Fire and Blood // Daemon Targaryen

9. Watch me win

'Prince Daemon of House Targaryen, Prince of the City, will now choose his first opponent!' the master of revels declared as Daemon made his way down the line of contenders. Walking back and forth before settling on his target he pointed his spear at Hightower the smuggest of looks on his face as he moved back. Davina quickly took her seat, Rhaenyra stared at her with a questioning look. Meanwhile Viserys bit his lip, he knew where his sister was, he knew where his brother was too. If they wanted to fuck each other that was their prerogative but to be late for the most glorious of celebrations... they should have some respect. Even the slightest for him and their family.

'For his first challenge, Prince Daemon Targaryen chooses Ser Gwayne Hightower of Oldtown, eldest son of the Hand of the King.' The master of revels declared as the dumbs picked up their pace with anticipation.

Davina loved the tournaments she also loved that she got to provoke her brother as much as possible on his oh so special day. Davina didn't mind his wife after all she had birthed Davina's favorite niece, a beautiful girl with adventure to match Davina. Davina loved and cherished Rhaenyra but her brother, Viserys, Davina was less than pleased with. Her twin however was a whole damn world he could do no wrong in her eyes and watching him massacre other contenders put a smile on her vindictive little face.

'Five dragons on Daemon.'

'Ya!' The horses squealed and shrieked as they set off. The crowd exclaimed with joy as the prince won. Daemon approached the viewing box.

'Nicely done, Uncle.' Rhaenyra said approaching him.

'Thank you, Princess.' Daemon smiled over at his sister. 'Davina my darling.' He declared and she got up coming to the edge. 'If I could have your blessing' Daemon said holding up his joust to her

'I think I already gave you my blessing.' she mused as she tossed her flower crown down onto the ring

'That you did,' Daemon agreed 'double the luck.'

'Imagine what I'll give you if you win the whole damn thing.' Davina said biting at her lip and he loved that smile that she gave him. Like it was reserved for him and entirely trouble. 'Do me proud brother I don't like rooting for a loser.' Davina told him with a grin

'Loser? Me?' he tsked at her 'please you know I always come in first.' davina sensed the double meaning behind it.

'Maybe you should try coming second.' she mused 'satisfy your opponent needs.' daemon licked at his lips. He opened his mouth to say something but he caught the eye of Viserys glaring at them.

'Oh sister... Watch me win.' he declared turning his horse around and getting ready. Davina took her seat as he got ready.

+

As the joust raged on the Queen Aemma was in a different kind of war. Aemma's screams and wails echoed but everyone was having to grand of a time to notice.

'What's happening?' Aemma questioned nervously as she panted for breath.

'The infant is in breech, Your Grace.'

'All attempts to turn the babe have failed.' They told her solemnly so her screams continued she was going to lose another child.

'Do something for her!' Viserys demanded when Mellos told him of Aemma's condition.

'We've given her as much milk of the poppy as we can without risking the child. Your Queen is a strong woman. She's fighting with all her might, but it may not be enough.' Viserys left the joust quickly he couldn't lose another chance at a son.

'No!' Aemma screamed out still trying to get the child from her womb.

'Aemma. Aemma... I'm here. I'm here.' Viserys coed coming to her side.

'Help me, please...' Aemma whispered through pained breaths.

'I'm here. It's all right. It's all right.' Viserys coed but men could never understand the pain of labor.

'I don't wanna do this.' Aemma murmured

'You're going to be all right. You're going to be all right.'

+

Metal struck down hard as the contenders were getting violent, lunging from their horses and taking their losses to heart, mutilating their competitors.

'Kill him!'

'And the day grows ugly.'

'I wonder if this is how we should celebrate the birth of our future king.' Davina whispered

' Hm?'

'With wanton violence.' She clarified. 'seems appropriate.' She added staring down at her brother.

'It's been 70 years since King Maegor's end.' Rhaenys reminded them 'These knights are as green as summer grass. None have known real war. Their lords sent them to the tourney field with fists full of steel and balls full of seed, and we expect them to act with honor and grace. It's a marvel that war didn't break out at first blood.'

'Mellos.' Viserys exclaimed

'Your Grace. If you would.' Mellos said urging the king away from his wife. 'During a difficult birth, it sometimes becomes necessary for the father... to make an impossible choice.'

'Well, speak it.' Viserys said urgently.

'To sacrifice one... or to lose them both. There is a chance that we can save the child. A technique is taught at the Citadel, which involves cutting directly into the womb to free the infant.' Mellos told him and Viserys listened intently. 'But the resulting blood loss...'

'Seven Hells, Mellos.' Viserys muttered he couldn't sacrifice his wife... could he? 'You can save the child?' Viserys questioned.

'We must either act now or leave it with the gods.' Mellos told him