Burn Together ❖ Daemon Targaryen

Chapter 28

War was officially inevitable now that both Rhaenyra and Aegon had been crowned, so as much as Rhaenyra wanted to mourn the loss of her baby, she had no time now and had to get herself dressed and washed, and ready to plan for her own ascension as Queen.

Daemon as leader of the Gold Cloaks had called an urgent meting in the main hall, including the Queen, his army, Bennard, Rhaellanne, Baelor, Luke, Jace, Lyanna, Baela, and Rhaena. These children were apart of this war now so it was time that they learned how to fight

As Rhaenyra walked into the room, crown on and soldiers by her side, Rhaellanne beamed and her husband began to say, "Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, First of Her Name, Queen of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men. Lady of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm."

Rhaenyra approached the table, and Rhaellanne bowed to her as she stood by her, "Your Grace."

Her sister subtly rolled her eyes, and on her other side came Rhaena with a cup, "Wine, my Queen."

Rhaenyra nodded, "Thank you, Rhaena. Come. What is our standing?"

Everyone looked to Daemon who explained, "We have knights, a hundred crossbowmen, and men-at-arms. Dragonstone is relatively easy to defend, but as an instrument of conquest, our army leaves a lot to be desired. We have sent word to my loyal men in the City Watch. I'll have some support there, but I cannot speak to the numbers."

Maester Celtigar added, "We already have declarations from Celtigar and Staunton, Massey, Darklyn, Bar Emmon."

Then, Rhaellanne spoke up and said, "Our lady mother was an Arryn. The Vale will not turn cloak against their own kin."

"Riverrun was always a close friend to your father, Your Grace." the Maester continued "With King Bennard's acquiescence, I've already sent ravens to Lord Grover."

He wore a crown now, and while he had not had a formal coronation, like his wife, she was the Queen now, which made him the King.

Across the table, Rhaenyra subtly glared at her husband, clearly aggravated that he was already making moves without her. But she wiped it off her face and replied, "Lord Grover is fickle and easily swayed. He will need to be convinced of the strength of our position and that we will support him should it come to war."

To ease the tension, Daemon interjected, "I'm going to treat with him myself."

"What of Storm's End and Winterfell?" asked Lord Steffon

Everyone turned to Bennard who answered "House Stark supports my wife's claim and the North will follow. In the South however, Lord Borros Baratheon may need to be reminded of his oaths."

With an amused grin Daemon replied, "There is little chance of the Baratheons siding with us, your Grace"

Jacaerys responded "Perhaps he can be reasoned with."

Both Rhaellanne and Rhaenyra chuckled, and the Queen said "Lord Baratheon will not side with us but under pressure from King Bennard he may crack. That is our only hope"

"Then we will treat with him and if need be-"

Rhaellanne held up her hand "There is no 'if', Lord Baratheon will not support us, my prince"

"Why not?" asked Baelor

Daemon grinned, "Perhaps because his heir was engaged to your mother and met an unfortunate end with me"

Their children looked at them in surprise, and Rhaenyra cleared her throat to re-centre the conversation and then she turned to Rhaenys, "What news from Driftmark?"

"Lord Corlys sails for Dragonstone. To declare for his Queen. The Velaryon fleet is in my husband's yoke. He decides where they sail." she answered

The Queen smiled "We shall pray for both you and your husband's support. Just as we prayed nightly for the Sea Snake's return to good health. There's no port on the Narrow Sea would dare to make an enemy of the Velaryon fleet." Rhaenys inclined her head gratefully, and Rhaenyra turned back to the table "And our enemies?"