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                      124 AC, The Red Keep

Meriahnya was moodier than usual. She was normally patient and calm, but after being forbidden by her mother to hang out with Helaena and Daeron ever again, her calm demeanor began to turn into a fiery one. It had been 3 weeks since she last saw them, her mother's wrath was one to be taken seriously. The young Sea Dragon was sitting in the library with other noble ladies, listening to another boring lecture from Septa Amirei on the importance of womanhood (whatever that meant).

She began to regret skipping her history lessons and spending time hearing Master Adramel's Myrish accent, which soothed her whenever she would answer a question wrong. Master Adraemel was a man of fifty-five; his gray hair was short and cut back, while his demeanor was cold and strict, he was one of the very few people who wasn't a snivelling viper around here.

Maester Adraemel was a man of religion, like most of the Septas she would encounter when she hung out with the"Green" children. Yet, he was lonely; she noticed he had no wife or son to succeed him, as was the custom for a Maester. He had instead taken the company of his books and faith practices. She had once boldly asked him why he didn't want to marry, and even offered to help him get matched with someone, resulting in a spanking from Septa Amirei herself. Her bum still ached from the lashes from the Septa's whip.

" Can someone tell me the importance of sewing?" Septa Amirei asked.

"So, we as ladies can provide useful skills to our husband's household and tend to his torn tunics when he cannot." Akari Dayne answered, a girl of eight years, her black silky hair eagerly braided back, her dark lilac eyes sparkled.

"Very good," Septa Amirel praised, smiling at the young Dayne. "And, what is a woman's duty to her husband?"

"To provide heirs for her husband and continue on the family name," Celestra Hill answered. An illegitimate daughter of Jason Lannister, a girl of six years, just every bit of a lion like her father. Through, in certain lighting she looked almost like The Queen herself when she was younger.

" Excellent, Celestra, considering your station." The Septa answered. "And, how does a woman become with child?"

A young girl scoffed at the Septa's question, her eyes glimpsing with amusement. " It's obvious, Septa Amirei, the woman jumps on the man like a cow! " Rayne Blackwood, a girl of thirteen moons answered, with a smirk.

Meriahnya let out a booming laugh, not understanding the Blackwood's girl word, but nevertheless chuckling. " Is that so, Lady Blackwood?"

Rayna turned towards the Princess, smirking. " Yes, but it's much too graphic for you."

"Get out" Septa Amriel hissed, pointing her fingers at the Blackwood.

The young Blackwood shrugged her shoulders, got up, and left the room. Before she left, she made moo sounds, causing the girls to giggle.

" Silence!" Septa Amriel ordered, immediately they quieted down, lowering their gaze to the ground.

The old woman began to walk around the room, glaring daggers at them. " This behavior is inappropriate for young noble ladies, especially you Princess. You are supposed to show a proper example to these young girls on what it means to be a respectful young lady. A true Princess is proper and respectful."

Meriahnya rolled her eyes. " A true Princess is someone who helps her people, Septa.  Someone who is kind, gentle and caring to those around her."

Septa Amriei let out a gasp at the Princess's backtalk before scolding the girl. 'A Princess does not talk back. You will behave yourself in an appropriate way. Your mother, Princess Rhaenrya, has informed me of your wild, disobedient behavior, and I will put an end to it.'"

" You will behave from now on." Septa Amriei demanded, grabbing the young Princess's shoulders harshly.

" I have no problem with doing my duties to the crown, Septa." Meriahyna answered. "But, I won't change myself for anyone, not you, nor my mother."

The Septa knew her words wasn't getting through the young Velaryon and so she did what she knew would be the best way to get the little brat under control, she turned Meriahyna around and began to spank her hard on the bottom with a whip, causing her to cry out.

" You will listen to me." The Septa hissed, continuing to beat the girl, until Celestra and Akari stepped forward pushing the Princess behind her, and stepped head to toe with her.

" A lady minds her own business."

" Yes, but a true lady doesn't leave another to the mercy of a monster." Celestra hissed.

Septa Amriei scoffed. " You are no lady, you are a bastard nothing more. Your mother was a whore, and you will be nothing but a tool to be discarded."

" And, you're nothing but an old crook that has been choking on her own spit for her whole life. " Akari barked back.

" What did you say?" Septa Amriei growled, and pulled Akari by her hair, causing her to cry out.

Celestra pulled at the Septa's hands trying to get her to release Akari, resulting in her getting harshly slapped on her right cheek, not that she cared much for it. She merely stared at the Septa with an unusual blankness in her eyes, which Meriahyna noted, was unusual for a child.

" It seems there are many disrespectful ladies who have disgraced the palace walls. I will put an end to all of this disobedience." Septa Amirei said, turning the young Dayne and began to spank her hard on her butt with her hand.

"Stop it!"Akari pleaded. "Celestra— oh no, she's having flashbacks again... Meriahnya, do something!"

Meriahnya rose from the floor, her eyes beginning to glow a sea-green color as anger welled up within her. "Let Akari go!" she yelled, causing the windows to shatter. Suddenly, a gust of wind filled the room. Piles of leaves and branches swirled around the room before colliding with the Septa, knocking her away from Akari and causing her to hit the wall. Akari managed to return to her seat as the wind picked up, but Celestra fell to the floor on her bottom, and she was still staring at the Septa with her blank eyes.

The young Princess gently lifted Celestra from the ground, her eyes filled with concern. "Are you alright, Celestra?" she asked, her gaze carefully scanning the young girl's face and pausing at the sight of a fresh scratch.

With a slight grimace, Celestra touched the tender spot on her cheek where Septa's scratch marred her skin. "I'll be fine," she assured, her voice steady despite the pain. "It's just a scratch. It will heal." And I'm used to it, not the worst scar.

They turned their attention to Akari, who was slumped on her chair, the pair moved in unison. They helped the young Dayne girl to her feet, their eyes searching her for any signs of injury.

Akari, still a bit dazed, smiled. "Thank you," she mumbled.

Septa Amriei let out a painful groan, as she tried to get up from the floor. " You are all demons, not worthy to be noble ladies." She hissed.

Meriahyna stepped towards her, glaring coldly at her. " If you ever lay a hand on me, Helaena, Celestra and Akari again, It will be the last time you have hands." She said, her voice low and menacing,   her mind thinking back to when Septa Amirei would hit Helaena for whispering out strange things.

Septa Amirei's  eyes widened in fear, but still held her composure. " The Queen will hear of this." She whispered.

" Good, I sure hope so." Meriahyna said.

Septa Amriei didn't expect the Hill bastard and Lady Dayne to be just as disrespectful and disobedient as the Princess, such disgrace to have ladies like that walks round the place walls. The Hill bastard is especially lucky, her father even allowed her in this castle, tch! Wait until he hears of this.

" We are done for today." Septa Amirel said. "  I expect you all back here tomorrow for another lesson. And, you all better come tomorrow with proper attitudes this time."

" You should stare at yourself in the looking glass first, and see which of us has the most disrespectful attitude." Celestra snarled.

Septa Amriei scoffed, raising her skirt as she walked out of the room.

" I am definitely not having her as a teacher again."  The young Dayne spoke up. "I regret not being kinder to my Septa Belyse, sure she was annoying, but at least she wasn't as cold as Septa Amirei. Most importantly, she doesn't hurt children."

" I never had a Septa before, I was raised by Lord Lannister. He was kind enough to take me in as one of his daughters." The young Hill added.

" Thank you, guys for having my back." Meriahyna said, gazing at them softly.

"You're one of the very few people here that aren't so stuck up and boring," Akari said with a smile, just as a voice behind them interrupted, "Meri, are you busy?"

Turning their heads, they saw Prince Aemond standing in front of the door. His eyes widened in shock when he saw their bruised cheeks. "What happened?" he asked.

" Your Grace," Akari and Celestra said in unison, bowing respectfully, exchanging a glance at the Princes before passing them and walking out of the room.

Aemond stepped towards the young Velaryon and lifted his hand to her cheek, stroking it gently, his eyes blazing with fire. "Did my half-sister do this?" he whispered.

Meriahyna shook her head, pulling away from his touch. "No, it's my fault. I backtalked Septa Amirei and she whipped me for it.Never mind that, did you choose an egg from Syrax's stash?"

Aemond shook his head and let out a sigh. "No, I don't want an egg from your mother's dragon, Meri. I want to fetch my own egg and prove to Aegon and Jacaerys that I am a dragon rider like they are, not a pig mount."

"Don't listen to them, Aem," the young Velaryon said. "You will have a dragon one day, I know it. Like Visenya the Conqueror once said, a true Dragon waits for its prey and then devours it."

"I'm tired of waiting for a miracle to happen," Aemond huffed. "I want to take to the skies, I want to go dragon flying with you, Helaena, and Daeron. I'm tired of being left out."

" I know, I'm sorry, Aem." Meriahyna mumbled, gazing at her uncle in pity. If you want you can go flying on Niliana sometimes"

" I won't take your dragon, Meri, it's fine." The Prince mumbled. I'm tired of feeling like such a loser, I'm a Targaryen Prince, yet dragonless."

" A handsome one at that." She teased.

"Yeah, but I'm a Prince with nothing to inherit," Aemond grumbled. "I'm nothing but a chess piece for the king to move around the board. I have no land to inherit for myself, let alone any purpose besides being in Aegon's shadow for eternity."

Signing, Meriahyna nodded, understanding her uncle's feelings. "I too will forever be a shadow to my brothers. Nothing but a brooding mare for a lord to use, bound to support my mother's claim to the Iron Throne."

"But hey, sometimes it's good to be the black sheep of the family, for they're the ones who end up winning all the treasure in the end," added the young Sea Dragon.

Aemond nodded, a small smile forming on his face. " At least we're not as incompetent Aegon and Jacaerys; they can't even pronounce a single word in High Valyrian correctly or say the right word."

"No, they can't," Meriahyna said, giggling. "I do believe Aegon accidentally called Septa Gaela a rotten snake in High Valyrian, resulting in him getting a spanking from her."

" Ah, yes I do believe Aegon peed his pants after Septa Gaela spanking. Aemond chuckled.

" At least my brother is trying, unlike Aegon who is drinking himself into an early grave." She added.

Suddenly, they heard a loud knock on the door. It swung open, revealing Ser Cristen. "My Prince, my Princess," he greeted with a bow.

Cristen turned his gaze toward Aemond. "My Prince, it's time for your sword-fighting lesson."

"Can I join you guys?" Meriahyna asked.

"I'm sorry, my Princess," the Knight answered, "but your grandsire, the King, won't allow it."

"I'll talk to Grandfather; he'll let me," Meriahyna answered. "Pretty please."

"Alright, come along, Princess," Cristen said with a smile before walking out of the room.

The young Velaryon let out a squeal, grabbed Aemond's hand, and followed after Ser Cole.

                           ＊✿❀ - ❀✿＊

Meriahnya stepped on to the training grounds holding a wooden sword into her hand, shocked gasps ranged out when they saw the young Princess make her way to the front.

Jacaerys rolled his eyes at his sister's dramatic entrance. She was always trying to prove she was the best at everything. It was already hard enough to bear the disgusted looks people would give him, especially from the Queen and Ser Cristen. But what was worse was his father, well, stepfather, Ser Laenor, doting on his sister all the time. While the Velaryon Prince loved Jacaerys and Luke as his own and made an attempt to spend time with them, Jacaerys and Luke preferred spending time with Ser Harwin.

Jacaerys and Luke adored Ser Harwin and connected with him more. The Velaryon boys were lucky to have two loving parents, Rhaenrya doted on her sons daily trying everything in her power to make them feel special, while she would
forget all about her daughter leaving her in someone else's hands.

After the birth of Joffrey, the Princess of Dragonstone had drawn away from her daughter even more.  Jacaerys and Luke were often confused by their mother's behavior towards their sister and once asked their mother why she seemed to dislike her?

" I don't hate your sister, I love her just as equally as you, my sweets." Rhaenrya defended.

Jacaerys and Luke exchanged a glance at one another, not believing their mother's words. " Then, why do you push her away?" They asked.

" My sweets, I—"

" You say that Meriahnya has chosen the Hightowers over us, yet, you're the one who's leading her into their poisonous arms, mother?" Jacaerys spoke up.

"The Princess found herself at a loss for words. She knew what her sons were saying was true. She had been cold and distant towards her daughter since birth, believing the girl hated her and loved only Laenor. She knew in her gut she was wrong for treating Meriahnya the way she did.

She would do better; she had to. Her mother would gaze down at her in shame if she saw her now. Rhaenrya cleared her throat and spoke up. "You're right, my sweets, I promise I will do better."

" Your sister is a part of this family, and I am sorry I have been neglecting her over my duties." She added. I swear by the Fourteen Flames and the Seven, I shall do better.

Rhaenrya's promise was immediately reneged when a letter arrived from Pentos. Her uncle, Prince Daemon, the Rogue Prince, and his wife, Princess Laena, extended an invitation to her and her children to visit them in Pentos.

The Princess immediately accepted the invitation, wanting to see her good friend Laena and her Uncle again. It had been 10 years since she had last seen them. However, her wishes were soon crushed when the news reached her father's ears. He claimed it was far too soon for her to start traveling again after giving birth.

In truth, she knew her father was doing whatever it took to keep her and Daemon apart. To this day, she has never forgiven her father for marrying her to Laenor, a gay man who was in no way attracted to her. He was a man who couldn't provide her with heirs, which resulted in her seeking comfort and pleasure elsewhere, in another man's arms, someone who could give her the desired heirs she needed.

As agreed upon by both of them, they would perform their duties and act like the happy couple in public. However, behind closed doors, they would be free to act on their fantasies and desires with their chosen ones. This arrangement worked well until Laenor, after having a few drinks, stumbled into his wife's chambers, wishing to fulfill his marital duty to her. Rhaenyra hesitantly agreed, hoping to at least have one trueborn child, a son or daughter for Driftmark. However, the experience was traumatizing and painful for the young Princess, as the Velaryon Prince did not have the same expertise with women as he did with men.

One night was all it took for Rhaenrya to conceive. The Princess, believing the child to be Harwin's, prayed for a girl. She dreamed of a daughter, her Visenya, whom she could brush her hair for hours and dress up as she had always dreamed of doing with her stillborn siblings. Her wish was granted nine moons later, but the child was conceived from the wrong seed.

Upon entering the world, the Velaryon Princess never once smiled at her mother. However, when she met her father, her eyes lit up and she made babbling noises all around. Rhaenyra felt hurt and strained that her newborn daughter would not smile at her and would cry every time she held her.

However, when it came to Laenor, the girl was all smiles and giggles. Rhaenyra attempted to connect with her daughter, but Meriahnya only ever responded to her father. In her mind, she wanted nothing to do with her and Jacaerys; they were of no importance; they were just outsiders.

Eventually, the Princess stopped trying to connect with her daughter and focused on her son, Jacaerys, as her daughter did not seem to need or want her.

Years later, Meriahnya made attempt after attempt to bond with her mother. However, Rhaenyra all but ignored her, unable to let go of her old wounds from the past. That pain and resentment, the Princess had unknowingly transferred to her son Jacaerys. She had desperately tried to make him a true Targaryen in everyone's eyes, including the court, by hiring different tutors to educate him on Targaryen traditions and enrolling him in Valyrian speaking lessons twice a week.

While the young Velaryon undoubtedly had dragon blood in him, he could barely utter a full sentence in Valyrian. While his sister was able to speak every High Valyrian word correctly, impressing both their grandfather and the Queen. Once again, Meriahyna was seen as the perfect Princess in everyone's eyes, the Realm's Jewel, while he was a Prince who was rumored to have the coloring of a pup and couldn't even speak their ancient language correctly.

The Prince loved his sister in a way, but his envious and jealousy would overcloud that causing him to be a bully like Aegon was to Aemond. Aegon had said it was harmless fun and it was their jobs as older siblings to tease their younger siblings.

" What is she doing here?" Jacaerys asked, trying to hide his annoyance.

" I don't know, my Prince." Harwin said. " Perhaps, your sister  would like to train as well."

" She's a girl, she doesn't belong here." Jacaerys said, with a scoff. " She always does this, having to prove to  everyone that she's the best at everything."

" I'm sure, that's not true, my Prince." Harwin said, shaking his head at his son's words.

The last thing the Knight wanted was for his son to grow up to be a bully like Prince Aegon. He knew that Jacaerys was acting this way only because of Rhaenyra. He had warned her about the consequences of showing favoritism towards one child over the other. However, she ignored his words, claiming that Jacaerys needed her more than Meriahyna did, and that Laenor was there to take care of her.

"Meri," Luke babbled happily. His eyes lit up when he saw his older sister. He dropped his sword and rushed into her arms, hugging her tightly.

She embraced him back, warmly hugging him tightly. " I see you have been working hard, you got some muscles on you." 

" Ser Harwin has taught me all kinds of tricks." Luke said. " One day, I'll be a great sword fighter like Aegon the Conqueror himself."

Meriahnya smiled back at his brother, pressing a kiss to his forehead. " Yes, quite the brave warrior you shall be."

" What are you doing here?" The youngest Velaryon asked. " Mother says you had lessons to attend to?"

" Yes, Luke, I wonder that myself." Jacaerys questioned, making his way towards her.

" Brother." Meriahyna greeted, with a smile. " I see you have been training hard."

Jacaerys nodded, returning the smile back shockingly. " Yeah, Ser Harwin has been teaching me."

"Niece, shouldn't you be attending sewing lessons with all the other ladies?" Aegon spoke up, gazing at her. "No offense, but this is for princes only."

The Princess turned around, placing a fake smile on her face. "Uncle, shouldn't you be passed out drunk somewhere, choking on your own spit?"

Aemond chuckled at her comment, trying to hide his own amusement.

Aegon rolled his eyes, turned around, and started to hit the training dummy hard.

"Granddaughter, wishing to be a knight now?" Viserys asked, watching her with an amused smile.

She turned around, facing her grandfather with puppy dog eyes. "Grandfather, can I train for a few moments with the boys, please?"

" You ma—"

" She can't, Your Grace. Mother has instructed her to be in lessons all day," Jacaerys interrupted. "I believe, sister, you have a history lesson with Maester Orwalye soon?"

She turned around and eyed her brother in disbelief, wondering why he was snitching on her. Whenever he would sneak out with Aegon at night to the dragon pits, she would cover for him whenever their father asked about his whereabouts."

" That's not until later." She answered.

" Yes, well what about your high Valyrian lessons with Maester Adraemel."  The Prince added, with a tiny smirk. "You speak High Valyrian so well, sister it would be a shame if you were to start slacking now.''

" Meriahnya, is that true?" Viserys asked, eyeing his eyebrow up at her. "Do you have lessons with Master Orwyle?

" Yes, but I was hoping I could take a break?" The Princess said, with a sigh.

" Father, can't she just spar with us for a few minutes." Aemond asked.

" Not now, Aemond." Viserys scolded, giving his son a pointed look.

Aemond gulped, lowering his eyes to the ground. " I told you he doesn't care for us or whatever we have to say." Aegon said, gripping his back. "The sooner you learn that the better you won't be a weakling."

"I'm not a weakling," Aemond barked back, glaring daggers at his brother.

He rolled his eyes, a smirk forming on his face. "If you're not a weakling, then claim a dragon from the dragon pit. Oh, that's right, you can't because you're not a dragon, you're a pig. Oink."

Aemond turned around, dragging his wooden sword behind him angrily. He began to hit the training dummy, trying to contain his anger towards his brother. He knew his mother would be upset with him if he started another fight.

"Meri, you know how important your lessons are," Viserys said. "When you are done with your lessons, then you can spar with them. You know your mother only wants the best for you."

" I'm sure a few minutes won't be of harm, your Grace." Harwin spoke up.  The Princess has been attending her lessons dutifully, she deserves to have some free time for herself.

" Ser Harwin, mother has strictly said Meri needs to attend her lessons all this week," Jacaerys said. "Besides, she's still on punishment for skipping out on her lessons 3 weeks ago."

"You don't want to disobey her, do you?" He asked, gazing up at the knight.

Harwin shook his head. "No, I do not."

"Please take my granddaughter to her lessons, Ser Marbrand," Viserys ordered, turning towards the old knight who nodded.

" Princess, this way." Ser Marbrand directed.

Meriahnya rolled her eyes and dropped the wooden sword to the ground, and began to walk out of the training ground, until Jacaerys spoke.

"Don't be angry, Meri. You know there are girls your age who would kill to have an education like yours," he said in a snickering tone. "You should be grateful that you have the privilege of an education. I swear, sometimes, sister, you can be so spoiled."

She  paused in her movements for a moment, tempted to say something back to her brother. However, she composed herself, knowing that if she did, her mother would scold her for bullying her "precious boy."

It seems her mother has been able to corrupt Jacaerys even more than she already has.

On second thought, he did make a valid point.

               ╧╤╧╤╧╤╧╤ - ╧╤╧╤╧╤╧╤
 

As long as the young Sea Dragon could remember, being a princess was rather exhausting and difficult. Although she had the comforts of a warm, nice bed, pretty clothes, and accessories unlike other children her age, the one thing she longed for was to be herself.

It was past afternoon, Meriahyna was sitting down writing the words "I will not disobey my mother or Septa Amirei"  in High Valyrian one hundred times by request by her mother who had heard from Septa about her behavior earlier, resulting in triple lessons this week and extra lessons with the said Septa.

The old croak seemed to enjoy making her life a living nightmare, and was becoming the wicked witch of the east for her.

Maester Adraemel stood behind her, examining her work and nodded approvingly. " Good, keep it up, you are nearly through, Princess."

"Maester Adraemel, can I please take a break my hand is beginning to hurt." She asked, gazing up at him.

" No, you may not, Princess." He answered. "You are to sit there until you have finished."

Meriahnya sighed, resuming writing trying to ignore the acne in her hand. " Faster." Maester Adraemel ordered. "A girl of disobence does not get far, especially a disobent Princess."

" I wasn't being disobedient to Septa Amiril, Master Orwlye." The young Velaryon defended. "I was only correcting her in her statement on what it means to be a true Princess."

The old man shook his head, his stone gaze landed on hers. " You have no right to talk back to Septa Amirei, you must learn to respect your elders and your parents. This disobedient behavior of yours will not get you far in life, if you ever wish to be married you must act properly." He scolded.

" I'm sorry, Maester Adraemel." The young sea Dragon whispered.

Maester Adraemel nodded. " It is not me you should be apologizing to, it's Septa Amirei who you owe an apology to.."

Suddenly, the door opened with a bang, revealing an angry and annoyed Laenor. "Little one, come, that's enough writing for now," Laenor said, making his way towards his daughter, lifting her into his arms.

"Papa," Meriahyna squealed, wrapping her arms around her father's neck tightly.

"My girl," Laenor said, pressing kisses on her forehead and face, causing her to giggle.

"My Prince," Maester Adraemel said, curtsying. "The Princess hasn't completed her work."

"She's finished for today," Laenor said. "She can make up whatever she missed next week."

"But, your wife, she has strictly ordered—"

The Velaryon gazed at the Master coldly, ignoring his words. "I don't care what my wife says, if I say my daughter is done with lessons today, then she's done with them. Besides, it's only one sentence missing."

Maester Adraemel gulped, not wanting to disobey the Princess, but knew he was at a losing hand at the moment. " Of course your Grace."  He said, with a bow before lifting his cloth and walked out of the room.

" Where have you been, Papa?" Meriahyna asked, gazing at him softly.  "You missed breakfast, have you eaten?"

" Yes, I have eaten." He answered.  "I was attending to my duties."

" Duties sure suck." She mumbled.  "I hate being a Princess,all day I have been stuck in lessons."

Laenor brushed his daughter's silvery locks back, pressing a kiss to her nose. "How, 'bout a break, care to go for a ride with your old papa."

" You are not that old." Meriahyha protested.  "You still have whiskers on your face."

Laenor let out a booming laugh at his daughter's words, smiling at her. " Yes, I still do it seems."

                  
The father and daughter duo then made their way toward the dragon pit where Nilana and Seasmoke awaited them. The Dragon Keepers stood at the entrance of the pit. "Father, can we visit the Temple of Naerea today after visiting Grandpa and Grandma?" the young sea princess whispered. "I want to see the statue of Lady Lusina. I've been reading about her in a book called *The Tales of Valyria*."

In truth, she wanted to seek out Lusina, the Sea Goddess herself, wondering if there was any truth to her visions. For the past year, the young sea princess had started having visions of the beautiful Lady Lusine. In her dreams, she envisioned herself standing in the Temple of Naerea, with Lusina before her, dressed in rich purple and blue velvets with Valyrian patterns stitched into them, bodiced with sapphire gemstones. Lusine's hair was loose and wild like the sea, calling to her to come seek her out in her temple.

"Greatness awaits you," Lusine would whisper to her every night.

Meriahyna had no idea if her dreams were real or a wild part of her imagination. She had told no one of her dreams except Helaena, who had claimed she and Lady Lusine were possibly linked together by destiny. Meriahnya almost wanted to scoff at the idea; a worthy Goddess like Lusina couldn't possibly share any interest or be linked to her, a mortal. Still, the question began to haunt her: Were her dreams only a fantasy, or were they a calling for her?

She had tried to ask the historians in the library about Lady Lusina, but none knew who she was talking about.

"Little one, that is located in the Smoking Sea, one of the deadliest seas in all of Westeros and Essos!" Laenor exclaimed. "It's far too dangerous to venture out there."

"Lady Lusine herself is a merciful Goddess," Meriahyna defended. "I'm sure she wouldn't mind us visiting her temple."

Laenor shook his head. "I'm sorry, little one, but no, you can't go."

"Please, Father," Meriahyna pleaded, gazing at him with puppy eyes.

"When you are older, we can go together," Laenor responded.

Meriahyna crossed her arms over her chest. "How much older?"

Laenor chuckled at his daughter's pouting face. "When you become a woman."

"That's too long!"

Laenor threw his head back, laughing heartily. "Well, then you'd better start eating more of your vegetables and fruits if you wish to grow faster."

"Now, come on, we can't keep your grandmother waiting," he said, walking towards Seasmoke, and climbing aboard.

"We're going to see Grandpa and Grandma!" Meriahyna squealed in delight.

"Yes, just for a bit," Laenor confirmed.

Meriahyna made her way towards Nilana. The dragon turned her gaze towards her mistress and let out a happy screech at her presence. The young sea princess laid a hand on the sea-green dragon's scales, petting her softly. "We're going to visit Grandpa Corlys and Grandma Rhaenya in Driftmark, girl," she whispered.

Nilana let out a roar, stretching her wings wide. Meriahyna slowly climbed on, gripping the sea-green scales tightly. It was unusual for a dragon rider to have no saddle or any gear for support, but due to Nilana's size, the Dragon Keepers could not design a saddle large enough for her.

Meriahyna had learned to ride Nilana over the past year, much to the protest of her mother, who argued it was far too dangerous to ride such an enormous dragon without a proper saddle. She had advised Meriahnya to wait for another clutch of Syrax's eggs.

Still, Meriahyna wouldn't abandon Nilana, and Nilana didn't wish to leave her side either.

"Wait, what about Jace and Luke?" The young Sea Dragon asked, turning towards her father. "Shouldn't we invite them for the ride too?"

" Their dragons are far too small to ride, yet," Laenor replied. "And, your mother will not let them out of her grasp for a moment."

"I'll bring souvenirs back to them. Luke's always wanted a new harp. As far as Jace..."

"A bronze brooch will do. Just say I got it for him when in truth, you got it from your tour of the market," suggested Laenor.

"Great idea! Ooh, he's always loved rubies and I found just the perfect brooch the other day. I already reserved it, so it'll be fine."

She'd heard Jace complaining about his lack of elegant jewels and had always looked to Aegon as an example of the trendsetters. As the Crown Prince, Aegon had everything he could ever want, including the prettiest crowns that glimmered with the embodiments of dragons and seven-pointed stars (the dragons, Jace could stand but the stars? No way!)

Hopefully, Jacaerys could see that she was trying to build a relationship with him and did not hate him. Maybe, some time away from their mother would do well for him.

               ࿇ ══━━━━✥ - ✥━━━━══ ࿇

Meriahnya and Laenor had been flying for hours. The journey was rather short; it would take days to reach the island by sail, but only a few hours by dragon. As they soared through the skies, they noticed the distinct shape of Driftmark in the distance. They swooped lower and flew towards the islands, finally landing on their sandy shores."

"They dismounted from Seasmoke and Niliana and began to gaze around at the island. Meriahyna's eyes widened in awe as she gazed up at the castle ahead.

"Welcome home, little one," Laenor said, grabbing her hand with his, leading her towards the castle.

"It's beautiful, Papi," Meriahyna said. " But, why don't we live here with Grandpa and Grandma?"

"Your mother and I have duties in King's Landing to attend to." He answered.

" Is it true there's a sea lagoon in the castle that's connected to the ocean?" The young Sea Dragon inquired, recalling from her history lessons with Maester Adramel on the backstory to how Driftmark was built.

Laenor nodded, "Yes, there is. Our ancestor, Queen Meriahnya of the Tides, personally structured the castle to resemble our sea roots so we may never be far away from it."

They walked up the steps to the castle doors. Just as they were about to enter, they were stopped by two Velaryon guards who ordered, "Halt, state your business."

"Irving and Marinus, has it been so long since we saw each other that you've forgotten me? I almost feel hurt," Laenor said in a teasing voice, gazing at his former friends.

"My Prince, by the seven graces, is that you?" Irving asked, lowering his weapon,  gazing more clearly at the man in front of him.

Marinus Lonmouth, a man of twenty-one span, gazed at the Prince, having mixed feelings about seeing the man again. Part of him harbored some anger towards him for not doing enough to save his older brother, Joffrey, from the hands of Ser Cristen Cole. Ser Cristen was pardoned for the murder of his brother by the Queen herself.

Marinus was only a young boy when he learned his older brother had been murdered. His father, Lord Lonmouth, claimed it was a mercy that Joffrey had died before he could damage their reputation any more than he already had.

Lord Lonmouth was a follower of the Faith of the Seven and believed that sexual relations should only be between a man and his wife. When he caught his eldest son in bed with his squires, he exploded. He all but banished his son from their house, stripping him of his title, and appointed his younger son, Gorgon Lonmouth, as his heir. Gorgon was the only heir Lord Lonmouth deemed worthy, as he disregarded his other two sons for their blasphemous behavior.

Three years after Joffrey's death, Lord Lonmouth passed away due to a terrible illness, leaving Skull Point in the hands of his younger son, Gorgon, a boy of fifteen years.

" My Prince." Marinus greeted, codly, not meeting the Prince's eyes.

"Irving Rivers, a man of thirty-one, the bastard son of Lord Tully, asked, 'Ten years, where in the seven hells have you been?' Irving was a replica of the old man himself, a product of an affair his father had with one of his mistresses.

"Attending my royal duties in King's Landing, I am now a married man," he responded.

Irving and Marinus shifted their gaze to the young princess. "Who is the girl?" they inquired.

Laenor looked at his daughter, a proud smile lighting up his face. "This is my daughter, Meriahnya," he introduced. Then, turning to Meriahnya, he continued, "Meriahnya, meet Ser Irving and Ser Lonmouth."

The knight bowed, greeting the young princess with a smile. "Princess," he acknowledged.

"Ser Rivers, Ser Lonmouth," She greeted, curtsying.

"She's adorable, my Prince," Irving said, smiling at the Prince. "She takes after you."

"Yes, it seems she's the only child of yours that resembles you," Marinus commented. "It seems you have finally sired a trueborn Velaryon heir, my Prince."

Laenor gazed at Ser Lonmouth darkly. He understood that the man was rightfully upset about the death of his brother and empathized with his feelings, but he didn't need to make cruel jokes in front of his daughter.

"Welcome home, Prince Laenor and Princess Meriahnya," Irving said, opening the doors to the castle and moving to the side to let them pass.

Meriahnya and Laenor stepped inside of the castle, Meriahnya's eyes sparkled with wonder. The beauty of the castle ignited her innocent curiosity, and she darted down the hallways, eager to see more.

Meriahnya, wait a moment," Laenor exclaimed, his voice echoing through the stone corridors. "You can't just sprint off like that; you might lose your way," he warned, quickening his footsteps to catch up to his curiously troublesome daughter.

But the young Sea Dragon, brimming with excitement and curiosity, ignored her father's words. Giggles escaped her mouth as she ran from corridor to corridor, trying to escape her father. She gazed around at the walls of the castle, utterly mesmerized by them.

"'Meriahyna Velaryon!" Her father's voice echoed loudly through the stone walls, his footsteps approaching her.

The young princess gasped, scanning the hallway for a hiding spot. She spotted two stone doors at the end of the corridor and hurried toward them. Knocking on the door, she whispered, "Hello, is anyone there?"

Receiving no response, Meriahnya pushed open the doors, stepped inside the room, and closed the door behind her. Looking up, her eyes scanned the space, and she saw a wooden throne in the center. The walls rose high and were adorned with bluestone shade.

She walked closer to the throne, her eyes sparkling with interest, and ascended the steps. Hesitantly, she reached for the armrest of the throne chair. Suddenly, a blue light descended upon the throne.

Immediately, she withdrew her hand and stepped back in shock. " Come, Princess, sit upon your throne." A voice echoed in her head. For one day it shall be yours, not your brother's. You will rule many nations, and your name will be worshipped  through Westeros and Essos."

"No." Meriahnya exclaimed, shaking her head, trying to push the looming thoughts away. Lucaerys would be the heir of Driftmark, not her. She was just a girl, a Princess with nothing to inherit.

"A boy, sire of Strong blood, is not meant to sit on the Driftmark throne. Only one of Velaryon blood may claim it," the voice said in her head.

"My younger brother is a Velaryon," the young Princess defended. It didn't matter who Lucaerys's father was; the only thing that mattered was that he was a Targaryen, and their father loved him as his own.

"Your loyalty to your mother will be your undoing, young one," the voice warned. When it comes time for the sea dragon to nearly drown and call out for help, the golden dragon will release the sea dragon's grip, allowing her to fall into a watery grave. "The Sea Dragon will be reborn, and with her resurrection, a sea tornado will follow her, sweeping down everyone and everything around her."

" Get out of my head." Meriahnya hissed.

" Oh, little one, I'm not trying to hurt you." The voice said, sincerely. I am trying to help you, you shall lose everything you hold dearly to you due to your undying belief that your mother will change her ways. Don't you know she's a snake in dragon's clothing?"

"My mother is no snake; she's just had a difficult upbringing, that's all," the young Princess defended. She lost her mother at a very young age, and she was corrupted and groomed by the Rogue Prince. But I do believe she just needs time to heal from her past wounds, and she'll be better in no time."

" Yes, I know and because of that the person she once was is gone, the only thing that lies is a creation created in the shadow by the Rogue Prince!" The voice exclaimed.  "Listen, to me my child, you must come to me as soon as possible." pleaded the Voice.  You have no idea the dangers ahead that you will face."

" Lusine?" Meriahyna asked, her eyes widened in shock, wondering how she got in her head.

" No, I am not Lady Lusine." The voice answered. "I am her past self, I'm Meriahyna Queen of the Tides, your ancestor.

" She died thousands of years ago in a duel." The young Velaryon said. 

"Ah, the twisted histories of those inside the ivory tower.", chuckled Lusine. "She did die, but she ascended into deityhood, becoming the Goddess of the Sea, which countered the influence of the Fourteen Flames.  Unfortunately, she was slain again during the Doom of Valyria, and now she's chosen a successor to her position to help rule the sea kingdoms."

"Me?", Meriahyna asked quietly. It was ironic, really; a goddess born to two Valyrians, the same people whose gods murdered the only one who could balance the all-consuming flames.

"Meriahnya!" A voice said from behind her.

Turning around, the young Princess found herself in the presence of an older, beautiful woman with silver hair, eagerly clothed in a blue myrish lace gown laced with pearls. Gulping, she spoke up. "I am so sorry; I didn't mean to sneak in here or cause any troubl-"

Suddenly, the older woman pulled her into her arms, hugging her tightly, much to her shock. "You're here, you're really here," the woman cried out, kissing her forehead.

Meriahyna hugged the woman back, feeling a familiar connection," she said. "Um, I don't mind hugs or anything, but do I know you?"

"I'm Princess Rhaenys Velaryon, and I am your grandmother," the woman introduced herself. "Welcome home, little sea dragon.

Rhaenys pulled her granddaughter in for another hug, wrapping her arms around her closely, never wanting to let go again. All that mattered was that her son and her granddaughter had finally returned home to the sea where they belonged.

               ━━━━━━━༺ - ༻━━━━━━━

              
Yeah,  this was a long chapter sorry but I thought to make it up to you guys for leaving you guys hanging for a while.

So, more into Meriahyna and Jacaerys relationship, they will be like Aegon and Rhaenrya, expect they actually were close in the beginning, but they were pitted against one another by Rhaenrya and many other people sadly.

I am not a Daemon and Rhaenrya pairing fan, I think they are toxic for one another,disagree with me if you want. But, if Daemon really loved her then why would he choke her, leave her at a whorehouse alone when she was vulnerable and alone, and just two episodes again tried to choke her again.

I honestly feel like Daemon corrupted Rhaenrya and groomed her from birth. Rhaenrya had the potential to be a good queen, but Daemon ruined that for her.

I am not saying Daemon is to blame for everything, Rhaenrya action lies with her alone, but he is partial responsible.

Rhaenys and Meriahyna reunited, my babies, Hosue Velaryon is my fav and will always be the bomb in my stories.

And, my heart strings at the death to Rhaenys last episode, ugh the acceptance and sad look she and Meleys gave to one another knowing they were going to die. I'm going to miss Eve Best so much, she was amazing in the show.

Rhaenys, the Queen who never was, a fighter, a queen and a warrior, in this story I will give our Queen the love and fate she deserves.

I wished Rhaenys would've just taken Rhaena and Baela  with her Driftmark, live out there days in peace. Then, again who knows if the Greens would've left them alone in peace. Again, in this story this is an Anti Team Black and Team Green,  Team Sea Green, Team Blue, Team Dragon and Team Smallfolks are the only teams I will stand.

I want to thank you all for your comments and endless support on this book, I appreciate it to so much. It makes me happy to know what I am writing you guys love it.

Please do not ghost read this story, leave a comment or vote let me know what you thought, it gives me as a writer and author happiness to know you enjoy what I put out there.

Until, next time my loves

Ala 💕