Ambers || Jacaerys Velaryon

15. Miara

The air in the princess' chambers is tense, a stillness hanging over the room. Rhaenyra and her sons sit gathered for breakfast, but no one seems interested in the fresh fruits and savory meats arranged before them. Their thoughts are elsewhere, consumed by the court session that will decide their fates in less than an hour.

Miara stands quietly in the corner, observing as always. Luke barely touches his food, his hands toying with a piece of sweet biscuit he hasn't taken a bite of. Beside him, Jace chews his meal slowly, each swallow looking forced, like a display of composure. Only the youngest three boys eat with any semblance of normalcy, blissfully unaware of the turmoil swirling around their family as their handmaidens coax them to finish their plates.

Daemon is absent, his chair beside Rhaenyra empty as he attends to matters with his daughters-- no doubt telling them about the same topic Rhaenyra seems to avoid broaching with her sons.

Miara meets the princess' eyes, a silent message passing between them. She responds with an encouraging nod, understanding what the silver woman seeks. Rhaenyra straightens her posture, then clears her throat, calling for her sons' attention. They look up at the sound, curious expectancy on their faces.

"There is something I must tell you both," she starts slowly.

"You haven't another babe already, have you?" Jace teases, his attempt at humor lightening the strain in the air and his mother's obvious hesitation.

Rhaenyra laughs, more at ease after that.

"No," she replies, shaking her head fondly. "But this news is a blessing nonetheless." Straightening further, she takes a breath and continues. "I have decided to betroth you both to your cousins, Rhaena and Baela."

Luke's face lights up immediately, his nervous mood dissipating. "Truly, Mother?" he asks, grinning wide.

Jace's reaction is drastically different. His hand stills midway to his plate, his expression blank as the words sink in. "What?"

Rhaenyra either doesn't notice the difference between her sons' reactions or chooses to ignore it. "Luke, you will marry Rhaena, and Jace-"

"Why didn't you care to ask us for our thoughts on this before deciding?" Jace's tone is far from courteous. The atmosphere shifts, everyone taken aback. The handmaidens pause while feeding the babes, and even Joffrey, mid-bite of bacon, lowers his hand, confusion creasing his young face. Jace almost never challenged their mother so openly.

Rhaenyra's eyes narrow slightly, trying to cover her surprise at Jace's vocal displeasure. "This is what is required of you. It is your duty to our House."

"Were you as willing when Grandsire demanded the same of you?" Jace retorts.

Rhaenyra's patience frays. "This is to strengthen our bond with Driftmark. Your marriages will secure-"

Jace doesn't wait for her to finish. The sound of his chair scraping against the stone floor reverberates in the chamber as he pushes away from the table and stands. Without a word, he storms toward the door, each step heavy with outrage.

"Jace!" Rhaenyra's voice cracks, the unmistakable hurt of a mother echoing in her plea, but he doesn't stop. His stride quickens, fury propelling him out of the room and into the halls.

Rhaenyra turns immediately to Miara, her eyes flashing with urgency, the command clear. Miara nods and takes after the prince, her steps quiet yet purposeful. The others remain seated behind her, the tension in the air thicker than before.

Miara follows Jace through the winding corridors and stairwells of the Red Keep, keeping her pace casual to avoid drawing attention. With court approaching, nobles and servants fill the halls, unaware of the prince's heated exit. To them, he's simply taking a brisk walk, with his sworn sword trailing a few paces behind. None need know the truth.