We Are Dragons (Daemon Targaryen)

Chapter Eight

When the carriage came to a stop at the large group of tents set up for the hunt, there was applause as people waited for it to come to a stop.

We waited as the others left the carriage. Rhaenyra sat alone, listening to the applause for her brother.

"Hail, hail Aegon, the Conqueror-Babe, Second of His Name! Here's to His Grace on his second name day!"

The people kept cheering for Aegon, but we stayed in the carriage until the crowd dispersed.

Rhaenyra went straight for the large red tent, while I was distracted by Ser Brendan and Cregan approaching me.

"It's good to see you, Princess." Cregan said respectfully, bowing his head. I smiled back at him.

"And you, Lord Stark."

I really didn't mind his company. I just didn't want to marry.

I nodded to him and walked towards the tent. I passed Harwin Strong, Lord Lyonel Strong's eldest son. He was a high ranking member of the City Watch. The best part about him was that he did not share his father's skepticism for women in power.

The men drank and laughed, while the women sat in a secluded corner and ate cake while gossiping. I listened to their conversation from a few feet away, curious.

"Lady Johanna was reported to have been abducted when one of Lord Swann's ships sailed through the Stepstones." Ceira Lannister was saying.

"What will happen to Lady Johanna?" Alicent asked.

"She's to be sold to a pillow house in the Free Cities if you believe the rumors." Lady Ceira replied.

"I fear the gods did not make me for hunting." Larys Strong, a cripple with a bum foot approached. "Might I sit with you, my ladies?"

"But of course. Please join us. Larys Strong, the youngest son of our Master of Law, Lord Lyonel." Alicent introduced him, and he sat to join them.

"My Lord husband says that no King has even been able to tame the Step stones for long." One of the ladies pointed out. "It's an inhospitable place suited only for savages."

"Perhaps the Princess... can give us some insight." Lady Ceira suggested, and I saw Rhaenyra show herself with a nervous smile and a chuckle.

"Oh, I'm not sure how I could. I've never been to the Step stones." Rhaenyra replied.

"You have, Princess Maeka, have you not?" One of the other ladies suggested.

"I never actually made it to the Stepstones." I replied curtly, moving around their gathered chairs to stand beside Rhaenyra.

"Your dear uncle is the great mind behind this war. Is he not?" Lady Ceira asked.

"I wouldn't know. I've not spoken to Daemon in years." Rhaenyra replied bitterly, and I looked away.

"Since you supplanted him as heir." Lady Ceira said. I didn't like her tone.

"Daemon made his choices, Lady Ceira." Alicent interrupted. "The Princess was more suited to the role." She added with a small smile sent in Rhaenyra's direction. She smiled uncomfortably.

"He's made a mess and the King must put an end to it." Lady Redwyne declared boldly. "Send fleets and men and clear out the Triarchy for good."

"But the crown is not at war." Rhaenyra replied. Lady Redwyne looked up at her in judgment.

"The crown... is at war, Princess. Though your father refuses to admit it, we've been dragged into it by your uncle and The Sea Snake." I tensed at the way Lady Redwyne spoke of them.