The tournament continues and no ones match has been as interesting as Daemon's. Rhaenyra seems to be having fun though, ignorance is bliss. Her father still has not returned.

A knight takes a pretty hard knock off his horse and yells out in frustration as he rips his helmet off and charges for the victor as his horse rises in the air with pride as the angry knight rips him off and slams him into the chips.

"Ooo-" I grimace as Rhaenyra gasps. The knight has gone full on mad and starts stabbing his winning opponent multiple times.

"Get him!" Someone in the crowd yells. I look away, not enjoying the sight.

"And the day grows ugly." I hear Princess Rhaenys sigh.

"I wonder if this is how we should celebrate the birth of our future king. With wanton violence." Lord Corlys replies with. I agree. Seems bad luck for death to happen in the face of birth. Rhaenys simply hums.

"It's been 70 years since King Maegor's end. These knights are green as summer grass." Princess Rhaenyrs says. I hold in my chuckle so they don't realize I'm listening. "None have known real war." I glance over to see she's examining her nails, looking bored out of her mind at the knights outburst. "Their Lord's sent them to the tourney's with firsts full of steel and balls full of seed, and we expect them to act with honor and grave. It's a marvel that war didn't break out at first blood." Why isn't she in charge again?

I jump at the sound of metal slashing and a scream. Rhaenyra and Alicent gasp loudly as the crowd roars.

"What happened?" I peer over as a couple men drag the bloody body away and another one is barfing over on the side. Seems like multiple knights are causing a blood bath now. How unnecessary. Like the Princess said, in war it's understandable, here it's just pathetic.

More bodies are dragged away as an announcement is made. "Sir Criston Cole will now tilt against Ser Daemon Targaryen, Prince of the City!" I straighten up, joining in on clapping.

Criston Cole and Daemon take their places at opposite ends. I hold my breath as they stare down one another and close their helmets. They charge at each other, both their lances breaking as the collide. The are each given a new one. Ser Criston yells at the man holding his before they circle back around and go again.

Come on, Daemon, you got this. They collide again but no movement. My nerves can't take this!

The third time Ser Criston's impact knocks Daemon to the side and his body drags along the metal barrier. I gasp, grabbing Rhaenyra's hand. He tries to reach for his reigns but the barrier runs out and he falls off his horse.

He sits up on his elbows as someone tries to come over and help him up, but he shoves them down. Oh, he's furious.

"Sword!" He yells out. Oh boy.

"Prince Daemon Targaryen wishes to continue in a contest of arms." The Master of Revels shouts. Now this is how you get away with fighting. Be a man, grab a sword, and announce your business.

Daemon gets a few hits before his shield breaks. He doges a hit, swinging his sword around and gets a takes a few good hits before knocking Ser Criston to his knees.

The fight carries on. Daemon's legs are swept out from underneath him and both exchange blows until Daemon kicks Ser Criston's chest knocking him back.

He takes a few steps forward then raises his arms up as he shouts in victory. He looks so proud I can't help but smile. Then Ser Criston rises and hits Daemon in the back with his flail. My smile drops as Daemon falls to his knees grunting.

He crawls forward, pulling out his knife to stab Ser Criston's foot but Ser Criston steps on his wrist. Damn it! After a moment, Ser Criston lifts up his foot and Daemon stands. Alicent and Rhaenyra jump up, running over to the balcony for Ser Criston as I stay put.

"I was hoping to ask for the Princess's favor." Ser Criston approaches them. Hmm, should've seen that coming. Rhaenyra grabs her wreath smiling at me eagerly before throwing it down to him.

"I wish you luck, Ser Criston." She tells him.

"Princess." He nods. I sigh before noticing my father return. He goes over to Lyonel Strong, whispers something, and then does the same to Lord Corlys. My brows knit together. Something's wrong.

Everyone starts to stand, rushing inside. Lady Rhaenys hurries over to Laena and Laenor as Alicent looks to Rhaenyra and I confused. Rhaenyra's eyes begin to gloss over as she reaches over to me and I rub her arm in comfort.

♔♔♔

I shift feet uncomfortably as we gather around Queen Aemma's body just outside the Kingdom castle. Only those closest to the family are here. I can't even bring myself to look at the baby's body.

Rhaenyra sniffles, clutching onto me as Daemon approaches.

"They're waiting for you." He whispers to Rhaenyra. I breathe in through my nose as I try to focus on the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks. Ever since my mother passed away I have dreaded coming to another funeral...

"I wonder if, during those few hours my brother lived, my father finally found his happiness." Rhaenyra speaks in Valyrian. I glance back warily at Daemon. He looks distraught. I tip my head towards Rhaenyra for him to answer her.

He keeps his eyes connected to mine as he speaks lowly. "You father needs you. More now than he ever has."

"I will never be a son." She says, her voice cracking. My heart tugs as I advert my gaze to the ground.

How could King Viserys do this? How could he make Rhaenyra feel this way and take her mother away from her all because he was desperate for a child with a cock? I vow to never have a daughter with someone who makes her feel this worthless, but a true man, a good father, never would.

I watch Rhaenyra glance over at her father before turning to me. I nod strongly. She needs my support. I cannot go thinking about problems that have not risen yet when she needs me now more than ever.

She steps forward looking up at Syrax who lets out a small roar.

"D-" She swallows.

I step forward, wrapping my arm around hers. "It's okay." I whisper. "They are both flying high with the dragons now."

Syrax growls softly, tilting her head as she awaits for a command. Rhaenyra snaps her head over to her father. He can't even look at her! And that seemed to be all the motivation she needed.

"Dracarys." She snaps. Syrax grumbles little noises as she makes her way down the rocks. Rhaenyra buries her head in my chest and I turn away as Syrax does as she's told. Smoke fills the air and my lungs.

And so it is done.

♔♔♔

Author's Note: I just love Henley's thoughts in this chapter, but someone tell her she can think for herself too </3

Hope y'all enjoyed <3