Daemon Targaryen | The Little Sister

driftmark

A few weeks had passed since the feast and King Viserys was determined that it was time to travel to Driftmark to confirm Rhaenyra's marriage to Ser Laenor. Visenya decided to come along as well as she hadn't seen her cousin Laena in years and because she wanted to support her sister. She had fond memories of Laena and the time they would spend together as children.

The morning before leaving for Driftmark her father informed her that Daemon had once more gone to fight in some foreign war. She wondered why he was constantly out fighting, maybe he just wanted the King's attention or mayhaps he was just attempting to spurn Otto Hightower whom he despised.

Visenya passed her time on the boat by napping and occasionally going to see her father. She hated the sea, it had always made her sea sick and the constant relentless thrashing of the waves against the boat was the last thing she wanted to hear. Hence she covered her face with a pillow and drifted off, until she heard steps coming down the stairs.

"Visenya get up, we need to talk" it was her sister, what could she possibly want now?
She stirred, "What is it? Are we there yet?"
"No, we just embarked. What is this gossip I have been hearing for weeks of our Uncle entering your bed chambers after the feast?"
Visenya glanced up at her sister shocked, "What? Who is spreading this?"
Rhaenyra didn't believe it, her sister wasn't even denying the allegations, "Alicent told me, it's not in her nature to make up gossip and she has no ill will toward you"
"She is corrupted, that cunt is trying to ruin me is what's happening, Daemon just escorted me back that is all. He never came inside my chambers." Visenya stated, fire burning through her veins. If her father heard of this slander he would have her married off instantly, and she could never risk that. She would not end up a baby factory locked away in some lord's castle.
"She is not, she never wanted to marry our —"
"It doesn't matter, she did and soon enough her father will turn her against you. There is no use denying it." Visenya rebutted seeing red, how could her sister be so naive?
"Visenya, at least be more careful with your exploits. If you don't want to be married off to save your honour then don't give Father a reason to do it!" Rhaenyra exclaimed, she wanted her sister to taste what little freedom she could but not to have to serve a life sentence because of it.
"So you believe her? You believe Alicent's lies over your own sister?" Visenya questioned walking over to her sister.
"Well you say Ser Criston and I are obvious but have you seen the way our Uncle looks at you?" Rhaenyra questioned thinking her sister blind.
Visenya's face lit up, "So you admit it then? You two are together?" How could Rhaenyra school her when she was the one in the secret relationship before she was to be married? And Daemon looking at her? Normally she was aware of her surroundings but she never noticed him staring at her.
"You must promise not to tell anyone, you know what the consequences would be, sister"
Visenya reached out and held Rhaenyra's arms, "Of course, you can trust me."

When they arrived at Driftmark they were greeted by their cousin Laena, Visenya was about to run up and embrace her but stopped herself when she felt her stomach churn from the boat ride.
"Cousins, how long it's been! Come I'll give you a tour of the castle" Laena exclaimed observing her cousins.
Before they could even respond, Rhaenyra and Visenya were thrusted into the hallway were they parted ways with the King who entered the throne room. Visenya was about to made a remark about her sister being cut out of discussing her own future but refrained when she saw Rhaenyra's solemn look.

As they toured the rooms of the castle, Ser Laenor arrived and whisked Rhaenyra away to walk along the beach. Visenya could hardly remember him as a child, but she had heard the many rumours about all the time he spent with knights and squires. This caused her to laugh which made Laena look up at her strangely.
"Are you okay, Princess?"
Visenya looked at her, "I'm fine, I didn't mean to alarm you. I've just been pondering our common fate as women".
"Oh, well my Father wants to marry me to a son of the Sealord of Bravos." Laena stated in a matter of fact tone.
How is she not more bothered by this? She was just a pawn in her father's ambitions?
"And you're okay with that, cousin?" Visenya questioned gazing out the window.
"Of course not but what can I do? Run away or join the faith? Neither are inspiring prospects. While our husbands fight in battles it's our duty as women to provide them with heirs." Laena exclaimed stepping towards Visenya.
"Why is this on your mind? Has the King begun planning your engagement?" Laena asked confused.
"No, but I'm sure he will soon enough. He plans to drive me away from court and sell me off at the first opportunity" Visenya whined feeling her cheeks heating up.
"Come here, cousin" At once Laena embraced her. "If we're going to be subject to this life, at least we'll face it together, Visenya".
"I suppose you're right" Visenya laughed and composed herself. She didn't know what caused her to become so emotional, mayhaps it was the thought of leaving her family, her house or mayhaps it was that she'd barely see Daemon if she had to move. 

Once the tour was over and Rhaenyra and Laenor's engagement finalised, they set back out on the water towards King's Landing. There would be a week until the royal wedding which would see ladies and lords from across the realm attending. Visenya pitied her sister but she couldn't help but feel grateful that it wasn't her being forced to marry.