Heirs of the Dragon

Rhaenyra watched from the balcony. Elena was currently sparring with Ser Longwood of the Dragon Guard. The wind blew against her skin, marking that winter was on its way.

"You cold, Princess?" A voice called from behind.

Rhaenyra turned her head. Rhys was leaning against the stone wall. His black hair glowed in the sunlight along with his piercing blue eyes. His arms, neck, and back were covered in black marking. Showing that he was a Shadowhound.

"Shadowhound."

Rhys chuckled. Coming to stand beside her, Elena had pulled her sword and was holding it inches away from Ser Longwood's neck.

"I'm surprised you're not down there with her." He said.

"I decided not to engage today. As I have to be back in King's Landing," Rhaenyra replied.

Rhys snapped his fingers. Black smoke moved across the sky, glowing purple as it spun around before a glass of red liquid formed in his hand.

Wine.

Rhys brought the cup to his lips and took a long sip. "Well, if you leave now, you can be back before anyone notices."

Rhaenyra was about to reply. When an arrow shot past her, knocking Rhys's drink out of his hand,

"Are you two done?"

Rhaenyra laughed. As she gazed at Rhys, his jaw was wide open. Rhaenyra gently closed it. Before walking down to join Elena,

"What was that?" Rhaenyra whispered. As they walked toward Syrax. Elena's eyes lit up, and she laughed.

"It's just you and Rhys." Elena confessed. "You guys always seem to be at each other."

Rhaenyra smiled. "Well, he's quite the charmer."

"That he is." Elena agreed.

Elena hugged her tightly, knowing this was the last time they would see each other for a while.

"Kesan, return naejot ao, Elena. Ñuha muña iksis lēda riña se istin ñuha lēkia iksis āzma. Kesan sagon dāez." Rhaenyra spoke in High Valyrian, trying to comfort her.

(I will return to you, Elena. My mother is with a child, and once my sister is born, I will be free.)

Elena shook her head. "Kesā dōrī drējī sagon dāez hen se pāletilla, Rhaenyra. Issa aōha gaomilaksir naejot se realm, hae iā ābra. Iksā se dārys's first-born riña; lo aōha muña tepagon sikagon naejot iā valītsos, kesā sagon forced naejot gaomagon tolie ra naejot kostilus se realm."

(You will never truly be free from the crown, Rhaenyra. It is your duty to the realm as a woman. You are the king's first-born child; if your mother gives birth to a boy, you will be forced to do other things to please the realm.)

Deep down, Rhaenyra knew she was right. If her mother did give birth to a boy, then she would have to serve the realm a different way. After all, that was why women lived to please men. That alone terrified her.

Elena's voice broke through her thoughts, and she stared blankly at her friend. Elena's face was full of concern as she stared back at her.

"I have to get back to King's Landing."

The ground around Syrax was burnt, and the remains of a sheep carcass lay around her. Black and burnt to ash.

As they approached, Syrax lifted her head, yawning. She took a step toward them, and Rhaenyra gently stroked her neck. Lowering her wing, Rhaenyra climbed into the saddle, tightening herself firmly in place.

Syrax let out a gentle snort, and Rhaenyra felt her shift beneath her.

"Soves."

(Fly)

Syrax roared before spreading her wings and leaping into the air. Her wings beat the air so loud that it sounded like thunder. Elena watched as Rhaenyra disappeared and nodded to Rhys to lower the barrier. "Geros ilas, ñuha raqiros." Elena whispered.

(Goodbye, my friend)

***

Flying through the clouds. Her hair blowing in the wind, Rhaenyra felt free as she flew across the sea. Syrax roared, letting it echo. Pulling on the reins, they dove down, and soon King's Landing appeared. Flying over to the Dragonpit and landing in front of the opening, the Dragonkeepers came and surrounded Syrax on either side.

"Dohaeras, Syrax!"

(Serve, Syrax)

Syrax only rumbled and lifted her head high.

"Umbas." One called.

(Wait)

"Rybas!" Another spoke.

(Focus)

Rhaenyra hopped down from Syrax with a grunt before sliding her hands up and down her neck. Purring, Syrax pushed toward Rhaenyra. Smiling, Rhaenyra turned, taking her gloves off. Walking towards where Alicent was waiting,

"Welcome back, Princess. I trust your ride was pleasant." Ser Harrold Westerling called from atop his white horse.

"Try not to look too relieved, ser." Rhaenyra smiled as she reached Alicent, Ser Westerling called after her.

"I am relieved. Every time that golden beast brings you back unspoiled, it saves my head from a spike." A smile making way onto his face.

Alicent stood on the steps to the carriage as Rhaenyra approached. "Syrax is growing quickly." She commented. "She'll soon be as large as Caraxes."

Rhaenyra smiled as an idea came to her. "That's almost large enough to saddle two."

Alicent turned her eyes back to Rhaenyra. "I believe I'm quite content as a spectator, thank you." Saying that, she turned and entered the carriage.

Rhaenyra's smile fell as she gazed at Syrax. Syrax held her gaze before turning as the Dragonkeepers gave her commands.

"Dohaeras." The Elder Dragonkeeper spoke calmly.

(Serve)

Syrax grumbled, shaking her head and roaring.

"Naejot!" The Elder Dragonkeeper called.

(Forward)

Syrax roared again but obeyed. Turning away toward the opening to the Dragonpit, Rhaenyra watched as she disappeared into the darkness of the tunnel.

***

The ride to the Red Keep was quiet. The sound of people talking and children screaming reached Rhaenyra's ears. The noises that once distracted her were now in the back of her mind. The only thought that remained was her mother.

The Queen was heavily pregnant with her sixth child. The Queen had lost one in the cradle. While two of her previous pregnancies had ended in stillbirths , the others ended before their term.

Rhaenyra was worried. This pregnancy seemed harder than the others before it. Physicians, maesters, and midwives were there around the clock to ensure the safety of the child. They walked down the halls of the Red Keep heading for the Queen's chambers. As the doors opened, the Queen smiled at her.

"Ah... Rhaenyra." The queen said lightly. "You know I don't like you to go flying while I'm in this condition."

"You don't like me to go flying while you're in any condition." Rhaenyra responded, coming to sit in front of her mother.

Alicent bowed her head, respectively. "Your Grace."

The queen smiled, "Good morrow, Alicent."

"Did you sleep?" Rhaenyra asked. Seeing how tired her mother was,

"I slept."

"How long?" Rhaenyra pressed.

"I don't need mothering, Rhaenyra." Her mother's voice was firm.

"Well, here you are, surrounded by attendants, all focused on the babe." Rhaenyra pointed out. "Someone has to attend to you."

"You will lie in this bed soon enough, Rhaenyra." The queen said gently. "This discomfort is how we serve the realm."

"I'd rather serve as a knight and ride to battle and glory." Rhaenyra said bravely. Over the years since meeting Elena, she had trained more with a sword more than learning politics.

The Queen laughed, and for the first time all day, Rhaenyra saw her mother smile.

"We have royal wombs, you and I. The child bed is our battlefield. We must learn to face it with a stiff lip." Her mother explained. "Now take a bath. You stink of dragon."

By the time Rhaenyra and Alicent left the Queen, She was late for her father's council meeting. She raced through the halls as she approached; the guards opened the door. The room was thick with tension; she reached for the wine and made her way to her father.

"Rhaenyra, you're late. The King's cupbearer must not be late. Leaves people wanting for cups." Viserys said as she reached his side.

"I was visiting Mother." Rhaenyra said, kissing his cheek and pouring wine into his cup.

He leaned in while taking a breath. "On dragonback?" he questioned.

Rhaenyra made her around the room as the meeting continued.

"Hey, Your Grace, at Prince Daemon's urging, the crown has invested significant capital in the retraining and re-equipping of his City Watch. I thought you might urge your brother to fill his seat on the council and provide an assessment of his progress as commander of the Watch." Lord Beesbury advised.

"Do you think Daemon is distracted by his present tasks? And that his thoughts and energies are occupied?" Viserys questioned.

"Well, one would hope so, considering the associated costs." Then let us all consider your gold well-invested, Lord Beesbury." Viserys said, silencing him.

"I would urge that you not allow this Triarchy much latitude in the Stepstones, Your Grace. If those shipping lanes should fall, it will beggar our ports." Lord Corlys explained.

"The crown has heard your report, Lord Corlys, and takes it under advisement." Otto Hightower said, ending the conversation.

"Shall we discuss the Heir's Tournament, Your Grace?" Otto asked.

"I would be delighted." Viserys said happily. "Will the maesters' name day prediction hold, Mellos?"

"You must understand that these things are mere estimations, my King, but we have all been poring over the moon charts, and we feel that our forecast is as accurate as it can be." Mellos responded.

"The cost of the tournament is not negligible. Perhaps we might delay until the child is in hand?" Lord Beesbury suggested'

"Ugh, most of the lords and knights are certainly on their way to King's Landing already. To turn them back now…" Lord Strong said.

"The tourney will take the better part of a week." Viserys interrupted. "Before the games are over, my son will be born, and the whole realm will celebrate."

"We have no way of predicting the sеx of the child." Mellos pointed out.

"Of course, no maester's capable of rendering an opinion free of conditions, are they now?" The room went quiet. "There's a boy in the Queen's belly. I know it. And my heir will soon put all of this damnable hand-wringing to rest himself."

Rhaenyra felt her blood boil. How was her father so sure the child would be a boy? For all they knew, it could be a girl.

After the council meeting, Ser Westling came to her, and she was surprised to hear that Daemon wanted to meet with her. As they walked down the hall, leading to the throne room, Rhaenyra felt her anxiety grow. Why was he here? Why now? She asked herself.

"He passed through the Red Keep's gates at first light." Ser Westling had told her.

"Does my father know he's here?" Rhaenyra asked.

"No." Was all he said.

"Good." Rhaenyra knew it wouldn't be good if her father found out that he was here.

The door opened, and Ser Westling gasped upon seeing Daemon sitting on the Iron Throne.

"Gods be good."

"It's all right, ser." Rhaenyra said before descending the stairs.

"Skoros gaomagon ao pendagon ao sagon doing, uncle?" Her voice echoed throughout the room.

(What do you think you're doing, uncle?)

"Sitting. Bisa could sȳrī sagon ñuha chair mēre tubis."

(Sitting. This could well be my chair one day.

"Daor lo ao sagon executed syt treason." Rhaenyra said as she walked closer to the throne. "Ao haven't māzigon naejot court isse iā age."

(Not if you're executed for treason. You haven't come to court in an age)

"Court iksis sīr dreadfully boring."

(Court is so dreadfully boring)

"Pār skoro syt māzigon arlī rȳ mirre?" Rhaenyra asked; her heart was beating so loud that she thought he could hear. Daemon had stayed away from the Red Keep for so long, leaving her to face her father alone. Stopping in front of the Iron Throne, Rhaenyra stared at him.

(Then why come back at all?)

"Nyke ryptan aōha kepa iksin hosting iā tournament isse ñuha rigle." He replied.

(I heard your father was hosting a tournament in my honor)

"Se tournament iksis syt zȳhon dārilaros." Rhaenyra bit back the anger inside of her.

(The tournament is for his heir)

"Sepār hae vestan." He said, leaning forward. Rhaenyra eyed his hand as a loud jangle of something hit her ears.

(Just as I said)

"Zȳhon arlie dārilaros." Rhaenyra informed him

(His new heir)

"Ēva aōha muña maghagon forth iā son… iksā mirre qrimbrōstan lēda nyke." He said, standing up and making his way to her.

(Until your mother brings forth a son… you are all cursed with me)

"Pār nyke kessa hope syt iā lēkia." Rhaenyra pulled her hands behind her and tried not to smile as he stood in front of her with a smile of his own.

(Then I shall hope for a brother)

"I bought you something." Daemon said as he held up the necklace for her inspection. Rhaenyra carefully touched it and ran her fingertips across the smooth Valyrian steel. "Do you know what it is?"

"It's Valyrian steel. Like Dark Sister." Daemon snatched the necklace from her hands. Rhaenyra pulled her arm back behind her and stared up at him.

"Turn around." Rhaenyra stared at him before obeying. Moving her hair to the side. Rhaenyra nearly jumped out of her skin as Damon's hands came to rest on her neck for a moment before clasping the necklace together. "Now... You and I both own a small piece of our ancestry."

Rhaenyra faced him, letting her hair fall back and smiling.

"Gevie." Daemon commented as he stared at her.

(Beautiful)

"Thank you, Uncle, for the gift." Rhaenyra said, dropping the veil of High Valyrian, gently holding the necklace in her hand.

"You should go. Dear niece, I think someone is waiting for you, in the garden perhaps ." Daemon said.

Rhaenyra nodded. As she walked across the room and out the door, She cast one long look at Daemon as the door slid closed behind her.

A while later, she sat in the garden under the weirwood tree with her head in Alicent lap as she read a book of history.

"Did you read it?" Alicent asked, gazing down at her.

"Of course, I read it." Rhaenyra replied.

"When Princess Nymeria arrived in Dorne, who did she take to husband?" Alicent asked her.

"A man." Rhaenyra said, gazing up toward the open sky.

Alicent sighed."What was his name?"

"Lord, something."

"If you answer with "Lord Something," Septa Marlow will be furious." Alicent told her.

"She's funny when she's furious." Rhaenyra replied.

"You're always like this when you're worried." Alicent stated.

"Like what?" Rhaenyra questioned, knowing she was right.

"Disagreeable." Alicent stared down at her, eyebrows raised. Rhaenyra sighed, avoiding her gaze. "You're worried your father is about to overshadow you with a son."

"I only worry for my mother. I hope for my father that he gets a son. As long as I can recall, it's all he's wanted." Rhaenyra said, knowing full well that she was right. All her life, her father always talked about having a son, and as a child, he was only there for her important moments. Her mother always told her he needed an heir to inherit the iron throne, but Rhaenyra couldn't help wondering. Why hadn't she been born a boy?

"You want him to have a son?" Alicent asked.

"I want to fly with you on dragon-back, see the great wonders across the Narrow Sea, and eat only cake." Rhaenyra told her, hoping to change the subject.

"I'm being serious."

"I never jest about cake." Rhaenyra smiled up at her.

"You aren't worried about your position?" Alicent asked, sounding annoyed.

"I like this position. It's quite comfortable." Rhaenyra smiled. Alicent only glared and slammed the book shut. Standing up, she began to walk away.

Rhaenyra sighed "Where are you going?"

"Home. The hour has grown late." Alicent said.

Getting up, Rheanyra walked behind the God's Wood and started reciting a paragraph from the book: "Princess Nymeria led her Rhoynar across the Narrow Sea on 10,000 ships to flee their Valyrian pursuers. She took Lord Mors Martell of Dorne to husband and burned her own fleet off Sunspear to show her people that they were finished running." She soon finished, and with a swift movement ripped the page out of the book.

"What are you doing?" Alicent looked at her, alarmed.

"So you remember." Rhaenyra smiled, giving the page to her and began walking away.

"If-if the Septa sees this book, then…"

"Fսck the Septa." Rhaenyra called, interrupting her.

"Rhaenyra!"

They both erupted in laughter, and soon the bell sounded and they made their way inside the Red Keep. Parting ways, Rhaenyra made her way down the corridors before arriving at her chambers.

"Selena." Rhaenyra called. The sound of footsteps echoed throughout the corridor as the maid came fast around the corner.

"Yes, Princess?" She panted.

Rhaenyra laughed. Walking into her chambers and leaving the door open for Selena to follow. Selena had been one of the closest friends Rhaenyra had in Red Keep. They had known each other since childhood.

"I need to pick out a dress to wear for the tournament the following week." Rhaenyra told her.

Selena shut the door and nodded. "Which dress are you thinking about, Princess?"

Rhaenyra shrugged.

"May I suggest the red and gold or the black and gold dress? You haven't worn them yet…" Her voice trailed off as she stared at Rhaenyra.

"What is it?" Rhaenyra asked.

"He brought you more gifts." Selena said, pointing to the necklace around her neck.

"Doesn't he always?" Rhaenyra smiled as she touched the pendant. Unlike her father, Daemon had always showered her with gifts and attention whenever he returned to King's Landing. And spent a large amount of time with her whenever her parents were busy with their duties.

"Yes he has." Selena agreed. "Now why don't you undress and have a bath? You will be having dinner with the King tonight."

Rhaenyra nodded and started to undress as Selena prepared the bath. As Rhaenyra gazed in the mirror. She gasped. On her side lay three large bruises that were black and purple in color. She had been training pretty hard these days to help Elena win a war in her kingdom. As she had been doing over the years. Rhaenyra was often called The Dragon Queen in her realm, and she was known to be one of the best warriors.

"Princess? Are you all ri—" Selena stopped short, seeing the bruises. Stepping to her side, Selena gently reached forward, but before she could touch them. Rhaenyra pulled her garments back down.

"Don't touch them." Rhaenyra hissed.

"Sorry Princess, but what are those from?"

Rhaenyra paused. She had to come up with something fast. "I fell off my horse a few sunrises ago."

Selena looked at her, in shock. "Did Prince do that to you?"

"It was my fault." Rhaenyra said quickly. "He got scared and threw me off."

"Should I get the Maester?" Selena asked.

"No!" Rhaenyra said. "You can tell no one of what you've seen."

"But—" Grabbing her by the shoulders, Rhaenyra stared into Selena's eyes.

"You cannot tell anyone. Especially my father. Do you understand?" Rhaenyra couldn't begin to imagine what her father would do if he found out, or Daemon. And out of all of it, if her parents did find out about her injury, then all of her past injuries could be called into question.

"Yes Princess, I understand." Selena said slowly.

***

Rhys sat on the rough stone, listening to the forest around him. The moon was high in the sky, but casted little light. Starlight filled the water below, falling slowly, due to the ice; the waterfall was quiet.

Then he heard it.

Rhaenyra's heartbeat rang in his ears. He could feel her annoyance, anger, and boredom. "Looks like The Dragon Queen is dreading another family dinner." Rhys said to himself.

Rhaenyra often talked about her family and how being the King's firstborn child made her feel caged. And meeting Elena had given her freedom. She could help people and be respected by the realm. Rhaenyra had participated in battles, and had ended slavery; saving the lives of people gave her a purpose.

Rhys was always shocked by how people came to love her. When her own kingdom didn't even give her the respect she deserved. Rhys was always baffled about how she had to become two different people: a warrior in their realm and a princess who had no respect from her own people. One day, Rhaenyra had told him that the women in her realm were sheep and men were savage predators.

It made him sick to think that women are given no respect and are forced to live the lives of their houses just because of their sex.

"Rhys!"

Rhys turned, jumping to his paws. Nimbus appeared behind him, his dark gray fur slick against his sides.

Rhys tipped his head to the side. "Why are you wet?"

"Doesn't matter." Nimbus shook out his fur, and looked Rhys in the eyes. As if to challenge him.

Rhys rolled his eyes. "All right, I'm assuming you came here for something, not just to talk. So what is it?"

"Elena wants one of us to go to King's Landing." Nimbus said simply.

"Why?"

"To watch over Rhaenyra. Elena had a dream last night and she wants one of us to go to King's Landing." Nimbus explained.

Rhys shivered. He knew when Elena had dreams that it was either a good or bad sign. It meant something was about to happen, and in this case it meant something to Rhaenyra.

"I haven't been to King's Landing in many moons." Rhys said. "Nor can I go unnoticed, it might be best if you went instead of me."

It was true Nimbus had the power to freeze anything around him. While Rhys had the power to disappear and reappear as long as there were shadows or it was night. Otherwise he was powerless.

Nimbus nodded.

Rhys sighed. As a Shadow Hound, he was supposed to be one of the most powerful creatures of Elena's realm, but his true powers could only work in the depths of darkness. It made him feel powerless. He was supposed to protect Rhaenyra with his life. Not Nimbus.

Nimbus looked at him, sighing. He pressed his head to his chest. "It's not just your responsibility. I took an oath to protect her too."

Rhys nodded.

***

Rhaenyra was dressed that afternoon in a dramatic red dress with gold accents. Her hair was braided lace. Selena gently put the Valyrian steel necklace around her neck.

"You're beautiful, Princess." Selena said as Rhaenyra turned to face the mirror. "Any Lord won't be able to take their eyes off you."

Rhaenyra blushed at her words. "Thank you, Selena."

Selena nodded and silently left the room.

Finally alone, Rhaenyra looked round her chambers, making her way to the window. She breathed a sigh as the carriage came into view.

It was time.

The ride to the tournament was quiet, as Rhaenyra stepped out of the carriage. She was immediately surrounded by people cheering, and dogs barking. But as she started to walk to the box where Alicent and the rest of the royal family waited. A voice called from beside her.

"Rhaenyra." The voice gently called her name.

Looking around, Rhaenyra started to worry, her anxiety growing. Suddenly, she felt something soft rub against her leg. Rhaenyra looked down, her eyes connected with the Shadow Hound.

"Nimbus?" Rhaenyra whispered. Staring at the dark gray wolf in front of her. Looking up at her, Nimbus only nodded.

"Hello, Princess."

"What are you doing here?" Rhaenyra hissed. From behind the tree.

"Watching over you." Nimbus said simply, "Elena sent me."

Rhaenyra only stared at him. Why would Elena send Nimbus to watch over her? Was something wrong?

Nimbus stepped in behind her, shoving her forward. "Come on, Rhaenyra. We'll talk later; you need to go before anyone comes looking for you."

Rhaenyra nodded. "All right, but stay with me."

"Of course."

Rhaenyra made her way to her seat. Alicent smiled as she sat down. The crowd was going wild with excitement. From the corner of her eye, Rhaenyra saw Nimbus sitting in a fully open spot on the other side of the box. He shook his head at her and focused on the area below.

"Be welcome! I know many of you have traveled long leagues to be at these games. But I promise, you will not be disappointed. When I look at the fine knights in these lists, I see a group without equal in our histories. And this great day has been made more auspicious by the news... that I am happy to share: Queen Aemma has begun her labors!" Viserys said loudly, "May the luck of the Seven shine upon all combatants!

As Viserys finished his speech, the bells sounded. The tournament had begun.

The tournament was going as Rhaenyra expected. As the jousting started, Rhaenyra found herself following a young knight named Criston Cole throughout the games. Ser Harrold had told her that he was common-born, son of Lord Dondarrion's steward. But, no one knew why he had such great skill. Rhaenyra was surprised when Criston unseated both the Baratheons. Her stomach was in knots as Daemon made his way into the area.

The crowd cheered louder than before. Calling him the Prince of the City and the Rogue Prince as he rode past on his black stallion. His first opponent in the joust was Ser Gwayne Hightower of Oldtown, eldest son of the Hand of the King. Rhaenyra didn't miss the look on Otto's face as it was announced.

Daemon had unseated the young Lord in a heartbeat, and Rhaenyra smiled down at him as he approached. When he asked for Alicent's favor, Rhaenyra raised her eyebrow, but didn't say anything. Rhaenyra looked over her shoulder as her father and Otto walked away with Mellos.

Something is wrong. Looking over at NImbus. Rhaenyra felt sick as she gazed at him before looking over her shoulder.

Nimbus nodded and followed them at her silent request.

***

Paw steps echoed throughout the corridors of the Red Keep. As Nimbus walked after Viserys. Screaming could be heard as they approached the Queen's chambers.

No... Nimbus thought as he watched Viserys enter the room, and Nimbus caught sight of Aemma. She was screaming; the midwives were at her side, but seemed to do very little as she screamed in pain. The smell of blood overwhelmed his senses, as he slipped through the door.

"What's happening?"

Nimbus pricked his ears, listening to the conversation, but didn't take his eyes off Aemma. Sweat poured down her face along with tears as she tried but failed to push the babe out.

"The infant is in breech, Your Grace." Mellos explained. "All attempts to turn the babe have failed."

Viserys looked over at Aemma as she continued to scream. Nimbus could see emotions crossing over his face.

"Do something for her!" Viserys snapped.

"We've given her as much milk of the poppy as we can without risking the child. Your Queen is a strong woman." Mellos paused, looking at the Queen. "She's fighting with all her might, but it may not be enough."

Viserys slowly crossed the room, kneeling at her bedside.

"No…" Aemma grunted, as the midwife approached.

Nimbus watched as Viserys gently took her hand, while she pleaded for help. Nimbus felt Rhaenyra 's worry grow as he stared across the room, the midwives moved about. He suddenly understood why Elena had told him and Rhys to look out for Rhaenyra.

Nimbus lunged forward at the sight of a blade coming towards Aemma. But teeth grabbed his scuff, pulling him back. Teeth bared, Nimbus turned to Rhys.

What are you doing? They're going to kill her!

Rhys looked down at him, his eyes full of tears. I know.

Nimbus clawed at the stone floor in desperation as Aemma screamed and the smell of blood filled the room. With all his might, he fought against Rhys' hold, but to no avail. Nimbus shut his eyes as the screaming continued.

***

The waves crashed onto the rocks and the wind blew against her skin, but Rhaenyra couldn't feel anything as she stared blankly at the pyres in front of her. Syrax sat on the hill, letting out small sounds of grief.

"They're waiting for you." Daemon said softly, from behind her.

"Nyke pendagon lo, during lī dorolvie hours ñuha lēkia ēdas glaestan, ñuha kepa finally found biarves."

(I wonder if, during those few hours my brother had lived, my father finally found happiness)

"Aōha kepa jorrāelagon ao tolī sir than ziry mirre ēza." Daemon told her.

(Your father needs you more now than he ever has)

"Kesan dōrī sagon iā tresy." Rhaenyra turned her head, her father's expression was overcome with sadness and grief. Rhaenyra wondered if he felt guilty for what he had done. Why couldn't he just choose her? Why did she have to die?

(I will never be a son)

Stepping forward, Rhaenyra felt a lump in her throat as she gazed at Syarx. "D—" she broke off, and Syrax let out a low growl. Rhaenyra turned her head to look at her father before looking back at Syrax.

"Dracarys." Syrax snorted softly, making her way down the hill before setting the pyres ablaze. Rhaenyra stared into the flames as smoke filled the air.

The evening passed in a blur, all that was spoken were meanness words. Rhaenyra had lost many people in battle and attended many funerals but she'd never imagined she would have to attend her mother's.

The ride back to the Red Keep was deathly silent. Rhaenyra could feel her father's eyes on her, but did not voice anything, which Rhaenyra was grateful for. Her eyes burned with unshed tears.

As she made her way to her chambers, Selena met her at the door and when she opened her mouth Rhaenyra quickly shook her head and shut the door behind her with a loud thud. Once she heard Selena's footsteps fade away. Rhaenyra sank to the floor, head in hands, as sob after sob racked her body. A familiar presence surrounded her, and Rhaenyra couldn't help but push Rhys away as he reached out to hug her.

"Rhaenyra…"

"Go away!" She screamed. "You could have saved her, but you did nothing!"

"Rhaenyra, her fate was already sealed, you know, we can't interfere." Rhys said gently.

"Rhys that's enough, let her be."

Rhys opened his mouth to protest, but Nimbus shoved him away.

She's been through enough. Nimbus looked over his shoulder at Rhaenyra, who needed rest more than anything.

That night, Rhys and Nimbus slept beside Rhaenyra. Her dreams were full of blood, and the memories of her mother.

The memories flowed like water through her mind. When it was her fourth nameday, her mother and father had surprised her with books of Aegon the conqueror and his sister-wives Rhaenys and Visenya. It was one of the very rare times when they had spent time as a family.

***

The next day followed slowly. Rhaenyra spent the day in her chambers watching, and waiting for something, anything to happen. She refused to come out, and when the maids brought her something to eat, she just sat in bed, not even bothering to touch the food.Now night was falling. Nimbus lay beside her, his fur soft against her skin. Rhys lay at the end of the bed, watching the window.

Suddenly, Rhys sat up; ears pricked; his body was tense as he stared at the door.

Rhaenyra looked up from her book."What is it? Rhys?"

"Something's happening. I hear Daemon and Viserys arguing."

"What about?" Rhaenyra asks, focusing on him fully.

"Your father is furious about Daemon calling Baelon "The Heir for a Day." and it seems he is to go back to the Vale, and return to his wife, Lady Rhea, at once." Rhys informs her.

Later in the night, there was a knock at her door. Rhys and Nimbus tensed, but Rhaenyra flicks her fingers and they quickly jump off the bed, cloaking themselves with magic. Rhaenyra made her way to the door, opening it; she was surprised to see Ser Harrold and a few other members of Kingsguard outside her door.

"Ser Harrold, what is the meaning of this?"

My apologies Princess, but King Viserys has requested your presence at the shrine of Balerion's skull."

***

Walking down the Great Hall, Nimbus and Rhys at her sides. Rhaenyra felt her hammering heart was about to break.

"Balerion was the last living creature to have seen Old Valyria before the Doom. Its greatness and its flaws." Viserys turned to face her. "When you look at the dragons, what do you see?"

,

"What?" Rhaenyra stared at her father, confused. "You haven't spoken a word to me since Mother's funeral, and now you send your Kingsguard down…"

"Answer me." Viserys insisted. "It's important. "What do you see?"

"I suppose I see us." .

"Tell me."

"Everyone says Targaryens are closer to gods than to men, but they say that because of our dragons. Without them, we're just like everyone else." Rhaenyra explains.

"The idea that we control the dragons... is an illusion. They're a power man should never have trifled with. One that brought Valyria its doom. If we don't mind our own histories, it will do the same to us." Viserys paused, looking down at her. "Targaryen must understand this to be King... or Queen."

Rhaenyra stares at him. What does he mean Queen?

"I'm sorry, Rhaenyra. I have wasted the years since you were born, wanting for a son." Viserys takes her hand in his. "You are the very best of your mother. And I believe it. I know she did, that you could be a great ruling queen."

Rhaenyra's breath froze and her eyes burned, but Daemon, he was the heir. Swallowing Rhaenyra looked to Balerion's skull back to her father.

"Daemon is your heir." She told him.

"Daemon was not made to wear the crown. But I believe that you were."

"Corlys of House Velaryon, Lord of the Tides and Master of Driftmark." Mellos calls out.

Rhaenyra snapped out her thoughts by the sound of Mellos' voice, she gazed around the room hoping, praying to see his face.

"I, Corlys Velaryon, Lord of the Tides and Master of Driftmark, promise to be faithful to King Viserys and his named heir, the Princess Rhaenyra. I pledge fealty to them and shall defend them against all enemies in good faith and without deceit. I swear this by the old gods and the new."

"This is no trivial gesture, Rhaenyra. A dragon's saddle is one thing, but the Iron Throne is the most dangerous seat in the realm." Viserys' voice echoed throughout her mind.

"I, Lord Hobert Hightower, Beacon of the South, Defender of the Citadel, and Voice of Oldtown, promise to be faithful to King Viserys and his named heir, the Princess Rhaenyra. I pledge fealty to them and shall defend them against all enemies in good faith and without deceit. I swear this by the old gods and the new."

"I, Boremund Baratheon... promise to be faithful to King Viserys…"

"There's something else that I need to tell you. It might be difficult for you to understand, but you must hear it. Our histories... They tell us that Aegon looked across the Blackwater from Dragonstone, and saw a rich land ripe for the capture. But ambition alone is not what drove him to conquest. It was a dream. And just as Daenys foresaw the end of Valyria, Aegon foresaw the end of the world of men. 'Tis to begin with a terrible winter gusting out of the distant north."

"I, Rickon Stark, Lord of Winterfell…"

"Aegon saw absolute darkness riding on those winds. And whatever dwells within will destroy the world of the living. When this Great Winter comes, Rhaenyra... all of Westeros must stand against it. And if the world of men is to survive, a Targaryen must be seated on the Iron Throne. A king or queen, strong enough to unite the realm against the cold and the dark. Aegon called his dream "The Song of Ice and Fire." This secret... it's been passed from king to heir since Aegon's time. Now you must promise to carry it... and protect it. Promise me this, Rhaenyra. Promise me."

"I, Viserys Targaryen, first of his name... King of the Andals, and the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm, do hereby name... Rhaenyra Targaryen Princess of Dragonstone and heir to the Iron Throne."

Letting out a deep breath, Rhaenyra knew her life was never going to be the same.