The Grey Wolf & The Golden Dragon | Aegon Targaryen II

The Prices We Pay

Alysanne

Alysanne woke with her side aching and her head foggy. Hauling herself slowly from bed, she found herself alone in the damp chambers. After pulling open the thick, heavy curtains, she scoured the room for something to wear. The Gods had been cruel to give her and Aemond victory over Harrenhal, while Rhaenyra had managed to seize the capital in their absence. A hollow victory at best, a tragic turn of fate at worst.

"Aly..." The Queen froze in place, straining her ears, swearing that she'd heard Aegon's voice whispering her name on the wind.

"Aegon?" she called out, despite knowing that it wasn't possible for him to be there.

"Starlight?" He called again in an almost singsong like tune. Alysanne found herself running, despite the pain in her side, following the voice that must have belonged to her husband.

"Aegon? Where are you?" she called as she made her way blindly through the dank corridors. She stumbled into a set of empty chambers, panting, and holding her aching side.

"When does the price become too high?" Alysanne whipped around, at the sound of his voice but the spot where she was sure Dorran had just stood was empty. Sucking in panicked breaths, the Queen spun around over and over again, certain that someone was fucking with her.

"Who's there?" she called out, pushing the door closed, almost sure that she would find someone hiding behind it. "What the fuck is happening?' she whispered under her breath. Perhaps she had finally gone mad; the Gods sought payment for all she had done and had cast her into madness.

"Tell me sister, has your vengeance been worth the cost?" This time, when Alysanne spun about, Helaena remained. She was dressed in silk of the darkest green and her skin was so pale it seemed blue, as if she'd been out in the cold all night.

"Helaena..." Alysanne breathed, stepping toward the princess. "What do you mean?" The silver-haired princess turned to stare out of the window, a haunted look in her eyes.

"And the cost grows greater still..." Helaena murmured in a soft breath.

"What cost?" When no words came, Alysanne's voice grew shrill with worry. "Hel? Won't you speak to me?" She reached out, her trembling fingers only an inch from her sister's shoulder when the sound of roaring dragon's echoed behind her, so loud it seemed to shake the keep around her. The specter of her sister covered its ears at the sound as it echoed through the stone corridors, until Alysanne bolted to the door and wrenched it open.

The cacophony of dragon calls immediately fell silent as she stepped forward, finding herself suddenly inside the throne room of the Red Keep. Her feet faltered at the sight of Rhaenyra Targaryen seated on the Iron Throne.

"We could have been sisters; we could have betrothed our children..." Rhaenyra spoke in a cold, unfeeling voice, glaring down at Alysanne.

"You struck the first blow..." Alysanne's words came out a broken whisper. Although they were true, the defense still rang hollow. Alysanne knew that she and Aegon were to blame, or rather, the Hightowers were. They had stolen Rhaenyra's birthright, and ever since, the Gods had seen fit to continually punish them for their transgressions.

"I do believe my declaration was clear. I would have my throne, or my brother's head." Alysanne blinked unable to believe the words that left Rhaenyra's mouth. It was only then that she truly took in the sight before her... and the body lying at Rhaenyra's feet.

"No... No!" It was as if time had fallen backward and she was staring at her son's headless body once more, only this time, it was Aegon lying before her. Alysanne felt the air ripped from her lungs as her knees nearly gave out, sob spilling from her lips. She spun around, tearing away from the sight; letting out another scream as strong arms grabbed her.