**originally published on AO3** Lady Elaena Royce was little more than an orphaned infant when she inherited Runestone from her mother. Sure, her father lived, but he would be little more than a distant Targaryen prince to most at Runestone, including Elaena herself. Alas, like most with the Blood of the Dragon, she gets pulled into court politics, intrigue, and betrayal. Her regent wishes for one thing, she wishes for another. The King is ailing, the pieces are moving about the board, ready for a checkmate. Elaena has two choices: remain a content and prudent Lady of the realm, or embrace her dragonblood and free herself from the constraints of patriarchy. Either way, she will have a Prince of the realm by her side.