A Beautiful Tragedy

Chapter Twelve

Verena's face dropped at the news of Rhaenys' and Meleys' death. Not only was it a strategic loss, they were losing loyalty, Rhaenys was the most fearsome dragon rider and knew what she was walking into, Verena wished she had gone with her. Her anger propelled centered at the greens. She also felt nothing when she heard of the news of her nephew. Alfred Broome started the council meeting, everyone in disarray,

"Our largest dragon has been killed. Criston Cole marches about the Crownlands unchallenged. Duskendale and Rook's Rest are gone. We still have no ground army but the one we hope that Daemon will raise. He who has left us... after some marital spat."

Verena's eyes hardened as Alfred sent his gaze to hers, Alfred quickly averting his eyes, Rhaenyra answered instead, giving Verena a look that said down, wait, breathe. Verena wanted to act. She wanted to see Daemon and beat the hell out of him. And also kiss him, god she missed him. But as far as she was concerned she had no idea where her husband's loyalties lied.

"Do you take issue with me, Ser Alfred?"

Alfred gulped noticing Verena tracing her blade, up and down, up and down, Alfred looked back at the queen, not wanting to know what Verena was doing, feeling her eyes bore into his skull.

"My loyalty to you is proven, my queen."

Rhaenyra snapped,

"Your loyalty, perhaps, but your willingness to give me deference in a time of war."

Alfred started slowly speaking,

"I could never doubt your capability, or your quickness of mind. It is merely that the gentler sеx, heretofore, has not been much privy to the strategies of battle, or their execution."

Verena stood up, anger pooling in her stomach,

"Since Jaehaerys' and Viserys' reigns, there has been peace in this land, you've seen as many battles as we have, if anything I have seen more....

Draw your sword, you'll see what a woman can do."

Verena stood, her chest moving, as Rhaenyra gave her a look, smirking slightly before getting back on track,

"Send to Maidenpool and to Crackclaw Point. Let them man their garrisons and give them stores or weapons if they find them wanting. If Cole pursues his campaign, our allies must be ready. We must answer Rook's Rest, and Duskendale."

Bartimos answered that they were already lost, but the upside was that Vhagar would be depleted after such a hard fought battle, while Verena was itching to act. Lorent Marbrand brought up Aegon, Verena quieting with the thought, her nephew dead. It would make no difference, Aemond would succeed him, or someone else would prop up in his stead. Bartimos continued speaking,

"The time is ripe. If we can strike King's Landing before their dragon is recovered..."

Verena went to volunteer herself, when Rhaenyra beat her to it, saying that she shall go, instantly everyone in the seats discouraged this idea, knowing that they had already said that the crown must not be involved, must not be threatened. Verena spoke,

"I will go. First I must go and see Daemon. Either he is with us, or he is against us. We need to know for sure. My queen, you cannot be put in harms way, without you, the claim will fizzle away, without you, we will have no purpose. You need to stay safe and more importantly alive..."