king for a day ¹ ━━━━ jacaerys velaryon fanfic

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- ̥۪͙۪˚┊❛ CHAPTER SEVENTEEN ❜┊˚ ̥۪͙۪◌
SCOTT STREET
❛ do you feel ashamed?
when you hear my name? ❜

THE GREENS.

Alicent did try to care for Eudora as if she was her own, the problem was Eudora didn't feel even a drop of it. The queen was supposed to protect the Stark, but at the end of the day she created a nuance to the court rather than a pleasure. For years she tried to force a bond which could not be wielded, it was like talking to yourself. You can hear yourself, your voice making sounds, and yet you're aware you're all alone. The queen felt as if there was an invisible barrier she was trying to break through when it came to Eudora, none of her tactics worked on her.

So when it was brought to her attention that the Stark escaped, Alicent could only sigh. First Viserys' death, and now this? "You should've been able to control her the very moment she stepped in the Red Keep," Otto told her, the whole room kept silent. Lord Beesbury's head laid on the table, still and pale, in a matter of seconds his life was taken away from him. Ser Westerling left the room a few moments before, and now Alicent is at turmoil. "You shouldn't have accepted the letter by Bennard Stark to leave his horrid daughter here–"

"It was Viserys' choice, not mine."

"It was your choice and you know it," Otto backfired, a glare by his own daughter striking him down. "I'm sorry, but we are at a time of crisis right now. Time is of the essence, and we must act quick. Either on the Stark or on Rhaenyra."

The queen's hands remained clasped together, her grip growing stronger by the second. She had to find a solution to the problems at hand, but at that moment she could only find herself thinking about one thing. She needed to put Aegon on that throne.

—

EUDORA AND JACAERYS.

The ride to Dragonstone was a breeze. It was a starlit night, the waves beneath the dragons rather smooth and calm. But as soon as their feet planted themselves on the ground, Daemon questioned his wife and son's decision to bring the Stark along. "Do you have any idea what this may lead to?!"

"Daemon, please," Rhaenyra said, putting an arm on his shoulder.

"She would be the cause of our demise—"

"She will be the reason that they wouldn't harm us," Rhaenyra spoke, interrupting her husband. Eudora kept her head down, staring at the floor whilst her hands were busy on her dress. "Eudora has her reasons as well, isn't that right, child?"

"I'd like to apologize first— your Grace, it was not my intention to cause such disruption this late at night," began Eudora, looking towards Jace for a sign to keep going. He nodded, and with a quick draw of her breath she continued to speak. "But my uncle, Rickon Stark, bent his knee for you all those years before. Our allegiance is to you, Rhaenyra— and I couldn't help but be shaken by the fact that—"

Daemon spoke once more. "That your cousin tried to marry you off to Aemond Targaryen?"

Eudora pursed her lips as she looked at Daemon. "That I am being used as a political ploy to ensure the Greens' line in the throne."

"And how sure are we that you aren't a spy? Not lurking in the shadows for your husband-to-be?"

"Daemon!" exclaimed Rhaenyra, bringing silence to everyone. Eudora bit down on her tongue, not wanting to say anything as she watched the rogue prince grip onto his sword. "I'm sure we're all extremely tired, Jace, please show Eudora to one of the vacant rooms. Daemon, we need to talk."

The Stark spared one more glance at the older man, who furrowed his eyebrows before turning his back at her, facing the fireplace. Jace saw the opportunity to take her hand in his, the other on her shoulder as he guided her away from his mother. The pair stayed silent the whole time, Eudora too stunned to speak and Jace too embarrassed. But as soon as they arrived, all the Stark could say was, "I'm sorry."

"No, don't apologize," Jace told her but she shook her head.

"I shouldn't have—"

"Eudora, you deserve to be here, alright?" He tried to reassure her, caressing her face gently. "I promise you everything will be alright, please get some rest for now."

She could only nod at him, slowly making her way into the room. The Stark gave him a small smile before closing the door behind her, letting out a loud sigh. Allowing herself to slide down to the floor, the girl welcomed the cold feeling. For some reason she felt the same— there wasn't any thrill but her throat felt stuck. She placed her hand on her neck, trying to breathe in some air. Why is it that even though she escaped the Greens, there is still some uncertain feeling?

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