A Beautiful Tragedy

Chapter Seven

Verena stood next to Rhaenyra, Jace, Athena and Rhaenys, watching as Arryk and Erryk were lowered into their grave and dirt was piled on top of them. Jaecaerys couldn't understand why they would bury them together, but they knew they came into the world together, it was only right they were put to rest together, for Erryk's peace. Jace turned around, Athena following, they had always been close, like siblings, if there was anyone who could get Jace to see reason, it was Baela or Athena. Verena stood staring at the grave, speaking quietly,

"My father would've never allowed this to happen. It must be Aegon or Ser Criston Cole, I got word from one of our allies in Kings Landing, he is now hand. They wish to make the sky as bloody as they can. We must make sure their is no other choice. "

Rhaenys more experienced, wiser knew that they were at the point of no return, she retorted quickly,

"We teeter now at the point where none of it will matter. And the desire to kill and burn takes hold and reason is forgotten."

Rhaenyra shook her head and spoke quietly,

"There may be another way."

Verena stared at the ground, at Erryk, before hearing Rhaenys utter her sisters name. Verena scoffed, knowing full well that Alicent was partly responsible for putting Aegon on the throne, Rhaenyra responded thinking the same thing,

"When last we met, Alicent said I would make a fine queen. You've seen what has happened since then."

"She came to me in the hoursafter your lord father's death. She knows war is coming, and that it'll be savagebeyond all compare. There is no war so hateful to the gods as a war between kin. And no war so bloody as a war between dragons. I do not believe she wants it."

Rhaenys' continued advising Rhaenyra on what the next steps should be, Verena believed Rhaenys would be an incredible hand. The last time Verena saw Alicent they were not on good terms, she had locked Verena in her room and crowned Aegon, knowing that the night before Viserys had reaffirmed Rhaenyra's claim. Verena missed her sister, but that girl died years ago. Rhaenyra spoke up looking towards Verena who stayed silent, tears welling up in her eyes but pushing them back down,

"She sent a raven. I do not care to read her message. What she did..."

Rhaenys shook her head answering quickly, that is was the men around her that seek bloodshed, Verena deliberated before speaking softly, her voice cracking,

"She placed the crown on Aegon's head. You are right that Aemond is in control of his own actions, but she for years permitted the teasing and bullying of my son, my beautiful son and Luke. I would've broken her out of her chains, but simply she does not want to be free."

Rhaenys sighed before speaking,

"You are lucky, Verena. Not everyone's husbands die tragically and then they get to marry the love of their life. She has always done what is expected of her, you sat by as Daemon sent killers to a little boy in bed."

Verena's face dropped, if she had known she would've never let that happen, she supposed that was probably how Alicent felt with Aemond. Verena knew though that it was too late, no matter how much she wanted to hug her niece, and her sister. The only way is fire and blood.