Two Sides

The wind wrapped around Rhaenyra as she stared across the sea. Rhys, Nira, Apollo, and Nix' bodies were being laid in boats so they could be put to rest at the bottom of the waterfall. Ranix stood beside her, and Rhaenyra wondered if he was as angry or broken as she felt.

"It is time."

"I know." Rhaenyra felt a lump in her throat as she walked down the stairs, but she couldn't show it to Ruby, who stood clutching Nimbus' hand, her eyes red and puffy as if she hadn't slept in weeks. Was it really just hours before that Rhaenyra had seen Rhys?

"Your Grace," Ser Longwood said, gently. "Everything is ready."

Rhaenyra swallowed hard and trembled her way to the water's edge, where the archers awaited her command. The guards released the boats and pushed them into the raging water as she raised her hand.The archers raised their bows and waited.

Rhaenyra's eyes filled with tears and she turned her head away. She couldn't do this, it wasn't right. Ranix wrapped his arms around her, his eyes filling with pain.

"I-I can't." Rhaenyra sobbed, "it's not fair, he can't be gone Ranix he can't."

Ranix pulled her against him, and Rhaenyra felt something grab her hand. Looking down, Rudy met her eyes and reached up. Rheanyra pulled away from Ranix and pulled Rudy into her arms. Rudy rested her head on her chest.

"Kepa jorrāelagon rest, muña."

(Father need rest, mother)

Rhaenyra looked down at the little girl rather than at Ranix. "My sweet, you know what it means to say those words. You understand what this means?"

Ruby nodded against her chest, "it means that they will rest."

Ranix ran a hand through her silver hair, looking at the little girl with sadness, and Rhaenyra let out a breath. Setting Rudy down, Rhaenyra keeled in front of her.

"Ruby, sweetheart, do you understand what it means when they go down the waterfall?"

Ruby nodded her head. "It means they will rest, and then they'll come back when they're ready."

Rhaenyra's heart broke a second time, and she took a deep breath before looking Ruby in the eyes and taking her hands in her own."Sweetheart, they won't be coming back; I wish they were, but they're not, and I know that makes you sad and makes me sad too, so what if we say goodbye together?"

Tears were dripping down both their faces as Rhaenyra pulled Rudy back into her arms, and they walked to stand beside Ser Riverrun. "Ready?"

Rudy nodded.

"Shoot!" When they called, arrows flew into the sky, and Rhaenyra watched as flames devoured the bodies of those she considered family.

***

Making it back to her room, Rhaenyra called for a bath. Lyra was pulling the pin out of her hair and removing the rest of her jewelry when she finally moved on to undo her dress. Rhaenyra sank into the hot water and closed her eyes as Lyra prepared her riding leathers for flight back to King's Landing. Rhaenyra knew she had to return to night after being here for three days.

Getting out of the tub, Lyra was quick to help her into a robe and sit her down in front of the mirror to do her hair.

"Are you sure returning to King's Landing is a good idea?" Lyra asked, brushing through her locks.

"Yes, my father is probably looking for me as we speak." Rhaenyra replied as she looked toward the window.

"Rhaenyra, you know I don't mean to pry, but where does this leave you and Alicent now that she's marrying your father?"

"Our friendship is over Lyra. In fact, we were never friends to begin with. She lied to me and betrayed my trust, so she deserves nothing but my hatred and anger." Rhaenyra said, angerly.

"Rhaenyra. Alicent has been your best friend since childhood. I'm sure she would never do something so provocative. We all know Otto sent her to your Father's chambers the night after your mother died, so is it really her you're upset with, or is it Otto or your father?"

"Can't I be angry at all of them? To begin with, my father kept it a secret that he was meeting with Alicent for six months without telling me a word. I confided in Alicent my entire life, and she has not only betrayed my trust, but also everything we have built together over the last fifteen years."

"Yes, I agree, but every story has two sides; perhaps, instead of breaking your friendship with her right now, you could try to listen to her out; I'm sure she feels horribly guilty about what she's done; Nimbus told me she was crying when he found you in the garden; she was just as devastated as you were."

Rhaenyra sighed she knew that Lyra was probably right but she couldn't help the feeling of being like everyone just left her. Her mother, father, Alicent, and, most importantly, Daemon.

***

As Rhaenyra sat in front of the hearth, she felt warmth spread throughout her body; her mother was braiding her hair back, humming to herself.Tonight, rain and thunder fell on King's Landing, making Rhaenyra jump and her mother laugh.

"Rhaenyra, it's just a storm."

"Why does there have to be a storm on the first day of spring?" Rhaenyra complained that, because of the weather, she was confined to the keep. Syrax was still small enough that she could stay with Rhaenyra, but soon she'd be taken to the Dragonpit. "I don't understand why I have to stay here."

"I'll get sick if you go outside; the storm will pass. You must remain in the keep until then."Her mother spoke softly.

Rhaenyra sighed. She hated being inside; she wished she could just fly away and get as far from the rain as possible. Reading, Syrax, and Alicent only got her so far before she grew bored. Tomorrow was her nameday after all, and Rhaenyra wanted to feel the sun on her skin and the warmth it brought. "I wish the rain didn't exist."

Her mother breathed a sigh: "I know you're upset that you might not get to be outside tomorrow because of the storm, but I have faith it will pass, and you should have faith as well, not just in the weather but in yourself."

"What does that mean, mother?"

"Think of the storm this way. On one side of the storm, it is always dark and cloudy, while on the other, it is always bright and sunny."Her mother explained, "You won't know which side you'll be facing on the morrow until the moment comes. Only when the storm breaks will you be able to see the other side."

Rhaenyra stared at her mother in confusion, "but what does that mean?"

"You will know when it is your time." Her mother's voice echoed. "Just remember everyone has two sides to them."