Danika held tight to Jace's hand as they walked forward. Avalon moved to Jace hugging him quickly and letting him know where his mother was. Danika asked if he wanted her to go with but Jace shook his head, still in a daze. Vaera thought it best not to be there when Jace arrived, he knew how much she loved Aemond and now Aemond was enemy number 1.
"Your Grace." Jace stepped forward holding back his pain. "Lady Jeyne Arryn has pledged her support in exchange for a dragon to guard the Vale. And Lord Cregan Stark... has promised 2,000 men..." His breath shook as Rhaenyra moved to him wrapping her arms around him.
"He was like a shell of himself." Danika whispered after the ceremony. They had placed their sacrifices to Lukes burning body. Tears in their eyes, there was something about the way the eerie wind blew and the fire crackled, it seemed like the beginning of a true war. A silent battle cry for revenge. "He didnt speak a word... I just want to help him." Danika whispered. She didnt know how to help him. He was the love her life and there was no bringing back Luke from the dead.
" It is yet unclear how the Keep itself was breached." Maester Gerardys remarked. "The boy's head was severed from his body. Thousands witnessed the procession."
"And they are accusing me of having a hand in this." Rhaenyra realized
" It appears so." He agreed.
"You would never murder an innocent. This is otto. He is using this cruelty as a ploy to make you look the villain." Avalon decided. Rhaenyra knew she was probably right.
"There have been messages sent to that effect throughout the realm." Larys added softly.
"We must send our own messages, denying this vile allegation." Rhaenyra instructed
"I will do so at once, but I'm not sure they will be received in good faith." The maester added
"And we must double our guard, here and in Driftmark. There will be swift retribution in one form or another..." avalon realized "we need to build up our walls.
"I have seen to it, princess."
"Let me fly out on Vermax." Jace requested. "Rhaenys is needed in the Gullet and I can watch for movements from King's Landing."
" No." rhaenyra wouldn't risk her son.
"I can take olaf as well." Danika added
"Me and calypso." Vaera countered
"Stop." Avalon begged.
"It must be said that the damage to our position is immeasurable, at a time when we most need loyalty to our cause." Larys added cautiously
"B-But it's a lie. Having lost my own son, that I would inflict such a thing on Helaena, of all people... an innocent." Rhaenyra declared. Looking to her aunt for support Avalon was quick to give it.
"We know that. You are not rhaenyra the cruel." Avalon agreed grabbing her hand. Where was taelon? Surely he could put an end to this madness.
"The death of Prince Lucerys was a shock and an insult." Alfred offered "A mother so aggrieved might, naturally, seek relief in retribution."
"Are you suggesting, Ser Alfred, that my grief drove me to order the decapitation of a child?" Rhaenyra demanded
"I merely thought, perhaps, an action taken in haste."
"Mind yourself." Rhaenys warned staring back at daemon. Rhaenyra sat down and looked to her husband. He did it. Avalon didn't want to believe her brother capable. Her brother whom tended to her taught her loved her endlessly for years capable of this.
"Did you send assassins to murder children in their beds?" Rhaenyra demanded once they were alone
"I sent the queen's vengeance for her son." Daemon shrugged
"What did you tell this "vengeance"?"
"What did you say to him, Daemon, that a boy lies dead and I am accused of killing it? Mysaria provided me with names and a subterfuge." Rhaenyra demanded.
"I was clear in my instructions: Aemond, the brother of Aegon the Usurper. I cannot be responsible for a mistake."
Avalon cornered her brother after his heated talk with his wife.
"You want me to blame you? Easy. Done." Avalon slapped her hands down on the table. "You screwed up daemon. Again."
"Thank you." Daemon drawled.
"You put me and rhaenyra in a position where we have to defend you. Again." Avalon warned. "Where we have to bend our morals. Again. Where i have to go against every single thing that i believe in again. Because i love you big brother." Daemo. Stared back at her silently.
"Then stop loving me."
"I cant!" Avalon countered.
"Well thats the problem you are perfect and im a mess." Daemon agreed
"Agreed!"
"So you are coming with me to harrenhal?"
"Of course i am you idiot." Avalon barked marching off. "I need to say goodbye to the kids."
YOU ARE READING
Last Man Standing / Jacaerys Velaryon / Alys Rivers / Taelon Targaryen
FanfictionJace wanted control of his own life. To be seen as a man. Alys wanted a man that didnt fall for her tricks. One brave enough to take action. 🐉 "You are written in the stars. You are a masterpiece." 🗡️ most characters belong to grrm any mature c...
