Ruin Me

Chapter Twenty Six

Daenyra was the first one to say it. It was only right that Daenyra be the first one to say it as she stood at the head of the Painted Table in the War Room. It had only ever been used for informal family meetings and meals, for the children to study on. Now, it served its purpose as the concealed fires beneath the table were lit and the table began to glow like dragon fire as the map of Westeros was illuminated.

"Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen," Daenyra announced to the hall. "First of her name. Queen of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men. Lady of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm. Your Grace."

They all bowed their heads in respect as they gathered in the room, Daemon standing next to his wife along with their three eldest children. They were old enough to be named heirs, they would be old enough to fight the war that would have them keep their titles and their lives.

You could tell that Rhaenyra was still getting used to her new title. Being a princess was one thing, but being queen? She couldn't take one step without the guards following at her heels.

Rhaenyra paused after that first step as she used her hand to halt the moving guards, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice. As she did that, Rhaena moved towards her, the girl beautifully blessed with hair like her grandsire.

"Wine, My Queen," she said as she offered Rhaenyra the goblet.

"Thank you, Rhaena," she replied. Rhaena dropped into a small curtsey before she moved to join her place at the table next to Baela who had also been called away from Rhaenys.

The silence that had blanketed the room when Rhaenyra reached the table was deafening. 30-something men, a handful of women, a flaming table and insurmountable odds. Seems Rhaenyra's first day as Queen was off to an easy start.

"What is our standing?" she asked as she looked straight ahead at Daenyra and Daemon who stood opposite her as hosts of this castle.

"We have 30 knights, a hundred crossbowmen, and 300 men at arms. Even without the precautions my lady wife made to this island before we took up residence here, Dragonstone itself is relatively easy to defend. But as an instrument of conquest, our army leaves a lot to be desired," Daemon answered diligently.

"A raven flies for the Iron Islands, but Vaelon will soon depart with a missive of my own to deliver to the Lady Solena, my chosen regent. She will rally the forces of the Iron Islands and the Greyjoy fleet. In terms of numbers, we should have near 100 ships and 5000 soldiers, give or take," Daenyra informed them.

"I have also sent word to my loyal men in the City Watch," Daemon continued. "I'll have some support there, but I cannot speak to the numbers."

"We already have declarations from Celtigar and Staunton, Massey, Darklyn, Bar Emmon," a Maester added as well.

"My lady mother was an Arryn," Rhaenyra spoke as she pointed to the Vale on the map, her sons placing out markers to determine which places in Westeros were friend and which were foe. "The Vale will not turn cloak against their own kin."

"Riverrun was also a close friend to your father, Your Grace," the Maester spoke again. "With Prince Daemon and Princess Daenyra's acquiescence, I've already sent ravens to Lord Grover."

"Lord Grover is fickle and easily swayed," Rhaenyra pointed out, the crown still atop her head. "He will need to be convinced of the strength of our position and that we will support him should it come to war."

"I'm going to treat with him myself," Daemon spoke, Dark Sister leaning against the table once more, whilst Daenyra kept Shadow Fang on her hip and her husband close to her side.