Chapter 27:Family Drama
Helaena had been doing her best to avoid her father ever since she arrived on Dragonstone. She made sure to avoid eye contact with him, to make sure they did not stand close to each other when in the same room and went out of her way to not speak to him.
But it seemed efforts were no longer effective as Viserys had summoned his daughter to his chamber, at a time when her siblings and mother were not near to intercept him. And now, Helaena sat across from Viserys at a small table placed in the middle of the room.
I already know what he is going to ask. Helaena thought, staring at her hands.
"I wished to know if you have had any dreams as of late." Viserys asked, a small, hopeful smile appearing on his face.
"I have not had any dreams, father." Helaena said truthfully, "They come sporadically, I cannot force them to happen."
Viserys's smile remained, "That is no issue, from what you said before, your dreams will come again."
Viserys then reached down by his side and lifted a large book, pushing it across the table and placing it in front of Helaena. The book was old, but was in relatively good condition, its brown leather cover was stiff and worn and from the side, its pages were a slight yellow color.
Helaena brushed her fingers against the book, a slight shiver racing down her spine when she did, and she looked at her father questioningly, wondering what the book was and why it felt so strange to her.
"This was a journal written by Daenys the Dreamer." Viserys explained.
Helaena's eyes widened slightly as she looked the journal over, "But I thought the book she wrote her visions in was lost to time."
It was known that before the Doom, Daenys had written many of her visions down in a book that would later be known as Signs and Portents. There were rumors that Daenys had seen decades, even centuries into the future, and that this information was purposely destroyed after Daenys' death.
"This is not that book. This is simply just a journal that Daenys kept where she wrote about her life and feelings. But I remember when my grandmother showed me this book as a young lad, I found it so fascinating, to see how a Dreamer of our family lived her life. And they brought me comfort and bolstered my own beliefs when I had dreams of my own..."
Viserys had trailed off, his eyes becoming glossy and reached into his shirt and pulled out the ring that hung on a necklace around his neck, holding it tightly as his throat bobbed.
Helaena knew that the ring had once belonged to Aemma Arryn, a memento of Viserys' late wife that he held with him since the day she died.
Viserys' dream of a son wearing the Conqueror's crown along with the pressure to have a male heir, had been what pushed Viserys to constantly impregnate Aemma, no matter how many children they lost too soon, and no matter how weak and disillusioned each loss left Aemma. And it was this dream and need that Viserys viewed as important enough to decide that he could not lose both his wife and child, and to cut Aemma open without informing her first.
Viserys cleared his throat, "It was my hope that having this journal will inspire you as well, perhaps even make your dreams clearer by proximity. You can even try and write down any dreams that you may have."
"I have tried to do that, but it never worked for. My dreams are often too muddled until just when they are about to happen."
Viserys hummed, "From what I have read, dreams affect every dreamer in different ways, I do not believe that this is any cause for concern."
Helaena lifted the book before looking at Viserys, "Thank you, father."
Viserys smiled before allowing it to fall, "I have not forgotten what your sister said when you revealed your gift to us. It is not my intention to make you feel, to make you both feel as if I viewed you as only a tool to be used. But you must understand that what you have is special, and that much good can come from its use."
"I know." Helaena muttered, looking away from Viserys.
"If you ever feel the need to speak of your dreams, then I hope you will feel comfortable coming to me, or any member of our family besides Lilyanna, more often. And if you do not wish to speak of anything you may see, that will also be fine." Viserys added.
Helaena knew that if Lilyanna were the one sitting in her place, she would not believe a word coming out of Viserys' mouth and would only continue hold her secrets. Helaena did not know if Viserys would keep his word, if he would change his mind in the future, but she wanted to believe in his sincerity. "I will try, father."
"Good." Viserys said, smiling brightly.
Helaena could almost see the boyish handsomeness Viserys once possessed before his illness and the responsibilities of Kingship ravaged his face and body.
Lilyanna smiled as she gave Sava her checkup for the day, seeing the change in health the young girl had been in the mist of these last few days.
Sava's complexation had started to return, her body was no longer shivered, and she had found the strength to eat more, sit up, and move around on her own. She could not move around for prolonged periods of time, and she still had a slight cough, but it was a far improvement, with the girl no longer on the verge of death.
"There, I'm all done." Lilyanna said as she handed Sava a cup of tea to drink.
Sava smiled as she accepted the cup, "Thank you, Lily."
Lilyanna patted the top of Sava's head before turning to Sava's parents.
"We still cannot thank you enough for all you have done." Kat said, brushing Sava's hair back with her hand.
Lilyanna sighed, "Please stop thanking me, I've already said that it's nothing."
"It feels wrong not to." Kat muttered.
When it became clear that Sava's health was improving, Kat and Hugh had been overcome with emotion. They had tried to pay Lilyanna for her services, but the redhead refused, even looking disgusted at the thought of payment, so Kat felt like thanking Lilyanna was the least she could do as Lilyanna had saved her little girl's life.
Hugh watched as Lilyanna began to pack up her things, preparing to leave, with a stoney expression on his face.
I can't just not give her anything. Sava's life is worth everything I hold dear and more. Hugh thought.
The large man then stood up from his chair, drawing Lilyanna's attention. "Let me forge two swords for you."
Lilyanna raised an eyebrow, "You were already going to do that, weren't you? Once Sava was fully healed and you went back to work."
Hugh shook his head, "You were going to pay for the swords, but I don't want you to do that. I wish to forge these weapons in exchange for you healing my daughter."
Lilyanna frowned, "Hugh-"
"Please, you... You saved her life. When I, Kat, and everyone else thought her life was already forfeited, you did what we all thought was impossible. The least I can do is charge you for my work." Hugh said strongly.
"And what if I refuse to take them without paying you?" Lilyanna asked.
Hugh did not hesitate in giving his response, "I will throw any coin you put into my hand into the sea."
"You certainly seem like a stubborn enough man to do something like that." Lilyanna scoffed, letting out a tired sigh, "Fine, but this better be your greatest work for all the hassle you are giving me over it."
Hugh smiled, "It will be."
Lilyanna rolled her eyes as she lifted her bag, giving the family of three her goodbyes before leaving their home.
Unknown to her, as Lilyanna walked down the streets of Shadecross, she was being watched intently by a malicious force. Their eyes never leaving Lilyanna as she moved, even when she disappeared, their eyes remained on where she once stood.
A Few Hours Later
Lilyanna walked with her hands help up behind her head, following her young brother, her chosen Kingsguard, and the dragonkeepers, as they made their way to a large smoking vent on the eastern side of the Dragonmount, heading to the lair of the elusive dragon Grey Ghost, with the intention of having Lilyanna attempt to claim it.
Aemond had practically ran outside when they received word of Grey Ghost returning to its nest, dragging his older sister along with him. Rhaena had tried to follow, but was stopped by Daemon, her father not wanting to leave her alone with her cousins while in the lair of a wild dragon, much to her disappointment.
Soon, the group reached the top of the hill, coming to a stop just before the peak, preventing them from seeing and being seen as they did not want to scare off the famously skittish and avoidant creature.
"Princess." One of the dragonkeepers said aloud, "Remember, this dragon is not like Vermithor or Silverwing, caution must be taken."
Lilyanna nodded her head before turning to her brother. Neither said a word, they did not have to as it was clear with just his gaze what Aemond was telling her.
Claim that dragon, sister.
Lilyanna turned away, climbing up the rocky hill and quietly making her way over the ledge, dropping down into the vent. The dragon's nest was hot, hotter than most parts of the Dragonmount that she had entered. Lilyanna could not see extremely far ahead of her due to the steam and smoke, but once her feet hit the ground, she heard a faint growl nearby.
Lilyanna put her arms out in front of her in, taking one step at a time as she made her way further into the lair, and it did not take long for Lilyanna to see bright yellow eyes peering at her from with the veil of steam.
"Hello there, Grey Ghost." Lilyanna said, her voice measured and calm, "I did not mean to intrude, I know you do not enjoy the company of humans."
Grey Ghost moved its head forward, allowing Lilyanna to get a better look. Along with its bright yellow eyes, Grey Ghost was entirely pale grayish white, the same color of morning mist, with a head shape to that of Syrax and Sunfyre, and was quite large, slightly bigger than Meleys if Lilyanna had to guess.
Grey Ghost stayed still as a rod as it stared at Lilyanna, as if trying to figure out what to make of the human that had made her way into its domain.
"I would like to claim you as my mount, if you find no issue with me as a rider, Grey Ghost." Lilyanna said holding her hand out for the dragon to smell.
The dragon moved its head even closer to Lilyanna, taking a deep breath and smelling the girl's hand and when it did, Grey Ghost's pupils dilated. Quickly, Grey Ghost pressed its head against Lilyanna's body, rubbing itself against her, causing Lilyanna to laugh.
"It that a yes?" Lilyanna asked, reaching up to scratch the underside of the dragon's head. Her question went ignored as the dragon continued to rub Lilyanna with its head, but Lilyanna was not bothered by this, allowing the dragon to enjoy itself.
Before long, Grey Ghost lifted his head and began to nudge the princess deeper into its nest, making Lilyanna wonder what the dragon was doing.
When Lilyanna looked down, she saw the bones countless sea creatures that Grey Ghost had hunted and taken back here to eat. Most of the bones were picked clean, except one sturgeon, only half of which remained.
Lilyanna looked at the half-eaten fish and then the dragon standing above her, Grey Ghost looked down at her expectantly before using its snout to push the sturgeon closer to her.
Lilyanna's face dropped, "I'm glad you wish to share your food with me, but I've already eaten."
When she tried to back away, Grey Ghost growled lowly, baring his teeth at Lilyanna, only stopping when Lilyanna moved back towards the fish.
Why does this shit happen to me of all people? Lilyanna thought. "Are you truly going to make me eat this?"
Grey Ghost continued to silently stare at her, and Lilyanna could only drop her shoulders in despair before turning back to the fish with a look of disgust. Reluctantly, she reached down and peeled off a bit of meat that was poking through the skin, feeling the wet, slimy, and toughness of the reddish white fish meat.
And when she threw the small piece into her mouth, Lilyanna could taste just how long the fish had been sitting in this hot and damp dragon lair, and she hated it.
Grey Ghost let out a happy sounding chirp, bending over Lilyanna and using its long and razor-sharp teeth to tear off the rest of the fish's skin and meat from its bones.
"So, are we bonded now?" Lilyanna asked.
Grey Ghost stared at her for a moment, purring lowly before turning away, giving Lilyanna the answer she needed.
Lilyanna sighed, an eyebrow raised as she watched the dragon, "I can't believe I ate raw, days old, possibly weeks old fish, just for you to reject me."
Grey Ghost continued to purr, laying down on the ground and curling up next to Lilyanna.
Lilyanna huffed and sat down next to the dragon, "You're lucky you're so cute, or I'd truly be angry."
Just as Lilyanna relaxed, she jumped when she heard her brother's voice, yelling from the other side of the hill. "Lilyanna! Have you claimed Grey Ghost?!"
The Grey Ghost swiftly pushed itself to its feet, loudly roaring in the direction that Aemond's voice had come from.
Lilyanna followed, gently pressing her hands against his scales, "Calm, Grey Ghost, calm. It is only my brother, Aemond. He means you no harm and he shall not come any closer."
This almost worked, until Grey Ghost suddenly tensed, his head still facing Aemond's direction before flapping his wings and jumping into the air, flying away from the steam vent.
As Grey Ghost's departure temporarily banished the vent's steam and smoke, Lilyanna could see that Aemond was standing at top of the hill, his gaze focused on the Grey Ghost.
Lilyanna rolled her eyes, "Thanks for that."
Aemond ignored his sister's barb as he looked at her, his eyes full of hope. "Is Grey Ghost yours?"
"They are not." Lilyanna declared, "I suppose they did not think me rider material."
Aemond scowled, "Did you do something to make the dragon reject you?"
Lilyanna scoffed, "Other than being myself?"
Aemond's eyes narrowed, and Lilyanna rolled hers, "No, Aemond, I did not do or say anything to be purposely rejected by the dragon."
Lilyanna walked towards her brother, climbing up the wall and meeting him at the top of the hill, "Despite what you may think, I am trying."
Aemond huffed, "I know. It's just that this is all becoming terribly frustrating."
Lilyanna hummed, knowing that anything she could say, would do little to calm her younger brother, and so decided to leave him be.
"There is still Sheepstealer, we can have you try to claim her." Aemond said, remembering that hope was not yet lost.
Before Lilyanna could say anything, one of the dragonkeepers spoke, "My prince, that would not be feasible at this time."
Aemond frowned, "Why not?
"Sheepstealer is not on Dragonstone at the moment. The dragon has a habit of traveling to the Vale at this time of the year to hunt and nest in the mountains, she will not be back on the island for a few more moon cycles." The man explained.
Aemond turned to Lilyanna, but she spoke first before he could say anything, "We're not going to the Vale."
"But this could work, Sheepstealer will be your dragon!" Aemond yelled.
"We're not going to the Vale." Lilyanna repeated, "I'm already on thin ice with mother for going to Pentos and taking you to claim Silverwing, doing that will just make everything worse."
"But-" Lilyanna placed a hand on Aemond's shoulder.
"It's possible that we'll still be here by the time Sheepstealer returns, and even if we have gone back King's Landing, it will be easier to ask our parents to let us come back from there, then go all the way to the Vale. Not to mention, the Vale is massive and full of countless mountains, all we know is that Sheepstealer is there, not her exact location."
"Fine." Aemond said before his eyes widened, a thought came to him. "There is still one more unclaimed dragon on the island that you have yet to encounter."
"No." The head dragonkeeper immediately said.
Aemond glared at the man, "No? You cannot tell us no!"
The man was not fazed by Aemond's reaction, remaining firm, "My prince, we will not allow you or your sister to approach that creature. It is a monster made flesh, doing everything it can to satiate its never-ending hunger. The Cannibal will not accept your sister as a rider; he will eat her. We will not take you to the dragon's lair, nor tell you where it is, as such would be suicide."
Aemond's face began to turn red with anger, his body shaking as he continued to glare at the group of dragonkeepers.
"Aemond, it's fine. The dragonkeepers are right, the Cannibal will not be my dragon." Lilyanna said, pulling her brother back.
"You don't know that." Aemond argued.
"Is that a risk worth taking?" Lilyanna asked, "Because for me, it certainly isn't."
There was the possibility that the Cannibal could be similarly taken with her as other dragons had been thus far, but the beast was also known to be highly abnormal amongst its kind. For all Lilyanna knew, the Cannibal would take one look at her and decided to eat her.
Especially if what Visenya said about me being dragonborn is true. Lilyanna thought.
It should be. Aemond thought, if he were Lilyanna, he would be doing everything possible to claim a dragon, even if it meant risking his life. But he was not Lilyanna, and his sister did not crave a dragon the way he once did.
So Aemond could only scowl as they left the hilltop, making his displeasure known to everyone, and for said displeasure to be ignored by them in return.
The Next Day
Criston stood with his arms crossed behind his back, looking at his students all standing in line, about face in front of him.
"Now that we are all here, you shall be primary sparring with one another today." Criston told the six royals, drawing different reactions out of them.
Aemond and Daeron were excited, both grinning widely at the opportunity to spar once again after a few weeks of inactivity, Aegon yawned, already feeling tired, Lilyanna sighed, knowing that she would not get much of a challenge in having to fight the others, Jacaerys glared at the floor, and Lucerys froze, his fear evident on his features.
Ever since the incident in the training yard when Criston had made them run to exhaustion and had wanted to prevent Lucerys from receiving medical attention, Criston had not been allowed to train them without supervision, to keep him from doing such again.
And the knight chosen to watch them was Harwin Strong, much to the Kingsguard's annoyance and the Velaryon boys' relief. Now, Criston had been forced to pay Jacaerys and Lucerys more attention and teach them, instead of ignoring them as he once did, lest Harwin report Criston's actions to the King. But now, with Harwin in King's Landing, there was no such observer around to ensure that Criston was being fair.
The only hope the two boys now have is that Criston would at least attempt to be nicer as they were still being watched by the King, Queen, their mother, and Helaena, who were sitting on chairs across the yard.
It had started with Daeron asking his mother and Helaena that morning to come and watch them train so he could show Alicent how much better he had gotten. Alicent and Helaena had agreed to watch, which led to Lucerys asking Rhaenyra, eventually using his large teary eyes to convince her.
And with Rhaenyra going, Viserys immediately decided to as well, speaking of how it would be entertaining to see his sons, daughter, and grandsons train together.
Criston looked over each of them, "The first match will be-"
"Sorry to interrupt, Crispin, but we were hoping to share the yard." Everyone turned towards the castle doors, seeing Daemon standing there, signature smirk on his face, and hand resting on Dark Sister.
His wife and daughters followed behind him, Baela and Rhaena were dressed in black leather tunics trousers and boots, and each were holding a wooden training sword and a wooden bow, respectively.
"What is your husband planning?" Rhaenyra asked as Laena sat down in the empty chair next to her.
Laena sighed, "I have been asking myself that every day since I married him."
Viserys laughed, "My brother has always had a flair for the dramatic. I'm sure he is not doing anything malicious."
We should hope. Alicent thought stiffly, not trusting her husband's brother, especially not with the nefarious look on Daemon's face.
Criston's left eye twitched at Daemon intentionally getting his name wrong. "If that is what you wish... my prince." Criston turned back to his charges, "Daeron, Lucerys, you will be going first."
Lucerys looked relieved, knowing that besides Lilyanna, Daeron would go the easy on him during their spar. Daeron gave his nephew a smile as they left the line and stood across from each other, getting into their stances.
As this was going on, Daemon led his girls off to the other side of the yard, putting Rhaena about five yards away from a row of large straw targets.
Rhaena was nervous, not only because this was her first time holding a weapon, but because this came about due to her confrontation with Daemon before her egg had hatched. When she claimed her father did not love her because he did not take the time to teach her things like he did with Baela, Rhaena had not expected that her father would immediately jump to putting a bow in her hands and taking her to the training yard.
Rhaena found herself unable to respond to this as she was caught up in her sister's excitement over them getting to train together, only being able to numbly follow.
Daemon placed his hands on Rhaena's shoulders and gently adjusted her stance after handing her an arrow. He positioned her feet, showing her the proper alignment as he spoke softly but firmly, "Stand firm, hold the bow steady, feel its strength in your fingers."
His rough fingers guided hers, wrapping her hands around the bowstring, ensuring her grip was firm but not too tight. He then demonstrates how to nock the arrow, his movements practiced and fluid, as though he's done this a thousand times.
"Draw the string back." Daemon instructed, "But keep your arm straight, you are not pulling with your hands, but with your back. Use your whole body."
Rhaena drew the bowstring back awkwardly, the string straining against her fingers, but her father did not let her falter. "When you're ready, release slowly."
Her first shot is off, the arrow missing its target by a wide margin, but Daemon nodded, offering quiet encouragement. "That's good, you'll only learn by trying."
"He's actually a good father." Aegon leaned his head close to Lilyanna's and whispered, starting Daemon and Rhaena.
Lilyanna snorted, "Don't let him hear you say that, Egg, his affections do not extend to us."
"Still." Aegon muttered, "The Rogue Prince is a more attentive father than Viserys the Peaceful? There is a deep irony here."
"Can you stop and focus on the match?" Aemond hissed, "You should spend less time insulting our father and King, and more time trying to become a decent swordsman."
Aegon rolled his eyes, "I thought finally claiming a dragon would have pulled that stick out of your ass, it seems I was wrong."
Lilyanna bumped her shoulder against Aegon's, "Leave him alone, Egg."
Aegon huffed and when he turned his head, the match between Daeron and Lucerys was already coming to an end.
Since they began fighting, Daeron had not let up on Lucerys, knocking Lucerys' sword around with heavy blows, barely letting the younger boy catch his bearings before striking again. Eventually, Daeron brought his sword down on Lucerys' wrist, making Lucerys drop his ow training sword, wincing as he grabbed his wrist.
Criston nodded his head, "You did good, Daeron-"
Criston was cut off by the sound of Daemon chuckling, "You have been training the princes for years now, and this is all your students have to show for it?"
He really does love pissing people off, doesn't he? Lilyanna thought as the training yard fell into silence.
Laena placed her hand over her forehead, feeling the onset of a headache that only came when her husband was being particularly confrontational.
Criston's expression darkened as he met Daemon's gaze, "There is nothing wrong with my teachings."
"From what I see, it's barely passable for my brother's children, but for my niece's? It's downright pathetic how far behind little Lucerys is in comparison to his uncle." Daemon said, his gaze piercing and full of intent.
"Prince Lucerys started his training two years later than Prince Daeron; such a difference is to be expected." Criston argued, "I understand having high expectations, but they are still children, not The Warrior reborn."
Daemon grinned, "Is that so?"
"Yes." Criston said, stopping just short of hissing, holding himself back as Daemon was unfortunately of higher status than him.
"Then let's put your teaching to the test." Daemon put his hands on Baela's shoulders, "I have been training my own daughter for about a year now. If you are as good a teacher as you claim to be, then none of your charges should have trouble sparring with Baela."
Laena stood, a scowl appearing on her face, "Daemon."
"Baela will be fine; it will be simple spar." Daemon said, not turning to look at his wife as he continued to stare at the Kingsguard before him.
Before Laena could say anything else, Viserys interrupted, "Laena, I am sure that my brother knows what he is doing. I doubt the children will hurt each other, neither Daemon nor Ser Criston would allow it."
"Of course, I won't." Daemon replied.
"I will watch out for them, Your Grace." Criston said with a bow of his head.
Laena frowned but slowly retook her seat, she felt Rhaenyra reach for and hold her hand, giving her a reassuring smile as she did so, but this did not relax Laena.
"So, which one of you is going to be fighting the little girl?" Aegon said, looking at his brothers and nephews amused, "Make sure you give it your all, it would be a shameful loss otherwise."
"You seem confident you won't be chosen." Jacaerys muttered.
Aegon scoffed, "I won't be, just look at how much bigger I am than our cousin. That and my experience would hardly make a match between us much of a spar."
"That's not guaranteed." Lilyanna said, "This isn't a simple spar, its Ser Criston and Daemon using us and Baela as an excuse to fight with each other. I wouldn't be surprised if Ser Criston picked either you or me because we are bigger and have more experience."
Lilyanna was expected Criston to do exactly that, have either her or Aegon fight Baela, crush her, and then mock Daemon over his own abilities as a teacher.
I did not sign up for a dick measuring contest today. If I had known this would happen, I would've made an excuse so as to not be here. Lilyanna thought.
Criston's eyes immediately landed on the eldest children under his tutelage, Aegon frowned, realizing that his sister was right and not bothering to hide how he felt while Lilyanna met Criston's gaze with a blank expression.
"Lilyanna." Criston called, "Come here, you will be the one to spar with your cousin."
At least you will take this seriously. Aegon will undoubtedly laze about and make the match far too close for my liking, and possibly even lose. Criston thought.
Lilyanna pursed her lips but did as she was told, moving past Daeron and Lucerys on their return to the line.
Daemon barely gave Lilyanna a glance, "She is your choice?"
Criston put a hand on Lilyanna's right shoulder, "The princess is my best and most capable student."
"Then my brother's sons are further behind then I thought." Daemon's gaze then fell onto Aegon, "Especially the eldest."
Aegon's shoulders became rigid, glaring at Daemon for the insult, but the man had already shifted his attention elsewhere.
When Criston and Daemon moved to the side, Lilyanna and Baela stood opposite of each other.
Unlike the older girl across from her, Baela was excited, she had yet to spar with another person. Her father had only been teaching her the proper stances and movements; she had yet to put any of that into action. "Are you ready to lose?"
Lilyanna did not react the way Baela knew most in her position would, with anger or annoyance, instead remaining silent, raising a singular eyebrow as she took her stance. Baela grinned when she did this before doing the same.
"Is this really safe?" Rhaena asked, having left the targets and joined the boys.
"You don't need to worry, it won't be much of a fight." Aegon remarked offhandedly, his eyes staying on Lilyanna and Baela.
Aemond gave his brother a quick glare before turning Rhaena, "Lilyanna is not vicious when she fights with us. She won't do anything to hurt your sister."
Rhaena gave Aemond a small smile before turning back towards the center of the yard.
Criston looked at both girls for a moment before speaking, "Begin!"
Once given the go-ahead, Baela promptly ran forward, her wooden sword raised high in the air behind the left side of her head. Lilyanna remained where she stood, allowing Baela to come to her, keeping her stance the same as she watched Baela close the distance.
When Baela reached Lilyanna, she tried to swing her sword at Lilyanna's head, but Lilyanna used her first sword to block it, and before Baela knew it, Lilyanna used the second to sweep Baela's legs out from under her, causing Baela to fall onto the ground, face first.
Too focused on the pain she felt as her forehead, nose, and chin hit the floor, Lilyanna was swiftly able to crouch down and place a knee on the center of Baela's back, holding the younger girl down as she held one of her swords to the side of Baela's neck.
Baela tried to wiggle her way free, but Lilyanna did not budge, even going as far as to dig her knee deeper into Baela's back.
"You're not going to dislodge me, I'm stronger and heavier than you." Lilyanna said.
"Fine." Baela growled as she stopped moving and laid flat on the ground.
Lilyanna stood up, shifting one sword and holding both in one hand so that she can hold her newly freed hand out to her cousin. Baela started at the hand for a brief second before taking it, allowing Lilyanna to pull her to her feet.
"Good match." Lilyanna smiled.
Baela looked down at the ground, "I lost."
She felt embarrassed, especially after telling her cousin she was going to win, it was bad enough to lose, but to lose so quickly and easily, bruised Baela's ego more than she cared to admit.
"That's going to happen when you're learning." Lilyanna said, "You just started training recently, yes? So, just take this as a learning opportunity, an incentive to get better."
"Is that what it was like for you?" Baela asked.
Lilyanna gave Baela a sardonic smirk, "Of course it was, just ask Aegon, he loves talking about the days when he used to kick my ass up and down the yard. Like a seasoned knight recalling stories they had of fighting in a war."
Baela giggled at the mental image Lilyanna's words created, and when her laughter trailed off, she gave the older girl a serious look. "But you're the strongest now?"
Lilyanna rolled her eyes, "Out of a bunch of children, yes."
"Then you are my incentive."
"That feels like a threat."
Baela's lips soon curled into a sharp grin, showing her teeth to Lilyanna.
Definitely a threat. Lilyanna thought but was unbothered by it.
When she turned her head, she was immediately met with Criston's proud grin and Daemon's hate filled sneer.
Did he think that lowly of me that he thought an eight-year-old girl with less than a year of training could beat me? I'm kind of offended by how much this asshole is underestimating me.
"I think that should be an adequate showing of my teaching methods, my prince." Criston said, his smile turning into a haughty smirk as he spoke to Daemon.
"It seems that my daughter was no match for your little prodigy." Daemon said causally, but his eyes could not hide his rage, "But how would she fare against a different, more experienced opponent?"
He spoke in a faint voice, none but Criston, Lilyanna, and Baela could hear him due to how far away everyone else was.
"You are a man grown and have been knighted; Princess Lilyanna would not-"
"Not what? Win? Naturally, she wouldn't but what better way to see what you truly have to offer these children? How are they supposed to grow if they are not given suitable challenges?"
Criston clenched his jaw, everything he wanted to say to the prince he could not, due to how inappropriate and treasonous such words were.
"I did not think you cared about my progress, uncle. And with such dogmatic conviction as well." Lilyanna said plainly as she walked up to the pair.
Daemon stared at her from the corner of his eye, "Why shouldn't I?"
Yeah, this guys just wants to kick my ass. Whether it's because of me beating Baela or just a genuine dislike of me, I don't know.
Daemon sighed, a fake pout gracing his features, "If you are above such a learning opportunity, then perhaps I could ask your brothers for a go about? The middle one looks eager for a match; he has not taken his eyes off me since I arrived."
Lilyanna stared at Daemon with a barely hidden glare, causing Daemon to grin as he moved past her and took up stood next to his daughter. Daemon cocked his head to the side before taking the wooden sword from his daughter, Baela frowned but followed her father's silent command and joined Rhaena with the boys.
"Princess," Criston whispered, placing a hand on her shoulder, "You do not have to do this, you have nothing to prove to that man. He does this for his own amusement and sadism."
He must truly hate Daemon to be speaking so candidly with me. "I know, Daemon just wants to stir up trouble." Lilyanna said, "But he's just going to keep being a bother until he gets what he wants. And my father does not look like he is going to be reigning him in."
Daemon's been waiting for an excuse to harass me, might as well get it over with now. Maybe then he'll stop acting like such a child and leave me alone once he feels he has established dominance or whatever.
"Remember what I taught you. There will be no shame in surrendering, if he draws it out for too long." Criston said.
Lilyanna nodded her head, turning around and walking back to the spot she once stood, facing Daemon.
Alicent nearly jumped out of her seat when she watched Lilyanna meet Daemon at the center of the yard, "What are they doing? Lilyanna cannot fight Daemon. Viserys, stop this, now."
Viserys looked in between his brother and his wife, "Alicent, I understand your worry, but Daemon will not hurt Lilyanna, it will just be a simple spar."
Viserys knew his brother, and he knew that Daemon was not the kind of man to hurt children, and certainly not his children. Besides, why should he worry over Lilyanna's safety when Lilyanna herself did not appear fazed as she stood across from Daemon?
Alicent clenched her fists, turning to look at the only person who could convince her husband, staring at her intently and pleading.
Rhaenyra's eyes flickered to Alicent when she felt the other woman's gaze fall on her before speaking to Viserys. "Father, Daemon might be too... rough, with Lilyanna, expecting more from her than she is currently capable of."
Viserys shook his head, "Daemon knows what he is doing, I'm sure he knows not to fight your sister as if she is a man grown. She has sparred with Ser Criston, hasn't she? He has never done her harm so neither will Daemon."
You don't know that! Alicent wanted to scream at him, but held her tongue, glowering as she turned away from Viserys, watching ahead with anger and panic.
Criston gave Daemon one last glare, "Begin!"
Neither moved, Lilyanna had taken her usual stance while Daemon stood straight, lazily twirling the training sword in his hand, that taunting, irritating smirk still resting on his face.
"Don't tell me you are scared, niece?" Daemon said mockingly, "Are you just going to stand there?"
Lilyanna did not respond to the taunt, holding her swords tighter and maintaining her stance. Daemon finally stopped twirling his sword, holding it loosely in his hand, and started to leisurely walk towards the princess.
Lilyanna waited until Daemon had covered a little more than half of the distance between them before springing forward, keeping her body lowered as she ran. She made a quick jab at Daemon's midsection, but Daemon easily blocked it.
Lilyanna then quickly swung with her second sword, aiming it at Daemon's arm, only for him to step back, causing Lilyanna to miss, and before she could make another move, Daemon raised up his leg, forcing Lilyanna to cross block as he kicked her. And as his foot crashed into her swords, Lilyanna's eyes widened as she was knocked off her feet and sent flying backwards.
When Lilyanna's back hit the ground, she did not have a moment to breathe as she quickly rolled to the side, just narrowly avoiding Daemon's foot as it stomped onto the ground where she once was.
Daemon was still on Lilyanna, and when she rolled onto her knees, he swung down with all his might, and Lilyanna barely blocked it, her swords almost flying out of her hands from the force of his strike. Daemon then kicked her again, this time his foot connecting with Lilyanna's abdomen, knocking the breath out of her.
"As expected, Ser Crispin's prized student fails to live up to muster. How sad." Daemon's tone and the bright smile on his face showed how much he was enjoying himself as he stood above his niece.
Lilyanna glared at the man as she stood up and backed away from him slowly, and Daemon allowed her to do so, not wanting the spar to end so quickly.
Criston looked at Lilyanna with worry, but did not step in to end the match despite wanting to, forcing himself to stay back.
Should I just surrender? I don't have anything to prove to this asshole, but the thought of giving him another reason to mock me, pisses me off. Lilyanna took a moment to catch her breath.
"I still cannot believe that this is the man who now wields my sword. Our house truly is in decline if this is the best it has to offer." Lilyanna glanced to her right, seeing Visenya's form standing next to her and looking at Daemon with revulsion and displeasure.
Lilyanna did not speak; she could not with the public setting she was now in but looked at the woman questioningly.
"From what we know, Daemon is a talented swordsman, even if his personality leaves much to be desired." Rhaenys said from Lilyanna's left side.
"That is an understatement." Aegon added from behind Lilyanna.
Where there is one Conqueror is, the other two aren't far behind. Lilyanna thought dryly.
Daemon chuckled, "Why are you staring off into the distance like that? Thinking about running away and hiding behind your mother's skirts?"
Lilyanna rolled her eyes, leaving the three ghosts behind as she ran towards the prince, with a swift feint, she aimed for Daemon's exposed side, and Daemon, not bothering to truly focus, parried lazily. But for the first time, a flicker of something different passed through his eyes; a challenge, a glimmer of interest.
He continued to grin as he casually parried her strikes, eventually sidestepping her and bringing his sword down on Lilyanna's back. When she hit the ground, Lilyanna heard a loud gasp that she was sure belonged to her mother, a sound that struck her harder than any blow Daemon had given her so far.
As she pushed herself to her hands and knees, Visenya spoke again, "Do not allow this fool to anger and startle you, it is only serving to make you sloppier."
Lilyanna took a deep breath, clearing her mind and waiting for Visenya to continue speaking.
"He is toying with you, going easy on you as he does not believe you are worth the effort and wishes to humiliate you. So, use that to your advantage, he is going to mess up again and that will be your moment." Visenya said.
Lilyanna gave the woman a discrete nod, she took another breath and forced herself to her feet, running at her uncle once more.
"Again?" Daemon asked derisively, parring Lilyanna's strikes, "Honestly, are you too stupid to do anything differently? You're not going to win."
"Has anyone ever told you that you talk too much?" Lilyanna spat.
Daemon playfully scoffed, pushing Lilyanna back as he raised his sword, preparing for a grand strike, but his stance was too wide, too confident.
It was then that Lilyanna saw it; an opening and with all her might, she swept her foot behind his legs and twisted her body, throwing all her weight into the maneuver. Daemon stumbled, caught off guard by her speed and the force of her attack, his frame lurched forward, and his feet slipped as he lost the fight to regain his balance.
The yard fell silent, everyone staring at Lilyanna and Daemon in shock, not having expected Lilyanna to be capable of knocking Daemon down.
"Haha, that was amazing, Lily!" Aegon cheered, being the first one to break out of his stupor, looking at Daemon's own shocked face with glee. The rest of the boys gave their own cheers, each joyfully surprised by the outcome.
"She knocked father down." Baela whispered, staring at Lilyanna dumbstruck.
To Baela, Daemon was the best and strongest man she knew, even if he was not giving all his effort, it should not have been possible for Lilyanna to do what she just did. Rhaena was equally as shocked as her twin, feeling herself flinch at Daemon's changing expression.
Viserys opened and closed his mouth, before calling out to Lilyanna with a smile on his face, "Well done, Lilyanna! It looks like my brother needs to spend more time in the training yard, lest he get beaten again."
Alicent relaxed, almost slumping back in her chair, the breath that she had been holding finally able to leave her chest.
Both Rhaenyra and Laena had been stunned into silence, looking at each other for a brief moment, as if to ask the other if what they saw just happened.
Daemon had been shocked when his back hit the ground, that shock turned to anger when he heard Aegon's cheering, and that anger abruptly turned into a blinding, all-consuming fury as a dark shadow clouded his face when he heard Viserys' words.
Lilyanna turned her head, looking at her father with a raised eyebrow, not expect that man to praise her as it was not something he had done when it came to her martial training, and she certainly did not expect the praise for knocking down his beloved Daemon.
"Lilyanna!" The girl in question heard Helaena shout her name in terror, but she had no time to react.
With rapid speed, Daemon had thrown himself to his feet and swung his wooden sword down with terrifying force and it crashed down on Lilyanna's head, breaking the sword in half. The impact sent a shockwave of pain through her skull, and the force of the blow knocked her down, blood splattering from the gash on her brow, and it beginning to trickle out of the wound and onto the hard ground.
Lilyanna's vision started to blur; a numbing coldness spread through her body as she laid motionlessly, her hearing became muffled, not able to understand any of the sounds around her as her eyes fell shut.
Daemon stood over Lilyanna's unconscious body, still holding the broken training sword, and before he knew it, he was back on the ground, having been tackled by Criston Cole.
"You bastard!" Criston roared, punching the prince twice in the face.
"Lilyanna!" Alicent cried, rushing from her seat, and running to her daughter. When Alicent reached her, Alicent dropped to her knees, and she lifted Lilyanna's head, blood falling onto her hands and her dress as she placed Lilyanna's head on her lap. "Lilyanna, Lilyanna!"
Helaena had followed her mother along with her brothers, forming a circle around the Queen and their sister, each afraid for Lilyanna's life.
Lilyanna did not stir, her body remaining limp and blood still pouring out from the gash, staining her mother's dress as her skin started to become pale.
"Ser Criston!" Alicent shouted, turning her head in her chosen shield's direction, she needed his help; she could not lift Lilyanna by herself.
Criston's head jerked towards Alicent and Daemon was quickly forgotten as he jumped to his feet, the children had moved, giving Criston the space needed to lift Lilyanna off the ground.
Criston cradled Lilyanna in his arms, ignoring the blood that began to stain his armor and cloak, and he took off towards the castle doors, leading the group as Alicent and her remaining children followed him.
"Maester! Where is the fucking maester?!" Criston shouted.
After what felt like an eternity, Orwyle was found, and Lilyanna was carried to her bedchamber, and it quickly filled with Gerardys, the castles other maesters.
With Lilyanna's critical condition, the room was barred to everyone except for the maesters, reluctantly, the princess's mother, siblings, and knight exited, their eyes remaining locked on the bedroom door.
Back in the yard, after she watched Criston carry Lilyanna into the castle, Rhaenyra's eyes moved from the castle doors, then to the trail of blood that marked the ground, and finally onto Daemon. "What is wrong with you?!"
Daemon rolled his eyes, tossing the broken sword away as he turned to his niece, "What is wrong with me? Nothing, I simply was teaching-"
"You were not teaching; you sought to bludgeon my sister to death!" Rhaenyra screamed, glaring at the man as she stopped just a short distance away from him, "Are you that insecure and pathetic that you could not handle a little girl knocking you down? Is that how much your blood is worth to you?"
Daemon's expression darkened, "That thing is no-"
"Enough!" Viserys shouted, standing and making his way to his daughter and brother, his gaze not leaving Daemon. "Are you proud of yourself? What has Lilyanna done to you to deserve being beaten over the head? I had thought the years away, of being a husband and father would have matured you, but you decide to do this? Leave my sight, Daemon, I can no longer even look at you."
"Is that it?" Rhaenyra asked incredulously, "For all we know my sister, your daughter will die from such an injury, and all you have to say is 'leave my sight'?!"
Viserys frowned, "Rhaenyra-"
"He should be punished; he deserves to be punished! Is that how far your care as Lilyanna's father goes?"
"Watch how you speak to me niece." Daemon said, returning Rhaenyra's glare with one of his own, "You-"
"I said enough!" Viserys shouted, "This will be settled later, for now, we must focus on Lilyanna and this injury."
Now you care about Lilyanna's state? Rhaenyra thought before looking at her sons, "Jace, Luke, come, let us go see how your aunt is doing."
Jacaerys and Lucerys followed their mother into the castle, keeping a wide birth as they walked past their grandfather and Daemon.
Viserys did not hide his disappointment and anger as he left his brother behind, not once looking back as he followed Rhaenyra and her sons.
Daemon clenched his fists, and when he turned to speak, no sound escaped him at the look that his wife was giving him. Laena's expression was the same as Viserys, only with more disbelief added to it, and she soon shook her head and turned away, as if looking at him was a struggle.
"Baela, Rhaena, come." Laena said softly.
The twins looked at each other and then their father before walking towards their mother, and the three entered the castle, leaving Daemon alone in the yard.
They look at me as if I am a monster, do they not remember whose grandchild that is? The only reason she and her siblings exist is because Otto Hightower's scheming, do my brother, Rhaenyra, and Laena not realize that those children will have no issue spilling our own blood once Viserys dies? Why should I care that her blood was split? Daemon thought, a sneer forming on his face.
He felt no remorse, if anything, Daemon would bash Lilyanna's skull open again if he felt it necessary, they were at war, even if he was the only one who had the stomach to acknowledge it.
Within Lilyanna's subconscious mind, the Three Conquerors found themselves suddenly standing inside the same black void that held only ankle-deep water and the Iron Throne.
Rhaenys kneeled, ignoring the water as she lifted Lilyanna's head and placed it against her tights, the young girl was still unconscious and scarily limp within Rhaenys' hold. Rhaenys looked up at her siblings as they stood above her and Lilyanna with worry. "Will she be alright? She usually awakens immediately when we arrive here."
"I do not know." Visenya responded, "She still lives, we would not be here if she did not, but we have no way of knowing how such a head injury will affect her going forward, or if she will even wake up."
"The Gods have given Lilyanna a stronger body than most, she will survive, she must." Aegon said.
Visenya looked back at Lilyanna, "Lilyanna is relatively stronger than any child should be at her physical age, but not exceedingly so. She is still human, she is not invulnerable, and any human would be harmed if a man bigger and stronger than them cracked a block of wood over their head."
"So, all we can do is wait?" Rhaenys asked, and when Visenya grimly nodded, she sighed, "That is what I was afraid of."
"That Daemon will be a problem going forward, but we knew this before this quest of ours began." Aegon stated as he crossed his arms.
"He will, but not terribly. It is clear that Daemon Targaryen's worst enemy is himself; no one who witnessed or heard of his actions today will side with him, and that should further help with Viserys' children." Rhaenys said, her expression going from one of worry to calculation.
"True." Visenya agreed, "The castle's gossipers will spread tale of Rhaenyra accosting Daemon which will further prove to her siblings and the Queen that she will give them no harm in the future, and seeing Daemon's disregard and hatred for Lilyanna and the rest of their siblings with her own eyes, will keep Rhaenyra from trusting any divisions Daemon may try to create."
"But that does not change the matter that Daemon will try to cause further harm." Aegon voiced, "Men like that always do."
"Then-" Visenya was cut off when the void unexpectedly began to violently shake, almost throwing the three Targaryens off their feet.
"Can earthquakes occur in a person's mind?!" Rhaenys yelled.
"No." Visenya growled, gritting her teeth as she fought to keep her balance.
"Something must be going on with Lilyanna's body!" Aegon exclaimed, placing a hand on both of his sisters' shoulders as he tried to keep them upright.
When they looked down at Lilyanna, she was still unconscious, her body only moving due to the vibrations running through the void.
"Aegon, Visenya, the sky is beginning to crack!" Rhaenys shouted as she pointed upward.
Above them all, watched as the inky black sky began separate down the center with jagged white lines, and as the shaking of the realm reached its peak, like glass, the sky shattered and, in the distance, multiple different figures fell from the now vast whiteness above, landing in different spots, each a good distance from each other.
"What in the hells?" Rhaenys asked before watching her sister unsheathe Dark Sister, "Do weapons even work here?"
"We're about to find out." Visenya said, her eyes not leaving the people who now joined them inside Lilyanna's subconscious mind.
"Always so quick to violence." Rhaenys murmured but reach down to her hips to grasp her twin daggers; Heart Cleaver.
Aegon pointed Blackfyre out in front of him with one hand, "Reveal yourselves. Now."
"Wait, father?" The familiar voice stilled the three Targaryen siblings.
The first person to stand up was the one who spoke, a tall man with a slender and weedy body, lilac eyes, curly hair that fell to his shoulders in ringlets, and a silky beard and mustache.
"Aenys." Aegon said, staring at his eldest son in shock.
"Aenys? How? How can he..." Rhaenys asked, almost dropping her daggers as he drank in the sight of her son, tears forming in the corners of her eyes.
Aenys could not comprehend how both his father and Visenya looked so young, as if they were his age despite them both being far older the last time he saw them, but what stunned him the most was the sight of his mother.
He did not truly remember much about Rhaenys, but he could never forget her face, not with all the portraits that Aegon and Visenya had kept of her, the ones he had spent hours staring at, wondering what she would have thought of him and the man he had become.
"Aenys." When the man looked to the side, he found his wife staring at him as if he was a ghost.
Alyssa Velaryon was a true Valyrian beauty, with her bright purple eyes, long flowing slivery hair, and pale skin, although she was shorter than the average woman. Her neck was lined with pearls, and she wore the crown he had placed on her head after his coronation. Alyssa had more wrinkles around her eyes and mouth than Aenys remembered her having, as if life had started to weigh down on her far too soon.
Alyssa ran to her husband, hugging him tightly, "What kind of sorcery is this?"
Aenys returned the hug, he too questioning just what was going on, still staring at his parents and aunt from over Alyssa's head.
"Father, mother! How... how is this even possible?" Behind them stood their eldest daughter and sons, looking at them equally shocked.
Again, Aenys was surprised by how much older one of his loved ones was, Rhaena was no longer the young girl that he had once seen, but a beautiful young woman. She took after Alyssa greatly, having the same lilac eyes and silver-gold hair. She was a bit taller, and having the same tired look in her eyes that Alyssa did.
Unlike his sister, Aegon looked the same to Aenys, he was still lean and handsome, the very image of his grandsire, his hair cut short around his ears. But Viserys, while still having the same short hair and dark purple eyes, but his cheeks were sunken and he had a haunted look in his eyes that unnerved Aenys.
"Where even are we? This place is-" Aegon asked before his eyes widened as he saw the trio standing in front of his parents, "Is that..."
Aegon the Conqueror turned his head slightly to his sister, "Visenya, do you know-"
"I do not." Visenya said, "Although, I do believe this may have something to do with Lilyanna and her head injury."
"It truly is you, father." Aenys said, "How are you still alive? You died, we burned your body and entombed your ashes!"
Aegon frowned, "We-"
"You bastard! What in the hells are you doing here?" Rhaena yelled, glaring at the next person to join them in the center of the void, Maegor.
The imposing man ignored his former wife, staring at the Conquerors, his jaw clenched and his eyes darting around suspiciously. "Who are you? And how dare you-"
"How dare we what?" Visenya said, looking at her son pointedly, "This is no illusion, Maegor. The three of us, everyone in here is real. There is no trick here for you to find."
Maegor looked at Visenya quietly for a few seconds before nodding his head, his suspicion leaving him. No one could fake his mother's personality and fortitude, and not as convincingly so she must be real and be telling the truth.
"Brother." Aenys said with a smile, "It seems you are here with us. How-"
Alyssa pulled Aenys' arm, preventing him from walking towards his brother, staring at Maegor with a stoney rage. "That thing is no brother of yours, Aenys. He is a thief, a rapist, and a kinslaying, murderous beast!"
"Alyssa," Aenys began, "What are you-"
"He did not wait long after your death, father." Aegon said, scowling at Maegor and then Visenya, "Him and his bitch of a mother proclaimed him King and through the realm into chaos!"
"What?" Aenys said breathlessly, looking at his brother, begging him to refute what his wife and son had just said.
Maegor's face changed, a sneer now resting on his features, "My actions were necessary to save our house's burgeoning rule after Aenys' weakness. The lords and the Faith showed their proper deference after I took the Crown."
Rhaena scoffed, "Is that what you have deluded yourself into believing? Everything you did, killing Aegon and Viserys, destroying all those who stood against you, taking me to wife against my will, and yet all you are remembered for is almost destroying the realm with your cruelty! You were no great King, not second coming of grandfather, you were simply an evil that need to be expunged."
Aenys felt his knees grow weak, his body becoming numb, "What? You... you killed my sons? And you... you r-raped my daughter?"
Maegor's expression did not change, "It was necessary. You-"
Aenys tried to run at Maegor, but Aegon jumped in front of his father, holding him back, "You bastard! How could you?! To your own blood?! To my family?!"
Everyone was surprised to see this type of reaction coming from passive, quiet, and courteous Aenys, but was deemed understandable that even the mildest mannered of men would be enraged to learn about half of the things Maegor had done to his family.
"I trusted you! What kind of brother would do this to another?!" Aenys cried, still struggling to escape Aegon's hold.
The lack of remorse on his brother's face only served to anger Aenys further, he wanted to scream to punch Maegor in the face and claw out his eyes.
"Enough!" Aegon said, standing between his two sons, his heavy stare staying on Maegor the longest.
Maegor looked away, clenching his jaw and squeezing his fists tightly. Aenys looked at Aegon betrayed but finally calmed.
"We need to focus on why you are all here." Rhaenys found the strength to say, ignoring the way the others were now staring at her.
"So, you do know what is happening?" Alyssa asked.
Before Rhaenys could respond, a younger but louder voice was heard by the growing group. "See? I told you I knew where we were going. Look, we've found other people!"
"A coincidence, I assure you. You were undoubtedly having us walk around in circles." Another voice said, sounding the same as the first.
Through the darkness, two identical young teenage girls emerged, both with long silver hair and purple eyes. But one had her hair braided, each braid sitting on her shoulder, and was wearing a red tabard over black trousers and shirt. And the other was dressed in white robes with a woven seven-colored belt. She had a hood over her head that covered most of her hair except for at the very top and had a crystal pendant about her neck.
Tears came to Rhaena's eyes, her breath catching in her throat as she took in the two young women. "I... Girls?"
Both of their heads quickly turned to Rhaena, the one dressed as a Septa smiled brightly, tears forming in the corners of her eyes while the one with braids looked at Rhaena nervously.
"Mother?" The Septa said, "How?"
"Is that Aerea and Rhaella?" The younger Aegon asked, the last he had seen of his twins, they were barely a year old and now, seeing them so much older, just made him realize how long it must have been since he was killed.
Both girls looked at Aegon in shock, having never seen their father outside of portraits that were made of him when he was younger.
"Is every dead member of our house here?" Rhaenys asked her siblings.
"It's starting to appear like that is the truth." Aegon said looking off to the side and watching as two more people joined them, he recognized them as his youngest grandchildren, Jaehaerys and Alysanne.
Both looked to be around the same age as Rhaena, instead of looking like the older versions of themselves that they were when they died.
Jaehaerys stood partially in front of his wife, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, "Who are you and why have you brought us here?"
Alysanne stuck her head out from behind her husband to look at everyone, "I do not think it's as simple as that."
Jaehaerys looked at her from the corner of his eye, about to say something before the sight of someone running towards them, made his breath catch in his throat, his eyes growing wide.
Alysanne flinched when she felt a small figure hugging her from behind, her own eyes widening when she turned to see they were.
It was a small girl of less than ten years, with bright purple eyes, fair skin, and silver-blonde hair that had been made into two braids that were held in loops with the band that was wrapped around her head.
"Daenerys." Alysanne whispered.
"Mother!" Daenerys exclaimed, hugging the woman tighter, "I was looking everywhere for you!"
Alysanne released a shuddering breath, "You were?"
Daenerys nodded her head, "I don't feel cold anymore, so can I play with Aemon and Baelon again?"
Jaehaerys let out his own shuddering breath at his daughter's words, but before he could say anything, yet another group appeared, bringing out the same shock in himself and his wife that Daenerys' appearance brought.
What everyone saw was stocky man with the tradition Valyrian appearance, cropped hair and who wearing a black and red doublet with the red three headed Targaryen on the front, trousers and for some reason, was carrying three other people in his arms, crying hysterically as he squeezed them tightly.
"Baelon, you really must put us down. I think you are going to choke us back to death if you keep this up." Said a woman with dirty blonde hair, mismatched eyes; one violet, the other green, big ears, a lopsided smile, and a crooked nose.
Unlike the other two she did not appear to be bothered by how they were being manhandled, as a lopsided smile graced her lips.
"I missed you all so much!" Baelon said, still crying, "Especially you, my love!"
"We missed you too, brother, but this is excessive." Said a man taller than Baelon with lilac eyes, long tied back hair that was the color of white gold, and a gold circlet crown on his head.
Meanwhile the second woman said nothing in response to Baelon's actions, keeping her own arms around the taller man while they were still in Baelon's arms, quietly crying herself. This woman had large dark eyes and thick, straight black hair that fell to her waist, a great beauty with buxom figure who fell an inch short of six feet tall.
Aemon leaned closer to Jocelyn but was still focused on his brother, "Baelon, you-" Aemon stopped himself as he realized where Baelon had led them, his eyes landing on each person before them.
Aegon placed his hand on his face, "This is not the last of them, is it?"
"I doubt it." Visenya said, "There are still a few more Targaryens that have died."
"Of course there are." Rhaenys added, the most visibly bothered of the trio.
Just as they said this, four young women joined the large group of dead Targaryens, each varying in appearance.
The first was dressed inalmost the same as Rhaella, wearing the traditional clothes of a Septa, except her hair was completely covered by her hood, making her purple eyes pop, and she did not have a pendant hanging around her next.
The second was a young girl, shorter than almost everyone else in the void except Daenerys. Her purple eyes her also a lighter shade than most, her hair had a slight wavy quality to it, and she was dressed in deep blues, a frightful expression on her face as she looked around at everyone.
The third was the most beautiful of the four with deep purple eyes, silver-gold hair, flawless white skin, and fine features, but a frown marred her face even as she walked gracefully among the others.
And the final woman was of similar age to the second, only being slightly taller with ghostly pale skin, stark white hair, and a frailer appearance.
Maegelle, Daella, Viserra, and Gael. Aegon thought, recognizing each of them.
"But the babes aren't here." Visenya said to herself, watching as Jaehaerys, Alysanne and Alyssa approached their children and as various conversations began to break out.
"Babes?" Rhaenys asked, whispering as to not let the others hear them.
"Aenys and Alyssa had a daughter named Vaella, but she died after shortly birth. And we know that Jaehaerys and Alysanne had three sons that also died shortly after birth or before their first nameday; Aegon, Gaemon, and Valerion. Baelon and Alyssa also had an Aegon of their own that only lived for a year." Visenya answered.
"That is true." Aegon admitted, listening even as he kept his eyes on the others, "Do you think it has to do with their ages? Daenerys is here and she was eight when she died, perhaps they were not brought here because they died too young to form unique souls of their own."
"That is possible, but we still do not know why everyone is here and why they have only revealed themselves now. And from what I can see, it appears that everyone besides the three of us have no knowledge of the future."
This was not the first time the Three Conquerors questioned the actions of their Gods, but none of them could even think to guess just what this course of action for.
The conversation soon died down as one final person entered the space, a young woman of average height, with long wavy silver blonde hair, purple eyes, and was wearing a silver diadem on her head and a deep blue dress with the sigil of House Arryn stitched along the helm.
"Aemma?" Baelon asked as he stared at the older but familiar looking woman, "How..."
A look of horror graced his face as he realized that his niece and good daughter was like the rest of them.
"Uncle?" Aemma asked her eyes wide, looking away from him and at the others, her heart racing as she did not understand what was going on.
"Your Aemma?" Daella asked, already starting to cry, Aemma was the name she and Rodrik had decided to give their child if they were born a girl.
But the princess did not remember bestowing that name of her child, only her vision going dark while she was in the mist of labor.
She looks older than me! Daella thought as she cried.
"What have you done?" Alyssa Velaryon finally asked, looking towards the Conquerors, "And who is the child by your feet?"
This drew everyone's attention to Lilyanna's unconscious body and the fact that Aegon, Visenya, and Rhaenys, were standing around her protectively.
Visenya began to speak, "We-"
"I did not ask you!" Alyssa yelled, glaring at her fellow Queen Consort menacingly.
Maegor immediately came to his mother's defense, "You asked a question, and now you have the nerve to open your worthless mouth to rebuke the person attempting to give you answers?
"Do not speak to my wife like that." Aenys said with a scowl.
"Why are we even standing here listening to fucking traitors and kinslayers?" Rhaena growled.
Maegor glared at his former wife and when he took a step forward, Jaehaerys unsheathed Blackfyre, pointing it at the taller man.
Jaehaerys gripped his sword tightly, pointing it at Maegor's heart, "Take even another step-"
"And you'll what, boy?"
Jaehaerys opened his mouth to speak but was cut off by the loud and angered voice of his grandfather.
"Enough!" Aegon roared.
Silence fell over the different generations of House Targaryen, everyone giving the Conqueror their full attention.
Aegon's voice was clear and his words straightforward, "You all have your questions and your grievances, but we will solve nothing with arguments and accusations. You wish to know why you are here? Quiet yourselves and allow us to tell you." Aegon then turned to his older sister, "Visenya."
No said another word against the eldest sibling, watching as she took half a step forward, now standing ahead of Aegon and Rhaenys and directly in front of Lilyanna.