Burn Together ❖ Daemon Targaryen

Chapter 11

" ... Princess Rhaenyra had officially been betrothed to her cousin, Prince Laenor Velaryon, although many people were surprised by the match because Laenor had never displayed an interest in any women, often preferring the company of men. The Prince and Princess had long since formed a friendship, as the two of them and their sisters Rhaellanne and Laena Velaryon had grown up together and were very close. King Viserys remained unable to make a betrothal for his younger daughter, Princess Rhaellanne, who continued to be stubborn and set in her decision to marry Daemon even if it were wrong ... "

The King had actually done as his daughters had asked for once, and had dismissed Otto as hand and replaced him with Lord Lyonel Strong, to the joy of both of them. However, neither could find any real joy in it. Rhaenyra was being forced into her marriage with Ser Leanor Velaryon faster than she would have liked, and Rhaellanne was lonely at court without Daemon.

Her relationship with her father was nonexistent now as well. They passed each other with nothing but a glance to acknowledge the other's existence, and any time they were in the same room they stood on opposite sides like it was poisonous to be near each other.

They had not spoken a word since their fight.

The only good news that had given her hope was the knowledge that Lady Rhea had passed away in a hunting accident a few days ago, and while Rhaellanne did not believe that it had been an accident since it was too coincidental to Daemon's return to her, she was slightly glad nonetheless

To try and pry them out of their boredom, Viserys had told them to join him on his trip to Driftmark so that he could agree this marriage in person with Rhaenys and Corlys. However, the King was known to get sea sick and the twins should not have been laughing, but watching their father stagger and be sick every two minutes was slightly amusing

They stood close to the stern of the ship and leaned against the banisters. Rhaellanne could see that Rhaenyra was nervous and she understood why, she too would be afraid if she was literally sailing head-first into a future she did not want.

"Are you okay with this?" she finally asked,

Rhaenrya nodded solemly and replied "It is my duty" 

Her sister frowned "I did not ask that," 

"As heir to the throne I have to marry to strengthen my claim and Laenor's house is well respected" she continued.

"Look," sighed Rhaellanne, grabbing one of her sister's hands "If there is one thing that Daemon has taught me, it is that marriage should not be a duty. We should all have the ability to be with whomever we choose, and that person should be the person that makes us feel alive. I know that you have little choice as heir, but even if you are married, you cannot let that stop you from finding your happiness"

Rhaenyra looked surprised, and also slightly tearful, and she squeezed her twin's hand. "Thank you. I would just ask that you always stand by me through this because I do not think myself brave enough to do that"

The younger twin smiled, "I always will be there," 

"And I hope you too get your happiness one day" It was not lost on Rhaellanne how Rhaenyra used the word 'get' instead of 'find', for they both knew that Rhaellanne had found hers, but now it was a matter of timing and hope for the King's approval

"Thank you," nodded Rhaellanne "But to speak honestly, I am hoping that father's determination to see you wed Ser Laenor and have children soon will be a good distraction for him from the trouble I have caused"