Bronze Beauty | Daemon Targaryen

Breaking Bread

The dining hall was deathly silent as the Targaryen family took their seats at the grand table, which was set with fine silverware and decadent appetizers.

On one side, Alicent wore a gorgeous gown of emerald green, and her father and three children were alongside her, facing the doorway. A space was reserved for the king, and on the other side, Rhaenyra sat in the black dress she'd worn to court that day, with beautiful crimson and gold dragon needlework. At her side sat her husband Aelyx, Alyssa, Baelor, and Baelon, all in black clothing threaded with red.

The youngest children had already been fed and sent off to bed with their nursemaids, too young to partake in late-night revelries.

Diana held back a chuckle as she stopped in the doorway and observed the stiff and awkward way the two sides diligently avoided eye contact, staring at their wine goblets and whispering to their neighbours in muffled whispers. Trying to contain the smile that wanted to spread across her face, she picked up the skirts of her deep plum gown; Diana tightened her hold on Daemon's arm and allowed him to escort her to her seat across from where Viserys would be seated, a nervous Dahlia on his other side.

As propriety dictated, she bowed her head once to a pinched-faced Alicent and an uneasy-looking Rhaenyra before she took her seat, aware of how Daemon ignored their Hightower queen, only offering greetings to his niece. The table was packed full; Viserys had insisted all members of House Targaryen attend, even those married into other houses.

Alycia, Tyland, Tyson, and Jocelyn were sat on Diana and Daemon's side of the table, all decked out in Lannister crimson and gold, with gold and silver hair gleaming in the candlelight. Rhaenys had sent her regards but refused the invitation; instead, she sent Baela and Rhaena in blue and silver Velaryon gowns.

The oppressive silence was almost unbearable, but the feel of Daemon's fingers toying with the sleeve of Diana's gown kept her grounded as she sipped her wine and patiently waited.

Finally, after what felt like ages, the massive chamber doors swung open, and everyone stood to attention as the king came in on a paladin carried by four palace guards. The men strained as they slowly made their way around the table, knees buckling under the weight of the gold and intricate carvings that no doubt made the paladin ten times heavier than it needed to be.

With a few screeches, the paladin slid under the table, and the guards stepped away to take their stations around the room. Viserys looked exhausted as he nodded, and everyone took their seats. Looking around, the king surveyed the room and, with a ragged inhale, declared, "How good it is... to see you all tonight... together."

"Prayer before we begin?" Alicent said, but it felt more like a statement rather than a question as Viserys leaned towards her and nodded.

"Yes." He whispered, unaware that more than half of the table looked uncomfortable as only the Greens closed their eyes and bowed their heads in preparation.

Clasping her hands on the table, the queen began, "May the Mother smile down on this gathering with love. May the Smith mend the bonds that have been broken for far too long. And to Vaemond Velaryon, may the gods give him rest."

Daemon chuckled under his breath at the subtle dig the queen tried to throw at him, unaffected by the glare she sent in response to his indifference. Diana was able to stifle her amusement and, as subtly as possible, embowed her husband in the side until he fell silent, a shit-eating grin on his face.

"This is an occasion for celebration, it seems." Viserys's eyes locked with Diana's as he continued, "My dearest sister tells me that Baela and young Baelor here are to wed in three years' time."

Diana nodded low in response, the smile on her face genuine as Rhaenyra piped in, "It's true, Father. And I, for one, cannot wait to see what magnificent things my Baelor and young Baela will do as the future Lord and Lady of Driftmark."