The She-Dragon

• The Letter •

Elaenys walked along the Keep's garden, the vibrant colors of the flowers a stark contrast to the turmoil within her heart. Daelon, her and Aemond's son, toddled beside her, his innocent laughter bringing a brief respite from her worries. The air was filled with the scent of blooming roses and the distant sound of waves crashing against the cliffs.

As they rounded a corner, a messenger approached, bowing deeply before handing Elaenys a sealed letter. She recognized the seal immediately—Daemon had replied to her letter. Her heart pounded as she broke the seal and unfolded the parchment.

"Elaenys,

Your words have reached me, and I understand the fire that burns within you. Baela's death was a heavy price, and while I cannot forgive it, I comprehend the necessity you speak of. Our house is built on fire and blood, and there is no escaping that truth.

I will join you in this fight, but know that my loyalty to Rhaenyra remains unwavering. We will fight together, but the blood spilled will not be forgotten.

Daemon"

Elaenys's hands trembled slightly as she read the words. She knew the path ahead would be fraught with peril, but Daemon's response gave her a strange sense of resolve. She folded the letter and tucked it away, glancing down at Daelon, who was now chasing a butterfly.

Meanwhile, in the Keep, Aegon continued to rest, his body covered in bandages from the severe burns he had sustained at the Rook's Rest battle. The healers had done all they could, but his recovery would be slow and painful. Alicent stayed by his side, her face etched with worry and exhaustion, never leaving her son's bedside.

Helaena had locked herself away, the grief and fear too much to bear. She kept Jaehaera close, the two finding solace in each other's company. The once lively halls of the Keep were now filled with an eerie silence, the weight of recent events pressing heavily on everyone within.

Elaenys stood in the grand hall, the weight of her father's letter heavy in her pocket. She had summoned the council and Aemond, knowing that the news she carried could change the course of their struggle. As the members of the council filed in, murmurs of curiosity filled the room. Aemond entered last, his presence commanding immediate attention.

"My lords,"

Elaenys began, her voice steady despite the turmoil within her.

"I have received a letter from my father, Daemon Targaryen."

A hush fell over the room as she unfolded the parchment and began to read aloud. The words echoed through the hall, each sentence carrying the weight of Daemon's fiery resolve and unwavering loyalty to Rhaenyra.

"Daemon has decided to join the war,"

Elaenys continued, her eyes scanning the faces of the council members.

"He understands the necessity of our actions, but he remains loyal to Rhaenyra. He will fight alongside her side, and we must be prepared for the blood that will be spilled."

Aemond stepped forward, his gaze meeting Elaenys's.

"This changes everything,"

he said, his voice low but

"His loyalty to Rhaenyra could complicate matters."

The council members began to murmur among themselves, weighing the implications of Daemon's involvement. Elaenys held up a hand, silencing them.

"We must stand united,"

she declared.

"Our goal remains the same: to secure our family's legacy and ensure a future for our children. Daemon's presence will be a powerful, but we must not forget the sacrifices we have already made and those yet to come."