Chapter Text
When the message from Lord Staunton arrived both Jacaerys and Joffrey were up in arms about flying their dragons there and laying waste to the Green’s army in revenge for the deaths of their brother and sister.
The Queen however ordered them to stand down and remain on Dragonstone. The message did not speak of any dragons being seen near the sieged keep but both the Queen, Corlys and Rhaenys argued that one if not two dragons would be nearby. They would have to be. This is the first battle of the war the Greens started when taking their throne.
Daemon who had already left for Harrenhal started the process of claiming the wild dragons to their side. A strategy Rhaenyra continued to develop this once he left. Her father used to dream of having a son who would make all the dragons roar as well. Only it wasn’t his son who achieved this. But this daughter.
Standing over the war table with her council and children the Queen determines the course of this war. “The Targaryen who sits on the Iron Throne is not just a king or a queen. They are a protector of the realm. Now I find myself in an impossible position. This war cannot be stopped until one side falls. The blood of innocents has already been split and more will spill the longer this war goes on. The whole realm is ready to tear itself apart over who is the rightful ruler.” Rhaenyra pauses looking towards her sons and then her council. “My father the King named me his heir. The Green usurped my throne and even then, I thought about surrendering in order to protect this family and every family out there from death and violence. During these peace talks between me and my half brother my other half brothers mocked, hunted and murdered by son Lucerys.” An air of grief surrounds the room at the reminder of one of the first casualties of war. “Now I did not start this war. But I intend to be the one to win. As Queen of the Seven Kingdoms my job is to protect my people. We were too late to help House Darklyn from the Green’s savagery but we will not let House Staunton fall as well.” Rhaenyra then turns to Princess Rhaenys. “I think it’s time the Green see what a woman is truly capable of.”
Rhaenys grins a vicious smile. She has lost the throne twice because she is a woman regardless of being the rightful heir refuses to sit back any longer and let Rhaenyra and her grandchildren’s rights and their future be taken from them like it had Luke.
Luke. He may not have been her grandson by blood, but she can’t deny he is family. Laenor loved and cherished him. Her Husband absolutely adored the boy and Luke thought his grandfather was the greatest person to ever live. Rhaena loved the boy and was looking forward to marrying him. Baela was protective of him, and his death destroyed everyone in this room.
Her own guilt over the way she treated him has been clawing at her stomach. The boy died thinking she didn’t love or care for him. A mistake she refuses to make again. When she declared for Rhaenyra and saw just how much of her son Laenor existed in the three strong boys she made a promise to herself to love them as if they were her own like she should have done from the start.
She will never get the chance to make amends with Luke. But Jace and Joffrey are still here. She can protect them and fight for their future. Baela will marry Jace and be happy as his Queen. She knows that. The two of them remind her of her youth with Corlys.
Turning her attention to the Queen she knows what Rhaenyra is asking of her. Not just to fight for her side but to potentially become a kinslayer when facing the Greens and their dragons. A battle which might include going up against Vhagar, Dreamfyer, Sunfyre and Tessarion. There is no order or question in the rightful Queen's speech, but she knows Rhaenyra is asking her to accompany her to Rooks Rest but allowing her to make the choice in going to battle or staying here and defending the fleet and children.
The last time she let Luke go off on his own to visit her kin and get their support and all they managed to recover was one of Arrax’s broken wings. She should have gone to meet with her cousin. If she did things might have turned out differently and a war might not be necessary. Alas, that did not happen, and the war has already begun. And she refuses to lose any more family to the Greens and their wicked plots. “Meleys and I are ready your grace.”
Gratitude and relief pans over Rhaenyra for a second before she smiles turning back to address her council. “Then let’s ride cousin.” Rhaenys watches as some of her council and Queenaguard tries to argue against the Queen herself going but Rhaenyra shuts them all down saying “How can I ask people to fight for me when I won’t fight for them.” That shut everyone up and the two of them followed by Jace, Joffrey, Baela, Rhaena and Corlys all head down to the beach where Syrax and Meleys stand already saddled and ready to go.
Behind them, Seasmoke, Vermax, Moondancer, Tyraxes, Sheep Stealer, Grey Ghost, Cannibal, Silverwing and Vermithor all stand around squawking at each other. The might of House Targaryen all gathered as one. Apart from Daemon and Caraxes.
Both female dragon riders hug and say goodbye to their families just in case the worst shall fall upon them. The Queen names Corlys in charge of Dragonstone and the war until her return. Rhaenys watches as her husband swears to protect the island and his grandchildren from whatever the Greens might throw at them.
While this is taking place Rhaenys walks over to Jace and Joffrey. “I know both of you wish to join us but you must stay and defend our armies gathered here.”
Jace nods gritting his teeth hating not being able to help but understands his place. Joffrey though wishes to still fight with them. “I should be going with you grandmother. They killed our brother and I can help protect you and mother.” The words hit Rhaenys hard. The distant echo of when Laenor flew Seasmoke off to the Stepstones going against her wishes. He said Father and Daemon need aid. They are murdering our people and the crown doesn’t care. But I can help protect our people and father.
That was the moment she knew Laenor wasn’t her little boy anymore but on his way to becoming a man worthy of being King consort. In all three of the dark haired boys, she sees Laenor’s presence in them. Jace always trying to do the right thing and look after everyone despite the pain it might cause him. Luke’s sweetness and eagerness to please and help everyone. Joffrey’s determination to fight for his family and stand up for them when called upon.
Laenor would have been so proud of his sons. Luke's death would have devastated him and unleashed the darkest parts of him onto the Greens. Seasmoke upon Syrax’s return with nothing but Arrax's wing flew into a rage burning everything around him and screaming for hours on end. Dragons develop traits of their riders. And if that was Seasmokes response to the death of his son she dreads to think what Laenor would have done.
Kneeling down she wraps both Jace and Joffrey into a tight hug. Joffrey is quick to return it but Jace freezes and hesitates unsure of what to do before hugging her back just as tightly. It’s at this point she realises this is the first time she has probably hugged him. And that horrible reminder of knowing Luke never felt her loving embrace makes her hug the two boys tighter. “Your father would have been so proud of you two. You were Laenor’s pride and joy.” Pulling back she wipes away Jace’s tears. “He loved both of you more than anything. I know you wish to defend me, your mother, this family and avenge Luke. But we need you here holding the blackwater and protecting the fleet. Without the fleet, this war is over.”
Jace stands up straighter. “We won’t fail you, Grandmother. I swear this.”
“I swear too. Grandsire, Baela and Rhaena will be safe here with her acting as their protectors.” Joffrey swears trying to imitate his brother's strong and tall posture. Just as Laenor used to do when training to become a knight.
“I know you will. And I will watch your mother's back.” She promises in return as she moves to climb upon Meleys back. Rhaenyra copying her and with that, the two of them take off into the sky. A flurry of wings taking flight and heading directly to Rook’s Rest. The first battle of the war is about to take place and Rhaenys has no intention of losing it.
Meleys being the fastest dragon takes point and begins to scout out the area ahead with Rhaenyra hanging back but always ready to engage. When Dragons go to war everything burns. But this family, this house will not go down in flames. No, they will rise from the ashes of their enemies. That is the Targaryen way.