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Graphic Depictions Of Violence
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House of the Dragon (TV)Warhammer FantasyA Song of Ice and Fire & Related Fandoms
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Rhaena Targaryen (Daughter of Daemon)/Lucerys Velaryon (Son of Rhaenyra)Baela Targaryen/Jacaerys Velaryon
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Lucerys Velaryon (Son of Rhaenyra)Laena Velaryon (Daughter of Corlys)Rhaena Targaryen (Daughter of Daemon)Baela TargaryenJacaerys VelaryonRhaenyra TargaryenDaemon TargaryenCorlys "The Sea Snake" VelaryonRhaenys Targaryen VelaryonAemond "One-Eye" TargaryenAegon II TargaryenAlicent HightowerDaeron Targaryen (Son of Viserys I)Cannibal the Wild Dragon (A Song of Ice and Fire)Valyrian Gods (A Song of Ice and Fire)Helaena Targaryen
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Character Turned Into VampireUndeadNecromancyVideo Game MechanicsThe Dance of the Dragons | Aegon II Targaryen v. Rhaenyra Targaryen EraLaenor Velaryon is Lucerys Velaryon (Son of Rhaenyra)'s ParentLaena doesn't let something like being dead stop her from helping her familyDragon RidersPOV MultipleDeath to all GreensPiratesBody HorrorBAMF Rhaena Targaryen (Daughter of Daemon)Temporary Character DeathReligious Imagery & SymbolismWeird Plot Shitno beta we die like everyoneBook: Fire and Blood (A Song of Ice and Fire)Self-IndulgentChild DeathDismembermentDragonrider Rhaena Targaryen (Daughter of Daemon)Rhaenys and Rhaenyra act more like their bookselves cause their showselves suckCanon-Typical ViolenceCannibalismVampire BitesThe non-sexy kindDark Lucerys Velaryon (Son of Rhaenyra)Vampire Lucerys Velaryon (Son of Rhaenyra)Angst with a Happy Ending
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Published:2024-06-14Completed:2024-10-31Words:169,619Chapters:35/35Comments:1,151Kudos:2,057Bookmarks:542Hits:94,733
Lucerys Velaryon of the Vampire Coast
SkilledWarriorKiwi
Chapter 6: Lady Hand
Chapter Text
Ser Arryk attempted to assassinate Queen Rhaenyra in the middle of the night.
Ser Erryk intervened, killing his own twin and then falling on his blade.
Rhaenys was more curious as to the fact it had actually taken so long for the Greens to try an assassination attempt. Still, using Ser Arryk was interesting as sending a Kingsguard to do such a dishonourable thing was quite a surprise. She had to berate herself for that line of thinking however; the Hightowers have shown they had no issues with doing whatever dishonourable, sneaky tactics they could to win the war. Perhaps Ser Arryk would have also been sent to the nursery where Aegon and Viserys was, once he slew the queen if his brother had not stopped him.
She would not know however, as the Cargyll twins died within moments of one another. Ser Erryk preserved his honour and the following morn Queen Rhaenyra lit his pyre with Syrax's warm yellow flames. Rhaenys had attended, arm securely bound and with her scalp partially shaven. The remaining hair had been cut to her nape to let the burns breathe, and it had been decades since Rhaenys had ever worn it so short. Still, despite the pain of her injuries and the way her face had bloomed with plum-coloured bruises she had attended the funeral for the knight without hesitation.
Ser Arryk had been burned as well, but not out of respect for him but rather for his twin.
"They came in this life together and died together. I will not dishonour Ser Erryks sacrifice and duty for the crown, even if his brother did so," Queen Rhaenyra had said in response.
Rhaenys accepted the explanation easily enough. The pyre burned fast and hot and soon there was nothing left but ash and scorched stone.
Next to the queen were her sons, though Rhaenys noted it was Lucerys whom most would sneak glances at. And the undead dragon, which had a habit of perching upon the walls and points of Dragonstone like a gargoyle but now was currently sitting near Lucerys. The light of the pyre glinted off the black bones of its fleshless face, fangs constantly locked in a snarling grin.
With the death of the Cargyll twins there was an increase in guard presence through the castle. There was also a notable increase in scurvy dogs and fell bats upon Dragonstone, both in and out. It was fascinating, watching the dogs simply run up through the water onto the beach, shaking their manes before running off across the sand. Much like the bats, the beasts seemed to have an intelligence even as they ran about upon patrols as Lucerys commanded them. They also were magic, in a casual means she struggled to understand.
Once, when Rhaenys saw one of the fishermen open a small storage shed, a pack of twenty of the dogs came flooding out despite all logic saying they should not have been able to fit in there.
The dogs were friendly enough, despite being the size of direwolves with their bodies skinless and showing red muscle except for the shaggy dark manes at their necks while their heads were bare bone with glowing blue eyes. Rhaenys had seen one of the guards patting a scurvy dog when a pack went running through the courtyard and she knew from reports more of them were patrol the craggy isle of Dragonstone but also that they did not disturb or attack any of the villagers or fishermen. If anything they were a comforting presence, another level of defense for the island and its inhabitants.
The bats meanwhile guarded the sky, with a flock always accompanying Jace or Baela whenever they did one of their patrols. Through it Rhaenys was either recovering or going through the list of ointments and drinks Maester Gerardys had recommended for her. Her left ear had been cut away with the wound stitched shut but as the maester said she did not have any excess bleeding. Her ribs were badly bruised but none broken and while her set nose would have a bump upon it she did not mind. It was mostly the burns that hurt her, but the thick clay-like paste slathered over her kept the throbbing ache mostly at bay. It was only extremely painful when she awoke and had to apply a fresh layer and then wait for the soothing mixture to settle within her scorched flesh.
Then the following day her husband arrived upon the Sea Snake with a gaggle of battered and exhausted prisoners who had escaped from the black cells of King's Landing.
It was fascinating to learn the details behind the jailbreak, and to realize how much of her conversation with Lucerys must have held with him when they first returned to Dragonstone and they were speaking about Rook's Rest as Maester Gerardys saw to her wounds. She had mentioned that her attacking of Aegon and wounding him would mean a swift retaliation from such a petty man, and when Lucerys inquired to details she explained how most likely any of Rhaenyra's remaining supporters or sympathizers would be rounded up and executed within King's Landing. No doubt some spectacle behind it.
Truthfully she had believed those within the Black court had already been killed or captured when the coup happened, such as when she had been jailed within her own room before the dowager queen slunk in to try and gain her support. Lord Beesbury had been killed when the usurpation happened and Rhaenys had a strong idea she would have been next if she had not fled upon Meleys. Same with those of the Kingsguard who remained loyal to the throne, having to flee King's Landing with Jaehaerys's crown to travel to the true heir.
Lucerys had commented that it seemed unfair, which was both childish and endearing. It did remind her of how young Lucerys was, even with how old his eyes would get when he would stare at the sea. Then he seemed firm that someone should aid those loyal to Rhaenyra and Rhaenys had indulged him, even while listing all the reasons for why such a thing would not work despite the good intentions behind.
She had not anticipated Lucerys summoning members of the Merling Court from the depths of the sea and sending them directly to King's Landing, to locate those imprisoned within the black cells. When Corlys came to Dragonstone, only a day after Rook's Rest and bearing near sixty escapees she had been baffled at the tale. Lady Fell- and Rhaenys did not even recognize the noble woman until she spoke -had been insistent upon what had happened. Informing the Queen about the break out within the black cells, the dead man and the red-eyed woman, about Burke Black and his great ship brazenly sailing from King's Landing with none of the Greens the wiser.
Rhaenys had insisted upon being at the Black council meeting that directly followed the arrival despite her wounds. Maester Gerardys had confirmed her vision was mostly gone in her left eye, only shadows remained, but she had a spare and Meleys had both. She would survive, and Meleys was being tended to. They would fight another day and she was not about to spend her days lying in bed worrying like a dying septa awaiting the Stranger. So she attended the meeting with her husband and the escapee lords, Hayford, Merryweather, Harte, Buckler, Caswell as well as Lady Fell. All had bathed and changed to fitting attire but Rhaenys could see the deep weariness to them all. The black cells were wretched things indeed.
Still, they diligently reported what had occurred. All agreeing with Lady Fell's account of the escape as they addressed the council, Queen Rhaenyra and her heir, Jacaerys who were all in attendance around the softly lit table.
Then Lucerys was brought in to the council chambers and he confirmed it as well.
"I thought those loyal to Mother should be rescued," he said, as if summoning strange magical people from the sea and having them walk right into King's Landing and breaking the captives from one of the most secure prisons in Westeros was a simple solution everyone should've thought of beforehand.
It also brought the explanation of the pirate coves, as was called the strange magical dock the prisoners had been smuggled from, which as Lucerys said would never be accessed by his enemies and unless King's Landing was razed to the ground they would never be rid of it.
"Can you establish them elsewhere?" Rhaenys asked, deeply intrigued at the idea and mind racing through the possibilities. "Storm's End, for example? Even with its fierce tides and waters?"
"Yes. They can move through any storm, it doesn't bother them and if the city is built touching the sea then a cove can grow," her grandson replied easily. "Bonney Anne is making her way south there to do such a thing. She can kill the soldiers within Storm's End as well, if needed. Since Borros Baratheon is our enemy so those that serve him are as well."
"And the rotting man? Can he do such a thing such as the Lady Anne?"
"Vane is heading west. I sent him towards Oldtown, since it's where the Hightowers live. And then Bonney can bring forth another, who can continue south around Westeros."
"Are there rules for this? How they...are created?"
"No, if its a port city then there can be a cove. It doesn't matter how defended it is. They'll also make gold and be a way for any allies to escape or enter if something happens."
Rhaenys made a considering noise, looking over to the queen, "I believe he should continue this course of action, Your Grace. Even establishing these coves within Dorne- we know full well who funded the Triarchy during the war at the Stepstones. I would not be surprised if those Dornish rats tried to take advantage of the civil war here, they would be a good means of preemptively protecting ourselves and keeping a close watch upon our enemies."
Rhaenyra nodded, her purple eyes thoughtful before she asked Lucerys, "You said they...these members of the Court, they can kill the soldiers within cities. Can they target higher ranks?"
Lucerys made a face, poking at one of his fangs with a fingertip before saying hesitantly, "It depends? There's...rules, I'm still trying to understand. They can kill garrisoned soldiers, lords weak of health or even wound them. But there's rules that I only become aware of when they stop me from doing something or when I can do something."
"And this Captain Burke Black," Corlys spoke then. "Is he such as Lady Bonney Anne and Vane?"
"No, he's different. He's more like me, like a dragon instead of a wyvern even if they're similar. But he's from a different age than this one which is why he can be here while I am here. It's like how Calypso is a dragon but she's different than Valyrian ones. They're from different times even if similar."
That deeply intrigued Rhaenys, and she had to wonder that when Lucerys passed and centuries upon centuries swept by if another could summon him as he himself summoned Burke Black. It made her heavily curious about the vampire lord that her husband had told her about and the strange ship he sailed.
Either way, Lucerys confirmed that Burke Black would stay within Blackwater Bay. He would protect the waters before the blockade, meaning that if any ship sailed from King's Landing or a dragon attacked he would be able to intercept it. And then if he was killed and sent back to the sea he would at least damage the invaders well enough, weaken them for the blockade. The captain's position also meant he could continue to keep a close eye upon the city and even help more loyalists to the queen escape if need be.
That started a discussion between the council if they should send Burke Black to Duskendale; as of the moment it was held by Green forces with the widowed Lady Meredyth Darklyn held captive. Lord Alan Darklyn upon the council and Ser Steffon Darklyn of the Queensguard were cousins to the late Lord Gunthor Darklyn who lost his head to Ser Criston when the attack occured. As Lord Alan said, leaving it in the hands of the Greens would could mean another attack upon Rook's Rest at a later date when the hold was still only just recovering from the siege.
"I can tell Burke Black he can attack Duskendale and set Lady Meredyth free," Lucerys offered. "He will not harm any loyal to the queen and he will enjoy the fight."
"It's near night," Queen Rhaenyra said. "I will not have you flying in the dark."
"No, I can just tell the sea and it will inform him. That way he can attack the hold during the dark. He can see in the dark as easily as the day, like me."
Rhaenyra had no real response to that and neither did anyone in the council. However the queen agreed that Lucerys could inform the vampire lord to retake Duskendale and Luke left the council chambers to the Merling chapel. Rhaenys wondered how much oddness she would get used to before the war was over, already she stopped staring at a giant bat grooming itself upon her balcony or a dead dragon sunning itself at the beach. The next portion of the council was speaking to the freed lords and their missives to their holds scattered about Westeros.
Lady Fell had composed several letters for her hold in the Stormlands, but one of which was an insult laden tirade she sent to her cousin Ser Willis Fell at King's Landing who was a member of Aegon's Kingsguard.
"Craven refused to even see me in the black cells," Lady Fell scoffed. "I would see him hanged when the queen takes King's Landing so I can spit on his dangling corpse."
Once the council was dismissed, the queen asked for herself and Corlys to remain. It was then Rhaenys was granted the title Hand of the Queen while Corlys was to be granted the title Lord of Ships when King's Landing was retaken from the usurpers. She was more surprised by Rhaenyra openly admitting to her she had been lax in preparing for her queendom and asked for aid from Rhaenys; it that was an unfortunate trait she inherited from her father, ignoring her problems and issues and believing it would sort itself out. However Viserys would never admit such a thing and typically double down upon his decisions, such as his catastrophic mess in marrying that Hightower girl.
Rhaenys accepted the position gladly, even if she found it rather ironic the current Hand was lacking one due to her broken arm being firmly bound and unusable for at least a month.
Corlys, as she predicted, fussed over her wounds when they retired for the night. Fussed and worried and then gushed over Lucerys and his abilities. It was quite amusing, to see her husband so excited though Rhaenys fully understood. It seemed Luke's powers were only increasing as time passed and she was deeply curious as to how they would expand. The great strength, the dead dragon, the strange dogs and bats, the living dead man and the red-eyed woman and now the coves. She had to wonder how it would grow and she and Corlys debated long in the night about what might happen next.
Her husband was deeply reluctant to leave to take his tasks to the ports at Dragonstone to Driftmark, but as Rhaenys said with the many Houses still supporting Aegon then it would only be a matter of time before their forces arrived. They were gaining no information from the Stormlands and few from the Reach, even if that hopefully changed with the escaped lords and lady sending ravens of their own.
There was talk of reaching out to the Prince of Pentos, to see if he would foster the two youngest sons of Rhaenyra in the war. As of the moment it made them both uneasy with having so many royal children vulnerable upon one isle even with Lucerys. There was also the excursion to the Vale, to which Rhaenys strongly suggested Corlys escort Rhaena and Joffrey personally upon the Sea Snake. As Hand she had to ensure the best decisions possible would be implemented, even if it resulted in hurt feelings.
While on mandated bed rest Rhaenys was visited oft by her grandchildren. There was still the lingering guilt for shunning her grandsons, especially when all three would visit her daily, but she pushed that aside to be as attentive to them as she could. Jacaerys especially Rhaenys counseled as best she would, knowing the growing burden he must feel as Rhaenyra's heir and prince. Many would look to him for guidance and strength in the war. Baela barely left Jace's side and Rhaenys was ever more pleased at their betrothal considering how close they were becoming and how trusting of one another. Rhaenys was strongly contemplating about approaching the queen to permit Baela and Jace to wed as her granddaughter wished.
However it was her youngest granddaughter that she worried for.
Rhaena was much the same for Lucerys, as she knew her grandchildren remained close with one another and Rhaena doing her best to be supportive and encouraging for Luke's changes. Rhaena was also one most vocal in trusting Luke's abilities, and she had been with him when Viserys and Aegon were introduced to Calypso. Rhaenys mostly found the dead dragon off putting, but Lucerys assured her that Calypso didn't feel the pain of her exposed flesh and she enjoyed being able to fly and be in the sun again. That had not particularly been Rhaenys's concern about the beast, but she agreed willingly enough to keep the peace. Rhaenys still declined the offer to pat the strange four legged dragon, even if Viserys seemed to like her the best.
But still, Rhaenys quickly caught on to her granddaughter's resentment at the up coming trip to the Vale. The ships were being prepared as Rhaenyra agreed with Rhaenys's suggestion Corlys escort them, and before the week ended should set sail north with Tyraxes and a trunk of eggs in tow. When her grandchildren left after having an afternoon tea in her rooms, Rhaenys bade Rhaena to stay and broached the topic with her.
"You will be safe at the Eyrie," Rhaenys assured her. "You and Joffrey both."
"It is not my safety I am worried for," Rhaena said, hugging the pink egg to her chest. The girl was never without it.
"Lucerys is strong. He is god-touched, he will not falter."
"I know that, but everyone else...I cannot do anything in the Vale. Baela will fight, Father is fighting, you are fighting. Grandfather, Rhaenyra, Lucerys, Jacaerys- you will all risk your lives. Meanwhile I am useless," Rhaena said bitterly.
Rhaenys reached out, tugging her granddaughter against her while being mindful of her injured arm as she did her best to soothe, "You are important to us, and unfortunately that makes you a target. We already know the levels Aemond and Aegon will sink to, I shudder to think what horrors they would inflict upon you if you were captured. We've all heard rumours of Aegon's attitude towards young pretty girls and he has no honour, no integrity. Myself, and I'm sure many others, will be able to fight easier knowing you are not within reach of their Green claws. It is same as Joffrey, Aegon and Viserys. You must be kept safe and unfortunately that means elsewhere."
Rhaena sighed, fingers squeezing at the scaled form of the egg, "I still just feel so helpless. I do not even feel like a Targaryen."
"The egg burns as if taken fresh from the brazier," Rhaenys laid her hand over Rhaena's own. Even over Rhaena's flesh Rhaenys could feel the heat radiating up from the egg, "I think there will be a great chance you will become less lonely in the Vale, and there you will be our advocate with Lady Jeyne and the Vale lords. And Joffrey will need you, he and Tyraxes. They are still so young and brash. You will temper them, help guide them. And, if things do end bloody as all wars do and the rest of us fall, you will be there for the aftermath and to safe guard the future of House Targaryen with the eggs if Dragonstone comes to ruin."
Rhaena flinched at Rhaenys's blunt words. It was a harsh reality, Rhaenys knew she was pushing upon her granddaughter. She had already lost Lucerys, she knew the risk for the rest of them and had to accept the possibility of them all falling. And unfortunately, Baela was indeed staying due to having a dragon ready for combat, as they would have to fight and die if need be. It was harsh but they were in war. Being soft would only get them killed and Rhaenys was not about to risk Rhaena for sweet mutterings that would not stop swords and dragonfire and death and the cruelty of the world.
Rhaena, Joffrey and the eggs would be their horde for the future, if they all died to the Greens. Same with Viserys and Aegon who were to be sent across the Narrow Sea. The most vulnerable and most valuable.
Pressing a kiss against her forehead, Rhaenys said with a more cheerful tone, "Now then, enough tiring news. How about we go visit Meleys?"
The Red Queen was pleased with her rider's visit, and Rhaenys felt her own aches ease with visiting her recovering companion. Rhaena remained close and was used to the dragon and vice versa that Meleys let her stroke her scaled cheek.
Meleys was deep within the landing cave of the Dragonmont, where Syrax and Vermax also rested. Rhaena mentioned in hushed tones about the Cannibal's lingering presence spotted by watchers which Rhaenys already knew of; she thought perhaps the beast could smell Meleys's wounds, especially the torn wing which kept her grounded, and ever the opportunistic would be ready to hunt if they slipped in their watch. There was a reason night flights were banned upon the isle for longer than Rhaenys had been living but with Syrax and Vermax within the deep cavern with Meleys, the volatile black beast had not ventured close even if the dragons seemed to know he drew near with how alert and watchful they would become.
Even so the watch had been doubled with the dragonkeepers ever ready. There were also a pack of the bats hanging up upon the ceiling of the cave high above, even if they seemed to be sleep. None of the dragons seemed bothered by the creatures.
As Rhaenys ran a hand over the Red Queen's snout she noted with pleasure at how Meleys's wound was healing well, the torn membrane slathered hourly with the pulpy poultice made from moss within the Dragonmont and the ground flowers of the fire lilies at the lip of the volcano, mixed with dragonsblood. The pink membrane was slowly melding back together, the stitching being melted free. It was luckily a clean cut through the wing. Same with the gouges upon her chest, the thick scales having absorbed most of the damage but in the parts torn free by Sunfyre's claws the scales were already regrowing.
Her broken tail had taken a full hour to set with Rhaenys's diligent attendance, and even now the heavy iron brace was still affixed to the Red Queen's broken flesh. But it had lined up, even if there would always been a notable dent in the crimson scales while the hue had faded to a red so dark it was near black. Rhaenys and the dragonkeepers had extremely high hopes Meleys would fly and fight once again, and that time would be soon.
"You will have your dragon," Rhaenys soothed her granddaughter, tucking a snowy loc behind Rhaena's ear and smiling as Meleys snorted a huff of warm air over them. "Sometimes, it simply takes longer than most. Keep your egg close and remember your duty in the Vale."
"Yes, Grandmother."
Then outside the Dragonmont they all heard a familiar whistling cry.
The Rogue Prince had returned.
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