▃▃▃▃▃ ‧₊˚⊹ ‧₊˚⊹ ▃▃▃▃▃
HOUSE OF THE DRAGONS
𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐎𝐍𝐄 ─── ❛ fire and blood

FIRE ON FIRE ₊˚.༄𖥸 ──
𑁍₊𓄹 -- ❪ house of the dragons ❫. 𓄹
╭ ‧₊˚⊹ 你好，欢迎光临
╰ ✦ off with the tongue╭ ᘒ ✦

It had been six years since the incident the incident at dragon stone. Six years was a long time.

Rhaella had changed, a lot, since then.

The once soft and gentle girl had vanished...

She had grown older, into a woman. Nearly twenty one years of age. She had started to drift from her family.

Her family had changed also. Her father grew more and more sick, her brothers had changed, as had her mother.

Only Helaena hadn't changed. And Rhaella was glad at that. Rhaella and Helaena shared a special bond, which Rhaella didn't understand. When Helaena was in pain, Rhaella could feel it.

Rhaella was grateful she had avoided that. Alicent had tried multiple times for her to get betrothed to Aegon, but Rhaella disagreed. She didn't need to be betrothed, she didn't want to be. But she didn't expect for that fate to be dropped on Helaena, her poor and innocent sister.

Rhaella had also grown to adore sword fighting, something her mother didn't allow at first, but Rhaella disobeyed and practised with Aemond.

Rhaella and Aemond had grown closer since that night six years ago. The two had formed a bond.

When the news that Rhaenyra would be returning to dragon stone, Rhaella was thrilled. Rhaella had been sending ravens to her sister, keeping her updated on their father and how things were going at King's landing. She had also sent ravens to her nephews.

Rhaella made sure that she would be the first to welcome the family, and she was. She stood at the steps, arms crossed over her chest as she stood beside her sworn protector.

When she heard the gate open, she immediately stood up, leaning off of the wall and watching as the carriage drove in.

Rhaella grinned, stepping down the steps to welcome them. Rhaenyra was the first one out of the carriage, looking around at her old home.

When her eyes landed on Rhaella, they widened, smile on her face. Rhaella looked different from when she was a child. Her features were the same.

But, she kept her hair down, only with some braids and jewellery in her hair. She was dressed in a black and red dress, a sword attached at her hip, which Rhaenyra immediately caught.

"Dear sister." Rhaella stepped forward, carefully embracing Rhaenyra into a hug. "I did not expect you to be this far along." Rhaella pulled out of the hug and looked down at Rhaenyra's swollen stomach. "I do hope it is a girl, she will be as gorgeous as her mother."

Rhaenyra smiled as she reached out and held onto Rhaella's chin. "And what a fine woman you have become." Rhaenyra smiled sweetly as Rhaella smiled, scrunching her nose up.

Rhaella moved away as she watched Daemon step out of the carriage. Rhaella bowed her head to her uncle, which he returned.

Rhaella's grin widened as she saw her nephew's Jacaerys and Lucerys. They'd had grown up a lot since last time she had seen them.

"My dear nephews, how you have grown." Rhaella grinned at them, to which they receipted. "Well, one of you is still yet to grow." Rhaella turned to Jacaerys, jesting with her nephew.

"I am taller than you." Jacaerys chuckled as Rhaella tilted her eyes. "It is good to see you, aunt."

"Well, come." Rhaella sighed as she turned to the family, her hand going to her hip. "You must come in, father is waiting for you." Rhaella turned to Rhaenyra with a sad smile. "I will take you boys to the training field." She held out her arms for her nephews to take. "I will make sure they're on their best behaviour." Rhaella grinned at Rhaenyra, who nodded her head with a smile.

Rhaella led Jacaerys and Lucerys through true red keep, leading them down to the steps towards the training field.

"Smaller than I remember." Lucerys spoke up as Rhaella looked over at him over her shoulder.

"You were little, dear nephew." Rhaella softly smiled as she looked forwards. "I have grown accustomed to this place." Rhaella tapped the sword around her waist.

"I thought your mother wouldn't let you fight." Jacaerys moved to walk by her side, looking at the sword.

"I am very persistent when it comes to things I want." Rhaella smirked as she shrugged her shoulders. "My mother may be queen, but she can't rule me. Besides, your grandsire was thrilled when I asked him." She turned towards them and walked backwards.

"You certainly have changed a lot since we saw you last." Jacaerys grinned at her, making Rhaella nod her head.

"I was a mere child last time, Jace." Rhaella crossed her arms over her chest, watching as the people around bowed. "Things change when you become a woman."

Rhaella guided them towards the weapons, grabbing a hold of one of them and holding it in her hand.

"What's your problem?" Jacaerys asked as he turned to his younger brother. Rhaella frowned as she looked over at Luke.

"Everyone's staring at us." Lucerys uttered as Rhaella looked around at the people.

"I can tell them to fuck off if you'd like." Rhaella suggested, placing the weapon down and turning to her nephews, whose eyes widened at her words. "What?"

"I did not expect to hear them words come from you, of all people." Jacaerys shared a look with Lucerys before chucking.

"I've said worse." Rhaella shrugged her shoulders, grin on her face. "You should hear what I have said to my fool of a brother, Aegon. My mother would murder me if she heard such words." She chuckled.

The three heard clashing behind them, and Rhaella instantly rolled her eyes, knowing that it was her youngest brother, Aemond.

Jacaerys grinned, turning to Lucerys and pulling him towards the crowd. Rhaella rolled her eyes once more before following them, standing behind them as she watched Aemond strike at Ser Criston.

Aemond dodged the strike sent his way, holding onto his shield before throwing it to the floor and attacking Ser Criston before turning, aiming his sword at him.

Lucerys visibly tensed as he realised it was Aemond and backed up, making Rhaella hold onto his shoulders, giving him a smile.

Aemond continued to dodge the blows, moving side to side and striking Ser Criston's arm and pointing the blade to his neck.

The people around cheered for Aemond and Rhaella simply crossed her arms over her chest, unimpressed.

She noticed Jacaerys and Lucerys worried eyes, making squeeze both of their shoulders. "Do not fret, he will not harm either of you." She promised them. "Or he'll have to face my wrath." She grinned as she crossed her arms back over her chest.

Obviously Aemond had seen the three at the sidelines, turning to them. "Sister." Aemond looked over at Rhaella, who merely raised a brow. "Nephews." He then said, looking at the two brothers. "Have you come to train?"

"Is that a challenge, dear brother?" Rhaella smirked at her brother, who mirrored her expression.

"Perhaps." Aemond shrugged his shoulders, his arms behind his back as Rhaella looked down at her nephews.

Rhaella hummed, stepping forward as she pulled out her sword, spinning it in her hand as she pointed it at Aemond. "I never back down from a challenge."

Aemond grinned as Ser Criston passed him his sword, holding it in his hand. Then, Ser Criston stood in the middle of them, nodding his head at the siblings. "Ready?"

Rhaella and Aemond stood with their swords raised, ready to strike. The pair nodded their heads at Ser Criston.

Then, Ser Criston dropped his arm, backing away from the pair as Aemond swung first, Rhaella quickly dodging the blow and throwing her arm forwards, her sword connecting with his sword.

Rhaella kept the smirk on her face as she looked at her brother before pulling back, dodging another blow from Aemond.

The two went back and forth for a while, Rhaella waiting for an opportunity to catch him off guard.

And when she did, she connected her sword with his, the clang of metal echoing in her ears. She gritted her teeth as she stared at her brother, smirk on her face.

Then, she lifted her leg, hooking I around his and knocking him off of his feet—a move she always did.

When Aemond's back connected with the floor, Rhaella pointed her sword at his neck, smirk on her face as she stared down at him.

Gasps were heard from the crowd that were still watching. Rhaella lifted her eyes and looked over to her nephews, who stared in amazement.

She cockily bowed, breathing out as she turned back to Aemond. She turned her sword around, holding onto the metal bit and pointing the holder towards him.

"Once again, brother, I have won." She smirked in victory, helping him up and patting his back. Everyone turned when they heard the gate open.

Rhaella put her sword back in its sheath, walking over to her nephews as she watched multiple guards walk in.

In walked Ser Vaemond, his eyes on Luke and Jace. Rhaella kept Jacaerys and Lucerys close to her, eyeing the man that wanted to take away Lucerys' claim to Driftmark.

Rhaella stood with her siblings, looking up at her grandsire on the iron throne. Rhaella hated how her mother and grandsire took over for her father.

If it should have been someone, it should've been Rhaenyra. She was the heir to the throne. And Otto Hightower shouldn't be sitting on that throne, twisting her fathers words.

"Though it is the great hope of this court that Lord Coryls Velayron survive his wounds, we gather here with the grim task of dealing with the succession of Driftmark." Otto Hightower declared and Rhaella couldn't help but roll her eyes.

Everyone knew that Corlys wanted Lucerys to succeed his place on Driftmark. And Rhaella would defend her little nephew if she had to.

"As hand, I speak with the King's voice on this and all other matters." Otto finished as Rhaella breathed out, looking at the crowd as she rested her hand on her sword. "The crown will now hear the petitions. Ser Vaemond of House Velaryon." He pointed to the man.

Ser Vaemond stepped forwards, in front of the Iron Throne. Rhaella watched with narrowed eyes, waiting for the man to say his piece.

"My Queen." He started, looking over to Alicent before turning to Otto. "My Lord Hand. The history of our noble houses extends beyond the Seven Kingdoms to the days of Old Valyria." He started, his hands clasped in front of him. "For as long as House Targaryen had ruled the skies, House Velaryon had ruled the seas. When the Doom fell on Valyria, our houses become the last of their kind."

Rhaella quietly breathed out, bored of his voice. She blocked out some of his words, looking around. She stood inbetween Helaena and Aemond, Aegon on the far left as their mother stood on the far right.

"I have spent my entire life in Driftmark defending my brother's seat. I am Lord Corlys's closest kin, his own blood." Ser Vaemond claimed as he looked up at Otto. "The true, unimpeachable blood of House Velaryon runs through my veins."

"As it does in my sons, the offspring of Leanor Velaryon." Rhaenyra spoke up, defending her children as Rhaella looked over at her with a smile. "If you cared so much about your house's blood, Ser Vaemond, you would not be so bold as to supplant its rightful heir. No, you only speak for yourself and for your own ambition."

"You have chance to make your own petition, Princess Rhaenyra." Alicent was quick to speak up against Rhaenyra, making Rhaella turn to her with a raised brow. "Do Ser Vaemond the courtesy of allowing his to be heard."

"He can be heard without slating the Princesses children, mother." Rhaella kept her eyes on Ser Vaemond, speaking up for Rhaenyra, who was surprised by her words. "They are his kin, after all." She turned to her mother, small smirk on her face as Alicent shook her head. "Continue, Ser Vaemond." She turned back to the man, smirk still ok her face.

He didn't say anything to her, but turned around to face Rhaenyra. "What do you know of Velaryon blood, princess?" Rhaella raised her brow at his words. "I could cut my veins and show it to you and you still wouldn't recognise it." Rhaella wish he would, if she was being honest. "This is about the future and survival of my house, not yours." He eyed Lucerys before turning back around. "My Queen, My Lord Hand. This is a matter of blood, not ambition. I place the continuation of the survival of my house and my line above all."

Rhaella rolled her eyes once again, already done with what he had to say. She knew her Grandsire would pick Ser Vaemond, despise the fact the King would not want that—nor would Lord Coryls.

"I humbly put myself before you as my brother's successor...the Lord of Driftmark and Lord of the Tides." Ser Vaemond claimed himself to Otto.

"Thank you, Ser Vaemond." Otto nodded his head at the man. Rhaella watched as Ser Vaemond nodded his head and returned back to Rheanys side. "Princess Rhaenyra, you can now speak for your son, Lucerys Velaryon."

Rhaella watched as her older sister stepped forwards, Rhaella flashing her a confident smile, which Rhaenyra acknowledged as she stepped forwards.

"If I am to grace this farce with some answer, I will start by reminding this court that nearly twenty years ago, in this very—" Her words were cut off as the doors opened.

Rhaella frowned as she looked over to the doors, her eyes widening as she saw her sick father walk in.

"King Viserys of House Targaryen, the First of His Name, King of the Andals, and the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm."

Rhaella smirked as she watched as her grandsire stand from the Throne and watch with wide eyes.

The king weakly walked forwards, everyone watching him. Helaena smiled at the sight of her father, squeezing Rhaella's arm.

The king made his way towards his Throne, carefully walking up the steps before stopping and looking up at Otto. "I will sit the throne today." His raspy words were harsh, making Rhaella smirk.

"Your Grace." Otto nodded his head as he backed away, letting King Viserys walk up the steps, hunched forwards as a guard aided him.

Rhaella watched as his crown fell from his head, and she was about to move to aid her father until Daemon stepped forwards.

Rhaella watched with a faint smile, Daemon picking up the crown and looking down at his brother and helping him up the steps.

Rhaella watched as Viserys sat in his throne, Daemon placing the crown in his head before walking back down the steps and to Rhaenyra's side.

"I must...admit...my confusion." Viserys weakly spoke, leaning back in the throne as he held onto his cane. "I do not understand why petitions are being heard over a settled succession." Rhaella smirked at his words, knowing her mother and grandsire's plan was over. "The only one present...who might offer keener insight into Lord Coryls's wishes is the Princess Rhaenys."

Rhaella turned her head to look over to the Princess who never was. Rhaella hated the misogynistic views of the Seven Kingdoms. That's why Rhaenyra was treated the way she was.

"Ineed, Your Grace." Princess Rhaenys nodded her head, stroking forwards as her hands stayed in front of her, clasped together. "It was ever my husband's will that Driftmark pass through Ser Laenor to his true born son...Lucerys Velaryon."

Rhaella smirked at her words, looking over to her nephew, who looked up at Rhaenys with surprise.

"His mind never changed." Rhaenys continued, shaking her head. "Nor did my support of him. As a matter of fact, The Princess Rhaenyra has just informed me of her desire to marry her sons Jace and Luke to Lord Corlys's granddaughters, Baela and Rhaena." Rhaella softly smiled at that, knowing Rhaenyra had raised her boys into fine boys. "A proposal to which I heartily agree."

"Well...the matter is settled." King Viserys nodded his head at her words. "Again." He reminded. "I hereby reaffirm Prince Lucerys of House Velaryon as heir to Driftmark, the Driftwood Throne, and the next Lord of the Tides." He wheezed out.

Rhaella smiled at his words, looking over at Rhaenyra, who was also smiling. The sisters locked eyes and shared a nod, one which spoke a thousand words.

"You break law..." Ser Vaemond spoke up once again, making Rhaella looked away from Rhaenyra and towards the man. "And centuries of tradition to install your daughter as heir. Yet you dare tell me...who deserved to inherit the name Velaryon."

Rhaella's smile was instantly switched to a glare at his words. "You dare question the King, Ser Vaemond?" Rhaella hissed, stepping forwards, onto to be roughly grabbed back by her mother.

"Don't you dare." Alicent harshly whispered at her daughter, her eyes narrowed. Their mother and daughter bond had broke ever since Alicent had tried to betroth her to Aegon. And it had crumbled as the years passed. And it didn't help how close Rhaella was to Rhaenyra. That is why she had been much closer to her father and her siblings. "You have no right to speak on this situation at hand."

Viserys looked down at Rhaella, admiring her words, before turning to Vaemond. "Do not forget yourself, Vaemond." He weakly warned the man.

Rhaella watched as Vaemond scrunched his hand into a pall and turned to point at Lucerys. "That is no true Velaryon!" He yelled at Luke, who moved towards his mother. "And certainly no nephew of mine.

Rhaella narrowed her eyes, her grip tightening on her sword. "You have said enough." Rhaenyra spoke, standing in front of Lucerys.

"Lucerys is my true-born grandson." King Viserys spoke, his eyes on Ser Vaemond. "And you...are no more than the second son of Driftmark."

"You...may run your house as you see fit." Ser Vaemond harshly spoke as he shook his head. "But you will not decide the future of mine." He then raised his hand and pointed to his chest. "My house survived the Doom and a thousand tribulations besides." Then he turned to Rhaenyra. "And gods be damned...I will not see it ended on the account of this—"

Rhaella raised her brow, waiting for him to finish his sentence. Would he dare to call the Kings grandson a bastard right in front of him?

"Her children..." Rhaella squeezed her sword handle, watching him with narrows eyes. "Are bastards!" His yell echoed around the room. "And she..." He pointed at Rhaenyra. "Is-"

Rhaella stared at the man, clenching her jaw as she waited for him to continue.

"A whore."

Rhaella bit her tongue at his words, caring her eyes over to her sister, who was taken back by his words.

She didn't even realise her father has stood up, his gaze angry as he stared at Vaemond. "I..." He pulled out his blade. "Will have your tongue for that."

Rhaella felt Helaena squeezed her arm, jumping. Rhaella frowned as she turned back around, her eyes widening as she saw Ser Vaemond's body drop to the floor, headless.

Alicent turned Helaena away from the scene, the two looking away. Aemond move back, slightly, his eyes on Daemon. Aegon looked at the floor, brows raised.

And Rhaella stared at Ser Vaemond's headless body, small smirk on her face as she looked up at Daemon, who wiped the blood off of his sword. "He can keep his tongue."

"Disarm him!" Otto yelled to the guards, making them all pull out their swords.

"No need." He uttered, placing his sword back and walking to stand beside Rhaenyra.

Rhaella turned her head as she heard her father cry out in pain. She frowned as she shared a look with her mother, who quickly stepped forwards. "Call the maesters!" She said.

Rhaella quickly followed, her worried eyes on her father as she stood at the bottom of the throne, Rhaenyra moving to her side as they stared up at their father.

Alicent carefully helped him up from the throne, Rhaella watching as she uttered things before a guard and the maester held onto him.

Rhaella watched him be dragged away, bitting her tongue. She knew her father was growing ill by the day grows.

Rhaella knew she was going to receive an earful from her mother, that's why she went to aid Helaena with her children.

Rhaella smiled down at Jaehaera, holding onto her little hands as the child giggled. Rhaella didn't understand how something so innocent could live.

"Shes grown to resemble her mother, don't you think?" Rhaella softly spoke, looking over at Helaena, who held Jaehaerys. "As for your boy."

"I do wish to think so." Helaena mumbled, rocking the child in her arms. "You'll understand one day when you're a mother yourself." Helaena looked up at her, making Rhaella frown. "You do want to have children, sister?"

Rhaella had never thought of children, if she was being honest. She knew she wanted children one day, but not right now.

"Of course." Rhaella cleared her throat, nodding her head. "I would love to have little Rhaella's running around." She jested with a smile.

"I do hope you have children one day, sister." Helaena looked back down at her boy. "One to strengthen our sister's claim."

Rhaella frowned at her words. Helaena had always had her odd ways of speaking, her riddles that nobody understood.

Rhaella shook it off as she looked back down at Jaehaera, soft smile on her face. Shen yeh door opened behind her, she knew it was their mother.

"Rhaella." Alicent spoke, Rhaella not even bothering to look over at her mother. "May I have a word?"

"If it is to do with what I said to Ser Vaemond, I do not have an ounce of regret." Rhaella sharply said, staring down at the child in her arms with a smile. "His words were outrageous, calling my sister a whore and my nephews a bastard." Alicent squeezed her eyes shut at that. "What Daemon did was truly remarkable."

"Rhaella!" Alicent hissed as Rhaella groaned, looking over at her with a sarcastic smile. "How dare you speak ill of the dead. I have raised you better than that."

"What? He deserved it." Rhaella shrugged her shoulders, a chuckle leaving her lips. "Mother, I do not need you to belittle me." Rhaella picked up the child in her arms and passed her over to Helaena's lady in waiting. "I wish to get ready for the feast. Farewell, sister." Rhaella softly smiled at her sister before walking away, ignoring her mothers glance.

— madeleines corner

Now this is where it all starts to go downhill...

YIKES.

Not even going to feel bad for writing this and watching all of the despicable Me movies. HASHAHA OOPS

BUT I have a love interest for this fic...

Cregan stark, but I'm using the fantasy because yeah he's my new obsession. HEHE

So stay tuned babies HEHEHE

16th June 2024
3905 words