Breakbones and the Dragonrider

Chapter 28

The throne room was dead silent as Daemon and Laena's feet carried them through the people of court, towards the Iron Throne. Viserys's gaze on his brother was hard to interpret, but Rhaenyra watched with anticipation as her father received the newlyweds. They had flown from Pentos for the tourney celebrating Jace's birth, and at Lord Corlys and Princess Rhaenys's request, were there to ask for Viserys's blessing on their marriage.

When Rheanyra heard Daemon was coming to court, she couldn't picture Daemon apologizing. The man who fled to Dragonstone with a stolen dragon egg because he was denied inheritance of the Iron Throne. What else could have made Daemon put his pride aside but love?

Rhaenyra felt the slightest tug of complex, mixed emotions as Daemon and Laena approached. Daemon and Laena were both dressed in black and gold damask that screamed Velaryon money. Rhaenyra thought Daemon looked like he was meant to be by Laena's side.

Daemon's eyes met Rhaenyra's, and almost immediately he looked back to Viserys. The newlyweds came to stand just before the steps that led to the Iron Throne, just in front of Rhaenyra and Laenor stood. Daemon and Laena bowed before the king.

Viserys let them stay that way for a moment, looking the two of them over. His expression might have been impassive to others, but Rhaenyra knew her father well enough to know that he was willing himself to allow Daemon a chance to explain himself. He ran his thumb over the underside of his fingers in contemplation and frustration, his arms draped over the sides of the Iron Throne.

"I hear congratulations are in order," Viserys said, and Daemon stood upright. Laena did the same.

"Yes," Daemon said, looking to Laena, and then back to Viserys. "I know it was not how things should have been done, but... Things happened fast."

"Yes," Viserys said with a smile that hid his anger. "Things like duels..."

Daemon shifted his weight, and smirked at the floor a moment before looking back at his brother. "What can I say... the lad left me no choice. I did try to talk him down, but he felt he had been gravely insulted by my presence at Driftmark."

"And you, Lady Laena?" Viserys softened as he looked Laena over. He searched her face for any hint of regret or coercion. "Can you explain the quick turnover between losing your betrothed, and marrying my brother?"

Laena straightened her back, and looked to Daemon.

"Your grace," she said, looking back at Viserys, ready to accept any punishment he might mete out. "Love can be found in the most unexpected of places... and times."

Viserys sighed, looking around at the faces in court, Rhaenyra included. He looked at Rhaenyra a moment longer, and then stood. He walked down the steps of the dais to Daemon.

"Right you are, Lady Laena..." Viserys said, taking Laena's hands in his, and kissing the back of them. "And we are happy to have you here to celebrate Prince Jacaerys's birth..."

Viserys embraced his brother, and Laena, in greeting, and court applauded the reunion of the brothers. Viserys and Alicent left the throne room first, leaving the rest of court behind before the midday feast that was to be held to mark the beginning of the tourney.

"Princess," Laena said with a smile, curtsying briefly before Rhaenyra, before she suddenly pulled Rhaenyra into a hug. Rhaenyra stood stunned a moment before she put her arms around Laena and returned the embrace. Over Laena's shoulders, Rhaenyra and Daemon's eyes met.

So many unsaid things passed between them. Rhaenyra told Harwin that she didn't expect an apology from Daemon... She had been disappointed by him too many times. But perhaps one day she might come to understand him. Why he had done it—why he had taken her down to Flea Bottom that night.