Dragon's roar (House of the Dragon)

013

Chapter 13 : "We'll finish what you started" Haunted, Taylor Swift.

The council was once again reunited. Alannys stood between Jace and Baela on one side and Luke and Rhaena on the other. She noticed that Daemon was missing. She was also surprised to see her uncle Corlys enter the room. He exchanged with Rhaenyra about the situation so the Sea Snake could be informed of everything that was going on.

"Hope is the foul's ally" argued the man.

"Both Arryn and Baratheon share blood with my House. All of them swore oaths to me" reminded the Queen.

"As did the Hightowers if I remember."

"As did you, Lord Corlys."

The tension in the room grew a bit thicker. Everyone was careful. The lords and ladies were conscious they needed the Velaryon's fleet and support.

"Your father's realm was one of peace and honour. Our Houses are bound by common blood and common causes. This Hightower treason cannot stand. You have the full support of our fleet and House...your Grace" swore Lord Corlys.

Alannys smiled at Jace at her side. With the fleet of her uncle, no one would dare fight them at sea. They needed support on land now. They discussed a way to control the Narrow sea. Princess Rhaenys proposed to patrol the skies herself.

"If the Narrow sea is blocked, so can be Kingslanding. You could take the Red Keep and force the Hightowers to give up their positions, you Grace" concluded the Velaryon girl.

"If we're to have enough swords to surround Kingslanding, we must first secure the support of Winterfell, the Eyries and Storm's end" continued Rhaenyra.

The maester immediately proposed to send them messages.     Alannys feared that would not be quick enough. The Hightowers were surely gathering allies too.

"We should bear those messages. Dragons can fly faster than ravens and they are more convincing. Send us" suggested Jace.

The Queen seemed to ponder her different options. Could she really send her children around the realm ? Wouldn't it be too dangerous ?

"Very well. Prince Jacaerys will fly North to the Eyries then to Winterfell. Prince Lucerys will fly to Storm's end" ordered the Queen.

The counsel was dismissed shortly after. Alannys was worried and she stayed behind a bit longer as everyone exited the room. The Queen noticed her ward stayed in the room. She approached her with that usual maternal gaze.

"What is wrong, my girl ?"

"Nothing, your Grace. I will go back to my chambers."

"Talk to me, my dear. What is on your mind ?" tried Rhaenyra again, grabbing her hand.

"I'm worried. I feel like Jace is strong enough for this mission. He is ready for what's to come but Luke...Luke is younger and I am afraid about him going to Storm's end alone" explained the ward.

"Luke is strong, more than we sometimes give him credit for. What can I do to ease your worries ?"

"Let me...Would you allow me to go with him ? I want to accompany Luke to Storm's end" asked Alannys.

Rhaenyra looked her in the eyes. She hesitated to let her go. The Queen had a bad feeling about this whole situation. She wanted to protect Alannys, her ward and in a way, her firstborn. However, she knew quite well that the Velaryon lady always managed to get what she wanted. If her guardian refused, she would be able to sneak out  to Storm's end anyway.

"Well. I am not delighted at the idea of letting you go to Storm's end but I also know you well. You would go anyway, even if I forbid you to go. Get prepared and join Luke. I trust you will use your diplomatic skills for our cause."