The Rouge's Delight

A moment of Respite

113 AC - Red Keep, King's Landing

After getting out of the room, Rhaenyra breathed a sigh of relief. It was the first time she and Alicent had been in the same room since she came back. It was not as easy as she thought. As she closed her eyes and tried to relax, someone called her.

It was Daemon. He was late for the meeting and she was glad about it. She had no idea how Daemon would react. "Rhaenyra. Are you fine?"

No, she was not fine. She died and was sent back in time by a goddess. She came back just the day after her mother died, and she now has to prevent a war from breaking out. She needed to get the anger out of her body, and she needed to do that now.

He drank too much wine last night. Which he regretted as he walked to the council room. He doubted he could stand the condescending look the Hightower bastard would send his way. As he reached outside the room, he saw Rhaenyra leaning against the wall, her eyes closed. He called her, and she opened her eyes. Her pale blue eyes she inherited from her mother were a sea of panic and frustration. Both of them didn't do or say anything. They just stayed like that looking at each other.

Suddenly, she took his hand and dragged him away from the council room. She dragged him for some time. He suddenly stopped, forcing her to stop. "Rhaenyra.." He didn't get to finish it as a punch landed on his face. He was too stunned to say anything, so she took the chance and continued to drag him across the castle.

They reached the stables. Rhaenyra immediately mounted a steed. He stayed there looking at her like a child still recovering from the punch she gave. He was pulled out from his trance by a glare sent by the silver-haired princess signalling him to mount a horse. Not wanting to be punched again, especially in front of some stable boys, he obeyed. They rode to the dragon pit.

On his way there, Daemon contemplated what had just happened. To make her angry, he knew either he fucked up or someone else did and he was at the receiving end.

Once they reached the dragon pit, they asked the dragon keepers to saddle their dragons. They bought out Syrax and Caraxes. Both of them went to their respective mounts.

'What happened.' Caraxes asked through their bond.
'What do you mean? Nothing happened'
'There is a bruise on your face.'
'Ah, long story. I'll tell you on the way

They took to the sky following the she-dragon that left moments ago. Daemon didn't know where they were going, so he followed Rhaenyra. On their way, he told Caraxes what happened and immediately regretted it. His dragon wouldn't stop teasing him as if he was any better. He was even worse when it came to Syrax. He followed the she-dragon like a lost puppy.

As they flew, Dragonstone came into view. They landed on one of the cliffs. Rhaenyra climbed down, giving Syrax some pets while murmuring something to her in valyrian. He followed her example while she went and sat on the ground, leaning against one of the trees. He walked over to her, not knowing whether to sit or not, whether she would hit him again or not.

As if she read his mind, Rhaenyra looked at him.
"Sit ilagon. Nyke daor going naejot ossēnagon ao."
(Sit I am not going to kill you)

He sat down next to her. Both of them didn't speak for some time.
"What happened, nyra ?"
"Today at the council, he announced his marriage."
"Ah yes, and when is he planning to marry our cousin."
"He is not marrying Laena."
"Oh, and how did Corlys respond to that."
"By storming out of the room."

Not surprising. "And who is my brother marrying."
"Alicent" she replied coldly.
'Really Viserys. Of all the women in the realm you chose the hightower whore.'
"I assume you didn't take it well."
She shrugged. She was clearly upset.

Rhaenyra wanted to scream and tell him what was on her mind. How their children died and how that happened because of her stupidity. She wanted to tell him how she hated herself for letting Lucery's to go to storm's end. How she now has to face the people responsible for their death.But she couldn't. He won't believe her. No one will. So she settled with telling him her other troubles.

"I will never be the son he wants. I never was. He cut open my mother to get that son. And now he is marrying her. Not even half a year has passed since her death and he.."

"Let's go see the castle shall we. "
"Daemon"
"What? You haven't come here for a long time, and now this is yours. The princess of dragonstone should be familiar with her castle."

She sighed giving him an exasperated look. He did know how to talk her out of her self loathing rants.

Daemon stood up and held his hand out for her with a stupid grin on his face that she loved so much. She took it and they both walked towards the castle. Daemon ranting and cursing Otto on their way while Rhaenyra laughed.
At least she had him with her this time.