𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 • Jacaerys Velaryon

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟏: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞

Renva watched as Jacaerys came into their chambers to collect some belongings for the journey. Both did not speak, just existed in silence with each other until Jacaerys spoke up.

"Why didn't you tell me of your fathers condition? I could have been there for you." He said walking towards where she stood by the window.

"You had lost two members of your own family already it didn't seem as important as to what you were going through." Renva said, running a hand across her own arm to soothe herself. Jacaerys replaced her hand with his own, "You are my family now as well, you do not have to suffer on your own. My mother is sending me to the Eyrie and then to Winterfell. I will get an update for you on how your brothers are doing. If you would like me to bring anything back for you, or if you have to say anything to your brothers, simply write it in a letter and I shall deliver it to them." Jacaerys said as he pulled Renva close and rested his head on hers, after spending her grief in solitude she felt her walls crumble as he pulled her in. All the weight of the events that have transpired fell onto her at that moment. Through tears she was able to choke out, "Why are you going instead of ravens? I don't want you or Luke to get hurt." Renva said and she clutched onto Jace's tunic. "Look at me Renva," Jace pulled away slightly and raised his hands to cup Renvas face. "We are to be sent as messengers, we swore to our mother not to fight. We will be safe." Jacaeys heart swelled at the thought that Renva had not only cared deeply for him but for his younger brother who would also be taking a journey by himself.

A knock on the door startled them both, they only briefly separated to see Lucerys standing in the doorway.

"Are you ready brother? The dragons are waiting." Luke said quietly, he had always been the quiet and compassionate type which warmed Renvas heart knowing that he was her family now. "I just have to grab a few more things." Jace said and he kissed Renva's forehead and gathered the rest of his belongings. Renva quickly wrote down that she was okay and would like her mothers charoite jewel ring, gifted to her mother from her father. She rolled up the parchment and handed it to Jacaerys. She then moved across the room to the table beside her side of the bed. She picked up what she had recently finished making and walked her way back over to where the two brothers now stood together. She motioned for both boys to hold out a wrist. Renva slowly wrapped a thick bracelet made of the Starks' gray color, along with the Targaryens' black and finally the Velaryian blue. Both boys looked up to her once she tied them to their wrists. She lifted up her own to show she too had one, "These symbolize that we are all now one," she turned towards Luke, "After my wedding to your brother, I became your sister. I shall look after you as my own and fight for you both until the end of my days." Renva said, embarrassing both boys. She gave Luke a kiss on his cheek and her beloved one on the lips. "I shall walk with you to the Dragon mount." As they walked to the dragon mount Renva couldn't help but feel uneasy about this journey the boys were going on.

—

Renva had been residing in the library for the remainder of the day to keep herself calm. The boys wouldn't be back for a bit, she needed to keep herself occupied so as to not freak out. She was in the middle of reading about King Jaehaerys first of his name ascension to the throne, when she heard the door open and the guard announce that it was Queen Rhaenyra. Renva quickly rose and curtseyed before Rhaenyra.

"I thought I might find you here." Rhaenyra said as she sat in the seat across from Renva. Renva's heart raced at the memory of their prior interaction. "I am sorry for not being vocal about my fathers condition until now, your grace. You see I have been feeling under the weather, and preferred to rest in solace." Renva spoke without being questioned, trying quickly to defend herself to the Queen. "My dear child, you are okay. I too wish to apologize for how I acted at the painted table. I am on edge due to recent events and have been cautious on who I listen to." Rhaenyra held onto Renva's hands. "It is okay, your grace. After all that you have been through it is to be expected in some way." Renva offered a small smile to the Queen. "Let us wait for the boys to return together. Luke should be back within two days time and Jacaerys should be back before the weeks end." Rhaenyra stood taking Renva with her.

During the time Rhaenyra spent with Renva, they spoke of Targaryen history, growing up in Winterfell, and spending time with Rhaenyra's youngest sons, Viscerys and Aegon. Renva asked all the questions she had about Targaryen history, making the Queen laugh occasionally due to her avid curiosity. The Queen in turn would ask how life in Winterfell fared to life at the Red Keep and Dragonstone. Renva was happy to answer the Queen's questions, highlighting her love for the snow. The young boys absolutely loved Renva, her time spent with them on the trip back to Dragonstone having solidified a great relationship between the three. Renva was like an older sister to the young boys.

Speaking of the young boys, Renva took it upon herself to watch them while the Queens court discussed the next options, should the boys return with not so great news. Renva was sitting off to the side of the painted table, Rhaenyra requesting the boys never be too far from her. Renva was holding little sleeping Viscerys while Aegon was playing on the floor with a wooden dragon figurine. Renva glanced between the boys when she heard the door open and Daemon walked the length of the room, his face sullen. He pulled Rhaenyra over towards the fireplace just to the right of where Renva was sitting with the boys when she heard the news that made her heart break.

Lucerys Velaryon was dead, murdered in the sky by his uncle Aemond targaryen and his dragon Vhagar. He was no match for the war dragon, and the crazed rider. The small dragon tried with all of its might to flee it, but little Arrax was no match. Renva glanced at Rhaenyra, as she saw the Queen's eyes darken she knew that war was now closer than ever. Renva held little Viserys tighter before watching Rhaenyra and Daemond walk out of the room together.

𝙀𝙣𝙙 𝙊𝙛 𝘼𝙘𝙩 𝙊𝙣𝙚