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moonlisid · 1 year

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THE CONQUEROR'S CROWN

MASTERLIST | Part 1 ; Part 2 ; Part 3 ; Part 4

GIF CREDIT

Pairing: Aegon II Targaryen x FemOC!Velaryon (Strong)

Summary: The secret of their relationship is out in the worst time possible, but Visaella does not seem to care. Drown into her own madness, the rage of her grief blinded her and left her thirsty for vengeance. Now she will not rest until she gets her revenge.

Tags/TW: death of multiple characters, blood mention, murder, angst, sexual content (nothing too explicit), death threats, grief, mentions of forced marriage, typical sexism of the time, visaella lost her mind, insanity (?), violence, cursing, aegon is emotially attached to the oc, if there's anything else, pls let me know!

Author's Note: we reached the end. everything that is written with cursive are memories, just so you know. firstly, i'm sorry. secondly, the gif is how i imagined Visaella while writing the story, but you are free to picture her as you wish. thirdly, perhaps i will write some blurbs about the happy moments between these two bc it will be a closure to me lmao. lastly, thank you for reading this story and enjoying it as much as i enjoyed writing it, i hope the end make justice to the rest of the story.

Word Count: 16.1k

Taglist: @mirandastuckinthe80s @clairacassidy @alexandra-001 @stormgirlfriendd @kravitzwhore @poppyflower-22 @bellameshipper

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎Two tired and sweaty bodies were laying on top of a big blanket in the middle of the woods. They were smiling and throwing breathless laughs to the air, exhausted and overwhelmed. They were lost, living in their own world as they usually did whenever they were alone. The fire beside them made them feel warm so their naked bodies did not feel an inch of cold.

Anyone can start again Not through love, but through revenge. Through the fire, we're born again, Peace by vengeance brings the end.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎Aegon turned in order to kiss her delicately, muttering sweet words against her lips, touching the soft skin of her legs while suspiring, utterly enamored by the girl under him. He leaned back afterwards, only to see her rosy cheeks and glossy lavender haze. A soft smile was made on her face once he saw the messy hair of her lover, produced by her own hands. They were like that for a couple minutes, with silly smiles decorating their faces while staring at each other with complete devotion.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎“I never thought we would be able to do this outside the castle.” Aegon confessed, biting his lip trying to hide his excited smile. “I thought I wouldn’t see you until my father’s next name day.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎“But here we are.” She said, “Together, and alone. And for the first time, without being scared of someone finding us.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎“You’re a genius, my love.” He left multiple kisses on her face, she chuckled due to the tickles his soft peachy lips produced. “How did you even find this place?”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎“I saw it on the map on Dragonstone.” She shrugged, “Then, one day, I took Vermithor here and found that cave where he perfectly fits with Sunfyre. It’s right in the middle of Dragonstone and King’s Landing, and far from the Kingsroad. It’s perfect.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎“It is as if the Gods gifted this place to us.” He spoke with a dreamy voice. Visaella nodded, tangling her legs between her lover’s.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎“I guess we should thank them.” She muttered, kissing him once again.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎Aegon cupped her face, starting to leave subtle kisses all over it. Her eyelids, her nose, her cheeks, her forehead, her lips. Every single part of her face was kissed by him while she only could hum and whimper delicate words to him.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎He pulled away and stared down at her, his eyes glistening with a glow that she had never seen in another man's eyes, but she liked the way it made her feel.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎“What?” She asked teasingly.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎Aegon shook his head softly,

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎“I don’t think I'm ever going to get tired of seeing your face.” Aegon whispered. The silence of the night was only interrupted by the sound of his voice, and the breathing of the two large dragons inside the cave; Vermithor and Sunfyre. “You are too beautiful.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎Visaella just laughed, and Aegon fell in love with her all over again. It was such a magical sound, so special and unique. It was the most beautiful sound in the entire world, he was sure of it.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎“You are too kind, my sweet prince.” The girl said, wrinkling her nose and brushing Aegon’s hair with her fingers. “I would bet there are a thousand girls who are more beautiful than I am, and I can assure you that because I’ve been witness to their beauty.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎Aegon’s mouth dropped in a gesture of offense, frowning.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎“Are you confessing to eyeing other women, my love?”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎“Of course I do,” She shrugged, and Aegon started to kiss her collarbones. “And I know you do it too.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎“Why would I spend my valuable time seeing other women when the most perfect one is already mine?” He muttered against her skin, marking her neck and leaving wet kisses that made her sigh. “It’s nonsense.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎“You are lying.” She raised her torso, leaning on her forearms, getting closer to Aegon’s lips and kissing them softly before he went back into marking her breasts. “You are a liar.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎“I’m not lying.” His tongue swirled around one of her nipples before going lower to her stomach. Visaella bit her lip. “I have eyes only for you. You’re the only woman that I will ever worship.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎“Worship?” She asked teasingly, looking down at Aegon’s face buried on her abdomen, filling her with kisses and soft bites. “I’m no goddess for you to worship me.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎“Of course you are.” His lips started to mark trails down her hips, each time he would get closer to her core. “And I will always be on my knees for you.” He gave a soft kiss on the inside part of her thighs, making her shiver under his touch. “Now, let me prove how well I can worship my goddess. Let me serve my queen.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎Her head fell back the instant she felt his warm mouth against her. Aegon hummed against her wet skin after feeling her sweet taste. She opened her eyes, putting her gaze on the darkened sky that was the only witness of their love.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎“Visaella.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎The princess was too lost in her memories to even notice her step-father’s voice calling her. The ring on her heart finger was spinning around it while she stared at it with lost eyes; the black band covered with beautiful rubies was the only memory of Aegon she had on her. She tried to get rid of it by throwing it at the wide and open sea, but she could not bring herself to do it.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎“Visaella.” Daemon repeated.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The eyes of the girl looked up and saw all the lords looking at her, expecting an answer for whatever they might have been talking about. Jacaerys was at the other end of the table, staring at her with worried eyes. Visaella lifted her chin and quickly hid her hand behind her back, as if she was embarrassed to show the ring decorating her finger.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Pardon me, my lords.” She said, clearing her throat and putting on a smile. “I’m afraid my mind has been a bit lost these last hours.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Your grace, I was expecting an answer from you.” Lord Corlys said, “The fleet will be ready to sail on the morrow from Driftmark to King’s Landing.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Remember that the fleet must arrive after me.” She indicated looking at the giant map carved on the table. “We need to make it appear as if I’m there to bend the knee in the name of my mother. Otto will be the first one to die if everything goes to plan.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Perhaps you should send the fleet at least an hour before Your Grace leaves on Dragon back.” Daemon indicated. “Or, we can find a place to hide near King’s Landing to settle while you go on your fleet.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Isn't it too risky to get closer to King’s Landing?” A lord asked. It was Lord Tully. “With all due respect, your Grace, I think two large dragons are not quite easy to hide.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ But they were. Visaella knew about it because she had been witness to it before. She knew it was possible to hide a dragon, because she knew the perfect place to do so; a site that was full with memories that she would rather forget.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “There is a place.” Visaella spoke, walking around the table. The men moved to let her walk freely. She grabbed a wooden symbol of a dragon and put it on top of the part of the map where it said Duskendale. “The woods of Duskendale.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Daemon looked at Visaella with an raised eyebrow, remembering that name from the letter she had written to Aegon a few nights ago. She just ignored his judgemental stare and looked at the rest of the guards and lords in order to keep explaining herself,

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “There is a cave between the shore and the woods.” She explained. “Large enough to fit at least three adult dragons. Vermithor being one of them.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “And the other one?” Jacaerys asked, curiously.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Visaella just ignored the question and kept talking, “The woods is right in the middle between Dragonstone and King’s Landing, besides it is also quite close to Driftmark and far enough from the Kingsroad. It is the perfect spot.” Her eyes looked down in the instant those words came out of her mind, having instant flashbacks.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “It is decided then.” Lord Corlys, concluded. “On the morrow, Your Grace and Prince Daemon will fly with their dragons towards Duskendale, our fleet will take all the armies toward the place and then, when the time arrives, we’ll begin the attack to the Greens.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “That sounds perfect.” Daemon complimented, “Although, I’m afraid we aren’t thinking about something important. Who kills the beast?”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “What beast?” Visaella asked.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Vhagar is a threat to all of us.” Daemon warned, “We cannot risk being attacked by her, we would lose.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “There is no need to kill Vhagar. Besides, killing a dragon of her size is almost impossible for a common human being.” She said, “Killing Aemond will be enough to get rid of her, she would be a riderless dragon.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Then we need to avoid Aemond from going to Vhagar.” Jacaerys added, “Leave that to me, I will kill him-”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “No.” The eldest daughter said, “Alicent, Aemond and Helaena will be killed under my command, they will die with the flames of Vermithor as traitors to the crown. Leave them to me.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “What about Aegon?” Daemon asked.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Visaella looked at the table for a minute, brushing her fingers against the wood and taking a deep breath. She turned around to see the older man,

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I will kill Aegon with my bare hands.” She decided, “You can have the rest if you like, I heard you’ve had some tense encounters with Ser Criston, you can kill him if you want. I do not care about him.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “What about me?” Jacaerys asked, “What am I supposed to do?”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “You are staying here, in Dragonstone.” His older sister informed him. He was about to complain, but she spoke first. “You are my heir now, Jacaerys. Me going to King’s Landing is a big risk as it is, I will not allow you to go too.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “But I have a dragon, Ella. I- I can help you, I want to help you.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “You will help me by staying here, by protecting our home.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The boy was ready to keep insisting on the subject, ready to give a reasonable argument to make her change her mind, but he was interrupted by the words of his grandsire,

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Your grace,” Lord Corlys spoke again, taking all the attention. “That is a matter we must talk about.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “What matter?” She asked.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Your line of succession.” Visaella clenched her jaw, and she gave Daemon an uncomfortable look, trying to search for help. He only looked down at his feet, avoiding her eyes. “You are not married, and you need an heir.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Her hand unconsciously reached her stomach, specifically where her womb was located. She thought about the hundred times when Aegon promised her to give her a child as beautiful as her. She dreamt about it almost every night that now the thought of having a family with any other person feels wrong, even after everything that has happened.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Jacaerys is my heir.” She clarified. “And after Jacaerys comes Joffrey, or Jacarys’ future children. I have four alive brothers, my lord. I suppose the line of my succession is not at risk.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “You need a son.” He said, “Or a daughter.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “And what are you planning to do about it?” Daemon jumped into the conversation, looking at him with a serious semblance, “She is not married, and at least you have a proper suitor, I don’t think there will be any children from her any time soon.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “What about Prince Jacaerys?”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Visaella felt her body tense, and her breathing stopped for a second. She looked up at her brother who was already staring at her with widened eyes and his frown slightly wrinkled. The princess later laid her eyes on Lord Corlys, glancing at him with a clearly incredulous face.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “What?” Daemon was the first to speak, also shocked by the proposal.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Targaryens have been marrying between brothers and sisters long before the conquest of Aegon.” He explained, “If I remember correctly, Prince Daemon, even your parents were brother and sister, were they not?”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “They were.” He agreed, reluctantly. “But Jacaerys is already betrothed.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “A betrothal is just words, there’s nothing done yet. We can call off the betrothal and marry him to Your Grace.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The fact that they were talking about her as if she was not in the room listening to their words made her furious. Other Lords started to agree with the idea, and Visaella felt sick with just the thought of marrying Jacaerys. She could not do it, and she will not.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I don’t think it is a good idea.” Visaella said, “Jacaerys is my heir either way, I don’t see the need to marry.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “You need children, Your Grace.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “What about Cregan Stark?” Daemon proposed, “His wife passed away a few years ago.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “He already has children of their own.” Lord Corlys said. “I insist, the best option right now is to marry you both in order to continue the line of succession.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “That’s enough.” Visaella stopped them before any other person could keep adding reasons to defend the matter. “I will not stand here, hearing how a bunch of men talk about what is best for my reign by trying to sell me away to a husband I do not need.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Your Grace-” Ser Corlys said, but she cut his words.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “We shall talk about this matter once I become queen.” Visaella answered fastly, “There is no need to worry about those foolish things now when I don’t even have a crown to claim my rightful position.” Her voice sounded angry and annoyed, Lord Corlys nodded, “Once I sit in the Iron Throne we will discuss my succession. You’re all dismissed.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Not wanting to talk any more about the matter, she left the council room and walked away. Ser Erryk, as loyal as always, followed her lead. She was heading towards the beach, finding that bench where she used to sit and watch Lucerys train against Jacaerys. Ser Erryk gave her the space that she needed, standing a few feets away from her.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She sat there, releasing a big amount of air that was trapped in her lungs. She looked down at her shoes, playing with the sand under them. The sound of the waves felt empty without the voice of Lucerys. Everything felt empty without him.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She tried not to look forward, knowing that the memories of her brothers training would come to her mind only to make her cry. Visaella allowed herself to let go a couple of tears, she needed to find some kind of relief from all this agony that had been inside of her.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Baela left with the boys.” A male voice informed behind her back. “Although Joffrey insisted on traveling on his own dragon.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Now they are safe.” She was quick to brush off the tears that had fallen onto her cheeks, looking up to find her brother’s face. “Thank you.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Jacaerys sat on the empty spot beside her sister and looked at the waves crashing against the shore. Visaella just went silent, not knowing what to say. She could perceive how Jace wanted to say something, but the words were struggling to come out of his mouth.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Ella, I- I’ve been trying to find the right words to talk to you since I came back.” He spoke softly.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Talk about what?”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Jacaerys tilted his head, looking at her with a softened haze, “About Lucerys… and mother.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “And what do you want to say about it?” She shrugged, “He’s gone now. He’s not coming back, neither is our mother.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “It’s not good that you keep all those bad feelings to yourself.” He grabbed her hand, trying to comfort her. “I saw what you did to those men, Ella. It wasn’t their fault, they-”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “You know nothing, Jace.” She chuckled with sarcasm, “Those men made me lay in bed, unable to go to Storm’s End in Lucerys’ place. It should’ve been me, not him!”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “What did you do?” He asked, “Why did they try to stop you?”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “It doesn’t matter.” She shook her head.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “It does.” He insisted, “What are you hiding?”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Nothing, just leave.” She muttered.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I will not. Tell me.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Jace…” She begged, “Please, stop asking questions.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “You never tell me anything.” He spoke, hurted. “You barely speak to me. I know your relationship with Lucerys was different, but I really hope we can live through this grief together… she was my mother too, he was my brother too.” His eyes started to get teary with threatening tears, Visaella’s gaze softened, “Right now, right here, we are every we have left. We need to stick together.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “And what do you want me to do?”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I want you to, at least, be honest with me.” He brushed his tears from his face with a careless gesture. “Please, tell me what is going on with you.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She knew he was right. In that instant, there was only them left. There was no point in hiding the truth from him, no use in lying anymore. One of the biggest regrets was the fact that she did not tell Lucerys the truth before he was gone, he deserved to know it.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ And now she realized that Jacaerys also needs to know.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She nodded slowly, understanding what she needed to do. However, she was having an incredibly hard time in finding the words and sorting out her own thoughts to give him the news. A part of her knew that there was a big possibility of Jacaerys starting to hate her for it, but it was the right thing to do, so she just tried,

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I had a thing… with- uhm, with Aegon.” The words were crashing against each other, but Jace was able to understand.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “A thing?” He asked, confused. “What do you mean? Like a- like a rivalry or-?”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “We were together, Jace.” She interrupted him, “In the same way that our mother was with Daemon, in the same way Lord Corlys is with Princess Rhaenys. We were-” She stopped herself before finishing the sentence and corrected herself. “I was in love.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Jacaerys leaned back, straightening his posture and looking at her with astonishment, as if he had not understood what she had said. Visaella did not look him in the eye, too embarrassed to even dare to look up, and too scared to face him. She was staring at their hands.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Ella…” Jacaerys whispered, “Since when?”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Since Aemond’s accident, I think.” She shrugged, “I don’t know, I don’t remember.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “You’ve been with him for six years?” His voice was demonstrating how shocked he was, it was a bit funny how his expression would change so quickly, “Why? How?”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I don’t know.” She shook her head.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “That’s why those men took you, right?” Jacaerys asked, “You were going to see him and that’s why you were treated as a traitor.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Visaella nodded, “Perhaps, if I hadn’t been so blinded by the love that I had for him, none of this would’ve happened.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Why would you say that? It’s not your fault.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “He always told me he didn’t want anything related to being King. He even told me that the only reason why he hasn’t escaped yet is because he wanted to escape with me.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “And did you want that?” He asked.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I thought about it… multiple times.” She confessed, “Everytime he would say those things, I would spend the entire night thinking about escaping with him to Essos.” She laughed, but it was a bitter one. “Now that I think about it, perhaps it was all an invention in order to take me out of the picture and steal the throne. Aemond has always wanted it.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “It’s a bit shocking, if I’m honest.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “You didn’t see it coming?”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I mean,” He chuckled, “Sometimes I would catch him staring at you from head to toe, but I thought he was only being a pervert.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Well, I don’t blame you. He has quite the reputation.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Both siblings went silent once again. Their hands were still tangled while Visaella was caressing him with her thumb, just how she used to do with Lucerys whenever he –or herself– was anxious or nervous. It was a small gesture that brought both of them lots of comfort. It appeared to work with Jacaerys too.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “You will kill him now?”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Jacaerys voice sounded so soft and low, it was barely audible and easily blended with the sound of the sea. That question brought a hundred of emotions to Visaella, who only managed to mumble some words.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I guess I’ll have to.” She muttered. “He is the usurper. He stole my mother’s birthright.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “But will you be able to do it?”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I really hope so.” She bit her lip, nervously. “I trust in the rage I feel, that it will not let me get blinded when I see him.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Let me go with you.” He begged, “I will help you, I swear.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “You will be more useful here, Jace. Taking control of Dragonstone, this place cannot be left alone in case they decide to fly over here.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Ella, please-”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I can’t lose you too, Jace.” She spoke harshly. He frowned his lips looking down at his shoes, “It’s enough with Lucerys and with mother, you cannot leave too. You already said it, it’s you and me right now. We are all we have left.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “What if you don’t come back? Then what will I have left?” He raised her voice, “The boys are too little to even understand what is going on, how am I supposed to live with that burden by myself?”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Then what? Do you want me to stay here and send Daemon alone?” She scoffed, “To leave my own army on their own? No way.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I want you to take me with you, I want to fight by your side. We are siblings is what we are supposed to do.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “It has already been said, Jacaerys. Enough with that.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Visaella stood up, but her brother’s hand grabbed her wrist, making her stop. She turned around and saw the sadness in his eyes, which caused a slight pain on her chest.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I sent Lucerys to Storm’s End.” He said, Visaella’s heart stopped, reviving all her inner pain. “Lucerys is dead because I wasn’t there to protect him. Mother is dead for the same reason.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Jace-”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Please, at least let me protect you.” He begged, “Please, Visaella.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The girl stared at him with the same look as him; one filled with sorrow. She frowned her lips, thinking about what is the right thing to do on that occasion. His begging eyes reminded her of Lucerys’, and then it was impossible for her heart to deny something to him.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She nodded, and Jacaerys hugged her tightly. She felt the pain of her inner wounds, but she decided to ignore it. She hugged him back, stroking his hair and closing her eyes. She felt his tears falling on her shoulders, and his soft sobs were not easy to ignore.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Jacaerys was everything she had left right then.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “You’re going to spill the wine inside the tub!”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Visaella laughed, her vision was already blurry due to the effect of alcohol on her body. Aegon hid her face in the crook of her neck, chuckling softly. “Aegon, stop- You’re making a mess!”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Pardon me, my love.” He said between laughter, leaving a delicate kiss under her ear. “I feel a bit dizzy.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Give me that,” She said, grabbing his cup and filling it with wine. She stole a sip from it before giving it back to him. “There you go, my sun.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Aegon grabbed her and hugged her tightly against his chest, loving how intimately it felt to have her bare skin against his. Visaella leaned her head back, resting on his shoulder. Aegon started to leave soft strokes on her belly, sighing in her ear.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “How I wish I could be here forever.” He muttered, “All my problems would be solved if you were here with me every day.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Visaella could not help but smile, “Soon we’ll get lucky enough to do it.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “What if we don’t?” He asked, his voice sounded worried. “My mother is quite eager to marry me off with Helaena.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She turned around, making a mess on Aegon’s bedroom floor. He chuckled after hearing the water splashing against the carpet, and his smile only widened once he saw her face staring at him. She sat on his lap, and soon he was touching the skin covering her waist and hips. Visaella started washing his hair with care, being completely careful and loving. Aegon started to hum without even noticing it.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Don’t be so pessimistic, my sun.” She said while pouring water on his platinum hair. “We will be able to be together one day. We’ll just have to wait a bit.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “How long?”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “My eighteenth nameday is a few moons away.” She thought a bit, “Perhaps, you can come to Dragonstone with that excuse and present to my mother your wish to marry me.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I don’t like waiting.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I know you don’t.” She laughed, “But be patient for me, please?”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Aegon pouted his lips before nodding. Visaella smiled and kissed him gently, tasting the flavor of wine in his mouth. He held her tight, caressing her back and playing with her wet hair strands.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I love you.” He whispered against her lips.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Visaella rubbed her nose against him, making him chuckle. “I love you too, my sweet prince.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The princess took a big breath once her head was out of the water. Her hands quickly went to her face, brushing off the hair strands that were covering it. She looked around her room and she found an empty bed. She looked through the window at her side and noticed that the sun was already up in the sky, announcing the arrival of a new day.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She felt the coldness of air on her shoulders and she hugged herself for a couple of minutes. Lately, every single action has been a reminder of something that she has done with his company; even a simple activity such as taking a bath would be enough to see his face once again. He was carved in her memory, and there was no way to escape from him.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Visaella stood up from the bathtub, covering her naked body with her silk robe. She let her hair loose afterwards, and started to brush it in front of a mirror seeing the water dripping from her head to the floor.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Soon, she got dressed, and she did not wear her typical attires; she wore a black vest that was covered with metal details imitating the scales of a dragon, it was hard material that shielded her whole torso and shoulders, along with black leather pants. It was similar to her rider’s clothes, but this had way more protection.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Later, a maid braided her hair enough to leave her face uncovered. Then she gave her something to eat; it would probably be the first and last meal of the day, so she enjoyed it as much as she could. Perhaps it would be her real last meal.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ After finishing it, and before leaving her room, she looked at the ring on her finger, and she made it spin around it. She thought about letting him there, in some random place inside of her chambers. Instead, she just put it back on her heart finger and left the room with her scabbard around her hips, which had her sword and two daggers.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Ser Erryk received her in the hallway, bowing his head in a subtle move.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Your Grace, Prince Daemon is waiting for you in the dunes along with Prince Jacaerys.” He informed her, “The dragons are ready and the fleets have already left for Duskendale woods.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Visaella stopped walking and turned to him, looking confused. “Why are you still here, then?” She asked, “Shouldn’t you be in one of the ships, leading an army?”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Prince Jacaerys commanded me to stay here, protecting the castle.” He replied.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Nonsense.” She shook her head, “You will be my Lord Commander, they need to see you there.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Prince Jacaerys-”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I don’t care what Jacaerys said.” She interrupted him, “Ser Erryk, you are my most loyal guard, I will need your presence in the battlefield. You're coming with me.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She started walking again, but soon the guard’s voice made her stop. “But, your grace, all the ships are gone.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “You’ll be riding Vermithor with me.” She said, shrugging as if it was not a great thing.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Your grace, I don’t think I could-”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Grab your sword, Ser Erryk, we need to hurry.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She ordered him, and the man only nodded and followed her trace. People would bow whenever she passed by them, they would stop doing whatever they were doing only to do that small action. Visaella did not like it, she did not feel like a queen yet. She barely lets them call her ‘your grace’, and it was only because Daemon persuaded her by telling her she was now representing their leader.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She managed to see the three dragons and the dragon’s keepers holding them in their place. Jacaerys was talking with Daemon, who seemed to be giving orders and explaining something. Both men turned around to see her, but only Jacaerys smiled while Daemon only bowed his head as a greeting.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Visaella walked towards Vermithor, and started to caress his bronze scales. Her head leaned against his and she whispered, “Rytsas, ñuha pazavor valītsos (Hello, my loyal boy.)” Vermithor sighed as a response, “Kessa sagon iā bōsa tubis (It will be a long day)”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “He is very fond of you.” Daemon spoke behind your back. “He is a loyal dragon, not everyone can have that. ”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “He is.” She agreed, “I’m lucky to have him.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Daemon’s hand fell onto her shoulder. She looked at him, and he smirked. It was the first time since the day of the feast that she felt some comfort in him; perhaps it was because he was the only parental figure left in her life, and she felt like she needed some kind of guidance in her life from now on; a guidance that he could provide.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Your mother and Lucerys would be proud of you.” He said, Visaella haze softened. “I am proud of you.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Why?”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ He laughed, as if she had just asked something terribly obvious.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Look what you’ve done.” His hand cupped her face and she did not feel the need to take a step back in order to stay away from his touch. She thought it was rather reassuring. “You are eager to defend your mother’s legacy until your final breath. You finally opened your eyes and saw the Greens for what they truly are; a group of traitors that deserve their punishment.” He spat the last words with rage, while a grin filled with disgust crossed his face. It faded as soon as he looked at her again. “You will be a great Queen, Visaella, as long as you don’t let your feelings blind you.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She nodded, as if she was wordlessly promising him to follow his advice. And then, Daemon hugged her tightly. It was an odd action coming from him, but she doubtfully accepted the gesture by patting his back.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ When they separated, Visaella looked at her side, seeing Jacaerys staring at them with a confused expression on his face. He quickly walked towards them, and stood beside them trying to find some explanation.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Did something happen?” He asked, addled about the prior scene he had witnessed.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “No, everything’s fine.” Visaella answered. The boy looked at Daemon and then looked back to her sister.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Why is Ser Erryk coming?” He pointed to the man, “I told him to be here protecting the castle.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I told him to come with us,” She replied, “He is my Queensguard, my most loyal guard. I need him in battle with me, not here.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Then who will stay to protect Dragonstone?”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I sent a raven to your grandmother Rhaenys.” Daemon stepped in the conversation, “She will settle here along with Baela. Meleys and Moondancer will be guarding it, with a small group of guards.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Problem solved.” Visaella muttered, “Now, stop wasting time, we should leave before it gets late.” She ordered. Daemon and Jacaerys immediately obeyed, walking to their dragons. “Ser Erryk, it is time!”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The knight walked towards the dragon with care, too scared to even stare at it. He saw how Visaella just caressed his scales while using a rope ladder to climb onto the black and golden saddle on top of Vermithor’s back. Ser Erryk reluctantly followed her path and nervously climbed onto the dragon, seating behind the princess.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Vermithor stood up when his rider gave him the instruction to do it, “Sōvētēs, Vermithor.” He shook the sand off of his body in a harsh movement that did not even alter the princess, but terribly frightened the brave guard. He gave two steps before starting to fly in the direction of a very well known place for him; the woods of Duskendale.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ During the whole flight, Ser Erryk did not say a word, too terrified to even move. The landing was the worst part; due to his big size, Vermithor was not so delicate, so he always had a hard time arriving on the ground. Visaella was already used to it, but Ser Erryk almost fell.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “How was the trip, Ser Erryk?” Daemon teased him while he was getting off the dragon, smiling mockingly at him. The knight did not answer him, and Visaella rolled her eyes.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The three dragons were kept in the cave resting. Visaella looked around, feeling an uncomfortable sensation in her gut. Thousands of memories came to her mind and it made her shiver.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Lord Corlys was arriving at the shore once they got to the cave, and a few hours later, they joined them to rest and eat before the big attack on King’s Landing.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Visaella was starting to get anxious, a bit nervous too. The pressure might be too much for her, but she knew it was too late to regret the decisions she had made; the day could end on her death or with her being the queen of the Seven Kingdoms, no inbetween.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The idea of having Jacaerys by her side brought her some comfort. He was sitting on a trunk beside her while eating a piece of deer one of the guards had hunted. He was looking around, moving his legs nervously; Visaella put a hand on his leg trying to calm him down, Jacaerys looked at her with his mouth filled with meat.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “You are nervous.” Visaella claimed, “We will be okay.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I know that,” He said with difficulty, trying to swallow the food in his mouth,”It’s just I’ve never been in battle before, what if I do something that costs our lives?”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “No need to think about those things, Jace.” She tried to smile, but nothing came out on her face. “We will do fine, we will win this. I promise you.” Jacaerys nodded and he smiled at her. The sweetness of his gesture reminded her of Lucerys and she got teary eyes almost immediately.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ When the sun started to set, everybody started moving. The ships were ready to sail, the dragons were fed and it was almost time for the attack to start. Daemon was busy giving orders and revising the plans and strategies with Lord Corlys and Ser Erryk, while Visaella was walking around, trying to compose herself before exploiting.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She walked away from the big group, around the trees and the bushes. She leaned against a tree while trying to take deep breaths of air, a knot formed on her stomach and suddenly she felt overwhelmed; as if she had just realized what she was about to do. She closed her eyes and leaned her head back, she felt her heart fastened so her hands grabbed the tree behind her, in an attempt to feel the texture of its trunk and get distracted by it. It barely worked.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She opened her eyes and saw the sky. The stars were starting to come out, she counted them. Aegon always used to say that whenever he was feeling overwhelmed about anything he would count the stars to relax. So she did, and she felt her breathing starting to regulate.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She looked at her hands for the millionth time and saw the ring on her finger; she took it off.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The ring started to spin between her fingertips while her eyes looked at it, observing every detail, color and relief in it. She clenched her jaw, knowing that the ring was everything he had left of the memories she shared with Aegon. She thought about throwing it away for many days now, thinking that it would be better if she could get rid of every piece of him. Perhaps, it would be easy to move on that way.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She saw a hole in the tree behind her, it was small and it was empty. She looked at the ring for the last time before putting it inside. The memories of Aegon will be staying there, in the place where they used to freely show their love towards each other.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ It was the right thing to do, she thought.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Ella!” Jacaerys' scream made her jump. She moved her head to see between the trees, and Jacaerys was moving his arm in order to catch her attention. “It’s time, we’re leaving!”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She saw the ring shining inside the tree’s hole, she covered it with some dirt to avoid someone else to see it and then she walked back towards her brother. Jacaerys was beside Vermax, caressing him while seeing his sister approaching with a fastened pace. His eyes widened with surprise when she hugged him tightly. She closed her eyes and buried her face on his shoulders. He did nothing besides hugging her back.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Ella-”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Please, be careful.” She muttered against his shoulder, “I beg you, please, be safe out there.” Her voice sounded shaky, as if she was trying not to cry. “If you see things getting complicated, I need you to promise me you will fly to the Eyrie to meet the children, to take care of them.” She pulled back and grabbed his face with both hands. A motherly look was seen in her eyes, “Please, Jace, promise me.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I- I promise you,” He nodded, and Visaella kissed his cheek before hugging him once again. “I thought ‘we will do okay’.” He joked, “You said that yourself.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “It’s a battle, Jacaerys.” She spoke softly, “We never know what might happen.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Everything is going to be fine.” He said, copying her own words. She tilted her head, and Jacaerys remembered, “But if things get ugly, I will escape. I promise you that.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Good.” She nodded, “Now, it’s time to go.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She stroked his hair one last time before going towards Vermithor once again. Once she was already seated on the saddle, she gave one last look back to the woods. It was probably the last time she would be there.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ When Vermithor landed on the main entrance of the Red Keep, the guards took off their swords immediately, pointing them to the giant beast in front of them. Visaella smiled proudly at her dragon, before starting to go down the rope ladder.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She walked in front of Vermithor, presenting herself to the knights and watching them getting close. They never let their guard down.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “My name is Princess Visaella of House Velaryon, and I’ve come in the name of my mother, Princess Rhaenyra, in order to speak with the King’s Hand.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ One of the guards stepped forward and looked at her from head to toe. He intended to move closer to her, but Vermithor moved his head, scaring him away.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “What do you want to talk about with him?” He asked.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “With all due respect, Ser.” She spoke with a fake politeness, “I don’t think that something of your interest. Please, tell him to come.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “The Hand will only accept a reunion in his chambers.” The guard explained, “We can guide you to him if you wish.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Vermithor might have felt the despair she felt when she thought everything would come out in the wrong way, because he put his head closer to the guard, in an attempt to intimidate him. Visaella let herself enjoy his terrified face before controlling her dragon.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Lykiri, Vermithor.” She commanded him. He took a step back before laying down once again. “Now, please bring the Lord Hand, tell him it’s important.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The guard walked inside the castle while Visaella waited there. The nervousness was consuming her body and soon she started scratching her own fingers, trying to free some of that tension.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Her whole body stiffened up when Otto came to her sight. He had the nerve to walk towards her with a smile, as if they had done nothing wrong, as if Lucerys was not dead because of them. The rage suddenly took control over her body, and her jaw clenched as her eyes darkened.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Princess Visaella,” He greeted her with a small bow, “I didn’t expect your presence around here.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I’ve come to talk.” She declared, “There are some important matters that need to be discussed.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Otto nodded lightly, “Perhaps we should go inside, I would be more comfortable if-”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “No.” She hurried to say, “I wouldn’t feel comfortable in a room with only your presence. Not under the circumstances of our present.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Well then, so tell me, Princess.” He said, “What have you come to talk about then? Did Daemon change his mind about our terms?”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She frowned, not knowing what he was talking about. She held back the urge to ask him, knowing that she needed to follow a script written in her mind.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I came to bend the knee,” She confessed, Otto looked at her strangely. Visaella looked quickly at the sky, waiting for Daemon's signal.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Why?” He asked, doubtfully.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Beg your pardon?”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Why are you bending the knee now?” He said, “After your brother’s murder, why?”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She swallowed hard after hearing him pronouncing his name, as if he had the right to do it after everything he had done.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She thought about her answer and she almost bit her own tongue for it.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Because my love for Aegon is bigger than anything else” The words felt so bitter, so filled with lies. She had to blatantly lie. “I came here to serve him, as- as her loyal friend.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Otto did not seem to be convinced at all, it was the opposite actually. He stared at her with pure confusion on his face. Visaella gave up then, the thought of her being caught immediately came to her mind while Otto was observing her with an intense gaze, showing how much he did not trust her.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Allow me to doubt you, Princess.” He looked to a guard and tilted his head. The guard started walking towards her. “But, I must speak with King Aegon before letting you in.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Vermithor roared when the guard was close enough to touch Visaella, and the man fell backwards to the ground. Otto frowned,

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Princess-”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The sound of Caraxes’ singular shrill roar was heard while he flew above their heads. Visaella felt something in her chest, Daemon heard Vermithor and flew over there to check on her, ruining the entire plan.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Fuck, fuck, fuck, Visaella thought.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “What is he doing here?” Otto asked, raising his voice.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Vermithor stood up, spreading his large wings and roaring once more. Otto looked at her, now he was scared, and she gained back the control of the situation. The look of pure terror on the old man’s face will be carved on her memory until the day she died,

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Tell him to calm down!” Otto demanded.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Visaella did not say anything, she just stood there while Vermithor was getting as angry as her. Suddenly, an arrow flew beside the princess and hit the dragon’s scales. It did not do him any harm at all, it barely tickled him, but the Princess saw this as a threat towards her beloved dragon, and she would not allow that.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “What is going on?” Otto asked again.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “You all killed Lucerys,” She said, “You killed my mother and two of my siblings.” She spat, her eyes filled with hatred. “And yet you feel entitled to smile in my presence.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Otto started to walk backwards, knowing that he was in great danger. Another arrow passed beside her, hitting Vermithor's thick skin once again. She looked up and saw two men preparing their archers to shoot him.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “You stole my mother’s throne, you killed my sweet boy.” She walked, positioning herself under Vermithor’s neck, “Now you will pay.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Princess-” He was looking up at the dragon and giving swift glances to her, scared of taking his eyes away from the beast.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I will burn every single one of you.” She threatened him, “I will burn this entire castle and city if I have to.” The guards were starting to walk towards the entrance door. “My mother did not want to be Queen of the Ashes.” She spoke softly, “But I do.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Visaella-!”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Dracarys.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Vermithor spat a cloud of fire on the men in front of her, and the ones that were stupidly throwing arrows at her. She started hearing their screams, watching them squirm in the ground trying to put out the flames that were burning their flesh, and she could not take her eyes off of Otto’s burning body. She felt a big relief when she saw him kneel in front of her out of the pain, it was better than any other feeling.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ It brought her greater pleasure than any night she spent with Aegon, and that is when knew how good it would feel to kill every single one of them.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She walked between the burning bodies, her chin lifted with pride as she walked inside the main door of the castle and started to make her way towards wherever Aegon was. There were thousands of maids and servants running and screaming while she was walking up the stairs.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ They deserve to be scared, Visaella thought, they bent the knee for the usurper and betrayed your mother.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Visaella sneaked inside the castle without being seen. The commotion and panic of the people were quite helpful as less people were paying attention to her. She tried to walk with her head down, always paying attention to her surroundings in case someone would recognize her, but no one did.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She was almost chanting victory when she saw Ser Criston Cole trotting in her direction and being followed by at least twelve other guards. Visaella panicked, and she opened the first door she found, hiding in an unknown room.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Her movements were quiet and stealthy; the door did not make a sound and her steps were barely heard. She went unnoticed, remaining silent until she heard some voices near her.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I told you this would happen!” She heard a whine from someone she could not recognize. “It was just a matter of time after what the Prince did to that poor boy.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Visaella peeked from where she was hiding, and saw two maids hiding behind a big piece of furniture. One of them seemed as if she could not stop crying. They had not noticed her presence in the room yet.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Poor Princess Rhaenyra,” One of them lamented, “I can only imagine her pain when she found out.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “The worst thing of it all, it’s what the people are saying.” She whispered, “I’ve heard in the corridors that Prince Aemond took Prince Lucerys’ eyes and gave them to his betrothed back in Storm’s End.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ A hole was installed on her chest, and the whistle on her ear came back. Her brow lowered and her lips became a line showing her serious semblance. Her body started to heathen up, and her hands became fists, one of them surrounded the sword handle on her scabbard.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I heard that the King celebrated with him.” One of them continued, now Visaella’s heart stopped. “He threw a feast for his brother.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “How terrible-”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The princess made herself seen by the maids, who widened her eyes scared after noticing her presence. Visaella was shaking, she was crying and her face was red. She looked down at the maids with pure abhorrence on her darkened eyes. They saw her hardened stare filled with rage and they closed their eyes, thinking she might kill them.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Where is Aegon?” She asked, her voice sounding deeper than usual.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “He- he was- he was walking…” The maid was stuttering, deadly scared of Visaella, whose knuckles were starting to get white thanks to the strength of her grip around the hilt of her sword. “He was walking to his chambers…”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Was he alone?” The maids nodded, “Good.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Visaella drew her sword before opening the door abruptly, stumping outside the room and starting to walk fastly towards Aegon’s chambers. Raging tears were escaping her eyes, she was fuming; breathing too fast.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ A guard caught her, but she was quick enough to cut his throat with her sword. Then came another, and another. Visaella was letting all her anger take control of her senses, being completely numb by it, by the end of the fight she was already covered in blood and her arm was bleeding due to a deep cut.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She knew the path very well, so it was quite easy to arrive at the hallway where Aegon’s chambers were located. She peeked through a corner at the end of the corridor and saw a guard standing outside the room. Visaella picked a stone and threw it on the floor in order to make noise and caught the attention of the guard. It worked.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The guard walked towards the corner with the hilt of his sword in his hand. Visaella waited for him as he slowly went forward. She grabbed one of her daggers, and once the guard was close enough, she stabbed him on the neck in a quick movement, without even letting him react.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ His dead body fell onto the ground and she used his white cloak to clean her dagger’s blade. Then, she got inside the chambers.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ A certain feeling unbeknownst to her positioned in her gut. She closed the door behind her and looked around, trying to find him. His scent reached her nose and it was a triggering sensation that almost made her cry, it drove her mad and her mind was engulfed with the tons of memories that came to her mind. She even was able to feel his touch on her hips once she closed her eyes.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She shook her head and woke up from the tortuous trance that her own mind put her in, and quickly tried to compose herself. Only then, she had the strength of going inside the room. Her eyes were scanning around trying to find him, until her eyes fell onto his messy bed.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ There he was.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Aegon was sleeping, he was shirtless and only a pair of thin pants covered his nudity. His hair was spreaded on the white pillow, and his milky skin was still covered with marks; marks that she had done. He was sleeping on the right side of the bed, leaving the left side completely empty. There was an empty bottle of wine on the nightstand. She looked around and she was surprised to see her red gown with a wine stain on one of the sofas.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Her haze softened a little, but then her mind started poisoning her feelings again. He was there, sleeping safe and sound, seeming so relaxed and calm, while she barely had enough sleep these last days. She had been living in a nightmare, and yet Aegon seemed to be so content in his bed. It was not fair.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ He made a feast, Visaella thought, and the madness started to succumb her once again. You were grieving and he was having a feast.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Just as if he was able to feel her presence, he started to move. He rubbed his eyes tiredly, and stretched his body. His heart stopped once his vision cleared and saw Visaella standing in front of the bed, he sat up and his eyes softened instantly; he was so bewitched by her presence that he did not notice the stains of blood on her armor. He did not even notice she was wearing an armor.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Her skin shivered, and she did not know if it was for the cold breeze that came inside the room, or the intense haze of Aegon on her.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “My love…” He whispered, astonished. He crawled desperately over the bed until he got close to her. “My sweet love, is that really you?”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ He stood up from the bed and walked carefully towards her, as if he was scared she was some illusion of his imagination. He tried to touch her face, but she grabbed his wrist with a strong grip, Aegon widened his eyes, taken aback by her unexpected action.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “You made a feast.” She claimed. Aegon frowned, confused at her words.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Wh-what?” He muttered.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Lucerys died… and you made a feast.” Her voice sounded so hollow, so monotone.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Aegon looked at her eyes, and he saw it again; the same hatred that she used to hurt him the last time they saw each other. He leaned backwards, and just then he woke up from her spell and realized that she was covered in blood.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Are you hurt?” He asked, worried.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “You lied to me.” She accused him, “You used me.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “What are you saying?”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “You trick me… you used me to take my mother’s crown.” A tear fell from her eye. Aegon tried to wipe it off, but Visaella leaned back. “You fucking liar.” She whispered.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Ella, I did this to protect you- They forced me to do it.” He explained, frowning, “I’ve never lied to you, why are you saying those things?”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Protect me?” She scoffed, “Lucerys is dead for what you did… My mother is dead. How dare you call that ‘protection’?”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ It seemed as if the news of his half-sister’s death had shocked him more than Visaella expected. His eyes looked confused, almost lost.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Rhaenyra is dead?” He questioned, astonished.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Because of what your brother did.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “What happened with Lucerys was an accident, Ella. Just let me explain everything-”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Aegon’s words stopped once Visaella’s hand started to squeeze his throat. He looked at her with horror reflected on his face while his mouth dropped open trying to breathe. Her grip was strong, even Aegon was surprised by her strength; her eyes seemed to be lost. He tried to escape from her grip, but he could not do it. Then he just closed his eyes, being unable to bear that malignant stare on him again.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Don’t you dare to say his name.” She spat, “Don’t you fucking dare to defend your murderer brother.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I did this-” He spoke breathlessly, searching for air, “I did this so we- so we can marry.” He whined.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Visaella freed him from her grip, and she started to push him. “Stop lying!” She yelled at him, while he was trying to make her stop. “Fucking liar!”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Stop it.” Aegon said, grabbing her arms and putting them behind her back, she kept squirming trying to escape. “Stop it!”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She started to cry all over again, breaking down in front of him. Aegon noticed the ache of her heart by seeing through her hardened haze. He leaned his forehead against hers, and he felt the warmth of her breath.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “They told me I’ll get to marry you if I accept the crown.” He whispered, “I did it so we can be together, why don't you believe me?”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “You killed Lucerys…”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I didn’t.” He shook his head, desperately trying to prove his innocence. “Aemond did.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Under your command.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I didn’t order him to kill him. Please, my love, you have to believe me.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “You stole the crown, Aegon!” She yelled, her face was covered in tears by then, and burning with rage. “If you would’ve rejected it, Lucerys would be with me.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “They forced me-”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “You have a dragon…” She interrupted, “Why didn’t you fly to Dragonstone?”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I sent you a letter.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Stop lying!”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I am not!” He raised his voice, tired of the situation, “Stop fucking screaming and listen to me!” Visaella whined, “I fucking love you, I would leave everything for you, I would do anything for you! How can you not see?”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Her lip trembled, “And yet you did nothing to prevent Lucerys’ death.” He went silent, “You didn’t even punish Aemond for what he did.” She cried, “You knew how much I loved Lucerys, you knew how much this would ruin me, and yet… you did nothing.” She looked right at his eyes, wanting him to see her face once she pronounced the following words, “You ruined my life, Aegon.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ His grip around her hand weakened, her hurtful words made him close his eyes. He wished to be dreaming, he begged to wake up with her between his arms that day when everything started to go down. He pledged to the gods.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “You don’t mean that.” He mumbled.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I do.” She spat. Her words were venom, and it was burning Aegon’s heart. “You ruined everything! You ruined me!” She managed to get out of his grip and she pushed him far from her. Aegon stumbled, “Look how miserable I am now, and it’s all because of you!”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Don’t say that.” He whispered, shocking his head while his teary purple eyes looked at her. “Please, don’t.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I wish I hadn’t believed in your words, in your lies.” Aegon hummed in pain, “I wish I had never let myself be with you. I was a fool.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Ella…” Aegon begged.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “And I warned you, if you ever touch them again I will kill you.” She remembered him. “You didn’t listen, so now I'm here to keep my word... I will kill you.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Her words were harsh, they pierced through his heart like a dagger and it made him feel miserable. The worst thing of it all is that he wanted to be angry at her, but he couldn’t. He wanted to scream at her, tell her to fuck herself for treating him this way after everything he had done for her, he wanted to yell a thousand of atrocities at her face so she could feel an inch of his pain, of what he was feeling right then. But, he could not bring himself to do that. He had felt abandonment a long time ago by his own parents, being neglected and left aside from his family. No one showed him what love truly was until she arrived in his life to save him. He could not afford to lose her, not after he had tasted her sweetness and devotion. Not after everything they have been through.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ So, instead of getting mad, he begged her. He fell onto his knees and hugged her hips so tightly that Visaella gasped. She tried to push him away but he was too strong, and she was weakened by her own sorrow.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Please…” He whined, “Please, my love, please. I love you, you need to believe me.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “You don’t love me.” She cried, “You don’t do these things to someone you love.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I’m sorry!” His voice broke between his screams, “Please, forgive me!”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Her knees felt weak, they were shaking. Aegon’s face was buried on her belly, not caring about crushing his nose against the cold metal of her armor. He wanted to be as close as he possibly could. Visaella was sobbing loudly, everything started to ache. It was too much, it was too painful.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Too many emotions were drowning her body.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I love you, I love you.” He repeated. “I’m sorry. Please, love me.” He whined, “I can lose you, please. Tell me you love me too.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I can’t.” She spoke. “I can’t love you anymore.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “No! No, no!” He stood up and he grabbed her face. “Look at me, my love. Please, please!”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Stop it.” She muttered.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I love you!” He screamed at her face, touching her skin.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Aegon, shut up.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I love you, my sun. I love you, please!”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Shut up!” She closed her eyes, not being capable of looking at his eyes.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Forgive me, my love. I can’t lose you, I love you.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Stop it!” She screamed, “Stop it!”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I love you-”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Her lips smashed against his, and Aegon moaned out of relief and pain. His lips were dry, but they were still as soft as always. Visaella whimpered against him, feeling Aegon’s hands grabbing her body and bringing her closer to his. It was desperate, intense, it was a kiss that made it count for all those agony days without each other’s presence. Aegon felt consolation, he devoured her mouth shamelessly, whining and sighing against her tongue and feeling her taste. Visaella’s hands were tangled on his platinum hair, feeling his softness one last time.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ When she pulled apart they were breathing fast, their lips swollen and wet. They stared at each other’s eyes, Aegon’s were filled with love but she could not see it. He smiled at her, feeling unburdened by having her back into his arms.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ His eyes were glistening, his purple eyes were softened. Until a shook look took over his face.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ His hand covered his throat while the blood splashed on his naked chest and on her clothing. Aegon’s eyes were filled with horror while he started gulping and choking with his own blood. Visaella looked at the front with a lost stare, trying to ignore the sound of Aegon’s body falling dead on the floor.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She was shaking, and her legs were trembling desperately. She fell on the ground and looked at the lifeless eyes of her lover. She let out a loud sob, starting to cry desperately. She hated him, she hated him for making her do this. For forcing her to despise him.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She looked up, staring at her reflection through the mirror; she was covered in blood. Aegon's blood. Her chest was moving fast, she was sobbing uncontrollably, her eyes displaying the hatred she felt. There was no mercy in them, she was blinded by the rage and vengeance. Those sweet eyes were no longer there, there was no kindness left. She went mad, and killing Aegon was the livid proof of it.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Visaella crawled to the balcony, still whimpering and crying, she felt the smell of smoke reaching her nose and once she reached the door frame, she used it as a support to stand up. Her shaky hands grabbed the railing, and she observed the view; everything was burning, screams were heard. The heat of the fire felt so close to her that she could feel its warmth. She looked at the sky and saw Vermithor flying on top of the Red Keep, he stood on a burning building and roared.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She was just starting to get worried about Jacaerys and Daemon when a cold blade was positioned on her neck. She gasped out of impression, and a laugh was heard against her ear.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Prince Aemond will be thrilled to see what you’ve done to the King.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ He grabbed her carelessly, almost dragging her outside the chambers, forcing her to keep up with his fastened pace. Her legs were not steady, they were crashing against each other making her drag her body around the corridors.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The man never let the knife go, constantly putting it against her flesh and even cutting a little of her neck. Visaella did not fight him at any time, knowing that she was at a big disadvantage, and that she would probably lose any kind of fight at that moment; she was still shaken with what had happened; with what she had done.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “When Daemon finds you, he will kill you.” She muttered.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Not if Prince Aemond kills you first.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She did not recognize where they were going, the big castle seemed like a maze and it appeared that not even the guard knew where he was taking her. He was just walking around, as if he was trying to find something –or someone.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The presence of a familiar face came in her way. He stood up in front of the both of them and she frowned; it was one of the twins guards, but she was not able to recognize which, as the light was too dim. She only begged for him to be the right twin.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Where are you taking her?” The guard said, looking at her covered in blood and then to the other guard holding her.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “To Prince Aemond.” He replied. “Why don’t you do me a favor and tell me where he is, Arryk?”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She tensed after hearing the name, starting to feel unsafe once again.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “No.” He shook his head. “Give her to me, I know where Prince Aemond and Queen Alicent are, I’ll take her to them.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Or you could just tell me.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “No.” He denied again, “Only me and Ser Criston know where the Queen is hiding, I will not give that information to a strange guard.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The man behind her clicked his tongue with annoyance before removing the dagger from her throat and throwing her to the ground, just by the feet of the guard. He looked down at her at the same time she looked up, he grabbed his flail and Visaella covered her head once he raised his arm.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She closed her eyes, expecting the impact but instead she heard a body falling next to her. The guard's body. The man was continuously beating his face until it was unrecognizable, and it left a huge blood stain that almost reached the princess.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She crawled away from him, and the twin kneeled by her side.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Your Grace, are you okay?” He spoke softly.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Ser Erryk…” She answered with relief.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I was looking for you.” He said, “Prince Daemon wants to see you, he claims to have a surprise for you.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ He offered his hand, and she took it without even thinking twice about it. She stood up with his help and he guided her through the castle. She looked around, and there were dead bodies of white cloak guards laying around on the cold floor. It was a gruesome view, but it was proof that they had won. That thought made her feel some kind of peace within her.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ However, Ser Erryk did not let his guard down until they reached the main entrance of the Red Keep once again, Vermithor was the first thing she saw through the open gates, and later she managed to see three wooden poles with three people tied on them. As she was getting closer, she finally recognized the silhouettes of Aemond, Alicent and Helaena.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Daemon turned around and watched her approaching him with a victorious smile. Jacaerys was by his side, standing up straight with his arms behind his back. He seemed to be unharmed, and that made Visaella feel relieved.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Finally Your Grace is here.” Daemon announced once his daughter reached his side. “That one was tough,” He said pointing at Aemond, who was staring at them without expression at all. Next to him was Alicent, who could not stop shaking, “Ser Erryk was able to catch him before he could escape to find Vhagar.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Where’s Aegon?!” Alicent asked, almost screaming in despair. “Tell him I want to see him!”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Visaella ignored the woman’s words and kept talking with Daemon, “Ser Criston?” She asked after not seeing him among the others.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I took my liberties with him.” He said with a malicious smirk, “But, I assure you he will not be an issue for you.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Good.” Her eyes traveled to her brother’s face, “Are you okay?” He did not verbally answer, but he nodded.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Bring me Aegon!” Alicent insisted, “I want to see my son!”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Visaella turned around at her, expressionless. Alicent looked at her state with eyes filled with terror. The princess’ eyes were orbitated by madness, her whole face changed. The fact that Alicent thought that she would let Aegon live after what he had done to her family was just too insulting for her not to react. She took her words as if Alicent did not think she was strong enough to kill him.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Visaella, please!”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Aegon is dead.” She spoke coldly. The woman frowned and her lip trembled, “I sliced his throat open and watched him bleed to death.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “No…” She denied, incredulous. “You wouldn’t do that. Not to him.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “But I did.” She shrugged. “The usurper is dead.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I don’t believe you.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The princess walked towards her, nothing was found beneath her purple eyes. Alicent was frightened by her.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Do you want me to bring you his head?” She asked teasingly. “He still lays in his chambers.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “He loved you!”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She scoffed, taking a step back and whispering, “No, he didn’t.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Behind her back Daemon smiled pleasantly.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Visaella walked towards Helaena, who remained serene even after everything she had seen. The silver haired girl looked up to her, she had teary eyes but there was no sign of tears on her cheeks.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I’m really sorry, Helaena.” She said softly, “You were the kindest of them all… Perhaps you do not deserve such a cruel and ruthless death,” She clenched her jaw and looked down. “But neither did Lucerys.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Helaena whispered, “The emerald kinship will prevail, a small child with his sire’s face.” Visaella ignored her words, walking towards Aemond.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Being in front of him was as if a wave of rage washed over her body. Her breathing turned sharp as soon as she saw his face, the despise on her eyes was easily seen and her hands were itching to grab her dagger and cut his throat. However, she held herself back by taking a deep breath and say,

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “After what you did, I dreamt of many ways to kill you.” She confessed, “I hoped the Gods would make your life miserable, I hoped you would die in the most painful and horrible way possible.” She laughed, “You will die last, because I want you to see. I want you to see while your mother and sister die screaming, so you can feel an inch of my pain.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Aemond tensed. He tried to make himself look careless, but Visaella knew he was growing desperate as there was nothing he could do by now.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Was it worth it?” He spoke with a deep and raspy voice, looking down at her. Visaella frowned. “Killing Aegon,” He clarified, “Was it worth it?”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Visaella knew he was trying to touch her nerve and make her break in front of everyone, but she would not let him get the pleasure to see her cry. Instead, she smirked.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Put him aside,” Visaella ordered, “And make sure he has a good view.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She walked back towards Daemon and Jacaerys while Ser Erryk along with other guards started to take Aemond off the wooden pole. He was positioned in front of Visaella, watching the scenery in the first row.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Soon, Vermithor started moving towards the women. Alicent closed her eyes the minute she saw the beast getting closer; Visaella watched her as she started to pray to the Seven, and hummed pleased by seeing her despair.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Queen Alicent Hightower, Princess Helaena Targaryen. I, Visaella of House Targaryen, first of my name and rightful heir to the Seven Kingdoms, sentence you to die.” Helaena muttered the same words as before, but once again Visaella ignored her. Alicent took a deep breath and watched her children for the last time. “Dracarys.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The fire brought warmth to the cold night. Visaella looked down at Aemond who was kneeling in front of her with Ser Erryk holding a knife against his throat in order to keep him still. She smiled, pleased with herself after seeing the despair in his eye. She felt an inner peace after seeing him suffering; she had the same look on her face once she found out about Lucerys, and it was such a pleasant feeling to see the same distress reflected on him.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Once the fire started to fade out, Visaella made a subtle sign to the guards and positioned Aemond between the two calcined bodies. He looked completely wrecked, his hardened look now was a defeated one. If he was going to die, he was glad he would die along with his family.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I will not even justify your murder by giving you a reason… we both know why I am doing this.” She put her hands behind her back and straightened up her body, “But I will ask you something, and you shall answer; why did you do it?”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ He did not speak back.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “You owe me an answer, Aemond.” She spat, “Why did you do it?”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “It was an accident.” He muttered, his voice sounding raspy and low. “I never meant to kill him.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She scoffed, shaking her head and looking at him incredulously. “An accident.” She repeated, “You fucking liar.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “I’m speaking the truth.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “How can I trust in the words of a kinslayer?”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ He laughed, bitterly, “You are one too.” He said, looking at her through his eyelashes.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Visaella pouted her lips, and nodded softly. “Yes, I guess I am.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Her loyal dragon prepared himself once again. Aemond straightened up his body and lifted his chin, showing himself unafraid of what she may do. They were staring at each other’s eyes without breaking eye contact, filled with hate and resentment. Visaella did not bend, she remained still in her position without letting him intimidate her.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She smiled, and Aemond frowned confused at her reaction. “Ipradagon zir��la. (Eat him)”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The silver haired man widened his eyes after hearing her voice, realizing that he would not have the same death as his mother and sister. Vermithor growled loudly, taking his time. Aemond looked up at him just when he opened his mouth and swallowed him fully. The look of shock on his face will probably be carved forever in Visaella’s mind, as a gratifying memory.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She turned around only to find everyone looking at her. She looked to the faces of the present people, she managed to see fear in some of them. She walked towards Daemon, who arched his eyebrow when he saw her expressionless face, expecting her to be broken and crying until her eyes felt sore. But she was intact, with just a few dry tears on her face.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Gather the Green Tropes that are left.” She commanded, “Send ravens to every single Lord and Lady in the realm. Tell them to come to King’s Landing to bend the knee to the rightful heir to the throne, or else they will suffer the same consequences as them.” Her head moved pointing at the place where the burnt bodies were. Daemon bowed his head as affirmation.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Visaella looked at Jacaerys who was staring at the floor without being capable of looking at her. She grabbed his face between her hands and forced him to do it; he was crying.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She reached his forehead and left a soft kiss in it, “We won, brother.” She whispered, “Now we can finally live at peace.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Jacaerys saw her eyes and nodded assuringly. She gave him a soft smile before starting to walk away to the inside of the castle that now belonged to her at the same time that Vermithor flew away.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ As she was getting further from the rest, her smile started to get bigger. She had fulfilled her duty, she kept her word and avenged her family, gaining back what belonged to her.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Her smile just showed how relieved she felt. It was over now, she finished the war before it could even start. She knew very deep inside her that her mother would be proud of what she had done for her. Now she could finally live in peace.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Two months later all the Lords had come to King's Landing, with Lord Stark being the last one to arrive. They were gathered in the Throne room, along with servants, some peasants, and the guards. They were all waiting for her.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ When the gates were opened, everyone turned to see her delicate frame, and a silence took over the place. She was wearing a black gown, with metal ornaments that imitated a dragon’s scales; it seemed like an armor. Her hair was perfectly braided, not a single hair strand was out of place. She was looking completely gorgeous.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The princess started to walk in the large hallway that divided the two big groups of people that were there to witness her coronation. She saw the front, at one side of the throne was the Maester Gerardys along with Daemon, and at the other side was Ser Erryk and Jacaerys. The last one was looking proudly at her.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She saw around the audience the faces of many lords and ladies that she could recognise. Some of them as Lord Stark and Lady Arryn were staring at her with subtle smiles, while others as Lord Lannister and Lord Baratheon were caught with scared hazes; they had supported the usurper after all, and they were afraid of what she might be capable of doing with them.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ She felt the weight of everybody’s stare on her, that made her feel nervous. Her nails started to pinch the flesh of her hand, trying to make her calm down and relax. She needed to enjoy her big day after everything she went through to get there.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Once she arrived right in front of the throne, she kneeled before the Maester. He took a vase filled with liquid and started the ceremony. Two stomps were heard before the Grand Maester spoke,

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “We gather here, to be witnesses of this great event.” His voice echoed around the room, it sounded loud and clear. “The rightful heir to the Iron Throne, has defeated the usurper!” He dipped his thumb in the water and marked her forehead with it. “May the Warrior give her courage, may the Smith lend strength to her sword and shield.” She looked at Daemon, who was smiling down at her, and then she looked at the hand-shaped pin decorating his vest. “May the Father defend her in her need, may the Crone lift her shining lamp and light her way to wisdom.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The Maester slowly gave the vase back to Jacaerys, and then he grabbed the crown; Aegon’s crown. He passed it to Ser Erryk, who took a step forward, grabbing it and lifting it up for everyone to see.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “The Conqueror’s Crown passed down through generations, and now it will lay on our Queen’s head.” She held her breath once she felt the weight of the crown on top of her head. “Let the Seven be witness: Visaella Targaryen defeated the usurper, and claimed her position as the rightful heir to the Iron Throne.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ He offered his hand, she delicately took it and stood up. He was the first one to bow, followed by the Maester, Jacaerys and lastly, Daemon. She sighed deeply, and she turned around. Joffrey, Viserys and Aegon were on the front row looking at her with excitement; their sister is now the queen, they might have thought. Baela and Rhaena were next to them smiling slightly at her. Everyone seemed pleased to see her with the Conqueror’s Crown on her head.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ They were all signs that she had done the right thing.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The Maester cleared his throat, “All hail the Queen!” He yelled. “Visaella of House Targaryen, first of her name. Queen of the Andals, the Rhyonar and the First Men, lady of the Seven Kingdoms, and protector of the realm.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ A silence was taking over the room, until Ser Erryk screamed, “Long may she reign!”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ In unison, all the presents repeated his words, creating a deafening echo in the room that made her feel shivers down her spine. Visaella stood up tall looking around with her jaw clenched, and proud of what she had achieved.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ However, in a subtle movement, she touched her belly. A small, melancholic tear fell down her cheek knowing that the last piece of Aegon was growing inside her.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The emerald kinship will prevail, a small child with his sire’s face.

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