The Rogue Prince

"Ser Ryam was a strong Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. But he was ill for some time." Viserys turned to Mellos. "He passed in peace, I hope."

"Yes, Your Grace, Mellos confirms. "He was found to have passed gently in his sleep. His remains are being prepared by the Silent Sisters."

"The succeeding Lord Commander, Ser Harrold, would like to make haste in finding Ser Ryam's replacement on the Kingsguard. '' Lord Beesbury advised.

"Your Grace. My lords. The Kingsguard must soon be restored to its full complement of seven. With the help of the Hand, I've invited a number of fine candidates to court. All have passed fair trials." Ser Harrold informed them.

Suddenly the doors opened. Lord Corlys' footsteps echoed across the stone floor. Rhaenyra could feel his anger from here removing herself, she quickly went to get more wine.

"Four ships have now been lost. The last one was flying my banner. The Stepstones have now grown into a conflagration, yet you sit here and dither about court business." His voice rose with every word.

"If you've something to discuss, Lord Corlys... " Viserys begins.

"I want to know what is to be done about my ships and my men."

"The Crown will compensate you for your ship and crew, and make an offering to the men's families," Viserys reassured him.

Rhaenyra felt her blood boil, the Triarchy was no light matter, and no one beside her seemed to realize the threat the Triarchy imposed. Why did her Father not want to end this war? After all, if the Stepstones remained in the wrong hands. Rhaenyra shook her head, clearing the thoughts that clouded her mind.

"I don't want compensation," Corlys said firmly. "I want to seize the Stepstones by force and burn out this Crabfeeder."

"I am not prepared to start a war with the Free Cities."

"These pirates are not the Free Cities." Corlys instanced.

"Who do you think provides them with their ships and tender?" Viserys asked.

"In all of its history, my Lord, the Seven Kingdoms have never entered an open war with the Free Cities. Were that to happen, the losses would be incalculable." Lord Beesbury interjected.

"What reason does the Crabfeeder have to fear us?" Corlys asked, stepping closer. "The King's own brother has been allowed to seize Dragonstone and fortify it with an army of his Gold Cloaks. Daemon has squatted there for over half a year without even a protest from the Crown." Corlys continued.

Rhaenyra's heart jumped out of her chest, she felt a dark, but comforting presence flicker around her. Daemon was on Dragonstone? Why did no one tell her?

"I'll caution you, Lord Corlys, a seat at the King's table does not make you his equal. I have acted, Corlys." Otto warmed.

"I've sent envoys to Pentos and Volantis to see if we might find common cause, " Viserys assured. "Ships and men are at the ready. The Stepstones will be settled in time."

Rhaenyra felt her anger grow. "You have Dragonriders, Father." Rhaenyra said, "Send us."

Viserys sighed. "It isn't that simple, Rhaenyra."

"It would be a show of force." Rhaenyra instanced, to have peace sometimes war came first. She had learned that from hours and even days on the battlefield.

"At least the Princess has a plan."

"I only meant that we should at least…" Rhaenyra paused, Rhys stood next to her, arms crossed eyebrows raised.

Say it, Rhaenyra. His voice was a whisper in her mind. Speak your mind.

"Perhaps, uh, there's some better use for the Princess' talents, Your Grace." Otto injected.

Rhaenyra's anger grew as she followed Ser Harrold. It seemed everyone besides her was not willing to side with Lord Corlys on the matter of the Stepstones. Picking a knight for the Kingsguard was easy enough, as only Ser Criston was skilled and had experienced battle.

A while later, she and Alicent had prayed to the gods of new and old, Rhaenyra had never really prayed and it felt odd to pour out her emotions to something so foreign. The rest of the day passed in a blur.

Rhys had informed her of Elena and how she was fairing with her punishment which the Great Council had yet to relieve her from.

"Alistair brings news from Dragonstone and the Triarchy," Rhys told her as they walked into the gardens.

"What of it?' Rhaenyra muttered, not wanting to speak of it any longer. After all, the Small Council didn't want to hear her advice, who would?

"What Lord Corlys says is true." He explains, "the Triarchy has grown in power and Corlys' men are being slaughtered as we speak."

Rhaenyra hummed in agreement but said nothing.

"Alistair also said that Daemon is planning on marrying Mysaria," Rhys called after her.

Rhaenyra stopped, spinning around and before Rhys could move away she smacked the side of his head. "You may talk of the Triarchy, but I do not want to hear of Daemon and his life on Dragonstone."

Storming away, Rhaenyra made her way through the Red Keep, nearly running into Selena on her way. "Oh, Selena I didn't see you, are you alright?"

"I'm fine, Princess," Selena said quickly. "I was just informed to draw a bath for you, and help you dress."

Rhaenyra was confused, "help dress for what?"

"Dinner with the King, he wants to dine with you tonight," Selena told her, pulling Rhaenyra down the hall and toward her room.

***

Dinner was an awkward affair, most of it was in silence. Rhaenyra picked up her cup of wine, bringing it to her lips. The only sounds that could be heard were crickets and their breaths, after a long moment Rhaenyra broke the silence.

"We haven't spoken much... since." Rhaenyra stopped and eyed her Father across the table.

"A regret of mine," Viserys said quietly. "We should be free to speak our minds to one another."

"You can say whatever you'd like, Rhaenyra replied. "You are the King."

"I loved your mother very much."

"As did I." Rhaenyra told him, trying to hide the sadness in her voice. Leaning forward she took a bite of her food. Rhaenyra watched as Viserys took another drink of wine. "Ser Harrold provided a fine field of tourney knights."

"Oh?"

"But in questioning them, I discovered that Ser Criston was the only man among them with true battle experience." Rhaenyra finished.

Viserys chuckled, "He'll make a fine knight of the Kingsguard."

"Today at the Small Council…" Rhaenyra began.

Viserys shook his head. "Pay it no mind."

"I thought I might have had some insight," Rhaenyra told him. It was true after the information Rhys had given her. She wondered if it was time that she sent people to aid Corlys in the Stepstones. They already were talking about a battle strategy, saying it would be best if things got worse.

"You're young. You will learn." Viserys assured her.

***

The rest of dinner was held in silence, and when it was over. Rheanyra kissed her father on the cheek, saying goodnight before returning to her room.

"Rhys, Nimbus." She said into the dark room. Suddenly the room was filled with light, candles burning so strongly but still leaving the room dim. The sheets and furs on her bed changed, looking down Rhaenyra was in a silk nightgown. Shadows flickered across the room almost as if dancing against the wall. Curving and swelling into different shapes as they rolled across the floor.

"Sister." A smooth voice said from behind, their breath warm against her skin. She gasped, turning around sharply, ready to hit Rhys across the face for his behavior. Seeing nothing she backed away toward her bed.

Grabbing a hold of her dagger, Rhaenyra's eyes followed the shadows dancing around her room. "I swear, Rhys. If you don't stop this I will end you." She called, but the shadows kept dancing, getting closer to her. Rhaenyra took a step back, getting ready to throw the dagger when a hand came to cover her face.

"Don't throw that." Rhys said, "I don't want you to hurt yourself."

"Myself!" Rhaenyra hissed. "Speak for yourself, I would have put this dagger straight through your heart and I might just do that to you, for scaring me to death!"

"I told you it was a bad idea," Nimbus said, walking out of the shadows.

"Yeah—" Rhys stopped abruptly as Rhaenyra's blade ran across his cheek, the silver cutting clean into the skin. Blood dripped onto the white silver before Rhaenyra pulled the dagger away. Eyes wide, Rhys slowly left his hand and ran his fingertips across the small cut that began to bleed.

"You cut me! You actually cut me!"

Rhaenyra nodded, "I did. You should know better than to scare me, brother."

Rhaenyra sat on the edge of her bed, tucking to dagger into a black box before closing it. Handing it to Nimbus to put away, and as the three of them sat together, Rhaenyra's eyes fell closed, and a yawn escaped her mouth.

"I think you should sleep, Rhaenyra," Nimbus said gently, pushing her back and using his magic to cover her with the furs and putting a number of pillows behind her.

"Do you want us to stay?" Rhys asked as he reined in his magic.

Rhaenyra nodded, watching as they shifted and jumped into bed with her. With Rhys and Nimbus around her, it was easier to fall into a peaceful sleep.

***

The next day things progressed slowly, much to Rhaenyra's displeasure her father had informed her of Corlys' proposal of marriage to Lady Laena, the following morning. And was forced to remain behind with Rhaenys.

Soon enough, Rhaenys had pulled Rhaenyra aside and told her that whether Viserys decided to marry Laena or another woman, that woman would give him sons and once that boy was born, the realm would choose him over her. But, Rhaenyra was quick to correct her. Saying that the great Lords kneeled to her and swear to be faithful to her until her death.

After leaving, Rhaenys. Rhaenyra couldn't feel like she was right, as she had no idea how the realm thought of her being heir to the Seven Kingdoms. She had Alistair keeping eyes on Daemon and the Stepstones, and he was to report back if anything took a turn for the worse.

A while later, Alistair's words were proven to be true Daemon was indeed marrying Mysaria. Her heart felt like it was being crushed a second time as the Dragonkeeper told her Daemon had taken the egg that she had picked for Baelon. When Otto and members of the court along with some of the Kingsguard were ready to sail to Dragonstone, Rhaenyra knew she had to do something.

"Rhys meet me at the Dragonpit. Nimbus tell Alistair I'm coming and he is to return to Sunspair immediately." Rhaenyra instructed as they walked swiftly down the corridor.

Nimbus nodded and bounded away.

"What are you going to do?" Rhys asked as Rhaenyra dressed into her riding clothes.

"I'm going to prevent bloodshed," Rhaenyra told him. "Now go, ready Syrax."

As she walked through the keep, the guards tried but failed to stop her. Syrax was standing outside the entrance to the Dragonpit, the Dragonkeepers stood off to the side, looking confused but Rhaenyra couldn't care less.

"Are you sure about this?" Rhys asked. "Your father explicitly said that you are not to go to Dragonstone."

Rhaenyra climbed onto Syrax's back and tied herself into the saddle. "The only thing I know for sure is that Otto will not end the matter on Dragonstone without bloodshed."

"Yes, but—"

"Naejot Zaldrīzesdōron!" Rhaenyra shouted, Syrax roared and spread her wings. Leaping into the air and flying across Blackwater Bay. The sun was beginning to set, the light shone on Syarx's golden scales. Soon the cliffs of Dragonstone come into view. Rhaenyra saw Caraxes; the Blood Wyrm stood atop one of the cliffs.

(To Dragonstone)

Syrax dipped below the clouds, roaring and rumbling. Rhaenyra gripped the reins, surging upward. Rhaenyra looked below her, as Syrax circled the bridge. Caraxes' low-high pitched whistles echoed in the air. Syrax roared as she landed on the bridge behind Otto. Rhaenyra looked at Daemon and took a deep breath to calm her racing heart. Dropping the reins, Syrax growled as she lowered her shoulder, Rhaenyra dismounted and began walking up the bridge.

"What are you doing here, Princess?" Otto asked as she stood in front of him.

"Preventing bloodshed." She said simply.

Otto looked around him."Ser Criston, please escort the Princess to safety."

"Take care not to startle Syrax, my lords. She's rather protective of me." Rhaenyra said, pushing past them.

"Ñuha kepa brōstan nyke dārilaros hen zaldrīzes. Rhaenyra said, keeping her tone calm, but demanding. "Konir sagon ñuha sombāzmion iksā living isse, uncle."

(My father named me Princess of Dragon. That is my castle you are living in, uncle)

"Daor ēva ao māzigon hen age." Daemon hissed, clutching the egg tighter.

(Not until you come of age)

"Emā angered aōha dārys." Rhaenyra informed him, her eyes gazing over his face. Didn't he realize what he'd done?

(You have angered your king)

"Nyke ȳdra daor ūndegon skoro syt." Daemon said, annoyance creeping into his tone "Bisa iksis se tubis hen biarves, iksan naejot sagon wed."

(I don't see why. This is the day of celebration, I am to be wed)

"Ao already emagon iā ābrazȳrys." Rhaenyra snapped.

(You already have a wife)

"Daor mēre hen ñuha choosing." He hissed.

(Not one of my choosing)

"Se bisa required ao naejot laodigon ñuha lēkia's drōmon?" Rhaenyra asked, anger warming her blood like dragon fire. Out of all the eggs he could have chosen, he had chosen the one she had picked for Baelon.

(And this required you to steal my brother's egg?)

"Ao shared aōha cradle lēda iā zaldrīzes skori īlē āzma. Jaelan keskydoso syt ñuha riña." Daemon replied, taking a step forward.

(You shared your cradle with a dragon when you were born. I want the same for my child)

"Ao shared aōha cradle lēda iā zaldrīzes skori īlē āzma. Jaelan keskydoso syt ñuha riña."

(You're to have a child?)

"You're naejot emagon iā riña?" Rhaenyra glared at him, the lie falling from his mouth like water running downstream.

(One day)

Daemon turned his head to look at Mysaria before turning to Rhaenyra. "Mēre tubis."

Rhaenyra had to hold back a smirk as she watched Mysaria angrily walk away. She isn't with child, and for some odd reason, Rhaenyra felt satisfaction.

"I'm right here, Uncle, the object of your ire, the reason that you were disinherited. If you wish to be restored as heir, you'll need to kill me. So, do it. And be done with all this bother." She challenged, and as the air grew tense, Rhaenyra's heart hammered in her chest as she held Daemon's stare.

His eyes flickered between her and the men standing behind her. After a long moment, Daemon turned away tossing the egg to Rhaenyra as he and his army of Gold Cloaks made their way back to the castle,

Rhaenyra let out a breath as she caught the egg, and relief flooded through her. Smiling, she turned and gently placed the black egg back into the egg warmer. The egg would be returned to the Dragonpit and remain there until someone claimed it, but Rhaenyra hoped it would remain undisturbed. She had chosen the egg for Baelon and wished for it to stay unclaimed.

Syrax grumbled and snorted as she gently lowered her neck. Rhaenyra tied herself into the saddle before taking off in the setting sun.

***

Returning to King's Landing was fast and within a few minutes, Syrax was landing in front of the Dragonpit.

"Tell the King the Princess has returned." Ser Harrold commanded.

Rhaenyra walked into the keep, ignoring the stares and whispers as she was taken to her father's chambers. The door pulled open to reveal a very angry-looking Viserys.

"Your Grace."

"You disobeyed me. You fled King's Landing without a word and you acted without the Crown's leave. You are my only heir!" Viserys paused, getting into Rhaenyra's face. "You could've been killed."

"May I sit?" She asked, not bothering to wait for a reply. Rhaenyra took a seat and faced Viserys.

"You went to Dragonstone!" The anger in his voice was evident as he spoke.

"And retrieved the egg without bloodshed," Rhaenyra said calmly, "A feat I'm not sure Ser Otto could've accomplished alone."

"Yes, well." Viserys laughed, " Sometimes forget how alike you both were."

Rhaenyra looked up at him.

"Your mother's absence is a wound that will never heal." Viserys went on. "Without her, the Red Keep has lost a warmth that I dare say it will never recover."

"It pleases me to hear you say this," Rhaenyra said quietly. "To know that I'm not alone in my grief."

"I wish I had known better what to say to you in the aftermath," Viserys told her, "I struggled to realize that my daughter had so quickly become a woman grown."

Rhaenyra let out a light chuckle.

"But I know she understands what is now expected of me."

"The King must take a new wife," Rhaenyra answered.

"I could never replace your mother. No more than I intend to replace you as heir." Viserys reassured her. "But you are my only heir and our line is vulnerable, too easily ended. And by marrying again, I may begin to ensure that we are better defended."

"Against whom? "

"Whomever may dare to challenge us. I do not wish to make us estranged."

"You are the King, and so, your first duty is to the realm," Rhaenyra said, hiding the sadness within her voice.

***

The next morning, everyone gathered in the Small Council chamber, and Rhaenyra was surprised to see Alicent standing off to the side. As Viserys greeted the Lords and told them that he had made his Decision as to who he would marry, Rhaenyra felt her heart being crushed as he announced he would be marrying Alicent at the end of spring. Rhaenyra stared at her and watched as she began picking at her nailbeds.

Anger engulfed Rhaenyra, turning away as she walked to the door.