Heir of the Dragon

Dragonseeds

The butterflies rose in Jessica's stomach as Dragonstone came into view. It had been months since Jessica had seen her sister. And just as long since she'd seen Daemon.

Jessica took a breath. With any luck he was still holding out in Harrenhal. That would be the only way she'd be allowed to leave and return to Aemond.

Jessica sighed showing Addam where to land in the Dragonmount that would lead to the entrance to Dragonstone.

The dragon masters bowed to her as Jessica dismounted, then turned and waited for Addam to do the same.

Jessica smiled as Starfyre called to her then headed deeper into the Mount. More than likely going to find Syrax or Silverwing, those were the two she normally nested with.

Addam and Jessica walked side by side up to the door. The guards looked all to relieved to see Jessica back on Dragonstone, immediately opening the door. "Your sister is in a council meeting, Princess."

Jessica nodded and motioned for Addam to follow her to the painted table.

All the guards seemed to sigh in relief seeing Jessica back on Dragonstone. In truth, Jessica seemed more relaxed, herself.

Ser Lorant Marbrand looked shocked, but immediately relaxed once he saw it was Jess. "No harm has come to you, Princess?"

Jessica smiled as she saw Ser Lorent's gaze shift from her to Addam. She shook her head. "No good Ser. I was hoping to interrupt my sister, I bring...interesting news."

Ser Lorent smiled and opened the door, "I think this will be a most welcomed interruption."

He opened the door, allowed Jessica and Addam to pass before following them in.

Rhaenyra was leaning her hands against the table, her head bowed. The council was deep in conversation. "I have lost Princess Rhaenys and her dragon. I hold an island seat with no land army. And I must not go to battle myself… as I am constantly told, lest I am slain or captured, and… with me, our hopes of victory. There is still Daemon and Caraxes… and the Rivermen. That remains to be seen. In any case, I must now proceed as if I stand alone. And I see now, that to do that, I need more dragonriders for Vermithor and Silverwing, and for Seasmoke, who I believe misses his bond."

Lord Bartimos Celtigar spoke up. "But there is more to your family, Your Grace. Your younger sons are babes."

Rhaenyra sighed. "Mm."

Lord Alfred Broome chimed in. "Mm. There is the Princess Rhaena."

Rhaenyra shook her head. "She has attempted it, alas, but the dragons here would not take her as a rider."

Jessica glanced to her uncle, Corlys Velaryon, as he shook his head. "Then who?"

Jesscareya pointed up at Addam, finally speaking. "Addam has claimed Seasmoke."

All heads whipped up, looking at her. 

Ser Lorant Marbrand smiled and announced her presence. "The Princess Jesscareya Targaryen, Your Grace."

Jacaerys' shoulders slumped in relief. "Thank fuck you're home."

His betrothed, Baela, smacked his arm, chastising him. "Jace, we're at council."

Jessica and Rhaenyra held each other's gaze. She gave a small, sad smile. "I am so sorry. I tried Nyra...I really did. But Vhagar..."

Jessica hadn't realized she was crying until Rhaenyra crossed the painted table and pulled Jessica tightly into her arms.

"Shh, Sweet Girl, you're home." Rhaenyra soothed, running her hand over her hair.

Rhaenyra's council was still deliberating behind her. Bartimos Celtigar looked to Corlys. "A shipwright in your employ, Lord Hand. A commoner? With respect Lord Hand, the lowborn cannot go around seizing dragons."

Corlys looked to Addam, who was still next to his niece, and sighed.

Jessica huffed, stepping out of Rhaenyra’s embrace. "With all due respect, Lord Bartimos, he will remain here on Dragonstone, as a guest. Also, I wish for Addam here to be instructed in the art of dragonriding, and that he should be taught basic High Valyrian."

Bartimos Celtigar narrowed his eyes at her. "Be reasonable, Princess."

Jessica smiled and folded her hands. "It's Queen Regent, my lord."

The council looked at one another then back to her, a mix of shock and confusion on their face.

Jace and Baela had to turn their backs to control their laughter.

Rhaenyra look over at Jessica, who in turn smiled at her sister. "That was Aemond's first command once Aegon fell. I use it when the situation has need of it."

Rhaenyra smiled pulling her sister close and kissed her temple, then addressed her council. "You've heard my sister, there are two Queens in agreement. Addam is to reman here."

Addam looked over to Corlys, lifting his chin. "My lord."

Crolys raised an eyebrow. "My lord? How you have come up in the world."

Addam gave a nod. "I wish to ask for leave to relinquish my part as a shipwright in your service. There are good men and strong who can take my place..."

Corlys licked his lips. "Your leave is granted. Well done."

Rhaenyra dismissed everyone but Jessica. She crossed her arms and took a seat. "So Addam serves you, and not himself. That is lucky."

Rhaenyra scoffed. "Lucky, Sweet Girl?"

Jessica smiled. "Or somehow ordained? Seasmoke chose him. He surly has Targaryen blood in him somewhere. The dragon must sense it. There will be others."

Rhaenyra began to pace. "We will find riders for Vermithor and Silverwing."

Jessica turned the wine glass in front of her. "I guess the main concern is if we trust him. Do you trust him?"

Rhaenyra looked at her and gave a thin smile. "What choice do I have? He has a dragon, Jess. Without him, I only have Syrax who may give Aemond a second thought. The question now becomes where to look. Targaryen blood was perhaps too thin in Ser Steffon Darklyn. If I can find others with a more direct line of bredding..."

Jessica went to open her mouth when the doors opened, and the last person she expected walked in. "Mysaira?"

Mysaira smiled and bowed her head. "Princess."

She looked to Rhaenyra. "I couldn't help overhearing, Your Grace, but you are better served looking under the sheets and un the woodpiles. I once worked in a pleasure house where generations of Targaryen princelings had their revels. There are four score of their bastard progeny at least, that are known to me. There are sure to be more. Perhaps some here, on Dragonstone, the misbegotten offspring of your house."

Jessica bit her lip. "You speak of lowborn. In the highborn there is...an ancient fidelity. There is honor."

Mysaira looked between Jessica and Rhaenyra. "Your royal half-brothers, Aegon and Aemond, whose blood is pure, who wage war against you for your throne, are they bound by honor? A common shipwright vows to serve you while your brothers seek to destroy you. The order of things has changed, Your Grace. Why not embrace it?"

Rhaenyra sighed, leaning agaist the painted table. "For 20 years, the lords of the realm have levied...insults at my sons behind my back."

Jessica huffed then ran her hands through her hair. "Well then. You raise and army of bastards."