Burn Together ❖ Daemon Targaryen

Chapter 32

Aemond Targaryen had not been in the Red Keep that night. So, as ordered, Blood and Cheese had gone for the usurper's children, and young Prince Jahaerys had been slain in his bed in the night.

Ser Roderick, Daemon, and Rhaellanne had made it out of Kings Landing before anybody had been alerted, but the reaction to the boy's death on Dragonstone was not one of positivity.

An emergency small council meeting had been called as soon as the news broke to the Blacks so that they might discuss the consequences. The Greens had thrown a funeral for Jahaerys to make a spectacle of his death and paint Rhaenyra as the villain responsible for the boy's death.

"It is yet unclear how the Keep itself was breached." Maester Gerardys informed his council "The boy's head was severed from his body. Thousands witnessed the procession."

From her seat at the head of the table, Rhaenyra scoffed "And they are accusing me of having a hand in this?"

He nodded. "It appears so. There have been messages sent to that effect throughout the realm."

She sighed. "We must send our own messages, denying this vile allegation."

"I will do so at once, but I'm not sure they will be received in good faith." he replied nervously

"And we must double our guard, here and in Driftmark." added Bennard "There will be swift retribution in one form or another..."

"I have seen to it, Your Grace." said Ser Roderick

From the other end of the table, Jacaerys said "Let me and Baelor fly out on Vermax and Silverwing. Rhaenys is needed in the Gullet and we can watch for movements from King's Landing."

"No" Rhaenyra said sharply

The last time she had sent her children out on dragon back, only one of them had returned and right now she would not risk Jacaery's life, especially not when the Greens would be desperate for revenge.

"It must be said that the damage to our position is immeasurable, at a time when we most need loyalty to our cause." said Lord Steffon

"B-But it's a lie. Having lost my own son, that I would inflict such a thing on Helaena, of all people... an innocent." argued Rhaenyra

Rhaellanne felt her guilt bubbling up in her stomach. She was the reason Blood and Cheese had gone after Jahaerys, knowing that it would hurt Heleana who was innocent in this war. She did not feel guilty for punishing them, but she did feel guilty because her sister was being blamed for it.

It was as if Rhaenys could see straight through the younger princess and her eyes drifted to Rhaellanne who was sat across the table from her, and beside her sat Daemon looking equally unphased.

Rhaenys knew that Rhaenyra had nothing to do with the death of Jahaerys, and nobody else at this council would have the guts to make such a bold move against the Greens. 

She was not the only one eyeing Princess Rhaellanne and Prince Daemon. A few other members of the Queensguard and council members clearly had the same suspicion.

Ser Alfred though, seemed to be the only person who did not believe the Queen.

"The death of Prince Lucerys was a shock and an insult. A mother so aggrieved might, naturally, seek relief in retribution." he suggested

Angrily, Rhaenyra got to her feet, "Are you suggesting, Ser Alfred, that my grief drove me to order the decapitation of a child?"

Nervously he replied, "I merely thought, perhaps, an action taken in haste-"

"-Mind yourself." interrupted Rhaenys

Rhaenyra could not believe the accusations being hurled against her, as if she was cruel enough to send a child to its death so brutally. There were only two people Rhaenyra knew who were brave or heartless enough to make such a violent move against the Greens, and she just hoped that her suspicion was wrong.