thank you so much for 20k views!

warnings: mentions of violence and grief!

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RHAENA hadn't slept, and neither had Baela. The twins had fussed over their sister, even combing and braiding her hair as her face contorted in pain. Her wound had avoided infection thus far in the hours since the brawl. Daemon paced on the other side of the door, aware that his daughter hadn't wanted to speak to him and for once he listened to his eldest, at the most inopportune time as broken promises flooded his consciousness.

His children had been bathed, Daenys with more care but they only wished for Odessa's assistance. The Pentoshi maid had suppressed her worry when she saw the young Lady, but before she could speak, Daenys excused her and she did, leaving the twins to squander in guilt and anger.

"Dragons are not slaves. You should have claimed Vhagar before he ever had the chance to. What have I always told you?" she asked the twins who fumbled with their fingers.

"Take what's rightfully ours." They said in unison.

"But Vhagar is the last of our mother and he took that from me and you're defending him." Rhaena snapped, and Daenys simply blinked at her.

The silence that clutched the room even had Baela shifting in discomfort.

"We are the last of our mother," Daenys started calmly, "Her spirit lives inside of us," she paused, "don't you dare think I am defending him. He hurt you so I hurt him. He insulted you and Mother, so I took a blade to my flesh," Rhaena bowed her head when her voice rose, "I will always defend you! So watch your tongue!" the twins stayed silent, almost unmoving wary they'd see the Dragon in their sister's eyes again. "I'd prefer he ride that beast than you, yes he did you a disservice by stealing the chance for you to claim her and now his family have Vhagar in their possession. But, he has already made the sacrifice, would you want to lose an eye?"

Rhaena gulped, "Luke would never..."

"And yet he did, dear sister. And I know of the pain you feel. Being without a Dragon."

"No, you don't," Rhaena whispered, arms going to hug herself until Baela interlinked their fingers.

Daenys sighed, "I see it in your eyes. Just like I saw it in his. And now he's without one."

"But he has Mother's dragon," Rhaena sniffled.

"Better him than you. She's old, I fear I would hate myself if you claimed her, as I would always question your safety. I believe Mother rode her in the last of her best years. It's only time before Vhagar succumbs to the same fate as Balerion." Daenys decided, "I will find a way to resolve this matter."

"How?" Baela thought it was best if she asked, and the twin's eyes narrowed when Daenys grabbed a cloak.

"You'll be informed on the morrow, until then, go to bed."

"Dany, you should not be forced to solve this matter alone, I was the one to wake you," Rhaena was riddled with guilt, her tone conveyed it. "You're the eldest sister but not our Mother nor our Father." Daenys turned to them, gaze softening in regret, she hadn't meant to shout. Rhaena sadly continued, "I know you're desire to protect us runs strong, but we're merely years apart."

Daenys softly tutted, "I know. But where has Father been?"

The question itself shone a light on their father's neglect, they tried to fight it but they couldn't be concealed from the truth any longer or would they live in a false reality like their King? His absence had cast a very big shadow, that loomed with each passing.

"You should know, though I do not doubt you've heard the whispers and gossip flooding through the halls... It's rumoured that Jace, Luke and Joffrey, are not our uncle Laenor's blood. They're of the making of the late Commander of the City Watch and Rhaenyra. I do not hate the boys, I'm actually quite fond of them, but Luke should not sit on the Driftmark throne. It's not his, nor should it ever be. Rhaenyra is the rightful heir to the throne and I, dearest sisters are the rightful heir to Driftmark." The twins listened intently, but had yet to recover from reality splashed over them. Jace, Luke and Joffrey are illegitimate. "If Jace ascends the throne after Rhaenyra's passing it is not clear if the Lords of the realm that swore vows will keep them. However, that is a matter for the future, not now. I adore our cousin, truly but I will soon develop a mislike of her if she prevents me from taking my birthright. Do you understand?"

"We do," the twins agreed in unison.

"So what are you preparing to do Dany?" Asked Rhaena, never before had she or Baela seen such coldness in her eyes. The Milk of the poppy could not reap such changes. But never before had their sister obtained such a wound. "What will transpire?"

Pressing kisses to their foreheads, she reiterated, "Remain in here and rest, I shall see you on the morrow."

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"Ser Arryk. I am here for my friend." The word caused her throat to tighten. "We share more than a bond, trauma now binds us." She spoke meekly to the knight guarding the Prince's door. "It pains me, that he knows not of my suffering. Please, I wish to speak to him."

"Quickly my Lady, do not dither, you have a few minutes before you must go." They were sending more guards out before his shift ended. He was under strict orders from the Queen not to let any visitors in unless she was present. Alicent was beside herself and after harming the Crowned Princess in her grief, she was unpredictable and yet the tenderness in Daenys' eyes convinced him, as well as the reminder of who her father was. "The sun is to rise soon."

"Thank you, Ser."

With a quick push, she stepped into the room and the door gently shut behind her. She was quiet as she neared the bed of the Prince who had clearly cried himself to sleep. His chambers were scarce of decor because he was merely visiting and therefore was not his home.

But it was hers, the histories that coursed through the castle were her histories.

And now she had to manage her present.

Daenys loomed over the Prince's bed, watching his irregular breathing and how a dressing concealed his mutilation. The Lady exhaled when he shifted and with another blink he jolted up, holding up his blade to her neck, panting when his vision focused through his remaining eye and realized who it was next to him.

Daenys hadn't flinched at the sudden action, she pulled down her hood and pushed his wrist away.

Sneaking past guards and her erratic father had been fairly easy, but remaining in Aemond's treacherous presence was hard. What he had done was wrong, not unlawful but wrong. It cut deep, the first betrayal she had ever known, it would've shaken her to her core but her mother's death had already numbed everything inside of her, as did the milk of the poppy.

Aemond gulped when he saw the anger in her bloodshot eyes but hadn't let go of the blade, now on his sheeted lap.

"You insulted my mother and struck my sisters," was the first thing Daenys said.

Aemond sat up, in disbelief, "They attacked me."

"You claimed our late mother's Dragon, we're in mourning, did you expect to receive a feast?"

"I expected to keep both eyes, but a bastard took it from me."

"And I got out unscathed, did I?"

Aemond grimaced as much as he could when he saw the dressing wrapped around her neck and beneath her replaced gown.

"You still have your beauty intact."

She scoffed, "My movements are limited," until the flesh heals.

"I am without an eye," he stressed.

"And without a friend. You not only disrespected my mother but my sisters, and me. If I had known I was being used as a pawn in your game to claim –"

"Twas not a game to me," he huffed.

"Then what was it? I do not wish to hear your lies," she hissed, adjusting her cloak, the material skimmed her healing wound. "You used me."

"I wanted your company, Vhagar is a Godsend."

She shook her head, "I don't believe you."

"I wouldn't lie. I have already lost an eye, what would I attain from lying?"

"My favour," she answered, stepping back when he shuffled closer.

In the dim light, the blotchiness of his face came into view, and she solely looked into his eye.

"That is correct, but remaining honest would achieve the same results, no?" he swung his legs over the side of the bed.

"When I saw you in the sky, I thought you were my mother, I thought it was a sign but, it was yours, I fear for you," Daenys blurted out.

"Don't."

"I do," she nodded.

Vhagar might've been the beast she loved in her youth, the Dragon she rode as a passenger but now, she was almost glad to be rid of the she-dragon, had it not been for the fact it was not in her family's possession.

"Your disrespect is potent. The smell will only continue to linger until you rectify this...mistake. Taking my mother's Dragon wasn't unlawful, but it caused my sister's grief to further fester," as it has mine. Aemond's grip on his blade loosened, although he wanted to know why she was at his side. "You should know I have a plan to reason this situation."

"What is it?"

"A betrothal."

Aemond didn't understand, "A what?"

"Between you and I," she sighed when he didn't immediately respond. "We don't have all day."

"You would want us to wed?"

"The rift in our family has expanded, and the... incident," he scoffed at her choice of words, "has worsened that. We were once friends, you do not want me as an adversary."

"I have a Dragon now."

"A Dragon that cost you an eye," she snapped back, "a Dragon I have known longer than you. Vhagar may no longer be my mother's dragon – she has claimed you as a rider," she gritted out, "tis a reality I must embrace. I once told you scars tell stories, ours is another for Targaryen history. A second son must forge for greatness, and as the eldest daughter, I will not accept what has been given to me, I shan't."

"So you suggest we wed? Why would you want to marry someone so hideous?"

Her irritated tone faltered, "The only thing that is hideous about you Prince is your actions, your betrayal," that was when he settled down his blade.

"I suppose you still adore the bastard that brought us such torment," Aemond retorted, "the one who will inherit your Driftwood throne."

She stepped closer, "It will be little challenge to retake my throne with a husband who rides the largest Dragon, will it not?" he looked up at her, breath hitching at the word, husband, her husband. "Taking my hand in marriage will calm the storm, not just the one formed here, but hopefully allow the differences to pass with previous years."

"A proposal like this will not be taken lightly."

"Which is why I came to you," Daenys replied, taking a step forward. "We not only share scars but a sense of longing, do we not?" she paused, he tensed when her eyes flashed with ire, "if you agree to what has been said now, you must also agree to two more vows," he awaited, face beginning to throb again. "If you dare touch my sisters again, you cannot falt my retaliation, especially if it leaves you blinded."

"You threaten a son of King?"

"Yes."

Aemond couldn't help the sly grin forming on his disfigured face, "Agreed, and your second clause?"

"You must swear to never betray me again," her eyes unwavering and tone strong, "Swear on your faith and the old Gods and the new."

"I swear it."

Satisfied with the urgency of his answer she nodded.

__

Daenys immediately began to regret her pursuit when adults swarmed the Hall of Nine, most were grateful there was an absence of youth and bloodshed, but confusion and hatred rested on many faces. There was division, a clear line had been drawn. Corlys, King Viserys and Ser Harrold stood near the Throne. Alicent, her father, her Sworn Sheild and new Lord of Harrenhall, to the King's right and Rhaenys, Rhaenyra, Daemon and Laenor to the Sea Snakes left.

"Who requested this audience?" Daemon's scowl grazed all of the greens. He did not wish to be here, his sleeping children were unattended and Velaryon guards were inept.

"I did."

The room turned toward Daenys, who strolled in with Aemond at her side.

"Gods..." Ser Harrold sighed.

"What are you doing out of bed?" A restless Alicent went to grab her son, but he stepped back.

"You must rest," Rhaenys panicked for her grandchild.

"Return to your chambers now," Laenor insisted, already harbouring guilt for not comforting his nieces when they needed him.

"Those guards are fucking useless," Daemon gripped Dark Sister, glaring at the young Prince.

Rhaenyra, whose arm ached, reached for his, "Uncle."

"Daenys," Daemon gritted out.

"We hoped you all would listen," Daenys exclaimed, with nerves ringing in her ear.

Both Alicent and Daemon went rigid at that, "We?"

"It might be in our interests to hear what the Young Prince and Lady wish to say," The Hand stated, immediately earning scoffs and glares from the opposition.

"Fuck off!"

"Brother!" Viserys hissed, staggering forward on his cane with Corlys and Ser Harrold in tow.

"It's in all of our interests," Daenys breathed out, "please listen."

"No," Daemon quickly disagreed.

Viserys reluctantly nodded at Daenys, "Speak if you must, sweet Niece."

"Viserys they should return to their chambers," Alicent was worried her son would faint. "Ser Cole..."

Laenor's jaw clenched as he dragged his eyes away from the Knight who turned to the Queen.

"Please," Daenys insisted.

"Mother, Grandsire is right," Aemond defended the Lady, earning further confusion.

Larys Strong tilted his head whilst studying the pair.

The bickering ceased when Corlys said, "Let the children speak."

"There has already been enough bloodshed for one occasion," Viserys tread carefully, attempting to please the majority with his words. But as always, his attempts at peace failed. "We should listen and not act."

Aemond turned his face to look at his already enraged Uncle, "I ask for your daughter's hand in marriage."

After the initial gasp flooded the hall, Chaos quickly ensured.

"You will not fucking marry her!" Daemon yelled, startling many. "How do you expect you to honour my daughter when your treachery has already painted her heart? Her mother's Dragon, My late lady wife hasn't even reached the depths of the sea before you laid your claim on Vhagar."

Ser Cole went to step forward, earning dark chuckles from the Rogue Prince who unsheathed his sword, causing Laenor and Ser Harrold to move to him, whilst Rhaenys and Rhaenyra moved toward Daenys.

Alicent shrieked, "Viserys! Stop this."

"Disarm him!" Otto yelled.

"Daemon put down your sword, my son has suffered enough," Viserys commanded.

"I must say brother, I'm shocked at your sudden care for him when you merely batted an eye when he lost his," Daemon's taunts were only stopped when Daenys decided to step closer to Aemond. "Daenys I will not ask again. Move!"

"I will when you put away Dark Sister."

Rhaenys frowned, turning to her, "Daenys, you've only just reached your tenth name day."

"And yet you were willing to sell your daughter at ten and two," Daemon sneered, causing Laenor to grit his teeth.

He would not allow disrespect to come to his parents, nor at the hand of the man who did not allow his sister to return home with her children, therefore he joined he stepped away, whilst his wife stepped forth.

"That's enough of you!" Corlys snapped at the Prince as his wife's resentment towards her cousin grew.

Daenys thought over her father's words. A twinge of sadness flashed through her at the thought of her mother being potentially wed despite only being a child.

"A betrothal like this could have the potential to be very fruitful, your Grace," Otto stated cautiously, eying the sword in the Prince's grip.

"And here's the leech that grows for another meal," Daemon growled.

Aemond boldly moved around Daenys and neared his Uncle.

"Uncle, Wed her to me as she is, I promise to be patient." He chose his words carefully as he caught the horror flooding his mother's face. "As a true husband should be. I will be kind and supportive as I know she will do the same. This betrothal is not out of spite for you, uncle, but for my bond with her."

Many gasped.

Daemon sneered, "Are you to say you've defiled my daughter?"

"I meant friendship," Aemond stressed.

"A friendship you've destroyed."

"Their closeness indicates restoration," Otto said.

"He has slighted Daenys," Rhaenyra countered, ignoring the glare from her brother. "Such measures would not make a marriage whole and I cannot foresee a fruitful end."

"And therefore it should not take place," Alicent briefly agreed. "The Lady might take his other eye if she claims he insulted her, I do not wish for my child to be blinded."

Daenys' face fell, but she recalled the threat she made earlier.

"I agree with the Queen," everyone turned to Daemon, stunned, "It would be wise for my nephew to avoid being maimed, but my trusted blade will lust for his remaining eye... if he weds my daughter."

Viserys hissed, "Daemon stand down."

"You wish to put our son in danger?" Alicent huffed, suppressing her anger. If she repeated her actions from hours before she too might be put to the sword.

Aemond turned to her, "Mother it is my decision."

"Young love," Larys muttered, receiving various looks, some held outrage, others intrigue and mild confusion.

Daemon narrowed into slits, "Love?!"

Daenys quickly shook her head, trying to appease her father, despite him leaving her side when she needed him most.

"You'd reside in Kings Landing," Rhaenys considered the offer.

Daemon rolled his eyes, lowering his sword, "This is not up for discussion."

"You'd be leaving Driftmark Daenys," Rhaenys' frown deepened when she stared at her eldest granddaughter.

"She'd be leaving regardless, cousin," Daemon spat.

Daenys met her grandmother's gaze, "We would not marry 'til I reach fourteen name days, And he, fifteen."

Viserys exchanged a look with his hand, whilst Alicent turned to her sworn shield.

"Prince Aemond carries Hightower blood, I carry Velaryon. Both honourable and ancestral houses and If we wed, it could extinguish a century-old rivalry between them," her words oddly appealed to Otto and Corlys. "Our union will build trust and unity."

"He is the second son," Daemon deadpanned, "he will not inherit anything, nor will your children, who may bequeath a few dozen eyepatches."

"Kepa, please. I am the eldest of a second son. The eldest Granddaughter of the Sea Snake Mayhaps I inherit Driftmark."

Daenys suddenly held everyone's gaze.

"My son Luke is set to inherit Driftmark after his father," Rhaenyra said, breaking the silence.

"My grandsire has not yet formally named Luke heir," Daenys replied, and Daemon swore he could see a smile tugging at her lips.

Our daughter speaks dangerously, Laena's voice bounced around in his head.

"My husband is heir to Driftmark," Rhaenyra's added.

"And my uncle could always name another like the King did you. Women are capable of anything cousin. Until then I could inherit Driftmark then so will my children," Daenys stated and Aemond fought a smile. "Our children."

Viserys looked to Corlys, the terms of Ser Laenor and Princess Rhaenyra's union detailed that their firstborn child, regardless of gender would sit on the Iron Throne, and then take the Targaryen name but such terms didn't apply to the second-born son, Lucerys. Yet it was implied.

His claim could be challenged with more vigour if need be.

"Might I suggest a union between one of me and Ser Laenor's sons?" Rhaenyra proposed, looking to Laenor for support and yet his mother silenced him with a look. "Jacaerys perhaps."

Alicent squinted her eyes, now turning back to the young Lady awaiting her answer as she herself, had declined the offer of Jacaerys and Helaena being husband and wife.

"How kind cousin, but why would I proceed in betrothal to a boy who brought the blade that scarred me?" Daenys answered with a question, disregarding the notion of becoming Queen consort if she wed Jace.

Rhaenyra softly asked, "You instead would marry the boy who attacked your sisters?"

"He gave his word he'd never harm me or my sisters... again."

"His word?" Daemon humorlessly laughed. "And then you'll what?" he glared at his Nephew, "Use my daughter as cattle to breed your heirs until it kills her?" He then turned to his brother who had been silent for a while. "Viserys you cannot be considering this, she's my eldest child."

"Who has grown to be quite the public speaker," Viserys found her approach admiral, "Niece, you understand the seriousness of your request?"

Daenys nodded, "I do."

"Lady Daenys won't be wed until she reaches fourteen... what will transpire during those budding years?" Larys spoke up again, earning a low growl from the Rogue Prince.

"I hoped to stay at Driftmark until I become of age, under the tutelage of my Grandmother and Grandsire," Daenys looked between her grandparents.

Rhaenys' eyes lit up at that.

"I only wish to learn what my mother could not teach me. The ways of a True Velayron," her words caused subtle eyes to glimpse at Rhaenyra and Laenor. "Sailing, trading, succeeding, which ancestors I am to mislike and which to admire."

Daemon stiffened, "You wished to be fostered?" then faced the Queen who never was, "You'd take my child?"

"Your children," Daenys argued, not sparing him a glance, "I hoped my sisters would stay with me, we'd be the Lord and Lady of Driftmarks wards."

"I think you all would be better suited to Dragonstone," Rhaenyra proposed, earning a stern look from Daemon.

Daenys caught the exchange as did a few others.

"Why?" the Lady asked.

"It would be in my future bride's best interest to stay with her blood," Aemond's words sturred the fire running through his uncle's veins.

Rhaenyra retorted, "We are her blood."

"Daenys, is this what you want?" Laenor decided to speak up, seemingly drained but wanted what was best for his Nieces.

Daenys mustered a smile, "Yes."

That was all Laenor needed to hear before he left the Hall.

Daemon stepped forward, "If a betrothal is what you wish sweet girl, Lord Corlys, why don't we try our luck with Qoren Martell and his litter of children." he turned to the Sea Snake who deliberated where he stood. "His eldest son. Dornish lads are as pretty as you desire," his gaze landed on his daughter before he sent an annoyed glance to his brother, "I could send an envoy there now, just say the word Viserys."

The Rogue Prince would prefer some foreign Prince than that with a Hightower. Daenys would be at the whims of the Greens, he angrily thought, always under their watchful eye.

"The Dornish sided with the Triarchy, they'd only be just as treacherous if they get ahold of Lady Daenys," Aemond could not see her with anyone but him, it now disgusted him to think of it.

"You wouldn't want such brutes near your daughter my Prince." Ser Cole said, almost tauntingly yet when everyone looked at him his face was stoic.

"Surely one of Ser Vaemond's sons would be a better suit," Alicent proposed.

Rhaenys had thought that her Grandchild's claim to Driftmark would be stronger if she were to marry one of Vaemond's sons, but it was clear affection was at play and so Daenys' sights were set on the one-eyed Prince, a silly and childish mistake on her part, one that Daemon needed her to avoid.

"You'd have me bound to a man, your Grace, and meet the fate of many little girls of the realm?" Alicent bit her tongue as Daenys continued, "Your son is my choice. A young girl with options is a privilege many do not receive and yet I have it," she exhaled. "Our marriage will hope to cease tension stretched between us."

Daenys knew what she was, a girl, soon to be a woman and women had no voice because they were born without a cock between their legs. Instead, they were equipped with wombs for breeding, bodies to use and faces to find appealing. But in the ruin eating away at their family, she could squeak loud enough to be heard.

And so she continued to do so.

Aemond agreed, "I agree."

"Well, of course, you would lad," Corlys said.

"It'll strengthen our family," Aemond said directly to his father.

"Spoken like a true politician," Daemon muttered, eyes flickering between his daughter then glaring directly at the greens in despair as he caught the amusement in Otto's eyes.

Otto had already thought of the benefits they'd reap with this marriage: ties to Driftmark, the Sea Snake's alleged favourite Grandchild, another dragon in their possession and more heirs. But his daughter was solely focused on the safety of her son who had already lost an eye and lacked justice. But Daenys' yearning for the Driftmark throne, even in the face of Rhaenrya sparked something within Alicent.

"It will keep their bloodline pure," Otto added, Daemon scoffed loudly.

"If only that were true Lord Hand," Rhaenys disagreed.

"But fine-looking Valyrian heirs they'd produce," Viserys stated rather cheerfully. "They are the Blood of Old Valyria."

"Until the girl has flowered, she will reside in the halls of Driftmark," Larys murmured, unnerving the women in the room and disgusting the Rogue Prince. "Ravens will suffice my Prince, if you indeed miss the Lady Daenys."

Daemon pictured his head on a spike.

"I was told Lady Daenys was favoured by all in Pentos," Aemond's words only caused Daemon's grip on Dark Sister to tighten.

"And who told you this Nephew?" Daemon angrily asked.

"The Lady's handmaid. The small folk she oft interacted with referred to her as their treasure, but that title does not do her justice."

Aemond's compliments did well to warm his father's heart.

Witnessing a change in attitudes, brought to light, what Daemon pushed away. His lack of presence since the sea burial only drove his eldest child into the arms of Aemond and for that, he hates himself. He wasn't there, his ambition grasped him tightly, never relenting, therefore his nykeēdar zaldrīzes wasn't in his reach anymore. He's the one to blame.

The Hightowers feasted on the corpse of Daenys old life.

And yet their crimes hadn't concluded there, Aemond had claimed his wife's dragon, stolen a claim from his youngest daughter and now wants to take his eldest from him. Plaguing his bloodline and slashing the ties with the last person who knew his calm nature. He felt sick when he saw the blood boring from Daenys' neck, one inch to the side and it could've been her throat and all to save his Nephew with tainted Hightower blood.

"Brother?" Viserys' dragged him from his thoughts.

The Rogue Prince glanced up from his trusted blade to see the eyes burning into him. It seemed the Queen had been swayed in her decision but only just, Rhaenys would be satisfied with his daughters remaining on her and Corlys' soil and dread flooded Rhaenyra's purple eyes. But when Daemon's gaze found his daughter's, she sent pleading looks to him, and he had already disappointed her so much, that an emptiness not only occupied her mind but her soul. He feared it would continue to spread, despite believing that Aemond was not the right match for her.

Yet Daemon Targaryen could not be the villain in his daughter's story and so he stiffly nodded, surprising many.

Viserys smiled, "So then it is settled, a union between my son Prince Aemond and my niece, the lovely Lady Daenys, days after her fourteenth name day, May the Gods bless you..."

Daemon stormed over to Aemond, bringing forth fear in Alicent's heart as she went to interfere, but was stopped by the Princess Rhaenys.

"Fair warning nephew, You break her heart, I break your neck," the Rogue Prince threat carried around the hall.

"Daemon!" Viserys exclaimed.

Daenys merely sighed, "Father."

"Viserys!" Alicent yelled.

Aemond remained calm, "I assure you, uncle I would not dream of —"

"Fuck dreams. Daenys isn't a tool to be played with. She is to be treasured. I expected one day to marry her off to a man who is capable not a half-blinded second son who will cease to inherit anything but take things too precious to engage with his touch."

"Then I'll prove myself, to Daenys and you."

"I doubt that," Daemon turned on his heel, placing his sword back into his baldric, pacing toward the entrance of the hall, "Daenys!" he barked, not bothering to turn around. "Go to your chambers. Now! We have much to discuss!"

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a/n:

baela and rhaena were not given feelings or thoughts on matters unless they served everyone else. their mother died and their father abandoned them??? we don't see them voice their opinions, apart from in the last chapter. so many terrible things happened to them and were not written with any reactions, so i'll continue adding them. rhaena of course always thought the neglect of daemon's attention not love and so she's used to him pulling away but baela will have a harder time coping since she was lowkey the favourite child, but now they'll be cast aside in favour of their father getting something he wanted for a while, Rhaenyra.

also writing the last scene was tough because i was looking for more excuses as to why everyone would stay in driftmark another day, so this entire chapter takes place hours after the events of the last and everyone is waiting to leave by sunrise, especially with daemon, rhaenyra and laenors plans as well, so imagine, like the book daemyra don't marry for another six months.

i kinda like this massive interaction in the last scene, at first, I thought it would've been better in the previous chapter but daenys was in and out of consciousness.

i hope you all understand why daemon agreed to the betrothal and why daenys thinks it's a good idea.