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Rhaenys scratched the place behind one of Meleys' horns, making the dragon huff with pleasure.
The Princess smiled while giving a kiss to the she-dragon on her head.
"Are you ready, my Queen?" She asked in High Valiryan. The dragon pushed her gently with her big head, encouraging her to get on the saddle.
Once up on her dragon, the Lady of Driftmark adjusted her grip on the reins and gave the command:
"Sōvēs, Meleys"
Spreading her wings of pink and scarlet, the Red Queen took off from the ground and began to fly over the seas surrounding Driftmark. She circled a few times around the Velaryon lands before her rider commanded that they were to rise above the clouds.
Both queens danced in the sky. Rhaenys would ask Meleys to ascend slowly and then swoop down and once again take flight until the sky was indistinguishable from the sea.
However, Meleys noticed something unusual in their routinary dance, and that was that her rider seemed to hesitate. From time to time, the dragoness sensed that Rhaenys wanted to take a fixed course, but then the feeling would dissipate and the princess seemed to want to go back to performing capers in the air. The situation began to jaded Meleys and when she sensed Rhaenys' conflicting feelings again she made a noise of protest and shook her head.
Rhaenys sighed audibly and leaned forward to pet and speak to the dragoness.
"Usōven, Meleys." The Red Queen turned her head slightly to see her rider's apologetic smile, making a nod of her head as if asking what she wanted to do. Rhaenys nodded firmly and looked ahead decisively. "All right, naejot."
At last, Meleys clearly sensed her rider's wishes and flew with her characteristic speed to Dragonstone.
With Daemon fighting at the Stepstones alongside Corlys and not being the Prince of Dragonstone anymore, there was no one on her family's island. Still, Rhaenys had not returned to the castle since her father's death, so Meleys knew something must be bothering her rider.
She began to fly over the grounds, circling around Dragonmont, giving the caretakers time to prepare for the unexpected arrival of a dragon.
Rhaenys surveyed what had been her second home for many years and sighed. While they spent more time in the Red Keep due to her father's position on Jaehaerys' Small Council, the memories she had at Dragonstone were some of the most precious in her memory. There, it had been just her parents and her, without her uncles, aunts and cousins, isolated from the family drama they often caused, especially her aunts. There was less pressure there than at Court, and her parents were allowed to be more affectionate with each other as well as with her.
Rhaenys had seen Dragonstone in the distance a few times, as it is very close to Driftmark, but she had never come that close again. When she was pregnant with her children, she simply asked the king for the dragon's eggs. Rhaenys supposed she had avoided the island enough, and had more than one reason to visit it now.
She descended swiftly but efficiently, as a result of years of bonding such as she and Meleys had. The caretakers were already prepared to put Meleys away in the pit at Dragonstone. One of them asked her if she needed anything special regarding their treatment towards Meleys, but none questioned her presence on the island, for it was not their place to ask why a Targaryen Princess was on one of her family's estates.
After saying goodbye to Meleys, Rhaenys began the climb to the castle. Holding her breath before the multiple memories that attacked her mind every time she raised her head and observed the landscape around her.
She entered the fortress and contemplated it as if it was the first time she had entered it. One thing Rhaenys had always loved about that castle was that it oozed history. Every depiction of dragons, kings and ancient gods, mythological beings and so on, recalled her family's past. So she headed to one of her favorite places in Dragonstone: the library. While in the Red Keep the Faith of the Seven had great control over the distribution of books and writings, the one in Rocadragon treasured all kinds of works concerning Valyria and its gods.
Rhaenys paced the room, running her hands over the spines of the ancient tomes. She smiled remembering how it was there that she first read about the goddess Meleys. Her smile widened as she reminisced that when her children were born, she thought to thank Meleys first and not the Mother. She almost began to laugh at the thought of the reaction the Hightower, great devotees of the Seven, would have to that.
Shaking her head to center herself, she left the library and went out into Aegon's garden.
The first memory that came to her mind was the last meeting with her beloved grandmother, Good Queen Alysanne. Which brought her to focus on the reason for her visit.
Taking a deep breath, Rhaenys set out on her way to her original destination: the Targaryen Crypt at Dragonstone.
Actually, the Targaryens did not pay much attention to burial, because for them the most important thing was cremation, since that was where they were headed since their birth: fire. However, most of the family ashes were buried in emblematic places. There at Dragonstone were the remains of Aegon and Visenya, the conquerors, the kings Aenys and Maegor, the princesses Daenerys and Daella and lastly, Jaehaerys and Alysanne.
Rhaenys slowly descended the stairs, resting her hand on the cold stone of the wall. The silence increased as she descended, but to her it was a comforting silence, almost as if it was not an empty silence, but the same as that between two people comfortable in each other's presence.
It was not uncommon for Rhaenys to feel this way in places of memorial, for it was the same for her in the tombs of her parents.
She entered through the archway leading into the crypt and took a deep breath, letting out a shaky sigh as the air escaped. Down there the world seemed to stand still, time was running outside, but there, the past seemed to merge back into the present. One felt alone and at the same time accompanied, surrounded by stone and ashes, but also by the stories and memories associated with those who lay there. One appreciates the transience of life, how little use greatness has, for in the end death does not distinguish rank, but one also breathes again the glory of the events that occurred during the life of the dead. It was for this reason that Rhaenys liked to visit such places, though she usually enjoyed visiting the civilian cemeteries of Spicetown and King's Landing, imagining stories that were not her own.
This strange, yet fascinating feeling seemed to vanish when she visited the graves of her family.
Rhaenys turned and looked at the room in front of her. First, the Princes' Hall, where the ashes of those who belonged to the royal family, but never wore the crown, were deposited.
There were only two tombs: that of Daenerys and that of Daella. One in front of the other.
Rhaenys felt a knot in her stomach when she saw the small dimensions of the first one. On it, a representation of the little princess asleep, but with a smile on her face. In her marble hands she held a lily of the same material, symbolizing her purity.
Daella's looked more like that of a queen, for in fact, she had the emblems corresponding to queens under the statue's feet. Rhaenys knew that originally the tomb did not possess such symbols, but that they had been added at the beginning of Viserys' reign, a way to honor the one who died giving birth to Queen Aemma. In front of these emblems, a bowl of dried flowers. Rhaenys surmised they were from the last visit of Aemma to the mother she never knew.
Not wanting to dwell any longer on those tragic deaths, Rhaenys advanced to the core of the crypt, where those who had been kings and queens of Westeros lay.
Aegon and Visenya were together. On the right side of Aegon's tomb was a statue of Queen Rhaenys, who extended her hand towards Aegon's, calling her husband to join her in his eternal rest. An entirely symbolic representation, for the Queen's remains never returned from Dorne.
On Aegon's left side, Visenya. If Princess Daella had the tomb of a queen, Queen Visenya had that of a king. This tomb was probably the grandest of all, inlaid with mother-of-pearl and gold, Visenya was not depicted as the Dowager Queen, but as the dragon warrior she had been. Wearing armor over her dress and holding a sword across her chest. The jewels adorning her head and arms appeared to be real, made of rubies and gold. All by order of her son, Maegor the Cruel, who stood beside his mother.
Maegor's tomb was simple and crude, a stone in the ground with the inscription indicating that such a controversial king lay there. Rhaenys knew that when her grandfather succeeded him he wanted to quickly put an end to all that Maegor's rule had meant for his family and the kingdom. No wonder he did not want to erect a funerary monument to this king, much is that he respected his wish to be buried next to his mother.
Snorting at her opinions of these last two monarchs, Rhaenys turned to contemplate the tombs to the right side of the crypt. On the side closest to her was Aenys I, her great-grandfather. His tomb was simple, but not as crude as Maegor's, it featured a simple depiction of Aenys, who instead of holding a sword on his lap, held a book.
However, the tomb that really interested Rhaenys was the one to the left of Aenys'. Approaching it with slow steps she felt her breath catch in her chest. There lay the tomb of her grandparents.
Alysanne wore her crown, a small imitation of Jaehaerys', her hair cascaded over her shoulders and she wore a luxurious gown, in her left hand she clutched a book on her belly, representing her wisdom, while her right arm fell from the marble bed to join her hand with Jaehaerys'. The king slept holding his wife's hand, with his crown on his head. His right hand carried a marble copy of Blackfyre.
Rhaenys swallowed hard as she looked at the statues. She had never seen them before and it was at that moment that the place ceased to seem beautiful and peaceful to her. Now it brought back bitter memories that opened wounds. Yes, she also had good memories associated with her grandparents, maybe even more than bad ones, however, the important thing in a story is not how it begins, but how it ends.
Rhaenys approached the marble and gripped tightly the corner of both tombs, which were barely separated . For many years, the princess had pushed away any thoughts or feelings related to the Great Council. Since that day, she had decided that such an event did not affect her. She accepted the decision of the Lords of the Realm and, since she was not and never would be a fratricide, she had retired to Driftmark to be happy with her family.
Now, however, a mixture of rage and anguish spread through Rhaenys' chest. Rage for the injustice committed against her, and anguish for the infinite number of feelings that those memories provoked in her.
When people talked about her (they must have thought she could not hear what they were saying just a few feet away) they all spoke of the humiliation of losing the Throne. And yes, Rhaenys had suffered for what was taken from her. She had suffered because her father, along with the rest of her family, had raised her to be queen.
•
"You are enough." He told her when she was a young girl and frightened at the expectations of the future. "For your mother and me, we don't need a male child because we have the best monarch the kingdom could wish for in you."
•
Rhaenys stifled a sob at the invasion of the memory, one of many she had tried to push away for years. She tried to cling even tighter to the stone, to focus on its cold touch in her hands, but deep down she knew that ever since she had set foot in Dragonstone it was inevitable that this would happen.
•
"Rhaenys!" shouted a very angry Jocelyn Baratheon at the Dragon Pit "How dare you come alone!? You're not even accompanied by your guard!" as she approached her overly smiling daughter, Jocelyn was the epitome of her house. Ours is the fury. "And just when I thought I was going to have a fit, I see you bolt off on the back of Meleys - are you trying to scare me to death?" The Baratheon stopped in front of her daughter, placing her hands on her hips and watching with a frown as Rhaenys remained impassive to her words.
"Mama, I am a dragonrider now, Meleys has accepted me as such!" The princess was practically jumping with excitement as she gave her mother the most radiant smile she could.
Jocelyn sighed as the sight of her daughter in front of her began to lessen the terror she had felt since she had been awakened with the news that Rhaenys was nowhere to be found in the Red Keep.
She watched as her daughter turned to pet the dragon behind her. Jocelyn felt a lump in her throat at the thought that her daughter was growing up too fast, claiming a dragon at 13. She dreaded the day she would marry and even more so the day she would become Queen. Nothing terrified Jocelyn more than losing Rhaenys, her only daughter. The tension she had experienced all day suddenly dissipated, leaving a very tired woman filled with relief after the great worry she had felt.
With tears in her eyes, she grasped Rhaenys' arm to turn her around and wrap her in a great embrace. The princess was surprised at first, but quickly returned the embrace with equal enthusiasm.
"Don't ever scare me like that again, okay?" Jocelyn whispered, letting out a sob.
As Rhaenys pulled away she saw a tear fall from her mother's eyes. Feeling terribly bad that her impulsiveness had meant Jocelyn's suffering, she quickly reached out a hand to wipe away the tear.
"I promise. I'm sorry I scared you like that, Mama, I didn't mean to." She whispered, lowering her gaze.
Jocelyn smiled and gently held Rhaenys' chin to look into her eyes.
"I am so proud of you." This time she did not whisper, but said it firmly, still smiling.
Rhaenys' face lit up and she hugged her mother again. Jocelyn laughed softly at her enthusiasm. She gently pushed her daughter away and held her shoulders.
"So the Red Queen, hm? Very fitting for Our Queen To Be" She said, smiling mischievously.
Rhaenys laughed as she began to advance on her mother's arm out of the Dragon Pit.
"I'm going to tell Grandmother that you stole her nickname." She joked in return.
Jocelyn feigned an offended gasp and looked at her daughter. "You wouldn't dare."
Rhaenys smiled and looked at her mother with the same mischievousness Jocelyn had employed earlier. "That depends, what do you give me in exchange for my silence?"
Jocelyn raised an eyebrow at her daughter's impudence, but immediately let out a laugh and pulled Rhaenys closer, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
"You will make a great Queen."
•
At Dragonstone, Rhaenys now could not hold back the tears that silently streamed down her cheeks.
Yes, it hurt her not to have had the future she was promised and prepared for, but that was not the worst of it, the Great Council was not even as painful as the first time she was ignored in the line of succession, for what hurt Rhaenys most was not to stop being the heir, but to stop being part of the family, because that is how she felt and feels, an outsider.
At the age of 18, after Aemon's death, Rhaenys was no longer the granddaughter, niece and cousin, but the Lady of Driftmark, a woman to be watched, someone who had to be kept happy enough for fear that she might decide to take the Throne. She ceased to be family and became a potential threat.
•
Jaehaerys sighed after the latest argument with Alysanne. Again, the subject of Saera had come up, and the queen demanded her daughter back. No matter how much she had offended them, the scandals she had caused and the constant defiance she presented, Alysanne did not want to lose another daughter, yet that was because she did not realize they had already lost her. For Jaehaerys it was all over when she compared herself to Maegor, a man who had caused only suffering to his family.
Now, having made his journey to Highgarden, the last thing the King expected was to have an argument with his much-loved wife, but so it had been. Now he rested in his room, alone, and wondering why his daughters were either a pain in the ass, or the Stranger was taking them away from him.
The voice of the guard at the door saved him from spiraling into sadness over the loss of most of his children.
"Princess Rhaenys, Your Grace." Announced the man before retreating with a nod.
Jaehaerys felt some of his spirits return and he sat up in his chair to stand more firmly before his granddaughter.
"Kekepa." She greeted with a smile as she entered, spreading his good cheer to the King.
"Rhaenys, my dear granddaughter, is it that you have rested from your journey?" he asked as he pointed to the seat across from him.
The princess smiled as she sat across from her grandfather.
"I was able to get some sleep after bathing, but I had to inform you of something and I didn't want to put it off any longer." She replied, clasping her hands together on her lap.
Jaehaerys smiled thinking that if Saera or Viserra said that sentence it would be cause for concern, but this being his granddaughter, one could expect good news.
"Well then, what do you wish to tell me?" Encouraged the King.
"I have decided to betroth Lord Corlys Velaryon." Rhaenys replied.
Jaehaerys paused to watch his granddaughter. Her smile remained, but behind her eyes was fierceness, ready to defend her decision should it be rejected or questioned. It did not escape the King's notice that Rhaenys was not asking his permission, but informing him of a decision already made.
In other circumstances, he might have rebuked her behavior. However, Jaehaerys felt a great relief, for his granddaughter was offering him on a silver platter the solution to one of his concerns: the growing power and influence of The Sea Snake.
The King rose with a smile and warmly embraced Rhaenys, lifting her from her seat.
"You could not have chosen someone better." When he stepped back he looked at his granddaughter, seeing how at the thought of being a cheerful young woman who brought the whole Keep on its head, for she never stopped challenging everyone, Rhaenys was becoming a strong and sensible woman, capable of bending anyone.
"I am proud, ñuha riña" And returning to embrace Rhaenys, he kissed her forehead.
•
Now, sobs were mercilessly shaking Rhaenys, who made a great effort not to fall to her knees on the floor. Tears were beginning to blur her vision as they grew thicker as they fell from her lilac eyes.
She looked away from her grandfather's grave, not wanting to stir up any more such memories. However, as she did so her gaze fell upon her grandmother's marble face. She didn't even try to divert her mind from the memories that assaulted her in milliseconds.
•
Rhaenys was running through the fortress as fast as her legs would allow, looking for a safe place. The princess was sure she would die at the hands of her septa, for the woman seemed determined to smother her with boredom. Rhaenys could never get enough when it came to talking about Valyria, dreaming of magic and dozens of dragons flying freely. However, when her septa came with etiquette lessons and insisted that Rhaenys learn the names of all the lords of the realm and their families, the princess could not wait to finish the lesson.
So, when the septa withdrew to fetch a book containing the history of House Lannister, Rhaenys took the opportunity to flee the room. Knowing that if she went to her mother she would be forced to return after being scolded, Rhaenys' feet led her to her grandmother's room, praying that Jocelyn would not be there.
Seeing the girl running in their direction, the two guards guarding the Queen's chambers smiled knowingly and opened the doors, announcing the Princess's arrival.
Alysanne lifted her head from the embroidery she was working on to see her granddaughter enter, only to stop once the doors closed behind her, sighing with relief that her mother was not in the room.
Panting from the run, the girl wordlessly walked over to the armchairs in the center of the room, sitting down on the same couch as her grandmother and proceeded to fan her face with one hand as she turned her gaze to Alysanne, still saying nothing.
The Good Queen raised an eyebrow, hiding an amused smile as she lowered the embroidery to her lap.
"What's the rush, Rhaenys? And what are those ways of introducing yourself in the room, without even greeting your Queen?" Alysanne spoke half jokingly and half seriously. She knew her granddaughter had run away from her septa, just as she knew she didn't mind if Rhaenys didn't curtsy when they were in private. However, the girl was not to make it a habit to skip her lessons nor was she to abandon all decorum and throw protocol overboard.
Rhaenys rolled her eyes (another habit for Alysanne to eliminate) and groaned in exasperation.
"The septa has been torturing me for hours with names of people from every house and rules of protocol for every possible situation, if I stood there a second longer I was going to faint, grandmother." The princess spoke with total seriousness.
Alysanne was torn between amusement and exasperation, for it seemed impossible to get her granddaughter interested in Westeros society.
"It is necessary knowledge, Rhaenys, especially for Our Queen to Be" She reached up to tuck an unruly lock behind her granddaughter's ear, calling her by the title she had used for her since her birth.
Rhaenys snorted in a most unladylike manner, lowering her chin and looking at her grandmother with an expression much like the one she often wore.
"Grandmother, I don't know how it would be helpful for me to know that Lord Lannister has in his possession a total of 228 horses, his favorite being a dapple-coated steed he calls Larius. Is it by chance that I will name the horse Master of Laws?" Rhaenys' ability to use sarcasm at the age of eight sometimes startled Alysanne, though she acknowledged it was an inherited family trait.
Unable to help herself, the smile finally escaped her lips.
"So you've been paying attention, hm?" she inquired, adopting the same posture as her granddaughter.
"Yes, but only because he's started talking about horses." Rhaenys rested her right elbow on the arm of the couch behind her back as she moved on to admire her nails on her left hand, shaking it at the end without interest.
The Queen laughed and moved closer to her granddaughter to put an arm around her. Rhaenys seemed to abandon her early morning defiance (for there would definitely be more during the day) and softened her expression, resting her head on her grandmother's shoulder. They stayed like that for a few seconds until Rhaenys' smile faded slightly and she lowered her head to look down at her hands clasped together on her lap.
"Something bothering you, ñuha riña?" Alysanne frowned worriedly.
"I don't think I'm a good Queen, I'm not interested in the lords of the realm, or what possessions they have. I don't want to know if they are knights or not, nor how many contingents they have beaten in jousts. I am more concerned with knowing the names of all our dragons and wondering if I would be able to claim Cannibal." The Princess sighed softly before looking up to meet her grandmother's eyes. "How am I going to be a good queen if talking about my subjects is totally boring to me, so much so that I'd rather focus on the dragons?"
Alysanne almost smiled again at her granddaughter's childish concern, but she was too moved by her words and the matter was too serious for Rhaenys' young mind.
"Listen to me, Rhaenys." The Queen cradled her granddaughter's face with both hands. "You will be a great queen and you are already proving it."
"But..." Interrupted the girl.
"Don't interrupt me. I said you'll be a great queen, but at the moment that's my position and you have to listen to me." She warned with a smile. Rhaenys laughed but nodded, keeping silent.
"You will be the best the Seven Kingdoms have seen in a long time, for unlike others, you are not concerned with appearances, riches or opulence, you go above and beyond, my dear granddaughter. And that you care about being a bad sovereign because you don't care enough about Lord Lannister's horses only shows the purity of your heart and how truly committed you are to your people."
At her grandmother's words, Rhaenys felt her eyes water and climbed into her lap to give her a tight hug, which Alysanne happily returned.
"And regarding dragons..." Alysanne enunciated as she sat Rhaenys on her knee.
"Yes?" her granddaughter asked expectantly.
"That's just a side effect of being a Targaryen, my dear." They both smiled, but Alysanne quickly hardened her expression, turning into a sterner one. "However, I warn you Rhaenys, don't even think about going near Cannibal, understood?"
Despite Alysanne's seriousness and harsh tone, the Princess could not help but laugh and stepping down from her lap she made a deep bow, better than many ladies did.
"Understood, Your Grace" As she stood up, she looked with a mischievous smile at her grandmother before making her way towards the door, knowing it wouldn't be long before her mother would come looking for her.
"I'm serious, Rhaenys." Alysanne warned with a hint of amusement.
"See you at dinner, muñāzma." She waved goodbye looking back over her shoulder as the guards opened the door for her.
The Queen shook her head in exasperation at her granddaughter's impudence, smiling as she sent a silent prayer to the Seven for help when Rhaenys' teenage years came.
•
The emotional damage of this last memory caused Rhaenys' knees to give out and fall against the hard, cold crypt floor.
The Queen Who Never Was found herself kneeling in front of the Good Queen's tomb. Weeping bitterly and clinging to the piece of marble in front of her as if she would be able to go back, to regain the childlike innocence she had experienced in those days.
Rage again poisoned Rhaenys' heart when she thought that all those sweet memories were tarnished by the subsequent betrayal and disappointment. Every joy experienced, every beautiful family moment, was now obscured by the great shadow cast by those more bitter memories. Those that still tortured Rhaenys' mind every time she looked at her family.
She had tried to be strong, to hold her head high and flash a smile of indifference. She would never give the lords of the realm a hint of how past events had affected her, lest they believe her foolish decision was the cause of her suffering. Rhaenys laughed bitterly, alone in the cold tomb. If it were not because she did love her family, the Seven Kingdoms would have burned down long ago and a woman would be sitting on the Iron Throne.
But it had been her family who had turned their backs on her, it had been they who had let her down, who had made her believe that she was enough, that they were proud, only to discard her as if she were a stranger, someone they did not care to hurt.
Rhaenys looked at her grandmother's grave, resting her forehead against her grandmother's epitaph. Tears wet Alysanne's name. The Princess was sure that nothing of the sort was mentioned in the ancient books of magic, but in that moment she prayed to all the gods she knew that her weeping would bring back her grandmother, one of the only people who had supported her to the end, and someone with whom Rhaenys still had a pending conversation.
•
Rhaenys sobbed bitterly as the maids fluttered around her, adjusting a black dress to her waist. It had been made especially for the occasion, for the Princess had no mourning dresses to fit her body, which was now undergoing the changes of pregnancy.
When the fabric made some resistance against her belly before a young girl adjusted it properly, Rhaenys felt she would drown in sadness at the thought that her father, who wanted so much to be a grandfather, would never hold the child she carried in his arms.
He had been so excited at the news, becoming even more protective of her, keeping her from accompanying them to face the pirates in Tarth. Rhaenys clenched her fists in fury at the thought that, perhaps, if she had accompanied him, her father would still be alive and would meet his first grandchild.
As absorbed as she was in her mourning, she did not notice that the maids had left the room and she was now in the company of her Uncle Baelon. Rhaenys knew that he had avenged her father, that he had gone with Vhagar and killed every pirate who crossed his path.
"I've done it for both of us. I've killed a few in your name." He said to his niece, knowing the helplessness she felt at not being able to avenge herself due to her condition.
However, they both knew the hard truth: no matter how much blood was shed, nothing would bring Prince Aemon back.
Rhaenys sat on her bed, cradling her belly with one hand while with the other she tried to wipe away her tears. Her uncle rushed to her side and wrapped her in his arms, allowing her to cry into his chest.
"I'm so sorry, niece." He whispered against her hair, leaving a soft kiss on top of her head. Rhaenys wrapped her arms tightly around Baelon's waist.
"I don't think I can do it, I can't be in front of all those people. I just want to lie in the dark and cry." She confessed between sobs.
Baelon broke away from her embrace and knelt before her, taking her hands.
"You must, Rhaenys." He spoke softly. "Think of it as a last goodbye, it will bring you peace, I promise."
"But I don't want to say goodbye." Rhaenys protested.
Baelon looked at her and was aware of his niece's situation. He looked away from the strong Targaryen princess to the eighteen-year-old grieving over the loss of her father, the concern for her future son, and the pressure her position brought.
Not knowing what else to say to bring her any comfort, he kissed her hands before tugging them to lead her to the hill where Aemon's remains would be burned.
Rhaenys was escorted by her husband and uncle to the place where the funeral pyre rested, where Meleys awaited her rider's command. The dragon from time to time emitted a sad chant, in tune with the feelings of the princess.
Arriving there, the three of them positioned themselves in the front row, on the left side of the Queen, who was facing the front and was covered by a black veil, which prevented seeing her face. King Jaehaerys at her side, wrapping an arm around his wife.
The once Princess of Dragonstone, wept disconsolately in the arms of her brother, who murmured words of comfort to Jocelyn, who upon seeing his daughter rushed in her direction, hugging her tightly.
Rhaenys let her mother be, seeking to calm her emotions and avoid crying, not wanting to distress her mother any more.
After a few seconds, Baelon gently separated Jocelyn, leading her to position herself between him and Boremund Baratheon.
With a sigh, Rhaenys threw back her shoulders and lifted her chin proudly. If this was the last goodbye to her father, she wanted him to see that she was ready to succeed him and he would not have to worry about leaving her behind.
After a light touch from Corlys on her back in support and a nod from the King, Rhaenys stepped forward and, without taking her eyes off the pyre where her father's body rested, gave the command:
"Dracarys." And so, the formidable dragoness cremated the last remaining of the Prince of Dragonstone, Aemon Targaryen.
A few days passed during which Corlys made sure that Rhaenys remained calm, both for her health and that of the child they were expecting. However, Rhaenys could not help but worry, alternating between comforting her mother and her grandmother. She had not dared to voice it aloud, but it troubled her that the King had not yet summoned the Lords of the Realm for her appointment as Princess of Dragonstone following her father's passing. During the mourning, the three women had had as their great support Baelon, who acted as Rhaenys' surrogate father, claiming that he had always wanted a daughter, and so treated her as such. Viserys had walked carefully around his cousin, trying to distract her and doing all sorts of silly things to get her to laugh, but as soon as he sensed Rhaenys' mood was saddening again he tried to flee as quickly as possible from the room, not knowing how to act when his Mandia, always strong and unflappable, suddenly looked tired and surrendered.
She allowed herself to sigh with relief when everyone's presence was claimed in the Throne Room. Finally, Jaehaerys was going to face the succession. Alysanne, despite the sad loss, had clasped her granddaughter tightly in her arms and smiled proudly.
"There is no one better than you to succeed your father." She had said before leaving her to prepare for the meeting.
All being gathered in the Throne Room, many Lords were sending appraising glances at what they believed to be the new Princess of Dragonstone and Heiress to the Iron Throne. Nodding approvingly at the obvious future arrival of an heir.
Corlys was escorting Rhaenys protectively, showing his support at such an important time. However, he was terribly worried, for despite being relatively new to the Court, he was experienced enough to know when something was off, and it was that the Sea Snake sensed that something was amiss.
His suspicions were confirmed when Jaehaerys announced that Aemon's successor would be none other than Prince Baelon.
Whispers erupted in the hall. Rhaenys put a hand to her belly at the shock her son had felt at the strong emotions running through his mother. Boremund Baratheon was probably the most furious man, protesting in disbelief along with other members of House Baratheon. Ours is the Fury.
Soon, the Houses began to talk amongst themselves, with the volume of voices gradually growing louder. Many seemed incredulous at the violation of the Laws of the Andals, which stated that a daughter took precedence over a brother. Others argued the supposed inability of women to rule, despite having in front of them the one they called the Good Queen, and also questioned the dangerous position Lord Corlys Velaryon would attain. The Baratheons, Velaryons and Starks seemed to be the loudest, even coming dangerously close to the Lannisters, who took the opportunity to mock the rest of the Houses.
Jocelyn Baratheon stormed towards Baelon and started shouting at him, Corlys caught some Valyrian insults that would put even his own sailors to shame.
Corlys focused on Rhaenys, and watched as her face turned from bewilderment to cold indifference. With slow steps she walked in front of the Iron Throne. Her husband stopped a few paces behind her.
Queen Alysanne stood close to her husband, yet she had not yet opened her mouth. She surveyed the room in silence, but her eyes promised fire.
The voices began to subside as they watched the Princess make her way towards the King, finally silence fell, not even a whisper could be heard.
Cradling her belly with one hand, Rhaenys turned to her grandfather. "Are you going to deprive my son of his birthright?"
It was clear to many from the way she expressed herself that she was not addressing the King, but his grandfather, whom she had addressed without formality.
Jaehaerys did not even deign to look at his granddaughter, staring fixedly at the foot of the steps.
Rhaenys felt her eyes water, but quickly stiffened her posture and nodded curtly, heading without a word for the exit, being quickly followed by Corlys.
Jocelyn gave one last venomous glance at Baelon before being escorted out of the hall by Boremund.
It was then that Queen Alysanne spoke, looking only at the King.
"If Your Grace thinks a woman unfit to rule, I fear I can be of no use to you."
This time, Jaehaerys did look at the speaker, hiding his stricken expression.
Not caring what her husband had to answer, Alysanne stormed out of the Throne Room.
Behind her marched the Houses Velaryon, Baratheon and Stark, without even waiting for the King's permission.
Jaehaerys remained silent, which the rest of the Lords understood as a signal to leave the place as well.
When only the Targaryen men remained, Baelon motioned for his sons to withdraw, who gladly complied, though Viserys had to lightly drag Daemon away.
"Father..." Baelon spoke carefully, seeing the King's frail state.
"Please, Baelon, I want to be alone." Dismissed Jaehaerys with a wave of his hand.
The new Prince of Dragonstone nodded solemnly and went to fetch his sons, who were in Viserys' chambers.
When their father entered the room, both young men rose quickly. Viserys looked gravely at his father.
"Did you know this was going to happen?" he questioned Baelon.
The father sighed. Viserys seemed to lack the temper of a Taragaryen, but Baelon knew he was one of them, through his veins ran Fire and Blood, and Viserys tended to show it when it came to protecting his family.
"Yes, I knew. The King discussed it with me and announced it to his Small Council." He explained as he sat wearily in a chair and poured himself a glass of wine.
Viserys turned to look at his father, but remained standing, while Daemon sat next to Baelon.
"But not the Queen." He replied knowingly.
Baelon sighed deeply, knowing his son had a good point, but Viserys had not had enough.
"Nor to Rhaenys or Aunt Jocelyn." He said approaching his father's chair. "Did no one have the consideration to discuss it with the most important person in the matter? She just lost her father!" Viserys began to raise his voice. "She is with child, for the Seven!" he shouted, slamming the table and causing some of Baelon's wine to spill.
The latter looked his son firmly in the eyes and there it was, the fire. Of course, born of affection for his cousin.
And probably from fear of losing her. But Baelon quickly dismissed that thought, that would mean he would also lose his niece, and that was not to be, he loved her like a daughter, the Throne was not going to come between the family.
"Viserys, I did not decide this, but I agree it is for the best." He spoke firmly.
Viserys smiled wearily and ironically.
"What's best for whom? Rhaenys and her family? The Kingdom? Or for you?" Viserys accused. Daemon was surprised at his older brother's outburst.
Baelon stood up quickly and looked at his firstborn.
"I don't like what you're implying, Viserys, and this conversation is over." He sentenced, seeking to keep his anger in check.
Viserys recognized the warning in his father's eyes and reluctantly kept silent.
At that moment, the doors opened and they were interrupted by a servant.
"My Princes" He greeted the three Targaryen. "I believe you would like to know that Lord Corlys Velaryon and Princess Rhaenys have prepared for their departure and are currently making their way to the port."
Spitting a curse, Baelon quickly made his way out of the Keep, being followed by his two sons.
Luckily, the carriage his niece and her husband were in had not yet departed, as the other members of House Velaryon had, and as Baelon could see, his good sister, Jocelyn, was in a more forward carriage bearing Targaryen and Baratheon emblems.
Stopping in front of the carriage doors, Baelon ordered the coachman to open the door, but before the servant could do his duty, the door opened from within, and the tall figure of Corlys Velaryon stepped out of the carriage, closing it behind him, not letting his interior be seen.
"How may I serve you, My Prince?" The sailor spoke coldly as he descended the steps to meet Baelon, Viserys and Daemon.
Baelon clenched his fists, slightly irritated at Corlys' tone, but understanding the circumstances decided to ignore it.
"I wish to speak with my niece, Lord Corlys." He replied just as coolly.
The Velaryon let out a sarcastic laugh.
"I'm afraid that won't be possible." He balked, hardening his tone.
"And to what is such a thing due?" the Prince inquired, also adopting a more aggressive stance.
"That the Princess does not wish to speak with you." Corlys spat contemptuously.
Baelon felt his impatience and anger at the man in front of him increase considerably.
Feeling the tension rising, Viserys placed his hand on his father's arm.
"Would the Princess care to speak with me?" he asked respectfully to his cousin's husband.
Corlys opened his mouth to answer, and from his expression, Viserys assumed the answer would be no, but a tap from inside the carriage brought the man to a halt.
He quickly turned and poked his head inside, careful not to open the door wide enough for Baelon to see Rhaenys.
Sighing, Corlys turned to Viserys again.
"You may enter, Prince Viserys." He announced, giving way to the young man.
Not wanting to be present any longer in the tension between Lord Corlys and Prince Baelon, who were throwing knives at each other with their eyes, Viserys quickly darted inside the carriage.
Quickly sitting down on the opposite side of the carriage from his cousin, Viserys raised his eyes to look at her.
Rhaenys was looking out through the small gaps that allowed a view of the outside, her left hand rested on her belly, and looking at her face, Viserys thought his cousin looked as if she had aged ten years in the last few hours.
Her gaze and presence were solemn, her look seemed full of wisdom, that which only comes with experience.
A clear contrast with the lively, happy young woman Viserys knew.
"Rhaenys, why don't you wait a bit? You should better rest, stay a while in the Red Keep before you leave for Driftmark, Grandmother would be pleased." She spoke softly trying to convince his cousin
Rhaenys turned to look into his eyes, the prince felt the lilac digging into his soul.
"The Queen has already departed for Dragonstone on the back of her dragon." She said inexpressibly. "My Lord Husband and I agree that Driftmark will be a better resting place, but we appreciate your concern, My Prince." She explained coldly, not changing her posture or expression one iota.
"Don't do that, Rhaenys." Viserys pleaded.
"Can't I go home to my family whenever I please?" This time, venom seeped into his words.
"I mean treat me like this. I am not your prince, we are more than that, we are family, your home is here too, with us." He argued, reaching out a hand to reach for Rhaenys'.
The princess let out a light sarcastic laugh.
"No, Viserys, not anymore." She said simply, as she shook her head softly.
It was the first time Viserys had seen any emotion in her, and he detected only sadness.
Viserys sighed and squeezed her hand.
"Mandia." He called. The use of that title made Rhaenys close her eyes to keep back tears. Viserys sighed, deciding to leave her alone. "You know you will always be my favorite cousin, take care of yourself and remember I am here for whatever you need."
Rhaenys nodded shakily, but the squeeze Viserys felt on her hand was a great comfort.
"I will tell Father that you are very tired." He said as he rose.
"No." Rhaenys hissed through her teeth, still without opening her eyes. "Tell Prince Baelon that I never want to see him again."
She opened her eyelids, and this time only fury, born of a sense of betrayal, was visible in her pupils.
"Let it be known that Meleys has been restless for some time now and is eager for some action, so I would not recommend Vhagar going near Driftmark." She threatened.
Viserys simply nodded, stepping out of the carriage.
Seeing him, Prince Baelon advanced towards him, seeking to pass him and enter the carriage to speak with Rhaenys.
However, his son gently restrained him. Viserys looked at Lord Corlys.
"I wish you a safe journey, Lord Corlys." He said to The Sea Snake, who nodded by way of farewell and hurried to accompany his wife.
"Viserys! What are you doing?" Baelon spat as he tried to push his son away and watched as the carriage door closed and the coachman whipped the horses forward.
"Rhaenys doesn't want to talk to you." He explained as he began to walk towards the Keep.
Daemon watched the exchange, positioning himself next to his brother.
"But if she would listen to me..." Tried to argue the new heir.
Viserys stopped and turned to look at his father sternly.
"And what would you say to her? What excuse is so good to justify taking away her inheritance just days after losing her father and while expecting a child?" he spat angrily. "Rhaenys has said she never wants to see you again, and she used Meleys as a threat in case you want to come near Driftmark." He confessed.
Baelon recoiled at the shock of her words.
"She can't pretend that. Someday she'll have to return to King's Landing, she'll want to see Muñā..."
"Muñāzma has already departed for Dragonstone. I fear we may not see Rhaenys again for a long time." Viserys replied as he resumed his walk.
Daemon hesitated as he watched his father stand still, but a brief glance at his face let him know that it would be best to follow Viserys.
Baelon was petrified, feeling the weight of it all bearing down on him. He did not want to betray his brother's memory, he did not want to offend Jocelyn, nor did he want to hurt Rhaenys. No one seemed to understand that Baelon was a victim of circumstance, just like the rest. His only support may have been his mother, but she was gone.
Bringing his hands behind his neck to calm his growing anxiety, Baelon knelt down and rested his forehead on the ground, praying to all the gods that he would not lose his family.
•
"My Lady." A servant of House Velaryon spoke.
Rhaenys turned to see him approaching with a letter in his hand.
"A letter has arrived from Dragonstone, Princess." He explained as he held out the paper and bowed.
Rhaenys nodded and took the letter, dismissing the servant with a wave of her hand.
With trembling hands she unrolled the paper, fearing the worst news, however, she felt a great relief as she recognized the handwriting.
My dear granddaughter,
I am writing to request that you come to Dragonstone. I know you have not returned to the island since your father's passing and I know you do not wish to do so again.
However, your elderly grandmother asks that you grant her the pleasure of your presence these days, for I fear I am no longer able to fly to Driftmark to visit your family.
I am looking forward to see you,
Your loving grandmother.
Rhaenys sighed, leaving the letter on the desk. Her reluctance to set foot on the island again was great, but if her grandmother could no longer fly, it meant the end was near, and Rhaenys could deny the Queen nothing, even if she was in her prime.
However, she also dreaded the touch of finality her visit would have, it would be a farewell and Rhaenys had had enough of them.
One good thing Prince Baelon was not at Rocadragon, for his presence at Court was essential, as a member of the King's Small Council and as his heir, for Jaehaerys was growing weaker and weaker.
Struggling with her thoughts, she did not notice someone approaching and laying a hand on her shoulder. Jumping slightly she turned to see her mother worried.
What is it, Rhaenys?" Jocelyn asked, still with her hand on her daughter's shoulder.
Rhaenys sighed. "It's Grandmother, she wants me to come see her at Dragonstone." She explained.
Jocelyn nodded, knowing from her daughter's expression everything she wasn't telling her. She cradled Rhaenys' face and enjoyed how despite being an adult with two children of her own, her daughter still leaned on her touch.
"Go to your grandmother, Rhaenys, she's going to need you, and you her, more than you know." She encouraged sweetly.
"Aren't you coming?" She asked her with a frown.
Jocelyn sighed, but shook her head.
"My sister and I already had our final conversation on my last visit. The one she wants is you." She explained enigmatically.
Rhaenys nodded, and the next thing she knew she was on Meleys' back, flying at great speed to Dragonstone.
She met her grandmother in Aegon's Garden, where the Queen was waiting seated on a bench.
Rhaenys approached and her heart ached as she noticed how the years weighed on Alysanne.
She looked tired and sore, as she leaned with both hands on her cane, slightly hunched in her seated position.
However, the woman's face brightened briefly at the sight of her granddaughter.
"Ñuha riña." She intoned, stretching an arm towards her.
Rhaenys quickly lunged forward and fell into her grandmother's embrace. Alysanne left a kiss on her hair.
Rhaenys stood up and sat next to the queen, who leaned lightly against her.
"How have you been? And your children?" the old woman asked.
"All is well." Rhaenys replied. "How are you?"
Alysanne sighed. "As well as I can be, I suppose."
Rhaenys nodded, knowing that her Aunt Gael's death had taken years from her grandmother's life.
"What did you want to see me about?"
Rhaenys knew that while her grandmother had a right to ask to see her (even more so if she was so frail), Alysanne was not a woman to do anything by halves, and surely she had a clear reason for requesting her presence.
However, Rhaenys' impatience seemed to irritate the woman slightly.
"My dear, is it so strange that I want to see my dearest granddaughter?" She asked somewhat sarcastically.
Rhaenys raised an eyebrow knowingly. "No, grandmother, but we both know you want to tell me something."
Alysanne snorted and looked ahead, out into the expanse of the garden.
"I'm not getting any younger..." She began. Rhaenys shifted slightly, uneasy. "And neither is your grandfather."
The princess snorted at such words, suspecting the queen's true intentions.
Ignoring Rhaenys, Alysanne continued speaking. "I know you haven't interacted with the family again since your father's death, but in my last moments, and your grandfather's, I would like a picture of unity." As she finished she turned to look her granddaughter in the eye.
Rhaenys felt a fire, previously extinct, settle in her stomach.
"What are you asking me? To go with Corlys and my children to King's Landing and parade us all around like one big happy family?" she laughed sarcastically, though the laughter didn't reach her eyes. "Shall I have Saera fetched for it as well?"
The Good Queen, who until then had been looking at Rhaenys with a serious countenance, turned her head in the opposite direction, closing her eyes and seeking to erase some of the pain that had settled in her heart.
"I'm sorry, I..." Rhaenys tried to apologize, knowing that her last sentence had been out of place and had no purpose other than to hurt.
However, her grandmother held up a hand, asking for silence.
"What I ask of you, is that you stand beside me in my final moments, regardless of who is there as well." As she spoke, her voice sounded strained, trying to control her emotions.
Rhaenys understood what her grandmother was asking, but frowned.
"You mean our future great king?The one who will be even better than his father?" she inquired sarcastically
With those words, Alysanne knew that the conversation she had had with her son had reached Rhaenys' ears. She knew her granddaughter had not seen Baelon again, whom she avoided like the plague, and feared she had misinterpreted her words to her son in a moment of weakness, feeling hurt by them.
"Say what you have to say, Rhaenys." Alysanne commanded, knowing her granddaughter was upset.
Rhaenys stood up from the bench and moved forward a few steps, her back to her grandmother. By the way her shoulders moved, the Queen knew she was controlling her breathing.
"Honestly, I have nothing left to say." The princess spoke softly, still without turning around. "What do you say when your family pushes you away...when by their actions they reveal that they don't consider you enough?" A sob shook Rhaenys, who turned to look at Alysannes with tears in her eyes.
The Good Queen was alarmed at her granddaughter's state.
"You are more than enough, Rhaenys, you are the best that House Targaryen has." She defended as forcefully as she could with what little strength she had.
"Yes? And who believes that? Kekepa, kepus, valonqar?" she protested, opening her arms questioningly.
"I do." Her grandmother firmly sentenced. "I, Queen Alysanne, affirm that you, Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, are the best of House Targaryen and should be Queen of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lady of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm." She said as she leaned on her cane and slowly stood up.
Rhaenys rushed to help her, but Alysanne stopped her with a wave of her hand.
"You belong to this family, Princess, not the Velaryons." She looked into the eyes of her granddaughter, who intended to protest, but held back at the look the Queen was giving her and the use of her title. "It is my wish that, as the rightful heir to the Iron Throne that you are, you claim what is yours whenever you can. However, never against who you are, a Targaryen."
Suddenly, Alysanne's strength seemed to return in all its glory, and Rhaenys would be lying if she said she was not intimidated by the sight of her grandmother approaching her.
"Your suffering is noble, tala, for it is born not from bitterness or envy, but from the pain of feeling betrayed by those you love most. Therefore, I ask you not to forget that love, no matter how much it grieves you." Alysanne reached out a hand to caress her granddaughter's face.
Rhaenys felt all her words die in her mouth, as her fight disappeared from her body in waves.
"You behaved like a queen, no doubt, with grace and dignity. Others in your place, namely most of your kin, would have ridden on the back of their dragon and set fires all over the Kingdom." Alysanne leaned against her granddaughter, feeling the weariness return. "You however, have maintained your unwavering stance, even continued to fraternize with your valonqar, and that is what I am asking of you Rhaenys."
The Queen wobbled slightly in her place, so her granddaughter hastened to restrain her by wrapping her in an embrace.
"When the time comes, I want you to continue to prioritize your love for your family over anyone's ambitions, both your own, and those around you." She whispered faintly, feeling her granddaughter nod against her shoulder.
Alysanne smiled and enjoyed the embrace, despite the fact that if Rhaenys were to pull away she would probably fall face first to the ground.
"And in my hour, I want to leave with you holding my hand. Baelon will arrive in a few minutes, and I want you both to be there for me."
To this last wish, Rhaenys did not respond, but the Good Queen did not care, for weariness was causing her eyelids to close and in the comfort of her granddaughter's embrace, she saw no need to prevent it.
Queen Alysanne fell unconscious as Rhaenys shouted to the servants to help her and summon a maester.
Sitting by her grandmother's bedside, Rhaenys held her hand as she watched the woman's soft breathing.
Behind her back, she heard the doors open, but no one announced the newcomer, nor did they need to.
The doors closed, but the Prince of Dragonstone did not take a step.
"Viserys told me you were here." Explained Baelon, who was unaware of his niece's presence on the island.
With her back to him, the princess did not move an inch. The prince took his time to study her, since they had not seen each other in eight years.
He was not surprised to find that she had grown into a formidable woman, beautiful like no other in the kingdom and looking more and more like her mother.
He held her breath when she saw Rhaenys kiss her grandmother's hand and then lean up to kiss her forehead. The young woman caressed the Queen's face before tucking one of the grizzled locks of her hair behind her ear.
Still without a word, she headed for the exit. It being clear that she planned to ignore Baelon completely, her uncle stepped in her way and lightly grabbed her arm.
"You'll stay, won't you?" He said looking her in the eyes.
"I don't intend to, I plan to return to Driftmark after saying goodbye to my cousin." She sentenced with cold indifference.
"You can't do that." Baelon firmly protested.
"You forbid me, My Prince?" Rhaenys raised her chin in proud defiance.
Baelon sighed in frustration. He hadn't planned for his first meeting with Rhaenys after nearly a decade to turn out like this.
"No, I would never dream of stopping you from doing as you wish, Rhaenys. You know you've had me wrapped around your little finger since you were born." He replied softly.
Rhaenys smiled wryly. "You have a funny way of showing it." She said, trying to move towards the doors.
Baelon stopped her by squeezing her arm more firmly, but being careful not to hurt her.
"Rhaenys, I love you like a daughter and that is why I am telling you this, because I want what is best for you." He spoke, pulling her a little further away from the exit. "We both know your grandmother wants you to stay with her on her deathbed."
"She's not going to..." Rhaenys stubbornly tried to retort, unwilling to admit that the Good Queen's days were coming to an end.
"Let's not fool ourselves, we both know it's likely she won't survive the night." Baelon interrupted her. "So I ask you to put aside your resentment for me and fulfill her last wishes."
Even though Rhaenys knew Baelon was right, she couldn't help but feel like a child he was scolding and with a sharp tug she pulled away from him.
"Somehow, you always manage to make me the villain of the tale, Prince Baelon." She spat her name as if it burned on her tongue.
"No, Rhaenys." Denied her uncle. "I only want what's best for everyone, I know you want to be with her, and I know if you leave you'll regret it for a long time."
"Tell me, will you leave if I stay?" she asked calmer, but remaining cold in front of the prince.
Baelon felt pained, being aware that Rhaenys would rather leave and ignore the will of her grandmother, whom his niece loved like a second mother, than stay a second longer in her presence.
"She wants us both to be here, and you know it." Baelon refused to speak to her formally.
"Well, I suppose all that's left is to wonder which of us she prefers at her side." She shrugged indifferently, knowing herself to be cruel.
However, Rhaenys had been building up a great anger towards the man in front of her for eight years, and after all that was the inheritance she possessed from her parents. Fire and Blood. Ours is the Fury.
"Will you deny your grandmother the company of her son or granddaughter during her final moments?" he asked incredulously, shocked at such a display of cruelty on Rhaenys' part, especially in a situation involving Queen Alysanne.
"No." She replied dryly. Baelon sighed in relief. "You will."
The prince looked at his niece in surprise. Rhaenys stood her ground, looking more like a queen than she ever had in her life. Surrendered, he nodded slowly.
"All right, leave if you wish." He spoke making his way to the chair Rhaenys had previously occupied.
He heard his niece begin to walk to leave the room.
"Rhaenys." He called one last time. Slightly surprised as the princess stopped and turned to look at her uncle. "I owe you an apology, to you and the entire family" He spoke as he stared into her eyes. Rhaenys stood still as a statue listening to his words. "Me becoming heir has made you the woman you are now, and it is a shame, for I no longer recognize my niece." He sentenced in the same tone.
Rhaenys remained unperturbed. After a few seconds she turned without another word and finally left the room. Baelon, now alone beside his dying mother, dropped into the chair in defeat.
Rhaenys forgot her intention to say goodbye to her cousin but not the desire she had had to flee as quickly as possible from Dragonstone. She ran to where Meleys stood as tears fell from her cheeks. Feeling the sting of Baelon's words digging into her heart, as well as the sadness of her grandmother's imminent departure.
Without much regard for the servants watching her as she ran to her dragon, Rhaenys regretted having set foot on the island, vowing never again to break her silent promise to never return to Dragonstone.
Just as she settled into her saddle, Meleys stretched her wings and took flight, sensing her rider's haste. However, as they began to soar into the sky, Rhaenys watched as the flag with the Targaryen symbol, which stood proudly above the castle, was left at half-mast, a sign of mourning signifying the death of Queen Alysanne.
Letting out a cry of pain, Rhaenys clung tighter to Meleys and did not stop crying until she fell into the arms of her mother in Driftmark, who needed no words to understand what had happened.
•
Now, the Queen Who Never Was lay on the floor of the crypt at Dragonstone, the very island she vowed never to visit again. Choking back sobs, she looked through the cloudy tears at the name engraved on her grandmother's grave.
"I-I'm sorry..." She cried as she clung to the grave. "I couldn't do it." She sniffed as she tried to calm herself.
"I hope you forgive me for not being there." She reached out to reach for the letters that made up Alysanne's name and title.
Beginning to normalize her breathing, Rhaenys slowly rose from the floor.
"I did not fulfill your wish to stay by your side as you left this world." She whispered, caressing the marble. "But I have not stopped loving my family." She replied. "Viserys has married Alicent Hightower, even though we offered him Laena's hand in marriage. Corlys has taken grave offense, though secretly I am relieved." She laughed lightly. "I think Viserys knows this, and I thank him for it, however, I don't think he is aware of what he is provoking. He has already had two children with his new wife, one of them a boy." She sighed deeply. "We both know how this will end." She smiled as she imagined the knowing smile her grandmother would return.
However, the marble face remained as stony as ever.
"Daemon is fighting alongside Corlys. Who knew, after he raised an army against us during the Great Council." She shrugged with feigned indifference.
Changing her expression to a more serious one, she pressed her palm firmly against the marble book that held Alysanne's statue.
"I will always respect that last wish, muñāzma." She promised. "I will never become a Kinslayer."
Sighing she turned slightly away from her grandparents' grave, and before turning to leave the crypt (in which she had lingered longer than was healthy) she turned her gaze to Jaehaerys' grave, the one she seemed to have been avoiding all along.
"I do not yet know how far the consequences of your decision will go, kekepa." She spoke firmly, as if from the ashes guarding the tomb, the one they called the Conciliator would be reborn. "But I forgive you." A small smile broke out on her face.
With those last words, she headed out of the crypt and beyond, away from Dragonstone.
Rhaenys did not know what always happened to her on that island, but she felt it was capable of killing her, drowning her in her memories.
It had been her first home, and Rhaenys feared it might become her last.