we play an ugly game

THE SECOND DAUGHTER (XI)

The Hightower army was trapped on the banks of the river between the forces of Lord Thaddeus Rowan and Tom Flowers on one side and the two Alans on the other. There was no way to escape the trap but most importantly none of you even considered the possibility of fleeing. You knew you had to face those traitors and only after that you would be able to move south towards King’s Landing.

The Tyrells would not come. Lady Estella had kindly reminded you in the letter that according to your agreement with her, she would send her troops once your army reaches Highgarden. 

“The bitch is testing us,” you crumbled the letter in your hand and threw it away.

“The armies are approaching. Save the anger for the traitors,” Ormund walked up to you to put his hands on your shoulders. He was already wearing full armour, which was making him look so wide and big. So steady.

But no armour could make a man immortal.

You swallowed thickly when your eyes locked with his. For the first time since you had gotten married, you faced the possibility of losing him.

“I-I must go then,” you stuttered out.

Ormund did not let go of your shoulders, though. He moved one of his hands up to caress your cheek.

“Must you go? Perhaps you should stay,” he said and you furrowed your brows.

“Is it not the moment you have been waiting for over ten years now?” You inquired.

Your husband shook his head as he chuckled sarcastically.

“You think me so cruel but no. I have not imagined… this,” he looked around the tent. “Whatever it is.”

“It is happening, however. I must go,” you clenched your jaw and reached out to cup his cheeks. “To watch over you and ensure your safety,” you explained.

“They have no dragons. Tessarion should be enough to scare them,” Ormund sighed.

“Daeron is inexperienced. Besides, I will not let him ride into battle alone. I am his protector,” you protested. “How can you even suggest something like this?”

“He is a young squire who needs to prove himself whether I like it or not. He must participate in the battle. But you… You are a woman. A Princess. You should have stayed in Oldtown,” Ormund confessed.

Even though you knew that he loved you, it still felt odd to see him so scared about you. Last time it had happened, you had been barely alive after your miscarriage, therefore you had barely registered it.

“Just…” You hesitated as you slowly moved away from his arms. “Just be careful, Lord Husband,” you reached up to peck his lips. “None of this will make sense to me if I lose you.”

With one more glance, you left the tent in a hurry, trying very hard to contain your nervousness. You did not want Daeron to see your trembling hands. He had to see you as brave and willing to encourage him. 

You saw him caressing Tessarion and soothing her before the battle. He hadn’t spotted you yet and you stood still for a moment while you took a deep breath.

“Ready, brother?” You asked him lightheartedly.

He turned his head around and your heart broke at the sight of the terror on his face. 

“Y-yes, sister,” he nodded and hid his shaking hands behind his back.

“Come here,” you hugged him quickly. “Come here, my boy,” you kissed his temple. “It will be alright. I am with you,” you assured him.

Daeron relaxed a bit. The amount of trust he was putting in you was sometimes above your understanding but you could only be grateful that your little brother considered you to be his safe space.

To the point he would follow you into a battle.

To the point he would follow you towards his own death if you required.

“Now, my sweet Prince,” you cupped his cheeks as you looked deep into his blue eyes, “it is time for you to show everyone who you truly are. A Dragon Lord of mighty Tessarion, The Blue Queen,” you said in High Valyrian.

“Yes, Princess Commander,” he straightened his back and you patted his cheek.

You mounted Vyrmora and watched over Daeron getting on top of Tessarion. You made sure he was strapped properly to the saddle before you nodded and gave an order to fly.

You were circling together in the sky for some time, watching the situation unfold below. Vyrmora was roaring quietly and Tessarion followed her like a little blue shadow. You wondered if the young dragoness was as afraid as her rider. Probably yes.

Meanwhile, Vyrmora seemed to be impatient in a way. You had to remind her to stay still several times.

“Daeron,” you called for your brother, “fly closer and check if they have scorpions,” you said and the boy nodded.

You wanted to give him a task and make him feel important. Tessarion was also much smaller and swifter so it would be easier. 

You waited for his return. When he did, you glanced at him questioningly.

“A few,” he admitted.

“Fuck,” you hissed out and your brother’s eyes widened. “I hoped they would not be there… But it is alright, my boy. We will deal with them. The Dragon Guard will destroy them.”

Daeron nodded, trusting you completely.

The loud noise from below snapped you back to reality. It seemed the armies clashed. From above it did not look well – your army perhaps was not outnumbered but it was absolutely trapped by two others. 

You took a quick look at your brother. You could just… Fly away with him. You could take him away from this mess, gather your children and their dragons and then flee to Essos. 

But you could not abandon your responsibilities and duties. No matter the sacrifice.

“It is time for us,” you ordered. “Fly behind me.”

Vyrmora groaned happily as she descended, spreading her huge wings to show off her whole enormous size. The lower she was, the louder she groaned, causing the enemy knights to look up with fear in their eyes.

The scorpions were immediately aimed at her but just like you had suspected – your troops were busy shooting the people behind the dragon killing war machines.

“Dracarys!” You shouted. You did not have to tell your dragon anything else. She happily obliged, knowing very well which people to burn and which to leave in peace.

From above, you could barely see them as people. They were nothing but ants who stood in your way as if they refused to acknowledge the fact that not only you were their Princess and overlord but also your cause was the righteous one.

You looked up at your brother. You had never seen his face so pale.

But Ormund was right. It was time for him to become a man.

“Daeron!” You addressed him. “Order her!”

He opened his mouth but no words left his lips.

“Order her, you must!” You insisted.

Then, from between the clouds behind Daeron, another dragon emerged and your heart dropped all the way down to your stomach.

It was… Moonfyre with Aelora on top of it.

You had to blink a few times to make sure you were not imagining it. 

“Aelora!” You immediately moved closer to her. 

Gods, her whole dragon was smaller than Vyrmora’s one single wing.

“What in the Seven Hells are you doing, you foolish girl?!” You snapped at her.

Daeron was staring at her with big eyes, too.

“I came to help, mummy!” Aelora straightened her back.

You felt dizzy at her words as you looked down and searched for Ormund. You spotted him, staring up with huge eyes.

“Aelora, you are crazy!” Daeron agreed with you. “Moonfyre can barely burn a sheep!”

“From what I’ve seen so far, Tessarion is not burning much either,” Aelora shrugged.

“Aim at the smaller ones!” You heard from below as the men behind scorpions now moved them to shoot at Moonfyre and Tessarion.

“You foolish girl! I should be covering your father and now I must cover you!” You raised your voice at her.

For the first time, Aelora realised how serious the situation was. Daeron moved in front of her as well.

“Daeron, you know that you must,” you told him. “I know you can do it. You’re my brother,” you encouraged. “If not for me, think of Aelora!”

He nodded hesitantly.

“D-Dracarys,” he ordered and Tessarion breathed fire against the enemies.

“Dracarys, Vyrmora, Dracarys!” You shouted, too.

Two dragons let out fiery breaths that crossed each other as they moved their heads around and burnt knights surrounding them. Aelora was hiding behind you two on Moonfyre.

“D-D-Dracarys!” She ordered but her dragoness only coughed a bit of fire and that was it.

“Just stay behind and say nothing!” You turned your head around as you gave her a scolding look.

You were furious. Worried sick, yes, but also furious.

Below, Ormund was fighting Lords from the opposing armies. You circled above him to make sure he was safe while Tessarion helped your guards to destroy the scorpions of the enemy.

You were burning some troops but the rest you crashed with Vyrmora’s huge legs as you told her to land and walk across the field after the scorpions had been defeated. Her steps were heavy and slow, meanwhile the arrows they were shooting at her could not get through her thick scales.

Tessarion was above you now with Moonfyre behind her.

As you looked around, the enemies’ armies were in defeat now. From afar you could spot the most cowardly knights deserting.

Vyrmora roared so loudly, causing everyone to freeze.

“You are defeated,” you announced. “Bend your knee to King Aegon of House Targaryen, Second of His Name. Join our troops and you shall be spared,” you added.

After a long silence, about half of the men dropped their swords and kneeled down, anxiously looking up at Vyrmora.

“Those of you who stubbornly wish to die for the Usurper Queen shall receive death so much anticipated by them,” you added.

Ormund and his men fought back those who still wielded their swords but your husband was in the majority. You did not intervene with your dragon but you watched over him just in case.

For the first time you observed him in actual combat instead of a training yard or a tourney. You were proud of him, you had to admit. You did not want to use your dragon against his enemies so he could have his own moment of glory.

Once the last enemy fell dead, the knights cheered. You slid off of Vyrmora’s back and ran to Ormund who opened his arms. Your chest piece clashed with his armour while you cupped his cheeks. They were covered with blood but other than that he was alright.

Behind you, Tessarion and Moonfyre landed. You two exchanged a look before approaching Daeron and Aelora.

They were both scared, especially your daughter. She hid herself behind her betrothed meanwhile your brother was clearly in a state of shock after the battle.

“You stupid girl!” Ormund raised his voice and Aelora hid behind Daeron even further. “Come out and look me in the eyes! You were so brave to face two armies but you cannot even face your father?!” He took his helmet off and threw it angrily at the ground.

“S-Sire, please… She knows she’s done wrong,” Daeron defended her.

“Stay out of it, boy! She deserves a scolding!” You snapped and put your hands on Aelora’s shoulders to walk her out.

You were absolutely relieved that she was alright but the foolishness and recklessness of her act was beyond your understanding.

“What were you even thinking?!” You asked her, shaking her a little.

“I overheard the maesters saying that the army was trapped… I wanted to help daddy…” She looked down with her mismatched eyes full of tears.

“For fuck’s sake!” Ormund shouted. “You could have died, Aelora! You could have fucking died!”

“I… I know…” She stuttered out, her voice so little.

“Stupid, stupid, stupid girl!” You crouched down and wrapped your arms around her. She clung to you immediately and buried her face in the crook of your neck as she sobbed.

Ormund caressed her head although his jaw remained clenched.

“There now, my girl…” He said, calmly. “You are alright. I believe you have learnt your lesson.”

“I have, daddy, I promise,” she looked up at him with wet eyes.

You kissed her forehead and laughed once all the stress left your body. The battle was won and your daughter was safe.

“Have I… Have I done well?” Daeron interrupted you as he cleared his throat.

You turned your head around and looked at him. Even though the fighting was over, he looked as nervous as right before it. He was pale and his hands were clasped behind him to hide how shaky they were. He looked down the moment your gaze met his.

“Of course you have, my boy,” you assured him. “Come here,” you opened your arms and offered him a hug.

The knights who had bent their knees were now busy burying the bodies of their former friends while the rest celebrated in the big green pavilion. Aelora was there with you because she was supposed to go back to Oldtown the next day with Ser Nestor.

“I know you wanted to accompany me but I need you more in Oldtown, Ser,” you told him. “I need you to watch over my children like you once watched over me.”

“Yes, Princess,” he nodded with a smile as he gave Aelora a funny look that made her giggle.

She was still shook up after the battle but for some reason the terrors she had seen did not affect her that much. Unlike her betrothed who was exceptionally silent as he was sitting by the table next to your husband.

The feast was not long because everyone was tired. Ormund dismissed everyone around midnight and only the closest and most loyal men stayed with you to discuss next steps.

You left your brother with Aelora as she was telling him of how much she was missing him while you joined your husband by the map of Westeros.

“We should be able to march throughout the Reach without a problem now. I doubt that the Stormlands will be a threat,” he said.

“Baratheons are trying to remain neutral but as far as I’m concerned one of their young Ladies is betrothed to my brother Aemond,” you added. “They will not bother us and if they do, I shall pay them a visit on my dragon.”

“Will Tyrells join us?” Bold Jon asked.

“They should now,” you nodded. “But they remain overlords of this region. They will probably want one of their men to be included in this council. We must all agree now that we should be careful about that man, whoever he is,” you pointed out as the men agreed.

“The closer we’ll get to the Crownlands, the more problems we will face but until then we should march without any bigger trouble,” Ormund put his arm around you and then he looked behind to glance at Daeron and Aelora. “My Lords, you are dismissed. Get a well deserved rest.”

They nodded and wished you a good night as they walked out of the pavilion one after another. In the end it was only you, Ormund, Daeron and Aelora left inside.

“My boy,” Ormund approached the children. Daeron stood up when he saw his Uncle coming. “Come here, you have shown great bravery earlier today,” he admitted with a proud smile.

Daeron swallowed thickly and nodded as he walked over to your husband. You stood behind Aelora’s chair and watched your brother lovingly. You were as proud of him as your husband.

If not more.

“Kneel, my Prince,” Ormund said and you smiled widely, already knowing what was about to happen.

Aelora did not as she looked up at you with big eyes.

“Stand up now,” you whispered to her and she nodded before doing so.

Daeron hesitated but he looked over his shoulder and your reassuring smile caused him to relax. He kneeled with his back straightened, trying his best to look dignified. His Uncle always paid attention to details.

“You have proven yourself, Daeron. It is time for you to be made a knight,” Ormund announced as he took out his sword made of Valyrian steel – Vigilance.

Your brother looked up with big blue eyes full of devotion and reverence but you spotted his fingers were still trembling slightly. You remembered the little boy who had come to Oldtown all those years ago as you shed a tear or two. Aelora was delighted once she understood her betrothed would be crowned now, probably already imagining all the tourneys he would win for her in the future.

“Daeron Targaryen,” Ormund began his speech, “do you swear before the eyes of gods and men to defend those who cannot defend themselves, to protect all women and children, to obey your captain and your liege lord…”

You furrowed your brow when you realised Ormund was changing the words of the oath but you were wise enough to say nothing.

“...to fight bravely whenever needed and to do such other tasks as are laid upon you, however hard or humble or dangerous they may be?” Ormund finished.

“I…” Daeron hesitated but only because he found it difficult to breathe and utter words. “I swear it,” he whispered.

Ormund took a step back and lifted his sword to place it on your little brother’s shoulder. Your heart clenched inside your chest, nearly bursting out with pride. Aelora clapped her hands excitedly.

“Then, raise a knight,” Ormund announced after placing the sword upon the other shoulder. He glanced at you with pride and love in his eyes before looking back at your brother. “Ser Daeron the Daring,” he named him.

You approached your brother and put your hand on his chest where his heart was. He grabbed your hand immediately, nearly desperately. His fingers were not only trembling but also cold.

“Light the way,” you told him, “with fire and blood,” you added in High Valyrian.

Daeron nodded at you but before he was able to say anything, Aelora ran up to him. You allowed her to hug him because she was very excited as she threw her arms around her betrothed.

“Oh Daeron! I am so proud of you!” She exclaimed. “And to think I witnessed you in the battle and now being knighted! It was worth it to come here after all!”

Ormund cleared his throat at those words as he gave her a scolding glance.

You fell asleep quickly on that night. Even though your ears were still ringing and your head was spinning, you were utterly exhausted.

It was around three in the morning when you were awakened by a gentle whisper. You opened your eyes and nearly jumped at the sight of the servant boy standing above you.

“Shhh, Princess,” he whispered. “Forgive me for waking you but it is about Prince Daeron,” he lowered his voice even more.

He was from Oldtown, therefore he knew about your brother’s identity. He was aware it was supposed to stay hidden for the rest. Most importantly, though, right now he was afraid of waking Ormund.

“What’s wrong?” You asked as your heart skipped a beat.

“He has a troublesome rest. I thought you might want to go and see him, my Princess,” the boy mumbled out.

You nodded and carefully removed yourself from under your husband’s arm. Then you stood up and put a robe over your nightgown alongside with the boots on your feet. You glanced quickly at him but he was asleep and so was Aelora who was sleeping on a sofa next to your bed.

After that, you followed the servant boy out of the tent as he led you towards Daeron’s one that was nearby.

“Thank you,” you nodded at the boy and he left you.

When you entered, you spotted your brother immediately. He was in his bed but tossing and turning as he winced at something that must have been a part of his nightmare.

“Daeron!” You hurried to his bed and sat on the edge of it while you placed your hand on his cheek to wake him up gently. “Daeron, my sweet, wake up,” you whispered.

His eyes shut open and he sat up while breathing heavily. He looked around in terror, not recognising the place yet. But then he saw you and his shoulders relaxed while tears streamed down his cheeks.

“Daeron, darling, what happened?” You asked and pressed his head to your chest like a mother would. You caressed his ginger strands to soothe him.

“Daenyra…” He whimpered and buried his face deeper into your chest while his hands tugged onto the fabric of your robe. “I am sorry… I did not mean to cry… I know I should not… I am so sorry…”

“Shhh, my boy, why are you sorry? It is alright,” you assured him and kissed the top of his head. “It is alright to cry. Everyone does sometimes.”

“Uncle does not.”

“He definitely does,” you chuckled and he looked up, surprised. “But you don’t know that from me,” you added and brushed his ruffled hair with your hand. “What is it? Do you have bad dreams?”

“Y-yes…” Daeron admitted and blushed. “About… About earlier.”

“What about it?” You furrowed your brows.

“When I… When I burned… p-people,” his voice was so low now that his words were nearly inaudible.

You froze for a moment but then you went back to caressing his hair.

You had been the one to encourage him to kill. But it had been necessary.

“You are a Targaryen dragonrider,” you reminded him.

“Each of these knights had their own lives, families, fears and dreams…”Daeron shook his head.

“No,” you protested and cupped his cheeks, forcing him to look deep into your eyes. “No, my son, you must not see it this way. When you are on top of that dragon, the rest of the world… They’re… They’re ants. They’re dots,” you tried to explain. “We must remember who we are. We are the blood of Old Valyria. Descendants of Aegon the Conqueror. It is our birthright. A burdensome one but a privileged one, too.”

You could see that your words were scaring him so you sighed and started all over again.

“You can also try to look at this in a different light,” you let go of his cheeks to stop intimidating him further. “They are our enemies. Do you think they would think twice before hurting you, me, Uncle Ormund or Aelora? They would not. We must kill them so we can live and go back home as soon as possible,” you explained. “This is all I want. For us to go back home and to watch all my children being happy. And in a few years you will make me a very happy grandmother,” you booped his nose and he blushed. “Unfortunately, peace and safety are not guaranteed. Sometimes we must fight for them and earn them.”

“I am a knight now… Uncle called me The Daring… Yet I cry here like a little boy,” he sniffled.

“Yes, you are a knight. A very daring and brave one,” you assured him. “But every knight – even the strongest one – has a… a mother he can cry to. I assure you,” you smiled at him. “I know you are scared and that you have your doubts. But let me tell you this: it is going to be alright. I promise you because I’ll always be there with you. You don’t have to worry or overthink anything. Leave that to me and Uncle, alright?” You asked and Daeron nodded. “Good boy,” you kissed him on the forehead. “Do you want me to stay here? You need to sleep and rest.”

“I… I don’t know… I’m a knight now… If Uncle finds out I have to be cuddled to sleep…” Your brother looked down.

“Phew, leave him to me,” you shrugged with a chuckle. “I am staying here.”

“A-alright, thank you,” Daeron nodded and he laid down. You adjusted the pillow under his head and laid down next to him.

“Good night, my sweet boy,” you whispered.

“Good night, sister,” he mumbled out.

Daeron fell asleep quickly while cuddling your arm as you were laying there and staring at the ceiling of the tent. Thankfully, his nightmares did not come back.

“I am so sorry, my son…” you whispered in High Valyrian when you were sure he was already asleep while you caressed his head. You couldn’t stop thinking of the fact that you had been the reason for his heavy heart now.

You wanted to protect him from every danger in the world but you loved him too much to protect him from yourself.