𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 • Jacaerys Velaryon

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟕: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠'𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭

Rickon was walking back towards his childrens chambers when he was stopped by the Queen's Hand.

"My Lord Stark, I have been requested by the Queen to bring you to meet her." Ser Cole spoke to Rickon like he was a wild animal that would go ballistic at any moment. Knowing he would cause more issues if he denied the Queen's guard, he followed.

Cole led him down hallways and up many stairs before stopping in front of chamber doors. Cole knocked softly on the door, before it opened. Following him into the chambers, he realized they were of the King. Glancing around the room he spotted the King sitting in a chair near the unlit fireplace. Behind him stood the Queen, placing a shawl over his shoulders. Noticing the Lord enter approaching him, Viscearys turned. Rickon took note of the golden mask that covered half of the King's face.

"Your Majesties, to what do I owe the honor?" Lord Stark bowed before the King mainly.

"Ahh Lord Stark, Come sit please." The King spoke while gesturing towards the empty chair that sat next to him. "I received word that you wish to depart from the Red Keep, may I ask the reasoning?" Rickon glanced towards the Queen, a knowing look already on her face. She knew what he had planned and was trying to stop them from leaving.

"I received word from my eldest son that some issues have arisen concerning members of the wall. As warden of the North it is my duty to make sure those that serve the wall follow their duty." Rickon took a deep breath before continuing, "However that isn't the only reason your Grace. My daughter and Her Majesty had a conversation earlier today, it seems as though her grace was insinuating that my daughter was using the crown." Rickon made eye contact with the King.

Taking in the information Viscearys glanced towards his wife who put her head down. "I mentioned the night we came here that my daughter will not be forced to choose who she will marry. It is up to Renva who she shall form a connection with. The only one who has willingly spent time with her is Prince Jacaerys and his siblings. I would like to make it clear that I am not spouting false claims against your son, but since our time here he hasn't spoken to her or acknowledged her presence." Rickon spoke slowly making sure his words could not be misconstrued.

"I see. And why is that Alicent?" Viscaerys turned towards his wife, knowing that since he has not been able to spend much time if any out of his room she shall know what their second born son has been doing instead of entertaining his guest.

"I am not sure my King. You know Aemond, he runs off with that dragon most days." Alicent said to avoid being the center of attention. "Well then I have a wonderful idea. Since you are needed back home, your eldest son can take your place here. That way Renva can spend more time here to know my son equally." Rickon felt trapped, he couldn't deny the King's Request. "Very well then your grace. I shall send my eldest son back in my place, Renva will have to accompany me back, however since there is no one else to watch over her." Alicent saw just what the Lord was trying to do.

"She can be my Ward. I shall watch over her until your son makes the trip back here." Alicent said, smiling at Rickon, who was seething under his skin. "I shall send a dragon rider with the message to him to make sure that there is less time where she is with those she is unfamiliar with. I hope you enjoyed your stay here, my Lord." The King spoke, losing his breath at the end of his sentence. "We shall get you back to bed." Alicent said as she helped his stand and waved for the Kings guard who stood near the door to come and assist her.

"Thank you, your Majesties. I shall inform my daughter." Rickon bowed before he left. Stalking down the hall the anger disappeared from his body and in its place was fear, fear for his only daughter. He was leaving her in a dragon's den all alone. A small tear fell from his left eye, he quickly wiped it away remembering just who his daughter is. Renva is a Stark, and he made sure she was raised as such and to know how to defend herself. While he regrets having to leave her, he knows she will be safe.

Opening the door, he saw Rhaenyra holding his daughter as she cried. Hearing him enter Renva's head lifted and she ran to her fathers side.

"When are we to leave, Father?" Renva spoke her nose stuffy alerting Rickon just how much his daughter had been crying. "Renva, I think you need to sit down." Rickon led her to the edge of one of the beds. "As I was returning to alert your brother and yourself of when we are to leave, the Queen's guard found me and took me to meet with her grace." Rickons eyes flickered to Rhaenyra as she held onto Jace whose eyes were red, she furrowed her brows. "When I entered the room it was not only the Queen but the King as well." Renvas eyes widened along with Rhaenyra's.

"You met with my father? Why?" Rhaenyra questioned, her father has not been in good health and has rarely spoken to her or Daemon. "He received word that we were leaving and has made the request that while Ranvir and I go to deal with issues at the wall for you to stay here until Cregan comes in my place-" "No." Renva cut her father off. "You want me to stay here alone while you leave and go home?" Renva's eyes once again filled with tears. "They are sending a dragon rider to inform your brother, you will not be alone for long." Rickon spoke.

"She will not be alone, my Lord. She will have us." Turing Rickon saw Jacaerys step towards him and his daughter and place a comforting hand on her shoulder. Renva looked towards Rhaenyra and Jace and knew while her father was gone, she would be safe with them.