Burn Together ❖ Daemon Targaryen

Chapter 33

Rhaellanne was hurt. Her sister did not trust her, and her husband had left for Harrenahl, leaving her alone with their six children. She was glad to be staying to protect them, but it was hard when she felt alone inside her own castle.

The princess looked at herself in her mirror. Once upon a time Dragonstone had belonged only to her and Daemon, and she had let herself forget that she was the Lady of this castle. She was the Hand of the Queen, the Queen of Dragons and the Narrow sea and the Lady of Dragonstone, which meant she had a job to protect her sister's claim to the throne, no matter how divided they were.

So, Rhaellanne, decided. She had to remind Rhaenyra of that. Her sister needed her, and she would not let her down because of this fight.

Rhaellanne left her chamber, intending to find Rhaenyra quickly.

"Where is the Queen?" she asked Ser Roderick, who immediately fell into step beside her

"The library" he replied

"Is she alone?" she asked

"I do not know" he answered "Ser Erryk only informed me where she was when I returned from the courtyard"

Rhaellanne smiled, "You were with Baelor then?"

He nodded "Yes. I will admit the prince swiftly defeated me."

She chuckled "That is my son, and you did teach him after all. Perhaps, you should be flattered"

The knight grinned, "I am of course. To be defeated by a teenager is humbling, but I am proud to see how talented he has become. I worried that with Prince Daemon's departure he would struggle, but I believe the prince is finding... other comfort"

"Do I want to know what that means?" asked Rhaellanne with a frown

Roderick laughed "Nothing unseemly. Lady Rhaena was coming to see him as I left, and Baelor looked as red as a tomato"

Rhaellanne beamed, "Good. If my son and Rhaena are to be married then I would like to see them happy. Do not let him know you are spying or else the boy will become embarrassed"

"I will stay out of it" he said, but they both knew he would still keep an eye on Baelor 

He was by no means Baelor's father, but he had been his protector since birth, and as the prince grew older they were becoming friends, much like Roderick and Rhaellanne.

By now, she had reached the library and Roderick opened the door for her.

Inside was only Rhaenyra and as soon as she laid eyes on her sister, her expression hardened.

"Your Grace" sighed Rhaellanne "I... I think we should speak"

Rhaenyra nodded. "I do too. You are my sister, Rhaella, and I love you, but what you and Daemon did to Heleana has had far more consequences than perhaps you first thought." 

"I see that" said Rhaellanne "And forgive me, Rhanyra, but ever since Lucerys died you were not present. I understand your grief and I feel it too, but Daemon, Bennard and I were left in charge of the council and frustration about our lack of action grew. Your own council members were losing faith in your dedication to being Queen, so when you finally allowed us to do something, we needed it to be bold."

She sighed. "I understand why you had to do it, but you do not endure the same challenges I do. As Queen I must consider more than anger and vengeance, and be a politician."

"A monarch must still take action" she retorted "Blood has already been spilt. Lucerys was as innocent as Jahaerys, I do not see why us evening the scales is unimaginable"