Flames of Ice | Cregan Stark

32. Invincible

Aemyra's pov

Driftmark

I watched as Rhaenys's casket was dropped into the sea water. The same place both her children were put to rest. Our Houses stood gathered around to honor her.

We were able to retrieve whatever was left of Rhaenys and Meleys at Rook's Rest. I stood there in tears as the guilt ate me alive. This was our way of letting her finally rest in peace.

I failed them both and that is something I will live with for eternity.

It is still a mystery of how i survived this all and she didnt. I hated that and if i could switch places with her, I would.

Jace stood with Baela to comfort her in this time. She was in tears since she found out of the news. She was the closest to Rhaenys considering she went to ward with her in Driftmark when Lord Corlys was at war in the Stepstones for nearly 6 years.

I forced back the tears when approaching footsteps came towards me. Lord Simon Staunton stood by my side. It was his first time leaving Rook's Rest since what has happened. His remaining men work on repairing the damages of his castle.

"Princess Rhaenys died an honorable death. As all Targaryens wish to go, in fire." He voiced to me as my eyes stayed to the blue waters where my grandmother now sunk into. I wonder if the seas have filled up from the tears of those who loved and lost.

"I had the ability to change her outcome and I didn't." I shut my eyes as it all played back in my head. The whispers 'Behind the castle' were completely thrown out of my mind at Rook's Rest. The small detail that created a big painting.

"You fought valiantly, princess. Showed no fear and defended your grandmother. Because of your strength as a fearless warrior you have saved my castle. For that I owe you my life and many lives of House Staunton. We live to fight for you and fight for Rhaenys's and fight for your mother, The Queen." Lord Staunton spoke from the heart. I appreciated his words and maybe one day after all this begins to make sense I will be more appreciative.

But all I know is that I can't even look at Lord Corlys without feeling ashamed. He never outright blamed me for her death, but I can sense a bit of disappointment.

"When I saw you being immersed into the fire I thought to myself that the battle was lost and done with. I might as well have killed my own self to avoid the pride of the Greens who would've won the battle and took my castle." I turned to face him.

There were actual tears in his eyes as he grabbed a hold of my shoulders. "But when Vhagar stopped with the dragon fire and you remained standing I knew that you weren't just any Targaryen. You not only possess dragon's blood but you are a dragon disguised as a human. Seeing you survive dragonfire was something any man in this world would be honored to say they witnessed. Then to see Cannibal the most wicked dragon of Westeros come save you from Vhagar's attack, it was almost like it wasn't real." He had a smile on his face like he was proud. "You are the only Targaryen to possess two dragons. Yet you stand here and sulk like you've failed."

"Because I d-"

"No, princess!" He cut me off. "If it weren't for Rhaenys's death, Vhagar would've never burned you alive or tried to eat you. Without that you wouldnt have shown the Greens what power you truly carry. You are invincible now! Yes you lost someone you deeply cared for, but it came with something great. You now have the upper hand. It is your choice if you let that all go to waste or if you use it for the better of the realm."