The Story of Us // Rhaenyra Targaryen // Daemon Targaryen

77. Take A Breath

Daemon stood outside, Caraxes behind him, Jace watched silently, completely still as Ser Stefan and Ser Laurent stood before them. Wanda and Zelda stood beside Daemon with their arms crossed over their chest, their stares hopefully intimidating. 

'' You swore an oath as Knights of the King's Guard.'' Daemon reminded them, hand on the hilt of his sword as he stared down at them.

''As do all who wear the White Cloak, my Prince.'' Stefan answered

''To whom?''

''I swore first to King Jehaerys, my Prince. And then, to his grace, King Viserys, when he succeeded him.' Stefan informed him.

''Do you acknowledge the true line of succession?'' Daemon questioned, his questioning and threats were less threatening when Amara came outside chasing after her chicken, they heard the clucks of the chicken and Amaras laughter as she tried to catch him again. JOffrey giggled chasing after her too. 

"Yes, my prince.'' They both agreed.

''Do you recall how King Viserys named his heir before his death?" Daemon questioned, his gaze shifting away from Amara. 

''Princess Rhaenyra." Stefan answered.

"I'm grateful for your long service to the Crown. So I'm presenting you with a choice." Daemon informed them confidently. Caraxes shrieked from behind him stepping closer.

''I swear anew your oath to Rhaenyra as your queen, to Prince Jacaerys as the heir to the Iron Throne. Or if you support the usurper speaker now, then you will have a clean and honorable death." Daemon went on and Caraxes seemed to smile as he brought his large face down to Daemon, his eyes gleaming as he stared at the knights. ''But if you choose treachery, if you swear fealty now only to later turn your cloaks, know that you will die... Screaming."

Avalon knew what was happening, a miscarriage, she had seen it often with Aemma. Rhaenyra knew what was happening too. SHe didnt have time for this though. 

''Princess, let us help you.'' they begged. ''Princess, please.'' ''You shouldn't do this alone, Princess.'' and ''Let us help you.'' their voices all echoed over each other. 

"She is not alone." Avalon assured. 

Rhaenyra moaned and groaned she refused to let the handmaidens help her, she held tight to Avalon's hand using her as strength, a gush of blood seeped to the ground beneath her feet, she pulled and pulled the head free the body coming next and it dropped to the ground as well. Rhaenyra whimpered out as she collapsed to her knees.

Avalon held her as she tried to breathe. Today was a bad day all around. Rhaenyra tried to be brave, she couldnt waste time on crying, she needed to get her crown back. But she savored the kindness Avalon showed her, as Avalon held her as she cried and didnt rush her to get up, let her cry out, holding onto her. Rhaenyra felt Avalon's own tears drop down her perfect face. 

Their baby was wrapped and brought out to a small pyre for proper Targaryen funeral. Rhaenyra wept. She lost her father and her child, within the same moment. Avalon wanted to go to the capital. Wanted to be there when they burned Viserys, she wanted to see him one last time but she couldnt leave Rhaenyra and Daemon. Rhaenyra needed her.  Their family gathered to pay their respects, Avalon, Daemon and Rhaenyra stood close to the fire as Erryk Cargyll came walked up. Blades were sheathed and knights at the ready. Erryk was of the kings guard.

'' I mean no harm brothers,' Erryk said removing his helmet. "I swear toward the Queen, With all my strength... and give my blood for hers, I shall take no wife... hold no lands, father no children. I shall guard her secrets, obey her commands, ride at her side, and defend her name and honor." Erryk said kneeling before them. ' he pulled a crown free handing it over to Daemon. Daemon looked upon it, noting the Targaryen crown, this was Viserys. 'My Queen." He held out the crown. Viserys crown. Daemon had a moment, just a moment where he wanted to put the crown upon his own head but instead he placed it on Rhaenyra's.