Chapter Text
The war was over. Lord Cregan was on his way to King’s Landing with his army, ready to take back the capital for the rightful Queen. The Hightowers were all dead, having been burned alive in Tumbleton. Alicent was the only one left, the newly styled Lady of Oldtown. The Dowager Queen stood in the King’s chambers, grasping her granddaughter Jaehaera by the shoulders.
“You are my only family now, child. Do you understand what that means?” Alicent said, voice almost a whisper.
“That everyone else is dead.” Jaehaera replied, lip trembling and hands clutching at her doll.
“Yes.” Alicent brushed a strand of fine silver hair away from the girl’s face, and neatly tucked it behind her ear. “But it also means that you’re my heir. You will be Lady of Oldtown one day, Gods willing.”
The princess stayed quiet, looking out the window, eyes glassy with unshed tears.
“What will happen when the Princess reaches the city?”
Alicent’s breath faltered.
“She’s the Queen now, sweetling.” She reminded her gently. “And she will have no choice but to negotiate with us. We have both her stepdaughters in custody.”
Courtesy of Lord Larys Strong, Lady Baela was smuggled in from Dragonstone before her son arrived. Lady Rhaena had already been staying in the Red Keep when Lord Baratheon’s forces arrived, and the sisters had been kept in separate bedchambers ever since. Prisoners, in all but name.
“We must be strong Jaehaera. Rhaenyra might be merciful, but that does not mean her allies will treat us kindly. Do you understand?”
When the Princess didn’t respond, Alicent’s grip on Jaehaera tightened, causing the girl to flinch.
“Do you understand, Jaehaera?”
“Yes mummy.” The girl replied with a nod, a single tear running down her cheek. Alicent leaned down and embraced her.
——————
“Is it done?” Rhaenyra asked as she sharpened her sword.
“Yes, your Grace. All the arrangements have been made and the ships are ready for our return to King’s Landing. Lord Cregan is awaiting your command to march into the city.” Lord Corlys replied. “Though I’d wager you’d rather arrive on dragonback.”
“You are correct. You can send the command, I will leave for King’s Landing sooner rather than late. It’s time the people of the city see their Queen again.”
Syrax was currently curled up against Sunfyre, who was sleeping peacefully. Truthfully she was glad she didn’t have to harm the beast, he didn’t have any part in his rider’s treachery. That and the fact that Syrax was still recovering from her battle with Silverwing. Rhaenyra whistled and Syrax slowly got up, disentangling herself from Sunfyre. The dragon came up to Rhaenyra and gave her chest a nuzzle.
“Sȳz gí’rrlā” Good girl. Rhaenyra said as she patted her affectionately. Syrax crooned at the attention. Her beautiful girl had been with her since birth, by her side during the happy times, the sad times, and the painful times. Rhaenyra’s vision became blurry as she remembered everyone she had lost. Her mother, her husband, Laenor, Laena, Rhaenys, and her sweet sons. All gone. Her tears were flowing down her cheeks freely now, and Syrax crooned and nuzzled her, sharing in her grief. “Ao issa ón’nlyā lentrot nyke emagon vēndar.” You are the only family I have left.
“Your Grace.” Maester Gerardys called out, “Lord Stark has received the raven. We are ready.”
Rhaenyra nodded whilst wiping her tears away with her sleeves.
“Very well. It is time I reclaim my city.”
The maester bowed his head and left her alone once more. She caressed Syrax’s snout once more and managed to ground herself. This was it.
“Suja issa tembyr māzigon lentonhe” It is time to return home. She whispered to Syrax, the dragon responding with a chirp. Rhaenyra climbed onto the saddle, settling herself comfortably for the journey ahead. “Sōvegon!” Fly!
Syrax slowly ascended the air, her wings gathering dust and dirt as she flew upwards. They were soon high up enough that the people on the ships below looked like ants.
“Kin'g'thion Tegon!” To King’s Landing! The Queen shouted, and Syrax started flying towards King’s Landing.
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“Lord Cregan is at the gates, your Grace.” Ser Rickard Thorne informed her.
“Very well then.” Alicent smoothed down her dress. She decided to wear Hightower colors today. Mayhaps she was being bold for the occasion, but she felt the need to remind everyone of her current position. “Follow me, Jaehaera.”
As they wandered through the halls and descended the staircases all the servants and nobles bowed before her.
“Good morrow, your Grace.”
“Well met, your Grace.”
“Your Grace, may I have a moment of your time?”
Alicent paused, and turned towards the servant who had called out to her. SHe knew him not, but recognized him instantly by the brooch he was wearing on his chest. One of Larys’ creatures.
“Take Jaehaera ahead of me, but do not open the gates until I arrive.” She instructed. The Kingsguard obeyed and guided the girl forward. Once they were out of earshot, the servant nodded towards the direction of a secluded alcove. Alicent followed and subconsciously brushed against the blade hidden beneath her dress.
“What is it?” She questioned once they reached the corner, her patience already running thin.
“I have some valuable information from Dragonstone.” The man began. “As we all know the Queen sent out ravens earlier this week, declaring the usurper dead. They say he passed in his sleep, of a lingering wound after the battle at Rook’s Rest. Quite the convenient story, wouldn’t you say?”
“What are you saying?” Alicent asked, praying her voice didn’t waver as her heartbeat rose.
‘All I’m saying, your Grace, is that it is quite a coincidence. The King dies the night before the Queen reaches Dragonstone, therefore she doesn’t have to take responsibility for his death.” Then the man’s voice dropped to a whisper. “Not to mention the sin of kinslaying.”
Alicent’s heart dropped to her stomach. She gripped her hands tightly to stop them from trembling, and gathered all her resolve to not let any emotion show on her face.
“And what do you mean to accomplish by telling me all this?” She whispered back.
“You will have to negotiate peace terms with the Queen. Lord Larys only wished for you to know all the details you might need so the negotiations go in your favor. All he asks is that you don’t forget all the ways he’s helped you throughout the years, from one friend to another.”
Alicent’s gaze hardened at that.
“Yes. From one friend to another.” Alicent cleared her throat. “Now, I must be on my way.”
“Your Grace.” The servant bowed and Alicent got out of there as quickly as she could.
Her heart was hammering in her chest, her head full of conflicting emotions. She knew, she knew, what she had done when she went to Dragonstone to meet with Rhaenyra. The war had to end, Helaena and Jaehaera’s safety was her top priority. And yet. Helaena was gone, impaled by the spikes at the bottom of Maegor’s Holdfast. Aemond had been slain by his uncle above the God’s Eye. And Daeron… nobody had found his body after Tumbleton. The Hightower army had been decimated after the battle, and there was no one to identify the bodies of her poor son and her family. She knew her sons had done wrong, had committed sins no man was capable of coming back from, but her heart still ached for them, still mourned their loss. Mayhaps she was truly a monster, and she was already damned to the Seven Hells. All she could hope was that Helaena was happy now, and free to do as she pleased.
She felt the tears coming back but she willed them away. She would not permit herself to appear weak in this court full of vultures. She finally reached the gate and felt relief at seeing Jaehaera accompanied by Ser Rickard, the Kingsguard entertaining her with a story. As soon as she approached he bowed in respect and Jaehaera ran towards her.
“You’re back! I missed you.” The girl said, clutching at her dress.
“I missed you too, sweetling.” Alicent responded, caressing her hair. She leaned down and kissed her forehead. “Remember, we must be strong.”
The little Princess nodded and Alicent signaled for Ser Willis Fell to open the gates. The Lord Commander obeyed and soon enough the rest of the household guards were opening the gates to the city. As soon as the gates were open Lord Stark rode in on his horse with his retinue into the courtyard. The guards were wary but Alicent had previously instructed them to lay down their weapons if asked, so no bloodshed would occur. Lord Stark dismounted his horse, and looked around for a bit before meeting her gaze.
“Your Grace.” He said as he kneeled before her. “It is a pleasure to meet you. The Queen had told us in advance that you would let us enter the city without fuss. I am pleased to see you have fulfilled your end of the bargain.”
“The pleasure is all mine, Lord Stark.” Alicent responded, forcing a smile on her face. “There are still guards posted around the castle, loyal to my house and to Lord Baratheon. Rest assured they have been ordered not to attack unless given cause.”
“Let us hope we do not give them cause then.” Lord Stark japed. Before the Dowager Queen could respond, the roar of a dragon was heard in the distance.
“The Queen is here!” A herald proclaimed. The soldiers and servants in the courtyard quickly started scurrying out of the way to make space for the dragon to land. Slowly, the beast descended and landed gracefully, letting out a final roar to announce her presence. The Queen took in her surroundings before unstrapping herself from her saddle. She climbed down from the saddle and people started kneeling before her, until it was just Alicent left standing. Rhaenyra started walking towards her, and Alicent felt her grip on Jaehaera tighten.
Be strong.
“Your Grace.” Alicent bowed, and after a beat Jaehaera quickly followed. “The city is yours once more.”
“I am grateful for your cooperation, Dowager Queen.” Rhaenyra replied smoothly. “Let us adjourn in the council chambers posthaste.”
With that, the Queen took her leave and her men followed her.
_________________
“How has the city been in my absence Ser Luthor?” Rhaenyra asked. She had taken a bath and changed from her riding leathers to a more regal and ornate gown, more suited for a Queen.
“The riots have mostly subsided since your Grace left.” The Commander of the City Watch replied. “The smallfolk tried getting inside the Dragonpit but Lady Rhaena was able to fend them off with Sheepstealer. Unfortunately, the dragon perished from its wounds.”
Yet another dragon was dead under her reign.
“Tell the dragonkeepers to get some eggs from Syrax’s latest clutch. As a reward for her bravery and sacrifice, Lady Rhaena will have her pick of a new egg.” The girl’s loyalty had never wavered, and Rhaenyra would not deprive her cousin of another dragon if she wished for it. “I want to know about the other dragons in the pit as well. Any sickness or abnormalities shall be reported to me immediately.”
“As you wish, Your Grace.” Ser Luthor responded. Once they reached the small council chambers, he departed for the Dragonpit and was replaced by Ser Lorent. The Lord Commander of the Queensguard opened the doors to the chamber and Rhaenyra was met with familiar faces. Everyone in the room rose to attention as she made her way to the head of the table, taking her rightful seat as Queen. “You may sit, my lords and ladies. The sooner we get over these negotiations, the better.”
To her left sat Lord Cregan Stark of Winterfell, her cousin Lady Jeyne Arryn, and Lord Corlys Velaryon. To her right sat the Dowager Queen, Tyland Lannister and Lord Borros Baratheon.
“We will begin with the matter of the treasury.” Rhaenyra declared.
“Your Grace, my good-sister has informed us that the part of the treasury spirited away to Casterly Rock is being returned as we speak. All that she asks is clemency for herself and her children.” Tyland responded. His body had been permanently damaged after falling into the sea during the battle of the Gullet, and he constantly walked around with a cane. Nevertheless, his mind was as sharp as ever.
“It shall be done. On the condition that she surrenders her eldest daughter and her only son as wards to the crown.” The word hostages went unsaid. Tyland seemed to hesitate for a second, before thinking otherwise and assenting.
“I will write to Lady Johanna, I’m sure she will agree.”
“Good. As for you, Lord Borros?”
“King Aegon was alive when we took the city, we weren’t prepared to bring our part of the treasury with us. I will write to my wife so my men can bring it to the city.” The Lord of Storm’s End replied. He still seemed sour about the Greens’ loss, and rumor has it that he had named his firstborn and only son after the usurper.
“Prince Aegon, Lord Borros. I remind you that my brother was nothing more than a pretender who usurped my birthright.” Rhaenyra said, voice hardening. “You should also write to your wife to send your eldest daughters to court, I expect them here by the end of the moon. I would ask for your son as well but I would not be so cruel as to rip a babe from his mother’s breast.”
Lord Borros glared at her but eventually relented, and fetched a page to start writing a letter for him.
“As for the part of the treasury in Oldtown–”
“It is on its way, Your Grace. I have seen to it.” Alicent interrupted.
“And on whose authority?” Rhaenyra questioned, irked at the fact she had been interrupted.
“On mine, as Lady of Oldtown.”
The room went still.
Suddenly, Lord Borros started bursting out in laughter.
“With all due respect Your Grace, last I heard the Lord of Oldtown was Ormund’s son Lyonel, after the rest of the Hightowers fell in battle.” Lord Borros said as he wiped a tear from his eye.
“Aegon declared me Lady of Oldtown before he left for Dragonstone.” The Dowager Queen then produced a document seemingly out of thin air, before setting it down harshly on the table. Rhaenyra reached for the letter and read it.
I, King Aegon II, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm, hereby declare Dowager Queen Alicent Hightower to be Lady of Oldtown, Lady of the Hightower, Defender of the Citadel and Beacon of the South.
Additionally, I declare Princess Jaehaera Targaryen as her presumptive heir.
Her children and descendants shall bear the name Hightower if they so choose and will inherit all her titles after her passing. Any other Hightower relatives will be beneath her children and descendants in the line of succession.
Signed, Aegon II Targaryen
Rhaenyra frowned, and started passing the letter around the council table so each member could read it.
“Is there anyone who can verify the validity of this document?” Rhaenyra asked.
“Maester Orwyle was a witness when it was written. Additionally, any maester in the castle can verify that this was Aegon’s handwriting and signature.” Alicent answered.
“Your Grace, I do not think it is wise to grant the Dowager Queen a seat of power after her treachery.” Lord Corlys said after reading the letter.
“I agree. Furthermore, royal decree can be undone just as easily by any ruling monarch. Even if this document is legally binding, you have no obligation to adhere to it.” Lord Cregan added.
Both of them made good points, and perhaps it was the wisest course to not interfere with the Hightower inheritance when they held a part of her treasury. However, she knew that there must’ve been a reason for the royal decree.
“I understand your concerns, my Lords, and I will take them all into account. Nevertheless, I am curious to know why this decree was made in the first place.” All eyes turned to Alicent at that moment.
“Lyonel Hightower has betrayed his family. When my son Daeron called for help after the death of my cousin Ormund, Lyonel hid behind the safety of his walls and secluded himself in the Hightower along with his stepmother Samantha Tarly.” Alicent said, voice smooth.. “There are rumors that she was the one who whispered in his ear to stay behind, and she has even gone so far as to crawl into his bed, intent on becoming the Lady of Oldtown once more.”
“While that may be true, it matters not as long as they make due on their promise and send the rest of the treasury our way.” Lady Jeyne spoke up. “Speaking from mine own experience having to deal with a succession crisis, it might not be wise to interfere with the succession of the Hightowers while the realm is still recovering.”
“Aye, the lad is a man grown besides, he will surely fight for his birthright.” Lord Cregan added.
“He is a man grown, yet he is still guided by his carnal desires. A proper lord should not let himself be manipulated into leaving his own men to die. Or have you all forgotten how many women were raped and children were killed in Tumbleton?” Alicent snapped back. “He has already been disloyal to his liege once, there is no guarantee he won’t do it again.”
“As opposed to you, Dowager Queen?” Lord Corlys questioned. “You plotted against the Queen for years and helped your son usurp the crown. Why should her Grace place any more trust on you?”
“I have erred in judgement before, I admit it, and I will spend the rest of my life paying for it.” She then looked at Rhaenyra, who met her gaze. “But once I realized the error of my ways I took action to help the Queen reclaim the city. I advised the Queen on how to rule the realm. I have proved my loyalty time and time again. My cousin has not done the same.”
Lord Corlys was about to speak up again, until Rhaenyra interrupted him.
“Enough. This is a delicate matter and requires further examination before we take any definitive decisions. We will discuss this on the morrow. Now, onto more important matters.”
The small council meeting continued, but Rhaenyra could hardly focus with Alicent’s gaze drilling into hers. They discussed taxes, food supplies, the state of the City Watch, the aftermath of the attack on the Dragonpit, among other topics. Towards the end of the meeting the discussion shifted to one dreaded the matter of succession.
“I know it is a– sensitive topic, Your Grace, but have you considered who you would name as your heir?” Lord Corlys asked tentatively.
Rhaenyra breathed in. Her eldest Jacaerys, pierced by arrows during the battle of the Gullet. Her sweet son Luke, killed over Shipbreaker Bay by her half-brother. Her boy Joffrey, ripped apart by a mob during the riots of King’s Landing. Her little ones Aegon and Viserys, forever lost at sea. And her only daughter, Visenya, who died in the womb before she could take her first breath. Her resolve hardened.
“My father named me heir when I was his only child, and there were four Targaryens left. Now there are four Targaryens left once more, and I have no daughter or son to succeed me.” She began. “The realm will forever know Aegon as a usurper. He stole my birthright, and thousands died for it, including my children.” She took a deep breath once more. “Nevertheless, the succession stands clear. As the eldest and only remaining child of my brother, Jaehaera shall be my heir, with Baela and Rhaena after her in the line of succession. Baela and Rhaena will also be given the title of Princesses”
“Your Grace–”
“Let me finish, Lord Corlys. Jaehaera shall be heir presumptive, only until I am able to sire a child of my own. I am still a young alpha, and I intend to remarry as soon as possible.” Rhaenyra declared.
She loathed that she had to make this decision, but she had no choice. She dreaded having to remarry, especially to someone loyal to the Greens, but she had promised herself she would be a better ruler than her father. Even if that meant making sacrifices. Keeping Jaehaera as heir would please any remaining green loyalists, while adding Baela and Rhaena to the succession would soothe any issues Corlys might have down the road. It was not a permanent solution, but her duty as Queen was to stabilize the realm and she was doing the most she could.
“Your Grace, I am honored that you would grant my granddaughters the title of Princess. House Velaryon shall not forget this, and we will remain steadfast in our loyalty as always.” Lord Corlys said as he bowed.
“I thank you Lord Corlys, the Crown shall never forget your loyalty. Now, if that is everything for today, this meeting has concluded.” Rhaenyra declared.
The gathered Lords started slowly trickling out of the room until it was just Rhaenyra and Alicent left.
“Leave us.” Rhaenyra commanded Ser Lorent. He faltered for a brief second, before obeying and leaving the two of them alone. The atmosphere shifted immediately, and the tension was so thick it could be cut with a knife. Rhaenyra heard Alicent approach her side, but didn’t dare look up, afraid of what she might see in her eyes.
“You did well today. Carried yourself like a true Queen.” Alicent said as she brushed her hand against Rhaenyra’s, sending a shiver up the Queen’s spine. Rhaenyra took her hands in hers, relishing in the warmth they provided.
“I should hope so. I am their Queen whether they like it or not. If they don’t accept it they can burn like the rest.” Rhaenyra replied, the heat between them rising. Alicent brushed her lips past her cheek and Rhaenyra’s heart was almost beating out of her chest.
“Help me secure Oldtown.” Alicent whispered in her ear. Rhaenyra immediately tore herself away, rage flaring inside her once more.
“Are you serious? Everything you’ve lost, everything you’ve sacrificed, and you still crave power?” Rhaenyra questioned.
“Rhaenyra, Jaehaera and I have nothing. No family, no title, no protection–”
“You have me! I can protect you. Despite everything, I have still protected and defended you.” Rhaenyra cried out. “Have I also not protected Jaehaera by naming her my heir? You will finally have your blood on the throne as you have always wanted. Or is your greed so grand that even that is not enough?”
“You have put a target on her back! Do you really think your leal lords are so honorable as to not harm a child when it would directly benefit them? Do you think naming Baela and Rhaena Princesses of the realm will stop Corlys’ ambitions? Jaehaera is the only person standing between him and his wish of finally having his blood on the throne.” Alicent argued back.
“Corlys is exhausted, Alicent. He’s lost his grandsons, his children, his wife and his heir. He wants no more fighting, and neither do I.” Rhaenyra said as she sighed. She had started fiddling with her rings out of anxiety. “What exactly do you hope to accomplish by becoming Lady of Oldtown?”
Alicent sighed.
“I just hoped I would be able to keep Jaehaera safe if the worst came to pass. I knew your allies would not be nearly as merciful if anything were to happen to you. So my plan was to become Lady of the Hightower and have Jaehaera abdicate and take my last name, so we could live out peaceful and quiet lives for the rest of our days.” Alicent smiled sadly. “I know it’s foolish, but it was a last resort for us. Then the news of what happened in Tumbleton reached the capital and I became wroth at my cousin. I still am.”
“But when exactly was the letter written?” Rhaenyra asked.
“After Rook’s Rest. Aegon was still recovering from his wounds at the time and Jaehaerys was– Jaehaerys was dead.” Alicent swallowed, and it seemed as though she was trying her best not to cry. “He would not be able to sire any more children so I managed to convince him to surrender Jaehaera into my care. After our meeting at Dragonstone I kept the letter with me at all times, just in case.”
“I see.” Rhaenyra swallowed. Rationally, she knew it was best to leave the Hightowers as they were. As far as anyone knew Lyonel was not complicit in his father’s schemes, and he would hold up his end of the deal in delivering the rest of the treasury. Even so, having Alicent as her vassal would have its benefits. The Dowager Queen was someone she had known since childhood, who despite her betrayal at the beginning of the war, had proven time and time again to be loyal to her Queen. She knew in her rational mind that giving Alicent this boon would be seen as giving her too much favor, and potentially risk alienating her current allies. But she was never rational when it came to Alicent, at least not when it mattered.
“I will consider it.” Rhaenyra stated.
“Oh, thank you Rhaenyra…” Alicent embraced her and Rhaenyra felt that familiar heat rise between them again. She returned the hug and felt Alicent’s breath on her ear once more. “I’m very grateful, Your Grace.”
Rhaenyra couldn’t hold back any longer and pulled Alicent into a kiss.Their mouths opened and their tongues intermingled in a familiar dance. They had been doing this for over twenty years, but each time Rhaenyra kissed Alicent it felt even better than the last. As their kiss deepened, . she pushed Alicent back against the Small Council table, and the Dowager Queen let out a moan as she slipped a hand between her legs–
“Your Grace!” Ser Lorent called out. “The dragon keepers are here, along with a page bringing news from Tumbleton.”
Alicent pulled away as if burned, and Rhaenyra had to fight to keep the disappointment off her face.
“Give me just a second.” Rhaenyra responded. After smoothing down her dress she grabbed Alicent’s hand once again. There were many things she wanted to say, about the war, about their family, about her children… In the end she settled for giving her hand a kiss. “I shall see you later.”
Alicent smiled and bowed her head. “I’m looking forward to it, Your Grace.”
Rhaenyra called out for Ser Lorent, and the dragon keepers stepped inside as Alicent left the room, each one of them bowing to her. They brought with them a large chest, and judging from the heat emanating from it, Rhaenyra could guess what was inside.
“Aōha Grác'ætor, kesīri issa pōja drōmon hen Shy'rraex'zrys lau'dhethtā klût’hkkhza. Pōnte issa pōja fë'rhthylærys se bāne vēndarion, vēttor lyk’ælynos khát'hkhhën.” Your Grace, these are all eggs from Syrax's latest clutch. They are all fertile and hot to the touch, very likely to hatch.
“Nyke kirimvose syt pōja aōha ëffo'rrdthnos. Ao tembyr emagon kesīri drōmon dél'ïvérhëdion Rkh’aeænnános Taer'gauryën'ztor dombrorys.” I thank you for all your efforts. You may have these eggs delivered to Rhaena Targaryen's rooms.
The dragonkeepers left and the page entered the room. He was only a boy, perhaps only four and ten, and looked extremely nervous. His eyes were sunken and his clothes were covered with dirt and dust. It seemed as though he had been riding for days with no rest.
“Fear not child. Deliver me the news you have swiftly brought me.” Rhaenyra said, with a gentler tone than usual.
“Y-Yer Grace, I am just a common page from Lady Footly’s household. She urged me to inform you that efforts are already being made to rebuild the town, and all aid the crown has provided has been most useful and my Lady is most grateful.”
“I am glad to hear that. I would also welcome Lady Sharis to court with open arms, to help her find a husband if she wishes after the passing of Lord Footly.”
The page seemed to become nervous at that.
“Well, you see yer Grace– the Lady Footly is pregnant. She has told the servants she cannot travel for fear that she will lose the babe.”
Ah. That certainly complicates things.
“No matter. Lady Sharis’ comfort is of utmost importance at this time. You may send her my congratulations.” Rhaenyra replied, before her tone turned serious “Now, about the sensitive matter we discussed in the letter, what can you tell me?”
The servant started fidgeting even more now, and Rhaenyra felt dread building at the pit of her stomach.
“T-The dragon Tessarion has not been found, and neither has the corpse of his rider Prince Daeron Targaryen.” The page stammered out nervously. “They are still looking through the bodies, but there has been no sign of a silver hair among the wreckage.”
Rhaenyra felt fear crawling up her spine now, and she harshly grabbed the page by the shoulder, startling the boy.
“This information cannot leave this room, do you understand?” She asked the boy harshly, gripping his shoulder tightly and causing him to wince.
“Y-Yes yer Grace! I swear it!” The boy kneeled in front of her, fearful for his life.
“Any correspondence between King’s landing and Tumbleton will be relayed by word of mouth. I cannot risk sending ravens. Let Lady Sharis know when you arrive back at Tumbleton.”
“As you wish, yer Grace.” Once the boy got the message, Rhaenyra let go of his shoulder and the page all but bolted out of the room. Once she was alone with her thoughts, Rhaenyra was left to ponder what had just happened. One of her half-brothers was possibly alive, and he had a dragon with him. Just when she thought the war would finally be over, there was another threat to her reign. And another brother she would have to kill.