Breakbones and the Dragonrider

Chapter 23

Rhaenyra stood on the deck of the ship, looking out at the Red Keep atop its high cliffs. Rhaenyra smoothed her red dress down, bracing herself for all of the uncertainties that she had been dwelling on. To quell the uneasy feeling in her stomach, she clung to the image of Syrax she had conjured. She knew Syrax would have to wait, but it was something.

Time seemed to slow, and before Rhaenyra registered the change in time, she found herself seated in a rowboat, headed for the boat landing inside the Red Keep. Laenor grabbed her hand, reassuring her as they sat beside each other.

In the distance, Rhaenyra made out a line of people, a royal greeting. Viserys had come to the steps, waiting for his beloved daughter's return. It wasn't until that moment, seeing Viserys leaning against his cane, that Rhaenyra felt at all eager to be home.

Moments later, Harwin was holding his hand out for Rhaenyra to step onto the stony shore. They shared a look, knowing that their reality as they knew it for the last few months would change again. Rhaenyra took his hand, and he gently ran his thumb along the side of her hand in silent reassurance. Rhaenyra stepped onto the shore, and before she let his hand go, she squeezed it one last time. The moment Rhaenyra's eyes met her father's, everything and everyone else faded away, and she rushed up the steps to meet him.

Rhaenyra came to stand before Viserys, who smiled at her, and held an arm out for her. "Father," Rhaenyra breathed, and she found her way into his embrace.

"My girl," Viserys said, running his hand over her hair. Rhaenyra squeezed her eyes shut, and for a moment felt as if she was a child again. She fought the sting of tears, and pulled back to look into her father's eyes. "I am so happy you're home."

Rhaenyra smiled. "I'm happy to be home," she said quietly.

Viserys took in the sight of her a moment longer. "A grandchild," he whispered, his eyes glistening. "I'm so proud."

Rhaenrya smiled, and Laenor came up behind her, bowing to Viserys.

"Your grace," Laenor said.

"Bless you, dear boy," Viserys said, taking Laenor's hand in his. "Of all the reasons to cut the royal progress short, I could think of no better reason than the joyous news."

"Yes boy, well done," Lord Corlys said, beaming from behind Viserys.

Rhaenyra looked around to the other faces that stood there to greet the couple. Princess Rhaenys stood beside Corlys. Rhaenyra scanned the faces of the other courtiers and Kingsguard for two faces, and realized that both Alicent and Ser Criston were not present. For a brief moment, Rhaenyra didn't know whether she was relieved or disappointed, which unsettled her. Viserys noticed Rhaenyra's eye wandering, scanning the courtiers for someone who wasn't there.

"Queen Alicent is with your brothers and sister," he explained. "She wasn't feeling well."

Rhaenyra managed a polite smile. "A pity. I hope she is feeling well soon."

Viserys nodded with a sad, understanding look that he hid by looking up the steps to the Red Keep.

"You must be tired from your journey," he said, looking back at Laenor and Rhaenyra. "Come. Let's get you settled back in. You can tell me all about the royal progress tonight over supper."

Rhaenyra smiled, knowing that what she shared over supper would pale in comparison with what she planned to share tomorrow during the small council meeting.

--

Harwin noted with a small smile that Rhaenyra's pace quickened the closer they got to the dragon pit. The moment Viserys had parted ways with Rhaenyra to let her "settle in", she had thrown on her riding leathers, and was out of her quarters within a half an hour. Harwin's anxiety about Rhaenyra riding Syrax had been quelled a bit by Laenor, who walked beside Rhaenyra, ready to take Seasmoke out as well.