.INDOMITUS. | Jacaerys Velaryon x OC x Cregan Stark |

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Twins of the Tide

"I remember falling" Rhaenys gripped tightly onto Nettles as she re lived the worst moment of her life. The council had been Dismissed, after assuring that the betrothal to Lord Stark would continue after the Princess's recovery, and the family had gathered in Rhaenyra's chambers. All eyes were on the pearl of driftmark as she told her story, all bar Jace- having gone to patrol the riverlands- and the youngers who had been sent to bed. Luce had demanded to be present, and stayed as close to his sister as physically possible. "I don't remember hitting the ocean, or grabbing onto Seasmoke's wing. I just remember falling and having to watch as that monster killed my best friend" She said tearfully, visualising the dismemberment of her poor dragon.

Upon Rhaenys's insisting, Nettles had been allowed to stay with them as they gathered. "Nettles was the first thing I saw when I woke up" Rhaenys explained and Nettles chimed in afterwards. "She finished vomiting water out of her then cursed me to the hells and back for keeping her alive" the two girls let out a chuckle. "Nettles took me in, fed me, clothed me, kept me hidden as I recovered. She could've handed me over to any of Aegon's spies for coin but she didn't. I owe everything to her, even returning home" Nettles looked down sheepishly as she squeezed the Princess's hand in appreciation.

"I... we are in your debt, Lady Nettles" Rhaenyra began but was swiftly cut off by the smallfolk woman. "It's just Nettles, your grace, and as I said to Rhae, it's nothing" the Black Queen was shocked at how casual the woman was, but continued her speech. "It may be to you, but because of your goodness I have my only girl back with me after thinking she had joined her ancestors. Name your price, and it will be yours" Rhaenyra insisted. Nettles looked to Rhaenys with a doubtful look, receiving an encouragement nod in return. "Thank you, my Queen. But all I ask is that I may have some food and water before I head home". Baela laughed and grinned at Nettles. "You've brought my sister back to me, you can have a feast and a barrel of wine to yourself" Rhaena agreed with her twin, smiling at Rhaenys.

Before anymore jesting could continue, the doors to Rhaenyra's chambers slammed open as Prince Jacaerys ran in, still adorning his riding gear and wet hair. Ignoring everyone in the room, Jace stared open mouthed at the woman he loved. "You're alive" he breathed, a wavering smile on his face. Sensing that the family were invading, Luce decided to speak up. "I think we should let the twins catch up, don't you?" He said, standing up and offering an arm to Rhaena. The latter giggled slightly and took her betrothed's arm, everyone swiftly leaving one by one. "Nettles, allow me to show you to a room" Baela offered the saviour, noticing how she stood awkwardly ay the edge of the room. Nodding gratefully, Nettles walked over to Rhaenys and ruffled her hair quickly before going to Baela. The dragonrider herself placed a hand on Jace's shoulder and whispered into his ear. "Be nice, she's been through hell" she warned before taking her leave with Nettles.

~~~

Jace remained stood at a distance, unsure of how to approach his twin. Rhaenys looked up at him from where she was sat and gave him a weary smile. "Hi Jacey" She whispered, reverting to their sacred language. Their father had always claimed the usage of High Valyrian showed their trust and vulnerability, Laenor and Rhae often spoke to each other in the language when he was alive. Jace may not have been fluent as his twin was, but he knew enough to share that vulnerability with her. "You're alive" he repeated in common tongue, stepping closer to his love.

Rhaenys stood with her arms open and Jacaerys all but threw himself into her. Regardless of what had happened, of what was happening or going to happen, when the twins embraced all felt right. The two remained stood for a while, silent as they felt all the emotions in the hug. In the distance, Vermax could be heard calling out for his dragon friend, making Rhaenys break away and turn to look out the window. "I'm sorry about Seasmoke" Jace said quietly, knowing she would hear. Rhaenys didn't respond, just nodding as she continued to listen to the green dragon's cries.

"Seasmoke was the closest thing I had to Father. He taught you and Luce to fish, and he taught me the histories. To respect and honor the dragons as opposed to commanding them. Seasmoke was more than his or mine own mount, they were a friend and a companion" Rhaenys spoke with certainty, as though what Laenor had taught her was law. In some ways, it was. Dragons were not slaves to their rider's nor to the self proclaimed 'DragonLords' of Valyria. "Don't forget the sea shanties he'd have us sing to mother and Grandsire" Jace added on, a smile on his face as the two reminisced about their childhood.

Rhaenys let out a sigh as she sat on the bed, Jace coming down next to her and taking her hand in his. "What do I do now, Jace? Travel North, marry the Warden, push out babies and live my life a regular woman? I can't do it" She complained. She knew it sounded arrogant but she was born a princess of fire and sea, regular was not her thing. "You carry on, that's what you do. I know it kills you, losing so much, but we need you. I need you" Jace gripped his sister's chin with his thumb and finger and lifted her face to meet her eyes. "I need you Rhaenys, always have and always will" he murmered.

The brown haired twin didn't get to finish his speech as Rhaenys grabbed the back of his neck and brought their lips together in a passionate kiss, both allowing their lips to say what words could not. It was wrong, they both knew it, but they couldn't deny the obvious love they held for each other. Jace lightly pushed Rhaenys down onto the bed with their lips connected, separating briefly to join her before kissing again. Rhaenys slipped a cold hand underneath his shirt and smiled into the kiss as Jace let out a gasp. Before things could go any further, the door burst open and the two jumped apart.

"Eurgh! Brother... eurgh" Luce cried out as he rubbed the heels of his hands into his eyes. Rhae couldn't help but let out a giggle at her younger brother's antics before panic set in. "Luce! Oh fuck, Luce you can't tell anyone" She panicked, immediately standing and fixing her clothes and hair. Jacaerys remained laying on the bed with a smug expression and messy hair. The younger Velaryon walked over to his sister and gave her a hug to reassure her. "As if it isn't common knowledge the love you two share, but sure, I'll keep quiet" he laughed and grinned as Rhaenys ruffled his curls. "Thank you, sweet boy" Rhae sang as Jace finally joined the hug, arms engulfing his sister and brother.

~~~

"Send a raven to Winterfell at once, let Lord Stark know his betrothed is on her way" Rhaenyra ordered the Maester, fiddling with her pearl ring. As much as she wanted to keep Rhaenys by her side to prevent any harm coming to her, there was still a war waging. Rhaenyra needed her army. "Daemon, you will leave for Harrenhal on the morn. I will have Jace accompany Rhae to Winterfell to ensure her protection. At weeks end we will send Luce, Rhaena and the children to the Vale" and with that, the plans of the Black Queen were in motion.