Fire of the Sea|1| HOTD

.25

Dragonstone 130 AC

Syra's POV

The war table. It was a place I've never looked at with an intent of planning wars. We always just had meeting and talks here. I planned my betrothal to Lord Stark here. One that I ended for Aemond. An alliance that would help us tremendously in the upcoming war.

They haven't spoke about it, but i know that if we are to win this war we need the support of the North. Even though Cregan's father, Rickon, swore an oath to Rheanyra, the entirety of the North will follow Cregan and a marriage to him would secure the men we need.

"we should reinstate my betrothal to Cregan." I voice my thoughts to my father and he hums in agreement.

"A betrothal will be necessary to hold the North men. We will send letters to the Starks on the morrow."

"No, I need to go there and speak to Cregan and apologize to him in person."

"That's smart." My mother enters the room and, for the first time since returning, I see her. She looks like she hasn't slept in days, she isn't the only one. In the days I've been home I haven't gotten more than a few hours each night. I'm plagued with thoughts of my grandsire dying, the impending war coming on, and how it will end. How many people will die in this battle for the throne? Has it really come to this? Our family is at odds and we're tearing each other apart. Just as grandsire used to say 'The only thing that can destroy house Targaryen, is itself.'

"We need to send word to our most powerful allies. Get them on our side and start planning if war breaks out." My mother is throwing herself into this to distract herself from the grief. I can tell by her actions, she's holding her head trying to push out the right words.

"We'll if I'm going to the North, I can not only reinstate my betrothal but also gain the support of the North."

"Yes, you will reach Winterfell before any raven will. I want you in the North, Jace will go to the Vale, and Luke will go to the Stormlands."

"Are you sure about Luke? To get to the stormlands he'd be in Kings Landing territory."

"He will be fine." She stated and ended my concern.

We were all to leave tomorrow and I was already dreading the cold, and the fear of being turned away by Cregan, after everything I did he has every right to turn me down. I don't even know if I want this betrothal to happen again, but I know that a betrothal to Aemond wouldn't benefit the realm.

I wake up the next morning with a dreadful feeling. There's a pit in my stomach that even after breaking my fast, it's still prominent. Like a gray cloud over my head, I don't know what it's hinting at but I know that something bad will happen. I dress I'm warm clothes for the upcoming weather I will be met with in Winterfell and make my way to my dragons.

I mount Cannibal and will be leaving Starflame behind, if something does happen I know that Cannibal will be more aggressive if needed than Starflame. As I'm mounting him Luke is also mounting Arrax. He's still small in size, about a quarter of Starflames mass. As I lock eyes with Luke the dread gets heavier.

"Be careful Luke, and if need be abandon your duty and return home." I shout since he's a bit of a distance.

"I'll be fine Sy plus we're just delivering messages." He brushes me off and chained himself to Arrax.

"I know.. But I'm still going to worry. You're my little brother and I need you to be safe. Promise me you'll be safe."

"I will"

"No. Promise me." I try to say before he takes off but he didn't hear me. The pit continues to worsen and I feel sick. I just have to push it aside and start my journey. With my luck and Cannibals fast pace we should get there after lunch.

"Ready Canni?" It's a nickname I've recently started using. Most people get scared when they hear the Cannibal so to prevent his feelings from getting hurt I've shortened it. He's not as scary as everyone says, I think the fear of the people has made him isolate himself and I'm trying to make him feel more secure.

We take off to the skies and I'm instantly more at peace. I love the way the wind blows and the clouds showing just enough sun but not blinding me. It's a nice day on this side of the realm and it'll be a clear ride. I start feeling much better about half way into the flight and relax more. Whatever bad feelings I've had are withering away into a sense of relief. All I have to do know is figure out how to convince the Lord Stark of our plan.

I pass the Vale and know that it will be an easy claim for Jace. The Vale is tied to us by kin, our grandmother, the queen Aemma was an Arryn before marrying the King and Rheanyra being her daughter will make them side with us easily.

I'm taken out of my thoughts as I look upon the North. It's immediately colder as we pass into the Winter Lands and a chill is sent down my spine even through the fur lined coat I'm wearing. On the horizon I see the amazing built castle and know where to land. The place where I will either get welcomed with open arms or turned away and not given the opportunity to speak.

Winterfell

Okayyy so I got a comment last chapter asking if this is an Aemond story and yes it is lol. For now Cregan is only temporary. I don't know if I will pursue it further than that but if I don't it will most likely end and Aemond will be endgame. (Unless we fall in love with Cregan ofc). And just know I won't make it a Cregan story unless y'all want that too.