The Dragon Whispers

Chapter 2; The funeral

Daella's POV

A few months later her Aunt passed in a tragic accident. Except Daella didn't care as much as she should have. Instead, she stood in front of the sea mourning Sir Harwin Strong. He had been more of a father figure than her "supposed" father had ever been for her. Now he was dead.

She wasn't there that day in the training yard, she hadn't seen them as he was reduced of his titles and sent away. She never even got to say a proper goodbye. Her brothers blamed Aegon for his horrible death, yet she didn't have the heart to do the same.

Luke stood next to her, both of them with their heads looking at the ground. It was a sad day for them all. Daemon could be heard laughing, followed by a large speech that she didn't care to listen to.

It was a quiet evening, Aemond stood nearby but didn't come over to talk to them, although she could tell he wanted to. After a while, Luke left her side to comfort their cousins. Meanwhile, she stood there looking at the sea. Daella had this awful habit of picking at her nails, she picked until her fingers had begun to bleed.

In the corner of her eye she spotted Her two uncles and Aunt. They were sitting under an archway trading words. She couldn't help but overhear their conversation.

"We have nothing in common," Aegon stated.

"She's our sister," Aemond retorted with a solemn sigh.

Aegon snorted, drinking far too much wine. "You marry her then!"

"I would perform my duty," Aemond frowned. "If only mother had betrothed us instead."

This was followed by a fit of laughter.

Daella couldn't imagine Aemond married, she couldn't even imagine herself married. It made her think strange fuzzy thoughts.

"Do not hang your head so low," her mother said, planting a hand upon her shoulder blade. Daella couldn't help but look up, tears swelling in her little eyes. "We should be there, not here." She said with a little sob.

Rhaenyra pulled her close. "Do not mention him, my dear. I know it is unfair, life is cruel sometimes."

They stayed like that for a long time.

Eventually, the children had been sent to their beds. When she entered her chamber Kath greeted her with a hug. Daella didn't even have to say anything, her mentor already knew. She tucked Daella into bed and kissed her forehead, soothing her with soft words until sleep claimed her.

When she awoke again it was to a hushed whisper from beside her bed. "Come quick!" Luke said, tugging at her hand.

It took her a moment to change into a nightgown, fetching a coat from inside her closet. Once dressed, Daella followed her brother down the stairs to where Jace and her two cousins were waiting.

They stared at her as she entered, and she wondered what was going on.

"What's happening?" She asked.

"Someone stole Vhaegar." Baela said, her face illuminated by harsh candlelight. Daella pulled her heavy shift tighter around herself.

"Why didn't you grab your father?" She questioned, deciding to stand against the furthest wall.

Baela stood in the center, next to her sister.

"We couldn't find any adults," she admitted with a frown, kicking her feet into the ground. Daella shivered, beginning to pick at her raw nails once more.