Baelon King of all Dragons

Chapter 31

5th Day, 3rd Moon, 112 A.C.

The sun was beginning its descent as Baelon entered Rhaenyra's chambers.

She stood by the window, looking out over King's Landing, her face a mixture of frustration and sadness. The news of their father's decision had hit her hard, and Baelon could see the turmoil in her eyes.

"Rhaenyra," Baelon said gently as he approached her. "I need to talk to you about something important."

She turned to face him, her expression guarded. "It's about Father, isn't it? About his plan to marry Alicent?"

Baelon nodded, taking a seat near her.

"Yes, it is. I know this is difficult for you. Alicent was your friend—your closest friend. And now..."

"Now she's going to be my stepmother," Rhaenyra finished, her voice tinged with bitterness.

"How could he do this? How could he betray us like this?"

Baelon sighed, understanding her pain.

"Father isn't trying to hurt us, Rhaenyra. He's thinking of the realm, of securing alliances that will keep the throne stable. Oldtown is powerful, and this marriage will strengthen the crown's influence. But that doesn't mean it's easy to accept. I know how much this hurts you."

Rhaenyra looked down, her fists clenched at her sides.

"It feels like a betrayal, Baelon. Alicent was like a sister to me, and now she's... she's going to take Mother's place."

Baelon reached out and took her hand, squeezing it gently.

"You don't have to face this alone, Rhaenyra. I'm here for you. And tomorrow, we're leaving for Dragonstone. You need time away from all the scheming at court, away from the whispers and the rumors. It'll give you a chance to process everything."

She looked up at him, her eyes softening slightly. "Dragonstone... father agreed."

Baelon smiled. "Exactly. We'll leave at first light. You can fly on Syrax, and I'll sail with a small retinue. Once we're there, you can choose your chambers, and we'll make our plans from the comfort of our own domain."

Rhaenyra nodded, a small smile forming on her lips. "Thank you, Baelon. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"You'll never have to find out," Baelon said, giving her hand one last squeeze before standing up. "Get some rest tonight. Tomorrow, we leave all of this behind, at least for a while."

The next morning, as dawn broke over the Red Keep, Rhaenyra mounted Syrax and took to the skies. Baelon watched her dragon soar into the clouds, its golden scales glinting in the morning light, before he boarded his ship and set sail for Dragonstone.

The journey was swift and uneventful, and Baelon spent much of it contemplating the challenges that lay ahead. His conversation with Daemon had been pivotal, and now he needed to ensure that the next steps were taken carefully.

By the time Baelon's ship approached the rocky shores of Dragonstone, Syrax had already landed.

As he disembarked, Baelon spotted Rhaenyra waiting for him near the docks, a breeze playing with her silver hair.

"I've chosen my chambers," Rhaenyra announced as Baelon approached. "They're close to yours—close enough that we can speak whenever we need to."

Baelon smiled, pleased that she seemed to be in better spirits.

"Good. I'm glad you've settled in. Come, let's walk to the castle. We have much to discuss."

As they walked along the winding path up to the castle, Rhaenyra glanced at her brother.