Dragon Princess || Aegon II Targaryen

𝖢𝗁𝖺𝗉𝗍𝖾𝗋 17

The days that followed were an absolute whirlwind. Everything happened so fast that Rhaenys could swear she had only just left Rhaenyra's chambers moments ago.

The fight between Ser Criston Cole and Ser Harwin. Alicent's refusal of Rhaenyra's proposal to break the betrothal between Aegon and Helaena to instead betroth Jace and Helaena. The departure of the Strong family back to Harrenhal. Rhaenyra and Ser Laenor's decision to return to Dragonstone. The fire at Harrenhal that claimed the lives of both Harwin and Lyonel Strong, who had replaced the powerful Otto Hightower as Hand of the King. Otto's return to court. And now, Laena Velaryon's death by dragon fire after enduring an excruciating labor.

All of this, and the sun had only risen and set a mere five times.

It was enough to make anyone's head spin.

Today was the day they would all journey to Driftmark, where Laena's bones would be cast into the sea, as was Velaryon tradition.

Rhaenys couldn't even begin to imagine what that family was going through. The truth was, she had never met Lord Corlys or Princess Rhaenys—the woman she had been named after as a tribute. Or so Alicent had explained when the young princess had looked confused at being honored by someone still living.

No one quite understood why the queen had chosen to name her daughter after Princess Rhaenys, but the younger Rhaenys didn't mind sharing her name with her aunt. After all, who wouldn't want to be named after a woman like Rhaenys Velaryon? In the young princess's eyes, she was the one who should have sat the throne instead of her father, even if that meant she and her siblings would never have been born. She was a woman of intelligence, sharpness, and unwavering resolve, never letting the jests and sneers of those foolish men diminish her credibility or her ability to win over the people. Rhaenys Velaryon earned her popularity on the tides, winning respect and admiration not just from the vassal houses but from the common folk as well.

Men without honor, who lacked any merit for the titles they held, had tried to belittle and make a mockery of the woman who, despite the slim odds, had earned the loyalty and love of the realm—not through fear but through respect. They wouldn't understand true loyalty if they tried.

But even with the strength of her aunt and her husband, the Sea Snake, Rhaenys couldn't stop thinking about the immense pain they must be feeling. The pain of losing a daughter they hadn't seen in years and in such a violent way. So physically and emotionally painful. And Laenor? Poor Ser Laenor... So close to his sister and now never able to see her again. It broke her heart just to imagine it.

So, she sat quietly in her armchair, deep in thought, as she watched the servants come and go, gathering her belongings to load them onto the ship bound for Driftmark. The princess was silent, reflective. So quiet that the servants, used to her more lively nature, exchanged glances but continued their work. After all, the troubles of the royals were not their concern.

However, Helaena could not say the same. Seeing her younger sister sitting there, almost frozen if not for the occasional blink, startled her. Alicent's eldest daughter could sense the flood of questions swirling through Rhaenys's mind, could feel her tension, and maybe even her fear of something. It made Helaena's heart ache. So, she walked toward her sister, unnoticed, as Rhaenys continued to stare out of the window at the sky—though it seemed she wasn't really seeing it at all.

"Are you alright?" Helaena asked, drawing Rhaenys out of her thoughts and making her look at her sister. Rhaenys forced a small smile, but it was nowhere near convincing.

"Just a bit surprised, that's all," she said, as she saw Helaena walking closer, hands clasped in front of her, straightening her posture. But as Helaena approached, she gave Rhaenys a look that clearly said she didn't believe her words, making Rhaenys sigh. "Actually, I'm a bit scared," the princess admitted, making space for her sister to sit beside her.