A Dragon In Mortal Skin

Kings Landing

The royal family arrived in Kings Landing and the king had slowly stepped out if the carriage and everyone saw how pale he looked and how drowsy he was, they saw the king fall and everyone was around him until finally they lifted him up and brought him into the Red Keep.

"Fetch the maester!" Lord commander Harrold shouted.

"Get back!" Lord Lyonel shouted.

"Get Mellos! Get back!" The lord commander shouted again.

"Prepare the crucible. We'll need leaches..." Mellos said.

Rhaegons carriage arrived, and he saw his father being dragged away. "What happened?"

"His grace fell. He must be exhausted from the travel." Ser Criston said.

Rhaegon looked at his sister. "I have to see to Father."

"Go. I'll be in my room." Rhaenyra said.

Queen Alicents chambers

Ser Criston was summoned to the queens chambers. He had no idea what the queen would want with him or why she would summon him, but he hastily went to her chambers.

Alicent was sitting with crying, Heleana, once again. She remembered how easily Rhaegon calmed her down, but she did working, and she was getting tired. "Ser Criston, your grace." Her lady-in-waiting announced.

She then handed Heleana to the midwife. "That will be all." She said as the midwife took away the crying baby. Ser Criston entered and bowed his head. "I fear I must question you on a delicate matter, Ser Criston." Alicent said.

"I am your servant as always, my queen." he said

"It concerns our dear princess Rhaenyra. Please." She motioned for him to take a seat next to her.

He then walked toward her, and she moved aside for him to sit, which he did. "You are her sworn protector and rightly loyal to her."

"I am." Ser Criston said nervously.

"The night of my fathers dismissal... there's been a rumor... or rather ser Otto received and an accounting of...a lapse of morals that may have occurred between..." Alicent had no idea how to phrase what she was asking the knight. "It is, of course, unthinkable for me to question the virtue of the princess whom I hold in highest regard, but I did, however, wonder if..." Ser Criston was too nervous to even attempt to answer. "I'm not unaware that in a flush of youth... there may be errors made..." At this point, she was referring to her kissing Rhaegon and confessing her love for him. "Breaches in resolve, breaches or rather lapses -"

"It happened your grace." Ser Criston finally spoke. She turned to him, hoping she did not hear what he said. "The sin you allude to. Prince Rhaegon has committed it." This shocked Alicent either Rhaenyra had sex with Rhaegon and lied about it.

Alicent then turned away from him. This was too much. How did it all come to this. She and her sister were close once, and now it's as if they barely know each other. Rhaenyra lied to her. How can any of this be fixed.

She then composed herself. "Thank you for your honesty, Ser Criston." She then turned to him. "You may go." The knight looked at the queen, and then he bowed and left.

Viserys chambers

Viserys was in bad shape, he was pale and the treatment that he was receiving seemed to only have made things worse, he was advised by Rhaegon to have his maester tend to him, and Viserys allowed it under the supervision of Grandmaester Mellos and maester Orwyle

"Rest now, your grace. I will bring the leeches." Mellos said.

"If I may Grandmaester, I too the liberty of preparing a fresh set of herbal poultices that might be more effective." Maester Orwyle,  the Grandmaesters assistant, was cut off by Mellos.

"That will not be necessary, Orwyle. The leechings have always brought his grace relief." Mellos said and grunted when he got up. He was old and stubborn, and everyone could see it. Orwyle then went to Lord Lyonel.

"To help him sleep." He whispered and handed some medicine to the hand of the king.

"Where's Rhaenyra?" The king asked.

"I understand she's otherwise occupied, your grace." Lord Lyonel said.

"Will I be remembered as a good king, Lyonel?" Viserys asked.

"Your grace?" Lyonel inquired.

"What will they say of me when the histories are written, I have neither fought nor conquered, nor suffered any great defeat." He said.

"Some might call that good fortune." Lyonel said.

"It hardly makes a good song, does it, to be sung at feasts in a hundred years, five hundred?" Viserys asked.

"You have carried King Jaehaerys' legacy and kept the realm strong." Lyonel said. Rhaegon was quiet.

Viserys chuckled. "By breaking family apart, I loved Aemma, and what I did to her isn't something you do to someone you love. She was my world and destroyed my family with one choice." Viserys said.

"And yet you have peace in the realm, your grace. Is it not better to live in peace than to have songs sung after you are dead?" Lyonel asked.

"Perhaps, but there is a part of me that wishes that I've been tested, I often think in the crucible, I may have been forged a different man." Viserys said.

"Many who are tested, only wish to have been spared it." Lyonel said.

"Another lord might assure me that I would rise like Aegon the Conquerer if given the chance." The king said.

"Your grace, that is -" He was cut off by Viserys.

"You're right, you're right...as always, it is perhaps best not to know." Viserys said.

"Please leave us, Lord Hand." Taeron said upon entering the room.

"My prince." Lyonel bowed and immediately left.

"You're not allowed to die." Rhaegon said.

"Rhaegon-" Viserys wheezed.

"No! You will fight and keep fighting. Mother would want you to, as do I." Rhaegon was close to tears. Yes, he was angry at his father, but the thought of losing him sent him over the edge.

"I'm sor...I'm so sorry, my son." Viserys apologized.

"No. You'll apologize when you're better." Rhaegon stated.

Viserys smiled. "You're more like your mother than me. She was also defiant."

"You'll get better." Rhaegon insisted. "You'll get better."

A week later , Throne Room

The wedding feast for the crown prince Rhaegon Targaryen and Lady Laena Velaryon was being held in the throne room.

"It is with great pleasure that his grace, King Viserys, announces the start of the royal celebrations." Lord commander Harrold  announced. Viserys, Rhaenyra, and Lord Lyonel sat the high table as Lord commander Harrold announced the guests.

"House Lannister with their Lord, Jason Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock, Lord Paramount of the Westerlands, and Warden of the West." Jason Lannister, his daughter, Cerelle, his twin brother Tyland, and their mother Ceira walked in as if they owned the place.

Jason walked up to the high table wearing red and gold like his mother. "Congratulations, your grace, you have made a fine match for the crown prince."

"Thank you, Lord Jason. Lady Laena is an exquisite beauty." Rhaegon said. He noticed Cerelle rolling her eyes.

Jason chuckled. "Well of this is only the welcome feast, I admit I cannot imagine what you have planned for the wedding."

"Well, Rhaegon is my heir, and I wanted this to be a wedding for the histories." Viserys said.

Jason Lannister smiled and noticed Alicent wasn't present. "Where is the queen? I had hoped to pay my respects."

"I understand that the queen is getting ready for the celebrations." Viserys said plainly as he looked at the empty seat.

"This is why men wage war... because women would never be ready for the battle in time." He said smugly.

Rhaenyra rolled her eyes. "Your presence is always such a pleasure, Lord Jason." She said, tired of listening to him talk.

"Your grace." He greeted the king. "My prince, my princess." He bowed, then we walked off.

Next was Lord Hobert, but he was stopped by ser Gerold Royce he then stepped forward to greet the royal family. "Your grace, my prince, congratulations are in order."

"We are very honored to have you as a guest ser Gerold. I must say, I was most distressed to hear or the lady Rhea's tragic passing. I'm very sorry for your loss." Viserys offered his condolences.

"Lady Rhea was a unique character." Gerold said sadly. "Her kind may never be seen again." Ser Gerold was cut off by the door opening.

Just then, the doors opened up to reveal the Velaryons, and everyone cleared a path for them.

"Lord Corlys, of House Velaryon, Lord of the tides and Master of Driftmark, and his lady wife, Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, and their son and heir, Ser Laenor Velaryon, and the Lady Laena Velaryon." Lord commander Harrold announced. "The future Queen Consort."

The crowd applauded, and the royal family stood up. The Velaryon family walked and finally got in front of the high table, and Rhaegon walked to meet Laena. "My betrothed." He greeted.

"My betrothed." She greeted back.

Both Velaryon and Targaryen sat at the high table, and Lord Jason looked annoyed as he clapped his hands. The crowd sat down, and Daemon entered. He approached the high table and had a smug smirk. Viserys then motioned for the servant to bring a chair, and Daemon sat next to Lyonel.

"Be welcome." Viserys spoke up. "As we join together in celebration, tonight is only it's beginning, we honor the crowns oldest and fiercest ally, House Velaryon, reaching back to the days of Old Valyria and the Age of Dragons. With House Targaryen and H-." The king was cut off when he looked at the doors, and everyones heads turned to see what the king was looking at. It was his wife, Queen Alicent Hightower. She wore a beautiful green dress.

She then walked down the steps and toward the high table, and the attendees rose at their presence. "The king will not be happy." Ser Harwin Strong said to his brother Larys. "Right in the midst of his speech."

"The beacon on the Hightower. Do you know what color it glows when Oldtown calls its banners to war?" Larys asked his brother.

"Green." Harwin said.

Alicent had made a statement that she was not a little girl anymore. She was a wife and mother to three children. She had defended Rhaenyra, and she lied to her face . She loved Rhaegon and was ready to fight for him.

"Congratulations, stepson. What a blessing this is for you. " Rhaegon smirked at Alicent.

"Be seated." Viserys said, and everyone sat down. He looked at Lyonel. "Where was I?"

"The joining of the two houses, your grace. He told him.

"Yes." He cleared his throat. "Yes. With House Targaryen and House Velaryon united, I hope to herald in a second Age of Dragons in Westeros." Everyone applauded. "Yes and after tonight's small affair...seven days or tournament and feasting, and at the end of it all...a royal wedding between my son... Prince Rhaegon and Lady Laena" The crowd applauded.

Rhaegon and Laena then proceeded to dance as per Valyrian customs, and when it was over, the crowd joined in. Rhaegon watched as Alicent was talking to her uncle, Lord Hobert, and knew that something was going on.

At the high table ser Gerold approached looked at Daemon. "In the Vale, men are made to answer for their crimes." He said boldly. "Even Targaryens."

"And who are you?" Daemon asked.

"Ser Gerold Royce of Runestone," He answered.

"And?" Daemon inquired.

He walked closer to Daemon. "I am cousin to your late lady wife."

"Ah yes, terrible thing." Daemon said. "I'm positively bereft. It was such a terrible accident."

"You know, better than anyone, it was no accident." Ser Gerold said.

"Are you confessing some guilt, Ser Gerold?" Daemon asked.

"No, I am making an accusation." This caught Lyonel and Viserys' attention.

"You know, in Kings Landing, men are made to answer for their slanders. Even old bronze cunts like you." Daemon said. "The truth is I'm glad you've come because I wish to speak to you about my my inheritance."

"What inheritance?" Gerold asked

"Lady Rhea and I had no heirs, and as her husband whatever she was due now passes to me." Daemon said. "From what I recall she stood to inherit all of Runestone...did she not." Ser Gerold was quiet. "After my nephews wedding I plan to fly to the Eyrie and petition Lady Jeyene. Perhaps I'll see you there ser Gerold." Ser Gerold just walked away.

Rhaegon danced with Laena. "Has anyone ever told you you're nearly as pretty as your brother?" He asked her.

"Well you flatter me, my prince." She responded. Laena was enjoying talking to Rhaegon. Like Rhaenyra, he excited her, although she knew her mother would warn her against Rhaegon as the black dragon, and she had heard stories from both her Uncle Vaemond and her brother that Rhaegon aegon is too unpredictable, reckless and dangerous, which she liked even more. "A Targaryen prince, a dashing knight, and a dragonrider." Laena listed everything that made Rhaegon seem great. "You appear to be every young maidens dream, I cannot wait for our married life." She flirted.

Rhaegon smirked. "Surprisingly, neither can I." Rhaegon also noticed Rhaenyra looking at him full of jealousy.

Ser Criston was looking at Rhaenyra. He couldn't help what he felt for her, but now he was angry. Angry at Rhaegon for ruining his chances with Rhaenyra. In the far distance see Joffery spoke to his lover Ser Laenor, when Laenor and Rhaenyra spoke, Laenor believed that Rhaenyra knew that he had a lover and he needed to know who Rhaenyras lover was as well.

"I think I know who it is." Joffery said.

"Hm?" Laenor inquired.

"The handsome paramour." Joffery said.

"Who?" Laenor asked.

Joffery looked straight at Ser Criston. "Ser Criston Cole."

"Her sworn protector?" He asked.

"Look at him, the man is fully cuntstruck." Joffery said and Laenor laughed. "I believe Ser Criston has bloodied that white cloak with of his with your bride's maidenhead."

"Keep your voice down!" Laenor warned and Joffery smirked.

"This is a good thing, she knows your secret, and now you know hers." He said and both of them smiled. Jeffrey then walked to Ser Criston. "They make a handsome match, don't they?" Joffery asked.

"What?" Ser Criston inquired.

"Well the princess Rhaenyra and Ser Laenor. Ser Joffery Lonmouth. He introduced himself. "Or the knight of kisses they call me, though I don't know why." He said and Ser Criston saw Laenor and Rhaenyra talking.

"I'm on the watch, what's your business?" He asked, Ser Criston was already angered by Rhaegon and Joffery wasn't making it easier.

"You don't know me, Ser Criston, but we are both deeply invested in this union." He said. "Ser Laenor is quite dear to me, as I know the princess is to you, we should swear to each other to guard them, and their secrets, because if those are kept safe...then so are we all." Joffery said.

"I do not know what you're talking about, so leave me now or I will inform the king and you will be thrown out of here." Criston said.

"That's good. Keep it that way, have a good night, Ser." He said and walked past him.

Ser Criston was angered, he had no idea why this man would come to him and insinuate that he had some type of relationship with the princess Rhaenyra, his fingers were twitching uncontrollably.

On the other side of the dance floor Rhaenyra was dancing with Ser Harwin but was interrupted by Rhaegon.

"May I Ser Harwin?" He asked.

"Of course, my prince." Harwin said and walked away.

"I see you're having fun." Rhaenyra spat.

"Not as much fun as Daemon." Rhaegon and Rhaenyra watched as Cerelle Lannister was all over Daemon. "You know this is only a political arrangement and you're marrying Laenor to make it easier for us to see each other." Rhaegon reminded her.

"I know. I just...it's difficult seeing you with another woman." Rhaenyra said.

"I know, which is why I'm going to take her to Dragonstone after our wedding." Rhaegon said.

"No. Please don't leave. Rhaegon...I think I'm with child." Rhaenyra said.

"What? Are you sure?" Rhaegon asked.

"Not entirely, but I've been feeling strange this last few weeks, and I will only be able to confirm it with a maester after Laenor and I marry." Rhaenyra said.

"I love you so much." Rhaegon cupped her cheeks and kissed her.

Viserys watched in anger as his son and daughter were kissing. Suddenly a woman screamed.

"Hey!" Someone yelled. The crowd swarmed.

"What in the Seven hells is going on?" The king asked.

During the commotion, Rhaenyra seperated from Rhaegon and was trapped, and trying to get out. "Rhaegon! Rhaegon! Where are you?!" She yelled.

Laenor got closer to the fight and saw Ser Criston beating on his lover Ser Joffery, Laenor then pulled him off. Ser Criston then punched Laenor. Laena was also caught in the commotion, and was pushed.

Ser Criston went back to beating on Joffery, the man dared to accuse him of something that he had no knowledge of, Ser Joffery pulled out a dagger and attempted to stab ser Criston but was stopped by Ser Criston who broke ser Jofferys arm.

"Stop this! Lord Corlys" shouted.

"Where's my children?" Viserys asked, and she started coughing. "Where are they?!" Viserys yelled, and his nose started to bleed.

"Ser Harwin! Help Laena!" Rhaegon shouted and Harwin started shoving the crowd away to get to Laena and even punched a few people. He then picked her up and put her over his shoulder. Within a few minutes, Laena Velaryon was safe with her parents. Rhaegon eventually found Rhaenyra and carried her away from the crowd.

Ser Criston repeatedly beat into Ser Jofferys face, and he would've stopped, but something in him snapped. He was hurt by Rhaenyra and he only wanted her. He couldn't understand why she would want Rhaegon. He unleashed all his anger and eventually stopped. He looked looked at Joffery, ans the young knight was dead. His face had a hole in it. Ser Criston moved away, horrified by what he had done. He then walked out of the throne room. Ser Laenor woke up and saw his lover, dead. He screamed in agony, and it was then that Rhaegon realized that Laenor and Joffery were lovers.

"Are you alright?" Rhaegon asked Rhaenyra.

"Yes. I'm alright." Rhaenyra assured. Rhaegon then looked at her flat belly and Rhaenyra nodded, signifying that their baby was fine as well.

Throne room

A few hours later

The high septon was called in to help Laena and Rhaegon get married because of everything that's happened. No one wanted to wait for seven days.

"The love of the Seven is holy and eternal, the source of life and love, we stand here tonight in thanks and praise to join two souls as one. Father...Mother...Warrior...Smith...Maiden...Crone...Stranger." The septon recited the vows, Hear their vows." Rhaegon leaned forward to kiss her, and she accepted a kiss on her lips, which made Rhaenyra look away.

"I am yours, and you are mine, whatever may come." They both said.

"Here in the presence of gods and men, I proclaim Laena of House Velaryon and Rhaegon of House Targaryen, to be man and wife, one flesh, one heart, one soul...now and forever." The High Septon said.

Just then, Viserys fell, and everyone rushed to him. "Father!" Rhaegon shouted. He then picked his father up and rushed to Mellos' chambers. "Mellos! Help him!"

"Dear gods." Mellos was startled by the crown prince, but when the Grandmaester saw the king, he immediately told Rhaegon to place the king on the bed. Mellos proceeded assist the kimg and Rhaegon called his maester and maester Orwyle to help.

"His arm. It's too infected, my prince." Maester Gerardys said.

"What can we do about it?" Rhaegon asked.

"We will have to stop the infection from spreading, my prince." Maester Gerardys said.

"But in order to do that, you'll have to remove his arm." Rhaegon pointed out.

"Do it..." Viserys wheezed. "I...I want more ti...time with my family." This brought tears to Rhaegons eyes. "Go, my son... I shall see you after its done." Rhaegon felt as if his body went numb. Maester Gerardys then led Rhaegon out of the room and the crown prince didn't even try to protest.

Once Rhaegon was out of the room he could hear his father screaming in pain and it took everything in him to not burst into the room and tell the maesters to stop. Rhaegon could only sit on the cold floor and cry.

Rhaegons chambers

Rhaenyra entered her brothers room and found Laena. "Apologies, I thought that I'd find Rhaegon here." Rhaenyra said.

"He left on Slyrak. He told me that he plans to bring me a gift." Laena said.

"Oh. Did you and he..." Rhaenyra desperately wanted to know if their marriage was consummated, but didn't know how to ask.

"We did. Our marriage has been consummated." Laena confirmed. She saw tears form in Rhaenyras eyes. Laena walked to her and hugged her.

"I'm sorry." Rhaenyra apologized.

"Don't be. I need you to understand that I have no intention of taking him away from you." Laena assured.

"How did you know?" Rhaenyra asked.

"You're both terrible at hiding it." Laena chuckled.

"Some days I wish that my father knew earlier." Rhaenyra said. "I love him."

"As do I. It's strange I know, but I do love him." Laena said.

"I never wanted to share Rhaegon." Rhaenyra said.

"You're not." Laena assured. "I have no doubt that he will love me, but what he feels for you something that even love cannot describe. Rhaegon has his own demons that he's hes fighting, yes and he needs us to calm him. To make him see light in the darkness."

"Thank you Lady Laena." Rhaenyra said.

Laena chuckled. "All this for one man?"

"He's a special man." Rhaenyra stated.

"Indeed he is." Laena agreed.

Essos

Slyrak finally landed and Rhaegon climbed off the Crimson beast. He was met by Daemon and the bloodwyrm Caraxes

"You found her?" Rhaegon asked.

Daemon smirked. "Of course I did."

Rhaegon then looked at the magnificent beast before him. She was the Queen of all dragons and mother of his dragon, Slyrak.

"Let us get you back to Kings Landing to meet your new rider." Rhaegon smirked.

Hi guys, here's another chapter of Blood of the Dragon

What did you think of Rhaegon being worried about his father?

What did you think of Ser Criston snitching to Alicent?

What did you think of Rhaenyra being pregnant?

What did you think of Rhaenyra and Laenas talk?

I'm open to suggestions for this story

Please comment and vote

Thanks, guys