Chapter 6

Rhaenyra's heart raced as she approached Jaehaerys's chambers, her palms clammy with nervousness. She had been contemplating this moment the whole of last night, rehearsing her words in her mind, but now that the moment was upon her, she found herself trembling with uncertainty.

She hesitated for a moment outside the door, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves. Then, steeling herself, she raised her hand and knocked softly.

"Come in," Jaehaerys's voice called from inside.

With a shaky exhale, Rhaenyra pushed open the door and stepped into the room. Jaehaerys looked up from his desk, a warm smile lighting up his face as he saw her.

"Nyra," he greeted, rising from his seat. "What brings you here?"

Rhaenyra swallowed hard, her mouth suddenly dry. "I...I was wondering if you would accompany me to the dragonpit," she stammered, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I intend to go on a ride on the back of Syrax, and...and I was hoping you might join me on Gaelithox."

She braced herself for his response, her heart pounding in her chest.

Jaehaerys's expression softened with regret as he listened to Rhaenyra's request. He took a moment to consider her words, his brow furrowing thoughtfully.

"I would love nothing more than to accompany you to the dragonpit, Nyra," he began, his tone sincere. "But I'm afraid I cannot join you on a ride today."

Rhaenyra's heart sank at his words, disappointment flickering in her eyes. She had hoped he would agree to join her, but she understood that he had his own responsibilities and commitments.

"I understand," she murmured, forcing a smile despite her disappointment. "Perhaps another time."

Jaehaerys nodded, his expression apologetic. "I promise, we'll go on a ride together soon. But for now, I must fly to the Vale to meet with Daemon. There are matters that require my attention."

Rhaenyra's eyes brightened at the mention of meeting Daemon, her interest piqued. She leaned forward slightly, a hopeful look in her eyes.

"Could I join you?" she asked eagerly, a hint of excitement in her voice. "I've always wanted to visit the Vale, and it would be nice to meet Uncle Daemon."

Jaehaerys smiled warmly at Rhaenyra's eagerness but shook his head gently.

"I appreciate the offer, Nyra," he began, his tone gentle yet firm. "But this is a reunion ten years in the making, and I feel it's something I must do alone. However, I promise you'll have plenty of opportunities to join me in the future. I'll be meeting with Daemon as often as I can, and I'd be delighted to have you accompany me then."

Rhaenyra's expression softened at his words, understanding the importance of the reunion between the brothers.

"Of course, Jae," she replied with a warm smile. "I understand. Just promise to tell me all about your meeting when you return."

Jaehaerys nodded, returning her smile with a reassuring one of his own.

"I promise," he said sincerely. "I'll tell you everything."

Jaehaerys, noticing Rhaenyra's disappointment at not being able to join him on his journey to the Vale, decides to make the most of their time together before he leaves. With a charming smile, he turns to her and extends an invitation.

"Since I can't accompany you for a ride today, would you do me the honor of allowing me to enjoy your company till we reach the dragonpit?" he asks, his tone warm and inviting.

Rhaenyra's face lights up at the offer, her earlier disappointment replaced with excitement at the prospect of spending more time with Jaehaerys.

"I would love that," she replies eagerly, a bright smile gracing her lips.

With that settled, Jaehaerys and Rhaenyra set off together, their conversation flowing effortlessly as they enjoy each other's company on their way to the dragonpit.

—

Daemon Targaryen stood victorious, his sword Dark Sister gleaming in the sunlight as he bested his opponent in combat. With a swift and decisive strike, he disarmed the man, bringing him to his knees.

"Do you yield?" Daemon asked, his voice commanding yet filled with a hint of amusement.

Waymar, his defeated opponent, with heavy breath and broken spirit, looked up at Daemon with a mix of admiration and resignation.

"I yield, my prince," he conceded, his tone begrudging yet respectful.

With a nod of acknowledgment, Daemon extended a hand to help the man to his feet, displaying both his prowess in combat and his chivalrous demeanor on the battlefield.

"You're more fierce than ever, my prince," Waymar remarked, his voice tinged with admiration as he observed Daemon's prowess in the training yard.

Daemon's expression softened slightly at the compliment, though the frustration of being stuck at Runestone still gnawed at him. The nights spent in the keep, which he disparagingly referred to as a "shit hole," offered little solace, especially in the company of his Lady Wife Rhea Royce, whom he humorously dubbed his "Bronze Bitch."

His irritation only grew in the absence of meaningful activity, exacerbated by the delays in the construction of his own fort. Despite the distractions of brothels and the allure of companionship with Mysaria, Daemon found himself increasingly restless, yearning for action and adventure beyond the confines of Runestone.

After his abrupt departure from the capital, Daemon briefly entertained the idea of seeking refuge at Dragonstone. Yet, a deeper sense of loyalty to his younger brother Jaehaerys prevented him from pursuing that path. Knowing that Viserys had likely named Jaehaerys as his heir after disinheriting him, Daemon couldn't bring himself to potentially disrupt Jaehaerys's position by occupying Dragonstone, the traditional seat of the heir to the Iron Throne. He couldn't bear the thought of failing Jaehaerys again, especially after the disappointment he had already caused him.

Daemon's mind drifted back to a promise made long ago, to his grandmother, the Good Queen Alyssane. It was a solemn vow exchanged when he first laid eyes on the infant Jaehaerys. In that moment, she had entrusted him with a sacred duty: to protect and watch over Jaehaerys, come what may. The memory of her unwavering gaze and the weight of that promise weighed heavily on his heart, reinforcing his resolve to safeguard his younger brothers interests at all costs.

Daemon's thoughts were tinged with regret as he reflected on the events eleven years prior. He vividly recalled the devastating aftermath of his parents' deaths and Jaehaerys's subsequent exile. In that moment of turmoil and despair, he had yearned to join Jaehaerys in his exile, to stand by his side as they faced the uncertain future together. But Jaehaerys, ever the voice of reason, had insisted otherwise. He had urged Daemon to remain by Viserys's side, recognizing that with their father dead, Viserys would soon be the heir to the Iron Throne. Jaehaerys understood the weight of his newfound responsibility and the dangers that lurked in the shadows, threatening to exploit Viserys's benevolent nature for their own gain. Reluctantly, Daemon had acquiesced to Jaehaerys's wishes, bound by duty and loyalty to protect his brother and the realm they both held dear.

Daemon's heart quickened with excitement as he recognized the familiar roar echoing through the air. A wry smile played on his lips as he instinctively turned his gaze skyward, anticipating the majestic sight about to unfold. Through the parting clouds emerged the magnificent form of Gaelithox, Jaehaerys's mighty dragon, descending with a grace that seemed to defy the laws of nature. The dragon's powerful wings beat rhythmically against the air as it approached, casting a shadow over the landscape below. For Daemon, the sight of the dragon was both awe-inspiring and reassuring—a symbol of Jaehaerys's presence and the bond they shared. As Gaelithox descended closer, Daemon felt a surge of anticipation, eager to reunite with his brother and embark on whatever adventures lay ahead.

—

As Jaehaerys gracefully dismounted Gaelithox, his eyes scanned the surroundings, taking in the sights of Runestone. Before he could fully comprehend his surroundings, the thundering hooves of a horse caught his attention. Turning toward the sound, his eyes widened in recognition and joy as he spotted Daemon astride his steed, riding swiftly toward him.

With a wide grin spreading across his face, Jaehaerys took a few steps forward to meet his brother. As Daemon approached, the two brothers closed the distance between them in a rush of excitement and emotion. With a hearty laugh, Jaehaerys reached out to embrace Daemon, the warmth of their reunion dispelling any lingering shadows of their past troubles.

"It's good to see you, Daemon," Jaehaerys exclaimed, clasping Daemon's forearm in a firm grip. "How does Runestone fare?"

Daemon returned the embrace with equal fervor, his eyes shining with a mixture of relief and happiness. "Runestone is as dreary as ever," he replied with a chuckle. "But seeing you again makes it all worthwhile."

Together, the brothers shared a moment of camaraderie, their bond stronger than ever as they stood side by side, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

As they stepped back from their embrace, Daemon's gaze softened with a mixture of curiosity and concern. "Jae," he began, his tone tentative yet earnest, "are you the heir to the Iron Throne now that I've been disinherited?"

Jaehaerys met his brother's gaze with a solemn nod, his expression reflecting the weight of his newfound responsibilities. "Yes, Daemon," he replied, his voice steady despite the gravity of the situation. "Viserys has named me his heir."

Daemon's features softened with a mixture of relief and pride as he processed the news. "I see," he murmured, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Well, I suppose congratulations are in order, then."

Jaehaerys returned the smile, grateful for his brother's support. "Thank you, Daemon," he said, his voice tinged with sincerity. "But enough about me. Tell me, how have you been faring here at Runestone?"

Daemon let out a weary sigh, his frustration evident in the furrow of his brow. "Living in the company of the Bronze Bitch," he lamented, his voice tinged with exasperation. "It's been... challenging, to say the least."

He cast a glance towards the imposing keep of Runestone, his expression darkening with a mix of annoyance and resignation. "Rhea Royce," he continued, his tone laced with bitterness, "hasn't made my stay here particularly enjoyable either."

Daemon's gaze returned to Jaehaerys, a hint of frustration lingering in his eyes. "I had hoped for some respite after being sent away from the capital," he admitted, his voice tinged with regret. "But it seems I'm destined to endure the company of the Bronze Bitch a while longer."

Jaehaerys chuckled, a playful glint in his eyes as he responded to Daemon's lament. "Ah, dear brother," he said with a smirk, "surely your legendary charm can work wonders even on the most formidable of adversaries. Perhaps it's just a matter of finding the right approach to tame the Bronze Bitch."

He shot Daemon a knowing look, his tone light-hearted despite the underlying seriousness of their conversation. "Or perhaps," he added with a grin, "she simply needs to spend more time in the company of a true Targaryen prince to appreciate the finer things in life."

Daemon laughed heartily at Jaehaerys' jest, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly at the familiar banter between them. "Ah, if only it were that easy, dear brother," he replied, his grin widening. "But you may be onto something. A little bit of Targaryen charm might just do the trick."

As they walked side by side, reminiscing about their shared past and discussing the challenges ahead, Daemon couldn't help but feel a sense of relief at being in Jaehaerys' company once more. Despite the uncertainties and conflicts looming on the horizon, having his brother by his side made the burden a little lighter, and he knew that together, they could weather whatever storms came their way.

As they arrived at Runestone, Jaehaerys was introduced to Lady Rhea Royce, the wife of his brother Daemon. Observing the tension between the two, Jaehaerys couldn't help but remark, "It's quite perplexing, isn't it? Two perfectly attractive people, yet seemingly intent on repelling each other."

Daemon chuckled, shooting Jaehaerys a knowing look. "Ah, well, you see, brother, sometimes attraction is overshadowed by more... complicated matters," he replied cryptically, his gaze briefly flickering towards Lady Rhea before returning to Jaehaerys. "But let's not dwell on such matters now. I believe, judging by your presence so soon after being named heir, that we have much to discuss and plan."

—

Seated inside the keep, Daemon leaned forward, his expression serious. "Jae, let's not beat around the bush. Tell me why you're here and what you need from me."

Jaehaerys comes out straight to the point, "You were right when you claimed to Viserys that Otto Hightower was a cunt." he states.

Daemon's surprise was evident in his expression. "How do you know about that conversation? It was a private exchange between Viserys and me," he said, his tone cautious.

Jaehaerys simply raises an eyebrow at Daemon, and Daemon suddenly is reminded of the fact that Jaehaerys could read the surface thoughts of the people he made eye contact with.

Daemon's expression shifted, realizing the implications of Jaehaerys' ability. He cleared his throat, composing himself. "Ah, I see. So, what did Otto do?" he asked, trying to steer the conversation away from his earlier slip.

Jaehaerys leaned back, his gaze steady on Daemon. "Otto Hightower is meddling in affairs beyond his station," he began, choosing his words carefully. "He's been exerting undue influence over Viserys, steering him away from decisive action when it comes to the Stepstones conflict."

Jaehaerys leaned forward, his voice low and intense. "He's manipulating the king's decisions for his own gain, and I fear it's to the detriment of the realm." He paused, letting the gravity of his words sink in. "Moreover, he has been sending his daughter, the Lady Alicent, to comfort our brother. He's hoping she'll find her way into his bed, and from there onto the Iron Throne"

Daemon's eyes narrowed as he absorbed Jaehaerys' words. "Alicent? Viserys would never..." he began, but then faltered, the seed of doubt planted by Jaehaerys' revelation taking root in his mind. He shook his head, trying to dispel the troubling thoughts. "We must act swiftly to prevent any further manipulation," he declared, his tone firm.

"It's too late," Jaehaerys states, " that particular arrow has already left the quiver, now all we can do is mitigate the damage."

Daemon's jaw clenched as he grappled with the weight of the situation. "Then we must act decisively," he replied, his voice resolute. "We cannot allow Otto Hightower to undermine the stability of the realm any further."

Jaehaerys leaned forward, his eyes locked on Daemon's. "I've already set plans in motion," he stated, his voice steady. "I've proposed forming a coalition with Lord Corlys Velaryon and other influential houses to investigate the situation in the Stepstones. It's a step towards revealing Otto Hightower's schemes and protecting Viserys from further manipulation."

Daemon's eyes narrowed, his expression thoughtful as he processed Jaehaerys' words. "A coalition..." he mused, considering the potential implications. "It's a bold move, but a necessary one if we are to counteract Hightower's influence."

He leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair. "What do you need from me, Jaehaerys?" he asked, his tone serious. "How can I assist in this endeavor?"

Jaehaerys leaned forward, his gaze intense as he outlined his plans for the conquest of Lys and the Stepstones. "First, we must secure allies and gather our forces," he began. "Once we have a strong coalition in place, we will move to take Lys. With its strategic location and resources, it will serve as a valuable asset in our campaign."

"From there," he continued, "we will turn our attention to the Stepstones. Our goal will be to neutralize the threat posed by the Triarchy and establish control over the region. By securing the Stepstones, we can ensure the safety of Westerosi shipping and prevent further attacks on our fleets."

Daemon's eyes sparkled with excitement at the prospect of new conquests. "Why stop at Lys?" he mused, his voice filled with eagerness. "Why not take Myr and Tyrosh as well? With our combined forces and the might of our dragons, we could sweep through Essos like a storm, bringing the Free Cities to their knees."

He leaned forward, his gaze intense. "Imagine it, Jaehaerys," he continued. "A united Westeros, stretching its influence across the Narrow Sea, establishing dominion over the Free Cities and ushering in a new era of prosperity and peace."

Daemon's enthusiasm was infectious, and Jaehaerys couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement at the thought of such grand ambitions. "It's a bold plan," he conceded, "but with our combined skill in battle and my strategic vision, anything is possible."

As the two brothers sat together, discussing their plans for conquest and the future of Westeros, their determination shined through their very being. They knew that the path ahead would be fraught with challenges and dangers, but they were united in their resolve to forge a better future for their realm.

With Jaehaerys's strategic acumen and Daemon's prowess in battle, they were a formidable duo, capable of achieving great feats. And with the power of their dragons at their command, they were poised to reshape the political landscape of Essos.

As they continued to strategize late into the night, the flames of ambition burning brightly in their hearts, they knew that the journey ahead would be long and arduous. But they also knew that as long as they stood together, there was nothing they couldn't accomplish.

And so, with their eyes set on the horizon and their minds filled with dreams of conquest and glory, the brothers prepared to embark on their great adventure, ready to carve their names into the annals of history as legendary conquerors.

---

Hey fellow fanfic enthusiasts!

I hope you're enjoying the fanfiction so far! I'd love to hear your thoughts on it. Whether you loved it, hated it, or have some constructive criticism, your feedback is super important to me. Feel free to drop a comment or send me a message with your thoughts. Can't wait to hear from you!

If you're passionate about fanfiction and love discussing stories, characters, and plot twists, then you're in the right place! I've created a Discord server dedicated to diving deep into the world of fanfiction, especially my own stories. Whether you're a reader, a writer, or just someone who enjoys a good tale, I welcome you to join us for lively discussions, feedback sessions, and maybe even some sneak peeks into upcoming chapters, along with artwork related to the stories. Let's nerd out together over our favorite fandoms and explore the endless possibilities of storytelling!

Click the link below to join the conversation:

https://discord.com/invite/HHHwRsB6wd

Can't wait to see you there!

If you appreciate my work and want to support me, consider buying me a cup of coffee. Your support helps me keep writing and bringing more stories to you. You can do so via PayPal here:

https://www.paypal.me/VikrantUtekar007

Thank you for your support!