Of the Blood of the Dragon

Chapter Seventeen

Jaehaerys smiles slightly as Luke as he traces over where Driftmark is on the painted table.

"The Sea Snake is going to die, isn't he?" He whispers, letting his hand fall. "I can't be Lord of the Tides."

Jaehaerys looks past him to see Rhaenyra enter, her smile fading at her son's words.

"My grandsire was the greatest sailor who ever lived. I get greensick before the ship even leaves the harbor." Luke continues, oblivious to his mother's presence. "I'll just ruin everything. I don't want Driftmark."

"Vaegon didn't want Harrenhal either, you know?" Jaehaerys says softly, walking past Luke.

"It should've passed on to Ser Vaemond." Luke says, before catching sight of his mother.

"We don't choose our destiny, Luke. It chooses us." Rhaenyra tells him gently.

"Grandsire let you choose whether you'd be his heir. You told us so."

Rhaenyra sighs, coming closer to the two boys. "And do you want to know the truth of it? I was frightened. I was... four-and-ten. Same as you are now. I wasn't ready to be Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. But... it was my duty. And, in time, I came to understand I had to earn my inheritance."

Luke shakes his head slightly, looking back at the painted table. "I'm not like you."

"In what way, sweet boy?"

"I'm not so... perfect."

Rhaenyra smiles, kissing his cheek. "I am anything but. And if it weren't for Valaena being by my side, I wouldn't have made it all those years." She says, smiling at Jaehaerys. "You have each other... that is a great gift, one you shouldn't take for granted." Ser Lorent Marbrand enters as Rhaenyra looks back at Luke. "My father and Valaena looked after me and helped to prepare me for my duties. Your mother and Jae will do the same for you."

"Good morrow, Princess." Ser Lorent says, standing at the end of the painted table.

"Good morrow, Ser Lorent." Rhaenyra answers, turning towards the knight as Jaehaerys grabs Luke's hand.

"Princess Rhaenys has just arrived on dragonback. She urgently requests an audience with you and Prince Daemon.

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"I will leave for King's Landing on the morrow." Jaehaerys mutters to Daemon and Rhaneyra as they stand by the fire.

"So soon? You must stay... it has been too long since you've been here, Jaehaerys." Rhaenyra says, grabbing the boy's hand.

Jaehaerys goes to speak but is interrupted as the doors open.

"The Princess Rhaenys Targaryen." Ser Lorent announces, making Rhaenyra go to stand at the head of the painted table.

"Thank you, Ser Lorent." She says to the knight before looking at Rhaenys. "Princess Rhaenys... might we hope for news of Lord Corlys's recovery?"

"Viserys is dead." Rhaenys interrupts her, her voice void of emotion.

Jaehaerys freezes as Daemon slowly turns around to look at Rhaenys.

"I grieve this loss with you, Rhaenyra. My cousin, your father... possessed a kind heart." Rhaenys comes closer. "There is more."

Daemon goes to stand next to Rhaenyra while Jaehaerys turns back towards the fire.

"Aegon has been crowned as his successor."