𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 • Jacaerys Velaryon

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬

 After consoling Rhaenyra, she aided her in cleaning the babe and alerting the family. Renva found Daemon by the painted table, she didn't miss the look of relief on his face when she alerted him that Rhaenyra was alive but alone while mourning the death of their daughter. Daemon wasted no time in rushing to Rhaenyra's side. Renva walked out of the painted table room and once she made sure she was alone in the hall, she collapsed to the floor in tears. The events of the day finally caught up to her. The loss of her father, the loss of the King, and then finally the loss of the babe who was all Rhaenyra and Renva would talk about.

"My love, what is wrong? Is it my mother?" Renva looked up to see Jacaerys round the corner along with Lucerys. Both boys had concern in their eyes for the girl.

"No, my sweet. However the babe was born sleeping. Your mother wanted to be alone while she prepared Visenya to be put to rest. She wanted me to inform you, and if you wanted to say your goodbyes to her in private that she is in her chambers. Daemon is most likely there now." Renva wiped her tears away and put on her brave face for the two boys. She knew that they would take the loss deeply due to their caring nature. Now wasn't the time to inform them of the loss of her father. Not when there were more pressing matters than her own loss at hand. "Go to her, I will be okay. I need to wash up anyway." Renva noted that she had blood on her from helping Rhaenyra.

Once the boys were out of sight, she let the tears begin to fall again silently as she walked to her and Jacaerys' shared chambers. As she entered she saw Ceria already preparing her evening clothes. The sight of Renva must've given Ceria a clue as to what Renva needed, as she rushed out and returned moments later, with a basin of water to fill the tub with. After a few trips to get water. She finally filled the tub and helped Renva out of her garments and into the tub. As Renva dipped her body in the water, she allowed the warmth to swallow her and for the first time that day she felt at peace in the warmth of the water. Ceria couldn't help but notice that Renva's attitude had in fact begun to change.

A few hours had passed and now Renva stood next to Jacaerys, holding his hand tightly as they watched Rhaenyra and Daemon walk up towards the pyre. In Rhaenyra's arms was a bundle of white fabric that held the remains of the Princess Visenya II. Hearing a rustle behind her Renva glanced back to see Erryk Cargyll approaching in his Kings Guard armor. Daemon turned, hearing the noise also, those who joined the Queens Guard drew their weapons as Erryk approached.

"I mean no harm brothers," Erryk got down on one knee and pulled the late King Viserys crown from his satchel. "I swear to ward the Queen with all my strength, and give my blood for hers. I shall take no wife, hold no lands, father no children. I shall guard her secrets, obey her commands, ride at her side, and defend her name and honor." Erryk lifted his head as Daemon approached him. Daemon lifted the crown out of his hands and walked back towards Rhaenyra. Rhaenyra bowed her head ever so slightly to allow Daemon to place her fathers crown upon her head. The onlookers wasted no time in dropping to their knees to show their respect for their Queen.

—

Renva tended to avoid the Painted table room as much as she could, the days following the death of Visenya and Visaerys. She found solitude in her bed chambers. She would still break fast with the family, however many noted that she was more reserved than normal. Jacaerys couldn't even figure out what was going on with his wife. He would ask if everything was okay, and he would be met with the same response of, 'I'm well my love. Do not worry about me.' along with a kiss to his cheek before she would continue what she was doing.

However, today Renva wasn't able to avoid said room, Rhaenyra wanted the whole family gathered there that day and Renva was not about to refuse her Queen. Renva's attention wasn't on the conversation, instead it was at where she was picking at her nails, or the seams of her gown. She would pick up pieces of the conversation, as they were talking about what allies they would have to support Rhaenyras claim to the throne.

"And what of House Stark? Do we have the support of Lord Rickon and the North?" Renvas attention was drawn to Daemon as he stared at her, waiting for her to respond to his question.

"Of course. However I received news the day of the late Visenyas' funeral, that my father had passed. But my brother Cregan assured me in the letter that no matter what he shall uphold the promise made to support the rightful heir, you, your grace. There has never been a Stark to forget an oath. " Renva said as she looked at Rhaenyra. The room grew quiet after hearing Renvas words, and all eyes turned to look at her. "And why exactly have you waited to bring this to our attention. Do you have ulterior motives?" Daemon spoke with spite at Renva. She was taken aback at the sudden accusation.

"Never. There was just so much going on and bigger things were at hand I-" Renva was cut off by Rhaenyra.

"We shall send envoys to the North and to Storm's end to carry my message." Renva looked towards the Queen who wouldn't even meet her eye. The same person who she helped through childbirth, and consoled when her own husband wasn't by her side.

"We should bear those messages, Dragons can fly faster than ravens and are more convincing. Send us." Renva's body went cold when she heard the voice beside her speak up. She couldn't stomach the conversation anymore and bolted out of the room and ran to her chamber. She emptied the contents of her stomach into a chamberpot as she heard the door reopen behind her. Renva felt her hair be held up by someone.

"My lady, you are okay. I am here." Renva's body calmed at hearing Ceria's voice.