Vhaenessa Targaryen

16

Vhaenessa felt a bitterness settle inside her as she packed some things to ready herself for the inevitable departure of herself, Brandon Stark the Elder, Jae, Rickon and Aemon.

Why it was that Brandon Stark would go with them, was a mystery to her, Jae was only going because he wanted to help her with the two young children.

And because Ned is afraid that he'd be recognized as a mix of Stark and Targaryen like all their children, she thought.

She scowled at that very thought. He could've passed as Robb's twin if Ned had just kept his existence a secret until he arrived back in the North after the Rebellion.

Her scowl deepened as her mind turned back to their departure. Like craven fools they are to leave the North and their family behind because Ned Stark couldn't protect her, nor their family.

It was a bitter brew to swallow. They have fucking dragons, don't they?

Why can't they just wage war upon the Usurper and his ilk?

Why should she flee and leave most of her children behind for the vultures to pick apart?

I am the blood of old Valyria, the blood of the dragonlords of old. Why should I bend to the whims of mere men? she raged inside her head as she packed.

Ned Stark might be honorable and fear retribution for hatching dragons, but not her.

I will not bend. I shall take back what is my family's with Fire and Blood.

She paused in her packing and sighed. No, she had already told her husband that she would leave. She cannot go back on her word now, even if it pains her to do so.

She looked over her shoulder when Sansa walked into the chambers.

The girl had been furious to hear that Vhaenessa was to flee the North should the Usurper set foot beyond this side of the Neck.

She had accused Ned of wanting to set Vhaenessa aside. Ned had been cross with the girl too, feeling that he was in the right when he was absolutely, without a doubt, in the wrong.

Protecting their family is his top priority. But Vhaenessa cannot understand what about leaving most of their children in the North is protecting them. They are in the line of fire; of Robert's hateful wrath. Not to even mention that spiteful Lannister bitch.

"Father said that the King is near Caillin Moat already. He says that you should hurry. The King has sent people out before him. Ser Jaime Lannister and Ser Barristan Selmy are with them."

Vhaenessa's shoulders sagged. Ser Barristan the Oathbreaker and Ser Jaime the Kingslayer. Were it that she could burn them both to a crisp with Lya's fiery breath.

"I'm so sorry for having to leave you here, love," she said, moving to wrap an arm around her daughter.

Sansa looked up at her and for a moment, just a moment, Vhaenessa saw something that made her heart jump.

Sansa looked different for a few mere seconds, like Vhaenessa saw a different version of her own daughter. She resembled that Tully fish, blue of eyes and red of hair.
It scared her.

Then she blinked and Sansa looked like a Stark with Targaryen eyes once more. A perfect blend. Her Sansa was the most perfect of her children.

"You are going to be one tall and strong woman when you are all grown up," Vhaenessa murmured, holding her daughter close. "Remember also that you are fire and ice and a princess in your own right even if you are not allowed to wear the title openly."