She stared in shock, unable to process what she had just heard. The words echoed in her mind, but their meaning eluded her. Rhaenyra didn't even notice when Lord Corlys stormed out of the Small Council chamber, his heavy footsteps reverberating off the stone walls. Her eyes were locked on Alicent Hightower—her so-called best friend.
"Rhaenyra!" her father called, his voice strained with worry.
But she couldn't respond. Her heart thundered in her chest, each beat reverberating through her like a war drum. She needed to leave. Now. Without a word, Rhaenyra pushed back her chair and hurried out of the chamber, the whispers of the council following her into the corridor.
"Rhaenyra!" Viserys's shout echoed behind her, tinged with despair, but she didn't turn back.
In the chamber, Alicent stood frozen, her head bowed in shame. Her fingers worried at the hem of her dress, a nervous habit Otto had tried to break for years.
"You did well, Alicent," Otto said, his tone measured but full of expectation.
"Yes, Father," she murmured, her voice barely audible. Her fingers moved to pick at her nails.
Otto frowned, grabbing her hand firmly. "Stop that. You are to be the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Compose yourself."
Alicent nodded, swallowing hard. "Yes, Father."
Viserys found Rhaenyra beneath the Godswood tree. Her head rested on her knees, and as he drew closer, he heard the sound of her quiet sobs. It shattered his heart to see her this way.
"Rhaenyra," he called softly, hesitant.
She didn't respond.
"Please, look at me," he urged, his voice thick with regret.
At last, she lifted her head, her tear-streaked face breaking what little composure he had left. "Why?" she asked, her voice barely audible.
Viserys crouched beside her. "What do you mean, my child?"
Her expression hardened, tears still spilling down her cheeks. "Why did you choose her?" Her voice rose with each word, trembling with anger and betrayal. "Out of all the suitors, why Alicent Hightower? My best friend. Of all people, why her?"
"Rhaenyra—"
"No!" She stood abruptly, brushing past him. "Don't say anything." Her steps were quick and forceful as she marched back toward the Red Keep, leaving Viserys kneeling by the Godswood, watching her retreat.
That night, as Rhaenyra prepared for bed, a knock sounded at her door. She tensed, her hands gripping the edge of her bed frame.
"Who is it?" she called, her voice sharper than intended.
"Lady Alicent, Princess," came Ser Criston Cole's reply.
Her jaw clenched. "Tell her I do not wish to see her."
Moments later, Alicent's voice carried through the door. "Rhaenyra, please. Let me explain."
"I don't care," Rhaenyra snapped, each word like a dagger. "Go away, Lady Alicent."
There was silence, then the soft echo of Alicent's footsteps fading down the corridor. Rhaenyra climbed into bed, her hands shaking as she pulled the covers over herself. Only then did the tears return, hot and unrelenting.
The day of Viserys and Alicent's wedding had arrived, but the atmosphere in Alicent's chamber was anything but celebratory. Rhaenyra stood behind her former friend, helping arrange the intricate folds of her wedding gown. The silence between them was suffocating. Alicent dared a glance at the mirror, her reflection pale and drawn. Despair clung to her like a shadow.
"Rhaenyra..." Alicent began, her voice barely a whisper.
But before she could continue, Rhaenyra had already stepped toward the door, her movements stiff with barely concealed rage.
"I'm sorry, Rhaenyra. I didn't mean for this to happen," Alicent said, her voice trembling.
Rhaenyra paused her hand on the doorframe. "Well, it did. Enjoy your wedding, Your Grace," she replied coldly, slamming the door behind her.
Throughout the ceremony, Rhaenyra sat alone, the weight of her father's betrayal pressing on her like a stone. In a single year, she had lost everything—her mother, her father's love, and the trust of her closest friend. As she watched her father and Alicent exchange vows, bile rose in her throat. The sight of Alicent in her mother's place was too much to bear. Worse still, Alicent was now her stepmother, a girl younger than her elevated to the status of queen.
When the bedding ceremony began, Rhaenyra could take no more. She slipped out of the hall, unnoticed in the revelry, and made her way to the Dragonpit. The Dragonkeepers bowed as she approached, but Rhaenyra ignored them. She strode directly to Syrax, her loyal companion, and rested her hand against the warm scales of the dragon's snout.
"Let's fly," she whispered.
Syrax rumbled in response, lowering herself to allow Rhaenyra to mount. The two took to the skies, the familiar rush of wind and the steady rhythm of Syrax's wings providing a fleeting sense of peace. For a moment, the world below disappeared, and it was just Rhaenyra and her dragon.
But the peace didn't last. Dark storm clouds loomed ahead, the winds growing stronger as rain began to fall in heavy sheets. Syrax roared in protest as the storm intensified, her wings straining against the howling wind. Rhaenyra clung tightly to the saddle, her hair whipping around her face.
"Steady, girl," she called, her voice barely audible over the storm.
Syrax veered off course, the gale forcing her southward. Before Rhaenyra realized it, they were flying over the Stepstones, where fires burned on the horizon. Below, the Crabfeeder's men stirred, pointing and shouting as the shadow of the dragon passed overhead.
"Aim!" one of the men barked.
Arrows sliced through the rain. Syrax roared in pain as several struck her wings, and Rhaenyra cried out as one pierced her shoulder. The dragon and rider struggled to stay aloft, their cries lost in the storm. Blood dripped from Syrax's wings as she turned toward the open sea, desperate to escape.
Rhaenyra gritted her teeth, tightening her grip on Syrax's strap as the dragon faltered, her wings struggling to catch the wind. The cold spray of the ocean below stung Rhaenyra's face, and she leaned forward, using all her strength to guide Syrax away from the churning waters.
"Come on, girl," she murmured, her voice hoarse with desperation.
Through the dense fog, a shadow emerged—land. A jagged island rose from the mist, crowned with ancient towers. Relief flooded Rhaenyra, but her body betrayed her, the pain in her shoulder pulling her into darkness.
"Skoriot issi īlon?" she whispered before slumping forward, unconscious.
Syrax roared weakly, her wings buckling as the ground loomed closer. The pair crashed into the forested outskirts of Uzushio, their impact shaking the earth.
When Rhaenyra opened her eyes, she was met with a blinding light. A figure loomed over her, radiant and otherworldly. Golden hair framed a face too perfect to belong to mortal men or women.
"Gevie," Rhaenyra murmured, tears blurring her vision.
"Umbagon awake, iksi jāre naejot jiōragon ao mirri dohaeragon. Ao sagon jāre naejot sagon okay," the goddess told Rhaenyra as she lost consciousness again.
Darkness claimed Rhaenyra again.
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Present
"Naru, grab Princess Rhaenyra and take her back to the castle immediately. And notify Tsunade—we need her now," Kushina ordered, her voice firm yet laced with urgency.
"Yes, mother," Naru replied, moving swiftly toward the unconscious princess.
With practiced care, Naru knelt and gently lifted Rhaenyra into her arms, carrying her as though she weighed nothing. Blood from the wound on Rhaenyra's shoulder stained Naru's clothes, but she didn't falter.
"What about her dragon?" Naru asked, turning her sharp gaze to Syrax, whose wings lay torn and lifeless on the ground.
Kushina climbed onto Loki, her sleek, midnight-black dragon, who growled lowly in acknowledgment. "Loki and I will handle the dragon. Syrax will be brought to Mito Mountain for treatment." Her tone left no room for argument. "Go now, before she loses more blood."
Naru nodded, carrying Rhaenyra to her dragon, Helios, whose scales shimmered like molten gold in the dim light. She carefully secured Rhaenyra atop Helios, ensuring the straps were tight enough to keep her steady.
"Fly, Helios!" Naru commanded, her voice steady and clear. The dragon roared and took to the skies, his powerful wings slicing through the storm-laden air as they raced back to Uzushio.
As Naru and Helios disappeared into the horizon, Kushina turned her attention back to Syrax. Loki hovered above, his massive talons lowering to grasp the injured dragon with precision. Despite her wounds, Syrax let out a low, mournful growl, her eyes flickering open for a brief moment.
"Easy, girl," Kushina murmured, her voice soothing. "We'll get you to Mito Mountain. You'll be safe there."
Loki adjusted his grip, ensuring Syrax was secure, and then ascended and flew towards Mito Mountain.
Helios landed heavily outside the castle gates, his golden scales gleaming in the faint light. The guards at the entrance froze, their eyes wide as they took in the Princess's dragon, and the bloodied figure slumped over its back.
"Quick, fetch Maester Tsunade!" Naru barked as she slid off her dragon. "You, help me get Princess Rhaenyra down—and tell Tsunade to meet us in the medical wing!"
The guards sprang into action. One ran toward the castle while the other moved to assist Naru. Together, they carefully lifted Rhaenyra, her pale face streaked with blood, and hurried inside.
In the medical wing, Naru laid Rhaenyra onto a bed as Tsunade entered with Sakura and Shizune close behind.
"What happened?" Tsunade asked, her sharp eyes already assessing the unconscious princess.
"Rhaenyra and her dragon crashed just outside the kingdom," Naru explained, her voice tight. "She has an arrow in her shoulder and a head wound."
Tsunade's gaze darkened as she approached the bed. "Shizune, the crystal."
Shizune passed her a glowing crystal, and Tsunade channeled chakra into it. The soft light illuminated Rhaenyra's injuries as Tsunade murmured her findings: "A concussion, fractured forearm, broken ribs... nothing fatal, but she's lost a lot of blood. She'll need rest and treatment."
Tsunade turned to the others. "Leave the room. I need space to work."
Naru hesitated, her eyes on Rhaenyra. As she began to step back, a weak hand caught her wrist. She looked down in surprise to see Rhaenyra's eyes fluttering open.
"Don't... leave me," Rhaenyra whispered, her voice trembling.
Naru froze, her heart twisting. She turned to Tsunade. "Maester, if she wishes it, I'd like to stay."
Tsunade glanced at the princess's grip, then gave a curt nod. "Fine. But stay out of the way."
The room emptied, leaving only Tsunade, Sakura, and Shizune. As Tsunade and Sakura's hands glowed with healing chakra, Naru settled into a chair by Rhaenyra's bedside. The princess's grip on her wrist loosened, but she didn't let go entirely.
While Tsunade and her team worked tirelessly to treat Rhaenyra, Kushina stood in the shadow of Mito Mountain, watching Hana Inzuka examine the weakened Syrax. The dragon lay sprawled across the stone plateau, her wings tattered and body trembling with labored breaths.
Hana frowned as she finished her assessment, a glowing crystal dimming in her hand. "Your Grace," she said, turning to Kushina, "the dragon's injuries are extensive. It'll take months—three at the least—before she can fly again."
Kushina's shoulders sagged. "I feared as much," she murmured, her eyes lingering on Syrax's battered form.
Hana hesitated. "This dragon… who does it belong to?"
"Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen," Kushina replied, her voice steady despite the gravity of her words. "She and Syrax crashed just outside our kingdom. Both are severely injured."
Hana nodded solemnly. "I'll do everything I can."
"I'm leaving her in your care," Kushina said, her tone softening. "I must inform King Viserys that his daughter is here."
Kushina's footsteps echoed through the stone corridors of the Barrier Unit, a fortress of sensory power and vigilance. Guards and workers alike paused to bow as she entered, their eyes wide with respect.
"It's safe to say your visit has something to do with the disturbance we sensed earlier," Inoichi Yamanaka remarked as she approached.
Kushina offered a small nod. "You're correct. Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and her dragon were the anomaly. My daughter and I brought them in."
Inoichi's brows knitted in concern. "She's hurt?"
"She has a concussion, broken ribs, and an arrow wound. Her dragon fared no better," Kushina explained. "They were attacked, likely by the Triarchy, who may have mistaken her for an enemy."
Inoichi's frown deepened. "This could complicate things. I'll establish a link so you can contact King Viserys immediately. Should I include Tsunade and your daughter in the connection?"
"Yes. The king needs to know the full extent of his daughter's injuries," Kushina said, her expression resolute.
Inoichi motioned for her to sit. "Let's begin."
He placed a hand on Kushina's forehead, his chakra flaring as the mental link formed.
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King's Landing
The Red Keep was in chaos. Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, heir to the Iron Throne, had vanished without a trace.
When King Viserys learned of his daughter's disappearance, he immediately mobilized the Kingsguard to search every corner of King's Landing. His panic deepened when a dragon keeper reported that Syrax's lair was empty. Fearing she had fled to Dragonstone, he dispatched a search party to the ancestral seat of House Targaryen, only for them to return empty-handed.
Now, Viserys sat at the head of the small council, his face drawn and pale. "What news?" he demanded, his voice heavy with desperation.
Otto Hightower, standing beside the table, shook his head gravely. "No word has come, Your Grace. The Princess may have..." He hesitated, then continued, "...met with foul play."
Viserys's fist slammed against the table, the sound reverberating through the chamber. "Silence, Otto! I will not hear such vile rumors."
Queen Alicent, seated nearby, flinched at her husband's outburst. She blamed herself for Rhaenyra's departure, the weight of their fractured friendship pressing heavily on her heart. She stared at her lap, unable to meet her husband's eyes.
Before Viserys could speak further, a voice echoed through the small council chamber, commanding attention.
"King Viserys of the Seven Kingdoms, can you hear me?"
"Who goes there?!"
"My name is Queen Kushina Uzumaki of Uzushio, and I am speaking to you through a mental link."
Otto Hightower frowned, his face darkening. "Your Grace, do not believe such lies. Someone is playing some sort of trick on you."
"This is no trick, I assure you, King Viserys," Kushina replied calmly. "As you know, House Uzumaki and House Targaryen have maintained ties since the days of your grandfather, King Jaehaerys. I can safely assume he told you of us and the capabilities of Uzushio."
"You are correct, Queen Kushina," Viserys responded, his voice steady despite the murmurs of disbelief around him.
"Then you know this is no trick."
"Yes," he said firmly.
The room fell silent, its occupants stunned by the voice of the Queen of Uzushio—a kingdom whispered to be the most powerful and advanced in the known world. Alicent sat frozen, memories of her mother's stories filling her mind. Tales of Uzushio's fairness and prosperity had always intrigued her, but her mother's accounts of a close friend from the hidden kingdom had kindled a yearning she had long buried. To hear its queen now felt like touching a dream.
Viserys's voice snapped her out of her reverie. "Why are you contacting me at this moment, Queen Kushina?"
"I am contacting you to inform you that your daughter, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, is here in Uzushio."
Gasps echoed in the chamber. The Princess—the heir to the Iron Throne—had done what no one had since Queen Rhaenys centuries ago: entered the impenetrable kingdom.
Kushina continued, her tone steady. "As of this morning, Princess Rhaenyra and her dragon crash-landed outside Uzushio. My daughter and I found them. Both were severely injured and are being treated by our Maesters."
Viserys leaned forward, his voice trembling. "How is she? Is she alive?"
"Yes, she is alive. As for her injuries, I will allow my Grand Maester Tsunade Senju to explain to you," Kushina stated.
"The Princess has suffered a broken arm and fractured ribs. She has a mild concussion and a minor laceration where the arrow struck her shoulder. All in all, she will be okay," Tsunade stated.
"Her dragon is the biggest problem. From what Hana has told me, the Princess's dragon is severely injured and will not be able to fly for about 3–4 months. The arrows embedded in its wings caused significant damage," Tsunade continued.
"Arrows? You mean to tell me that someone harmed my daughter and the Princess of the Seven Kingdoms?" Viserys demanded.
"It seems the Princess was flying over the Stepstones, and the Triarchy, taking it as a threat, fired their arrows at her. That is what caused her to arrive here," Kushina explained.
Viserys was angered by this news, but he couldn't help but wonder why Rhaenyra was flying over the Stepstones and how she ended up there. "How is Rhaenyra now?" Viserys asked.
"The Princess is currently resting, and Princess Naru Uzumaki is watching over her," Tsunade said.
"That is good to hear. I'll be preparing to make my way to Uzushio to retrieve Rhaenyra and bring her home myself," Viserys stated.
"I would advise against doing that, Your Grace," Otto Hightower said.
"Please tell me why I should not go get my daughter and bring her back home." Viserys's voice was tight with frustration.
"The Triarchy, King Viserys. That's why," Kushina answered.
"Lady Kushina is right, Your Grace. If the Triarchy were to see you or a ship of House Targaryen, they would not hesitate to take it down," Otto explains.
"It's Queen Kushina to you. Show some respect, you filthy Westerosi man," Tsunade exclaimed.
"Tsunade, it's okay. What he is saying is correct, King Viserys. With the Triarchy controlling the Stepstones, it would be impossible for you to arrive at Uzushio. Also, you would not be able to enter the Kingdom without a representative of the Kingdom guiding you," Kushina states.
"You want me to leave my injured daughter all alone in a foreign kingdom?!" Viserys questioned.
"As of right now, it would be safest for Princess Rhaenyra to remain until her injuries heal. When she is fully recovered, we will send her back to you. In the meantime, when the Princess wakes up, we will have her contact you as soon as possible," Kushina states.
"It's the best option we have right now, Your Grace," Lord Lyonel Strong states.
Knowing that they were all correct, Viserys had no choice. "I am leaving my daughter in your capable hands, Queen Kushina."
"Your daughter will be protected, King Viserys," Kushina responded.
With that, Kushina cut off communication with King Viserys and his small council. Viserys breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing that Rhaenyra was alive, but he was upset that his daughter had been attacked by the Crab Feeder and his men. "Send word to Lord Corlys. Tell him I must meet with him urgently."
"Your Grace, I advise against this. Lord Corlys has disrespected you far too much. I do not believe that is the best option," Otto warns.
"I do not care, Otto! Those men injured my daughter and are now preventing me from reaching her. Send word to Corlys Velaryon right now!" Viserys ordered.
"It shall be done, Your Grace," Lord Lyonel Strong states.
King Viserys walked out of the small council, Alicent right behind him. Soon, the chamber was empty, leaving only Otto Hightower alone in the room. He stood there, considering how to use this situation to his advantage.
The next day, Corlys arrived at King's Landing. He met with Viserys in the small council chamber and sat across from him. Right beside Viserys was Otto Hightower.
"You have summoned me, Your Grace?" Corlys asked.
"Lord Corlys, we have had our differences, and I have been blinded by the situation going on in the Stepstones for far too long. For that, I must apologize," Viserys said.
"Apology accepted, Your Grace. But why have you summoned me?" Corlys questioned.
"I was contacted by Queen Kushina Uzumaki of Uzushio. She explained that my daughter Rhaenyra was in their kingdom," Viserys began.
Corlys' eyes widened at that, as nobody had done so since Queen Rhaenys I Targaryen during Aegon's conquest. "How did Princess Rhaenyra enter the kingdom? Or, better yet, how did the Princess find Uzushio?" Corlys asked.
"The day Rhaenyra vanished, she was attacked by the Crab Feeder and his men. They fired their arrows at Rhaenyra, and some of them embedded themselves in Rhaenyra and Syrax, forcing Syrax to crash outside Uzushio. Queen Kushina and her daughter, Princess Naru, found her there," Viserys said.
"They attacked my daughter, Corlys, and they shall pay for their transgressions," Viserys continued.
"What are you saying?" Corlys asked.
"You have the full support of the kingdom to go to war against the Triarchy," Viserys stated.
Corlys smiled at this. He had planned to attack the Crab Feeder and his men himself with the help of Daemon, but now, with the King's support, Corlys didn't have to go against the kingdom. "I appreciate it, Your Grace. Do not worry. The Triarchy shall pay for what they have done to Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and my ships," Corlys said.
"I'm counting on you," Viserys said.
The Triarchy had no idea what was about to hit them, as Corlys and Daemon Targaryen prepared to unleash their fury upon them. When Daemon heard what had happened to his niece, he promised he would put the Crab Feeder's head on a spike.
Translations
istiti bartos lenton sir, syrax - We must head home now, Syrax
Skoriot issi īlon? - Where are we
Gevie - Beautiful
Umbagon awake, iksi jāre naejot jiōragon ao mirri dohaeragon. Ao sagon jāre naejot sagon okay - Stay awake, we are going to get you some help. You're going to be okay.