The waves crashed against the sea. Seagulls called in the distance. Grief was heavy in the air. Rhaenyra took in the sight of everything around her. As she stood, her arms wrapped around her sons. She couldn't stop her gaze from going to the stone coffin since the news of Laena's death had reached the realm. Rhaenyra had spent the trip to drift mark consoling her children.Luke and Jace were saddened by their aunt's sudden death, but who could mourn the loss of someone they barely knew? They had never met Laena on account of her being across the sea. They did not know how special and wild she was. Rhaenyra remembers the days where they would wake up before anyone in the red keep and sneak into the Dragonpit to take Syrax and Vhagar for a ride.She looked around. Her father, along with Alicent and her siblings, stood farther away. Her father, now sicker than he had been, could no longer support himself and had to rely on a cane to walk. Along with that, he also began having problems with his memory, often calling Alicent by her mother's name.In the front stood Rhaenys and Corlys. The strong woman she had known from childhood, The Queen Who Never Was, had broken down at the news of her daughter's death, sobbing for hours to no end. Corlys had barely said a word, but she could see the untamed fury in his eyes. Laenor was the same; he hadn't spoken a word and was often withdrawn, even now he was absent.But then her gaze fell onto the person she hadn't seen in over a decade.Daemon stood by himself clothed in black. His daughters stood off to the side, leaning into their grandmother. Vaemond stood in the middle, facing the water, delivering the speech that would send Laena into the afterlife.His gaze constantly flickered over to her and her children as he spoke of blood purity. She knew without a doubt that he hated her and was disgusted by her children's heritage.After the funeral, she joined the rest of her family in Laena's service. The dragons flew above, calling out to one another. Rhaenyra took her steps carefully into the crowd, her gaze settling on her uncle. Daemon stood against the ledge overlooking the water. Shifting her gaze to the side, she caught Alicent and Ser Criston staring at her looks of disgust on their faces.She ignores them, catching the eyes of her eldest son Jace; she quickly makes her way over to him. "Have you seen your father?"Jace shakes his head."Your little cousins have lost their mother." Rhaenyra said, catching a look at the two grief-stricken girls. "They could use a kind word.""I have an equal claim to sympathy." Jace stated, looking into her eyes.She placed a hand atop his shoulder, "Jace.""We should be at Harrenhal, mourning Lord Lyonel and Ser Harwin." He continued, pushing her hand away."It would not be appropriate." Rhaenyra explained, "The Velaryons are our kin and the Strongs are not."Jace kept his eyes on the ground, shifting his weight.Rhaenyra looked at his face. Taking note of the conflicting emotions that flashed across his face. She knelt down to his level, grasping him tightly. "Look at me," she said gently.Jace reluctantly lifted his gaze. "Do you understand?" She asked firmly. Jace merely nodded before stepping out of her hold.She watched him go feeling sick with anxiety. She catched Alicent and Criston sharing equal looks of disgust. No doubt they were wondering what she was speaking about. She walked away, continuing her search for Laenor.Grabbing a cup of wine Rhaenyra passed Rhaenys. She managed a small smile before taking a large sip of her drink.As the sun began to set over the horizon, she found Laenor standing waist deep in the sea, looking at the rocks below. Rhaenyra didn't have the heart to call out to him and interrupt his grief.Watching Daemon through the crowd, she observed as her father and him spoke. She could tell that the grief of Laena's loss was heavy upon him. He had stormed away upon sharing a brief yet tightening word with Otto.She realized this might be the moment she was waiting for to get all of her questions answered to confront him on why he'd abandoned her so many years ago. She quickly approached Jace and Luke.Jace looked up at her, confused, seeing her determined yet fierce steps. "Mother?""Go to bed." She said, emphasizing every word, watching as Daemon made his way down the steps.She didn't bother waiting to see if they listened to her; instead, she quickly went after him. And as she descended the stairs, she called out to him."Daemon."He stops abruptly, turning sharply. "Princ—Rhaenyra." He says softly.His voice sent a shiver down her spine, and she hated herself for it. Despite her anger, her body and mind responded to him. She twisted the ring on her middle finger. "Are you going for a walk?""I was thinking of it. I needed some air and... space."She drops her hands. "Of course, I could go a different way. It is a big beach after all.""No," he corrects quickly, "I meant space from that leech." He looks down at the beach for a moment. "Care to join me?"She smiles slowly. descending the steps to join him, they begin a slow descent down the beach.***"Laenor has been restless for years, but now he will be useless. Or worse," she laments. "I know better than anyone our marriage is a farce, but I at least make the effort to maintain appearances.""You have more to lose," he reminds her."Yes, well, that's been lot since my father named me heir."They continue walking. Daemon finds himself drawing closer to her with every step, and he has to be mindful of his paces, keeping a respectful distance between them to avoid making her feel uncomfortable and doing something he would regret. He finds himself unable to read her as quickly as he used to."We did try... to conceive a child. We performed our duty as best we could. But to no avail." She says after a time. "There was no joy in it. I found that elsewhere.""Mmm..." Despite the jealousy coursing through him, he smiles proudly. "I understand Ser Harwin was quite... devoted to you.""Yes, he was. And I trusted him." She steals a look at him. "I should have forbidden Ser Harwin from returning to the Riverlands. Harren's curse is said to be as strong now as it was after the Conquest.""That's a ghost story, one Ser Otto and the Queen would gladly exploit." He sneers."I do not believe Alicent capable of cold murder.""Each of us is capable of depravity." He is fully aware that he is capable of his own. "And more than you would believe.""I believe it of you." She says plainly, with a noticeable edge to her voice.He's stiffened. "If you're accusing me of some depravity, you'll need to be more specific."Rhaenyra steps in front of him, halting them both. They stare at each other, neither of them willing to back down.Her face contorted into anger as fire flashed in her eyes. "I've been alone. You abandoned me.""I spared you. You were a child.""Yes, yes, I was a child. And look what my life became without you. Droll tragedy." She shakes her head, letting her arms fall to her sides, and turns to walk away.Damon grabs her arm, spinning her around roughly. "And I wonder what you think of mine by comparison?""I know little of it." He pauses. In that moment, it hadn't dawned on him that even though he kept tabs on her, she had not done the same."Did you love her?" She asks, not being able to stop herself."We were happy enough." He says those words truthfully. He notices something Flash in her eyes, but it's gone before he can place it."Well, that in itself is a great achievement." Rhaenyra replied, looking down. Damon smiles even though his niece was hard to read; after so many years, he could still read the conflicted feelings she tried to hide."I am sorry.""Don't be." Daemon said quietly. "I am at least allowed to mourn my losses."The air shifts as silence surrounds them. The hairs on the back of his neck rise, and his breath catches in his throat as she inches closer."Rhaenyra," he whispers, almost as a warning."I am no longer a child." She says earnestly.Fuck. She was right; she was no longer a child; she was a woman grown. The way she held herself, spoke, and acted made him realize just how much she changed, but so much was still the same. His self-control was waning as she pressed herself against him.She hooked her fingers into the top of his doublet. She leans in only halfway, waiting for him to meet her. He brings their lips together in a tender and passionate kiss. His hands slowly travel from her hips to her lower back.They pulled away, their foreheads against one another. "I want you."He pulls back, eyes searching for a lie. He doesn't find any.He leans in, capturing her lips in a gentle yet fierce kiss. She licks his lower-seeking entrance; their tongues clash, fighting for dominance. Their hands roam each other's bodies, pulling—tugging at everything. Rhaenyra wraps her arms around his neck and brings him closer as he tightens his hold.They pull away, panting. The raw lust he sees in her eyes nearly undoes him. She leans into him even more, as if trying to climb into his skin."Please..."Daemon closes his eyes, savoring her. Within moments, he's leading her away, clutching her tightly.***It's a decent enclosure, letting the last of the evening light disappear while shielding them from any prying eyes.He grabs her chin, pulling her until their lips meet. Liking her lip, she opens her mouth, granting him entrance. She kisses him back softly as his hands find the way to the back of her dress, and he begins to unlace it. He wants to tear it but thinks better of it as they're on the sand. He shoves the panels down past her shoulders, exposing her neck and her breasts. Kissing the skin of her exposed shoulder.Her hands travel up along his chest, undoing his doublet slowly. He tightens as she undoes the final clasp, slowly pushing it off his shoulders and revealing his scars. Her eyes flicker up to him, not full of disgust but awe, as if mesmerized by the stories imprinted on his skin.He takes her face in his hands, staring into her eyes. Part of him feels afraid to look away from her and fears that she'll disappear and he'll wake up alone on the other side of the sea. He holds her face in the cradle of his hands, her warmth seeping into his skin, igniting a fire within him. He knows this is not a dream.He leans forward, gently licking, kissing, and nipping her neck. Her breath hitches, and she tilts her head, giving him more access. He carefully maneuvers Rhaenyra to lie on his coat. He undresses her as much as he can, pulling down her small clothes. Rhaenyra lifts her hips, helping him slide her gown farther up. He pulls down her stockings, grasping her thigh so tightly that she'll most likely bruise.He loosens his breeches, his cock impossibly hard and aching. As he lines himself up at her entrance, he is mindful of the fact that she had just given birth and would be sensitive, sore, and in some amount of pain.He enters her in one thrust, gasping at the feeling of her. And all of his years bedding women, he had never felt something like this. He sank deeper into her molten heat as he lowered himself down on her, his arms caging her on either side. Their foreheads touched as he stilled himself, waiting for her to adjust.He stares at her intensely, breathing her in. Not shying from the fire between them, she meets his gaze through hooded eyes, giving him a slight nod.He suspects he was right; she was still sensitive from birth. Instead of thrusting into her immediately, he rolls his hips, sinking deeper into her warmth. She gasps heavily as he pushes himself to hilt. She runs her hands down his back, her nails digging into his skin.Daemon might have chuckled if it weren't for the intense feeling engulfing his chest. He started a slow rhythm, pulling out and pushing back in."Daemon..." Rhaenyra panted, her breath grazing his ear. Her body responds to his with every thrust. She lifted up slightly, and he took the opportunity to pull her even closer, his face now buried in her neck as her arms and hands roamed his back trying to find purchase.He grunts, picking up the pace, and he lays a gentle kiss on her neck. He slides his hands between them, feeling their mixed juices around his fingers. Applying pressure between the small bundle of nerves. Rhaenyra's breath shutters her hips, snapping up to meet his as she arches her back.Rhaenyra feels a coil build up in her lower belly, her skin hot and sensitive to the touch, sending shivers down her spine. Sweat glistens on her skin. As Daemon thrusts even harder, his steady pace is forgotten. Their breathing becomes harsh and heavy as the heat between them intensifies, almost becoming unbearable. Her breath hitches as she comes suddenly with a harsh gasp, her cunt squeezing around his cock.He groans, biting into her shoulder as she milks him. Willing himself to hold off just a while longer. But his control slips as she clamps around him, kissing his shoulder.They both groan at the feeling as he collapses on top of her, his breath coming out in short gasps. They stay that way for a long while until they both come down and their breathing returns to normal.Rhaenyra slips her hands into his hair, running her fingers through his silver locks. It was then that she realized they had been too into the moment for him to pull out. Although not taking it briefly flashes in her mind.He presses another gentle kiss in the space between her neck and shoulder. Before slowly rolling off her, she hissed as he slipped out of her.He pulls her with him, letting her head rest on his chest.They fall into a silence, but it's not the common awkward silence after sex. It feels natural and peaceful, as if they had always been in each other's arms. Daemon kisses the top of her head and, for the first time, feels himself relax. And for the first time in years, welcomes sleep.***Rhaenyra woke up feeling the vibration of the ground. At first she thought she had imagined things, but a deep roar in the distance told her that she wasn't hearing things. Righting her clothing, she looked ahead, spotting Daemon a few paces away.She felt somewhat sore, but despite that, she quickly walked up behind him, squinting her eyes against the bright light of the moon. She could see Vhagar in the distance, Sunfyre and Dreamfyre circling Driftmark."What is it?" She asked, coming to stand behind him."Vhagar." Damon answers, turning to face her. "We need to head back."She nods, although confused; surely Daemon would not want to interfere with Rhaena claiming Vhagar.As they begin the track of the beach, Rhaenyra becomes aware of the soreness between her legs and her disheveled state. No amount of wind could count for her afterglow appearance. Daemon gripped her hand tightly. Pausing periodically to make sure she was all right.It wasn't until they got into the courtyard that they heard the commotion inside. Shouting, screaming, and crying. They shared a look with each other, knowing that something wasn't right.Without caring about her looks or the fact that Daemon was directly behind her, she entered the main hall."Jace? Luke!" She called, taking in their bloody appearance; her heart was in her throat. She kneeled down in front of Luke, where her son was currently holding his nose, blood dripping down his hand. "Show me. Show me."Luke uncovered his nose. Wincing in pain as she gently ran her thumb over the injury. "Who did this?" She demanded."They attacked me!" Luke shouted, "He attacked Baela!""He broke Luke's nose!" Jace interjected.She didn't understand, but if she locked eyes with her younger brother across the room to where he sat in a chair with stitches where his left eye had been, she understood. He had claimed Vhagar.Aemond looked quite uncomfortable as he met her gaze. But a playful smirk was etched on his face. Rhaena looked defeated, clutching onto Rhaenys while occasionally casting glances at Aemond."He stole my mother's dragon!" Baela screamed, from beside her grandmother, her face equally covered in wounds and bruises.Rhaenyra thought she could see her father's lips moving, but her attention was pulled back as the children began screaming and shouting over one another, trying to say what happened."He was gonna kill Jace!" Luke defended, "I didn't do anything!""It should be my son telling the tale!" Allison called out.Luke pulled on her skirts, causing her to focus her attention back on him. "He called us..."Luke began,"Silence!" Her father's voice rang across the hall, causing any other chatter to die on their lips. The children clutched closer to their parents, while Aemond looked slightly surprised and alarmed that their father had raised his voice."He called us bastards." Luke whispered in her ear.Her eyes widened. None of her siblings had ever questioned her children's legitimacy, at least not publicly in front of her. Her blood began to boil as her fiery gaze met Alicent's. She met her stare with one of pure hatred in anger, further confirming that she had been spreading word not only to the court but to her own children."Aemond..." Her father began sounding out of breath and exhausted. "I will have the truth of what happened. Now.""What else is there to hear?" Alicent raged, her hands curling into fists. "Your son has been maimed; her son is responsible.""It was a regrettable accident." Viserys breathed.Alicent's face changed, morphing into an expression of pure anger rather than sadness. "Accident?" Prince Lucerys brought a blade to the ambush. He meant to kill my son."It was my sons who were attacked and forced to defend themselves." She announced, "Vile insults were levied against them."Her father swiftly turned towards her, "What insults?""The legitimacy of my sons' birth was put loudly into question." Rhaenyra clarified."What?" Her father sounded confused as his gaze snapped to that of his son."He called us bastards." Luke's small voice echoed loudly in the chamber as silence filled the air."My sons are in line to inherit the Iron Throne, Your Grace." She reminded him, "This is the highest of treasons. Prince Aemond must be sharply questioned so we might learn where he heard such slanders.""Over an insult?" Alicent said in disbelief. "My son has lost an eye.""You tell me, boy." Her father once again turned to his son, his ire unmistakable. "Where did you hear this lie?""The insult was a training yard bluster." Alicent interjected, and Rhaenyra narrowed her eyes. Fire ignited in her blood; it was obvious where the rumors had originated; anyone in this room knew the truth. "The lot of boys. It was nothing.""Aemond... I asked you a question." Her father breathed."Where is Ser Laenor, I wonder? The boys' father?" Otto cut in, "Perhaps he might have something to say in the matter.""Yes. Where is Ser Laenor?" Her father asked, causing everyone's attention to fall onto her.Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Daemon's mouth cork up in a smirk. Rhaenyra searched for an answer deep inside of her; she couldn't reveal that, in fact, the reason she was not able to attend to her children was because she was on the beach with Daemon."I do not know, Your Grace. I... could not find sleep." She began trying to mask the uncertainty in her voice, "I had gone out to walk.""Entertaining his young squires, I would venture." Alicent's voice rang out, causing Corlys to growl, for he had taken a step to stand directly behind her. Rhaenys, however, did not seem affected by the insult, for she knew as much as everybody else in this room that her son was not the man Viserys thought him to be."Aemond, look at me." Her father spoke, waiting until Aemond met his gaze. "Your king demands an answer. Who spoke these lies to you?"Rhaenyra could see the conflict on her younger brother's face. His eyes were constantly flickering to Alicent before they settled on Aegon. His breath trembled as he held his brother's gaze for a second. "It was Aegon.""Me?" Aegon looked confused but gulped as their father approached him.Rhaenyra could see the devastation on Aegon's face. He was known to be many things: a drunk prince, one that frequently went after women, but despite that, he had never made any allegations towards her or her children. In fact, she could remember a time where she stayed in the nursery in the middle of the night, teaching him how to say her name and telling him stories of Aegon the Conqueror and his sister wives."And you, boy? Where did you hear such calumnies?" Aegon offered no answer at first, which angered, which seemed to anger their father. His voice turned harsh and loud. "Aegon! Tell me the truth of it!""We know, Father." Aegon finally said, "Everyone knows. Just look at them."Her father's face contorted into one of pure rage as he turned swiftly to address the crowd, "This interminable infighting must cease! All of you! We are family! Now make your apologies and show good will to one another. Your father, your grandsire, your king demands it!""That is insufficient." Alicent declared turning to face Viserys. "Aemond has been damaged permanently, my king. "Good will" cannot make him whole."Aemond smirked, gazing at Luke, but his expression changed when he caught sight of Rhaena's bloody face. Rhaenyra saw guilt flash in his eyes before he quickly masked it."I know, Alicent, but I cannot restore his eye.""No, because it's been taken." Alicent said pointedly, turning her eyes onto Luke."What would you have me do?" Viserys asked, exhausted."There is a debt to be paid." Alicent stated. "I shall have one of her son's eyes in return."Gasps erupted, and Rhaenyra clutched her children closer. Willing to protect them if need be. Her father wore a face of shock, "My dear wife."He is your son, Viserys. Your blood.""Do not... allow your temper to guide your judgment." Viserys reached for her but evaded his touch."If the King will not seek justice, the Queen will." Alicent turned her gaze locked on Ser Criston. "Ser Criston, bring me the eye of Lucerys Velaryon.""Mother!" Luke screamed, hiding behind Corlys, but he still kept a grip on her skirt.Rhaenyra pulled Jace behind her. Her blood roared in her ears, and if she focused enough, she could hear Syrax roar within her. Alicent would not and could not make it past her."Alicent." Viserys began."He can choose which eye to keep, a privilege he did not grant my son." Alicent continued, waiting for Ser Criston to move."You will do no such thing." Viserys growled, swinging around and hooking Ser Criston with a glare. "Stay your hand.""No, you are sworn to me!" Alicent screamed,"As your protector, my queen.""Alicent, this matter... is finished. Do you understand?" Alicent looked in disbelief, her rage barely contained, but her father didn't seem to notice as he addressed the entire room, sounding like a king for once. "And let it be known, anyone whose tongue dares to question the birth of Princess Rhaenyra's sons should have it removed.""Thank you, Father."As Viserys turned away, Alicent's rage finally broke through, and she charged towards Rhaenyra with his dagger in hand."No!" Rhaenyra grabbed Alicent's wrists, the blade inches from her face. Luke's screams echoed throughout the hall as chaos erupted."You've gone too far." Rhaenyra hissed, looking into Alicent's crazed eyes."I? What have I done, but what was expected of me?" Alicent cried, trying to thrust the dagger farther. "Forever upholding the kingdom, the family, the law. While you flout it all to do as you please.""Alicent, let her go!" Viserys shouted."Where is duty? Where is sacrifice?" Alicent looked at her with distaste. "It's trampled under your pretty foot again.""Release the blade, Alicent." Otto called to his daughter, but his command seemed to fall on deaf ears as Alicent once again pushed against her, the dagger slightly shaking in her hand."And now you take my son's eye, and to even that, you feel entitled.""Exhausting, wasn't it? Hiding beneath the cloak of your own righteousness." Rhaenyra grunted; her skin suddenly felt hot, and she dug her fingers into Alicent's sleeve. "But now they see you as you are."Her eyes filled with rage, and Alicent swiftly pulled herself away. Rhaenyra staggered back into Corlys' chest. Waves of shock rippled through her as she looked down at the sound of something wet hitting the ground. The entire room froze as warm, sticky blood flowed freely from a three-inch laceration on her arm.Alicent dropped the dagger, and it clattered to the floor as the entire room froze, horrified.Daemon cared not for perception or propriety as he stalked over to her, all but pushing Corlys aside so that she leaned back against him, one hand automatically going to Luke's shoulder, the other brushing gently at the skin surrounding the injury. "Rhaenyra." He whispered, softly pressing on the wound to stop the aggressive bleeding. "I'm here."Her eyes locked with his before they turned to face Alicent and Viserys. The line was clearly drawn for all to see."Do not mourn me, Mother."All eyes in the room turned to stare at Aemond, who stood proudly coming to stand beside his mother. "It was a fair exchange. I may have lost an eye... but I gained a dragon.""This proceeding is at an end!" Viserys roared, though he looked shakily between wife and daughter. Fury flamed hot in Daemon's veins, but as he looked back at Rhaenyra, his face melted into one of concern, his hand was thoroughly covered in blood."The princess needs to see the maester, Your Grace." Rhaenys' voice seemed to have the desired effect as the entire room looked upon the still-gushing wound on her forearm.Viserys' face turned pale and hot with anger. "This night is over."***Anger flamed beneath Daemon's skin like dragonfire as he stalked through the corridors of High Tide; he had escorted Rhaenyra and her children to her rooms, making sure that she was being tended to by a maester before leaving to find his daughters. Baela and Rhaena had sustained severe bruising and a few cuts along their faces, and despite their injuries they seemed to be perfectly fine, and Daemon couldn't stop the pride that swelled in his chest.Upon entering their chambers, he found Baela sitting at the edge of her bed with no Rhaena in sight; his brow furrowed."Where is your sister?"Baela shrugged. "She said she needed some air." Daemon raised an eyebrow at that, considering that the fight with Aemond had only happened about an hour ago, and since then all the children were taken to their rooms to be cared for by the maester."Well, let's just hope Rhaena won't get into any more fights tonight." Daemon said, sitting on the bed and pulling Baela into his arms. "I am proud of you; you held your own."Baela smiled but shook her head. "Rhaena is the one that hit him first; after he shoved her to the ground, that's when I reacted.""Really?" Daemon was very surprised. Rhaena was known for being kind and shy, never raising a hand towards anyone."She's really upset about Vhagar," Baela mumbled, resting her head on his chest. "I can't believe she allowed him to claim her.""A mistake on Vhagar's part; she's old."Baela looked up at him, her violet eyes meeting his. "He took the last piece we had of Mother.""That's not true; she lives in both of you." Damon gently reminded her, "I see her every time I look at both of you.""Do you think Jace and Luke will be okay and the princess too?" Baela suddenly asked, looking nervous. "I heard that Aemond broke Luke's nose.""I'm sure they'll be fine; they're strong, and as for the princess, she's strong too."Baela sighed in relief but was cut off by a sudden yawn. Daemon chuckled, "I think it's best you get some sleep."Baela nodded before climbing up the bed and under the blanket. "What about Rhaena?""I'll look for her." Daemon promised, kissing his oldest daughter's forehead.In truth, he was curious as to where his youngest daughter had wandered off; perhaps she was with her grandparents, but as he searched the corridors, he ran straight into Rhaenys.She gave him a pointed look. "What are you doing?"He huffed, annoyed. "Walking."Rhaenys crossed her arms, distrust evident in her eyes, and Daemon felt his blood begin to warm. He wanted her to ask the question that was so evident in her eyes; he wanted to release his rage, but she just narrowed her eyes and proceeded to walk past him.Daemon watched her leave. Something told him that they weren't done with the Queen Who Never Was.***Rhaena walked through the library feeling defeated. Aemond had claimed Vhagar, and now she didn't have a dragon. Her anger had dissipated long ago, replaced by guilt and sadness. Aemond was just like her, longing for a dragon something that would make him belong, but she also wanted that.She had more claim to Vhagar; her mother rode the large dragon and died by her flames; surely that meant she was more worthy than Aemond. As she skimmed the books on the shelves looking for something to catch her eye and distract her from her overwhelming tidal wave of emotions, she simply felt numb.She had lost her mother, her unborn sibling, and now her mother's dragon. She felt so out of place and alone. No matter how much her sister loved her and how much her father claimed to care for her, she couldn't help but feel that it was her fault for the night's proceedings. If she had only claimed Vhagar earlier than Aemond wouldn't have been able to, and she would be a dragonrider. But she had been so stuck in her grief that she didn't even think of the possibility of somebody else taking what was hers. Baela had Moondancer. And no amount of dragon rides on Caraxes could compare to the actual feeling of having a dragon of her own.She still had the egg from when she was a babe, but it had yet to hatch, and her mother's words about only half of them hatching kept coming to her mind. Only half of them ever hatch, and if you wish for a dragon, then you must claim that right.Rhaena had heard those words over and over. But it never made it easier, as she was always ignored or put to the side for the sake of her sister. And no matter how much she thrust herself into Targaryen history or learned High Valyrian from a very young age, it never compared to the feat her sister managed to accomplish just from being born.She picks out a book of Dornish history. She chooses to sit in a secluded part of the library that's warmed by a small fire and a fur blanket. She always found Dorne interesting, particularly because it remained the only kingdom to defy Aegon the Conqueror.Rhaena wasn't sure how much time passed as she read the book; it was only when a slight chill made her shiver, she realized how late it was. Putting the book back on the shelf, she made her way through the empty corridors, and a few guards lined the walls as she walked."Be careful, my Prince, and try to avoid solid foods for the next few weeks."Rhaena stopped, her gaze locked onto the door to her left. Guilt filled her belly as she moved closer. This was indeed Aemond's room. Peering through the crack, she saw Aemond sitting on the side of the bed as the maester ran a cloth across his skin.It looked painful, Rhaena observed. Wondering how much pain he was truly in. She was about to pull away and continue down the hall when the door opened, and she stumbled back in surprise."Are you alright, my Lady?" The maester asked, concerned.Rhaena nodded slightly embarrassed, but she was caught off guard. "I was just heading back to my room." She lied, "I'm still getting used to being here.""Well, I can escort you that way if you like." The man said, "I have to check on the princess.""No, it's quite alright; I can find my way back to my room on my own."The elderly man looked at her for a second before slowly bowing his head and shuffling down the corridor. Rhaena let out a sigh of relief; the last thing she wanted was for the man to alert her father that she was near Aemond.Aemond cleared his throat. "What do you want?"Rhaena jumped at the sound of his voice. Turning she met his eye, horrified at the damage done to his face, she gulped as Aemond continued to stare. Words suddenly caught in her throat."I'm sorry." She said hurriedly before quickly turning away and going in the direction of her room.***Watching her father leave, she twisted her rings as Vhagar joined Dreamfyre and Sunfyre in the air. Her eyes fell onto her thickly bandaged arm; her conversion with Laenor had made her realize something along with her coupling with Daemon.She hadn't drunk moontea; asking for it in a foreign place would be cause for suspicion. As the wind blew, Rhaenyra knew she wasn't alone."Fire is such strange power." She said, into the wind. Everything that House Targaryen possesses is owed to it, yet it has cost us both what we loved. Perhaps the Velaryons knew the truth of it. The sea is the better ally; fire is a prison. The sea offers an escape."She looked at him, heart pounding. "I need you, Uncle."She watches him closely and says, "Nyke daor laehurlion se greens mērī." Daemon looks at her, confused, turning his body to face her. "Ivestragī īlva letagon īlva ānogar, sepār hae aegon se dāritys gōntan lēda zȳhon sisters. Lēda ao hae ñuha valzȳrys se dārilaros concert, nuha claim would daor sagon easily challenged." Rhaenyra paused, taking a breath. "Se Velaryons issi se embar." Daemon clutched his chest, suddenly unable to stand. "Yn ao se nyke. Emi va moriot issare meant naejot zālagon hēnkirī."(Cannot face the greens alone. Let us bind our blood, just as Aegon the Conqueror did with his sisters. With you as my husband and prince concert, my claim would not be easily challenged. The Velaryons are the sea. But you and I. We have always been meant to burn together.)Finally, Daemon looks at her. "We could not marry unless Laenor were dead."She knew this to be true, but she wished no harm to come to Laenor."I know."After discussing it with Laenor, he "dies" a quick death. While they travel back to Dragonstone together, eager to marry before the news reaches. They conduct a small yet intimate wedding ceremony on Dragonstone with their children and maester Gerardys as their witnesses to their union.Slicing each other's lips, the sharp piece of dragonglass Rhaenyra couldn't help her ecstatic heartbeat and the amount of desire that flooded through her as their wedding ceremony continued. Tonight Daemon would become hers for the rest of her life, and she would become his. Two souls joined as one.If their lips finally connected in a hungry yet passionate kiss, Rhaenyra couldn't wait for her life with Daemon. Even though war was around the corner, she hoped she and Daemon would at least get the chance to enjoy being married before that day arrived.