the deceased which helped Rhaenyra to pry her sword free. She brought the sharp side of the blade down on top of the attacker's head.
He froze. His eyes rolled back. When Rhaenyra pulled her sword away, he dropped dead on the floor. A pool of blood was beginning to flow outward.
Alicent couldn't tear her eyes away. Aghast by the bloody sight, it wasn't until she felt Rhaenyra take her hand again that she was pulled from her daze and back into the living nightmare.
''We can't stop. The rest are still coming!''
Rhaenyra checked Alicent and Aegon over once before leading them out of the bed chamber. The echoes of their pursuers followed closely. The Princess's hopes of assistance were dashed when she rounded one vacant corridor after the other.
''Guards! Guards, help us!''
Her cries were in vain. The only response she received was her own pained echoes, disappearing into the shadows. Rhaenyra stopped momentarily to explore her surroundings. If no help was coming towards them, they would have to find it themselves. As quickly as possible, she studied the doors beside her and tried to remember where each passageway would take them. If she could reach her father, or Harwin, or Daemon…their chances of survival would grow. She gripped tightly onto Alicent's hand and guided her as their attackers followed. Rhaenyra used her knowledge of the castle grounds to twist and turn, hoping to evade the Triarchy until they came across a familiar face.
The barbarian's war cries faded for a fleeting moment. Alicent almost breathed a heavy sigh of relief until she and Rhaenyra crashed into something hard as they sprinted around another corner. The passageway was blocked by a metal grid that encompassed the entire path.
''No, no…'' Rhaenyra mumbled with fright. ''The guards wouldn't have set this up unless…''
A familiar, unseen voice spoke. ''Unless they knew of an imminent attack.''
Rhaenyra and Alicent froze as they saw Larys limp into view. Underneath the echoed sound of his cane as he approached, the women could hear the Triarchy bellowing behind in the distance.
''Larys, you must help us,'' Alicent pleaded. ''The Triarchy are here. They attacked us, and we…''
''I know,'' Larys said softly, making Rhaenyra's blood run cold. ''King Viserys and Prince Daemon were alerted and moved to a secure location. We don't know how they breached King's Landing, but the guards have worked valiantly to ensure the safety of the Monarchy.''
For Alicent, reality hadn't dawned on her yet. But, with Larys' slow, methodical steps and his laboured tone, it was beginning to set into the Queen that they were in unspeakable danger. She grasped onto one of the metal bars with her free hand. ''Larys, we have Prince Aegon with us. You must help us.''
He couldn't lock eyes with Alicent. Instead, Larys turned to Rhaenyra. His expression was stoic, whereas the Princess's rage bubbled to the surface. ''You did this,'' she hissed. ''You let the Triarchy into the castle walls. How? Why?''
Larys did not smile, nor show remorse. His gaze turned to the floor near the women's feet. ''They will not let their own blood go unavenged. All it takes is a few whispers among the condemned to reach the seas. Coupled with protests in the streets by those criminals…guards have their hands full. Unfortunately, they cannot guarantee the safety of all. Especially, the safety of a Princess who is quite the figure who is blasphemous across land, sea, and sky.''
Rhaenyra wanted to scream. She wanted to strike at the bars with her sword. She couldn't run her blade through Larys at this distance. A fiery rage unlike any she'd ever felt made her quake. But, her temperament faltered when she heard their attackers getting closer. Her gaze shifted towards Alicent and their child.
An overwhelming sensation washed over her. It dulled her anger. Despite their situation, Rhaenyra found herself calmer than she had been in weeks. ''Let them have me.''
Her words shocked Alicent and even took Larys aback. ''Pardon?''
''It's my head that everyone wants on a pike,'' Rhaenyra continued. ''Let Alicent and Aegon live. I won't fight back.''
''Rhaenyra, no!'' Alicent growled, gripping onto Rhaenyra's collar as if to shake her back to her senses. ''You are not going to abandon us.''
''I thought I could make this work…'' Rhaenyra said. ''I've seen that manipulation is what makes Kings. But…it still cannot make a Queen. It was never meant to be me. It was never meant to be us.''
Alicent cupped Rhaenyra's face. ''I don't want to be Queen. And I don't care if you're a Queen or a Princess. I just want you, Rhaenyra.''
The sound of Larys' cane clicking on the ground alerted them to the fact that he was leaving. ''Touching. But, it won't make a difference. The King had already been informed that it was too late to save you three. Your bodies were too mangled and violated to be retrieved.''
''You bastard!'' Alicent screamed. ''We'll make you pay for this! You're all going to pay!''
Seeing Alicent emit a blazing fury that was reminiscent of a Targaryen snapped Rhaenyra out of her stupor. She turned her head and saw the shadows of the Triarchy that had gained ground on them.
Rhaenyra grabbed Alicent's arm and pulled her away from the grided gate. Their last hope of escape was to turn down the opposite hallway. Before they went around the corner, Rhaenyra glanced back in Larys' direction. He didn't turn his head once as he walked away, assuming that they would not make it out alive. Rhaenyra had to return to the task at hand as the Triarchy were upon them in seconds. The couple dashed down a hallway before their flesh was carved. But, there was now almost no distance between them and their attacks. Their options were non-existent.
More doors and corridors were barricaded. Staff had been evacuated. Guards were most likely positioned on the opposite end of the castle to protect the King. Larys was a deceitful man. But, he was cunning. If he had set this plan in motion for as long as Rhaenyra believed, he would have made sure that every possible escape route was blocked.
Although…there is one other place he would not have dared to venture.
''I know where to go!'' Rhaenyra said. ''But, we have to hurry.''
Alicent put her full trust in Rhaenyra. There was no time to ask where she planned to take them as they tried to keep away from their pursuers' deadly attacks. Using their familiarity, Rhaenyra and Alicent weaved their way through the castle. With each step, Alicent began to understand where Rhaenyra was taking them.
The Dragonpit.
They just had to skirt around one more stone stairwell. In less than a moment, they would be within a grasping reach of freedom.
Rhaenyra pulled Alicent around the corner. The path that led to the stairwell was blocked by a dozen armed men. One of them thrust his knife at Rhaenyra. She parried it. But, her rapid motion could not stop the blade from grazing her ribs. Rhaenyra grunted and pushed the man aside. Her back crashed into the wall as the couple and their child were soon surrounded. The men appeared to be no higher than commoners who had armed themselves; those recruited by Larys. Rhaenyra brought her sword forward and cupped her other arm around Alicent. Aegon cried until his voice became hoarse. Alicent looked down and saw the cloth that he was wrapped in was not soaked with Rhaenyra's blood that seeped through her own clothing.
Rhaenyra's blood on Aegon.
It was gruesome poetry.
The attackers closed in. They were wary of Rhaenyra striking at them. But, her arm grew weak as blood poured from her fresh wound. Time stilled as Rhaenyra felt her grip loosen.
A dreary whisper escaped from her. ''I'm sorry.''
One attacker made the first strike. He jabbed at Rhaenyra with his knife…
A sword sliced through the attacker's arm, severing it from his body. The metal clang echoed loudly. The attackers were caught off guard as another sword ran through the closest to their right. Rhaenyra watched the body collapse before two armored figures stood between them and the criminals.
''We'll hold them off!'' Harwin Strong roared as he exchanged clashes with two attackers, taking them both on at the same time.
The other protector, Criston Cole, turned to the women and then glanced at the stairway. ''Hurry!''
It took a second for Rhaenyra and Alicent to realize that a window of escape had been offered to them. The Princess weakly picked herself up with some assistance from Alicent and they hurried forward. Looking over her shoulder, Alicent could see that the Triarchy attackers had caught up to them and began to lash wildly at anyone who stood in their way. Amidst the confusion, Harwin and Criston battled on without a second thought.
As for Rhaenyra, her eyes were squared solely on the path that led them to the Dragonpit.
Perhaps, the Gods were smiling at her? Perhaps, her existence was not cursed?
With Alicent's help, they hurried towards their freedom. The sound of the battle behind them tore through their souls. Every sword clash made their blood freeze. Fearing the worst, Rhaenyra would occasionally turn her head to check on the well-being of the two men who decided to stand with them and hold the horde. Harwin and Criston fought valiantly. Their skill and experience were more apparent compared to the wild slashes of their enemies. Still, their armor could only protect them for so long. Rhaenyra wished that she could take her sword and fight alongside them. But, she had to get Alicent and Aegon to safety.
She turned back to the door and her breath stilled when she saw Daemon approaching them with his sword drawn.
The two women stopped in their tracks. Rhaenyra's breath stilled as she gripped her sword tightly. Daemon's expression was placid, despite the lingering eye contact that was shared between the Targaryen's. Alicent clutched onto Aegon. The baby's cries rang loudly through the corridor. Daemon's glance moved between the three of them slyly and swiftly.
Then, his gaze turned to the battle going on behind the Princess. Without a word, he passed by Rhaenyra.
''Go.''
Despite the chaos around them, Rhaenyra heard Daemon's whisper as clear as day.
Her shock was so overwhelming that it wasn't until Alicent began to pull on her arm that she remembered her mission.
Looking over her shoulder one last time just as Daemon finally rushed forward and engaged with multiple adversaries, Rhaenyra rushed down the flight of stairs with Alicent.
Echoes of war faded the further they ventured downward. Jagged stone greeted them at every corner as they came upon the Pit.
''Syrax!''
Rhaenyra's call reverberated off the walls like a roaring storm. She could taste her blood. As they ran, they came upon the ledge that travelled onward until they reached its edge. There was nothing beyond them but a dark void where the Dragons rested. All they could do was wait and pray. With a moment to themselves, Rhaenyra turned her attention to Alicent. She cupped the Queen's face and held it close, checking for any injuries. Alicent grabbed her lover's hand and brought it to her lips so that she could kiss her. Aegon continued to cry even during the respite. There was a moment of panic that bubbled within Rhaenyra. The sound cut through the darkness and had no doubt reached Syrax. The rumbling approach of the Dragon made Alicent still. The Queen slowly turned her head and saw the golden scales pierce through the shadows.
The Dragon bared its teeth towards the noise. Flickers of flames danced out of Syrax's mouth. It did not delight in the disturbance.
But, before Syrax could react, Rhaenyra stepped between the beast and Alicent. She glared at the Dragon with eyes like steel, enough to rival the blade she held. Almost immediately, Syrax's temper evaporated. The giant head tilted to the side as its large body approached the edge.
Alicent was hesitant to get on as there was no saddle or equipment. Noticing this, Rhaenyra wrapped her arm around her waist and guided her onto the Dragon's back. They climbed every heated bump and scale. Alicent didn't think that her heart could race any faster. Yet, she was proven wrong. She swallowed her fear and held onto Aegon tightly. Rhaenyra made sure that the Queen was settled against Syrax while she rested on top of her. She gripped on for dear life as the Dragon began to move. Even the simplest of movements nearly knocked Alicent off.
''I can't do this!'' she cried out.
Rhaenyra pressed down onto her and Aegon. ''I've got you.''
Alicent was taken aback. Rhaenyra appeared so strong and commanding. Yet, her features were soft and comforting. It was exactly what Alicent needed. She forced a smile. ''I trust you.''
Rhaenyra smiled back until a noise alerted her to one last threat. At the door, they saw some of their attackers had followed them. Half a dozen soldiers breached into the Pit and charged…then halted when they saw the Dragon turn its head in their direction. A look of absolute fear was etched across their faces. They were at Rhaenyra's mercy.
And the Princess had none left to give. These barbarians broke into her home to kill those that she loved. Rhaenyra covered Alicent and Aegon. She uttered one commanding word that was filled with so much venom, that it frightened even herself for a fleeting moment.
''Dracarys!''
Syrax reared its head back and unleashed a wave of fire upon the attackers. There was no time for them to run as the flames enveloped their body. Their screams of anguish were drowned out by the crackling of Dragon fire. One by one, they dropped to the ground, left as nothing more than charred remains.
Through her will, Rhaenyra compelled Syrax to crawl towards the exit of the Pit and take to the skies. Her Dragon was obedient without fault. The natural light beckoned Syrax forward and when there was enough room, its wings expanded and it left the Earth.
The wind howled and lashed at Rhaenyra and Alicent wildly. Both women attempted to shield Aegon from nature's onslaught as they looked back at the castle. Rhaenyra's eyes were drawn to a particular window in one of the towers. There was a shadow watching them. Despite being too far to distinguish their features, she knew it was her father. He was most likely watching them escape and expecting them to turn at any moment. But, they didn't. Syrax rose higher until the beast parted through the clouds.
King's Landing was behind them. Rhaenyra's heart stopped for a moment. It suddenly dawned on her that this would be the last time she would see her home.
''What have I done?''
That wasn't just a question Rhaenyra asked herself about tonight's actions. Everything that had transpired over recent times, ever since she decided to take things into her own hands with Alicent…was it all worth it?
All it took was one moment when she locked eyes with Alicent to know that it was.
''Where do we go now?'' Alicent asked.
Somehow, Aegon's cries finally ceased. The child seemed more at ease on the back of a flying Dragon.
Rhaenyra looked ahead towards a dark horizon. The light of the sun began to break through the clouds, warming her face.
''Our new home.''
XXX
HELLO MY SWEET SUPERSTARS! DID YOU ENJOY THIS CHAPTER? I REALLY WANTED TO MAKE THIS A TENSE AND ACTION-PACKED ONE. A FEW OF YOU MIGHT ALREADY KNOW THAT I ACTUALLY EXTENDED THIS CHAPTER CAUSE I WASN'T ORIGINALLY HAPPY WITH IT. BUT, I HOPE THAT YOU LIKED IT. THE NEXT CHAPTER IS ON THE WAY...AND IT IS GOING TO BE THE FINAL CHAPTER. IT'S SAD TO END THINGS, BUT I FEEL NOW IS THE RIGHT TIME. THANK YOU ALL FOR READING. TA-TA FOR NOW.
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