Fire On Fire

09. ℌ𝔢𝔩𝔩 ℌ𝔞𝔱𝔥 𝔑𝔬 𝔉𝔲𝔯𝔶...

Aegon had joined Otto on his venture to deal with Daemon. He had tried to keep the peace between the two. But Otto didn’t take to that idea. Otto tried to start shit, even pulling his sword on Daemon, which Caraxes didn’t take kindly to. It was at that point that Otto finally listened to Aegon and put down the swords. The real party began when Rhaenyra showed up on Syrax. Aegon smiled as she handled Daemon. Aegon was proud of the young woman his niece was and hoped it would not be soiled by a man, a child, or the throne.

Amara was lying on her bed in her chambers reading, triumphant over her victory. It was late and she knew she should be in bed but she didn’t want to miss Rhaenyra’s return. Amara did her best to make sure no one noticed the Princess’s disappearance. This was not an easy task. Alicent had constantly tried to see Rhaenyra who was “sick” according to Amara.

Hearing the Princess had returned she dawned a dress and traveled to Viserys’s chamber doors. She knew Rhaenyra was inside and awaited her to be done. She waited impatiently, awkwardly smiling at the King’s Gaurd that stood in front of the doors. When Rhaenyra exited the room she jumped back surprised to see Amara. It was evident that the young girl had been crying. A fact of Amara ignored at first. The two started walking, “How was it? Did you retrieve it? Is my father well?” Rhaenyra gave her half a laugh, “It went well. I did retrieve my brother’s egg. Your father is very much alive.” “And Daemon?” “It was a hoax. It is apparent that he is neither to be married nor to have a child. He just wanted to provoke my Father and yours.” Amara had a small and secret laugh before asking Rhaenyra,  “How are you?” Rhaenyra sniffled, “I believe my father is to marry Laena Valaryon. And I believe I have come to terms with it.” Amara had taken a shock. In all the chaos she had forgotten such a thing. “He is?” “He did not say it directly but he did say he was going to marry.” Amara nodded. She feared for her younger friend. Laena did not want such a thing and now she was going to have to live her life that way. Or so Amara thought.

There was a Small Council meeting the next morning. Each person entered, watching as Viserys stared out of the window. As he entered, Aegon smiled at Rhaenyra who stood by the drink table. Both girls wondered why Alicent stood beside Otto. She was never at such meetings.

As the lords took their places, Viserys greeted them. He walked and stood beside his chair. There was a pause as eyes darted around the room. “I have decided to take a new wife.” Amara noticed Corlys Velaryon straightening himself. Of course, Corlys would be happy, he would be closer to the Crown. Before speaking again Viserys looked at Rhaenyra who gave him a reassuring nod. There were tears welling in her eyes that she pushed back. She was brave for her father.

Eventually, Rhaenyra’s smile turned to a look of fear as she looked at her father whose face turned fearful as well. Amara looked between Rhaenyra and Viserys then at her own father and sister. Alicent picked at her fingers and a smile grew on her father’s face. Amara knew what was about to happen and she feared it’s outcome. “I intend to marry…” Viserys looked at Alicent who was clearly about to cry. Amara had a look of worry on her face as she looked between Viserys and her sister.

Fuck.

Alicent looked at Rhaenyra who had looked at her. Rhaenyra had finally figured out what her advisor already knew. “The Lady Alicent Hightower before Spring’s end.” Amara looked at her father who smiled at the King. Her eyes were wide and her look was of great fear. She ran through a mix of emotions. She was happy for Laena, angry with her father, sympathetic towards her sister, and sympathetic toward Rhaenyra. What did this all mean?

Aegon turned his head to watch Rhaenyra, he feared for the young woman. Her best friend was going to be her Stepmother.

Amara watched as Corlys rose from his seat, “This is an absurdity. My house is Valyrian, the greatest power in the realm.” Corlys had spoken through gritted teeth. Viserys responded with five words, “And I am your King.” After receiving a glare from Otto, Corlys stormed out and Rhaenyra followed him. Rhaenyra had just been betrayed by her best friend. She was afraid her advisor had betrayed her as well.

Aegon watched as both girls left. His eyes transferred from the door to the man across from him. Giving Otto a cross look, he said, “I can no longer be part of your council, Your Grace.” Viserys turned to his brother, “What?” “I wish to resign. I cannot reside on this council if it is no longer impartial.” Viserys began to speak but before he could, Aegon stormed out, just like the girls before him.

Amara followed Rhaneyra, calling out to her. “Rhaenyra! Please!” Rhaenyra turned swiftly, tears fell from her eyes. “Did you know!?” “No! I swear on the memory of my mother!” Rhaenyra fell victim to her tears and she started to sob. “She is your sister! How could you not have known?” Amara grabbed Rhaenyra’s hands and held them close. She was now welling with tears as well. “I have devoted my time to you, Princess. I barely speak to my father or sister. I can assure you that I did not betray you. If I would have known, I would have told you.” Rhaenyra cried falling into her friend. Her father was going to marry her best friend. The play came out of the left field. It was evident that it was planned out. At that moment the girls had made a decision to only ever rely on each other. It seemed they were the only ones each other could trust.

Amara marched into her father’s chambers. She had more wrath than hell itself. She had just learned her sister had been used for her father’s benefit. He controlled Alicent because he could not control Amara.

“Amara! That is no way to enter a room.” Amara slammed his door with all of her little might. “You used her!” Otto leaned back in the chair at his desk a smile on his face, “Whatever do you mean?” “You know exactly as I mean, Father! You used her because I would not allow to you use me! Because I am not weak like her.” Otto looked at his daughter with a look of anger. “Our house is receiving a great honor because of your sister. She will be Queen and House Hightower will be closer to the crown than ever before.” He stood slowly, “An honor I wanted for you.” Amara looked at him tears falling down her face, teeth gritted. “I am done with you! I have given you more than enough chances to be a good father. I’ve made excuses for you! I thought you were different from all the other men in the realm. I thought you loved your daughters. As it seems you care for nobody but you and the status of your house!” The two stared at each other for a moment before Amara left the room. She ignored her father calling out her name.

For nothing hath no fury like a woman scorned. Especially one scorned by her own blood.