Hello, Drinor here. I'm happy to publish a new Chapter of Dance of The Dragonwolf.
If you want to Read 18 More Chapters Right Now. Search 'Drinor Patreon' on Google and Click the First LINK
Chapter 48 (Spread your Wings), Chapter 49 (A Falling Dragon), Chapter 50 (Even Eyes Can Lie), Chapter 51 (A Crying Dragon), Chapter 52 (Tears of a Dragon), Chapter 53 (I Wish We Had More Time), Chapter 54 (The Bitter Harvest), Chapter 55 (Red Vipers, White Lies), Chapter 56 (Purple Eyes, Dark Crown), Chapter 57 (Learning to Dance with Storms), Chapter 58 (A Sister's Oath), Chapter 59 (Flames of Grief), Chapter 60 (Blood of the Dragon, Heart of the Sun), Chapter 61 (Lust and Dragons), Chapter 62 (Between Lives and Deaths), Chapter 63 (Fire Beneath the Faith), Chapter 64 (Ghost of the Man I Was), and Chapter 65 (The Crown of Cinders) are already available for Patrons.
"Why is he here?" Rhaenyra demanded, fuming angrily the moment Ser Criston informed them of the King sailing to Dragonstone.
Aenar still didn't know why the King had decided to sail to Dragonstone, but whatever the case, Rhaenyra was making it way too obvious that she disliked the King. He could see the strange looks she was getting from the lords, especially from Vaemond, and Daemon cleared his throat before addressing them.
"My Lords, it seems our planning needs to be cut short. My brother has decided to come here, and as King of Westeros. We will greet him in the most welcoming way possible. We can talk about our plan later. Lord Corlys." Daemon said, but more like ordering them as he gave Lord Velayron a look.
The Sea Snake nodded in understanding before motioning for the rest to follow him outside. Aenar exchanged pleasantries with them as they walked out of the chamber. Many tried to greet Rhaenyra, but the Princess ignored all of them and acted as if they didn't exist.
Aenar sighed, knowing he would need to have a talk with her once this was all over. The lords walked out one after the other, and Daemon quickly called for the Head of Servants to come to their chamber.
As his father talked with the Head of the Servants, making it clear to prepare everyone, Aenar grabbed the Princess by her wrist and dragged her to the end of the chamber.
"Rhaenyra. I know you are not happy that your father is coming here, but you need to keep your emotions to yourself and not make it obvious to everyone here that you are not on good terms with your father." Aenar felt like he was scolding Arya all over again whenever she thought of doing something inappropriate or stupid.
"My father betrayed me, she betrayed Muna!!" She screamed the last part, glaring at him for a brief moment, but Aenar wasn't afraid of her wrath, and he knew she was reflecting her anger on him. "He..." she swallowed thickly, her eyes red with unshed tears. "He...betrayed us. I. Don't. Want to see him again." She spoke the words with venom, glaring at him.
"I understand, Nyra, but you need to keep your emotions to yourself. You saw they all looked at you, especially Lord Vaemond. Your words can and will be used against you, Nyra. I'm not saying you shouldn't be angry, but try to be more discreet about it." Aenar advised her. It was not the first time he had given this advice to her, and he would give it again until she understood and knew saying too much was too much.
But Rhaenyra huffed, freeing her wrist from his hand, turning on her heels, and walking out of the chamber, leaving Aenar by himself.
He sighed resignedly before turning around, his eyes looking down at the painted table. He walked up to it, his hand landing on Winterfell. His eyes roamed around the many names on this side of the table; his eyes looked at 'The Wall' name before looking back at Winterfell.
'You will like Winterfell, Dany. Rhaeny, you always said you wanted to see the snow, well, there's snow here even during summer.'
Aenar's hand trailed along the map, reaching the neck, Riverrun, Harrenhal, and The Trident and stopping at King's Landing.
'The City is ours, and The Lannisters will soon pay for their crimes. We did it. It's over. We have Won.'
Aenar felt his eyes burning up. He swallowed thickly, and a lump formed in his throat as he looked at the place where it all went wrong.
Why? Why did it have to end this way? So much joy, all turned to ash.
Aenar closed his eyes before taking a deep breath and opening them; the burning sensation disappeared as he set his eyes on Sunspear. He growled, clenching his jaw as he placed his hand over the words carved into the table.
'Congratulations, Oberyn. You took my child, and Dany is sick with grief. But I want to hear IT from you. Was it worth it? Don't answer now. You will answer only after I burn all your children. You will hear their screams, and I will make sure Rhaegal will take his sweet time with them. One after the other. Only then you have the right to answer.'
Aenar felt his blood boil as his hand spread around the Sunspear letters carved into the stone. He would make sure the Martells can never betray again. He will burn their entire castle to the ground until there's nothing left but ash and the remains.
"Son." Aenar snapped his eyes back at the door. His father stood there, peering at him as he strode towards him. The Prince remained silent as his father stood before the painted table right where the Wall was.
"Thinking about the upcoming conquest in Dorne?" His father asked, his eyes looking at his hand, still covering the name Sunspear.
Aenar moved his hand away before turning to face his father fully. "Yes. We need to be prepared. The snakes will try anything to win against us. While their lucky shot on Rhaenys and Maraxes might have been just that...luck. That is a good reminder that our dragons can be killed." Aenar said as he moved a dragon figurine on Dorne before moving three more dragon figurines.
"You are right, but Rhaenys made the mistake of going alone, and she was spending a lot of her time burning sand. We won't be alone, and as long as we use hit-and-run tactics, then we will be safe; they can build all the giant scorpions they want, but all they will accomplish is waste the bolts that will fall back down." His father said with a reassuring smile as he grabbed a dragon figurine and walked over to the other side of the painted table, placing it on Dorne near Aenar's figurine.
Daemon looked back at his son, his arm resting on the table as he addressed him. "Son, there's something that has been on my mind since we started discussing the Conquest on Dorne. I was hoping you would shed some light."
"Didn't take you for fancy words, Father." Aenar mused humorously before looking back at his father. "What is that you want me to shed some light into? Perhaps I should take Cannibal; he can shed a lot of light."
Daemon chuckled in amusement before his face turned serious, leaning away and crossing his arms. "Every time Dorne is brought up in any discussion, you get enraged, and the way you speak about them as if you know them in some way. Yesterday, you even talked about their problem with water and hidden tunnels throughout Dorne."
"Most of the land in Dorne is nothing but desert, father. Of course, they would have problems with water if I didn't know any better. I would say that water there has more value than silver." Aenar explained almost airly and could see from his father's expression that he wasn't satisfied.
"As for caves, well, Dorne is a big place, and it is logical to assume that before all the castles were built and all the homes. People either would need to use caves or an Oasis to survive, and not everyone was lucky enough to find an Oasis." Aenar said dismissively, wanting to be done with this conversation for now.
He would tell them the truth one day, but not today. Once the fighting was over, only then he would tell them everything.
"Why the anger then, son?" Daemon prompted. He didn't consider himself the smartest Targaryen ever, and he considered himself not good at reading people. Still, he knew anger and saw rage in his son's eyes whenever Dorne was mentioned. He knew how war worked on people, the desire to fight, he knew that feeling, the desire to triumph over your enemies, he knew all that, but there was a big difference between wanting to win because you need to win and another because of vengeance. And he had seen that look in Aenar's eyes way too many times; he knew it wasn't normal. As far as he knew, the Dornish were simply the Kingdom that didn't bow to them; Targaryens would rule over them; it was only right, but why the hate thought?
"They are my enemies, father," Aenar answered with a hint of anger before noticing the odd look he got from him. "They are Our enemies, Father. We need to crush them. I'm sure you feel the same way. Everyone feels anger for their enemies."
Daemon chewed on his lower lip, a troubled look on his face as he placed his hands on the table. "I understand the desire to make them kneel to you, after all. Dragonstone would be our only territory if Aegon and his sisters didn't decide to rule over Westeros. What I don't understand is why do you Hate them?" Daemon prompted, slowly walking over to Aenar's side of the table.
"I hate them as much as everyone else."
"No, you don't, son. All those people that you saw here today, they all will fight against Dorne, to make them kneel to us, they will fight for their own reasons, to profit from it, to earn riches, in hopes of earning even more power. But none of them is here because of hatred. You are the only one here with a personal vendetta against them, and I want to know why." Daemon spoke in a demanding voice, looking at Aenar, who looked back at him.
"I don't know what you want, father, but I have nothing to say to you."
"You don't?" Daemon asked doubtfully. "Because your eyes say otherwise. You don't just hate Dorne, you loathe them, and if you could, you would burn the entire Kingdom to the ground until there's nothing left but melted sand."
"Why does it matter to you what I feel about Dorne? They are our enemies, and as such we should hate them."
"I don't hate them." That caught Aenar off guard; he blinked before looking back at his father's purple eyes. He knew he hated Otto Hightower, but he had reasons to hate him, but he had no reason to hate people he had never met before.
"You don't?"
"Why would I hate them? Yes, I like to fight, and yes, I have killed many people during swordfighting, but I never hated them. To me, they all were just worms in my way, but hatred was never a factor. Yes, I will fight Dorne; I will order Caraxes to bathe their soldiers in flames; that's how War is and always will be, but I have no reason to hate them." Daemon explained, resting his hand on his son's shoulder. He remembered what Lyanna had told him a long time ago. When Daemon had told her that he used to hate someone a long time ago and had wanted revenge, she had told him:
'Vengeance is an idiot's game.'
Before Aenar could give an answer, they all heard a dragon's roar, an angry roar. "Was that Syrax?" Aenar wondered out loud as he shrugged off his father's hand and quickly looked outside through the big opening on the rear of the chamber, showing him the stone road that led to the castle, the docks, and two of the many villages in Dragonstone. Suddenly, the roar got louder, and Syrax flew past their vision.
"What is she doing?" Aenar shouted, noticing Rhaenyra was riding Syrax. Far into the distance of the sea, he could see the silhouettes of three ships sailing towards the dock.
"I don't think she will try anything, but she will try to scare off Viserys. I think this is more a message 'I have a dragon, and I'm fine. Why are you here?'" His father said beside him, and Aenar quickly walked out of the chamber. Despite not agreeing with Viserys's decisions, he was still King, and they shouldn't be so openly hostile towards him.
.
.
Walking outside, Cannibal let out a roar from his cave before jumping off the small cliff, followed closely by Caraxes. Aenar watched as Cannibal landed before him, causing the ground to shake. All the villagers nearby ran away in fear, but the black dragon had no interest in them as he leaned his head closer, bumping his giant nose against Aenar, almost making him fall.
Caraxes landed just near enough for Daemon to caress his head. He watched the way his son was speaking to Cannibal. He wondered what he was saying when he heard footsteps.
"Dragons, quite beautiful creatures." Daemon and Caraxes turned their heads at the same time, and Lady Kinvara approached them, walking down the hillside.
"I wouldn't get closer, my Lady. Caraxes doesn't like strangers." Daemon warned her, caressing his jaw, making sure his dragon wouldn't lunge at the woman.
But Kinvara showed no sign of stopping or fear; her eyes glittered like rubies, and the one in her choker glittered even more. Three red eyes looked back at him, and the way she smiled.
"Caraxes." She sang the name, and much to his surprise, Caraxes purred like a cat when her hand touched his nose. Daemon watched in disbelief as the dragon made no attempt to burn the woman. Usually, Caraxes would tend to not burn the people that he knew were important to Daemon as long as Daemon was there too, but Daemon had no relationship with this woman. They have barely exchanged words.
"Caraxes," Daemon called his dragon, and the red worm returned to stay near Daemon, who looked at the woman with suspicion.
"How did you do that? Caraxes isn't exactly a gentle dragon. He is not like Grey Ghost, and I don't know you, so how are you still whole, and not a pile of ash." Daemon demanded.
"Cease your worries, Prince Daemon. I'm not a danger to Caraxes or any other dragon." Once again, she sang the words, and Daemon felt a strange feeling of calmness inside from her voice, almost like Lyanna.
"I never said you were, and how can you be a danger to my dragon?"
Kinvara smiled at him, an alluring one. "You didn't say it, but that's what you fear, you think that because your dragon didn't burn me, you fear that I might claim a dragon of my own. But as I said, cease your worries, if claiming a dragon was that easy. The Faith of the Red God would have already conquered Essos, and maybe even Westeros. We have existed for thousands of years, and there has never been a case of a Red Priest claiming a dragon. I hope this will cease your worries, my Prince."
It did indeed, and Daemon's shoulder slumped down, but he was curious still. "How did you do that?"
"R'hllor guides me, my Prince. He grants me abilities, and I use the power he offers me. In return, I spread the word. I'm his servant." Kinvara said with a soothing voice as she walked closer to Daemon. Now standing just one foot away from him, she was as tall as him. Her hand reached up, touching his chest.
Daemon felt warmth spread in his body, as if her hand was made of flames. "Perhaps you would want me to show you more," Kinvara added with an alluring smile. Leaning closer to him, her red lips were inches away from his, and her warm breath tickled his face.
'My Wild Dragon.'
Daemon leaned away from her, grasping her wrist. Her skin felt soft and warm, softer than everything he had ever touched. "You work for my son, and he trusts your words, but I'm warning you. If you betray him, I will not hesitate to cut you down." Daemon promised with a cold glare, hoping it would scare her off, but the Red Lady didn't seem bothered by his words.
Kinvara smiled in return. "I know that, my Prince, but you have no reason to fear for your son. He made me a deal, and I'm helping him, and in return he will do something for me. Is only fair, no?"
Daemon didn't like the sound of that. He knew The Red Lady wasn't doing this for free, after all, unless it came from a family member. Nothing in this world was free, but his son had yet to tell him what this price was and if it was really worth it. "He promised you something. I want to know what it was," Daemon demanded, and this made Kinvara smile in triumph.
Rhaenyra
She looked down at the three ships from afar; she knew he was there. She didn't understand why he had come here, but she would make it clear that she wouldn't return to King's Landing. She wasn't his little daughter anymore; she was a dragon rider and would soon be a warrior.
"Descend." She ordered, and her dragon dove towards the sea. The ships got closer and closer until she pulled on the saddle's horn, and Syrax quickly flew upwards, almost colliding with the ship's crow nest.
After returning back to Dragonstone, Rhaenyra wanted to wait for her father in the old Throne Room of Dragonstone, but Aenar and Daemon insisted that they should keep their hostility towards him a secret instead of making it obvious to everyone.
Rhaenyra did not understand why they needed to hide their true emotions. They were dragons. They held more power than the rest of Westeros. Her father had the crown, but he held no real power. He had no dragon to back him. Balerion died many years ago, and her father never tried to bond with another dragon. Despite being the King of Westeros, he was the one with less power than anyone else in House Targaryen.
But she wanted to respect Aenar's wishes, so she waited on the docks; three carriages were prepared to ride them to the castle, and Nyra was hoping her father hadn't brought his 'Queen.' The only Queen Westeros had was Queen Alysanne of House Targaryen.
Soon, the ships stopped before the docks, and the sailors quickly let go of the anchor. The ropes were thrown from the board and tied to the metallic holders on the docks. A wooden bridge was slowly dropped, connecting the ship's board with the pier.
Rhaenyra felt her blood boil as her father was the first to show himself the moment their eyes met. A smile engulfed his face, and Nyra watched as her father quickly walked to the dock and strode towards her. The smile on his face only grew, and Rhaenyra could do nothing as his arms went around her.
"Rhaenyra, I have missed you," her father said wholeheartedly, sighing with relief as he hugged her.
Rhaenyra had to bite her lower lip to stop herself from pushing him away and screaming at him, but she reminded herself that she needed to say something back to him and not just stand there like a statue. "Did Great Grandmother come with you?" She asked almost blankly, looking around, hoping to see her.
If Viserys noticed her lack of enthusiasm upon seeing him, he did a good job hiding it. As they pulled away, he turned to face Aenar and Daemon.
"Brother, it's good to see you again." Daemon greeted him kindly enough, giving him a one-arm hug before pulling away. The King smiled nervously before turning to face his nephew.
"Aenar...How are you?" Viserys asked, feeling a little awkward, knowing his nephew had every reason to dislike him.
"I have been better, your grace. Welcome to Dragonstone." Aenar said with enough courtesy than he deserved.
The King let out a resigned sigh before turning around, and the others followed his gaze; walking out of the ship was Alicent Hightower, rubbing her belly, followed by two Kingsguards.
Rhaenyra felt her blood boil the closer this woman walked toward them. She had the audacity to smile at them, walking with her head held high.
"This my new wife, and your new Queen, Alicent Hightower Targaryen." Her father introduced her as he placed his arm around her shoulder before pushing her gently towards Rhaenyra. The new Queen smiled triumphantly before showing her hand to Rhaenyra, and she had no other choice but to shake her hand.
"It's good to see you in Good Health. I suppose being Queen. This makes me your new mother, and you are my daughter now." Rhaenyra's grip around her palm tightened instantly, causing Alicent to wince. Syrax nearby let out a roar of anger, spreading her wings threateningly; Caraxes quickly got in her way before roaring back at her to not do anything.
While Rhaenyra felt her heart boiling, she had never hated someone as much as Alicent at this moment. "You whor—" "It's good to meet you, Queen Alicent." Before she knew it, Aenar had pulled her hand away from Alicent's hand, and now he was shaking her hand and exchanging pleasantries with her.
Rhaenyra could not believe her eyes. The whore that had married her father, she had the audacity to call her 'Daughter,' and the worst, she was calling herself 'Mother' of her.
She fumed and glared at the whore of Westeros; she looked down at her belly, knowing a child was growing there, someone that would one day try to usurper her Throne. She glared at the belly before her eyes went to her father. The one who had betrayed all of them. He didn't seem to notice her anger; he was smiling as if nothing was wrong.
She took a step forward to slap Alicent in the face when a hand grabbed her wrist from behind; she struggled, but the grip only tightened more.
"Enough, Rhaenyra. Remember what my son told you, keep your anger inside." Rhaenyra didn't want to listen. This whore didn't deserve to be called by the same title as her Muna; she didn't deserve anything; she deserved to burn, she and the...the...Rhaenyra's struggles against her uncle's grip eased, and she eventually stopped struggling.
Daemon let go of her before taking charge and decided to help them to their carriages that would ride them to Dragonstone.
Rhaenyra remained silent and walked after Aenar. She knew her father was calling her to enter the same carriage as him, but she ignored his orders and wasted no time closing the door of the second carriage and locking the door just to be sure.
Only she and Aenar were in the carriage, and the rider outside told the horses to start riding towards the castle.
"Rhaenyra, are you alright?" Aenar asked, concerned, reaching out and touching her shoulder, but the Princess snapped her eyes at him. All the anger and rage suddenly disappeared and turned into something else entirely.
"Fuck Me," Rhaenyra commanded before giving him a searing kiss, almost taking his breath away.
"Rhae—Rhaenyra, your father will hear us." He warned her, trying to stop her.
"I don't care." She said dismissively, working the belt of his pants before sharing another searing kiss with him. She cared not who listened to them, let them hear her, let the Whore Queen hear everything.
Later
"It's been a long time since I have walked this hall." Viserys said with a hint of longing as he looked around Harrenhal's Throne room. His every step echoed as his boots made contact with the vulcanic stone that made the floor.
"Not much has changed, brother," Daemon said politely as the two looked at the Throne. Where is our grandmother?" he eventually asked after a moment of silence. Daemon had hoped she would be here; having her with them would make this visit much more bearable.
Viserys sighed wearily, rubbing his face. He felt exhausted, and he would much rather talk about something else. "She didn't come. I left Otto to rule in my stead until I returned to King's Landing. I invited her to come with her, but she refused, saying she would rule in my stead. She is...she is not speaking with me." Viserys said with a defeated voice, looking down at his feet for a moment before looking back at his brother, who made circles around him.
"I wonder why. It couldn't possibly be because you betrayed us," Daemon said accusingly, glaring at his brother as he stopped walking and turned to face him fully. Since they were alone right now, he could say what he had wanted to say to his brother since the day he decided to betray his family.
Viserys flinched before taking a step back, a little taken aback by Daemon's sudden change in demeanor. "I didn't betray anyone." He defended himself, but his words only made it worse as Daemon fumed and growled at his big brother.
"Yes, you did. I told you. I warned you time and time again to not spend time with that Hightower whore." "Do not call her that!" Viserys shouted at him. Now, he was the one glaring at his little brother, but Daemon scoffed at him.
"I'm calling her by her proper title, big brother. You chose her over your own family, you betrayed us, you played right into her trap like a mouse after cheese. You betrayed your own daughter." Daemon accused him, his voice growing with each word he spat from his mouth.
"I did not betray her. I did not betray anyone. I was just doing the right thing."
"The Right Thing?!" Daemon burst into laughter; he held his stomach, laughing for quite a while before regaining his composure; he looked down at him, looming over him as if he was a demon in human form. "My Son. You Betrayed My SON!!" Daemon shouted now, anger growing, all the anger he had bottled up now releasing like a volcano. Caraxes roared outside in anger.
"I would have forgiven you if you went against my word, but Aenar..." Daemon growled like a dragon as he loomed over Viserys, causing the King of the Seven Kingdoms to back away from him. "Aenar had nothing to do with anything, the people in that crowd called him the 'Heir' and that was enough for you to decide to ruin everything we have been building for so long."
"I didn't ruin anything."
"YES, you DID. You blow it all up. But I think I know why you went against my son; this is not because of what the crowd said. No. I know you are a simpleton, but you are not that stupid. It was the Hightower Whore, wasn't it? You were angry that the people of King's Landing didn't seem to care for your son, and she exploited that anger. She convinced you that Aenar was your enemy. And what did you do? Oh, right, YOU BETRAYED YOUR OWN FAMILY FOR NOTHING!!" Daemon roared in anger, his hands closing and opening; he felt like punching something before swinging his fist forward; it echoed as his knuckles hit the wall near Viserys's head.
He tried to remind himself what his grandfather had told him on his deathbed.
'Protect your brother, Daemon. Promise me that you will protect him. Viserys needs more protection than he realizes.' Daemon had promised his grandfather never to be against his brother, but as much as it pained him to do it, his son would ALWAYS be above any promise he has made.
Daemon looked at Viserys. Despite all the shouting, his brother showed no fear; he was never afraid of him. But his eyes were foggy, and Daemon almost felt bad for causing it. He had wanted to say those words for a long time, and now, he would say what he had wanted to say since that day.
"Your daughter, you forced her to choose, and she made that choice. I don't know what is going through your head, but we didn't manipulate her to come with us. She came on her own accord. She chose my son over you because you turned your back on the family the moment you forced my son into a fruitless marriage and made your daughter Heir to the Throne. How did you not think that Rhaenyra would retaliate? You knew damn well that she loves my son." Daemon claimed as he backed away from Viserys.
"I know what went through your head. You wanted to make up for your own mistakes with Aemma for cutting her open like she was some pig for slaughter, and you forced Aenar to marry the whore so there would be no chance of him marrying Rhaenyra and becoming King that way. You think yourself smart, but I knew the truth the moment you made that decision public." Daemon said what he had wanted to say, and Viserys was left with his mouth closed, not knowing what to say.
"If I were you. I would sail back to King's Landing right now, and take your whore with you." Daemon said with a shake of his head, turning on his heels, ready to leave the hall. He had nothing else left to say.
"Not without Rhaenyra. I want her to come with me. I want my daughter back." Daemon almost scoffed but somehow suppressed that.
"And if she doesn't want you, will you drag her to your ship? I will give you one advice, brother. Do not even try it. Rhaenyra is not just angry; she's furious with you. If you try to talk her into coming back with you. I fear of what she might say to you. So, listen to me this one time. Take your whore of a Queen, and sail back to King's Landing. Let Rhaenyra here until she calms down. It might take a year, or two. But I guess that's your punishment for your stupid decision." Not waiting to see what else he would say, Daemon walked out of the chamber.
Night - Rhaenyra
"How are the preparations going with the Step Stones?" Alicent broke the silence in the dining chamber of Dragonstone.
Rhaenyra remained numb and started into her food. She had hoped her father would leave the island after her uncle told him to, but instead, her father had decided to stay here for the day and leave tomorrow at first light, using the excuse that he wanted his family together. Rhaenyra wasn't sure what he wanted to achieve with this 'Dinner,' but she cared not; the sooner he left, the better.
"Good, Lord Corlys is helping us. If everything goes according to the plan, we should have them runing back to the sea within a month, or two at most. But the Free Cities will keep sending ships, and we should try to talk with them to reach a deal, or go through this the old way." Aenar answered with courtesy. Out of all of them, Aenar was the only one keeping his emotions in check and the only one giving any answers.
Alicent eyed the Princess; she had hoped to spend time with Aenar and the Princess. But she had no opportunity to do so as soon as they walked out of their carriages. Rhaenyra dragged the Prince away, and both took their dragons and decided to explore the place for three hours.
Once they returned, the dinner was prepared, and Alicent had no chance of spending alone time with him. She had wanted to explore Aegon's garden with Aenar, but the Prince had avoided her because of Rhaenyra dragging him away.
Alicent could not believe how easy she was to read. Despite being the Princess and now Heir to the Throne. Rhaenyra Targaryen was as easy to read as an open book. She didn't even try to hide her true emotions, and Alicent already knew the rumors she could spread in the Red Keep. By the end, she will be known as 'The Realm's Whore' instead.
Her eyes moved away from the Princess, focusing on the strange lady serving them. She was wearing a beautiful green gown and was quite stunning, but she couldn't help but feel uneasy from her red eyes like blood. She knew people could have purple eyes and even green eyes like the Tyrells, but she had never heard of red eyes.
The lady poured her wine with courtesy. "Thank you, lady..." "Lady Kinvara, your grace. I wish you good luck with your pregnancy." She sang the words, and Alicent didn't understand why she found her unsettling; she was just a good servant doing her job.
"Thank you, my lady. We are hoping it's a boy." Viserys thanked the good lady. Kinvara bowed her head before walking to the other side of the square table, pouring wine for Rhaenyra and Daemon. Aenar covered his cup when she tried to pour some wine for him, making it clear that he wasn't in the mood to drink.
Viserys kept discussing the Step Stones with Aenar, and the Prince answered truthfully. Eventually, the discussion led to the pregnancy once again.
"The Maester believes that I will have no problem delivering the prince to this world." Alicent said with a genuine smile, and Viserys smiled wholeheartedly, reaching down to touch her belly.
Rhaenyra remembered when her father used to do the same with her mother. The way his eyes would lighten up. Their smiles, and now this whore was in her mother's place.
"Not the first time my father wanted a boy. How many times did you try it with Muna? Was it five or seven times? Because I always forget." "Rhaenyra."
"Oh, it was six times. He would have gone for the seventh time, but my Muna couldn't handle it anymore and he cut her open—" "Rhaenyra enough," Viserys said again, this time much louder.
Rhaenyra smiled at him, but it wasn't a genuine smile. She was mocking him as she drank more wine; she grimaced before asking. "How many times will you try this time before you decide to cut—" "Rhaenyra. Enough." This time, it was Aenar who placed his hand on her shoulder. She almost scoffed at him before deciding to listen to him and instead drink her wine and forget the pain.
"Anything new in King's Landing, your grace?" Aenar led the talking, and Viserys seemed relieved that his daughter had stopped.
They listened as Viserys described how things were in King's Landing. He even told them about the missing supplies and no one knowing where they went. They all listened, and then he brought up the Red Lady.
"You haven't captured her yet?"
"I'm afraid not. The Gold Cloaks have been trying to track her down for months now, but she always manages to slip away in time." Viserys answered with a shake of his head, not noticing the sly smile on Lady Kinvara's face.
To Viserys and Alicent, she appeared like a young lady with a green gown, red eyes, and blonde hair. But Daemon, Rhaenyra, and Aenar could see what she really looked like.
"I need your help on this, Daemon. I have no doubts that you can capture her within a month. What do you say?" Viserys proposed with a half smile. This little visit hadn't turned as he had hoped. His daughter was clearly avoiding him like the plague and had yet to exchange words with him that weren't insulting.
"I'm afraid I'm busy, your grace. I promised Lord Corlys that I would help him with the Step Stones, and I'm sure the Gold Cloaks can capture this woman. Not the first time someone managed to slip away from the Gold Cloaks." Daemon said dismissively as he placed the roasted chicken in his mouth.
"Usually, I would agree with you, brother. But a week ago. Three Holy Brothers were found dead on the side of the road." Viserys said with a grave voice.
I'm sure The Seven can find more rats to fill their place, Rhaenyra wanted to say but held her tongue. Her eyes traveled to Lady Kinvara across the room for the first time. She didn't know the Red Priestess well, but she was serving House Targaryen, and that was more than enough for her to be trustworthy to Rhaenyra.
"Their death forced the High Priest to come and visit me in the Red Keep." This quickly made Aenar and Daemon hum silently, knowing what he could have wanted.
"What did he want?"
"To arm the Faith so they can protect themselves from those who want to harm them." This made the entire room fall silent. The words hung over their heads as everyone's eyes were on Viserys. Nothing could be heard but the sound of the fire cracking on the hearth.
"...What was your answer?" Daemon finally asked, already knowing what his brother could have said.
"I approved of it. The Holy Brothers need to feel safe. I won't have another one die in my city," Viserys answered, smiling at Alicent, who smiled back at him. Then he looked back at the rest of his family and only now noticed the looks of disbelief and anger.
"You...You armed the Faith, the very same Faith that has been in our necks since we conquered Westeros. Have you lost your wits?" Daemon shouted, standing up in anger.
"It will only be temporary, brother. Once the Red Lady is captured, they will give up their weapons." Viserys tried to reason. This wasn't how this dinner was supposed to go. He wanted them to dine together and mend their broken relationships.
"And you think that's what will happen?" Daemon questioned rhetorically. "The Faith approved of the deal with King Jaehaerys because of what happened during Maegor's reins. The man killed and burned who knows have many of them. Whatever power they had left was almost gone, and that's why they agreed to that deal. And you decided to give them back that power." Daemon said accusingly, shaking his head in disappointment. Viserys opened his mouth to defend himself when someone else spoke.
"What my father is trying to say is that you should have thought of the common people, your grace. The Gold Cloaks are the one who are armed and have the right to use strength to protect the city. I think the people of King's Landing respect the Gold Cloaks, and they know them. The Holy Brothers, while they are good people. They have never be seen with weapons, and the sight of weapons might put fear in the people's heart. Make them think they should listen to everything they say, this fear might cause them to do something drastic, because as I said. The Gold Cloaks are the one who should handle The Red Lady and her followers. If the holy brothers abuse their power. This might cause the opposite intented effect your grace. It might cause many to join the Red Lady and be against the Faith of The Seven." These words caused Viserys to turn pale, but it was nothing compared to Queen Alicent, who seemed on the verge of passing out.
Aenar had hoped something like this would happen. He knew the death of the holy brothers would force the High Priest's hand. He would try to find any way to supply his little army with weapons to regain back the power they had lost during Maegor's Reign. The people who had already started following Kinvara were all willing to fight for her, but he knew that group was still too small compared to the population of King's Landing. But since the Holy Brothers were now armed, it increased the chances of little 'accidents' happening, and all needed was one of them, and the whole table would turn around. Suddenly, the High Priest would be the one losing everything.
"How did Queen Alysanne agree to this decision?" Rhaenyra questioned, and from the way, Viserys averted his eyes. They already knew he hadn't asked and made the decision himself.
"I think it's getting too late, brother." Daemon said with a sigh of disappointment. Aenar and Rhaenyra stood up to follow him out of the chamber.
"Rhaenyra, I want to speak with you alone," Viserys quickly said before she could walk out of the chamber. She pondered whether she should just ignore him, but she knew he wouldn't leave this place without talking to her.
The others walked out of the chamber, and the door was closed. Rhaenyra stood on the other side of the table holding a goblet of wine, with her father staring at her with love.
"Rhaenyra, I have been wanting to talk with you the whole day. How are you doing here? Do you want—" "What do you want, your grace?" Rhaenyra interrupted him, spitting the words with venom, and Viserys's face fell. He felt as if someone punched him in the gut. He tried to walk over to her, but the look he received made it clear that she didn't want him closer.
"Rhaenyra. I heard news that you want to fight this war in the Step Stones." This made the Princess narrow her gaze in suspicious as she put down her goblet with wine.
"Who told you that?" She demanded, anger slipping into her voice.
"Is it true that you want to fight Rhaenyra?" Viserys demanded, ignoring her question.
"Who told you?" Rhaenyra demanded again, this time much louder, glaring at her father.
"From your reaction, it's true, then. You want to risk your life for a meaningless war," Viserys said with a disapproving look.
"Since when do you care about me?"
"I care about you, Rhaenyra. You are my daughter, and I won't have you risk your life in this war, not you. You are my Heir, and this visit in Dragonstone is coming to an end. Tomorrow at first light you will come with me. You will return back to The Red Keep."
Rhaenyra glared at him. Syrax's roar was heard outside, and the rain could not silence her roars of anger. "Then I'm disobeying your orders, your grace."
Viserys knew this would happen, so as much as it pained him to say it, he would. "If you disobey me, you will no longer be my heir." Viserys threatened her with the only card he had left on the table.
"Go ahead then. Do you really think I will ever want to be near you after you betrayed me?" She spat the words with venom.
"Rhaenyra. I'm really sorry." "I Don't Want To Hear Your APOLOGY." Rhaenyra shouted at him, with tears running down her cheeks.
"I understand you wanted a son. I do not blame you for that, and my mother loved you and she wanted to give you a son with all her heart. I would have forgiven you for that. But...BUT YOU BETRAYED ME, YOU BETRAYED HER MEMORY, HER LOVE FOR YOU. ALL THAT MEANT NOTHING TO YOU."
"Rhaenyra, that's not true."
"You Married That WHORE A MONTH AFTER MUNA'S DEATH, YOU FORCED AENAR TO CHOOSE BECAUSE OF YOUR JELAOUSY AND EGO." Rhaenyra screamed all her anger and emotions out as she glared at her father, who seemed to have shrunk down, looking beaten and defeated.
"Please, daughter. Please Stop."
"You. Betrayed. Your. Family. I HATE YOU." Those words cut deep into Visery's heart, deeper than any sword. His knees buckled, and he fell on his knees, tears running down his cheeks as he sobbed, his crown slipping from his head, his forehead touching the floor. Rhaenyra had said the same words Aemma told him in his dream. He was truly without his family anymore.
He was lost.
Rhaenyra sobbed quietly. She tried to hide them, but she couldn't anymore as she looked down at the person who was her father; she wiped away the tears as she tried to regain her composure. "Go ahead. I don't care to be your Heir, and I will fight in this war. I don't need your permission anymore. I will fight out there without fear. Like Queen Rhaenys Targaryen." Rhaenyra declared determinedly as she fully regained her composure; the tears stopped.
A part of her wanted to help her father stand up; he was still her father, but her rage quickly snuffed out all thoughts. She had no more reason to stay here.
She made her way to the door, reached up, and moved the handle, opening the door.
Will you ever...
Rhaenyra slowly turned her head to look at her father, who was still on his knees, looking at her now.
"What?"
"Will you ever find it in your heart to forgive me? Please tell me. What can I do to make things better. Please. I will do everything."
Rhaenyra chewed on her lower lip, the anger returning to her heart. "Tomorrow, you will sail back to King's Landing, and to forgive you. I don't think I can ever forgive you for what you did. But if you want to help me. Otto Hightower. Put Great Grandmother Alysanne as Hand of the King, and make sure the holy Brothers are no longer armed. Those rats are not and will never be our allies. Once this war is over. I will return to King's Landing, it might take years, but I will. When I do, you will approve, and marry me to Aenar Targaryen and Laena Velayron."
If you want to Read 18 More Chapters Right Now. Search 'Drinor Patreon' on Google and Click the First LINK
NOTE: Aenar already figured the High Priest would want to arm his men when the Holy Brothers started dropping like flies. He was counting on Viserys approving and arming the Holy Brothers. This would make the next step of his plan even easier to achieve, but Aenar had a Plan B if Viserys had refused.