The Dragon Queen

CHAPTER 16

Tensions was rising around the stepstones. Rhaelys looks around her.

"We have 16 perhaps 18 seaworthy ships, 700 foot and some 60 knights. Our food quickly dwindles save for what we can fish from the sea. I would say we have a fortnight perhaps a bit longer with strict rations. I've made call to Driftmark to send more ships but they will be weeks away. We are faltering and the triachy knows it. We must press the attack, continue sending the dragons and now we have Vermithor as well another dragon that has seen war."

"It's pointless father, the crabfeeder has created a chokepoint here" he points on the map," They hold these dunes. Archers hold their high positions and foot soldiers hold the ground. We strafe them on the dragons again and again but they just retreat into the caves."

"Dragons can circle the Bloodstone until they fall out of the sky. The crabfeeder and his men have no reason to leave their caves."

"Then we must give them one, an offering of flesh to bait the crab."says Vaemon.

"Who?"asks Rhaelys.

In the distance they hear a man screaming,"Dragon returning"

Caraxes whistle like roar could be heard.

"Yes, who? Show me the man who would happily go to his death. Show me the knight who would happily walk into that hell pit and I will show you a madman "

"Daemon" says Laenor.

"Daemon is why we are losing?" Vaemond says angrily.

"He atleast is fighting in this war. What role have you been playing in this council uncle other than Master of complaints."says Laenor.

"Enough " Rhaelys says firmly.

"If Kingslanding won't support Daemon why should any of us" Vaemond shouts towards the knights.

"Blood or no Vaemond, I won't have you struck mutiny" Corlys tells vaemond.

Daemon approaches the table and puts his helmet onto the table.

"If you do not seize control of this war my lord the crabs will soon dine on all of us." Vaemon says.

Daemon surveys the knights.

Targaryen knights approach. "Prince Daemon" one of them says,"I bring word from his grace Viserys Targaryen first of his Name, King of the Andals and the Rhoynar lord of the seven kingdoms and Protector of the Realm." He hands a letter to Daemon.

Daemon takes it and starts to read it. As he finishes he hands the letter back and turns around facing Rhaelys. He grabs his helmet and attacks the messenger. The man falls to the ground but Daemon continues to hit him. Vaemon grabs Rhaelys and pulls her closer to him not wanting her to see the scene infront of them.

Vaemond and Laenor pulls him off of the man. Laenor checks the man's pulse.

"Ready the men"  Daemon says looking at Corlys.

"And get me a boat" he turns to vaemond.

"We'll end this crabfeeder today."He says walking away.

After they planned everything Rhaelys puts on armor, that she was given.

Vaemon enters her tent and sees her struggling to tie dress. "Do you need help?"

Rhaelys turns and looks towards him. "Yes please, if you do not mind."

Vaemon approaches her slowly and starts helping her. Rhaelys pulls in a sharp breathe everytime her touches her and Vaemon notices.

As he finished he steps back."There now you look like a warrior."

Rhaelys smiles,"Thank you."

They look at each other and the air between them fills with tension.

They hear shouting that breaks the tension.

"VAEMON"

Vaemon clears his throat and leaves hastily.

Rhaelys leaves her tent and approaches Vermithor.

"Hello Vermithor. We going to battle today, it has probably been a while for you. We will win. We don't have a choice."

She climbs onto his back and they began to fly.

Rhaelys flew for a while awaiting the signal from Laenor, who is flying on Seasmoke. She looks to him and he sends the signal.

Rhaelys sees archers shooting arrows towards a man, Daemon.

"Dracarys"

"Dracarys Vermithor "

Daemon walks out of a cave with the remains of the crabfeeder.

Rhaelys lands Vermithor behind seasmoke. "I have to leave."

"Why?"

She sighs."One of my fathers men will have already recognized me and I do not a lecture."

"Rhaelys!"

She hears someone call her name. She turns and sees Vaemon. She jogs to him."You are okay"

"Of course I am. Vaemon I have to leave but that doesn't mean I want to end our friendship"

Vaemon knew this was coming, the day that she leaves.

"I think we could send each other ravens. That a good idea right?"

Vaemon swallows heavily and nods his head. He looks at her violet eyes trying to paint it into his memory. His eyes lowered until they reached her soft pink lips. He leaned forward and pulled her closer locking their lips together.

Rhaelys let's out a gasp not expecting him to kiss her. She slowly starts kissing him back.

Rhaelys pulls back to catch her breathe. "I'm sorry-" Vaemon starts only to be interrupted by Rhaelys pulling him in for a kiss again, shutting him up.

They smile into the kiss. Pulling away they rest the foreheads together. "I wish to court you princess. If you'll let me."

Rhaelys smiles in amusement."Of course my Lord."

*******

They arrive back at camp and rhaelys started packing. Steffon enters.

"Are you ready princess?"

Rhaelys looks around the tent."Yes let us go."

They walk to a boat. Steffon had found out Rhaenyra's next destination and Rhaelys decided to meet her there.