Formality

King's Landing

Daemions chambers

Daemion Velaryon was tossing and turning in his bed. It took him hours to fall asleep, and when he finally did, he had a rude awakening.

"Daemion..." Heleana called out. Daemion. "My love."

"Heleana. I'm here." Daemion ran to her.

"No, you're not. You left me. You left us." Heleana coldly stated.

"No. Please, Heleana. Forgive me." Daemion begged.

"I can't. You chose revenge over us, Daemion." Heleana said.

"I'm sorry. No, don't go! Heleana!" Daemion jolted up and saw a familiar face. He pushed her off him. "What the fuck are you doing?"

"I'm sorry." A naked Lynora apologized. "I... I wanted to look in on you, but my lust took over me."

"You expect me to believe that?" Daemion asked.

Lynora sighed. "No. I did come in to look on you. I lost one child, but you lost three. How are you holding it together?"

"By remembering Heleana. Something you should've done." Daemion spat. "She loved you like a sister, and you betray her like this."

"I'm sorry, Daemion. Please don't tell Aegon." Lynora begged.

"Get out of here. Now." Daemion commanded and Lynora got dressed in her robe and left.

Dragonstone

Queen Rhaenyra stood with her son as Ser Arryk and Ser Erryk were buried after the failed assassination attempt.

"He is the basest of villains. He sullies the grave of his brother." Jacaerys Velaryon

"I cannot fault him for keeping his oath." Rhaenyra said.

"And what of those who sent him?" Jacaerys asked and walked away.

"Otto Hightower would never have allowed this." Rhaenys said. "Hotter blood has prevailed, I think. The young men have taken the bit in their teeth. They wish to punish, to avenge. Soon they will not even remember what it was that began the war in the first place."

"That is easy enough. They usurped my throne." Rhaenyra pointed out.

"That is one answer. Or was it when the child was beheaded? Or when a mother and her three babes were burned in their beds?" Rhaenys asked. "Or when Aemond killed Luke…or when Luke took Aemond’s eye? We teeter now at the point where none of it will matter. And the desire to kill and burn takes hold and reason is forgotten. There may be another way. Alicent Hightower."

"When last we met, Alicent said I would make a fine queen. You’ve seen what has happened since then." Rhaenyra said.

"She came to me in the hours after your lord father’s death." Rhaenys said. "She knows war is coming, and that it’ll be savage beyond all compare. There is no war so hateful to the gods as a war between kin. And no war so bloody as a war between dragons. I do not believe she wants it."

"She sent a raven. I do not care to read her message." Rhaenyra stated. "Not after they held Daemion hostage."

"What she did…It is not her but the men around her who seek bloodshed." Rhaenys said.

"She permitted it." Rhaenyra spat.

"As you permitted the murder of a little boy in his bed along with a mother and her children." Rhaenys pointed out.

"Alicent is in King’s Landing. Her son sits my throne. She holds my eldest son in chains. There is nothing more to be said." Rhaenyra said.

King's Landing

Ser Criston had managed to assemble his army and they were ready to march.

"Standard-bearers to the front! Captain of the guard Packhorses to the rear! Clear way for the mounted knights!" A knight said.

"Lord Commander. Your host is mustered and ready to march." His squire said.

Gwayne Hightower chuckled. "He enjoys battle."

"I’m glad we’re together, even briefly." Alicent told her brother. Ser Criston. "May I present my brother, Ser Gwayne Hightower, arrived last night from Oldtown."

"Ser Criston." Gwayne greeted. "Or mayhaps I should say, my lord Hand?"

"Ser Gwayne, welcome to King’s Landing." Ser Criston said.

"How exhilarating to arrive at court after three long months on the road to find my lord father, who served three kings faithfully, unseated as Hand of the King. And by a man from such modest beginnings. Hm. What a giddying ascent the gods have bestowed on you." Gwayne said and Daemion chuckled.

"Ser Gwayne has volunteered to accompany you into battle." Alicent said.

"We have a full complement, your grace." Ser Criston pointed out.

"Then you shall have a fuller one." Alicent stated.

"The march will be hard, Ser." Ser Criston told Gwayne.

"No one is more delighted than I to march out to war with a Dornishman. Sister." Gwayne kissed his sisters hand and walked off.

"I like him." Daemion said and walked to Aemond.

"May the Seven guide you, good knight…

and lead you not into shadow and death." Alicent said.

"I thank your grace for her prayers. And request that she grant her favor… that her Lord Commander may go into battle with her blessings in his heart." Ser Criston said. Alicent offered her hankerchief to Ser Criston and Daemion noticed how Ser Criston brushed this thumb on Alicents fingernail.

"Any danger, you turn back immediately." Aegon demanded.

"Of course, uncle." Daemion said. "Don't allow your need to fight cloud what you have left. Lynora needs you."

"Goodluck, my prince." Lynora said.

"Mm." Daemion walked to Aemond.

"What do you want?" Aemond asked Daemion.

"I want to feed your eye ball to your mother, but that has to wait for now." Daemion said. "As must Harrenhall."

"What do you mean?" Aemond asked.

"The Riverlords are a stubborn bunch. Grover Tully is probably on his deathbed, and his grandson Oscar is so green he shits grass. It will be difficult to take the Riverlands to your cause." Daemion said. "If I were you, I'd rather focus on smaller castles that support my mother. Cut her off from my own supporters. But that's just me."

"Why would you tell me this?" Aemond asked.

"Take the credit and say it was your plan, I don't fucking care. I just want my chance to kill you, and the sooner it happens, the better I'll feel." Daemion said and walked to his horse.

"Are you ready?" Ser Criston asked.

"Your attempt at being a lover is painful to watch." Daemion spat.

"Can we leave now?" Ser Criston asked.

"Yes." Daemions eyes widened. "Shit! Wait." Daemion climed off his horse and ran to Aemond. "I almost forgot." Daemion casually removed Aemonds dark green coat and wore it for himself. As much as Aemond wanted to protest, Aegon allowed it to happen. The Velaryon prince climbed on his horse. "Now we can leave. Hyah!" The company left the city gates and rode off.

Aemond thought of Daemions plan and smirked. If this works the Blacks will be cut off by land. All thanks to your son, Rhaenyra.

Dragonstone

Rhaenyras chambers

Queen Rhaenyra had just come from a meeting with her council. She was worried that the decisions she had been making would make them leave.

"If it helps, you're making the right choice." Rhaenys said.

"Did I?" Rhaenyra asked. "Doing nothing while my son rots in King's Landing's prison?"

"When Daemion was a boy, he was defiant. He strong and I know he'll find his way back to his mother." Rhaenys assured.

"He was always strong. I never asked him to be and yet I've never wanted him to be a warrior. I just wanted to hold him and never let go." Rhaenyra sadly said.

"Boys grow into men faster than their mother's can blink, but they'll always need their mother." Rhaenys said.

"I suppose you're right." Rhaenyra said.

"Daemion will come back to you and he'll fight for you." Rhaenys said and left Rhaenyras chambers.

Lynoras chambers

"My Queen." The handmaiden greeted.

"I miss Jaehaerys." Lynora said. "He was my first and only boy. Unfortunately people die all the time, especially babes. They’re so little, s-so they’re taken so easily."

"Sadness is a condition of motherhood." Alicent said.

"There’s naught to be gained from it." Lynora stated. "That horrid procession where the smallfolk all stared at me. I warrant they thought I had no more right to grief than they do. Surely they lose their babes more than highborn ladies."

"The Stranger comes for us all…queen and commoner. You have as much claim to grief as anyone." Alicent assured.

"And you?" Lynora asked knowing Alicent was mourning Heleana.

"I loved Jaehaerys. I loved Heleana, Daenerys, Maelor and Maella, but my concern has been

more for you and what you have endured." Alicent said. "Uh, Lynora, I-"

"I don't forgive you." Lynora said.

"What?" Alicent asked

"I said that I don't forgive you." Lynora repeated.

"My darling-" Alicent was cut off by Lynora

"I'm not your darling." Lynora spat. "More than anyone in understand you wanted to feel loved. To be touched and adored, but I can't forgive you because your need to be satisfied cost me my son. You and your lord commander are just as responsible as Daemon's assassins."

"I'm sorry, Lynora." Alicent apologized.

Lynora wiped her tears away. "I'm flawed, but I love my children. It's the only truth I know. I will never abandon my daughter."

"I know." Alicent said.

"Heleana loved Daemion, and you couldn't see that." Lynora said. "She's gone because of you. I lost my sister because of you wanted to get fucked."

"You will not speak to me like that, I am the queen." Alicent spat.

"The queen dowager!" Lynora yelled. "You're power is nothing compared to mine now. You've been casted down by someone younger and more beautiful."

Alicents eyes widened. She remembered Heleanas words. Alicent remembered how Heleana said that she would be casted down by a younger more beautiful woman. Frightened, Alicent immediately left the room.

Aegons chambers

The young king had a talk with Larys Strong after he had told the clubfoot that he wanted to fly to meet Ser Criston Cole and Daemion. Larys was able to convince the king that since an action will be unwise.

"Dada look!" Jaehaera ran to Aegon and held up a doll.

"Yes it's very nice, Jaehaera." Aegon said in an uninterested tone.

"Can you play with me?" Jaehaera asked.

"Later." Aegon said.

"Why not now?" Lynora asked when she entered her husband's room.

"Because I am not in the mood now." Aegon said and drank his wine.

"I want to play with you daddy!" Jaehaera said.

"But you have time to drink?" Lynora asked.

"I'm just not in the mood for her." Aegon spat.

"I want to play!" Jaehaera said again.

"You can't blow out your mood like a candle at night. She wants time with you." Lynora said.

"I want to play, dada!" Jaehaera said.

"Enough! I don't want to fucking play with you! I don't want anything to do with you! Get out of my fucking chambers!" Aegon snapped.

Jaehaera started crying and ran to her mother. Lynora picked her up and carried her. She then walked to Aegon. To Aegons surprise Lynora slapped him hard on his cheek.

"You were warned." Lynora said with tears in her eyes. "We're finished." The Lannister queen then turned and left her husband's room.

Lynoras chambers

Queen Lynora was sleeping in bed with her daughter next to her. She suddenly heard a knock on the door.

"Come." She said and her new sworn protector entered her chambers.

"Prince Aemond, your grace." Ser Gyles Belgrave said.

"Let him in." Lynora said and Ser Gyles nodded amd Aemond entered the room.

"M... my apologies, your grace." Aemond said I did not mean to interrupted your sleep.

"Is everything alright?" Lynora asked.

"Yes. Well no." Aemond said.

Lynora looked at Jaehaera who was still asleep. "Come. I don't want to wake Jaehaera." They walked to the other side of the room and sat on the sofa. "What troubles you?"

"Forgive me, your grace. I may have indulge in some ale... in a pleasure house." Aemond said.

"It's understandable." Lynoras said.

Aemond nodded. "When I was a boy, I told myself that I want to marry the most beautiful woman in the world, but then I met you. You transcended that beauty and I couldn't stop thinking about you."

"Aemond... I never knew." Lynora said.

"I'm sorry." Aemond apologized. "I needed to say it." Aemond leaned forward to kiss Lynora, but the Lannister queen moved back.

"We can't. Even if I wanted to, I'm married to Aegon." Lynora said. "A betrayal of his brother will break him."

"Apologies. I also wanted to tell you that I'm sorry about Jaehaerys. The assassin's came for my head. My nephew paid the price." Aemond said.

"I don't blame you, Aemond. I never did." Lynora assured.

Aemond nodded. "Whatever you command, I will obey."

Lynora smiled. "It's a shame you weren't born first. You were always the strong one. Even before you lost your eye. She sighed. I... I know it's treason, but Aegon isn't suited for the crown, but you are."

Aemond held Lynoras hand. "I won't tell anyone of what you speak."

Road to Rosby

Ser Criston, and Daemion rode on the road to Rosby on horseback. Ser Criston noticed Daemion looking up a lot.

"What is it?" The Cole knight asked.

"Just making sure we're safe to ride in this open field." Daemion said. They approached Gwayne Hightower and his men.

"Ser Gwayne! Halt!" Ser Criston yelled. "Ser Gwayne, our company is camped back yonder."

"Mm. On the cold, hard ground." Gwayne said. "Which is why we make for the Bull, a tavern with an excellent reputation on the Rosby Road, not two miles away, if memory serves."

"I could use some rest." Daemion said. "Being locked in a cell has made me too paranoid to sleep. You'll need me at my best, yes?"

"Even the young prince has some sense." Gwayne said.

"We march to make the first strike in the name of his grace." Ser Criston retorted.

"I assure you, my nephew will not begrudge me a night of comfort. If it soothes your brow, Cole, we will rendezvous with your army at first light. Or, if their wine is good, perhaps a little after first light." Gwayne chuckled

Daemion looked up again and smrked. "We’re exposed."

"What?" Ser Criston asked.

"Cole? What's wrong?" Gwayne asked.

"Get to the trees!" Ser Criston yelled.

"Hyah! Hyah!" The men commanded their horse to run to the trees

Above the clouds Baela Targaryen was flying on her dragon, Moondancer as she was on patrol. She spotted armor shining from above and commanded her dragon to dive down.

"Hah! Hyah!" The men's horses galloped with tremendous speed. Daemion, Ser Criston and Gwaynes horse's were next to each other. The Velaryon prince looked behind him and saw Moondancer behind them. Daemion knew they were never gonna make it. As they got closer to the trees, Daemion jumped off his horse and fell. As soon as he recovered he stood in front of Moondancer

"Daemion!" Ser Criston yelled.

"Sōvegon bē!" (Fly up!) Baela commanded, and Moondancers claw narrowly missed Daemions face as the she-dragon flew up. Daemion quickly climbed in his horse and rushed into the bushes ahere he met Ser Criston, Gwayne and the rest of the knights. Moondancer now flew above the trees and Baela looked below to see of she could spot Ser Criston and the knights. Sōves! (Fly!)

Ser Criston looked up to see if Moondancer was still flying above and sighed in relief when it was clear.

"A good showing, prince Daemion." Gwayne said. "I am in your debt."

"They know we’re abroad. They’ll be hunting. And we must move under the trees

and by cover of dark, starting tonight. And no fucking inns." Ser Criston angrily stated at Gwayne. He was angry that the Hightower knight almost got his son killed. Ser Criston approached Daemion.

Dragonstone

"Ser Criston Cole…with some half-dozen other knights, I’m sure of it." Baela reported to queen Rhaenyra. "Perhaps a scout party for a greater army... and Daemion was with them."

Maester Gerardys spoke up. "The ravens confirm it, your grace. Lord Farring has reported a larger force moving northeast towards Rosby."

"Could you be certain it was Daemion from such a great height?" Rhaenyra asked with concern.

"It was not such a great height, your grace." Baela said. "You said not to engage, so I didn’t, exactly. Daemion stood in front of them as if he was trying to protect them."

"Your grace, we commend the Lady Baela for her sharp eyes, but we can tarry no longer. The time for action is surely now." Lord Bartimos said.

"Your grace, I must agree and request your permission to return to Rook’s Rest and fortify my lands." Lord Staunton said.

Gormon Massey spoke up. "You shouldn't  fret, Lord Simon. They’ll be making for Harrenhall."

"‘Tis Prince Daemon who ought to worry." Ser Alfred said.

"Prince Daemon has Caraxes." Rhaenyra pointed out.

Bartimos Celtigar interjected. "Cole will look to increase his numbers, and he may call upon a dragon of his own. And now that prince Daemion has joined the greens, how long before Auroth joins the fight as well."

"This is why you must act now, your grace.

Loose the dragons. Root Cole out and burn him.' Ser Alfred said.

"Along with my own son? Is that what you suggest?!" Rhaenyra angrily asked. She then sighed. "I have heard your arguments.

And will consider them."

Road to Rosby

Night had fallen and it was time for Ser Criston, Daemion, Gwayne and the small company of knights to start traveling.

"I am curious. What is it that makes a knight forget his oath?" Daemion asked.

"You speak of the queen?" Ser Criston inquired.

"Mm." Daemion nodded. "Did you even consider how this would affect you?"

"Be careful, Daemion. You're starting to sound like a concerned son." Ser Criston smirked.

"Not concerned at all. Just surprised that you didn't learn anything from the last time you slept with royalty." Daemion chuckled. "Alicent is young and fertile. She might give you another child. Then what?" When Ser Criston said nothing Daemion smirked.

"When it's time to fight, stay at my side." Ser Criston said.

"Be careful, Criston Cole. You're starting to sound like a concerned father." Daemion smirked and rode off with Gwayne and the rest of the Hightower knights.

Great Sept

Rhaenyra needed to find a way end this war and for her father and for her sons, Luke who she lost amd Daemion who was imprisoned. Unfortunately the only way to do that is with the help of her former best friend Alicent Hightower.

The Black queen disguised herself as a Septa and and entered King’s Landing. Once she was in the great Sept she lit a candle and sat next to Alicent. Alicent saw Rhaenyra and gasped

"No, no. Shh." Rhaenyra tried to calm Alicent down.

"What…" Alicent panicked.

"Shh." Rhaenyra whispered.

"What… H…" Alicent was too startled to form a sentence.

"I must speak with you." Rhaenyra whispered

"If I c-cry out?" Alicent asked.

"Your knights would find me. I would be taken or slain. Though not before I killed you." Rhaenyra pointed out.

Alicent exhaled. "And then what?"

"W…" Rhaenyra sighed. "I have begun badly."

Alicent scoffed and Rhaenyra breathed heavily. "We watched the tourney together, you and I… the day my brother was born. We knew, even then, that men trained up for battle are eager to fight, to seek blood and glory. But you are… I know you do not have that desire within you. Rhaenys has counseled me. She said she saw in you a wish to avert the worst of what may now come."

"So, you’ve come to surrender then?" Alicent asked.

"I have come to see if we may uncover some path towards peace." Rhaenyra stated. "My dragons are restless. They smell battle. But if you and I may come to terms-"

"There are no terms now." Alicent interrupted. "You have no army. Your allies turn from you when they hear of your depravity. Your hands are bloodied in a crime I could never have imagined you-"

"The trespass was not mine." Rheanyra spat. "Ah, think what you will. I am a mother too and you have yet to answer for the murder of my son, and the imprisonment of my eldest boy."

"I repudiate both acts with all my heart." Alicent said.

"Of course, you do, and yet you stood by and allowed your father, imprison and torture my son, Alicent! And the usurping of my rightful inheritance?" Rhaenyra asked and Alicent sighed. "Have you now stooped so low that you will countenance the suffering and death of thousands, in order that your feckless son-"

"Your father changed his mind." Alicent spat.

"Oh, so you say. And so your father has proclaimed to the realm. I saw the king that night. Mere hours before I left him, he had affirmed my right to the throne, a right he upheld steadfastly, every day of his life after my mother died. And yet, you will maintain that his mind was changed in an instant?" Rhaenyra asked.

"I will." Alicent nodded.

"You lie." Rhaenyra whispered

"No, Rhaenyra." Alicent shook her head.

"My father loved me, Alicent. And I believe he loved you, too." Rhaenyra argued. "Did you betray him at the very last? When was your plan first laid? Was your ambition so keen-"

"He changed his mind, Rhaenyra. He changed his mind." Alicent spat. "I swear this to you on the memory of my mother. I have been, at times, unkind, but never untrue. I pronounced before all gathered in that room that you would make a fine queen. Do you think me capable of such naked deceit?"

"What did he say, at the end? Did he speak my name?" Rhaenyra asked.

Alicent sighed. "He was weary. It was hard, at times, to understand. But he spoke Aegon’s name. He said he was the prince that was promised to unite the realm."

"What?" Rhaenyra asked in shock.

"I desire peace as you do, but if-" Alicent was cut off by Rhaenyra.

"Did my father use those words? The Prince That Was Promised? Did he?" Rhaenyra desperately asked.

"Yes, he did." Alicent answered.

"He… spoke to you of the Song of Ice and Fire?" Rhaenyra chuckled. "It’s a story he once told… about Aegon the Conqueror."

"The C… The Conqueror." Alicent realized that everything that has happened until now was all because of a misunderstanding, but she also realized something else. "You must go before you are discovered."

"There’s been a mistake. Please." Rhaenyra begged. "You can prevent this, Alicent. A terrible war is looming, and even victory may be so bloody as to be counted a loss. Do not let your pride blind-"

"There’s been no mistake. My father is gone from court. Cole is on the march, Aemond... you know what Aemond is. And Daemion has lost everything to the point where he turns his back on you. It’s too late, Rhaenyra." Alicent stood up.

"Alicent." Rhaenyra called out, but Alicent walked out of the Great Sept. Rhaenyra shed a tear for her son who she believes hated her enough to stand against her.

Road to Rosby

While travelling on horseback, Daemion saw Ser Criston stray from his path.

"Ser Criston!" Daemion yelled, but the Cole knight didn't respond. "Ser Criston!" Daemion called out again, but Ser Criston led his horse into the water this time. "Cole!" Daemion yelled and Ser Criston seemed to have snapped out of a trance.

"How did I get here?" Ser Criston asked.

"I don't know, but to you mind getting out of the fucking water?" Daemion asked and Ser Criston nodded.

Daemion looked up and saw a charcoal scaled dragon flying far above. The Velaryon smirked

Hi guys, here's another chapter of Dragons Rage

What did you think of Lynora in Daemions room?

What did you think of Daemion giving Aemond an idea?

What did you think or Aegon yelling at Jaehaera?

What did you think of Lynora not forgiving Alicent?

What did you think of Aemond confessing his feelings to Lynora?

What did you think of Daemion standing in front of Moondancer?

I'm open to suggestions for this story

Please comment and vote

Thanks, guys