Sun and Fire ~ Aemond Targaryen

12. Driftmark. From the sea we come, To the sea we shall return

The recent tragedies reported did not leave anyone in the family indifferent. In the hall of Prince Aegon's mansion, he and his family sat with disbelieving faces, as if a shadow of melancholy and sadness had settled upon them all. But it was the girls who expressed the most emotion.

Meria had confusion in her eyes, and Daemma felt a tear roll down her right cheek. Harwin Strong and his father Lyonel Strong had died in a fire at Harrenhal shortly after their arrival, a fateful fire that extinguished many more lives in that huge, old castle that many considered "cursed."

The girls' thoughts immediately turned to the time when they tried to console Ser Harwin when he was forced to leave the Red Keep. The promise to visit him with their cousins Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey lingered in their minds. Daemma could clearly see in her memories how happy he had been with that idea.

Those had been such wonderful plans, and now none of that would happen. They would never be able to visit him with their dragons. The Ser would never be able to see the boys or Rhaenyra again. And on the other hand, they also thought of Lord Lyonel. They may not have shared a lot with him, but his nature was always so kind and warm that it hurt to learn of the horrible death he had suffered. A man as honorable as him certainly did not deserve such an end.

As if all that weren't horrific and difficult enough to digest, they also received a letter about the loss of Lady Laena Velaryon, who had reportedly died in Pentos while about to have her third child, who also died that night.

The truth was that the girls and Princess Kassaia hadn't gotten to know her well. After her marriage to Prince Daemon, they had both moved to Pentos, and their visits were almost nonexistent, although Daemon and his brother, Prince Aegon, exchanged correspondence often to keep each other informed about their adventures.

"We must go to Driftmark... they will hold Lady Laena's funeral there". Kassaia's voice was soft yet serious as she sat in a chair, glancing at her husband. Aegon ran his hand over his face, clearly saddened by what had happened, but he composed himself to speak.

"Yes... we must go as soon as possible."

Daemma wiped away the tear rolling down her cheek with her thumb and immediately breathed to keep calm as she remained seated.

"Both funerals will take place almost at the same time."

"We are obliged to attend Lady Laena's funeral, Daemma. I know you didn't know her well, but she is our relative" Murmured the mother with understanding.

A slight silence fell over the room, and the dornish princess got up to take her husband's hands in a reassuring gesture. Meria was also seated and held onto the arms of her chair with wide eyes still surprised by everything that had happened. After thinking for a while, she whispered.

"Which funeral will Rhaenyra and her children attend?"

Kassaia and Aegon looked at her with wide eyes, but after a moment they softened. Daemma also remained with a clear gaze, trying to imagine her cousins' feelings. If it affected them a little, they couldn't imagine how it must be for them. They practically grew up with him like a father and his children.

Everyone in the room knew the reality; it was no mystery to anyone. But they could never afford to mention it openly. Aegon approached Meria and gently caressed her cheek with the palm of his hand to look into her eyes.

"They will surely attend Driftmark."

"But... Harwin Strong."

"Your cousins and Rhaenyra must be suffering greatly from this..." Aegon interrupted her with a firm voice. "We will go to Driftmark and let them know that we are with them and that we accompany them in their pain, even if it's from the shadows, understood? Can you do that for your cousins?"