Chapter Text
They had put a chain around your wrists, binding them together, as if you could flee or fight the two guards with your bare hands. You weren't fond of how the chains felt against your skin-they were cold, rough, and heavy. Even a short time with them around your wrists was enough to cause discomfort and bruises.
"Nyra, please!" Your voice cracked as you pleaded. The sight of the chains terrified you, bringing back the trauma you had experienced in Highgarden. The trauma that no one knew about.
You tried to call for her once more as they started to drag you away, tears blurring your vision. You looked back to see her back turned to you. Your heart shattered with each step you took away from her.
Rhaenyra looked away, ignoring your calls. She had to do this; you had betrayed her. She needed to show the court that betrayal would not be tolerated, to instill fear in anyone who might think of defying her. You were to be an example.
Once the door closed, she broke down, overwhelmed by betrayal and hurt. She couldn't believe what you had done.
As you were led to the dungeons, you kept your head low, avoiding eye contact with the lords and knights you passed. Some looked at you with disbelief and disgust, while others gave you sympathetic or confused glances.
"Where are you doing?! Where are you taking her?!" You heard Jacaerys' voice as he tried to reach you. He was angry at the sight. They didn't have to chain you like an animal.
"Loraeleighn? Why are they doing this? What's happening?" he asked, scanning you for any wounds or bruises.
"I'm alright, Jace." You couldn't make any direct eye contact with him, ashamed of your actions.
"No, you're not. I'll talk to the qu-..." You cut him off, knowing his sentiments would change once he learned the truth.
"Just take care of your brother, alright?" You said, referring to the still-recovering Luke in his chamber, then you held up your chained hands to caress his face.
Jace watched you walk away, tears in his eyes and anger bubbling in his chest. You had been like a mother to him and his siblings, and now, seeing you in this state tore at him.
"Don't you all have a business to attend to?!" he shouted, trying to get the onlookers to disperse and not be caught up in the scene.
ʟᴏᴠᴇ
The guard unchained you as soon as you arrived in your cell. You felt a momentary relief as the weight of the chains was lifted from your wrists. However, it was quickly replaced by a metal cuff around your left ankle, linked to a chain fastened to the floor.
You rubbed your wrists, noticing the red marks left by the chains in the dim light of the torch on the wall.
Sitting down on the small bed in the corner, you hugged your knees, hoping for some comfort, but it was elusive. The cell was not completely dark; the guards had left a torch hanging on the wall. You couldn't tell if they had left or were stationed outside your door.
Tears rolled down your cheeks as you squeezed your eyes shut. The cell made you feel small, as if you were a child again, locked up for 'misbehaving'-a term they used when all you did was what most of the kids would do: play around, do harmless pranks on people, and so on.
You were never loved as a child. Your father believed that you killed his wife, your mother, when she gave birth to you. He blamed you for his wife's death. He never held you, not even as a babe, and never once showed you an ounce of love.
It was your older brother who cared for you, with the help of a wet nurse. He loved you and acted as a father figure. He painted a picture of your mother for you when you asked about her, describing her in vivid detail, which he could remember about your mother.
*
"Nothing compares to the beauty she had. A head-turner. Every room she entered, people would stop what they were doing and turn to look. They moved synchronously when they did that. You'd find it hilarious." Your younger self giggled as you watched your brother demonstrate.
"Lorhealei Martell-, Tyrell, our mother, was the most beautiful lady you would ever see, in both Dorne and Highgarden, and even in the North, if we consider that part of her heritage. I haven't been to the North, but I like to think she was the most beautiful there, too." You smiled at the thought of your mother, though sadness also filled you as you knew you'd never see her.
"You look exactly like her," your brother said, gently caressing your cheek.
*
As a child, you thought perhaps that was why your father hated you. You resembled your mother, reminding him of her. You were a living reminder of her deceased wife, whom he would never see again.
However, you didn't inherit her eyes; you got your father's. It haunted you every time.
Your brother was good; you'd give him that. However, he couldn't defy your father to protect you, so you resented him for that. His love wasn't strong enough to protect you from your father's plan. You're still thankful to him for the little love he gave you, though it lasted only a while. Duty weighed more than the love he had for you. You thought he'd be the one to protect you, but he didn't. It shattered you, and you didn't know how you managed to recover.
You shifted your position, resting against the wall with your arms wrapped around your knees. Closing your eyes, you tried to find a moment's rest, feeling emotionally exhausted.
ʟᴏᴠᴇ
Jacaerys' mind raced with thoughts about why you had been sent to the dungeons as he made his way to his mother's study. Ser Harrold blocked the door.
"I apologize, my prince, but it's the Queen's order." To anyone observing, it was clear Jacaerys was seething with anger, though he ended up punching the wall instead of the guard. The Queen's Guard ignored the prince's antics, his gaze fixed straight ahead.
Rhaenyra heard the commotion outside but chose to ignore it. She was curled up on her bed, grappling with the conflicting feelings of loathing and longing as she found some comfort in the faint trace of your lingering scent.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the castle, Lucerys was groaning as the maesters helped him dress after his bath.
"What happened to Loraeleighn?" Luke asked, pulling down his shirt. He had overheard your name mentioned by the maids who prepared his bath, but couldn't discern the full story.
The two maesters exchanged glances. "We apologize, my prince, but we don't know," the older maester finally replied, as the other remained silent.
"We will return to tend to your wounds before bed, my prince." Lucerys nodded, watching them leave his chamber.
At dinner, the silence around the table was palpable as everyone was eating. Baela could sense the tension between the Queen and her two sons. She mentally cursed herself for not coming with her grandparents.
Unable to bear the silence any longer, Jacaerys set down his fork and knife before he wiped his lips with a cloth.
"Isn't this the right time to address the matter on everyone's mind?" Rhaenyra expected his eldest son to speak first. She knew he had been itching to talk to her earlier. She could feel Jace's intense gaze on her.
Luke suddenly felt his appetite wear off when he heard his brother. He knew exactly what his brother was referring to.
Rhaenyra let out a small sigh before putting down her utensils. "What do you want to address?" She turned her head to Jacaerys, who was sitting on her right.
Jace felt Baela's reassuring hand on his knee. He smiled at her before turning to his mother, "Why's Leigh in the cell? What did she do?" he asked.
"She betrayed me. Alicent informed me that she was sent as a spy in King's Landing, to spy on the crown and to spy on me."
"And you believe Alicent?" Jace's voice hardened.
"She showed me a letter containing her pardon from her father." Rhaenyra took a deep breath, trying to keep her frustration in check.
"Did she really?"
"Yes."
"Even now?" Rhaenyra didn't answer. Jacaerys knew you wouldn't betray them; he was certain. He sat back down, unsure of how to feel.
"Is she our prisoner now?" Rhaenyra turned to Luke, who had a sad look on his face at the news of your imprisonment.
"Yes," Rhaenyra said, reaching out to Luke. She was relieved when he didn't pull away.
"What will become of her?"
"I do not know yet." Luke nodded, accepting her answer.
"May I be excused?" She nodded, permitting Luke. She watched his second son stand up from his chair and leave the dining hall.
She felt the weight of her children's attachment to you and the pain it caused them.
ʟᴏᴠᴇ
You finally caved in and curled up on the bed when your back started aching from sitting.
A moment later, you heard voices outside the door, followed by the sound of it being unlocked. You sat up and resumed your previous position, hugging your legs.
"I snuck you out a dinner from the kitchen," Lucerys said as he entered with a tray of food in his free hand, his left arm still in a sling.
"What are you doing here? Shouldn't you still be resting?" You stood up to help him with the tray. Lucerys frowned when his eyes landed on the chain around your ankle.
"What are you doing here, Lucerys? Does your mother know you're here?" You asked after you placed the tray on the floor; there was no other place to put it.
Instead of answering, he surprised you with a hug. You were startled and moved by the gesture, not expecting such treatment after her mother revealed the reason for your imprisonment, for sure. You returned the hug, careful not to press too hard on his fragile body.
"Is it true?" he asked, pulling back slightly but keeping his arms around your waist.
"Before that, can we sit first? My legs-..." he said. You nodded and were about to call for the guard to ask for a chair, but he stopped you and sat on the bed. You joined him, leaving a small gap between you two.
"Is it true, Leigh?" He repeated.
"Yes," you said, looking down at the floor to avoid his gaze. "I stopped sending them eight moons after your mother, and I met..., after I got to know her more."
"Can I ask you another question?" he inquired.
"Ask away, my prince," you replied.
"Can I lie on your lap? I felt sad when you didn't visit me this morning in my chamber."
"I apologize, sweet boy," you said with a smile before shifting to rest your back against the wall and patting your lap.
Lucerys happily lay his head on your lap and closed his eyes as you started gently stroking his hair.
"Can I ask you another one?" You laughed and nodded your head.
"Why do you not have a surname?" You knew it was an innocent question, but it struck a chord, making you feel a pang of sadness.
"You don't have to answer. I was just curious." Luke said, noticing the small frown on your face.
You shook your head and began to tell him, your fingers running through his hair as he closed his eyes to listen. You narrated your life to him, speaking plainly, without appealing to his emotions.
He opened his eyes to look at you.
"I don't hate you for what you did. I can't fault you for it." You were surprised at his words.
"If I were in your shoes, I would do the same thing. You were young and scared of what your father might do to you...what your father did. You did what you needed to survive, as anyone would do."
"Thank you," you mumbled, grateful for his understanding. There was a comfortable silence between you two.
"How are you feeling, sweetboy?" You asked.
"My body still aches at certain movements...and I miss Arax," he said, his eyes filling with tears at the thought of his deceased dragon.
"I'm so sorry, my prince. I'm sure you can claim another dragon," you tried to comfort him.
"No one has ever done that," he said.
"Maybe you'll be the first one. If you do, you'll be in the history books." You watched a smile spread across his face as you caressed his cheek.
"However, please, if you ever want to claim another dragon, tell your mother and the dragon tamers. Don't go alone, Lucerys... This is your second life." You told him firmly.
"Yes, my lady." He gave you a teasing smile, and you rolled your eyes.
You placed kisses on his forehead. "Go back to your chamber to tend your wounds and get rest." Luke groaned when you said that.
"I don't want to go," he whined.
"You have to. This place is not for a prince."
"Certainly, not for a lady like you." You helped him stand up.
"Eat the food, my lady. I'll come visit you again tomorrow," he promised, giving you one last hug.
"Thank you, my prince." You said before pulling away from him. He looked back at you one more time before disappearing through the door.
ʟᴏᴠᴇ
As Lucerys told you, he visits you every day, sometimes with Jace or Baela. Jacaerys also came by alone from time to time. They tried to make you eat, often staying to ensure you consumed some food because, as the days went by, the food they brought remained untouched the next day they visited you and retrieved it.
You lost track of how many times they visited, as they came at different hours. There were also no windows that would tell you the position of the sun, whether it was daytime or nighttime.
Biting your nails became your habit, to the point of damaging your nail beds; however, that didn't stop you, as you didn't have anything to do to kill time or entertain yourself. Sometimes, you would scratch the chain on the wall, trying to draw or write something.
Over time, you grew accustomed to the darkness of your cell. The torch would occasionally run out of fuel, plunging the cell into complete darkness until it was replaced during their visits.
There was a time when you called for your mother.
"Mom?" you said, tears running down your cheeks as you hugged yourself, hoping it would be enough to comfort you.
You called for the person who died before she got to see and hold you. The person you never met. You longed for the mother's warmth and comfort that you never had.
How could a person long for someone they didn't meet?
Must all these be the gods' punishment for killing your mother?
Meanwhile, Rhaenyra was restless. It was evident in the skin around her eyes and her performance at the court. She was often caught staring blankly at the figures on the map table or listening to discussions; however, nothing registered in her mind, leading her to ask for repetitions.
"That's enough for today," Rhaenys announced, dismissing the council after Lord Staunton's speech, though several matters remained to be discussed. The council members rose, bowing to the Queen and the princess before taking their leave.
The Queen remained lost in her thoughts, and further discussions of the matter would be wasted if she wasn't fully engaged. The very reason Rhaenys dismissed the council herself.
"You should take a rest, Your Grace," Rhaenyra snapped out of her thoughts when Rhaenys placed a hand on her shoulder. The queen looked at her, confused, then at the empty chairs in front of her.
"Thank you. You should...as well." Rhaenyra replied absently. She didn't press Rhaenys for details, about what had happened. After a final glance at the princess, Rhaenys left. The Queen stepped outside for some fresh air, Ser Harrold following close behind.
The breeze felt cool against her skin as she stood on the balcony, resting her hands on the stone railing. She watched a dragon fly over the sea, roaring in the distance. Jace soon joined her. This time, he didn't mention the woman in the dungeon. Instead, he spoke of Daemon and his dragon.
Rhaenyra sighed, "It's not even an hour before I'm hearing 'Daemon! Daemon! Daemon!' again," she said, with clear frustration in her voice.
"Your Grace, the Lady Mysaria," the guard announced. The two of them turned.
"My queen, our gift is sent," Mysaria said.
ʟᴏᴠᴇ
In the dungeons, your eyes were closed, and you were curled up in the small bed, trying to get some sleep, but it didn't come. It rarely came. You longed to escape reality, even just for a while, but the seven gods didn't want to grant you that. The hope in you was slowly diminishing the longer you stayed in there without a word from her.
In your mind, she forgot about you.
You immediately crawled to the corner when you heard the door being unlocked. You shut your eyes when the light from the torch hits your vision. The torch, left by Lucerys yesterday-or maybe earlier-had burned out, plunging you into darkness. A small light hurt your eyes.
Rhaenyra didn't know what to do or say when she entered. After her small talk with Mysaria, she went back inside... to her chamber. Well, at least that's where she thought she was going. However, her feet led her to the darkest part of the castle. To where the woman she longed for was imprisoned. The dungeons.
It didn't register to her until the guard greeted her and unlocked the door. The guard took the torch from her, lit the cell, then excused himself. Luke's question echoed in her mind when she walked in.
Her heart broke at your sight. You were curled up in the corner as if trying to hide from whoever entered. Your cheeks were hollow, your eyes sunken, and your clothes hung loosely on your frame-clear signs of malnutrition, dehydration, and lack of sleep. A frown formed on her face when she saw your food untouched in the corner of your bed. A stark reminder of your deteriorating state.
Rhaenyra had received reports of your refusal to eat anything they gave you. She regretted not coming sooner. Hell, she regretted what she did to you.
"I'm so sorry, please don't. I regret it," you pleaded as you tried to shrink further into the corner, not really making an effort to open your eyes. Rhaenyra was confused by your reaction to her presence. It's not you.
"What the fuck happened here? Who came here without my knowledge and my command?" She felt her rage flare when she saw your condition. She grabbed the guard by his clothes, slamming him against the wall.
"I don't know, Your Grace. They just came here and barged in," the young guard trembled.
There had been three men who visited your cell, beating you regularly. They claimed it was for vengeance, though you had no idea who sought it. They whipped and punched you in areas hidden from view, leaving only when they had had enough. Then, they would come back again the next day or in a couple of days. It had no pattern. They would surprise you with their presence.
"And you didn't think to inform me or anyone?" Rhaenyra shoved the guard aside before returning to you.
"Where's the key?" The guard promptly provided it to her.
"Lori? It's me... Your Nyra," she said soothingly as she approached you. She cupped your cheeks to make you look at her. Gently, she unlocked the chain on your ankle when you stopped struggling to get away from her.
"I'm sorry," she repeated, her voice filled with remorse. She regretted punishing you for something you had stopped doing long ago.
"Nyra," your voice was barely a whisper. "I'm sorry," she shook her head, saying it back as she tried to make you understand that she understood it now.
"I don't think I can-..." You said as you could feel your body would collapse anytime soon. Her presence provided some comfort, but that comfort also made your exhaustion more pronounced as your body recognized you were safe.
"What do you mean? Stay awake for me for a minute, please?" Rhaenyra panicked.
"Hold me," you did what she told you. You wrapped your arms around her shoulder. She gently placed an arm around your back and hooked the other under your knees before lifting you. Rhaenyra's heart broke at how easily she could carry you. You lost so much weight, and she blamed herself for that.
"Try to stay awake for me, honey," she said as she hurried out of the dungeons.
The guard offered to help, but Rhaenyra refused it, not trusting him with you.
"Call the grand maester and Ser Harrold for me, now!" She shouted, and the guard ran to do her command.
It took you a lot of effort to remain awake as she kept telling you. Rhaenyra panicked when she felt your arms loosen around her. She quickened her pace.
Ser Harrold met her halfway up the stairs, extending his arms to take you from her.
"Get her to my chamber!" Rhaenyra commanded, following closely behind. Seeing you lifeless in his arms, your head and arms dangling, tore at her heart.
The grandmaester arrived just as Ser Harrold entered your chamber and placed you gently on your bed. They checked on you and asked you to be cleaned first before leaving the chamber, respecting your privacy.
The maids entered and were about to attend to you and change your clothes when Rhaenyra stopped them, telling them to get out and wait outside. She was the one who undressed and cleaned you, changing your clothes. She knew you were not comfortable with other people when you were bathing, dismissing the maids after they had prepared your bath. She gulped, trying to stop a sob that was trying to escape her throat, when she saw the bruises on your skin-some reddish, others dark purple, indicating how long it had been since you got them.
The maester re-entered your chamber after she informed them she was done changing your clothes. They attended your open wounds.
Once the maester and maids had left, Rhaenyra broke down. She knelt on the floor, holding your hand to her face, her sobs uncontrollable. She remained in the chamber, sitting beside you, her eyes never leaving you. She felt that if she looked away for even a moment, you might stop breathing.
The next morning, Rhaenyra placed a lingering kiss on your forehead, her eyes filled with silent prayers to the Seven Gods for your awakening. But you remained still. She reluctantly left you, but she needed to do something. She left two of her Queensguard stationed, one by your door and the other on the balcony. Outside your door, two more guards stood watch.
Rhaenyra burst into the council hall, not paying attention to anyone. Her presence commanded immediate attention; the council members stood as she strode to the front of the room, not taking their seats, leaving everyone else standing.
She wore the same dress as the day before, her hair in a dishevelled braid with stray strands falling loose. Her eyes were a little bloodshot and swollen from the tears shed throughout the night.
"I do not want to hear about war today. I want to know who sent three men to torture Lady Tyrell in her cell without my knowledge and my order?" Everyone in the room could see the rage behind her purple eyes as the Queen scrutinized each person in the room while she spoke with authority.
"I will not repeat myself," she said when she was met with silence.
Ser Alfred, the lord knight known for his animosity towards you, responded coldly, "She deserved it." His reaction was not unexpected, given his previous behavior.
The queen signalled the two guards to take him. The lord knight did not resist, his lack of struggle further revealing his disdain for you.
"Take him to his new chamber. No action will be taken against him unless expressly commanded by I," she instructed before leaving the hall without another word, to freshen up and then return to your side.
Jace visited your chamber after he heard about what happened. He also brought her mother's meal, who had skipped her meal again. He had also taken the opportunity to go to the dungeons to punch the lord knight's face. He had longed for it but had been unable to due to the guards' interference.
Rhaenyra did not leave your side unless necessary. She spent her time reading, talking to you about the castle's happenings, or simply sleeping beside you.
It was midnight when you woke up and saw the familiar canopy, and that's when the memory of Rhaenyra in your cell flashed back. In the corner, you saw Rhaenyra sleeping on the chair with her head resting on her arms on the table, facing your way. The sight evoked a bittersweet memory from when you were injured long ago, making a small smile appear on your lips.
You tried to move but were met with intense pain. Though you felt more rested, the aches in your body were draining. Your mouth and throat were dry, making it hard to speak when you tried to call her.
It took a lot of energy for you just to sit up. You held on to your abdomen when you moved. You slowly stood up, holding your abdomen. Your legs shook, but you managed to walk to the table and pour yourself some water. Though hungry, you decided to wait until morning for food.
You then approached Rhaenyra, gently tapping her on the back. "Rhaenyra, sleep on the bed; your back will ache tomorrow," she said, stirring, blinking at you in confusion. You smiled when it still hadn't registered with her what was happening.
"Sleep on the bed," you repeated.
"When the fuck did you wake up? Why aren't you in bed?" Rhaenyra asked, standing up and pulling you into a warm embrace. A small groan escaped you from the sudden movement.
"A few minutes ago, and I felt thirsty." You hugged back.
"And you didn't think of waking me?" she chided as you tugged her toward the bed.
"Let's go back to sleep. I'm a bit tired from the short walk," you said, glancing at the table.
"You're stubborn! You should have shouted or thrown something to wake me!" Rhaenyra scolded.
"I'll take note of that." She rolled her eyes at your words.
"Are you hungry?" she asked, helping you settle back in bed.
"I'll eat in the morrow... Rhaenyra!" You whispered-yelled when she stood up from bed before lighting up another candle, then left your chamber to fetch something for you to eat.
"Come back here!" She ignored. A moment later, she returned with a tray of fruits and bread, and a flagon of extracted juice.
"Thank you."
The next day, you started moving around, despite Rhaenyra's protests that you should be resting. She followed you closely, insisting she was just making sure you were alright. Rhaenyra's children and Baela were delighted to see you awake, though they, too, disapproved of your refusal to stay in bed and rest.
"I heard it's Ser Alfred," you said as you sat down on your bed. You two were back in her chamber, finally giving in to the fatigue you felt while moving around. You didn't miss the glare that she sent you when you said that.
"Yes, and the consequences of his actions will be determined by you."
"Can you just send him and the three men to war, to fight for you? You need as many men as you can get. They'll be a good addition to your army."
Rhaenyra nodded, "As you wish."
"What will be my punishment?" You asked, catching her off guard.
She hadn't thought about it yet, and the question made her uneasy. In fact, she didn't lend time to think of it, as the idea of punishing you for things you regretted doing years ago now seemed ridiculous. Realization struck her; she had acted out of anger without considering the full picture. The thought of punishing you now made her feel sick. She wished you hadn't asked that.
"Nothing," she said firmly, looking down at you. "I understand it now. I would've done the same if I were you." You nodded, feeling a sense of relief as your body began to relax.
"I'm sorry," she said. You reached for her hand. Rhaenyra stepped closer to you.
"I heard you talking to me whilst I was asleep," you said, watching as her expression shifted to shock. She tried to pull her hand away, but you held on, smiling at her reaction.
"You didn't! I-... Lori-... That's embarrassing! Oh god!" Her ears turned red with embarrassment at being caught.
"It was cute! I pretended to be sleeping, and eventually I drifted off for real." Then you recited the words you remembered, teasing her further.
After a moment of laughter, the two of you calmed down.
"You know, since I woke up yesterday, you haven't kissed me." You spoke, changing the topic. Rhaenyra was caught off guard by your boldness.
"I thought you-"
You groaned in annoyance, "Stop with your thoughts; what about my thoughts?" You threw your hands in the air dramatically before slouching back.
Rhaenyra laughed at your antics before stepping closer to you. She gently placed her fingertips on your chin, lifting your face to hers, then leaned down to capture your lips in a soft kiss. Both of you sighed into the kiss, but when she pulled away, you quickly placed your hand on her nape, pulling her back down.
"I'm not done yet."
ʟᴏᴠᴇ
In the days that followed, preparations for war intensified as the Greens began to move again, taunting them. Everyone knew Rhaenyra didn't want bloodshed; however, the Greens left her no choice. She had given all she could, even risking her life, but it had not been enough.
Team Green justified their actions by claiming it was the late King Viserys I's wish that Aegon, his son with Alicent, should be the heir to the Iron Throne. Despite Rhaenyra's attempts to explain the Song of Ice and Fire and that Aegon the Conqueror wasn't her son but hers, the Greens twisted it to fit their narrative. They also blamed Rhaenyra for the death of Aegon's firstborn son, though she had nothing to do with it.
As the Greens continued their provocations, Daemon finally returned with groups of armies, much to everyone's relief. The queen didn't ask how he managed to gather the troops; they were all desperate for more men to fight for her cause.
Rhaenyra insisted that everyone eat together, and to never missing a single meal. She was worried about the potential outcome of the war, and although she tried not to dwell on negative thoughts, she couldn't help it. Everyone agreed as their minds were also plagued with "what-ifs" and the possibilities of what might come. They needed something to distract them from the looming conflict.
During the preparations, you had been itching to ask the Queen to let you fight for her. Although you already knew what her answer would likely be. You couldn't stomach staying behind while they marched to the city.
After the council meeting, she asked you to accompany her to the grounds to see how the armies and masons were doing. The men were grateful for the Queen's visit, and it somehow motivated them to fight harder for her. You stayed a few steps behind, watching her interactions with them, and the scene around you only fueled your desire to fight alongside them.
When you both returned to the castle, you followed her straight to her chamber. You were about to excuse yourself as Rhaenyra asked her handmaidens to prepare her bath, but she stopped you. She asked you to untie her dress, explaining she couldn't reach the laces on her back. You hesitated, but then stepped forward to help her, averting your eyes when she confidently let the dress slide down her body and stepped into the bath.
"Join me," she said.
"Was it a command, Your Grace?"
She hummed as she pretended to think for a moment, "More like a suggestion."
You began to undress, feeling her eyes on you. Though a part of her still felt guilty whenever she saw the marks on your skin, you could see it on her face.
"Don't," you said as you joined her in the bath. You kissed her lips before settling between her legs, resting your back against her front, and your head on her shoulder.
She wrapped her arms around you. "I'm sorry. I'll spend forever making it up to you," she murmured, her lips brushing the side of your head after placing a soft kiss there.
"I know you are, and already forgive you. You don't have to do that," you reassured her, playing with her fingers.
After a comfortable silence, you finally spoke again, fidgeting with her fingers. "I've been meaning to ask...
She just hummed in reply, encouraging you to continue.
"Can I join the war? I want to fight for you." Your heart pounded harder in your chest, and Rhaenyra could feel it.
"Who am I to stop you?" she said softly, surprising you with her response, which was far from what you had expected.
"You already look decided. Just..." She shook off a troubling memory that flashed in her mind. She had witnessed you on your bed, unconscious, bruised and bleeding twice. She didn't want to witness it again, for the third time.
"Come back to me alive."
You turned your head to kiss her cheek. "Always," you promised. Your breath hitched as her hand began to travel down your body and her lips found your neck.
ʟᴏᴠᴇ
The days passed by, more quickly than anyone anticipated. It was dusk when everyone began preparing for the march and the impending war.
Rhaenyra insisted that you ride with her on Syrax. She tried to reason with you that you're not safe on the ground, but you knew her true motive. No one would dare attack you on land surrounded by thousands of her soldiers. She simply didn't want to be away from you.
To ease her nerves, you agreed, though you felt a bit uneasy at the thought of riding her dragon. It had been a long time since she last took you for a ride, and you weren't sure if Syrax would still recognize you.
Rhaenyra had never removed the two saddles she had commissioned for Syrax when you two were young, a constant reminder of her favorite memory with you.
"I think I changed my mind," you said, but Rhaenyra quickly grabbed your hand, stopping you before you could take another step away.
"Where are you going? Your ride is this way." She smiled, hearing you mumble words of motivation to yourself as she led you toward the dragonpit.
It had been almost three days since the Blacks started to march. Everyone grew anxious as they moved forward.
On your way, the Greens surprised the Blacks by launching an attack just miles away from the city. Everyone who had a dragon was on high alert, especially with the knowledge that the Greens had the largest dragon alive. Daemon, with Caraxes assisting in the army, defeated the Green troops.
Daemon unleashed fire to fend off the attack, allowing the Blacks to push forward until they reached the city. Before you dismounted Syrax, Rhaenyra pulled you into a kiss, a silent plea for your safety. You patted Syrax's snout, whispering in Valyrian, to take care of Rhaenyra, before running toward the city. Rhaenyra watched you go, praying that you would make it back.
Inside the city, you focused on ensuring the civilians' safety, ushering them out while battling a few of the Greens' soldiers along the way. At one point, Ser Erryk intervened, stabbing a guard who was attempting to sneak up behind you. You gave him a small nod of thanks before continuing your mission.
You sustained wounds and bruises from soldiers who managed to sneak up on you. You retaliated by stabbing them in the chest or slashing their necks. Each swing of your sword was accompanied by a groan, as your right shoulder was severely injured. However, the pain was bearable, thanks to the adrenaline coursing through your veins.
You found yourself in a one-on-one duel with Aemond, who wore a jerky smirk on his face.
"The whore is here," he taunted, quickly dodging your attack and striking back with more force. Noticing your weakened state, he thrust his sword into your injured shoulder, causing you to drop your weapon. Blood started to run down your elbow as your free hand gripped his sword. You screamed when he twisted it, making your legs buckle.
He withdrew his sword and took a step back, saying words you couldn't register. You placed your bloody hand on the ground for support, struggling to stay upright.
The one-eyed prince stood over you, towering over your weakened body, and pointing the edge of his sword at your neck.
"I should've let Vhagar eat Lucerys Strong," he said. The only words that truly registered in your mind.
Summoning the last of your strength, you reached for the dagger at your side and slashed upward across his knee and thigh, screaming as your injured shoulder protested the movement.
Aemond's balance faltered, allowing you to grab your sword and stand. You kicked his sword away from his reach as you towered over him.
"You should've taken the chance to kill me. Any last words?" you asked, pointing your sword at him.
"Bitch," he said. With both hands on your sword, you swung it to take his head.
You searched for Aegon and found him with Jacaerys, who was holding the dagger that had been plunged into Aegon's heart. Leaving the scene, you searched the entire castle, ignoring the pain in your body. In one chamber, you found Helaena cradling her children in her arms, humming a soft tune.
You dropped your sword and carefully approached them.
"Leigh?" She called, looking at you.
"I'm not here to hurt you," you said, for what you had done to one of her brothers.
"I know," she said, still comforting her daughter and son.
"I'm sorry," was all you could say.
"I know. I dreamed of it happening. It had to be done," she said. You knew about her prophetic dreams from when she was young, but didn't realize she still had them.
"Let's get out of here," you suggested, offering a hand. You couldn't leave Haelena and her child, worried about their safety, as you couldn't recall any orders given to the Black army not to harm Haelena and her two children.
Helaena trusted you and took your hand. You took Jaehaera from her and helped her to her feet.
"You're hurt," she said, looking at your shoulder.
"I'll be fine," you assured her before grabbing your sword from the ground and the crown from the table. You led the way, with Helaena following closely behind. You took them to safety, knowing that Rhaenyra would spare them as they were innocent.
You could feel your energy draining as you walked to the hall where the civilians who supported Rhaenyra had gathered. You stood where Jace and Daemon were positioned, watching as Rhaenyra delivered her victory speech before the Septon blessed her.
"Do the honour," Daemon said, glancing at the crown in your hand and nodding at you. You were hesitant to walk in front, but did it anyway.
Worry was etched on Rhaenyra's face when she saw your condition as you approached. No one was in their best state after the war, with everyone covered in blood and dirt.
"Are you alright?" she asked.
"I'll be fine... Now kneel," you said, wanting all this to end and pass out on your bed. Rhaenyra rolled her eyes, smiling, before turning her back on the people and kneeling on the floor.
You held the crown aloft with both hands. "The crown of the Conqueror, passed down through generations! Rhaenyra Targaryen is the only true heir to the Iron Throne!" you declared, gently placing the crown on her head.
Rhaenyra stood up with her head held high, turning to the people as the Septon declared her.
"All hail, Her Grace! Rhaenyra Targaryen, First of Her Name, Queen of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lady of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm!" All those present knelt before her.
"Rhaenyra the Queen!" you shouted. The crowd rose and cheered her name when she nodded. Daemon noticed you falter and had to help you up when you nearly collapsed.
"Queen Rhaenyra!"
"Queen Rhaenyra!"
"Thank you," you said.
"You owe me," Daemon replied, making you roll your eyes.
After making sure you could stand alone, Daemon ordered the guards to collect the heads of the usurpers. He believed everyone needed to witness the heads of Aegon II and Aemond being presented to the Queen to validate Rhaenyra's coronation. It would also serve as a warning to anyone who might try to usurp the Iron Throne. After a few moments, the guards returned with their heads. Daemon handed you both the usurpers' heads. He didn't give Aegon's head to Jace, as it would label him as a kinslayer, which would be a bad title for someone next in line for the throne.
The hall fell silent as you stood before the assembly, holding the heads.
"My Queen," was all you said, throwing the heads to the ground before kneeling, wincing as your knee met the hard surface.
"I hope I am forgiven, Your Grace," you whispered, your voice too dry to carry beyond the front rows.
"What did she say?"
"She's asking for forgiveness!"
"What sin did she commit?"
"Loving the Queen."
"Betray me again, your head would be the next to meet the ground... Rise," the Queen said, helping you up when she noticed your struggle.
"Wasn't I the one who placed the crown on your head?" you replied, making her roll her eyes, though a small smile played on her lips. She had heard it before.
Rhaenyra caught you as you stumbled slightly while walking.
"I apologize, Your Grace," you said, trying to push her away, but her grip didn't falter.
"You said you were alright?" Her eyes glared at you.
"I was," you replied, feeling lightheaded. Rhaenyra glared at you as she guided you to an empty chair.
After that, the crowd dispersed. The army began collecting the enemy corpses and arresting those in hiding. Maidens and maesters attended to the wounded, both knights and civilians.
Everyone claimed the chamber they wanted and cleaned up. Rhaenyra finished first and walked to your chamber, where she found you getting stitched up, your head resting on your bandaged hand, facing the other way. You let out a small groan each time the needle pierced your skin.
After the maester and maids left, Rhaenyra helped you finish dressing, ignoring your protests. Tears welled up in your eyes when a sharp pain struck your shoulder as you tried to lift your arm.
"I hate this," you cried out in both pain and exhaustion, the milk of the poppy making you emotional.
"I know you do," Rhaenyra said softly, caressing your back.
A knock on the door interrupted you. A knight brought news that they had found your father's and brother's bodies. You made your way outside and were met by their corpses. You wanted to take it as a good thing, but at the same time, you couldn't. You resented them, indeed, but you still bore a little love for them. Tears welled up in your eyes. All of them were dead. As you stared at them, a slight sense of loneliness crept in, making you feel more alone than ever. History books would say you were smiling at that moment, believing they finally got what they deserved after what they did to you, while others would claim your face was neutral as tears rolled down your cheeks.
Rhaenyra watched as you mourned the people who didn't deserve you.
"I'm so sorry, my love." She stood beside you, caressing your back.
Rhaenyra restored your title, inheritance, and Highgarden to you, as you were the last living Tyrell. You understood the responsibility that came with it. You needed to marry and have heirs to continue the Tyrell lineage, your lineage. But you were scared, not wanting the lineage to continue, because you believed you had a curse.
"It was they who were cursed, not you. It will be your blood... and your husband's, of course, that will run through your children's veins. Not theirs," Rhaenyra reassured you, hoping to see little versions of you running around.
"I want only you," you said.
"You have me."
But in the end, Rhaenyra had convinced you to marry to continue the bloodline of your house, which would later become one of the houses with great military strength under Lord Tyrell's wife, Lady Olenna Tyrell.