Queen of the North and the Targaryen Bloodline

Chapter LII: Conversations and Alliances

While Winterfell was the scene of intense preparations and political discussions, the protagonists of our saga scattered across Westeros in search of allies, resolutions, and inevitable confrontations.

Determined to halt the escalation of conflict, Daemon mounted Caraxes and departed for Dragonstone, where his wife, Rhaenyra, remained steadfast in her struggle for the throne. With words of wisdom and a heavy heart, he hoped to convince the heir, who was no longer one, to reconsider her actions before it was too late.

Under the golden sunlight of the Reach, Helaena met with the Tyrells, seeking support and alliances amid the unfolding political intrigue. With diplomacy and charm, she worked to secure the backing of the powerful House Tyrell, aware that each ally would be crucial in the imminent battle.

Accompanied by Maegelle, Aemond set off for Driftmark, where the influential House Velaryon awaited. Knowing the tensions and loyalties that divided the Velaryon family, Aemond and Maegelle prepared for an easy mission, as the Velaryons had practically sworn their loyalty to the true queen long before she was named heir.

In the riverlands, the Stark siblings, Cregan and Cassandra, embarked on a journey to find the Tullys, seeking support and cooperation for their cause. With their cunning and political skills, they hoped to persuade the leaders of the Riverlands to join their fight against injustice and tyranny.

As the others ventured forth in search of support, Otto surprised Daenys by appearing at the walls of Winterfell, accompanied by guards. His presence indicated that the political plot was unfolding rapidly and that the power game was about to intensify.

As tension rose at the walls of Winterfell, Daenys shocked everyone by landing with her dragon, asserting her presence between Otto and the guards. Her dragon roared powerfully, echoing through the walls and sending a clear warning that she was willing to protect her interests with all the strength of her winged creatures.

Harwin, alongside Ser Criston and Rickon, was prepared to block Otto's passage while the guards of Winterfell remained alert behind them. Daenys's arrival took the events in an unexpected direction, adding an extra layer of tension to the impending confrontation.

The imposing presence of Daenys and her dragon served as a vivid reminder of her influence and power, making it clear that she was determined to protect her interests and those of her family, regardless of the challenges she faced. The fate of Westeros hung by a thread, with every move being calculated and every alliance tested to the limit.

Daenys dismounted her dragon in her powerless form, fearless and formidable, which Otto had always feared.

"Say what you want with me and leave before I feed you to my dragon," - said Daenys quickly, interrupting the beginning of the speech as she walked toward Otto, taking the king's brooch from his hand. "My father is dead; you have no right to wear this," - she said, putting the pendant away and stepping aside, positioning herself between Harwin and Rickon, glaring at Otto.

"I come to speak for King Aegon," - Otto said, handing over a scroll, which Daenys took and opened. "King Aegon has not forgotten the love he feels for his sister," - he asserted with great credibility, making Daenys try not to laugh. "King Aegon sends a message! He declares that if Princess Daenys abandons this war, she will be forgiven. Aegon also states that your children will be integrated into the court and can stay at Winterfell. Viserra will marry Aegon and become Queen, if luck allows, Aerion will marry Helaena, Baelon will marry Daenora, and his daughter Maegelle will marry Aemond. Your children Maekar, Gaemond, and Rhaegel will be trained to be guards of King Aegon, Valyra will be a Lady-in-Waiting for Princess Helaena, Naerys will be the royal cupbearer. We will arrange good men for your daughters, Laenora and Vaenna, and finally, your son Aemon will be trained to succeed his husband when he passes away," - he finished speaking as Daenys pretended to analyze the scroll. Daenys opened a smile and closed the scroll, turning slightly to the side to hand it to someone not visible due to Rickon standing in front.

"Aegon, I didn't know you were this good!" - she commented playfully, and Rickon stepped aside to reveal Aegon to everyone.

"I was surprised too! Did you know, sister?" - Aegon also remarked, amused, and both looked at Otto, who was turning a shade of red. The question was... was it out of anger or shame? After all, his plan had been spoiled. It was foolish of him not to think they would obviously run to their sister's arms.

"Go away and send a message to the Green Queen. Tell Alicent that my patience is running out. Tell her that if she continues with her plans, she will face the consequences. She knows what I am capable of, and I will not hesitate to act if she threatens my family or my kingdom," - she declared, her voice echoing with unshakeable authority.

Daenys's words were laden with palpable weight, resonating through the tense air of the Winterfell walls. Her threat was clear and direct, a warning for Alicent to reconsider her actions before it was too late. The Green Queen had awakened Daenys's wrath, and now she was about to face the consequences of her actions.

In Dragonstone

Daemon approached Rhaenyra with a grave and determined expression, his heart heavy with the division that was emerging between them. Mounted on Caraxes, the ancient dragon seemed to share the weight of the moment, its scales gleaming in the sunlight.

"Rhaenyra," - Daemon began, his voice laden with contained emotion, "we need to talk about this. About what's happening, about Daenys and her right to the throne."

He paused for a moment, searching for the right words as he looked into his wife's eyes, hoping she would understand the seriousness of his intentions.

"Daenys has always been destined to be queen. From the moment she was born, that was what was written for her," - he continued, his voice softening with the memory of his sister-in-law, Aemma's words. "Your mother always knew that. She always said that Daenys was the right choice, the true heir. Rhaenyra, you know that Daenys has always taken on the responsibilities of an heir. She has always been there, doing what was right, while you... You were never prepared for this. You never acted as an heir should," - he explained, his voice filled with concern and anguish. "Daenys was educated to be queen. She is the one who should be on the throne, not you."

He looked deeply into Rhaenyra's eyes, hoping his words would resonate in her heart and that she would finally see the truth he was trying to show. After all, he feared that the pursuit of power could lead to irreparable consequences for their family and the Seven Kingdoms. He knew it wouldn't matter; he would choose Daenys, his niece, his beloved daughter because, yes, Daenys had always been like a daughter to Daemon. Daenys was his first daughter. For Daenys, he would fight against Rhaenyra; he would turn his back on his love, for his love for his first daughter was greater than for his beloved. Daenys was Daemon's soulmate, and as we all know, soulmates do not always need to be a couple.