tw: blood

130 AC :

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KING'S LANDINGS

Back in King's Landing, more and more wars were taking place. The safest thing that Rhaenya herself could do is isolate herself, though she wanted to fight she couldn't.

Battles were going on over and over again and she didn't know who would live or die.

Her brothers would go out and fight and she would feel useless for not fighting with the Blacks. She felt like she was betraying them.

Rhaenya was busy being a mother, of course, little Visenya was growing and so was her dragon.

They would play with one another, it was something that Rhaenya enjoyed seeing. Visenya had been able to sit up by herself and she loved to try and crawl.

It was quite the chaos trying to chase after her, especially with the fast crawls that she had.

Aemond sat on the Iron Throne for the time being and Rhaenya had no choice but to obey his wishes.

Everything he did, demanded, he wanted to prove that he was a better choice for the throne than Aegon.

Rhaenya carried her daughter into her arms, and she went to go see Aemond, who was relaxing on the Iron Throne.

Aemond, with outstretched arms and an earnest expression, beckoned to them. "Daughter, my wife!" His invitation hung in the air.

Rhaenya, however, eyed him with a mixture of amusement and defiance. "I am, in no way, walking up there," she declared, her stance unwavering.

A playful challenge sparkled in Aemond's eyes. "For our daughter?" he proposed, raising a questioning eyebrow. Rhaenya responded by shaking her head in a firm refusal.

A teasing smile played on her lips as she countered, "You can come to get her," and then, turning her attention to Visenya in her arms, she added, "Isn't that right, Visenya?" The little one gurgled happily, seemingly in agreement with her mother's terms.

Visenya laughed at her mother tickling her, it echoed in the room, and guards were trying not to laugh with her.

Aemond knew that Rhaenya wasn't going to budge before he walked down to her and took Visenya out of her arms.

Visenya held onto her father, and Rhaenya was still anxious with him holding her.

"One day... this will all be yours," Aemond whispered to his daughter, who was grabbing onto his long hair and putting it in her mouth.

Rhaenya didn't say a word, knowing how long this man took to do his hair. She tried not to laugh, looking away. Aemond had finally seen what Visenya was doing, and he started freaking out.

"Ah, Visenya!" He tried to pull her away from his hair, but she only grabbed his hair tighter. Rhaenya had learned by now if you were going to do anything, tie your hair up.

Aemond struggled to get her off of his hair before he handed her off back to Rhaenya. Rhaenya smirked at Aemond, "Tie your hair up,"

Visenya laughed at her mother, a giggly child and she moved her hand up and down. Soon the doors opened to Otto Hightower walking in. Aemond's smile quickly disappeared and Rhaenya took Visenya out of the room.

"They have blockaded the Gullett and have control over Blackwater bay," He talked to Aemond, "There is a rumor that Prince Jacaerys Targaryen will be at this battle, the battle has already started. We have sent troops and we are trying our best,"

Rhaenya overheard the news and couldn't help but smile at the mention of his name. As she approached her bedchambers, where Elaena and Maris awaited them, she remained silent, savoring the anticipation of the reunion.

"If they aren't my two favorite girls!" Elaena exclaimed, opening her arms wide. Visenya mirrored the gesture, expressing her desire to be held by Elaena.

With delicate care, Rhaenya placed Visenya in Elaena's arms, and the genuine warmth in Elaena's smile mirrored the joyous exchange.

Maris, seated with a cup of tea in hand, couldn't contain her curiosity. "So, what happened?"

Taking a seat herself, Rhaenya clasped her hands together, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Jace is coming back!" she shared, her voice carrying the thrill of anticipation.

Maris's eyes sparkled with excitement, "Oh my goodness! I can finally meet this prince!"

Amused, Rhaenya laughed, twirling her necklace around her finger absentmindedly. Her thoughts seemed to dance with the small piece of jewelry that held memories of Jace, the prince who occupied a special place in her heart.

"I completely forgot you haven't met him!" Rhaenya exclaimed, her laughter carrying the lightheartedness of shared anticipation.

Elaena, occupied with playing with the babe in her arms, inquired thoughtfully, "Doesn't that mean he would become a commander for whatever is going on?"

Rhaenya's cheeks blushed subtly as she met Elaena's gaze. "Yeah," she admitted, acknowledging the implications of Jace's return.

The door swung open, drawing everyone's attention. The dowager Queen entered, and the room immediately hushed.

Each person rose from their seat, offering a respectful curtsy in acknowledgment of her presence.

The Valyrian necklace was gently brushed against Rhaenya's chest, she hadn't worn it out in ages.

Alicent had seen the necklace on her daughter, this was the second time and she had known that her daughter had never bought that herself.

Visenya cooed, her tiny hands reaching out for her mother. With a smile, Alicent, the Queen, reached for the baby, holding her gently.

Visenya's curious gaze fixated on her grandmother's headpiece as she tugged at it playfully.

A presence entered the room, a woman familiar to Rhaenya, often seen in Princess Visenya's chambers.

Visenya's smile widened as Lady Talya approached, ready to take her into the princess's chambers.

The tired cries of Princess Visenya echoed as she protested leaving her mother's arms.

Rhaenya understood those cries well, a testament to the bond between mother and daughter.

"Lady Talya, take the young princess into her chambers," Alicent instructed with a gentle expression, acknowledging the fatigue in her granddaughter.

Rhaenya nodded in agreement, watching as Lady Talya carefully took Visenya. The ache in Rhaenya's heart mirrored her daughter's cries, longing to keep her close.

As Lady Talya left with Visenya, Alicent's gaze shifted to Rhaenya's necklace. A question lingered in her eyes. "Who gave you that?" she inquired.

For a moment, Rhaenya hesitated. The weight of truth and deception hung in the air. Gathering herself, she decided to conceal the real origin. "Lady Elaena did," Rhaenya replied, her voice steady yet masking the complexity within.

Elaena offered a kind smile to the Queen, providing a simple explanation, "I had gotten it for her a long time ago."

She vouched for her friend and did anything for her friend even if she had to lie to the Queen.

"You both lie, a lot, and lying doesn't get you anywhere in court does it," Alicent looked at her daughter and then at Elaena.

"Who gave this to you?" Alicent asked again, Rhaenya didn't see her mother's eyes.

"Prince-" Rhaenya's eyes went to Elaena then back to her mother, "Prince Daemon... he sent it for my name day..."

Alicent made eye contact with her daughter before putting the necklace down.  Lady Maris on the other hand went to follow the maid and go get Princess Visenya.

A sense of unease settled over Rhaenya as Lady Talya carried her daughter away. Despite the Queen's instructions, Rhaenya couldn't shake the apprehension that lingered in her heart.

A silent prayer escaped her lips, hoping her daughter would be in her chambers, safe and sound, as her mother had commanded.

Meanwhile, Maris, ever vigilant and astute, noticed the peculiar departure.

Sensing something amiss, she discreetly slipped out of the room, her steps quiet as she followed the Lady of the Queen.

Maris, accustomed to her brother's penchant for nocturnal escapades, relied on her ability to move stealthily, determined to uncover the secrets that veiled the night.

Maris's eyes flared with fierce determination as she confronted the maid carrying the weeping princess.

Her question hung in the air like an unspoken challenge, demanding an explanation for the departure that defied the Queen's orders.

Lady Talya remained silent, an mysterious  figure moving forward with unwavering resolve, leaving Maris increasingly agitated.

With each step towards the forbidden dungeon, Maris sensed an ominous air, a foreboding presence that hinted at the dark secrets concealed within its depths.

The cries of the princess echoed through the cold corridors, urging Maris to quicken her pace. The dungeon loomed ahead, a place shrouded in whispered tales of torment.

Maris, fueled by protective instincts, unsheathed her dagger with a determined glint in her eyes. The shadows seemed to dance around her as she hastened her pursuit, an avenging force determined to thwart any threat to the princess, the future of her realm.

Prince Aemond was quietly getting ready in his chambers when he could be heard yelling from Rhaenya's room about her necklace and his daughter.

He could hear the panic in Rhaenya's voice as he hurriedly came into her chambers.  A fatherly instinct had rushed over him, "Where is Visenya?"

"Lady Talya took her to the chambers! I think..." Rhaenya looked at him, she looked like she was about to have a panic attack. This was important, knowing that the conversation had changed drastically.

"Where is Visenya?" He asked his mother, his voice having a sense of authority.  "Where is my daughter?"

Alicent had trusted Talya to take her granddaughter when she found it wasn't true, she knew something was up. "Ser Robert, go through the lady's chambers now!"

Ser Robert worked fast as he went into the Lady's chambers and rummaged through everything.  He had found it. A letter between Myseria and Lady Talya.

He hurried over back to Princess Rhaenya's room handing the dowager Queen the letter.

A scream was heard and Rhaenya hurried out of the door knowing that was Maris' scream.  She hurried down the corridors and found Maris and Visenya in the dungeon. Talya  had been killed and stabbed as Visenya kept wailing.

Rhaenya was too stunned, she was on the verge of crying before she took her daughter in her arms. "What are you doing here?"

Visenya grabbed onto her mother and leaned on her shoulder. The baby was scared of the lady and was trying to not let go of her mother.

"Visenya shhh, momma's here," Rhaenya cried into her shoulder, Visenya was also crying and Maris was covered in blood. Maris looked at the Prince and then at the Prince, her dagger dropped in her hands.

She didn't know whether she was going to get executed for killing the Queen's maid... she just looked at the Princess and then the Prince.

Aemond had found her daughter and wife in the room of hell, he looked at Maris Baratheon who was covered in blood. He saw the dead maid on the floor and then he turned to his mother. "What were you trying to do?"

"WHAT WERE YOU TRYING TO DO?" Aemond's eyes blazed with a mix of anger and concern as he clutched his daughter tightly, protective instincts flaring.

Visenya's cries mirrored the chaos within the room, an innocent soul who didn't know what was going on. She cried into her mother's arms as she gripped her shoulders as Aemond took the instinctive to question.

"I wasn't trying to do anything," their mother stated, in the dimly lit room, the dowager Queen stood, her expression a canvas of confusion and innocence, contrasting the storm of emotions that raged around her...

Ser Robert's entrance brought an air of urgency, his hands clutching the damning letter that would reveal the hidden truths.

"Why was she in here? TELL ME THE TRUTH?" Aemond's fury intensified as the words unfolded before him, a web of deception spun by those close to his family.

The weight of betrayal settled in the room, casting shadows on the familial bonds.

Visenya only cried even more, as she wanted to still be with her mother, oh the sweet angel was not hurt but yet traumatized.

Ser Robert handed the letter to Aemond, the letter read between the words of Myseria and Talya. Aemond was furious as Maris was still shaking because of the moment.

Elaena, recognizing the distress in Maris, ushered her away to the safety of her chambers.

The trembling girl sought solace, leaving behind a room steeped in tension and revelations.

Rhaenya's gaze shifted from Ser Robert to Aemond, her question hanging in the air like an unspoken plea for answers"Where did you find this?"

"The dowager Queen had me search her chambers, Myseria wanted pain on you," Ser Robert stated as he knew he had to tell the truth.

Aemond's frustration resonated through the air, his muttered curses revealing the depth of his inner turmoil. Slowly, he pivoted towards his mother, remorse etched across his features. "I deeply regret raising my voice at you," he confessed.

Alicent, perceptive to her son's pain and anger, tenderly planted a kiss on his head before swiftly departing the room.

Left alone with Ser Robert and his wife, Aemond issued firm instructions. "Ensure her safe passage to her chambers. Neither of you is to venture outside without Ser Robert as an escort. Only those you trust, like Elaena and Maris, may come into contact with her. Is that clear?"

Rhaenya, cradling Visenya close, nodded solemnly, the Princess now pacified. The two hastened back to their chambers, leaving Aemond immersed in the pressing matters that demanded his attention.

"I apologize," Maris gazed at Rhaenya, her eyes reflecting profound sadness, a portrait of self-perceived monstrosity.

Rhaenya turned towards her friend, affection in her eyes. "Angel, why apologize? You're not a monster. You saved her life!"

Maris offered a faint smile, proceeding to cleanse her hands meticulously. After drying them with a towel, she approached Visenya. The infant's cries ceased upon sensing the comforting presence of someone trustworthy – her mother and her aunt.

As Maris scrunched her nose, invoking the familiar laughter of the young princess, the room echoed with the infectious joy of her small giggles.

"Mar!" Visenya exclaimed, prompting wide-eyed looks from both Rhaenya and Maris.

"Mar-Is!" Maris met the gaze of the baby, who responded, "Maris!"

"Mar! Momma!" At just three months old, Visenya's desire to communicate manifested in babbling words, understood by her mother.

Aemond entered the room, his gaze drawn to Visenya, who eagerly tried to point at him.

"A!" Visenya exclaimed, her laughter filling the air. Rhaenya observed her daughter and then directed her gaze toward Aemond.

"She said 'Momma' first! HA!" Rhaenya declared with a teasing smirk, not intending to turn it into a competition.

Aemond, with an eye roll, focused on Visenya, gently touching her hair. "My smart little princess," he praised.

Elaena, interrupting the family moment, surprised them, having set aside the clothes she was folding. "Is that my favorite Princess?"

Visenya cooed and giggled upon seeing Elaena. Aemond carefully scooped her up, declaring, "I will ensure her safety and provide protective security. I don't understand what has come over our mother."

"Not now," Rhaenya interjected a hint of fear in her eyes regarding her daughter's safety. "She's not leaving my side."

Rhaenya fixed her gaze on Aemond, the weight of self-doubt evident in her eyes. "It's because I haven't borne you a male heir. Helaena achieved it effortlessly, in one go. I failed."

All eyes shifted towards her, and Elaena, looking at her friend, reassured her, "You are not a failure. You will bear male heirs. Just remember, Visenya will be Queen."

Aemond turned to Elaena, an unusual agreement escaping his lips. "For once, I will agree with you."

Elaena, wearing a smug smirk, added, "I know her better than you, but Rhaenya won't heed your mother's words."

"I promise, when she turns one, she will depart from your household," Aemond declared, a smile gracing his face as he held Rhaenya's hand.

Gratitude painted Rhaenya's expression as she looked at Aemond and Elaena. "Thank you."

There was a bit of happiness in the marriage since the birth of Visenya... Rhaenya had noticed a big difference in Aemond that made her quite happy. It wasn't as it once seemed... the months... she will admit, the war was tense... but she had a duty to be doing.

"Can you excuse us?" Aemond requested, addressing the ladies in the room. Visenya remained cradled in Rhaenya's arms, watching her friends depart.

"What?" Rhaenya inquired, her gaze sweeping across the room. "Goodbye my loves," Her eyes betrayed a hint of sorrow as she bid farewell to her friends, and then she turned to face Aemond.

"What's going on?" A sense of confusion lingered in her eyes as she scanned her surroundings, awaiting Aemond's explanation. He lowered his gaze momentarily, then met her eyes.

"I am leaving King's Landing," Aemond announced, his attention divided between the two most important women in his life. He stood there, uncertain of how they would react.

Rhaenya locked eyes with Aemond, determination etched across her face. "Where? We're not going anywhere. I am not leaving."

She pointed resolutely at Visenya and herself, asserting, "We aren't going anywhere."

Aemond gazed at his wife and tenderly kissed her hand. "Then I'll maintain an army here for your protection, for the mothers, and Helaena."

Rhaenya, holding Visenya close to her chest, posed a critical question. "If they take King's Landing? Then what?"

Aemond smiled at Rhaenya, a mixture of reassurance and challenge in his expression. "Then you fight for your life, the same way you always wanted to."

She didn't turn to look at him, her discontent palpable. Before she voiced her concerns, she reluctantly asked, "Where exactly are you going?"

"Harrenhal," Aemond responded, meeting Rhaenya's gaze. She had something else to say, but uncertainty held her back.

"I'm pregnant," She spit out, Aemond's eyes widened and his eyes were quite excited.

She had things that were bothering her enough, but she had to tell him before he left.

Soon Aemond kissed Rhaenya and then kissed Visenya on the cheek. "You're going to have a sibling!"

Rhaenya smiled a bit awkwardly, they had done the deed once again, and she immediately found out. She was only pregnant again because her mother had wanted her to be, she didn't want another child so early but it was only her mother's wishes.

It was for duty... and sacrifice.

Aemond looked at Rhaenya, his eye looking at her stomach, and he placed her hand on it, "I know you didn't want this child,"

She looked at Aemond, her eyes saddened, "We cannot do anything about it can we?"

He nodded, he touched Rhaenya's face and she looked at him. "What if you don't make it alive? Then what? I cannot take care of two kids on my own!"

Aemond looked at her with fury in his eyes, "Don't you say that, I will come back,"

Rhaenya's eyes were watering before she could let more tears spill she shooed him away, "Go, I don't want you to see me like this. You better come back together in one piece!"

Her husband smirked before hugging Rhaenya and Visenya one last time, he kissed her cheek and Visenya's forehead. "I'll be back, I promise."

She nodded looking at Aemond and turned back to the empty room, calling her friends back in.  "He's not going to come back," She whispered, and she rolled her eyes.

Elaena's eyes widened in disbelief. "What? He's leaving?"

Maris joined in the questioning, initiating the ritual of support among friends. "To where?"

"Harrenhal," Rhaenya uttered softly, a tear escaping her eye. Visenya, sensing her mother's distress, planted a gentle kiss on her cheek.

Maris and Elaena exchanged glances. Maris, on the verge of expressing a harsh sentiment, was halted by Elaena. Daeron was already absent, and the uncertainty of his return hung in the air. This situation couldn't have been more challenging.

Rhaenya shook her head, yes,  she was scared "That's not what I'm afraid of, he won't come back in time for this baby, I just know it, and I cannot do this pregnancy alone! I can't do this alone like I did last time."

Elaena took Visenya out of her hand and put her back into her crib which was beside Rhaenya's bed. She gave her a handkerchief, "Don't cry, you have us, me, Maris, Daeron, well when he comes back!"

Rhaenya cried on Elaena's shoulders and she held onto her friend for dear life, she wanted to just not be pregnant for once.

The Battle of Gullet had ended, and it was rumored that Jacaerys Targaryen died, that was what was heard in King's Landing.

If this didn't make things worse enough. Elaena hadn't told Rhaenya quite yet, she had to double-check with her parents.

A sigh of relief escaped Elaena as she embraced the news. "He's alive!"

"Who? Jace?" Rhaenya's face lit up with numerous questions.

Elaena nodded, and Rhaenya couldn't contain her joy. She clapped her hands in excitement, rising from her seat. Spiraling in elation, she couldn't wait to go and see him.

That night, the castle was interrupted, Princess Rhaenya had come to her balcony and she saw Caraxes and Syrax.

She smiled as she looked up at her sister and her uncle, they were here for Rhaenyra's throne.

Rhaenya hadn't changed out of her clothes yet but she grabbed a cloak and she headed outside to greet them. She was stopped by the guards, "Let me through."

"We have direct orders," The guards told her and kept her from leaving. She looked at him in all seriousness.

"Let me go!" She pushed through them, but Ser Erryk stopped her. She looked at him, "I have direct orders from Queen Rhaenyra,"

"Ser Erryk, I am not a prisoner; I want to fight by their side!" Rhaenya pleaded, her eyes beseeching her old knight.

The urgency in her actions reflected the clear commands her mother sent to rally troops back from Harrenhal.

She foresaw Aemond's ill-advised departure from King's Landing, a move that solidified her decision not to leave with him.

Ser Erryk regarded the Princess, contemplating her request. "Will you promise to fight by our side?"

Rhaenya met his gaze with unwavering seriousness. "When was the last time I lied to you?"

A smirk played on Ser Erryk's lips as he released her, but not without a final warning. "You stay safe."

Looking up at him, Rhaenya offered a sweet smile. "I promise."

He dropped her hand before she went to go find her dragon, she had to go find Auerlys, she had been preparing for today, as she was already in dragon gear and she had put her gloves on. She looked up at the sky ready for her part in the war.

Elaena was watching Visenya, she knew where Rhaenya had gone off to, and she was ready to see her love in action.

She was going to bend a knee once again to the rightful queen and was ready to serve her.

Rhaenya saw her golden-colored dragon and smiled, "Auerlys!" A roar broke out from her dragon.

She lowered herself down so Rhaenya could touch her, and they shared a quick bond before Rhaenya got onto her dragon.

"Let's go," She pulled her reins and left the Dragonpit, it was clear that she supported the Blacks when she pulled up next to her sister.

"Rhaenya! Get down!" Rhaenyra looked at her sister, her voice was stern "You are not safe here!"

"I wanna fight! Fight by your side! Let me please!" she begged to look at the Hightower soldiers with arrows at her.

She was going to take action immediately but she looked at Daemon, for her command.

"Do it! Rhaenya, do it!" Daemon yelled, he was not going to let this be their loss,  This was going to be  Rhaenyra's throne. "Hurry up! We don't have much time"

Rhaenya hadn't said the word in a long time, she was prepared as she took a deep breath and yelled it all at the traitor men.

"Dracarys!" She yelled, the red flame flying out of Auerlys' mouth and killing their soldiers. It killed thousands of men, the betrayal of Rhaenya Targaryen to Alicent Hightower.

She pulled up on her dragon and looked down at the other men who were threatening to kill her.

She looked at Daemon and then at Rhaenyra, "I am staying here beside you guys, I am not a traitor to the realm, and I will never be."

Rhaenyra smirked at her sister, "At least we have one knee bent, you need to go back!"

Daemon looked at Rhaenyra, "She does have enough training to be out here," He looked over at the others who were waiting for their command.

Rhaenya didn't say anything to her sister, she held onto Auerly's reins for dear life, "I will fight, I will fight for your birthright Rhaenyra,"

"Then fight, like this the last day living," Rhaenyra commanded as she took Syrax to another part of the castle.

Rhaenya turned to her uncle, "I'll see you around," Before she was off on her dragon fighting beside the two people she dearly trusted.

Elaena held onto Visenya, as Maris came over her shoulder and rested her head on her shoulder. "This is so pretty,"

Maris looked at her, "It's messy but pretty, do you see Syrax and Auerlys, the mother and daughter dragons,"

"Fighting beside one another, mother and daughter," Elaena smiled looking at Rhaenyra and Rhaenya. "Whether it is through dragon or blood, they will always find each other,"

AUTHORS NOTE: JACE IS ON THE WAYYY