warnings: mentions of miscarriage and death

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RHAENYRA laid her youngest child to rest, her daughter who clawed and forced her way out of her womb. An abomination some would say. A warning from the Gods, Mayhaps an omen, born days after her father died and crown was stolen. Visenya, a great and fearless Queen from the Targaryen saga, a name she would've called her child but she was not meant to be.

A small crowd of the rightful heir's supporters watched as the small pyre was aflame, flickering in the wind as the grief soared over them. An unnecessary death, an avoidable miscarriage, a family torn in two. Brothers watched as their sister joined their ancestors, Sisters watched in silent agony as they lost another to protect, parents mulled over the differences as a small babe they would not raise, but always love and weigh on their hearts was no more.

The unsheathing of swords drew attention — a white cloak stepping toward the Rightful heir and the Rogue Prince. The first and second of the Queen's guard prevented it as Rhaenyra mourned. Daemon was on high alert.

"I mean no harm, brothers."

Ser Erryk pulled off his helmet, and Daenys and her Sworn Sword exchanged a look of relief.

The Queen's guard lowered their swords, moving aside so Ser Erryk could approach the Rogue Prince, bowing within the little steps he took toward the burning Pyre.

Rhaenyra finally turned, grieving eyes zeroing in on the crown in Ser Erryk's hands, holding It out for all to see. Her Father's crown.

"I swear to ward the Queen..." Rhaenyra appeared shocked at his exclamation, "With all my strength... and give my blood for hers. I shall take no wife..." The crown was gently plucked from the Knight's hands by Daemon who examined it, blinking slowly as if thinking of another time. "hold no lands... Father no children. I shall guard her secrets... obey her commands... ride at her side, and defend her name and honour."

Daemon, took a moment to collect his bubbling thoughts before turning on heel to stare at his wife, the heir.

He then carefully placed the crown on her head. It slotted into place perfectly, before he took the knee, looking at the ground, before slowly gazing up at her.

"My Queen."

The Queen embraced the title, she wore it well even in her time of grief, she battled with her many overwhelming feelings, as she returned the same gaze to her husband, who then bowed his head.

One by one, Knights, noblemen and women dropped to their knees, speaking loudly without words as they vowed the same.

Queen, rightful heir and who they want to rule and pilot them into the peace they once knew.

The Princess Rhaenys stared ahead, teary-eyed, but maintained a respectful stance as she caught the Queen's eye.

A new age or should carnage and death ensue?

"Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, First of Her Name, Queen of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men. Lady of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm." Daemon exclaimed at the head of the wooden table infused with amber that glowed beneath. It detailed what they must conquer. All bowed at her presence except Princess Rhaenys, whose eldest granddaughters stood on either side of her. "Your Grace."

Rhaenyra strode forward, toward her war council, her Queen's guard followed before she halted her stride, ordering them to remain where they stood.

"Wine, my Queen," Rhaena approached, chalice in hand, slightly startling the Queen who momentarily deliberated.

"Thank you, Rhaena." Rhaenyra took the wine, then nodded for her join. "Come." The same look was sent to Baela and then shockingly to a heavily pregnant Daenys. Confusion flooded Daenys' face before she took Baela's hand and followed. All waited for the Queen's word, urging her to speak, "What is our standing?

"We have 30 knights, a hundred crossbowmen, and 300 men-at-arms." Daemon eagerly answered. "Dragonstone is relatively easy to defend, but as an instrument of conquest, our army leaves a lot to be desired. We have sent word to my loyal men in the City Watch. I'll have some support there, but I cannot speak to the numbers. "

"We already have declarations from Celtigar and St Aunt on, Massey, Darklyn, Bar Emmon," Grand Maester Gerardys informed.

"My lady mother was an Arryn," Rhaenyra expressed, as pieces were moved across the table. "The Vale will not turn cloak against their own kin."

"Riverrun was always a close friend to your father, Your Grace." Grand Maester Gerardys added, smiling at the King Consort, "With Prince Daemon's acquiescence, I've already sent ravens to Lord Grover."

"Lord Grover is fickle and easily swayed. He will need to be convinced of the strength of our position and that we will support him should it come to war."

"I'm going to treat with him myself," Daemon stated, earning a look from the Queen.

Ser Steffon questioned, "What of Storm's End and Winter fell?"

Lord Bartimos said, "There has never lived a Stark who forgot an oath. And with House Stark, the North will follow."

"Lord Borros Baratheon will need to be reminded of his father's promises." Rhaenyra voiced, taking her gaze off Dameon when more pieces were settled across the by the Grand Maester, then her Jace. "What news from Driftmark?"

Daenys rolled her shoulders back whilst her Grandmother answered, "Lord Corlys sails for Dragonstone."

"To declare for his Queen," Daemon exclaimed.

"The Velaryon fleet is in my husband's yoke. He decides where they sail," Rhaenys said pointedly.

Rhaenyra turned to her, "We shall pray for both you and your husband's support. Just as we prayed nightly for the Sea Snake's return to good health." She paused, "There's no port on the Narrow Sea that would dare to make an enemy of the Velaryon fleet." She faced the table again, "And our enemies?"

"We have no friends among the Lannisters. Tyland has served the Hand too long to turn against him," Daemon answered.

"He is loyal to the Greens as is his brother. Tyland would only ever speak to display his servant nature. A true lipspittle." Daenys tongue held disgust for the man. Her words were appreciated, yet she experienced little when it came to war. She would have to prove herself. Daemon locked eyes with her, "House Wylde is another foe, Your Grace." she addressed her stepmother. "Jasper Wylde served as master of laws for the late King, and in his absence, he kept his seat warm beside the Queen Dowager Alicent."

Another piece was added.

"And Otto Hightower needs the Lannister fleet," Daemon added.

"Without the Lannisters, we are not like to find any allies west of the Golden Tooth," Rhaenyra stated.

"No." Daemon rethought his approach at the look he received, "The River lands are essential, Your Grace."

"Pray forgive my bluntness, Your Grace, but talk of men is moot," Lord Bartimos interrupted, "Your cause owns a power that has not been seen in this world since the days of Old Valyria. Dragons."

Rhaenyra dragged her gaze away from Daemon, to respond, "The Greens have Dragons as well."

Daemon cut her off, "They have three adults, by my count. We have Syrax, Caraxes, and Meleys." Rhaenys raised a brow at that. "Your sons have Vermax, Arrax, and Tyraxes. Daenys has Seablade Baela has Moondancer. Baelon has Brightbear"

Daenys snapped her head in his direction, in disbelief, "A hatchling as is Stormcloud."

Others shared her sentiment, especially. Baelon was a young boy.

"Daemon, none of our dragons have been to war," Rhaenyra voiced the obvious.

"There are also unclaimed dragons. Sea Smoke still resides on Driftmark." Word spewed from the King consort's mouth, unshameful as he missed the brief fallen gaze of his youngest daughter. "Vermithor and Silver wing dwell on the Dragonmont, still riderless. Then there are the three wild dragons, all of whom nest here."

"And who is to ride them?"

Footsteps came from the entrance, catching Ser Erryk's eye who marched over.

Daemon answered with haste, "Dragonstone has 15 to their 4. I also have a score of eggs incubating in the Dragonmont. Now..." he picked up a piece, then sauntered around the table. "we need a place to gather, a toehold large enough to house a sizable host." He placed it down with a thump. "Here, at the largest castle in the seven kingdoms, but inherited by Lord Larys. Daenys did not think it was feasible. "We cut off the west, surround King's Landing with the Dragons. And we could have every Green head mounted on spikes before the fucking moon turns.

"Your Grace... a ship has been sighted offshore: a lone galleon, flying a banner of a three-headed green dragon," Ser Erryk informed returning to the Queen.

Daemon moved quickly, "Alert the watchtowers. Sight the skies."

He left with dark sister in hand without command from his Queen who was the one to catch Daenys' immense discomfort flooding her face. Rhaenyra's eyes dropped to her stomach.

"Go to your chambers, Ser Rodrik escort her now."

Daenys sat against her Vanity chair in Dragonstone, her chamber did not provide must comfort, the castle still unnerved her, despite it being her other ancestral seat. In the hours that passed her sons had hardly grown accustomed to the grim atmosphere, nor could she blame them, they clung to the castle walls, using a box to step to look through a window. She studied her eldest, whilst rubbing her stomach and turning her sapphire ring on her hand. In Rhaegon's hand there laid a patch, an eye patch from his Father, one he must've taken when he played dress-up and wanted to show off.

The very thought crushed Daenys. Her priority was their safety, yet her belief in the rightful heir guided her to escape King's Landing, tarnishing her marriage — that she believed was not her doing — but others would not see it that way. She feared that her sons, especially her eldest would learn the truth but still let their blame lie with her.

"Will... will Kepa join us soon?" He asked, stumbling and stammering his words. He did not look up at his mother as he waddled over to her. Daenys fought the urge to look away. His eyes were sore from how much he wiped them. Dried skin rested around them. "I want to show him what I learnt."

Aemond had taught his sons a fair deal, including to walk.

"What is it you wish to show him dearest? Perhaps you can show me," she forced a smile. Her shaking and shivering had returned. Rodrik noticed and strolled around, in search of a blanket, aware she was not cold. "What is it?"

Rhaegon shook his head, whilst Baelon stepped down from the box.

His lack of expression on his face only hurt his mother more. He was never one to express his feelings, yet he always tried, especially around his Mother. But he could feel his brother's pain.

And so the young lords took each other's hand and asked for supper, aware that it was this time they would eat.

Daenys chest tightened for forgetting so quickly, how could I forget? She blinked quickly to evade tears forming in her eyes as the maids took the twins to where their youngest uncles would dine.

Returning with a blanket, Rodrik frowned, almost grimacing at the sullen look on Daenys' face.

"Don't waste your tears on the Prince. No one is worthy of any that fall from your eyes. You have more remorse than those who will judge you ever could. You're protecting your children from the work of rats," he said, standing in front of her.

She traced her sapphire ring, "My husband is one of those rats."

"Your husband inflicted you pain." She glanced at him, and all the harshness dropped from his tongue. "Pain that would have a lowborn begging for mercy. For their life, be maimed or mutilated for assaulting a woman of your standing. Of any standing."

"All I wanted, all I desired, is for my children to have the life that I couldn't. I have stolen their Father's presence and now they barely have a Mother. I am forgetting things. Things that are of importance to them. I fear my ambition has taken the reigns."

"You wouldn't let it," he was sure of it.

"Ser Rodrik. It is excruciating. The pain. I am confused, so very confused with my purpose. Here in this castle, on this island. I have made the rider of the largest Dragon in the world angry, I am his enemy." She didn't want to cry. If she did all her words would fade, so she ploughed through before any tears would fall. "He hates me. I know he is deserving of my hatred, and I of his, I think. Shredded vows, broken oaths and shattered promises." Her chest felt as if it concaved when she thought of Aemond, it was an impossible parting, but Helaena... they used to dream of going abroad, visiting and sitting beneath the Pentoshi sun, peeping at the blood flies and documenting other insects they find. "All in the name of love, possession and ownership. I was blinded and in that cursed vision, my children believed they would see their Father again. A war is being waged, and there is very little I can do until this babe arrives."

Rodrik mulled over her words, disliking the daunting edge clinging to them. He stiffly looked back, wary they were being watched even with the door shut.

Daenys stared as he lowered before her, though, he kept his hands to himself, hyper-aware of his role.

"What is it that you want to do?" his dark eyes were trained on her as he kneeled, even in his armour and discomfort he would not dare move an inch.

She gave him the courtesy of her closeness, even in secret, and he would cherish it.

"Raise my children, if not in Driftmark," where they belong, "then surrounded by honourable men, where Rhaegon would glean his responsibilities as heir and Baelon study beside him, so they can never be blinded, betrayed or shunned. Rhaegon can never feel what is like to not have a Dragon any more than he does, and Baelon must not be made to feel ashamed for his tactfulness." Was what she renamed his shyness. "And for this babe," he followed her gaze to her large swell. "Whatever they desire, they must have. Suffocated by the support of their advisors, mentors and tutors, drowning in the love they receive from their brothers, aunts and uncles... protectors."

She dragged her eyes away from his promising gaze.

"I will honour those requests Daenys." he mustered a smile, even when she couldn't and began to fidget with her ring. He stared and she hummed. "I must add, the Queen has friends in the Mormonts. I should've mentioned it to the council, but it wasn't my place. My brother Rickon, Lord of Bear Island, should he be called, will not break his oath. We are an honourable house."

"You trust your brother?... I know you trust him. Should they send an envoy to Bear Island?"

"He will keep his oath," Rodrik repeated more sternly and she gave him a curt nod. "In the last few years, he had wed a Lyanna Karstark and they had a child, a daughter."

"I remember. You informed Helaena and I," a fond smile kissed her lips. "Lady Lyra Mormont. Your niece."

"A naughty little thing. Causes trouble for my brother and sister-in-law, but does what she is told. Like your boys."

"Indeed," if only they would speak with her. "She's reached her third name-day has she not?"

Rodrik nodded, "She has."

"Mmm," she hummed, something that reminded her of her husband, annoyingly so. "A wonderful age." She pondered for a moment, eyes flickering from his to her swell. "Stand Ser. That cannot be a comfortable position."

"Aye," he breathily laughed as he rose, drawing a crooked grin from her. "I like this one better," he nodded to her necklace, which she quickly touched. An old pendant of a Dragon and seahorse, one she very rarely wore, but since she left the one Aemond gifted her in the Keep, she thought this was better suited. "It suits you."

"More ruthless?"

"More ruthless."

She playfully rolled her eyes.

Distance between them was created when the door opened up, alerting the Lady who then sighed when it was only her sister who peeped their flushed faces.

"Sister," Daenys greeted.

"My lady," Rodrik inclined his head as she stalked closer, eyeing him.

She shamefully smirked, "Ser Rodrik."

The Knight soon vacated the chamber, but remained outside, guarding as the sisters found themselves speaking, Daenys appeared more weakened since their arrival.

"Do you feel out of sorts?" Baela asked, stood, leaning against the vanity table.

"Very much so. So much has transpired over the past day or two. We've lost the King, our Uncle, Rhaenyra's throne has been usurped by Aegon and I've taken my children from their Father."

"They'll be better off for it."

"Like we were?" Daenys felt a roil of frustration but forced it down. Now wasn't about them, it was what she had done to her children, her boys. Baela didn't react, instead let her continue. "He supports his brother. He wouldn't ever defected to the Blacks. It's not in his nature."

"Let's not speak on the nature of your husband," Baela snarled at the thought of Aemond. She desired his burning carcass or head on the spike. "I've seen it plain as day. Aegon is the one plucked and placed on our Queen's throne by Alicent Hightower."

"Aegon is horrid. Truly barbaric. A raper I'm sure, though, I've heard conflicting reports. A bit of fun he calls it. And now a crown rests on his head. I managed to avoid him for years, Aemond was my shield long before Rodrik. Now that usurper no doubt plans to have his fun with the realm. Otto schemes with the belief Aegon can be moulded like Viserys as he did to his own daughter. But Aegon is broken, his mind is a drunken maze fuelled with unspoken feelings and callous thoughts."

Baela blinked, "You speak as if you are familiars."

"Four years in that Keep Sister. I know the man that now sits on a stolen throne, we must pray to the Gods the knives pick and cut him before the blood of an innocent is spilt."

"And if they don't listen to our pleas?" Baela questioned, flashing her eyes to the ceiling.

"Then I must voyage to Driftmark before the moon turns. The children cannot stay here."

Aemond would be out for blood. They all knew it.

Baela swiped her tongue over her cheek, as she retorted, "We have Dragons."

"Aemond has Vhagar. He would kill and lie to keep me beside him. In the past, I found solace in that, a sense of belonging. But now, it scares me. More so than ever, because I still love him," Daenys' face scrunched up at her confession.

Even witnessing his violence and cruelty, directed at her, her love didn't fade. She knew something was wrong with her if that was her reality. Her harsh truth.

Baela studied her, "Do you trust him?"

"No," Daenys answered without hesitation.

"Good."

Otto stood at a fair distance from the Queen and King Consort as Syrax screeches echoed around them, the she-dragon stood behind the Hand and the Knight's backing Aegon's claim.

"Princess Rhaenyra," he greeted, with a sickly look in his eye.

She grimaced, "I'm Queen Rhaenyra now. And you all are traitors to the realm."

"King Aegon Targaryen, Second of His Name... in his wisdom and desire for peace, is offering terms." Syrax groaned and grunted as Otto stated his claims. "Acknowledge Aegon as King and swear obeisance before the Iron Throne. In exchange, His Grace will confirm your possession of Dragonstone. It will pass to your true-born son, Jacearys, upon your death. Lucerys, won't be confirmed as the legitimate heir to Driftmark and all the lands and holdings of House Velaryon as that title belongs none other to my granddaughter-in-law." Otto said, eyes dragging to the Rogue Prince. "Your sons by Prince Daemon will also be given places of high honour at court: Aegon the Younger as the King's squire, Viserys as his cupbearer. Finally, the King, in his good grace, will pardon any Knight or Lord who conspired against his ascent."

Daemon said, "I would rather feed my sons to the dragons than have them carry shields and cups for your drunken, usurper cunt of a King."

"Aegon Targaryen sits the Iron Throne. He wears the Conqueror's crown, wields the Conqueror's sword, has the Conqueror's name. He was anointed by a Septon of the Faith before the eyes of thousands. Every symbol of legitimacy belongs to him. And then there is Stark, Tully, Baratheon. Houses that have also received, and are at present, considering generous terms from their king."

"Stark, Tully, and Baratheon all swore to me when King Viserys named me his heir," Rhaenyra responded, raising her head as her crown didn't move an inch.

Otto strode closer, "Stale oaths will not put you on the Iron Throne, Princess. The succession changed the day your father sired a son." Knights on opposite sides straightened up and prepared themselves, "I only regret that you and he were the last to see the truth of it."

"You are no more Hand than Aegon is king," Rhaenyra spat, rushing forward to grasp the hand's badge and chucking it over the bridge, "Fucking traitor."

Twin stared at twin — Erryk and Arryk were ready to unsheath their swords.

"Grand Maester," Otto called out as Orwyle stalked forward, presenting a torn page.

Daemon sneered, "What the fuck is this?"

Rhaenyra was passed the page.

"Queen Alicent has not forgotten the love you once had for each other." Otto surveyed as concealed emotions flooded the Queen's eyes as she mulled over the contents of the page. Memories, like he hoped resurfaced. "No blood need be spilled, so the realm can carry on in peace. Queen Alicent eagerly awaits your answer."

"She can have her answer now, stuffed in her father's mouth along with his withered cock." Daemon snapped, "Let's end this mummer's farce." Dark sister along with other Swords were unsheathed, "Ser Erryk, bring me Lord Hightower so I may take the pleasure myself."

Syrax roared, gaining her rider's attention, and forcing her to put a stop to this.

"No."

Daemon stared at Rhaenyra, hoping she would reconsider, but she did not relent.

He did not sheath his sword but instead leaned on it in annoyance.

"King's Landing will have my answer on the morrow."

Syrax's roars continued.

"But there are other matters to settle, like how the Prince Aemond would proceed in obtaining his wife and heirs. My great-grandchildren," Otto added, staring darkly at the rogue Prince.

"Our daughter and grandchildren," Daemon fiercely corrected.

"You're harbouring a dishonourable lady, demented wife and mother and traitor of the throne. She stole the Prince's sons."

"Her sons. Our grandsons." Rhaenyra corrected as she walked closer to her Husband.

"A conman is what she is. But Aemond is willing to excuse the crimes of his wife. Should she return to him, and swear to the seven. If she comes forth with Ser Rodrik. He will have the choice of exile or execution." Otto continued despite Daemon's scoff. "Lives were lost in Lady Daenys conspiracy. White cloaks were found, their flesh was fused to their armour, cries for a blade to put them out of their misery, and their tongue only uttered the colour blue as they melted onto the ground. Honourable men fell at the hands of your daughter!"

Daemon simply smirked.

"Need I remind you that she is to rule Driftmark with Aemond at her side."

Daemon's amusement fell, but a smirk was maintained, gratingly so.

"The future Lord Consort of Driftmark. Honouring the King's word."

"Only when it suits you." Rhaenyra defended her daughter-in-law.

"The Prince is aware of who helped assist his wife to escape —"

" — his greedy claws? —" Daemon gritted.

"--- their vows. The Princess Rhaenys and Lady Baela," the scowl on Daemon's face, brought great satisfaction to him. "but through the guidance of the Mother, he has agreed all is forgiven."

Twas a lie, which they all knew in truth.

"If?"

"Daenys returns to him. Repents under the seven and unites their family."

"And if she doesn't bend the knee to his drunken usurper King and reunite with him?" Daemon narrowed his eyes.

"An arrest shall be made. Tried and sentenced to live in exile, and forsake her title, her lands, and her children due to the crimes she committed. That is after she bores the child in her womb, should they both survive." Rhaenyra appeared more angered by Daemon briefly. "Do think over these terms. And inform my great-grandsons they shall see their Father sooner than late."

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a/n:

not the babies ignoring their mother because of their confusion. i wanted to add how much significance having a present parent, both parents in this story. daenys played a part in taking aemond away from their children, but also so did he. she is feeling guilty about it even though it was the right thing to do from her pov. both rodrik and baela wanted to ensure she knows they have her support, even when it's clear she isn't sound of mind.

i had thought about what if daenys stayed in king's landing, she would've suffered so much more, but perhaps had a proper goodbye with vhagar, even riding her with aemond for the first time, fully accepting that her mother is gone and not coming back. ah, so many plans were changed in this book it's crazy.

i had to add rhaenys' involvement in helping daenys escape and the fact that aemond knows, it just unfortunately adds even more context for the battle of rook's rest. *rip my queen*