Dynasty of Flames//Aemond Targaryen X Reader

Chapter sixteen

It was as if the weight of the entire world was placed on her, like every single sword and dagger was pried apart from that horrendous iron throne and was being stabbed into her all at once. The simple action of breathing too became almost a struggle as she sunk to the floor, clutching her belly while the midwives begged for Rhaenyra to let them help her but she refused to let them come any closer- for she knew it was a lost cause; her baby would never make it.

"Jace" she called out, struggling to even say his name "where's my son?"

He was sent for in an instant and he arrived twice as fast, accompanied by his brother Luke and Princess Rhaenys.

"Your grace" he greeted, heart racing with fear when he saw the state his mother was in: crouched on the floor in pain and drenched in sweat.

"I am not.." she panted as she let out another agonising scream before she mustered enough strength to form a sentence "I am not going to make it, y-you will take my place as ruler"

Him and Luke exchanged glances.

"What of Y/N?" Jace asked but he was only met with his mother's screams of torment that came from her being in labour. It hurt Jace to watch his mother in such a state, knowing there was nothing he could do that would provide even an ounce of comfort or relief.

He and Luke helplessly watched, hearts shattering as their mother's screams eventually died down, with Rhaenyra humming a sigh of contentment before she breathed her last.

With a heart as heavy as the very stones used to build the castle, Jace walked toward the council hall, furiously wiping away tears before he could break the news to the others.

"The queen has passed while in labour" he announced, voice cracking involuntarily "she decreed that I am to take her place, as ruler of the seven kingdoms"

Daemon, who was overcome with a wave of sorrow immediately looked up when Jace announced that he was named Rhaneyra's successor.

"That is not true," he said firmly, voice low yet just as authoritative "Rhaenyra named Y/N as her heir, which is something you are well aware of"

"You think I would lie about this?" Jace asked, taking offence immediately to Daemon's tone.

"I wouldn't be surprised, you weren't entirely pleased when it was first revealed to you who would be her successor" the king-consort scoffed "but let me be very clear when I tell all of you, the one who is to take the place of my late wife, is my daughter Y/N. She was chosen by the queen herself"

"That might be true yes, but she did happen to change her mind" Rhaenys spoke up "I was there as witness"

"The king consort would know better of his wife's wishes" Daemon snapped, as a reflex. There was no possibility in which Rhaenyra had named him heir, not after the long discussion he had with her to convince her that Y/N was a far better choice "perhaps you are only vouching for him because you wish for your granddaughter to be queen"

"I do not speak just to see my daughter's blood on the throne" Rhaenys interrupted, voice firm with just a hint of venom "I am simply telling what I-"

"Baela is my daughter too, as is Y/N- my firstborn, hence the one-"

"Stop it" Luke's voice drowned theirs as he stepped forward, scorn adorning his face "my queen mother just died and all you care about is who is to wear the crown she left behind? A funeral is to be held, I suggest you take into consideration matters that require to be tended to before you let your ambition take ahold"