Of the Blood of the Dragon

Chapter Three

109 AC

Valaena watches from the side as countless lords and ladies' parade around Prince Aegon beside Ser Criston Cole.

"Come eat. Fortify yourselves for the journey." Viserys announces as he nears Valaena and Ser Criston.

"Is the baggage train ready?" He asks Valaena.

"It is presently massing at the River Gate. Lord Jason expects us in the Kingswood before midday."

"Where is Rhaenyra?" He then asks Ser Criston, knowing if Rhaenyra did not want to be found Valaena would not tell him where she was.

"I cannot be sure at present, Your Grace."

Jason Lannister then comes over and interrupts before Viserys can turn his question to Valaena.

"With the Triarchy now sheltering in Bloodstone's caves, the threat of the dragons is blunted."

"They don't have foot soldiers." Viserys comments, filling his plate with food.

"But their sellswords have been withdrawing in droves, Your Grace. Even the mercenaries can see that it is a losing effort. Daemon has driven the men hard. Not just Valaena but Alicent and Otto can also tell the King's patience is wearing thin. "They have begun to question his command. If the crown were ever to intervene..."

"Tyland-"

"Now is the time."

"Daemon and the Sea Snake started their war without His Grace's leave. Were he to intervene now after so long, it would make the crown appear weak." Otto states, and Valaena knows that to be Viserys breaking point when he turns to her.

"Where in the Seven Hells is Rhaenyra?"

"Your Grace..."

"Come with me." Viserys says, leading Valaena out of the chambers into the corridor.

"Valaena I don't know what else to do."

Valaena sighs, "She just needs time, Viserys."

"It has been three years, Valaena." He whispers so the servants can't hear.

"Well, you did marry her best friend..." She whispers looking to the servants eyeing them as they walk by.

Viserys lets out a laugh, rubbing his temple.

"Swear to me that you'll look after her. That you'll be there for her even when I cannot."

Valaena looked down at her hands and fidgeted with the ring Daemon gave her. Her family signet ring, then to the ring she shared with Rhaenyra and Alicent.

None so Loyal.

"You are cursed with living a longer life than the rest of us, Val." Viserys grabs her hand. "She will need you. Not just as her protector, but as her companion."

Valaena looked up at him and placed her hand on top of his. "I swear it."

Viserys smiles, "Will you ride with us in the carriage?"

"I don't think that would be proper, Viserys."

"Nonsense you are family Valaena, you will ride with us. As your king I command it."

Valaena smiled. "Of course, Your Grace."
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"Well, isn't this splendid. The whole of our family off to celebration and adventure in the Kingswood." Viserys beams, ignorant of the tension between Alicent and Rhaenyra.