Chapter Text
Chapter 1
Rhaenyra felt like she was suffocating in pain. In the anguish set beneath her rib cage, pounding away against bone painful and blinding.
Drowning in the memory.
Had it truly happened? Rhaenyra was never, her mind torn between remembering every detail down to the smell of his shirt and wanting to erase every vestige of the night from her memory and pretend the horrid night never occurs. Rhaenyra wasn't truly sure of the truth until she gazed into the mirror and saw her reflection. Felt the sting set against her pale flesh, as a reminder that yes, yes it did. And then any memory of that night flooded her senses.
Daemon once said Kingslanding is lawless and terrifying, She remembered his words clearly. The Lord of Flea Bottom, known to all and a frequenter of every debauchery hell hole he could get his hands on. Had he done it to teach her a lesson? Was it his plan to hurt her?
Would the outcome have changed anything for him? if he knew what had become of her after he turned away from her, leaving her in a boneless state of want and desire mixing with terror as her gaze flickered around the room, taking in the faces around her, looking at her but not seeing her.
She couldn't be sure anymore. Nothing felt the same. It felt like the entire universe had been flipped into a reality Rhaenyra no longer recognised.
Everything has changed, except save for flying with Syrax.
Soaring through the skies with Syrax was the one constant that remained ever present in her life, the comfort of scales against her thighs, under the pads of her palms as she splayed her hand against Syrax's neck, feeling the warmth under her touch. The feel of tough scales under her fingertips, the wind blowing through her siler hair that she didn't bother to brad.
Freedom.
Free from the dangers down below. Everything felt safer in the clouds. But what goes up must eventually come down. And come down Rhaenyra did.
Syrax's feet hit the ground, the resounding thud echoing against the ground as dirt crunched beneath her talons. Shaking out her head and neck Syrax settled into position as Rhaenyra unstrapped her hips from the saddle and climbed down, feeling a now all too familiar twinge of pain resting between her bruised thighs as her boot covered feet hit the ground, and took a deep, steadying breath. Rhaenyra bit her lip between her teeth to stifle a scream, her eyes stinging against the threat of painful tears welling in her eyes. straightened and started walking towardout of the dragon pit, throwing one last glace to Syrax before making her way towards the newly parked wheelhouse situated just outside the dragon pit.
A small delicate smile perked at the corners of her mouth as she watched the door fly open and the perfectly braided crown of Alicent peeked out, her radiant face breaking into a smile as she spotted Rhaenyra walking towards her.
“Father. Alicent.” Rhaenyra called out, picking up a as much speed as her legs could muster, the burn of her left thigh making it difficult to walk properly, spreading down her thigh and into her knee and up into her pubic bone.
“I didn't expect you to come out here for little old me.” Rhaenyra's voice carried, watching Alicent step out carefully to the ground below followed her father who was a little less steady on the rungs of the ladder, his left foot slipping out from underneath him forcing him to grasp the doorframe behind him.
"Are you ok?!" Rhaenyra called out, worried as she watched her father breathe deeply before straightening his spine with a loud exhale. With a wave, Visery's brushed off the concern, his pride overruling any amount of pain or discomfort he might be experiencing.
“Rhaenyra!” Closing the gap with a few long strides, Rhaenyra kissed her father's cheek then made to grab her friend in a tight hug.
She hugged Alicent tightly, causing Alicent to giggle as she complained about the smell of dragon, but never letting her grip weaken as she clung to Rhaenyra, her arms settling loose around her waist to avoid any bruising.
“I hope you weren't waiting too long.” Rhaenyra enquired, the feeling of guilt that they could have waited for her fluttering in her chest. Separating from the hug, Rhaenyra straightened her clothes, fiddling having become a new nervous habit of hers when she had no rings to spin around her fingers.
“Not at all.” Viserys replied gentle and kind, his eyes warming as he watched his daughter.
“Are you ok?” Alicent gently took hold of Rhaenyra's hand, checking over her anxious, biting her lower lip as she turned Rhaenyra around. Rhaenyra giggled a little, smiling to her father as Alicent continued her checks.
“A bit sore. Mayhaps I should have waited a few days to try flying.” Rhaenyra hissed, sifting her hips awkwardly to try to dispel the growing intense burn forming.
Visery's shook his head, a small smile playing across his mouth. "It's good to see you smile Rhaenyra."
"You mock my stubbornness but brush off a near fall. You wonder where I get my stubbornness from." Rhaenyra goaded smirking as her father just glared at her. It took every ounce of manners within Rhaenyra to not stick her tongue out childishly at her father, oh the temptation!
“You could break every bone in your body and still look to go flying.” Alicent muttered, finishing her checks but still keeping a close eye on her friend.
“Oh Hilarious! The queen is wasting her talents father. She could be a comedian.” Rhaenyra balked, stifling a smirk as Alicent glared at the silver haired girl.
Looping an arm through Alicent's, the pair followed behind Visery's who helped them into the wheelhouse before climbing in behind them, chastising Rhaenyra as she mockingly offered a helping hand lest he slip again, closing the door tightly behind him. With a tap against the wood the wheelhouse began to move, jostling the inhabitants from side to side.
"Nyra!" An excited bubbling giggle from the tiny ball of silver greeted her as Rhaenyra flopped, with a little less grace than she would have liked, into the uncomfortable cushioned seat, hissing under her breath as solid wood connected with the backside and the raw tender flesh between her thighs. Taking a deep breath Rhaenyra smiled, pushing through the pain burning throughout her lower half. Alicent watched her, concerned but Rhaenyra just held a hand up, signaling she just needed a moment as she breathed through her nose. As the pain began to subside, she turned her attention to Aegon who was bouncing in his seat next to her, waiting to climb into her lap as he had developed the habit of as of late.
“Aegon! How's my little egg head?” The bright, wide grinning little boy giggled, climbing into Rhaenyra's lap after the house began moving, holding onto her collar and shoulder to steady himself. Alicent's mouth fell open slightly, hearing the nickname Rhaenyra had given to Aegon. Rhaenyras content face turned and caught Alicents eyes, and she shrugged as her smile widened just a hair.
“What he looks like an egg!” Rhaenyra argued squishing his cheeks together, achieving high pitched giggles from the boy, "He's my little egg."
“I have lessons today.” the tiny ball of energy bounced in her lap.
“Gasp what are we doing?” Rhaenyra asked.
“Valyrian practice.” his little voice proclaimed, the pride in his words making Rhaenyra smile wide.
“Vok! Thats amazing!” Rhaenyra beamed, proud to know Valyrian would be spoken by the young prince.
“I reeeaaaallly want ride a dragon.” Rhaenyra checked the attention of the parents in the room from the corner of her eye before bringing her voice low to his ear. Aegon looked around too before bringing his head closer, like they were entering their own secret little universe.
“Maybe when your mother isn't looking.” Rhaenyra whispered, a little louder knowing full well Alicent was listening.
“I can hear you; you know.” Rhaenyra gasped dramatically, making Aegon giggle.
“SHHHHH no you can't. This is a private conversation.” giving a fake eye roll Rhaenyra nuzzled Aegon's cheek with her nose.
“Oh my goodness the queen is SO nosey.” Rhaenyra whispered, knowing Alicent could hear.
“I know.” Aegon whispered, the pair sharing a smile before looking toward Alicent and the King, barely able to contain a cheeky shared smile.
“You two are conspiring, I know it.” To that Rhaenyra just shrugged, eliciting more giggling from Aegon.
As the journey carried on, a sense of calm spreading through the wheelhouse, Visery's turned his attention to Rhaenyra. He had been concerned when he enquired as to her whereabouts only to find she had left her rooms at the first signs of light, Ser Westerling trailing close behind her. It brought the ailing king some relief to know there were guards Rhaenyra felt comfortable to be around, but knowing she was struggling was still a hard idea to swallow.
“I was surprised to find you out of your rooms almost at the break of light.” Visery's asked, capturing Rhaenyra's attention from the braiding assault of Aegon's fluffy baby hairs.
“i find sleep hard to come by at present.” Rhaenyra admitted, finding solace in focusing and playing with the few strands of hair sticking up atop of Aegon's head.
Alicent decided to remain silent, knowing Rhaenyra well enough that she could see in her expression she would rather not talk about it right now. Instead, her focus shifted to capturing Visery's attention, drawing him into a conversation to give Rhaenyra some space, as they began to talk about the upcoming events and order of the day and weeks to follow.
Rhaenyra sat lost in the silence of her mind. Her mind clear as the wheelhouse bounced along the dirt, the rattling of wood a gentle lull as her eyes, unfocused, stared off against the light beam flooding through the window. She wasn't quite ready to tell her father just how bad her sleeping was. Rhaenyra genuinely hoped the sleeping draughts and distractions would help her and she would really like to not cause her father anymore worry than she already had.
As she continued gently played with Aegon's hair, making sure the jostling didn't cause her to tug or pull the hairs, and tickled his neck below his ear eliciting a giggle each time, Rhaenyra's attention ebbed in and out of the conversation around her. Not ignoring but trying to focus her mind elsewhere.
“There's a council meeting. First one in weeks,” the sentence caught Rhaenyra's attention, “There will be many things to discuss.” Turing her attention to Viserys, she focused her gaze to his eyes, the gentle warmth.
“Since the... attack we haven't had a chance to really go over what comes next.” the kings voice lowered, not wanting to bring the subject up.
Rhaenyra knew she should respond, she needed to reassure her father that she would be fine, that she wouldn't be broken by this. She appreciated his concern, but this was duty.
“I know it needs to happen. I'll be fine,” her voice sounded weak, but she tried to steady herself, “It's our duty, as a king, as the heir.”
There was a lot to discuss after all. Time hadn't slowed for one second in the weeks that seemed to race by to her. Her time had slowed, the attack feeling like it had only occurred yesterday, while the world around her had moved on.
In the weeks that had followed, Daemon had been banished to The Vale, to his “bronze bitch” as he so kindly referred to Rhea. Rhaenyra found she had little sympathy for the one person she wished never leave her, where she would usualy throw a fit to try and get him to stay. And gone he was. Left without a word or trace, Caraxes following suit leaving Syrax behind.
Far away from Rhaenyra.
Part of her missed her uncle, her favourite person. The one constant in her life her heart always longed for. But on the surface bubbled an ugly, raw wound replacing the warmth, threatening to erase the joy she once felt. One that threatened to infect all memories of him, her bitterness creeping in like a thick black mist over the horizon, wiping out any source of light or life in its path.
Every night Rhaenyra would find herself sprawled across the bed in her sleep gown, the practice of sleep always evading her as she stared at the ceiling counting cracked or markings in the surface. Memories had begun to fracture together endlessly, tormenting her attempts to relax. The bliss mixing with the heartache, joy ending in tears.
The images of Daemon that flashed across her mind sent horrific painfully tight sensations through her chest. As hard as she tried, Rhaenyra couldn't forget the feel of his touch across her face, the warmth of his soft kisses against her lips, the feel of his hand against her own. His chest against her back as she leaned back, begging him to continue. The fine tingles as his hand wondered across the plains of her skin, touching her in ways she had only ever dreamed of.
The ache began to creep between her legs, causing her to press her thighs together, the all too familiar throb calling to her. Daring her to touch. Beggin her to relive the tension as she called his name out, her lips parting as she reached a level of ecstasy she so badly had craved from Daemon.
Tears welled as she remembered his eyes, looking at her with so much... love? She didn't know anymore.
Turning onto her side she would bite into her closed fist, trying to stop the sobs leaving her throat.
Rhaenyra missed him. She wanted to feel him again.
But each time her hand would begin to drift lower, the more recent hand through her hair, holding her, pressing her into the ground as she screamed, sent her hand flying back towards her mouth as the bile would begin to rise in her throat, painful screams catching silently in her mouth trying to not alert anyone's attention. She couldn't let anyone see her in this state. The want being overshadowed by the desire to submerge her bod in scalding hot water, attempting to burn the hand marks from her flesh.
And each night she would cry, tears falling down her pale cheeks until her throat was raw. She would force herself to forget.
To replace the want, the need and forget Daemon.
As the wheelhouse came to a halt, a thud alerting everyone inside, she snapped out of her memories, bringing her attention back. Rhaenyra separated from her father and Alicent, hugging her friend tightly before separating to prepare for the meeting, Rhaenyra knowing she would need more than a few moments alone to gather herself. Watching Alicent turn and walk away with her ladies, her father bid her leave, joining his guards as he turned to leave, Rhaenyra watching his form disappear.
Turning to follow, Rhaenyra began the walk towards her rooms in the red keep, following closely behind a Kingsguard, the silent trek to her chambers peaceful as they passed by members of the court of servants to the keep who would bow and greet her politely as she walked by. A small, polite smile would grace her features each time, remembering to keep her back straight and keep her chin tilted high and proper, despite wanting to collapse in on herself and curl into a ball even in the middle of the corridor.
The door to her chambers open, held open by the guard, allowing her to step inside. With a thank you her doors clicked closed behind her back and as she turned to face the expanse of her room Rhaenyra sighed. Finally, she was alone. She was never alone, always having someone standing guard or accompanying her. Her normal unrefined petulance would have balked at the idea of being so closely followed, like she couldn't be trusted to walk a passageway by herself. But the feeling brought comfort, a sense of safety she was struggling to find elsewhere in her day-to-day life. It provided the freedom to leave her chambers but the security of feeling like someone had her back, that she could walk without feeling exposed.
Rhaenyra already felt exposed. Exposed for the whole court to see, shame painting her vision as she would gaze around court, like everyone around her could see into her mind and knew exactly what had happened.
That she was no longer whole.
Feeling the bile rise in her throat, Rhaenyra took many shallow slow breaths, breathing out through her mouth to steady herself. She needed to silence the voices, silence the memories flooding her mind. Especially memories of Daemon, whose presence has begun to haunt even in her quietest of moments. Opening her eyes once more she took in the concerned expression of one of her ladies, stepping towards the princess with a hand stretched out in front, like Rhaenyra could collapse at any moment.
“Are you ok princess?” her lady asked, watching the princess carefully.
“I'm fine,” assuring her maids, hating the fuss right now, “Just give me a moment and I shall start getting ready.”
“Yes Princess.” Stepping further into the room, Rhaenyra carefully started undoing the buttons on her riding attire, carefully shedding the layers off and handing them to an attendant whose outstretched arms awaited beside her, until all the was left were her under clothes, a shiver coursing through her muscles as a small draft caught her bared skin. Running her hands across her face, she could feel the grime from the flight on her skin, leaving her skin feeling dirty.
“Would you like to wash, princess?”
“Yes, I think so. Thank you.” her ladies knew her well and prepared a basin for her.
Washing her face in a fresh bowl of perfumed, cooled water, she dried her face and face her ladies to start getting ready. Her ladies adjusted the underclothes and helped the princess step into a loose comfortable gown, soft lilac and peach with gold stitching meeting at the shoulders where laced sleeves attached flowing to her wrists. A light, breathable fabric. Most would be cold in such a think material, but Rhaenyra didnt care about the cold, more the comfort against her skin. The fabric was delicate and and felt weightless.
“Beautiful, your grace.” Lady strong complimented, coming to stand just behind her. Sister to Harwin and daughter of Ser Lyonel strong, Laenah Strong had come to join as a lady in Rhaenyras house under the recommendation of Lyonel. With Alicent consistently busy and Laena further away on Driftmark, Rhaenyra hadn't realised until the suggestion had been made just how lonely she was feeling. Writing an enthusiastic response with the aid of Ser Strong, the shy, nervous young lady arrived within a week and had settled into court life with an air of confidence Rhaenyra found inspiring. Laenah's quick wit and friendly countenance had been a welcomed change to Rhaenyra's court. And even with her upcoming wedding, her attention to detail and energy never faltered.
Rhaenyra didnt quite understand how because just watching her made Rhaenyra feel like a nap was needed. But slowly her energy was beginning to become infectious and helped push the day along.
Her beautiful brown hair shimmered with a tinge of gold in the sun light, her crystal blue eyes like her brother would twinkle as she laughed or would tell stories of her family, her little sister had decided to stay at Harrenhal sighting that Larys was weird and she hated being around so many people, opting for the quiet comforts of home. Laenah was the opposite. Laenah enjoyed the captivating world she had stepped into, the bustling culture surrounding her making her feel more alive than a spark lightning as she explained to Rhaenyra late one night while helping to braid her hair.
“Should I leave my hair down or...” Rhaenyra sighed, pulling at the strands as she struggled to hide the bruising against her throat and neck.
Eyeing the delicate silver strands of hair, running a few pieces softly through her fingers, Lady Strong made a suggestion of braiding and pinning the braids along the back of her crown, while leaving most of her hair to flow down her shoulders and back to disguise the bruising but also give a little more friendly relaxed feel, while still feeling like a princess.
Agreeing with the idea, Rhaenyra took a seat in front of the vanity sat patiently as Laenah worked the strands into the braids, pinning the braids with a pair of jade-colored pins around the back of her head, allowing the loose waves from her riding braid to flow down her shoulders and back. Attaching a few extra pins and jewels throughout her hair, Laenah stepped back and eyed her hand work off, asking what Rhaenyra thought, playing with a few curls sitting across her shoulder blade to make sure they were curling just right. Rhaenyra took in her appeared, turning her head from side to side to gaze at the braiding and how lovely the waves looked down her shoulders.
“I love it.” Rhaenyra played with a small strand framing her face, loving how Lady Strong had done her hair so effortless looking. "Thank you, Lady Strong.
Perfect for hiding the remnants of that night. The marks on her neck, shoulders and across her back perfectly hiding beneath her hair. Rhaenyra's hands drifted to a small red pot place on the surface of the vanity. Removing the cork, she dipped a finger in and began to apply to the welts and mottled skin, the tender bruising cooling under the gentle massage of the ointment coating her fingers.
“Would you mind helping me?” Rhaenyra asked, holding the little red pot out to Lady Strong, “I can handle my face and throat but the back of my neck I can't see.”
“Of course princess.” Taking the pot in hand, she began to carefully move some hairs out of the way and apply to ointment to the places Rhaenyra could see.
Still very tender and holding strong to the intense purple and black colouring, Rhaenyra poked at the bruising covering her left eye and part of her cheek, a small wince creasing her features. The ointment started to sink into the flesh, feeling cooling sensation tingle under the skin. Angry against the pale skin and ugly.
A mark of shame. A reminder.
'No one can know. I tripped. I fell. It's nothing. It's my own clumsiness.'
'I'll say whatever I need to say to make this whole situation go away.'
These thoughts became a mantra, repeated over and over in Rhaenyra's mind, almost to the point of torture.
“Princess.” One of her other ladies caught Rhaenyra's attention, bowing her head as she greeted the princess.
“The guard sends a message that its time. The meeting shall begin soon.” the princess gave a small nod, stepping away from the vanity, smoothing out her dress with her fingers.
Stepping out into the hallway from her rooms, she was met with Ser Westerling once more. A fatherly figure, strong and always her favourite guard growing up. His face was stern but warmed at the sight of the princess stepping out into the corridor.
“We keep meeting like this Ser.” Rhaenyra teased, earning a chuckle from the older knight.
“Princess.” He gave a bow, straightening to look her in the eye. His gruff voice softening as he greeted the princess.
“Good morrow Ser.” greeting the knight, a graceful smile crossing her lips. "Shall we?"
He offered his arm and Rhaenyra's hand came to rest in the crook of his elbow as he began escort her to the small council meeting, guiding her in the direction of the chambers. She began to ask questions about the city watch the night before, chuckle as he told her the more sordid details that Visery's probably would admonish her hearing and discussed the about the heightened security measures being implemented ahead of the upcoming wedding for Laenah's wedding celebrations and ceremony.
“I had almost forgot about the wedding until the queen mentioned it earlier. Father hadn't made mention of the festivities recently.” Rhaenyra knew why, a party was really the last thing father wanted to attend right now. But even Rhaenyra had encouraged him to take an interest and provide the much-needed distraction herself and Kings Landing needed.
“With everything that's been happening recently, I think a religious ceremony is the last thing on many peoples minds.” Westerling explained, his voice gruff, a low thundering sound echoing against the stone of the corridor.
“Wearing itchy uncomfortably tight gowns and listening to the vowels on repeat.” she sighed, exhaustion painting her pale features as she thought over everything that was occurring in preparation for the wedding and what would be expected from Rhaenyra during the celebrations.
“Doesn't exactly scream fun but it does boost the morale of the general populace.” Westerling admitted, explaining that they had been having a hard time controlling the crowds, the excitement bubbling in the city as days passed.
“Nothing like the energy of a joust but it shall do for now. The feast afterwards should be great fun.” she joked, mustering up enthusiasm. She really did look forward to having a fun night.
“Do you plan to partake in the dancing princess?” Westerling prompted.
“Only if you'll dance with me ser.” Rhaenyra asked, smiling sweetly to Ser Westerling.
“I would be honored princess.” to his response Rhaenyra smiled, a sense of warmth and comfort washing over her. She gave a nod, acknowledging his agreement.
“I'll promise to try to not stand on your feet.” she joked, but she never was a very good dancer. By the time their conversation began to simmer down into a comfortable silence the doors to the small council chambers came into view. Rhaenyra straightened her back and adjusted her dress, making sure that everything was in place and she looked properly put together.
Arriving to the small council, the doors opened for her by the guards standing watch outside, and Rhaenyra stepped through the threshold for the first time in weeks, Ser Westerling guiding her to the table. As heir it had become her duty to attend council meetings, to learn and the foster relations with the council. Her role had been cup bearer but recently The King had opted to have her sit beside him and take her place as heir so she could learn and give opinions. Her mind would always be filled with notes, learning how to read the people in the room, how to best implement an idea and gauge how to best receive support. How best to serve a realm she didn't feel prepared to rule but knew one day the time would come. So she bided her time, learning and listening, taking her responsibilities as heir seriously.
Becoming a strong ruler.
And hoped that the council would support her- even now. It was a huge task, a huge ask of people who still struggled with the idea of a female one day becoming ruler. But slowly she was proving herself, by listening and building her character to the of a queen.
For now all she could do was just breathe.
The small council had organized to meet today to discuss how to handle the situation best, her situation. Rhaenyra had winced at the idea initially, appalled that her private life would be on display in such a manor, discussed for all to see her in her worst state. It frightened her, to display her weakness in front of men whom she hoped would help her rule someday. But having sat down with her father the previous night in his chambers, he held her as she cried, he explained softly that matters of the heir, a crime had been committed against a noble woman. The crime could not go undiscussed or unpunished. But to acheive this the council had need to be on the same page and understanding the severity of the issue. As she calmed, her body succumbing to the weariness and almost falling asleep against her fathers shoulder, she scurried back to her chambers and thought about everything her father explained.
A crime, against a woman in Kings Landing, in the Red Keep had occurred. Someone was so confident they managed to make their way into the keep and attack someone.
That someone could have been anyone. Alicent. Helaena. Rhaenyra shivered thinking about it. She hated her mind for coming to the conclusion, almost preferring it happened to her. Not her sweet baby sister. Her stomach twisted at the idea of someone hurting Helaena the way someone hurt her. The world and Kings Landing were filled with vile people that wouldn't hesitate to hurt someone, and that someone had attacked Rhaenyra. For whatever reason, his actions shouldn't go unpunished. And to do that, this meeting needed to occur.
Westerling pulled out the chair in the right hand position to where the king would sit and Rhaenyra perched herself on the seat, shuffling closer to the table letting her clasped hands rest delicately against the wooden surface in front of her. She kept her back straight and head held high, determined to keep herself steady and proud.
Sitting in the chair for the first time in many days, felt weird. She felt like an impostor, like this chair was no longer something she was worthy of.
Until her father entered and smiled in her direction, seeing her beauty radiating in the sunlight streaming through the windows. Sitting beside her he placed a small kiss to her cheek, adjusting in his seat as they prepared to wait for the rest of the council. Watching her fingers clench against each other Visery's carefully took one of her clenched hands in his own, her grip instantly relaxing in his own. She tilted her face to look at his and smiled a small tight smile and exhaled a breath she didn't realize she was holding.
“You are feeling well?” Viserys asked quietly, watching her expression fall into place as she calmed her breathing.
“I believe so.” Her answer short as the council doors opened and the other members flooded in, chatting as they offered their greetings and respects to the king and princess before taking their own seats around the table.
“Good morrow your grace. Princess.”
“Ser Strong. I hope the preparations for your daughter's wedding are going smoothly?”
“I wouldn't know princess. My wife and daughter are keeping me at a distance. Im only paying.” Strong joked, sitting to the left of the king, across from the princess. His words caused the corners of Rhaenyra's mouth of quirk up, a small smile crossing her features.
“Laenah has been filling me in on much of the details, so I'm sure the event will be perfect from everything she has told me,"Her words honest as she smiled to Lord Strong, "A night to celebrate an amazing young lady and her soon to be husband is just what we need."
“Thank you, princess. I hope Harwin has been serving you well.” Strong quiried.
“Ser Harwin is very protective and has become one of my most trusted guards. It's a comfort to have his assistance. You have a very good son.” She thanked, very grateful for Harwin Strong, having been a great source of comfort. Some days it was hard to leave her rooms, but his presence made her feel safe.
“Anything we can do to help princess, please don't be afraid to ask.”
Rhaenyra reached across the table and placed her hand over Ser Strong's. “Thank you, ser. That means a lot.”
“It brings some comfort to know the criminal will be brought to justice, with speed I hope.” Strong's words gave Rhaenyra reason to smile as she adjusted in her posture in her seat once more, the meeting being called to attention as everyone took their respective seats around the table, ready to start.
Suddenly Rhaenyra was surrounded by conversation. Angry, bitter, revenge filled discussion. Talks of finding the man that attacked her filled the room. She wasnt quite sure where to look, several members talking at once, arguing and talking over one another.
“The gold Cloaks are still tracking the perpetrators movements and they have reason to believe it could be within the next week.” Strong adviced harshly, his voice quelling the arguments with his authority. But as his words hit Rhaenyras mind, why did the idea of finding the man terrify her so? A sinking pit in her stomach formed at the idea of potentially coming face to face with the man once more.
“What could be taking so long?” Her fathers growl rattled the table. He was becoming irate, his kingly facade slowly cracking as his restlessness came through. Rhaenyra stretched her hand over the back of his clenched knuckles, trying to provide some comfort.
“This man is known to be quite evasive. If he caught wind the gold cloaks are after him, he might escape," Westerling explained under the instruction of Strong, explaining the best he could and trying to give reason to the king, knowing the idea of patience was unsettling, "We need to be careful so we can bring the scumbag in."
Talks continued for a little, Rhaenyra's hand slipped from her fathers and both hands fell to her lap, grasping the fabric of her skirt tightly, wrinkling the fabric.
"There is one more thing, your grace. Ser Strongs words brought her back, her gaze tilting to his direction as his hand clasped and twirled the orb in front of him.
“With your permission, your grace, it would help to ask the princess a few more questions.” As the recently appointed hand, Ser Strong also had a strong knowledge of laws from his time in the role as Master of Laws and was asked by the King to head the investigation. Rhaenyra froze, biting at her lip as she felt a bead of sweat run down her back. Answering questions, more questions?
“Uhh i- i don't mind but would you mind terribly if the queen were to accompany me?” Rhaenyra asked quietly, her voice cracking under the pressure.
“Of course not princess.” His response released a sigh Rhaenyra didn't know she was holding. Viserys made to question and suggest something else but Rhaenyra just held her hand against his upper arm.
“I really don't mind father,” Rhaenyra assured Visery's, pushing away from the table to stand up, “we shall find the queen near the kitchens ser. I believe Alicent is helping to make preparations for the wedding feast.”
Rhaenyra gave a small squeeze to Visery's shoulder and leaned down to give him a kiss on the cheek, excused herself to the other members of the council politely, before following one of the other gold cloaks and Ser Lyonel Strong out of the council room.
Ser Westerling made sure the door close before stepping forwards.
“Your grace, a word when you have a moment?” he implored, stopping at the edge of the table with a bow.
Acknowledging Ser Westerling, the king pushed out of his seat and dismissed the council meeting, thanking everyone for the time and appreciating their help with the most delicate of matters they were facing. The room became filled with chairs scrapping against stone as everyone pushed from the table to stand, giving a bow to the king before stepping away to make their way to exit, the room slowly emptying around them, leaving Ser Westerling and the King alone.
“I didn't want to say any of this in front of the princess,” Westerling guarded, choosing his words carefully, "we did find some information from a few witnesses to that night.”
“We talked to attendants from the marketplace and from the pleasure house, several in fact gave reason to believe the night of the attack, the man deliberately followed her from the pleasure house, the princess was his sole target.”
Visery's clenched his fist, forcing himself to listen and not scream.
“After Prince Daemon left her against the wall, at least 2 witnesses saw the man watching her, intently, and then when the princess left he made to follow after her, trailing very close behind.”
“Several people saw him following after her through the streets. She did not appear to notice him.” Westerlings words were concerning, that Rhaenyra had been so upset and out of sorts that she failed to take in her surroundings. Yet another thing to kill Daemon for, Visery's sneered in his mind.
“The princess was upset. Humiliated,” offering up an answer to the question he could see forming in the king's expression, “the princess would not have been in the right frame of mind. Shes a smart woman, and always watches her surroundings.”
“If he made it into the castle, the guards need to be punished for their incompetence.” Visery's slammed his fist into the table. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he could feel the tension rising. “I'll see to it, your grace.” silence followed Westerlings words, a lull forming heavy within the room.
Not seeing or hearing Westerling leave, Visery's grew curious, “is there something else?” he feared asking, knowing he probably wouldnt like the answer.
“A child, a young boy, from the kitchen. He said he could hear screaming and crying but it was very faint so his mother thought it came from far outside the keep,” the conversation growing dark, Westerling pushed through knowing he needed to speak, “it wasn't until they heard someone running that they came out to find the commotion.”
“And....”
"And?!' Viserys growled. Westerling pulled out a palm sized golden silk pouch, unlacing the strings at the top.
“A guard found this.” Out of the pouch Westerling pulled out a chunk of blood covered silver hair, laying the thick section upon the table in front of him.
Viserys collapsed into a chair, cradling his head in his hands, staring at the piece of evidence laying blood soaked across the wood.
“It appears the princess tried to fight him off, rather aggressively, and in slamming her to the ground he-” Westerling need not continue, the king knowing his next words.
“How can this be solved? Never have we had to track down a criminal who managed to enter the keep and attack a princess before,” Viserys was lost, pinching the bridge of his nose, “What do we even do with him when he's caught?”
Silence befell the pair, save for Viserys heavy breathing, his anger turning to a deep soul aching pit of despair as he stared at the hair. He couldn't imagine how hard Rhaenyra must have been fighting for such injuries to happen.
“Your grace, I might have a suggestion for that issue. Once we have the attacker sits rotting in the dungeons, it might be beneficial to summon Prince Daemon to Kings Landing.” Risky, but Westerling knew the suggestion needed to be made.
“Daemon?” Viserys spat lifting his head from his cradled hands, hating the idea of asking him for anything. Viserys retrained his anger to prevent from slamming his hands into the table.
“As the former head of the gold cloaks and the one that oversaw the purge of the criminal population with rather astonishing success, and an expert on Kings Landing, Prince Daemon's judgement might be the best for this.” picking his words carefully Westerling kept a close watch on the king's expression.
Viserys paused, thinking carefully of what he wanted to say. "Daemon left the princess alone, exposed and vulnerable”
“He left her in a dangerous situation,” he continued, slowly drawing his words along his tongue.
“And she was raped.” Visery put emphasis on his words, the word tearing into his heart.
“Tortured!” Viserys screamed, gripping the hair that was laying on the table, his body trembling with an anger he hadn't felt before.
It had been years since Viserys last cried, but by gods he felt tears rising to the surface. Thinking about all Rhaenyra had gone through, at the irresponsible hands of his brother. Her first steps, Daemon had been there taking precaution lest she fall. Her first dragon flight was her chasing him down, which he turned back and made sure she was safely back on the ground before he resumed his flight off into the distance promising to return quickly.
“I've always put my faith in him. Always given him chance after chance. And this is what his actions have lead to.” Viserys admitted, almost as if he were confessing to guilt, to some manor of crime. Was the crime having faith in his brother? For trying to hold his family and the last ties to his parents close? Giving him chance after chance to prove he could handle responsibility. Viserys no longer knew.
“It could also serve a lesson, your grace.” Ser Westerling suggested.
“A lesson?” Viserys interesting peaked, looking towards the knight, “Go on.”
“Prince Daemon is unaware of the "situation" at present and won't know the true scope of what his actions caused that night, without being forced to confront and admit to his wrong doings.”
Viserys gave a nod, the words making sense.
“Bring him back to get Princess Rhaenyra justice, but also play to something always there.” quirking an eyebrow Viserys waited for Westerling to continue.
“His love for the princess.” Westerling reasoned, hoping his carefully worded suggestion could bare fruit. Daemon cared deeply for the princess and it was Westerlings hope that the care and love he held could be the answer to mending some of the wounds left raw in the wake of the attack. For everyone.
Viserys was quiet, slowly stewing over the idea in his mind. There was merit in the idea, he knew. But would Rhaenyra...?
“Send a summons by the end of the week, once the scum rots in the black cells. Let my brother see what he has done to my daughter.” Viserys hissed, his hands clasped in front of him, resting his chin against a knuckle as he stared off into nothingness. With nothing left to say, the threat hanging heavy in the air, Westerling gather the hair back into the pouch in his hand, sealing it shut with the ties, gave a bow and exited the chambers, leaving the king to ponder in silence.
After a long emotion peaked day, by the time Rhaenyra made it back to her chambers, the sun began to set over Kingslanding, illuminating the rooftop lined view outside her window in a fire golden glow. The day began to draw to a close slowly, the canvas of blue sky slowly being replaced by a darkening blanket of nighttime sky. The flickers of the firelight began to cast strange shadows on the stone walls of her rooms as the light began to fade, soft and warm as the temperature began to drop with the setting sun.
Rhaenyra had long since returned to her quarters, the questioning from Ser Strong taking longer than she expected and leaving her emotionally spent, so incredibly exhausted Rhaenyra couldnt wait to crawl into bed. Her gown had been replaced by her bed clothes and a gown tied at the waist to providing warmth and protection as a maester entered her chambers to administer ointment and check on the healing progress of her wounds. She perched on the stool in from of her vanity sitting as calm and still as she could muster while the maester attended to her wounds, poking gently and asking questions as he investigated the bruising and the wound to the back of her head.
As she sat still letting fingers poke the tender puckered skin of her wounds, Rhaenyra found herself staring at her reflection in the mirror in front of her. Eyes worn and set to fine darkening circles amoungst the bruising, her pale features causing the bruising to appear darker and more painful than they appeared. Tender to the touch, they looked raw, appearing to reflect her emotional state rather than the physical state of her body.
Bite marks littering her back and shoulders slowly healing, red and bruised. Tight hand marks littering her upper arms and wrist, a hand mark tight around her throat, all tender but slowly fading to a blueish yellow with small amounts of purple sprinkled in. Not healing fast enough for her liking. The constant reminder staring her in the face every chance the mirror had to set the images back to the forefront of her mind.
As she sat Rhaenyra was made to ponder, her mind casting back to the conversation with Ser Strong, replaying in a loop over and over, a constant barrage of pain in her ears as she remembered. Her grip had been tight on Alicent's hand, but the queen never complained, returning the gesture strongly. Rhaenyra didnt think she could have made it through the conversation without her support. Even in the midst of instructing food preparations, Alicent had not hesitated to sit with her friend, for the entire questioning. She just held Rhaenyra's hand and sat by her side.
The questions had been very much what Rhaenyra expected questions she had been preparing to answer to. But hearing the questions out loud from someone else, the soul shattering moment of being confronted with the knowledge that others knew. Hearing the questions voiced from one outside her own thoughts, Rhaenyra doubted she could have prepared herself for that. There was no preparing for the reality that people would slowly start to find out.
“Im sorry princess but if you could start from the beginning, that would help a lot.”
“Any detail that might have come to the surface?”
And just like that Rhaenyra had felt herself drowning in the events of that night, and everything it brought with it. Her eyes shut tightly, crinkling at the corners, so tightly spots began to appear against the darkness.
Events playing out right in front of her eyes, as if she were existing outside herself, watching the event unfold like a play set to the stage. An actor in her own story.
"shhh." the mocking voice sounded, so clear, even now. Like the voice was still right beside her ear.
"It will all be over soon... Princess."