^CHAPTER TWO - ALLIES AND FOES^

Rhaenyra Targaryen's eyes widened with concern as she rushed to Ser Harwin Strong's side. "Harwin, are you alright? I heard what happened at Harrenhal... the fire, the attack..."

Ser Harwin's expression turned somber. "I owe my life to a mysterious girl, Rhaenerys. She warned me of the danger, saving me from the flames."

Rhaenyra's grip on his arm tightened. "Tell me everything."

Ser Harwin recounted the events at Harrenhal, including Rhaenerys' timely warning. "She looks like a Targaryen, Rhaenyra - same hair, same eyes... I've never seen anyone like her outside of your family."

Rhaenyra's eyes flashed with surprise, her mind racing with the implications. "A Targaryen? Are you certain?" She took a step back, her voice barely above a whisper. "What does it mean? Could she be a bastard child or...?"

Ser Harwin shook his head. "I don't know, but I knew I had to tell you. You deserve to know about this mysterious girl who saved my life."

Rhaenyra's expression turned determined, her jaw clenched. "I must know more about her. And I must also tell you... Aemond lost an eye at the hands of Lucerys, and the realm is on the brink of chaos."

Rhaenyra sought out her uncle and lover, Daemon Targaryen, in the castle's solar. She found him pouring over a map of the Seven Kingdoms, his eyes fixed on the territories held by their enemies.

"Daemon," she said, her voice low and urgent.

Daemon looked up, his eyes locking onto hers with a fierce intensity. "What is it, Rhaenyra?" he asked, his voice firm.

Rhaenyra told him about Ser Harwin's revelation - the mysterious Targaryen girl who had saved his life. Daemon's expression turned thoughtful, his mind already racing with the implications.

"We need to gather our allies," Rhaenyra said, her voice firm. "We can't let Aemond's aggression go unchecked."

Daemon nodded, his eyes gleaming with strategic thinking. "Agreed. Let's call in Ser Harwin and discuss our options."

As they sat down with Ser Harwin, Daemon's hand brushed against Rhaenyra's, a subtle gesture that spoke to their intimate relationship.

Together, the three of them discussed their plans, their conversation flowing easily as they worked together to forge alliances and secure their place on the Iron Throne.

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Four years after Rhaenyra's marriage to Daemon, Rhaenyra and Daemon knew that securing the support of the Velaryons would be crucial if they were to defend Lucerys' claim to driftmark. They decided to propose a marriage alliance between their families, hoping to strengthen their bond and secure a powerful ally. Ser Harwin Strong, Rhaenyra's loyal companion and father of her three sons, stood by her side as they traveled to Driftmark, the island seat of House Velaryon.

Upon arrival, they met with Lord Corlys Velaryon and his wife, Rhaenys, in the grand hall of the castle. Rhaenyra proposed the marriages: "Lucerys will marry Rhaena, and Jacaerys will marry Baela."

Lord Corlys raised an eyebrow, his expression thoughtful. "You want to tie our houses together."

Daemon nodded. "We do. We want our families to be one."

Rhaenys Velaryon spoke up, her voice shrewd. "And what of the Hightowers and the Lannisters? They will not take kindly to our alliance."

Rhaenyra's expression remained determined. "We will face them together."

Ser Harwin stood steadfast, his presence a testament to his loyalty and support for Rhaenyra's plans. The Velaryons exchanged a glance, weighing their options. After a moment, Lord Corlys nodded. "Very well. We accept your proposal."

With the marriage alliance secured, Rhaenyra, Daemon, and Ser Harwin left Driftmark, ready to face the challenges ahead.

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The throne room was filled with representatives from the Seven Kingdoms, all gathered to discuss the petitions against Rhaenyra's sons. King Viserys, though very ill showed up in support of his daughter. Princess Rhaenys stood before the council, pledging her house's loyalty to Rhaenyra and her sons.

Just as it seemed the meeting would proceed without incident, Ser Vaemond Velaryon spoke up, his voice dripping with malice.

"I will not stand idly by while bastards inherit Driftmark. Those boys are not true Velaryons!"

Ser Harwin Strong stepped forward, his expression grim. "You dare question the parentage of Rhaenyra's sons?"

Vaemond sneered. "I dare, for it is the truth." He turned to King Viserys. "You may run your house as you see fit, but you will not decide the future of mine. My house survived the Doom, and a thousand tribulations besides, and gods be damned, I will not see it ended on the account of this... this..."

Daemon, silent until now, whispered a single word. "Say it."

Vaemond, undeterred, continued his accusation. "Her children are bastards! And she is a whore!"

Viserys, outraged, staggered to his fist and drew out a dagger. "I'll have your tongue for that!"

The sword sliced through the air, its deadly arc ending with a sickening crunch. Vaemond's head toppled from his shoulders, his body crashing to the floor as Daemon emerged from behind him, his blade still vibrating with the force of the blow. Amidst the ensuing chaos, Daemon's voice rang out, cold and unyielding: "He can keep his tongue."

The guards closed in, intent on seizing and disarming him, but Daemon raised a hand, his voice calm and commanding. "No need." With a subtle smile, he backed away, his eyes never leaving the guards, and took his place beside Ser Harwin, his movements fluid and deliberate.

Viserys groaned in pain as he staggered back to his throne.

As the room descended into murmurs, Ser Harwin Strong nodded in approval, his sword drawn. "I would have done the same, Prince Daemon. No one questions the honor of the princess's sons."

Daemon nodded in approval. "I will not have my family's name besmirched by such filth."

Rhaenyra's gaze met Daemon's, a silent understanding passing between them. The message was clear: those who questioned her sons' legitimacy would suffer the consequences.