tw: being slapped in the face.

129 AC:

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KING'S LANDINGS

The passing days after Rhaenyra's departure plunged the castle into an atmosphere of seriousness. A veil of silence draped over the chambers, and an unspoken saying the King was dead.

Rhaenya, restless and longing for closure, an unfulfilled desire to see her father one last time. Yet, each attempt to appeal to her mother for permission was sternly refused.

The melancholy air permeated the corridors, mirroring the mourning that had settled within the castle walls. Rhaenya, feeling a sense of loss, and herself in mourning attire, a display of grief for a father who had never truly taken her affection. 

She wore black, the color of grief, for now, the late king. The Princess was truly innocent, and while other siblings of hers couldn't care less about their father's death, it somehow felt like it was only right to grieve for him.

In her mourning attire, Rhaenya moved through the castle with a certain heaviness in her steps. The black fabrics clung to her form, a visual manifestation of her emotional burden.

The corridors echoed with the hushed whispers of courtiers, each step echoing the pervasive sorrow that had descended upon the Targaryen stronghold.

Though the king lay gravely ill, his absence in Rhaenya's life had long been felt. The desire to seek support in his final moments was denied by her mother. As she was refused not intervene with her father. 

Rhaenya walked through the castle, a figure in black, surrounded by family conflicts. She appeared calm, but inside, she was struggling with her duty as a daughter and her emotional pain.

The mourning period felt like a long and painful time, marked by unspoken goodbyes and uncried tears.

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Lady Elaena Snow stood beside the princess, her hand reached for hers as she sat in her chambers. Rhaenya smiled at her friend and she looked down at her with a giggling smile.

"Your Royal Highness, are you excited?" The red-headed girl beamed with anticipation, her eyes reflecting genuine enthusiasm.

Rhaenya's response, however, carried a had sweet tone of excitement of becoming a mother.  m As she cast her gaze towards her growing stomach, the princess's eyes held a mix of emotion. She had an anticipation and fearful feeling.

"I am," she admitted with a soft smile, a glimmer of excitement flickering in her eyes. Yet, the excitement lingered with a sense of fear, that approached the princess.

The princess's fingers traced absent patterns on her round belly as if seeking reassurance from the life growing within. She couldn't imagine herself as a mother this young, but her sister Helaena... was one even younger than her.

There was something strange that she was already becoming a mother... but it was something that ran in her family. They all feared from a young age, she was just a girl... but so was her sister.. and now her...

Elaena could see in her friend's eyes the fear of becoming a mother, her hand reached over to her friend and she held it tightly.  In the cozy chamber, lit by the soft glow of candlelight, Rhaenya and Elaena continued to embroider together. It was a sense of comfort for the two of them to stop them from overthinking constant fears.

The rhythmic click of needles against fabric became a soothing melody, echoing the bond that had developed between the two.

For Princess Rhaenya,  Lady Elaena was more than a friend; she was a companion, a comfort in the intricate dance of courtly life. The princess had never felt truly comfortable in the presence of others, but with Elaena, she found a sanctuary.

In the quiet moments of stitching and shared secrets, Rhaenya discovered a true companion at court. As they embroidered, Rhaenya gently held Elaena's hand, their fingers interlacing. The room seemed to fade away, leaving only the warmth of their connection.

Rhaenya's gaze shifted from their hands to Elaena's eyes, and in that silent exchange, unspoken words passed between them. Something like love... something more than friends was in the exchange that they shared...

In the dim light, their laughter echoed, intertwining with the threads of their shared memories. Rhaenya leaned her head on her friend's shoulder hoping that this would stay this calm, but that was quickly broken.

The tense atmosphere in Rhaenya's chambers was quickly shattered by the forceful entry of Queen Alicent Hightower, searching for Prince Aegon. The girls, startled, looked at the dowager queen with confusion, as the queen looked around, not to see that the prince was not here.

The Dowager Queen cursed under her breath and looked at her daughter, "I'm sorry for disturbing you,"

Rhaenya eyed her mother as she left and she looked at Elaena with suspicion...There was something that her mother was scheming. "We have to send a Raven to Dragonstone,"

The two hurried over to Rhaenya's desk they sat down and looked at each other as they grabbed a quill and ink. Elaena grabbed the parchment sat it down on the table and looked at her. "We will sign it to Jace, and hope the letter doesn't intercept,"

Dear Prince Jacaerys Velaryon,

According to rumors heard from my grandfather, my brother Aegon will now become King. I know myself that your mother, my half-sister, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen belongs rightfully to the throne. If you can get this message delivered to her as quickly as you can, possibly someone can take the throne away from my brother. I wish you all the best of luck.

Love,

Princess Rhaenya Targaryen.

Seated at Rhaenya's desk, they penned a message to Prince Jacaerys Velaryon, urgently informing him of the rumors surrounding Aegon's ascent to the throne and expressing support for Princess Rhaenyra.

However, their clandestine correspondence was interrupted when the door swung open again, revealing Otto Hightower.

Caught red-handed, Rhaenya held the incriminating letter in her hand.

"Where is Aegon?" Her grandfather questioned, as he tried to look into her eyes for the truth.

Rhaenya slid the letter behind her hands, "Not here..." she muttered looking at Elaena and then to grandfather.

"What's in your hands princess?" He interrogated, his voice stern with questions.

The Princess's eyes looked at him slightly. "Nothing, it was a drawing," she said, her chest feeling heavy.

Otto Hightower knew something was up and refused to question more. He somewhat believed his granddaughter... as he stormed out of the chambers with a slam on the door.

Rhaenya looked at her friend as she let out a sigh of relief and she was able to seal the letter.  The room was intense as she sent the letter off and she looked at Elaena as the lady excused herself.

Shortly after, Daeron entered, expressing concern for his twin sister. Maybe it was her pregnancy hormones, but she wouldn't know. Soon enough her door opened once again, "FOR THE LOVE OF GOD AEGON IS NOT HERE!"

Daeron looked at his twin sister concerned, "I wasn't looking for Aegon- Are you okay?" He asked, coming to sit next to her.

"I'm sorry Dae," She said, putting her head on his shoulder. "I'm so exhausted of everything, what are the actual odds Father said that Aegon belonged to the throne?"

Daeron shrugged looking at his sister, "You know we don't have a chance on the throne? Unless we kill one of Aegon's kids?"

Rhaenya looked at her brother, she had an impressed face, "We have to kill his son, he wouldn't care for his daughter, but we shouldn't think of killing anyone..."

He nodded, "Unless Aemond dies before us, we are both set for the throne, kind of,"

She looked at her twin brother, "I don't trust Aegon, did mother tell you what he did to that poor girl?"

Their conversation took a somber turn, discussing their distrust of Aegon and the dark rumors surrounding him. The siblings sat in contemplative silence until the interruption of Ser Criston Cole. Rhaenya, defensive and on edge, swiftly grabbed a concealed knife, warning him to leave.

"Have-

"COMPLETE THAT SENTENCE, AND I CAN PLUMMET THIS KNIFE IN YOUR FACE," Rhaenya yelled, grabbing the knife that was attached to her leg.

Ser Criston, undeterred, smirked at Rhaenya's threat, "Put the knife down, princess,"

"No, not until you leave!" Rhaenya's threat and tension hung in the air as the princess held her ground, ready to protect herself and the secrets that lurked in the shadows of courtly life.

"Rhae-"

"Daeron, stay out of this!" She turned to threaten the knife at him too.

Daeron put his hands up and looked at Ser Criston, "You should leave, 'cause it doesn't look like Aegon's here right? Right."

Daeron's sarcasm was not lost on Ser Criston, who raised an eyebrow before finally exiting the room, in annoyance.

Rhaenya swiftly concealed her knife, straightened her dress, and exchanged a glance with her brother.

"Shall we go to Helaena?" Daeron suggested, seemingly unfazed by the earlier tension, that he wanted to do something that comforted the two of them.

Rhaenya shrugged, and the siblings, arms linked, traversed the castle corridors until they reached Helaena's bedroom. Upon arrival, they unlinked arms and greeted their mother and Helaena with smiles.

However, Rhaenya's mind remained preoccupied with thoughts of Jacaerys, her fingers fidgeting with the necklace he had given her.

Daeron, observant as ever, noticed the necklace and realized it was the same one Rhaenya had worn during dinner. Curiosity flashed in his eyes, but he refrained from commenting. Helaena sported a relieved smile, while Alicent appeared visibly disappointed.

"There's a beast beneath the board," Rhaenya whispered to Helaena, who met her gaze with concern. Alicent's attention was now fully on her daughters.

"Someone is going to come to Aegon's coronation," Rhaenya repeated, clutching her necklace tighter. Alicent approached Rhaenya, gently touching her cheek, but Rhaenya brushed her mother's hand away.

"We are not safe; you are delusional to put him on the throne-"

Aemond entered the room, casting a heavy silence. Eyes shifted from Rhaenya to Aemond, the air thick with tension. Aemond's expression remained stern as he faced Rhaenya.

"Rhaenya, finish that sentence," Aemond demanded.

"Aegon. Does not. Deserve the throne," she spat at her husband, Alicent watching with doe-like eyes. Daeron shared a look with his sister, while Helaena observed Aemond, the family divided over loyalty and the rightful heir.

"Aemond," Alicent attempted to defuse the situation, but her efforts fell short.

Aemond, driven by protectiveness, didn't hesitate. He grabbed Rhaenya's hand and forcefully dragged her into her nearby bedroom, cornering her against the wall. The tension escalated as Aemond attempted to intimidate her.

"Say that again," He threatened, his voice was stricter than usual, Aemond's eyes were getting eviler and she could see it in him. It wasn't the first time.

"You're scared to have a woman on the throne!" she retorted defiantly, she had to tell him the truth... but the laws of Westeros would state Rhaenyra would be the rightful heir no matter what.

Aemond, consumed by anger, responded with a slap across her face. Fear etched across Rhaenya's eyes as she stepped back, struggling to compose herself. Daeron who had followed the two had seen the scene and had immediately let out a gasp. He acted quickly in action as he punched his elder brother across the face.

Rhaenya crumpled to the ground, emotionally shattered. Alicent rushed to her side, embracing her trembling daughter. Rhaenya swept into her mother's arms, the echos of chaos rummaging through the room.

Daeron grabbed onto Aemond, his face twisted in fury. "ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR FUCKING MIND?" He clutched Aemond's collar tightly.

"SHE DOESN'T BELIEVE AEGON DESERVES THE THRONE! HE BELIEVES THAT WHORE HALF-SISTER OF OUR DOES!" Aemond roared, his words penetrating the air and causing Daeron to release his grip, taken aback by the ferocity.

"THAT'S ENOUGH!" Alicent's voice cut through the escalating tension, her authority asserting control. Helaena replaced Alicent at Rhaenya's side on the floor, holding her sister as Alicent guided the boys to another room away from the girls.

The air hung heavy with discord, and Helaena comforted her sister, caressing her head gently.

"I won't miscarry because of this, right..." Rhaenya's voice trembled as she looked up at her sister, a tear streaming down her cheek.

"Miscarry, Rhaenya, you need to breathe and not overthink..." Helaena's voice was a soothing melody, reassuring her sister as she held onto her. Rhaenya lay in her sister's lap, finding a comfortable embrace.

"Sleep on it, and we can talk about what we can do tomorrow," Helaena advised, helping Rhaenya stand up. "I will have Lady Elaena come in to help you cover everything up for tonight; nobody needs to know this went down."

Nodding in agreement, Rhaenya watched as Helaena left her room. Soon after, the boys and Alicent returned, and Aemond's gaze met Rhaenya's. She turned her back on him, and Alicent ushered the boys out of the room.

Left alone, Rhaenya couldn't help but feel the weight of her shattered world as she clutched the necklace Jacaerys had given her.

The night passed in solitude, and no one returned to check on her. Rhaenya, consumed by thoughts of betrayal and heartbreak, fiddled with her necklace and wept. Eventually, exhaustion overtook her, and she succumbed to a fitful sleep.

She awoke to a flurry of activity in the early morning, her ladies preparing for the day ahead. Blinking away sleep, Rhaenya saw them frantically searching for the right dress. As she got up,   Rhaenya glanced at her bruised reflection in the mirror and donned a green dress that concealed her injuries. She smiled sadly, touched by a kiss on her hand from Lady Elaena.

Lady Elaena kissed her hand as a sign of support, and Daeron entered the room, his expression bright, yet the silence between them felt unusual.

"Are you ready to go?" Daeron asked, his smile unwavering as he looked at his sister.

Rhaenya nodded, and Daeron escorted her out of the room, heading towards Aegon's coronation. There was a large silence between the two of them, as Rhaenya held herself tightly around Daeron.

As they arrived, Aemond, Helaena, and Alicent joined them. The atmosphere was tense, and Ser Criston Cole carried the crown for reasons unclear.

"Let the coronation begin," Alicent proclaimed,  Rhaenya bit her nails, as she knew this wasn't something her father wanted. She looked at her mother with a small pouting lip, as she entered the Dragon keep.

The room echoed in silence, as she looked over at her grandfather who immediately started to speak... "It is your great good fortune and privilege to be here to witness this, a new day for our city... A new day for our realm. A new king... to lead us."

Rhaenya sat in silence as she kept her head down and she started to bite her nails again. She could feel a hang nail danging in her fingers as she could be in pain. Aemond grabbed her hand forcing her to rip one of her nails. 

She didn't say anything, she felt the nail bleeding, and she could feel his hand grip tightly around her hand. A tear rolled down her face, and she was in pain as she heard Septon Eustace starting to speak.

"May the Warrior give him courage. May the Smith lend strength to his sword and shield. May the Father defend him in his need. May the Crone lift her shining lamp and light his way to wisdom." His voice was loud and clear as the room all heard him...

Rhaenya tried to fight off Aemond's grip but it was useless, but he had lowered his hand to cover his tight grip around her hand.

Another tear rolled down each of the Rhaenya's eyes as she could feel his nails digging into hers in even more. Feeling the pain of his long nails digging into the ripped skin, she looked at Aemond begging.

The crown of the Conqueror is passed down through generations. Let the Seven bear witness: Aegon Targaryen is the true heir to the Iron Throne.  All hail His Grace, Aegon, Second of his Name, King of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm." Criston Cole screamed as he announced to the smallfolk that her now brother was the king.

Dead Silence, the room was quiet, chills ran through the building as Rhaenya looked at Aemond in fear... her eyes traveled to Helaena as she knew her sister knew something. Aemond's hand finally dropped as Rhaenya stepped back behind him. She looked at her brother... then suddenly, chaos erupted. The room trembled, and panic ensued. Walls collapsed, people ran, and screams echoed.

Although the exact nature eluded her, Rhaenya had anticipated this, knowing something significant would happen. The young princess didn't hide... but Aemond stood in front of her hiding herself from the dragon...

Rhaenya's eyes met Meleys, her aunt's dragon, and she felt a subtle connection. Meleys acknowledged Rhaenya's silent plea, and Rhaenys, riding the dragon, left the crumbling Dragonpit.

There was a chilling roar that hit her mother's face as the young princess held Aemond's arm and she kept her glance with Rhaenys. She watched as the great warrior Rhaenys glared into her mother's eyes and flew out of the building.

A/N: we getting into some stufffff