Dragon fire and Destiny: Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen's Forbidden Love

The Funeral of Lucerys

The skies above Dragonstone were a somber grey, as if the heavens themselves mourned the loss of Lucerys Velaryon. A cool breeze whispered through the ancient stone halls, carrying with it the scent of salt and the distant roar of the sea. On a secluded cliffside, a pyre had been constructed, prepared for the final rites of the young prince.

The funeral was to be a private affair, attended only by the closest of family. Lucerys' body lay atop the pyre, wrapped in the finest silks of black and red, the colors of House Targaryen. His face, peaceful in death, was framed by locks of dark hair that caught the dim light of the overcast day.

Rhaenyra stood at the forefront, her eyes never leaving her son's lifeless form. She was a portrait of controlled grief, her tears having dried after so many nights of weeping. Daenora stood beside her, a steadying presence, her hand gently gripping Rhaenyra's. She, too, mourned deeply but had found strength in supporting her partner through this unimaginable sorrow.

Corlys and Rhaenys Velaryon, their faces etched with grief, stood to the side with their granddaughters, Baela and Rhaena. The loss of their grandson was a wound that cut deeply, leaving a void that words could never fill. Jacaerys and Joffrey, Lucerys' brothers, stood stoically, their young faces marked by the heavy burden of loss.

The silence was broken only by the soft rustling of the wind and the distant crash of waves against the rocks below. Finally, it was time. Rhaenyra stepped forward, her voice strong despite the tremor of pain that lay beneath.

"Lucerys Velaryon," she began, her words carrying on the wind. "You were a son, a brother, a grandson, and a beloved member of our family. You were taken from us too soon, and the world is darker without your light. Today, we honor you as a true Targaryen, and we commit your body to the flames, as is our way. Dracarys."

From the edge of the cliff, the golden dragon Syrax stepped forward, her eyes reflecting the sorrow of her rider. At Rhaenyra's command, Syrax opened her great maw and unleashed a torrent of flame. The fire engulfed the pyre, and within moments, Lucerys' body was consumed by the dragonfire.

The family watched in silent reverence as the flames roared to life, their heat palpable even from a distance. Tears streamed down faces, and hearts broke anew as they witnessed the final moments of their beloved Lucerys. Daenora held Rhaenyra tightly, offering what comfort she could, her own tears mingling with those of her partner.

Corlys and Rhaenys stood with their heads bowed, hands clasped tightly together. Baela and Rhaena leaned into each other, seeking solace in their shared grief. Jacaerys and Joffrey held each other's shoulders, their young faces set with a determination to honor their brother's memory.

As the flames began to die down, leaving behind only ashes and charred remains, Rhaenyra stepped forward once more. She knelt by the remnants of the pyre, her fingers brushing the warm ash. "We will remember you, Lucerys," she whispered. "Always."

Daenora joined her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "He will live on in our hearts," she said softly. "We will carry his memory with us, every day."

Rhaenyra nodded, tears falling freely now. She stood, supported by Daenora, and turned to face the gathered family. "We must stay strong," she said, her voice firm despite the grief that threatened to overwhelm her. "For Lucerys. For each other. We will honor his memory by continuing to fight for what is right, for what he believed in."

The family nodded in agreement, their expressions resolute. They knew the path ahead would be fraught with challenges, but they would face them together, united by their shared loss and their love for Lucerys.

As the family began to disperse, returning to the castle in solemn silence, Rhaenyra lingered for a moment longer, staring at the place where her son's body had been. Daenora stood by her side, silent and steadfast.

"We will find justice for him," Rhaenyra said, her voice a vow.

"We will," Daenora agreed, her hand finding Rhaenyra's once more.

Together, they turned and walked back to Dragonstone, their hearts heavy with grief but their spirits unbroken. The fire that had taken Lucerys' body had not extinguished his memory; instead, it had ignited a fierce determination within them all. They would remember. They would honor. And they would fight for the legacy of Lucerys Velaryon.