┊͙✧˖*°࿐ 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐈𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐍

  𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐝 its hands wrapped around her, submerging her underwater and holding her there, making her struggle until she could barely breathe. Her hands clawed desperately for air, slowly accepting her fate, only to be pulled back and mocked as she tried to regain her breath.

Rhaella Velaryon no longer pleaded for air as the Stranger dragged her into the depths of her sorrow. Instead, she embraced it, praying it would finally claim her. Claim her and grant her the mercy she sought.

Mercy? The Stranger knew nothing of the word.

The Princess soon learned that each morning she awoke with her chest heaving and tears streaming down her cheeks. The visions from her dreams haunted her entire being.

The scream from Arrax, the blood, the flesh. When she plummeted with Daelys, she believed it was the end, but the Stranger cackled and seized her by the hair, dragging her back.

She wept and screamed until her lungs burned and her throat grew raw. Rhaella shattered more objects than she could count in her fits of rage.

Once again, she found herself alone. Aemond was nothing to her, merely a painful memory that served to remind her of Lucerys. A husband in name only, to no one but those the Greens sought to deceive by proclaiming that Rhaenyra's only daughter had betrayed her for the 'one true King Aegon.'

Locked in her room, guarded by a sellsword who introduced himself as Daris Dayne, Rhaella found an unexpected comfort in his presence. In the days that had passed since her brother's death and the birth of her daughter, his silent companionship had been a small but significant solace. Though she had initially regarded him with suspicion, she had come to appreciate his quiet strength and the sense of security he provided. The world outside her room was filled with turmoil and betrayal, but within these walls, Daris Dayne was a steady, if silent, comfort.

  'Princess Aemma Targaryen'

Her daughter, her Princess, was the sole comfort in the oppressive presence of the Hightowers. Rhaella had fiercely guarded Aemma, refusing to let anyone lay a hand on her, not even Aemond. In Aemma's lilac eyes and gentle coos, Rhaella found a fragile sanctuary, a reason to endure the darkness that surrounded her.

No wet nurse or maid did she dare let lay a finger on her. She chose to feed her child from her own breast, waking in the middle of the night countless times.

Aemond had tried to speak with her many times, but Rhaella no longer felt the need to listen. Her heart had hardened, and the betrayal she felt was too deep to be mended by mere words. His attempts at reconciliation were met with cold silence, as she focused all her energy on her daughter.

Her husband had killed her brother, and nearly killed herself, her daughter, and her dragon.

Her lilac eyes would gaze at the stone floor, cradling their daughter to her while examining each and every crack and speck of dust or dirt. Aemond's voice alone made her angry.

Aemond apologized nearly getting on his knees in front of her though all he received in return was the necklace he had given her being thrown at his chest and a cup of wine to follow.

No attempts at conversation had been made since her outburst, leaving a heavy silence hanging between them.

Rhaella's wounds caught up with her after the argument, forcing her to shakily sit back on the bed. The head injury made it impossible for her to stand for too long. Her entire body ached and was bruised, but it was the head injury that concerned the maester the most.

The maester also noted that, despite her premature birth and the tumultuous events surrounding it, Princess Aemma was in perfect health.

Despite Rhaella's injuries, Aegon continued to barge into her chambers at all hours of the day. Their interactions were one-sided; he would talk at length, and then leave without waiting for her response.

This day was no different, except that Aegon had no intention of talking. Instead, he planned to take her from her confined chambers and drag her to the small council meeting.

Rhaella's dull lilac eyes remained fixed on the stone floor as she walked, cradling her babe in her arms while Aegon kept a firm hand on her back, urging her forward. Daris followed closely behind, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

She was sore and in pain, having given birth just days earlier and suffering from the fall from the sky, which had taken a severe toll on her body. Yet, Aegon seemed indifferent to her suffering.

Jaehaerys clung to the side of her dress with his small hand, having been pulled away from his lessons with the Septa by Aegon.

Rhaella held Aemma tighter, clenching her jaw in pain as she ascended the steps to the small council chambers. Despite Aegon's indifference, he gripped her a little more firmly and helped her up the steps, smiling brightly at his son and niece.

"Hello! Jaehaerys must learn the ways of the court if he is to rule one day," Aegon greeted with a laugh, pushing Jaehaerys to the seat at the head of the table and nudging Rhaella forward. "Good morrow, my lords. Mother."

Everyone stood when he entered, their eyes filled with uncertainty and worry as they watched the Princess. Rhaella's head did not raise; she allowed Aegon to place her beside him, the Hand's chair being moved down so she was closest to him.

The Princess continued to rub her daughter's back when she began to stir, her gaze fixed on the table, feeling Alicent's eyes boring into her. She had yet to speak to the Queen since she had fled on Daelys to Dragonstone. Her dragon who still remained on the hills outside King's Landing receiving treatment.

The Queen Dowager cleared her throat as Aegon sat down, voicing what the other Lords were thinking. "Is it wise to have the Princess here, Your Grace?"

Aegon grinned as if nothing had happened in the last few days. He reached over and touched Aemma's small hand, causing Rhaella to tense.

"Rhaella is my niece and my good sister; she is welcome." Aegon leaned back in his seat, glancing at Rhaella, who chose not to react. "She should be the first to hear of her mother's transgressions."

At the mention of her mother, the girl swallowed thickly, anger boiling beneath her skin. She would kill them, every last one of them, even if it was the last thing she did.

The King cleared his throat as his mother shook her head and looked away in frustration. "What news?"

The Hand stood by the board, moving on from the discussion of Rhaella's presence, despite the action being inappropriate to everyone but the King. "Our letters to the Vale and to the North continue to go unanswered."

"Cunts," Aegon muttered.

"The Stormlands should be ours after Prince Aemond secured a marriage pact for Prince Daeron to the Lady Floris Baratheon," Otto listed, making Rhaella's heart crack a little more. The mention of the Stormlands or Aemond hurt her more each time, the sight of her brother incessantly prodding her every moment. "I anticipate their sworn declaration."

Rhaella glanced up at the sound of glass clinking, her lilac eyes finding young Jaehaerys playing with Lord Tyland's council stone.

The Lord gently took it back and placed it down. "My brother is raising the strength of the West to mass at the Golden Tooth, but we—"

Rhaella would have quirked a smile as the Prince took the stone once again, cutting off Tyland's words if it had happened at any other time.

Aegon watched his son, almost completely ignoring the Hand's words. He smiled at Jaehaerys taking the stone once more, a small chuckle following.

"My nephew, Lord Ormund, musters his forces to sally forth from Oldtown," Otto said, walking back to the map. "They expect to march quickly, meeting little resistance until they reach the Riverlands."

Rhaella looked up slightly when Alicent spoke up.

"My letters to Rhaenyra. Has there been any answer?"

The Princess clutched the wraps bundling her daughter, her dull expression giving way to anger.

One of the Lords looked at her, questioning if the Queen was serious. "An apology for her dead son and her daughter who was nearly killed and taken?" He muttered, but it was still heard.

Despite her anger, Rhaella wanted to know the answer as well. She wondered if her mother even knew she was alive.

The Grand Maester shook his head at the Queen, placing his hands on the table. "None, Your Grace. Between that and their blockade of the Gullet, we must presume that the Princess has refused the offered terms and that war is now inevitable."

Aemma gurgled as she began to stir. Rhaella shushed her softly, rubbing her nose. Her lilac eyes became a little less dull whenever she looked into her daughter's eyes, innocent and unaware of the cruel world around her.

"Perhaps Your Grace might lend his voice to our outreach..." Alicent tried to get her son's attention while he was preoccupied with giggling at his child.

Rhaella furrowed her brows, glancing away from her daughter when she heard Tyland reprimand the young Prince.

Alicent attempted to continue, speaking over the interruption. "In hopes that new terms might be negotiated."

Rhaella's eyes met Aegon's when Tyland snatched the stone from his son, causing his once bright smile to fall.

"Is the heir to the throne bothering you, Tyland?"

A quick look of panic immediately appeared on Tyland's face as he shook his head and released the stone, allowing the Prince to take it. "No. No, no, not in the least, Your Grace."

Humming, Aegon nodded, gesturing between the Lord and the boy with his finger. "Because I think he wants a ride." His words prompted Alicent to call his title with a hint of reprimand.

Lord Tyland looked confused at the words, so Aegon smiled and clarified. "A pony ride. Wouldn't that be fun, Jaehaerys?" He beamed at his son, who was rolling the stone on the table. "Should the Master of Coin be your royal steed?"

Rhaella released a small sigh, feeling that this council was a disgrace and an insult to the realm and the people dying in battle under their command. There was no reason for her to be here, nor did she want to be. However, she supposed gathering as much information as possible would be a good plan before she escaped once again.

"Your Grace," Alicent spoke firmly, her words laced with annoyance at the childish actions. "There are important matters to discuss, despite Sir Tyland's interruptions."

Rhaella looked over when Jaehaerys walked over to her, taking her hand in his small one. She attempted a small smile as she kissed the top of his head. She would hold no anger towards him for her uncle's actions and the usurpation of her mother's throne; children should have no part in a war.

"Very well," Aegon sighed, looking at his son who was twisting the Princess's wedding band around her finger. "No time for amusements, Tyland." A subtle nod in the Lord's direction made him sit back down with a purse of his lips.

Aegon's eyes fell back to his son who was now peeking over the blankets at the newborn Princess. He then looked at Rhaella who held a familiar softness in her eyes that disappeared when Aemond had brought her back. "Off you go, Jaehaerys. Good boy." The moment the Prince moved away from her the softness was gone in her eyes once again.

Rhaella let the young boy slip his hand from hers and walk away with the cupbearer. She gently placed her hand back on the bundle of blankets in her arms. The Princess, while pretending to be engrossed in her daughter, listened intently. The talk of her mother's blockade cutting off King's Landing almost made her chuckle with delight.

The quirk in her lips soon faded when Aegon pursed his lips and leaned back. "Well, we should've just killed her when we had the chance."

The young mother sat up straighter in her chair, her lilac eyes locking with her uncle's as the rest of the council tensed. The lords' palms grew damp with the mounting tension between the two silver-haired royals.

Their lilac eyes locked onto each other. Rhaella's, though lacking vibrance, blazed with fury—a look that carried a clear warning. Aegon's eyes sparkled with amusement, almost daring her to speak, to stand against him.

Rhaella's chest rose with a deep breath as she restrained herself for her daughter's sake. She turned her head, meeting Daris's eyes. His gaze held amusement, intrigued by her fire, but it also spoke to her, urging her to calm down.

A throat cleared, shattering the awkward tension among the council. Otto sighed and continued, "Regrettably, the opportunity for surprise has been lost, and with it, the chance to end this conflict quickly. We must now play the board before us."

Rhaella's lip curled slightly, her heart pounding with anger. This was a rage she had never known until mere days ago, but now it was a constant presence coursing through her veins. Her pale eyes glanced up as the chamber doors opened once again.

Her blood ran cold. Her heart raced with a fresh wave of grief and hate, a heartache that words could never fully capture.

"Aemond," Alicent addressed tautly, her entire body stiffening at the sight of her son. "What is your business here?"

Aemond's eyes flickered to his wife, who sat next to his brother, cradling their babe to her chest. He assumed it was an unwilling seating arrangement. "The King summoned me." As he walked in, he noticed how her eyes continued to avoid his own, just as they had since Storm's End.

"You do not have a seat at this council." His mother's expression was stern and unyielding as she tracked his movement around the council table towards the map.

Aegon raised his hands from his chair, a small smile playing on his lips. "Aemond is my closest blood and our best sword. I welcome him."

Rhaella sensed her husband's presence behind her as he stood studying the board behind her.

He traced his fingers over the notches pinned. "Path to King's Landing is through the Riverlands. We must establish a toehold there, at Harrenhal."

"The Riverlords will either declare for me, or they will meet Vhagar and Sunfyre together." Aegon lifted his shoulders, humming, waving to Aemond as he sat down at the opposite end of the table. "Ah, and we can burn the blockade while we're at it."

His confidence made Rhaella roll her eyes, an action unnoticed by everyone except her husband, whose gaze had not left her since he sat down.

Alicent looked at her son and shook her head. "Rhaenyra has dragons as well."

"Mine are bigger."

Rhaella knew that size meant nothing. Sunfyre had never seen battle, while Vhagar was teetering on the brink of life and death and deserved rest. Her mother had Caraxes and Meleys, both seasoned and formidable dragons. That was without mentioning the other dragons she had through her twin and Baela.

However, a war fought with dragons should not be decided on a whim. Even the young Princess understood that much.

"If we lose the dragons to war, there'll be no calling them back," Alicent spoke, reaching the same conclusion as Rhaella, though the girl kept her thoughts to herself. Not that she would share them with the enemy. "We must proceed cautiously."

A flicker of annoyance crossed Aegon's face. "No. Fat, old Lord Tully will either raise my banner or see his burn." He ended the discussion with his mother abruptly. "We should fly to Riverrun."

"You are the King, Your Grace," Criston Cole spoke from his place behind Aegon. "You must not put yourself at risk."

"And Vhagar is needed here to deter Rhaenyra from attacking in retribution for the capture of her daughter and the death of her son." The Queen's words were clearly directed at Aemond, whose subtle smile made Rhaella's stomach churn.

For the first time, Rhaella's gaze met Aemond's. The small quirk of his lips disappeared when he saw the emptiness in her eyes—a vast void of darkness he had caused with his betrayal. Aemond continued to betray her by allowing her to sit beside his brother, fully aware of the horrid things he had done to her.

"Errors were made in the hours following King Viserys's death," Otto spoke firmly to his daughter. "We mustn't compound them."

Rhaella couldn't help but let out a quiet huff of a laugh. Everyone turned to her, eyes wide at the disrespect the Princess showed to her King and the Hand by laughing.

The only Queen she would ever acknowledge was her mother, and she was not here. All that sat at this table were usurpers and snakes in royal attire.

Otto watched the Princess but said nothing and continued when Aegon didn't seem bothered by her brief laughter. "You've already demonstrated your strength, Your Grace. Now, we must exercise patience and restraint."

Aegon sank slowly down in his seat with a long, irritated sigh. His eyes then moved to Rhaella beside him. "Why don't we show a sign of force by threatening to send the pretender Queen her daughter's head if she does not submit?"

Rhaella looked up at his words, showing no fear on her features, though deep down she believed he might do it.

A hand slammed the table in warning, to which Aegon giggled, patting Rhaella's shoulder as Aemond's glare burned through him. "I'm merely jesting. I suppose everyone's sense of humor vanished when they walked in."

"Such an act would be unwise, Your Grace," Otto spoke calmly to his grandson. "We cannot risk losing the only leverage we have over Rhaenyra."

Aegon rolled his eyes and sank further down in his chair. "Yes, yes. Very well."

"I continue to send ravens by the hour," the Hand explained, steering clear of the dreadful plan. "In due time, many more houses will declare for you. History and precedent will be on your side."

With that, the council meeting was adjourned as the King stood, prompting everyone but Rhaella to rise in respect. She remained seated, ignoring the stares of the Lords and her husband.

Aegon chuckled and turned to her guard. "Ensure the Princess is escorted back to her chambers, Ser Daris." Without waiting for a response, he exited the room, followed by everyone else.

All that remained were Rhaella, Aemma, Aemond, and Daris. The tension and anger in the room were palpable, making every hair on Rhaella's body stand on end.

Rhaella began to stand, albeit shakily, and Daris reached out a hand to steady her. "Princess." She was about to take his arm when a voice stopped her.

Aemond moved closer to her, making her tense. "I will escort my wife back to her chambers. Leave us."

Daris glanced at his Princess with hesitation. Rhaella swallowed thickly before giving a subtle nod in his direction, to which he nodded his head in respect to her and left the chambers.

The Princess did not look into her husband's eyes as she took a step to move around him, but his hand wrapped firmly yet gently around her bicep. She tightened her grip on her daughter and spoke, her words firm. "Do not touch me."

Aemond hummed, reaching a hand under her chin to tilt her head up so she would look at him. "You are my wife. I have the privilege to touch you."

She stepped back and adjusted Aemma in her arms. Her heart pounded against her chest as she met the eye of the man she once loved, perhaps still loved despite everything. "You forfeited that privilege when you murdered my brother and nearly killed me, Aemond."

Aemond's breath hitched, his heart fluttering at the mere sound of her voice. It was the most she had spoken to him since Lucerys' death and the birth of their daughter, whom he had yet to hold. All he longed for was to embrace his wife and cherish their child, but she kept him at arm's length.

He moved closer, and she instinctively stepped back. With a gentle yet firm hand, he cupped the back of her neck, pulling her close until their faces were just a hair's breadth apart. "Rhaella," he murmured, closing his eye and resting his forehead against hers, his breath fanning over her face. "I never wanted this."

Rhaella kept her eyes open, feeling his grip tighten slightly in a desperate plea.

"Nyke skorion massitas, bona tubis, issa jorrāelagon." he whispered, his voice raw and honest, echoing the innocence of their childhood. ( I regret what happened that day, my love )

His fingers tangled in her hair, ruffling her braids, tugging gently as if begging her to respond.

"īlon emagon istan naejot zaldrīzesdōron hēnkirī se syt issa muñnykeā," she whispered, her voice trembling as his lilac eye opened to meet her tear-filled gaze. Her bottom lip quivered before she bit it to stop the action. "iao gūrotan issa lēkia hen issa, se issa muñnykeā's dēmalion." Her words pierced through him, causing his brows to furrow and his grip on her to loosen. ( We could have flown to Dragonstone together and declared for my mother, but instead, you took my brother from me and stole my mother's throne )

Aemond reached out to wipe away the single tear that fell down her cheek. He didn't know how to respond to her words; they were caught in his throat. His gaze dropped, and his eye caught sight of their sleeping daughter swaddled in her mother's arms. It was one of the few times he had been able to see his daughter clearly since her birth. The sight of her small, peaceful face made his heart ache with a mixture of love and regret.

"kostilus, rual issa naejot ōregon īlva tala." Aemond pleaded softly, his hand gently brushing over his daughter's head, smoothing the tufts of silver hair. ( Please, allow me to hold our daughter )

Rhaella had allowed her husband to touch her, but the mere thought of someone other than herself holding her daughter made her breath catch and her body go rigid. She looked down at their daughter, her protective instincts flaring up. The bond she felt with her child was unbreakable, and the idea of letting go, even for a moment, filled her with anxiety.

Aemond noticed her hesitation and tried to soothe her. "Rhaella, she is our daughter. I promise to not take her from you. I just want to hold her, to feel her in my arms." he whispered, his voice filled with a longing that matched the pain in his eye.

She sighed, blinking to keep her tears at bay. She wanted nothing more than to allow him to bond with his daughter. Rhaella had also wanted Luke to meet his niece, but because of her husband, he would never have that chance in this life. The weight of that loss pressed heavily on her, a constant reminder of the fractured relationships and missed opportunities that defined their lives.

A gentle nod made Aemond's heart swell with relief, despite the distant look in Rhaella's eyes. The nod was a small gesture, but to him it held a world of unspoken emotions and a fragile hope that perhaps, just perhaps, he could begin to mend what he tore apart. "Tonight." Aemond said softly, placing a hand on Rhaella's head. She moved away from his touch, making his hand drop back to his side. He placed a soft kiss on his daughter's head before doing the same to his wife, even as she attempted to step back, her movements a silent plea for space and understanding.

"I wish to be with Helaena until you return." Rhaella muttered, pushing the blanket away from the babes face. If she was not with Helaena, she was confined to her chambers at all hours, her only company being her daughter, Daris, who stood outside her door, and the servants who brought her food to break her fast alone. The isolation gnawed at her, a constant reminder of the life she was forced to lead, separated from the world and the ones she cared about.

"Do not take me back to that room." Her voice was firm, a show of defiance that spoke volumes about her desperation and need for some semblance of control over her own life. Aemond removed his lips from the top of her head and nodded. "If that is what you wish." His agreement was simple, yet it carried the weight of a promise, an acknowledgment of her autonomy, and a step towards rebuilding the trust that had been so deeply damaged.

Yet deep within their souls, they both understood that an irrevocable change had occurred, and nothing would ever be the same again.

+.*.｡𝖺𝗎𝗍𝗁𝗈𝗋𝗌 𝗇𝗈𝗍𝖾!.｡*ﾟ+

𝗐𝖾'𝗋𝖾 𝖻𝖺𝖼𝗄!

𝖺 𝖻𝗂𝗍 𝗈𝖿 𝖺 𝖻𝗈𝗋𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗋𝗍 𝖻𝗎𝗍 𝗂𝗍'𝗌 𝗆𝗈𝗌𝗍𝗅𝗒 𝗍𝗈 𝗀𝖾𝗍 𝗌𝖾𝖺𝗌𝗈𝗇 𝟤 𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗋𝗍𝖾𝖽 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗀𝖾𝗍 𝗆𝖾 𝗂𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗀𝗋𝗈𝗈𝗏𝖾 𝗈𝖿 𝗐𝗋𝗂𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝖺𝖾𝗆𝗈𝗇𝖽 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗋𝗁𝖺𝖾𝗅𝗅𝖺 𝗈𝗇𝖼𝖾 𝖺𝗀𝖺𝗂𝗇

𝗇𝖾𝗑𝗍 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗉𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝗐𝗂𝗅𝗅 𝗇𝖾𝖾𝖽 𝗍𝗈 𝗁𝖺𝗏𝖾 𝗍𝗂𝗌𝗌𝗎𝖾𝗌 𝗈𝗇 𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗇𝖽𝖻𝗒 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗐𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗂 𝗁𝖺𝗏𝖾 𝗉𝗅𝖺𝗇𝗇𝖾𝖽

𝗂 𝗁𝗈𝗉𝖾 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝗀𝗎𝗒𝗌 𝗅𝗂𝗄𝖾𝖽 𝗂𝗍, 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗂 𝗐𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽 𝗅𝗈𝗏𝖾 𝗍𝗈 𝗁𝖾𝖺𝗋 𝗒𝗈𝗎𝗋 𝗍𝗁𝗈𝗎𝗀𝗁𝗍𝗌! <𝟥𝟥

𝗐𝗈𝗋𝖽 𝖼𝗈𝗎𝗇𝗍: 𝟧.𝟣𝗄