Burn Together ❖ Daemon Targaryen

Chapter 44

Jacaerys and Vaelon were alive even if they were injured, and that was the only good thing that had come out of the Battle of the Gullet as they had called it. Vermax and Stormcloud were now dead, making them two dragons weaker, and Jacaerys was so weak that it would be a long time before he was physically able to move properly again.

Aegon, Rhaegar, Joffrey, Rhaena, and Baelor had all been repeatedly checked by the Maesters for any injuries but luckily they all seemed physically okay, but were understandably shaken.

Rhaenyra and Bennard were now keeping Aegon and Joffrey as close to her as possible at all times, as Rhaellanne and Daemon were doing with Rhaegar.

The Black Council was in disbelief at how close the three Princes had come to death and were insisting that they answered the Triarchy's failed attempt on their lives with anger and rage as soon as possible which was why they were preparing to send their men North to join the river army to defeat the closely approaching Lannisters.

Rhaenyra wanted to solidify the plans of their army with her entire council but one person was obviously missing, Baelor.

He was angry and he had been ever since returning which was why he had spent his entire day in the training court yard swinging his sword at the wooden dummy before him, but it had so many cuts and bits missing that it was completely disfigured. 

"Baelor!" Ser Roderick called from the steps "Your aunt is expecting you"

He scoffed, taking another swing at the dummy. "I'm busy"

The knight chuckled as he walked over to him "I see that. I would hate to be the person whose face you are imagining on that dummy"

"Aemond" he spat "Him being regent caused this. The Triarchy attacked my brothers because he ordered it and as soon as I next lay eyes on him he will die the way he should have years ago when he threatened my sister"

Roderick frowned "You're angry, Baelor, I get it, but-"

"-I don't need coddling" The prince said and he finally stopped swinging at the wood "Tell my aunt that I'm preoccupied"

Roderick ignored him and crossed the yard, "Baelor, look at me" he said firmly. The prince grumbled but turned to face his friend "I know that as the oldest you feel responsible for all of your siblings and cousin's safety, but you are still a child and it is not your job to win this war on your own"

"I know" he said "But I failed Luke and if I hadn't... if I hadn't gone with Jace then Aegon, Joff, and Rhaegar would be dead too"

"But they aren't. You saved them all and they're here, and they're safe" replied Roderick 

Baelor nodded, "That's why I need to practice. This won't stop until every Green is dead so I need to be at my very best if I am going to help Rhaenyra win this war and keep my family safe"

Roderick smiled and placed a hand on his shoulder, "You are my family too, Baelor, and I don't want to see you punish yourself for something that didn't happen. Ever since you were a babe you have had this need to defend everyone all the time, but as your mentor and your friend I want you to learn to look after yourself as well. The rest of your family has suffered too and you all should be together right now and by isolating yourself you are only hurting them. So go and see your siblings and remind yourself that they are here with you."

"Your optimism is annoying" he muttered, placing his sword back in it's holster

"I know" grinned Roderick "But we're a family, Baelor, and I'm going to look out for you whether you like it or not, so why don't you stop beating that dummy into splinters and go inside to see your family"