Dragon's roar (House of the Dragon)

004

Chapter 4: "Life takes patience but nobody wants to wait" After the rain, Nickelback.

He was there. Her father was right in front of her and Alannys did not even dare to raise her head in his direction. It was the first time she saw him but he did not even reach for her. Vaemond Velaryon was giving a speech for his niece, lady Laena's funeral. The whole royal family was reunited. It appeared to Alannys that only death brought people together. It seemed to her that only the dead could unite the house of the Dragon, at least in appearances. The Velaryon girl holde Lucerys' hand a bit tighter as he tried to suppress his tears. Just after they started to pack for Driftmark, at Dragonstone, they learnt about the tragedy that happened at Harrenhal and the death of Harwin Strong. The children as well as the princess were deeply saddened by the news.

"Do not worry, Luke. Everything will be alright."

"Thank you Alannys."

The two children exchanged a small smile. Like always, Alannys managed to soothe the boy she considered her little brother. Vaemond Velaryon's speech continued and his daughter, who understood High Valyrian, understood the words and the meaning behind them. It was like being back at the Red Keep all over again ; the whispers, the rumours, the stares and the need to always think quicker than everyone to guess the second meaning behind each word. Even if she was young, Alannys learned very early to read people and think smarter. It was a survival tool in Kinglanding.

At some point, Vaemond mentioned the purity of blood and glared at the dark-haired princes. Alannys tried to hide behind Rhaenyra to prevent him from seeing her. Everyone looked their way making them all uncomfortable. The young lady wished someone would take all that attention away from them and someone did. Daemon Targaryen, Laena's husband, snorted at Vaemond's words, making everyone focus on him. The Velaryon girl looked at him as well. He was tall and somehow inspired respect. She felt he was maybe a dangerous man, someone that was not to be played. As Laena's coffin was dropped into the sea, she focused back on her surroundings and she noticed Luke tugging at her hand.

"Come. Mother said we should head back to the castle."

Alannys allowed herself one last look at the man that was supposed to be her father before looking at the young boy.

"Of course. After you, Luke."

Everyone gathered on a terrace of the castle to share a drink. The Velaryon girl quickly saw her uncle Corlys and her aunt Rhaenys. The latter gave her a gentle stroke on the cheek with a pained smile when she extended her condolences. After that, the lady joined Rhaenyra who was in a conversation with Jace. As Alannys reached them, the princess sent her son away to his cousins.

"Are you alright, princess ?" asked the ward.

They both knew what she was referring to, without saying it out loud. Rhaenyra was moved by the gesture. She was supposed to be the one reassuring her ward and not the other way around. Alannys Velaryon was definitely way too wise for her young age.

"Not yet, sweet child. But I will be." answered the princess while combing the girl's hair with her hand. "Now join Jace and the girls. They need more help than I do."

"I will, princess."

Alannys curtsied before leaving her guardian and joining her younger cousins who were with the prince. She noticed Jace and Baela were holding hands. She decided to approach Rhaena and after asking silently, gave her a side hug. The younger girl leaned into the older girl's embrace.

"Thank you, Alannys" murmured Laena's daughter.

"It is normal. We are a family, Rhaena and as cousins we must stick together."

"I know but you didn't have to. It is nice that you did it anyway."

"Then you're welcome. And if you need any help with anything, do not hesitate."

For most of the afternoon, Alannys spent her time with the twins and also Jace and Luke. She did not encounter Ser Vaemond again and she was partly relieved about it. She did not know she would have reacted if she were to have a conversation with him.

When she was too tired to practise her sword moves in front of her mirror, the Velaryon girl decided to prepare for bed. Suddenly, she heard noises in the halls and decided to see. As she opened her door, Alannys was faced with Baela, Rhaena, Jace and Luke.

"What are you all doing ?"

"Someone stole Vhagar. We have to go and see. Come, quickly" urged Baela.

The group of kids hurried in the halls of the castle of Driftmark. They quickly found the exit that led to a small cave near the beach where the twins last saw Vhagar. Once they reached the cave, they saw Aemond coming back from the beach with what could be described as a 'smirk of conquest'.

"It's him !" accused Rhaena.

"It's me" answered the blonde prince, still wearing this arrogant smirk.

Alannys suddenly felt the urge to punch that smile away from his face. This boy was really insufferable.

"Vhagar is my mother's dragon" insisted the girl.

"Your mother's dead. Vhagar has a new rider now" stated Aemond.

"She was mine to claim."

"Then you should have claimed her. Maybe your cousins could find you a pig to ride. It would suit you" interjected the prince.

"Speak for yourself, idiot !" responded Alannys.

Rhaena threw herself at Aemond but he easily pushed her off. Baela jumped in to defend her sister but the silver-haired prince was stronger and got rid of her too. The Velaryon boys decided to defend their cousins and attacked Aemond who managed to push back Jace and grabbed Luke by the neck. In an instant, Alannys saw red, throwing herself at her 'childhood nemesis'. The boy was forced to let go of Lucerys to fight against the enraged Velaryon girl. The lady threw punches as he blocked her against the stone wall, holding her by the shoulders. Alannys fighted even harder. She could feel the scratches of the stone against the back of her nightgown.

"Let go of me, you imbecile ! You're hurting me !" shouted the girl.

"You will regret insulting me. I am a prince and you are just a girl without parents. Nobody cares about you ! Nobody loves you!"

Alannys slapped his face, leaving a red mark, and he pushed her. The blonde prince looked at the young girl with hatred. Her neck ripped against the stone wall, tearing her flesh apart. It immediately created a burning sensation right on the spot where the stone met her coppery skin.

"Ouch!"

The young ward fell on the floor like a rag doll. She did not even have time to notice the children attacking Aemond again. Suddenly some droplets of blood crashed on the dirt in front of her, catching her attention. Alannys raised a hand to her neck and when she pulled it back, it was crimson as the colour of her mother's house. She could hear the sound of her heart beating in her ears. As her head felt dizzy, the girl did not see Aemond raising a stone at Jace, calling him a bastard and Luke grabbing the blade. She only heard the scream the blonde prince let out into the night.