Innocence// AEMOND TARGARYEN ✔️

Chapter Forty-four

There was a certain calm that radiated within the walls of Dragonstone.

It gave one a sense of belonging, serenity. It felt like home.

Laughter echoed through the hallways as Lyra chased after Luke, Joffrey, Baela and Rhaena whilst Jace accompanied the youngest Princess in catching them.

Daemon and Rhaenyra were sat in the great hall, discussing about the princess' return to King's landing with her grand daughter.

"Perhaps I ought to sail back" she told her husband "Eirlys never let her fly Vhagar with Aemond, maybe returning on Dragonback is not ideal with Lyra"

"Nonsense, Syrax is a lot more calm and gentle than that old winged hag" Daemon scoffed "beside, Lyra will be safely chained to the saddle the same as you. You needn't worry, Eirlys won't mind"

Their conversation was interrupted by one of the castle guards who neared the doorway to announce the arrival of a guest.

"The princess Rhaenys" he bowed slightly before he stepped to the side to let the princess enter.

Both Daemon and Rhaenyra stood up, not expecting a visit from the princess. She was dressed in her armour, of the targaryen colours and she seemed pale, void of any emotion.

"Princess Rhaenys, might we hope for news of lord Corlys?" Rhaenyra asked.

"Viserys is dead" she bluntly stated, taking the others by surprise.

A solemn silence filled the room as both Targaryens pondered over those words. One had lost a father, the other, a brother. 

"I grieve this loss with you, Rhaenyra" Rhaenys spoke softly as she watch the princess' smile fade away as tears began to well up "my cousin, your father, possessed a kind heart"

Rhaenyra was at a loss for words. She didn't even know if she could talk without her voice faltering.

"There is more" the older woman took a few steps toward the princess who was struggling to choke back tears "Aegon has been crowned as his successor"

Rhaenyra felt a sharp pain in her side and winced as a single tear rolled down her cheek. Was the baby coming? No couldn't be...

Daemon was enraged by the news of his wife's crown being stolen but he kept his composure while Rhaenyra was struck with disbelief.

"They crowned him?" she meekly asked, avoiding meeting anyone's eye. The last thing she wanted to see was someone's sympathetic gaze.

"How did Viserys die?" Daemon softly asked. That was the first time Rhaenyra heard such vulnerability in his voice.

"I could not say"

Daemon heaved a sigh.

"How long ago?" Rhaenyra proceeded to inquire.

"A day past, I could not say" Rhaenys truthfully told "I was made a prisoner in my quarters while the queen made her preparations"

"Viserys has been slain" Daemon concluded. They had only just met him a few days ago, how did he suddenly die the moment they left the Red keep?

"What of my daughter?" Rhaenyra asked, more concerned about her "Is she not here, with you?"

"No" Rhaenys sadly informed.

"You fled the city but left my step-daughter amidst those vipers?" Daemon placed his hand on the hilt of his sword.

"She is wife to-"

"That does not matter, her being wife to one of them does not matter" Daemon sighed with utter annoyance "her marriage was only agreed upon to unite both families and secure peace. A peace that they have trampled upon. Her marriage to the one-eyed prince holds no weight anymore, she should be here where she is truly safe"