Ruin Me

Chapter Thirty One

"Daenyra, I do not want to go! I am no mother! And it is all because I have no dragon and I –"

"Shhh. Shhh, my sweet Rhaena," Daenyra soothed as she pulled the frantic girl into a hug. "You know that I would do everything in my considerable power to keep you all happy, but still there is only so much I can do when going against the command of the queen. I have tested her enough as of late."

"But Joffrey and –"

"They are easy boys," she promised. "You will have the nursemaids there to care for them, all you need do is teach them what you know. Everything your father, your mother and I have taught you, about our ancestry, our history, and about being a good person with a pure heart."

"But I am no mother. I cannot be the mother to them that Her Grace cannot be."

"You are a sister. Think of this task as a higher form of that. You are simply to guide your younger cousins on their journey through life. And I am only a raven away should you need anything," Daenyra promised as Rhaena held her hands.

"What of my sisters? Of Alyssa and Aemma?"

"I wouldst not have any further burdens placed upon you that you need not bear. My sister wanted me to send my children with your party, but there would be only one other place I trust to guard my youngest. Vaelon and Ser Arnold will see them to the Iron Islands. The Lady Solena will ward them and Ser Arnold will remain there to protect my daughters."

Tears lined Rhaena's eyes. "Mother, I do not want to go. Just because I do not have a dragon. Please do not make me go."

Daenyra was now also close to tears as she embraced Rhaena once more. "Oh my sweet girl," she cried as she held her tight. "I want nothing more than to keep you here, all of you. You are my heart and without which I cannot survive, but you must listen to me." She pulled back to hold Rhaena's face. "The Queen seems intent on splitting our family apart, you must give her a reason not to."

"But how –"

"You have already tried to Bond with those in the Dragonpit, and have been unsuccessful. My twin sends you now to the Vale, where legend grows of a wild dragon that roams its lands and steals its sheep. Should the gods bless you, should you find yourself an opportunity, take it. You have my blessing and that of your father. You need not prove yourself to us, but prove to my sister that you deserve to be here and not in exile."

Rhaena straightened, her back standing tall as Daenyra had told all herchildren to do when they felt intimidated. She nodded her head as she steeledher resolve. "I will try. I will try and make you proud, Mother."

"Rhaena, you have already made me proud. Being the only one without a dragon in this family, you have taken it with such grace. Unlike the Scarred Prince. Alas, you soon approach the age your mother was before she claimed Vhagar. I have every faith that you will succeed."

Rhaena fought back tears as she gave Daenyra one last hug before she was called over by Rhaenyra. Daenyra was forced to swallow as she watched the eggs her husband retrieved from the Dragonpit be placed into a warming chamber for the journey. They were supposed to remain here. In Dragonstone. Where they were formed. Those too, were being taken from her. 

"Mummy!" called two twin voices and suddenly Daenyra forgot all about her pain as her toddling 5-year-olds came running to her. She dropped to her knees as she caught both of them in a hug, their blond hair flying gracefully behind them.

"Mummy, where are we going?" Alyssa wondered, her blue eyes wide.

"You are going to go on a little trip with your brother and Ser Arnold. You are going to stay with your Aunt Solena for a time."