Perzys Ānogār || Jacaerys Velaryon & Baela Targaryen

Chapter Nine

Late 10th moon of 133 AC

"The King is dead."

Rhaenyra hurriedly gets out of bed as does Daemon, "What, what are you talking about?"

"We were exploring the hidden passages and came across the council chambers. The council was in session and Otto Hightower informed them that grandsire has died. They want to have us killed so they can put Aegon on the throne," Laenys says, trying to remain calm.

Daemon grabs Dark Sister, "Where are your siblings?"

"They're with Aegon and Vis in case someone comes for them. Ser Harrold denied the order to come for us, but Ser Criston would gladly do it himself," Jace informs the man.

"Fuck," the older man mutters. He looks toward Jace with a determined look, "Stay with your mother and sister, I'm going to gather the knights we brought from Dragonstone and the ones I know are loyal to us. Allow no one to enter and if they manage to get in, kill them."

Daemon leaves before any of them can say anything. Jace grips the hilt of his sword tightly while pacing, clearly on edge. Laenys sits down on the settee where her mother had placed herself.

"I'm sorry, mother," the young princess whispers, resting her head on her mother's shoulder.

A lone tear rolls down Rhaenyra's cheek, "I knew he would die soon, but I thought if I were here, it would prevent them from tempting to usurp the throne."

"I doubt anything would prevent Otto Hightower from trying to steal the throne. Daemon once told us that he would continue to reach for power until his head leaves his shoulders. It seems he was correct," Jace grumbles still pacing the room.

"We won't have to worry about him for long. Daemon will undoubtedly kill him if he comes across him," Laenys says.

Rhaenyra looks at her two eldest children with a sad smile, "I'm proud of you two. I don't think I tell you that enough. You both have the best parts of your father and I." Laenys looks down sadly at the mention of her father. She missed him dearly, both of them.

"You never had to tell us, you've always shown it," Jace says, "Although I'm sure Luce would love to hear it. Whilst we were in the Stepstones, he often spoke of his hopes that everyone would be proud of his efforts."

Their mother laughs lightly, "Daemon wishes to knight him, you know? He wished to knight you as well, but Corlys beat him to it. I thought Daemon would kill your grandsire for a moment. The boy he trained, knighted at five-and-ten by someone other than him."

Before Jace can respond, they begin hearing the sound of steel clashing outside the door. After a few seconds, the sound stops. The door begins to slowly open revealing one of the Cargyll twins.

Jace unsheathes his sword causing the Kingsguard knight to notice him. The man unsheathes his sword as well, lunging at the prince but missing. His mother tries to shout something, but Laenys grabs her hand pulling her to the other side of the room.

The knight continues trying to strike the prince as he parries or evades swipes of the sword. Jace gains the upper hand, kicking the man into the wall, causing the man to hit the ground.

Ser Cargyll swings his sword upward slicing the prince across the side, causing him to stumble back and grip his side. With the small distraction, the man stands up and swings his sword toward Jace's head.

Luckily, Jace ducks before the blade can make contact. The prince swipes his sword downward, slicing into the back of Ser Cargyll's knees. The man loudly grunts but the noise is cut off when Jace swings his sword at the knight's neck, decapitating the man.