^CHAPTER SIX-CONNECTIONS^

As the sun dipped into the sea, casting a warm orange glow over Dragonstone, Baela declared, "Our tour of the castle ends here, Rhaenerys. What say you of this ancient stronghold?"

Rhaenerys pondered, her gaze sweeping across the castle's rugged walls. "It exceeds my expectations. The weight of history and magic within these walls is palpable, a testament to the Targaryens' storied past."

As they strolled along the sandy beach, Rhaenerys turned to Jace. "When did you arrive in Dragonstone, Jace? I thought you'd still be in the North, forging alliances with the Starks."

Jace's expression turned thoughtful. "I arrived this morning, Rhaenerys. I had just finished negotiating the terms of our alliance when news of Lucerys' encounter reached me. I came as soon as I could."

Rhaenerys' expression turned somber. "I see. That aligns with the vision I had of his passing."

Jace's curiosity got the better of him. "Tell me, Rhaenerys, what did you see in your visions? How did our family fare in the face of such tragedy?"

Rhaenerys' gaze turned inward, her voice barely above a whisper. "In my visions, Daemon's anger and desire for revenge burned hot as dragonfire. Rhaenyra, however, was consumed by grief, unable to accept the loss of her son."

"She isolated herself, refusing to believe Lucerys was truly gone," Rhaenerys continued. "It wasn't until she found his and Arrax's remains that she finally allowed herself to confront the full depth of her sorrow."

Jace's eyes never left hers, his face a mask of empathy. "And what of me, Rhaenerys? How did I fare in your visions?"

Rhaenerys' expression softened. "You were shaken, Jace, your desire to prove yourself in battle burning brighter than ever. Yet, your mother, still reeling from loss, was reluctant to send another son to the frontline."

As they strolled along the shore, Jace turned to Rhaenerys with a curious gaze. "Tell me, cousin, what is't like to bear these visions?"

Rhaenerys pondered, her thoughts shrouded in contemplation. "Like watching all unfold in a mirror," she replied, her words measured. "A reflection of the world, but one that shows me the paths of those bound to our house."

Jace's interest deepened. "And how long do these visions hold sway?"

Rhaenerys' countenance turned grave. "Four years, the visions of our family's fate did unfold."

Jace's eyes widened, his voice laced with emotion. "Our family, you mean. You are a Targaryen, Rhaenerys, bound to us by blood and fire."

Rhaenerys' gaze met his, a hint of a smile on her lips. "Aye, I suppose I am."

Rhaenerys turned to Jace, her words laced with sincerity. "Fear not, cousin, for I have no desire to press my claim to the Iron Throne. My place in the line of succession is far removed."

Jace's expression bespoke his trust in her. "I believe you, Rhaenerys. Your aid is most welcome in these treacherous times."

Jace's curiosity got the better of him. "Tell me, Rhaenerys, what was it like to claim and ride Vermithor?"

Rhaenerys' gaze drifted to the sea, her thoughts consumed by the memory. "A thrill and a terror, entwined like the threads of a tapestry. Fear I did, but necessity steeled my heart, and I knew it was what needed to be done."

Jace's eyes sparkled with interest. "I wish I had borne witness to your contest with Aemond."

Rhaenerys' countenance turned grave. "Little to see, I fear. A youth, lost to his dragon's fury, and taunting another to boot."

As they stood together, gazing out at the waves, Rhaenerys continued, "Yet we must discern Aemond's present stance. In my visions, he had no wish to slay Luke, but after the deed, he grew bolder, nay, brazen. And then, he slew Princess Rhaenys..."

Jace's eyes widened in shock.

Rhaenerys nodded grimly. "Aye, we must uncover the Hightowers' next move."

Baela sauntered up, a mischievous glint in her eye. "I've been itching for a chance to stir up some trouble. Count me in, cousins. When do we sneak into the Hightowers' nest?" She flashed a sly smile, her voice dripping with excitement.

Jace turned to Rhaenerys, who nodded in assent. "Not today, though. We bide our time."

"By the Seven, Rhaenerys... Do you harbor a secret love in Flea Bottom?" Baela asked, her voice laced with mischief.

Jace chuckled, his eyes fixed intently on Rhaenerys, awaiting her response. Rhaenerys' thoughts flew to Ryker at once. "Ah, well..."

Baela's smirk grew wider, her eyes glinting with amusement. "So, there is someone. It seems you've caught the eye of a Flea Bottom admirer."

She playfully clapped Jace on the back. "Looks like your affections are misplaced, my friend."

Jace cleared his throat, his face flushing like a maidens'. "Baela, cease your teasing."

"You've been gazing at her like a lovestruck squire since she arrived," Baela retorted, her tone playful yet pointed.

"Wait, are you two not betrothed?" Rhaenerys asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.

"We can... arrange something," Baela said with a wave of her hand, her voice dripping with nonchalance. "Besides, there's still Rhaena and Luke to consider."

Rhaenerys was at a loss for words, her mind reeling like a ship in a storm. "Indeed..."

A summons for Prince Jace and Baela spared Rhaenerys from further discomfort. "Join us for dinner, Rhaenerys," Jacaerys called out, his voice booming like a herald's.

"Go ahead, I'll follow shortly." Baela shot Jace a knowing glance, which Rhaenerys missed as she returned to gazing out at the sea, her thoughts lost in the waves.

____________________________________

"A few days hence, the morning sun cast its golden glow upon the dining hall, where the company lingered over breakfast. Daemon's gaze fell upon Rhaenerys' sword, and a sly smile spread across his face. 'A fine blade you wield, Rhaenerys. Valyrian steel, I reckon?'"

Rhaenerys returned the smile, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Aye, my king. I saw Aegon II wield this blade in my visions. Thought it deserved a better master than the usurper."

Daemon's laughter boomed through the hall, his usual calm demeanor shattered. Rhaenyra's brow furrowed, perplexed. "You stole it, Rhaenerys?" she asked, her voice tinged with disapproval.

Rhaenerys shrugged, her grin unwavering. "Recovered it, Your Grace. Aegon's grasp on the Iron Throne is tenuous at best. I merely saved him from claiming something else he doesn't deserve."

Jace spoke up, his voice laced with mischief.

"I reckon you think you can wield that blade, Rhaenerys," Jace said with a sly smile. "But can you handle the truth of your skills in a spar?"

Rhaenerys shot him a smirk, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Are you so eager to test my mettle, my Prince? It's not a spar you shall win."

The two locked gazes, the air thick with tension, before Rhaenerys rose from her seat. "Let's end this, then. I'm eager to see you humbled, Prince."

Jace rose as well, a sly smile spreading across his face. "If it wasn't obvious before, Blackfyre shall be mine if I emerge victorious.

Rhaenerys smiled, her eyes glinting with amusement. "And you'll owe me seven favors, Prince, to be collected at my leisure."

Prince Jacaerys looked perplexed, but Rhaenerys just smiled and nodded. "Let's get on with it."

The two walked to the yard, their companions trailing behind them. Luke chuckled, "By the saints, are they courting or sparring?" Baela whispered, "Do you see the way they look at each other? There's more to this than mere swordplay."

In the yard, Rhaenerys took note of the attention they'd gathered. Jace noticed her expression and sneered, "Afraid, Princess?"

Rhaenerys scoffed, her expression dismissive, before getting into a stance. Jace followed suit.

"You think you can best me, Princess? I've trained with the finest knights in the Seven Kingdoms."

Rhaenerys smiled, her gaze glinting with amusement. "We'll see about that, Prince. Let's dance."

The battle commenced, their blades clashing in a flurry of steel and sparks. Rhaenerys toyed with Jace, her movements fluid and deadly, as she gauged his strength and prowess. She parried his blows with ease, her sword slicing through the air with precision.

Jace, his face set in determination, struck again and again, but Rhaenerys dodged and weaved, her movements a blur of steel and shadow. She landed a solid hit, but Jace shrugged off the blow, his eyes burning with intensity.

Rhaenerys pressed her advantage, her sword flashing in the sunlight as she struck again and again. Jace parried each blow, his movements swift and agile, but Rhaenerys could see the strain growing in his eyes.

She feigned a stumble, her sword wavering for a moment, and Jace took the bait. He struck with all his might, but Rhaenerys was ready. She sidestepped his blow and counterattacked, her sword slicing through Jace's defenses.

He stumbled back, his eyes widening in surprise, as Rhaenerys unleashed a flurry of blows. She struck with precision and deadliness, her sword slicing through the air with a deadly whisper.

Jace tried to defend himself, but Rhaenerys was unstoppable. She overpowered him with ease, her sword flashing in the sunlight as she disarmed him and pinned him to the ground.

The yard fell silent, the only sound the heavy breathing of the two combatants. Rhaenerys stood over Jace, her sword pressed to his throat, her eyes blazing with intensity.

"Well done, Prince," Rhaenerys said, her voice dripping with satisfaction. "You're stronger than I thought. But not strong enough."

Jace glared up at her, his face red with exertion. "You...you were toying with me."

Rhaenerys smiled, her eyes glinting with amusement. "I was measuring your mettle, Prince. And once I'd taken your measure, I ended the bout."

With a swift motion, she withdrew her sword and stepped aside as Lord Harwin and the King Consort, Daemon approached. Lord Harwin helped Jace up, while Prince Daemon's calm gaze lingered on Rhaenerys, a hint of approval in his voice. "A valuable ally, indeed. Your skills with a sword are a welcome asset to our cause, Rhaenerys."

"Thank you, my King." Rhaenerys threw Jace a wink as she left. "Seven favors, my Prince. Mayhap I'll collect them soon."

That night, she sought out Jace and Baela. "Aemond's sneaking into Harrenhal, like a viper in the grass. Time for us to strike."