The wind howled through the city. The moon was high and full, casting long, dark shadows over any light that remained. The girl ran across each rooftop with grace and silence, so that people below didn't even cast a glance in her direction; as if under a spell, the people did not move, even as shadows raced past them. Dark hair waved in the wind as the girl ran, jumping, turning, and spinning with haste. A cloud had moved and covered the moon, and darkness followed.The ground shook with a force that even the girl could feel from where she stood, looking out upon the gates of the city. Her lilac eyes glowed, and the cloak she wore flowed off her shoulders. "And so it begins."Howls echoed throughout the city, the ground shaking from their massive size. Racing through the streets, jaws snapping, teeth bared, and eyes glowing, they moved as one. The night seemed colder, for they were missing a brother, and their steps were cold and stiff, but pushing forward, they began the chase.With her heart beating fast and her breath shaking, the girl ran through the streets. If she was to make it past the gates, they would not follow, and for that, she knew. They sought revenge for the fallen. Dodging, kicking, and pushing with all her might, she felt a smile make its way onto her face as the gates came into view.They were close; she could feel their breath upon her skin as she leaped forward, pulling her dagger. She threw it, watching as it cut the rope, causing crates to fall from above them. Jumping with light steps and speed, she quickly slid across the ground, grabbing the dagger before sliding under the gate.The gate slammed down, causing her pursuers to skid to a halt. She smiled, facing them. "Better luck next time, doggies, until we meet again."As she disappeared into the light, the only sounds that could be heard from miles away were the howls and roars of their anger.***"Under the dragon's eye. Under the dragon's eye.""Again." Rhaenyra said, not looking up from her book. It was a warm and sunny day, as it had been in King's Landing as of late. The royal hunt would begin today to celebrate Aegon's second nameday."Perhaps the Princess might like to hear something else?" Samwell asked."She would not. Play it again," the Godswood had become Rhaenyra's hiding place away from court, Alicent, and her father all like. Returning to her book once again, Rhaenyra focused on her task."She fled with her ships and her people. Her heart broken for those..." As quickly as Samwell began, he stopped. "Your Grace.""Did I say to stop?" Clicking her tongue, Rhaenyra said, "From the beginning."Clearing his throat, Samwell started again. "She fled with her ships.""Rhaenyra?""Yes, my queen?"Your presence is wanted in the outer courtyard. The royal hunt readies to depart." Alicent said, and Rhaenyra nearly gagged at how sweet her voice sounded."I've decided to remain here and read instead." Rheanyra told her plainly. Grateful for the sound of Samwell's singing, for it seemed to drown out her thoughts and leave nothing but numbness behind."You may go, Samwell." Alicent said, as if reading her train of mind."You are to stay by order of the Princess." Rhaenyra ordered, not wanting to speak or look at Alicent alone.Samwell stared between them before Alicent interjected. "The Queen commands you to leave the Godswood at once."Vile rose in the back of her throat as Samwell left with a bow of his head. Leaving, Rheanyra sat against the great tree, her eyes no longer focused, as Alicent made a step closer."The King wishes for you to join us.""The King has much to celebrate; he does not need me." It was true that Alicent had already given her father a son and was heavy with child once again, which her father and the realm no longer needed, as they would rather see Aegon on the throne than a girl."He wants for us all to be together. Perhaps the hunt could be... fun." Ailcent's voice fell hesitant at the mention of fun; it had been three long years since Rhaenyra had spoken kindly to her or the king."Is it the King's command?" Rhaenyra hissed, ash filling her mouth, making her blood boil."Yes, but it...""Then at once, Your Grace." Slamming her book shut, Rhaenyra passed Ailcent, barely listening to her, as she made her way into the corridor.Ser Criston fell into a step behind her, and Rhaenyra waved her hand dismissively as she opened her door. "You may go, Ser Chiston."***Hooves thudded against the ground as the carriage made its way through the Kingswood. Aegon sat in the nursemaid's lap while Viserys sat in front of Rhaenyra, Alicent to his left, one of her hands lying on her belly and the other braced against the side of the carriage. Rhaenyra sat staring out of the window before turning her eyes to her father and half brother."Well, isn't this splendid?" Viserys smiled and said, "The whole of our family off to celebration and adventure in the Kingswood."Suddenly, the carriage violently shakes and makes its way to the right. Alicent gasps, her nucleus turning white. Worry rises in Rhaenyra's chest, and before she can stop herself, she speaks:"Should you be traveling in such condition?""The maester said that being out in nature would do me well." Alicent smiles, but her tone fails to hide her nervousness."Well, you will be with your own child sooner than late, and make me a proud grandsire." Viserys interrupts. "It's not so bad." He says, seeing Rhaenyra tense and her eyes blaze, "The days are long, but Aegon came quickly and without fuss," but still Rhaenyra gazed at him, anger and annoyance evident in her gaze. "You should ride out with me today. Join in the chase." Viserys changes the subject, hoping to lighten the mood."I'd rather not." Rhaenyra said her voice was cold and sharp, like ice. "The boars squeal like children when they're being slaughtered. I find it discomforting.""It's a hunt, Rhaenyra."Aegon screams, throwing his dragon to the floor, before Viserys brings a cup of wine to his lips. Rhaenyra felt the familiar feeling of guilt drop into her belly. Over the short time Aegon had been born, Viserys and Alicent, along with the rest of the realm, spent all of their time with him, but Rhaenyra couldn't help feeling for him as Viserys had been giving him wine from an early age. something that would affect him later in life.Sometimes, when the keep was asleep, Rhaenyra would sneak into the nursery and read and talk to Aegon in Valyrian, watching as he fell asleep to the sound of her voice. She even had a shadowhound named Zira looking after him when he was alone, and soon Alistair would come to look after her soon-to-be-born sibling."How would you like to participate?" Viserys asked, drawing Rhaenyra from her thoughts."I'm not sure why I must." Rhaenyra replied, After all, they were here to celebrate Aegon's nameday, and with it, she would soon be forgotten."Because you are my daughter, the Princess." Viserys reminded her, "And you have duties.""As I am ceaselessly reminded." Rhaenyra muttered."I'm sorry?""As I am ceaselessly reminded." Rhaenyra snapped."You wouldn't need to be reminded if you ever attended to them." Viserys told her with a pointed look."No one's here for me." Rhaenyra said, watching as her father turned his attention back to Aegon. She bit the inside of her cheek as her father and Alicent made their way out of the carriage. The crowd shouted Aegon's name as if he were the conqueror reborn.A familiar presence surrounds her: "You will never be alone, sister." Rhys' voice fills her mind, engaging her with warmth. Rhaenyra feels strength flow through her, igniting her blood. Taking a deep breath, she makes her way across the field, stopping to gently run her hands over Prince's neck.He had been a gift from Daemon after she had ridden Syrax for the first time. She could still remember Daemon telling her that Prince would be there for her to learn how to properly ride and improve her balance. At the time, Rhaenyra hadn't cared much for horseback riding after all; she had a dragon, but as she stood here, running her fingers through Prince's mane, she now understood the need for freedom."Aderī īlon kessa dakogon dāez, ñuha raqiros." Rhaenyra whispered, and Prince snorted, pawing the ground with his hoof. Making her way to the royal tent, many people watched her with interest, and many of them began to whisper about. Rhaenyra kept her head high, hands by her sides, as she made her way inside. Her father sat in his chair, conversing with the Lords, and Alicent sat with the noble ladies of the realm. She was about to walk away when the topic switched to the Stepstones.(Soon we shall run free, my friend.)"Perhaps the Princess... can give us some insight.""Oh, I'm not sure how I could." Rhaenyra said, walking up to stand by Lady Redwyne. Alicent smiled warmly at her as she approached. "I've never been to the Stepstones.""Your dear uncle is the great mind behind this war. Is he not?" Lady Redwyne questioned."I wouldn't know. I've not spoken to Daemon in years." Rhaenyra said, trying to keep herself from snapping at the woman. Her heart pounded against her ribs, as it often did when someone mentioned Daemon."Since you supplanted him as heir," Lady Ceira said, causing Rhaenyra to stiffen and her body to become tense."Daemon made his choices, Lady Ceira." Alicent said, quickly seeing her mood change, "The Princess was more suited to the role.""He's made a mess, and the King must put an end to it. Send fleets and men and clear out the Triarchy for good." Lady Redwyne said, changing the subject."But the Crown is not at war." The lie fell from her lips like ash, as Rhaenyra knew the Crown was indeed at war with the Triarchy. But her father refused to acknowledge it, and therefore no one else brought it up in his presence."The Crown... is at war, Princess. Though your father refuses to admit it, we've been dragged into it by your uncle and the Sea Snake.""And how have you served the realm of late, Lady Redwyne, by eating cake?" Rhaenyra countered before making her way outside, grabbing a cup of wine as she went.But as always, Rhaenyra couldn't seem to get a moment to herself. Ser Jason Lannister had been eyeing her since the moment she entered the tent, and Rhaenyra couldn't help the anger that boiled inside of her as he kept speaking to her like she was just a prize to be won.Things didn't get any better as she confronted her father, not caring if the whole realm saw them fight; her anger was only rising with every moment. Fire engulfed her blood, and her chest roared with so much anger, hurt, and betrayal as she stormed away and mounted Prince, taking off into the forest. If she stayed, she would show them just how much power a dragon had.Ser Criston had followed her, and within a few movements, Criston grabbed the reins from her hand, halting the horses seconds before they hit the river. After a quick laugh about Jason Lannister's insufferable behavior, Rhaenyra suggested taking a walk in the Kingswood; the forest calmed her ever-rising anger. As the sun set on the horizon and the forest floor grew dark, Rhaenyra took peace in the silence, and as she looked into the flames, Ser Criston said,"Princess, I must make a final plea that we return to the camp.""I rather prefer it here." Rhaenyra told him, continuing to gaze into the flames."His Grace is certain to be worried by your absence.'" Ser Criston pointed out."His Grace can worry himself to death if he so likes." Rhaenyra said, but as she stared into the flame, a thought came into her mind. Looking up, Rhaenyra locked eyes with Criston. "Tell me something, Ser Criston. Do you think the realm will ever accept me as their Queen?""They'll have no choice but to, Princess." He replied, tending back to the fire. Suddenly, a loud snap fills the air, and Prince whinnies and brays. Ser Criston sheaths his sword, disappearing in the darkness. Rhaenyra grips her dagger tight as she waits, and a boar comes charging at her full speed. Rhaenyra grunts as she hits the floor, reaching for the dagger as Ser Criston's sword drives through the animal's back. Rhaenyra stood over the boar, striking it over and over with images of her mother, Rhys, and Daemon. Blood covered her face and hair as sobs wracked her body.In silence, Rhaenyra rose and walked on shaking legs to the nearest tree. Tears fell from her eyes, and her breath was ragged and came in gasps.***Alistair walked around the islands of the Stepstones. The last three years had been a difficult battle going back and forth; brave men had died at the hands of the Crabfeeder, and many had been fatally wounded. Ships bobbed in the bay, and scattered remnants remained across the beach. The sand was soaked in blood; mangled bodies lay, some dismembered, others far worse.Corlys and his fleet had suffered great damage, but Daemon had greater injuries than Alistair had expected. Half his chest down to his abdomen was now permanently burned as a result of a flaming arrow. Alistair had seen people get stabbed, burned, and even worse, but he had never seen somebody take it with such fierce integrity, and within a fourth night of having the injury, Daemon had returned to battle against all advice.Now Alistair could see what made Daemon so dangerous; not even the toughest or worst of injuries stopped him. He was fierce, as he was dangerous on the battlefield. With Dark Sister in his hand, he was a force to be reckoned with, and Alistair could see much of Rhaenyra in Daemon. And he knew without a doubt that Elena was right; they were meant to become one.Alistair had every bit of confidence that Daemon could win this war on his own. Without the help of Lord Corlys or anyone else, all Daemon had to do was get his hands on the Crabfeeder and put a stop to his tyranny and the Triarchy once and for all.***Rhaenyra and Ser Criston had woken up just before tying the boar to a stretcher of sorts to be pulled by Prince. They made their way through the forest in silence. Rhaenyra was still covered in the dried blood of a boar. She knew it would take a long while to get it out of her blonde-white hair, but she didn't mind. She was a dragon, a creature of great strength and power; she didn't bow to anyone.Making their way through the forest and back to camp. Rhaenyra hadn't said a word since killing the boar, and Ser Criston had yet to ask questions, for which she was grateful, as she wasn't sure Ser Criston would live another day if her anger spilled over again. Seeing the camp in the distance, Rhaenyra sighed.The hair on the back of her neck rose, and a soft, gentle breeze blew through the valley. Turning her head, her lips parted; her eyes met the deep brown of the white hart in front of her. Before dragons arrived in the world, the white hart was considered a symbol of royalty, also known as the King of the Kingswood. As she stared at the majestic creature, she couldn't fathom how this was possible. The white hart was extremely rare; no one ever saw it, and if you did, it was considered a great honor and proved that whoever found it, which was royal blood, was to be a great ruler of their kingdom."No." She said, still holding the gaze of the white hart. As she stared deeply into its eyes, it snorted softly before turning and running off into the woods into the rising sun. Without a word, she grabbed her reins and made her way back to camp.And as she made her way back to the camp and into the festivities, gasps and whispers were heard from all around the clearing. She caught the eye of Jason Lannister and nearly smirked when his face turned into one of disgust. Rhaenyra then caught the eye of Ser Harwin Strong, but unlike Jason Lannister, he looked impressed and proud, giving her a slight nod as she made her way back to the high table. Dismounting from a horse, she quickly gave her reins to Ser Christian Cole. Crossing her arms behind her back and holding her head high, she quickly marched past the high table, not sparing her father a glance.***The ride back to the red keep was silent, as she just continued to look out the window and didn't say a single word. Her father and Alicent gaze were heavy, but she continued to pay no mind to it.Rhaenyra hummed, stepping out of the carriage. Despite taking a bath immediately after she returned to camp, her hair was still tinted slightly red from the blood, and she was sure Selena would have quite the fight getting it out. Making her way inside, she quickly hurried to her room, her guard following behind her. "You may go; clean yourself up, Ser Christian." Rhaenyra dismissed him and made her way into her chambers.Selena, as she predicted, was horrified at the sight of her hair. Getting to the bath, Selena began washing her hair rather harshly, scrubbing with all her might. "What, in the name of the seven, did you do to your hair?""I killed a boar." Selena stopped scrubbing; Rheanyra nearly laughed as she heard her breath catch. "What?""You killed a boar?" Selena asked timidly, returning back to her gentle work on Rhaenyra's hair.Rhaenyra nodded, closing her eyes, as she was transported back to the night before. Her blood boiling, her eyes burning with rage, and her neck covered in blood. It was truly a sight to see, as she never let her rage control her, but that night it was too much.***Rhaenyra made her way through the corridors, passing many as she went. Maids stopped to stare, and guards gave curt nods. Pride and power filled her; they had heard what happened at the hunt.Good. They needed to know she wasn't a defenseless little girl. She, like so many before her, needed to show the true power of a Targaryen—the power of a dragon.Entering the Council chamber, she was surprised to see her father sending help to the Steptones, as he'd refused for years. Otto was not present, something that should've made her relax, but it only filled her with dread."Dwarfstone?""I'm sending word to Daemon." Viserys placed his hands on the table, and he gave her a brief smile. "Aid is sailing to the Stepstones.""Did he make call for help?" Rhaenyra couldn't imagine Daemon calling for help. She sat down, looked at her father, and watched him, shaking his head. She knew she was right."He would sooner die." Viserys replied, "But his king does not mean to allow that." Rhaenyra looked away. "Do you not think my decision correct?""It is no consequence to what I think... as I'm often reminded." She said, looking out the window, for years, she had been on the council, and no one had paid attention to her. She knew from her experience that the decisions the council made were not correct in her opinion, and in her heart, she knew that they should have sent help to the stepstones long ago when Corlys was still an adversary.Viserys sighed, chuckling. Rhaenyra suppressed a sigh; she looked down in her hands and started fiddling with her rings before her father spoke again."Daemon is thorn enough in my flesh." He turned to face her. "Will you insist on taking after him? Must everything be a battle?""If you refer to your attempt to marry me off to Casterly Rock..." Her voice trailed off. The thought of her being married to a Lannister made her sick. Lannisters were known to be prideful, arrogant, and selfish. Jason Lannister had proven that when he only wished to have her hand for power and the throne."I am sorry, Rhaenyra." Viserys told her, "I was trying to help you. Will you not be helped? Why must every effort on your behalf be resisted as if to the death?""Because you mean to replace me... with Alicent Hightower's son, the boy you always wanted." Before she could stop herself, Rhaenyra was spilling it out to him, and all of the emotions that she had held in were finally exploding. "You have him in hands now. You have no further use for me; you might as well peddle me for what you can. A mountain stronghold or a fleet of ships.""You have misjudged me, Rhaenyra."All know it." Rhaenyra demanded, "Jason Lannister knows it. You said it yourself, the lords of the realm gather like vultures to a carcass, hoping to feast on my bones."It is true that as rulers, we must marry for advantage to forge alliances and bolster our strength." Viserys admitted. "You have always understood this. I myself was promised to your mother when I was... ""Ten-and-seven years of age." "The Vale had an army to rival the North. I've heard that story since I've had ears to.""I loved her. She made a man of me." Viserys turned to face her and said, "I do not seek to replace you, child. You've been much alone these last few years. Alone and angry. I will not live forever. I wish to see you contented, happy even.""You think a man will do it?" She scoffed."A family.''I had a family." Rhaenyra stated, despite loving her father, he had single-handedly destroyed her family and her home."What would you have me do?""If it was for advantage, you would've wed Laena Velaryon!" Rhaenyra screamed. "That is true enough.""You must marry, strengthen your own claim, shore up your succession, multiply." Viserys took a step. "As to your match... make it yourself. Search him out. Find one that pleases you, as I did. Rhaenyra... I did waver at one time. But I swear to you now, on your mother's memory, you will not be supplanted."***Alistair watched the battlefield, which was covered in thick black smoke. Dragons roamed the sky, offering cover for the soldiers below. Daemon had led the charge into the Crabfeeder's caves. Sustaining multiple injuries as a result, it was thanks to Seasmoke and his rider Laenor that Daemon had been able to enter the caves.Alistair's paws Itched for battle to sink his teeth into an enemy. He had been updating Rhaenyra for months, but it had all been the same until today. The field below was full, with men dying, burning, and fleeing to no avail.Seasmoke flew above, roaring, flames eating away at the cliffs, claws gripping people and dropping them to the wind. Seeing all this, Alistair couldn't help but think of the Great Battle. Rhaenyra had led the realm to victory; every lord, warrior, wolf, and kingdom had fought that day.Freedom was the victory they had received. History was forever changed that day, and Alistair could understand why Elena always said Rhaenyra and Daemon were on the same side of the same coin. Twin flames born into one.A roar shook the earth.Caraxes. The dragon stood atop the mountain, his red scales covered by ash. He leaped into the air, his wide wings propelling him upward. Alistair stared down. Daemon was standing in the middle of the battlefield, covered in ash and blood. Behind him was the severed body of the Crabfeeder.As the sun rose above the smoke, Alistair became aware that he was once again witnessing history. Rhaenyra was a conqueror, a maker of history, and the dragon queen.Two reckless and dangerous dragons were made from the ancient fires of their ancestors. One soul, one flame, one destiny.