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Rating:
Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warnings:
Graphic Depictions Of ViolenceMajor Character Death
Category:
Gen
Fandoms:
House of the Dragon (TV)Warhammer Fantasy
Characters:
Ikit ClawRhaenyra TargaryenJacaerys VelaryonLucerys Velaryon (Son of Rhaenyra)Baela TargaryenRhaena Targaryen (Daughter of Daemon)Daemon TargaryenCorlys "The Sea Snake" VelaryonHelaena TargaryenAddam VelaryonBackground & Cameo CharactersSilverwing | Alysanne Targaryen's DragonOriginal CharactersJoffrey Velaryon
Additional Tags:
Crack Treated SeriouslyCanon-Typical ViolenceThe Dance of the Dragons | Aegon II Targaryen v. Rhaenyra Targaryen EraAlternate Universe - Canon DivergenceCanonical Character DeathCharacter Turned Into a HumanIkit got isekai'd as Jace's twinSkaven Species (Warhammer Fantasy)Death to all GreensHuman ExperimentationScience ExperimentsIkit is his own warningSilverwing still has shit taste in male ridersPOV MultipleBackground RelationshipsBackground Character Deathshow canon onlyDragon RidersAnimal AbuseIkit is an abusive dragonriderTho he's fairly mellow compared to his SkavenselfGood Parent Rhaenyra TargaryenNo beta we die like LucerysDysfunctional FamilyCannibalismBlood and TortureCanon-Typical BehaviorBAMF Helaena Targaryen
Language:
English
Stats:
Published:2026-02-26Completed:2026-04-22Words:181,492Chapters:55/55Comments:1,270Kudos:749Bookmarks:159Hits:33,636
The Rat Prince of Westeros
SkilledWarriorKiwi
Chapter 12: Rhaena
Chapter Text
Dragonstone was always warm.
No matter the weather or what time of day, there was always a persistent undercurrent of heat radiating through the isle.
Even now with the sky being heavily overcast the courtyard had a comforting warmth to it as they feasted, great tables set up with a trio of musicians playing upon a makeshift stage. The table was piled high with roasted meats from chicken and goose to pork and venison, an assortment of pies and stews. Apple and berry tarts, freshly baked bread, roasted chestnuts and candied fruits. And of course numerous sea life, from lobster and crab and mussels to trout, lamprey and cod, caught by the village down below. Wine, mead, and ale was also freely available, from Arbor reds and golds to sweet beer and almond ale.
It was all in celebration of Prince Ikit Velaryon claiming the dragon Silverwing, who had once been ridden by Good Queen Alysanne, his great-great grandmother. Both Rhaenys and Corlys were also in attendance, having arrived midday after receiving the raven bearing the joyous news.
The courtyard had been designed with dragonriders in mind, large enough for their mounts to land, so Silverwing's giant gleaming form was coiled down at the end where the dragon stables were. Those were intended for dragons Moondancer's size, but Silverwing was able to tuck in her wings and settle down next to them like a spiked pile of silver.
Rhaena barely tasted her pie, despite the abundance of spices and nuts that flavoured the succulent lamb. She was sitting next to her sister, listening to the excited babble that filled the courtyard with the music a lovely background ambience. She ate another forkful of her pie, sitting straight and listening to Baela chatter to Jace.
It was to be a joyous affair, another dragonrider to join the flock on the isle, but Rhaena just felt sick with envy. And that also lent to its own feeling of guilt.
She heard how Seasmoke had attacked him previously, even if Rhaenyra seemed more upset over that than Ikit himself, and it reminded her that even though they were blood of the dragon that didn't make them immune to flame. Dragons chose, even if how and why would be unknown to many. There were always dangers in approaching a dragon, for even though Ikit had been Laenor's son Seasmoke had still lashed out at him. Apparently Vermithor was less hostile yet even with not being approached Ikit somehow knew the beast would reject him.
Then Silverwing accepted him after Ikit had gone to sought her out himself. Rhaenyra scolded him, both parts excited and fearful, when Ikit had landed Silverwing in the courtyard after circling the castle several times. The great she-dragon hadn't been spotted near the castle for decades, so her flight by was with much awe and curiosity especially when people spotted the silver-haired figure clinging to her back.
Ravens then quickly flew, announcing the newest dragonrider (and one without the shame of disgracing a mourning period) and Rhaenyra insisted upon a feast to celebrate the event. The people of Dragonstone never missed the chance for such a thing, and all too soon the isle was a mess of noise and celebration. Ikit was in position at head of the table, a place of honour for his achievement.
Rhaena knew he had risked his life to tame Silverwing, for only Vermithor and Vhagar were larger than she, but another part of her kept wondering why she failed. Why her pink-scaled egg refused to hatch for her. Why she remained on the ground while now everyone in her family could fly.
But she knew her manners. This was a celebration of her cousin, her betrothed, and she would keep her sad feelings to herself. She would lament alone in her bedchamber, but for now she forced a faint smile on her face and kept on eating and talking to her sister. She listened to how Silverwing would have a new saddle made for her by the weeks end, to fit her rider and replace the old worn one from Alysanne's era. She nodded along as people praised Ikit for taming such a massive dragon at only ten years of age.
Through it all Ikit basked happily in the praise, having no willingness for modesty as he eagerly drank in the compliments. Rhaenyra was seated next to him, and when she leaned over to pick up some iced milk Rhaena could see the heavy swell of her belly. Within the next month or so Rhaena would have a new sibling, who would have an egg placed into their cradle. No doubt it would hatch for them.
She was close enough in age to Ikit she knew people had to be wondering why she didn't do the same thing. Rhaena felt as if people were judging her at the feast, but just as quickly scolded herself for thinking such ill things. Her failure was her own.
But maybe she could ask Ikit for advice upon approaching a dragon? Daemon and Rhaenys had tamed dragons, but they had been chained within the Dragonpit when their riders approached them. Not wild and free upon Dragonstone. Maybe Seasmoke would be amendable to her.
It was something Rhaena brooded over, tossing and turning late at night. The day had seem a blur to her, her smile a mask as she went through the motions, but ultimately it was Silverwing's huge form that transfixed at. When Ikit had taken his new companion to the pit, so the dragonkeepers could begin their measurements for the saddle, Meleys and Rhaenys had joined him and the four were quickly lost from sight.
Rhaena had followed her sister, lagging behind her and Jacaerys as the two excitedly talked about their own approaching flights. Both their dragons as large enough to go on short flights and the duo were discussing the potential weather for their flight and how they could do it together. Lucerys had been over with Daemon, Joffrey clinging to his arm.
Ikit had been near the stairs and Corlys had been talking to him, the Sea Snake's expression vibrant as he clapped a hand down on his grandson's shoulder and laughed, Rhaenyra next to them and beaming brightly, hands cradling her belly.
No one had noticed when she had gone to bed early, lying on her blankets and crying to herself. Eventually her tears dried but sleep refused her. She kept thinking of Silverwing and how beautiful the she-dragon was. Body a dark rich grey like ore, then her wings which lived up to their namesake in shimmering like polished plate armour when she unfurled them to launch herself into the air. Her six horns were elegant, sweeping back from her head and holding the same gleaming tint as her wings. Her long tail was spiked, flaring out at the tip with slender webbed membranes. Her eyes were blue. She was beautiful and Rhaena felt so unworthy. Silverwing wouldn't have accepted her. No dragon would.
They were angry bitter thoughts she couldn't hold back, feeling inadequate. Until then she had felt a level of comradery towards Ikit, in both not having dragons. Ikit didn't even seem to care, focused more on his personal projects instead of his lack of a dragon. Yet the instant he wanted one, he went and claimed one.
Rhaena tried to get closer to Ikit, both due to wanting to know her cousin more and also in light of their betrothal. Ikit did not grow any warmer to her. She tried not to take it as a personal slight, as he seemed to dislike everyone besides his mother and brothers, but it still hurt. And now they had even less to speak about, as he would be spending his days strengthening his bond with his new life companion, while she would be on the ground.
Eventually Rhaena got up, wandering down the halls and corridors of Dragonstone with a lantern in hand. She greeted the guards and occasion wandering servant quietly but mostly let herself be alone.
As she walked she would look at the numerous paintings, tapestries and sculptures. Many were of Aegon the Conqueror and his sister-wives. All powerful people, all dragonriders. She wondered how many riders Balerion had, before the Conquest. He had seen Old Valyria before the Doom, had taken Aerea Targaryen there to die. Had the Black Dread missed it so much?
Then a door opening jolted Rhaena out of her musings, with her raising her lantern like a weapon only to feel incredibly foolish when she realized Lucerys was blinking at her.
"Um..."
"Are you going to hit me?" he asked, more curious than wary.
She flushed, hastily adjusting the lantern, "No I- I couldn't sleep, so I was wandering. I didn't realize I was so close to your rooms."
"Oh. I couldn't sleep either, so I was going to go to Ikit's room."
"His?"
"He hardly sleeps," Lucerys said, "And even if he is he doesn't care if I crawl into his bed. He helps me sleep with his stories or telling me about strange weapons. His voice helps."
Personally Rhaena thought Ikit had an abrasive voice but she kept that opinion to herself. Instead she asked if she could come along, remembering her earlier desire to ask Ikit for advice on dragontaming, and Luke happily accepted.
They went to the kitchens first, as apparently Lucerys had a habit of bribing his more ill-tempered brother with food when disturbing him at night. The kitchens of Dragonstone always had someone present, even if it was simply keeping the fires stoked for bread preparation before dawn. As it was the two maids currently there were playing cards with each other but they happily helped Lucerys prepare a plate, even if most of it was leftovers from the feast earlier. While there Rhaena inquired on what type of games they had on hand, and Rhaena ended up carrying a cyvasse set- board underarm and pieces in a small basket -while Lucerys carried a tray of food and flagon.
As they walked one of the patrolling guards followed after them, Lucerys recognizing the man by name and speaking to him with familiarity. Rhaena was more shy but remembered her manners to greet the guard even if she couldn't tell who he was. She had traveled so often when younger, her parents barely staying for more than a moon in one place before they were flying to the next. Rhaenyra and her sons had spent near all their time at Dragonstone and as such they could recognize the majority of the servants, guards and workers by looks alone, and could even name the majority of them due to the familiarity.
Soon they were at Ikit's door, the surface scribbled with odd symbols that made Rhaena feel nervous. The guard continued his patrol as Rhaena rasied a hand and knocked loudly on the door.
"Go away!" a voice shouted from within, harsh and vicious.
Rhaena flinched away from the door at the sheer violence in the rebuke, yet Lucerys called back, "But it's me."
Silence from within.
"I have food," Lucerys said.
An annoyed grumble from the room but Lucerys jerked his head to Rhaena so she gingerly opened the door. Ikit squinted at them from his desk, the room illuminated by dozens of candles, but then sighed when Luke offered up his place of food.
They ended up sitting at one of the tables, the cyvasse board set up on it with the tray next to it. The cyvasse board was more basic than the elaborate ivory and jade types she was used to; this one was carved from wood, the pieces smeared in old charcoal to show the opposition. Ikit set them up with quick practice, obviously having played before. Rhaena had as well, usually against her parents as Baela just found the game boring.
First Lucerys and Ikit played, talking about dragons as they moved the pieces on the board. Rhaena studied the board avidly, studying how quickly they could kill the opposing king piece. Ikit looked almost bored, chin propped up on a fist with his elbow resting on the tabletop, using his other hand to pluck at the board and the food.
Within less than a dozen moves he had beaten Lucerys, making his brother pout.
"I still don't get the rules," Luke complained as he put the pieces back into place.
"Bah, rules are stupid-dumb. Catapult and trebuchet cannot kill a dragon yet rules say it so."
"Meraxes died in Dorne, she was shot down," Rhaena offered.
Ikit gave her a hostile look, "That was from Scorpions, ballista. Not catapult and trebuchet and never again was that feat done. Solely through eye, otherwise adults dragons cannot be felled. Dorne tried to invade during Old King's time, and all died in fire and blood because they're stupid even if they had many Scorpions. Meraxes died from stupid luck, not skill. Dornish are stupid, den mother should burn down their kingdom. Silverwing can help."
"I don't think a war is a good idea, lots of people will die," Lucerys said, as he moved one of his pieces on the board.
"Grandsire said Dorne supported the Stepstones, they killed many of us already and the useless king does nothing," Ikit argued. "They are the enemy and the enemy needs to die-die. Preferably screaming and fire is good for that."
Some may be shocked by Ikit insulting King Viserys but Rhaena heard enough from Daemon about the Stepstones to be entirely unsympathetic to the king for his utter lack of support there. If it hadn't been for Daemon and Corlys, then the slavers would have continued to attack and enslave Westerosi ships. And they had been, as Ikit said, supported by Dorne.
Meanwhile Ikit proceeded to beat Lucerys in every match of cyvasse, with Luke finally surrendering from play after his twelfth defeat.
"Rhaena can try, she's better than me. Baela say she plays this all the time," Luke said, before grabbing a slice of cold pork as he moved aside.
"Big brained is she? Fine, come play," Ikit flicked his hand towards Rhaena.
She tried to ignore the offense at being summoned like a dog or servant. Ikit was brash and abrasive, everyone knew that.
As they started the match she was a far more cautious player than Lucerys, studying the board intently after each move Ikit made and carefully maneuvering her own pieces. Neither brother told her to hurry up and would instead talk to each other while she studied the board and thought of her next move. Baela would always be impatient about Rhaena's thinking whenever she convinced her twin to play.
Ikit did consistently beat her, but it took noticeably more time than Luke.
It was in their seventh match that Rhaena also shyly brought up his suggestions for taming Vermithor or Seasmoke. Ikit's advice wasn't very helpful.
"Just go to one and feel as if it would want you," he shrugged.
"You can do better than that," Lucerys scolded before he yawned.
"It's what I did. Vermithor old and ugly and bad tempered. Might try Seasmoke for the girl thing."
"Why do you call me that?" Rhaena asked.
Ikit squinted those bright green eyes at her, "Because you are a girl thing."
"You don't call Luke a boy thing."
"No, he's birthkin like Joffrey. Like how Jacaerys is littermate. And Rhaenyra is den mother. You are girl thing."
"You can call me cousin," she offered.
"Word is stupid. No."
"Or..." Rhaena felt her face start burning but she pushed forward with, "You could call me 'betrothed'."
"Ugh. I will not marry-mate you."
"Ikit!" Luke scolded as Rhaena failed to hide her hurt.
"I may not have a dragon but I don't think I'm un-marriageable," she said, looking away from the table. She lost her desire for the game.
Ikit's pretty features twisted up into something grotesque, "I will not marry anyone. No one."
"Rhaena would be a wonderful wife," Luke defended. "She's smart and funny and pretty."
"You marry her then, since you speak-squeak so loud of her virtues," Ikit said.
Lucerys flushed bright red, "I'm speaking truth!"
Ikit then proceeded to ruthlessly tease his brother, repeatedly ordering Lucerys to marry Rhaena instead since he clearly wanted her as a wife. The teasing made a very flustered Lucerys decide to go back to bed and, after Rhaena lost yet another match, she agreed as well. She did thank Ikit for his time, which he just waved her off still chuckling to himself. Luke didn't take the plate back, leaving his brother munching on the left overs as they left the room.
"Sorry, I forget you aren't used to him," Luke mumbled, ears still red as they walked down the hallways.
"I need to, even if he's still odd. But I think we all have our own quirks," Rhaena tried. "I still didn't win a match against him."
"Oh it's fine," Lucerys said. "Only Grandsire and good-father have beaten Ikit in cyvasse, and even then it's half-half wins."
"You know I'd lose?" Rhaena asked.
Lucerys furrowed his brow, "Is that bad? Brother is just good at it, like lots of other things. Doesn't mean we're bad at it. Besides, it's fun to play even if I still don't really get the rules. And..." he finished with a flustered, "You'll be a good wife, Rhaena."
It hadn't been fun for Rhaena in the aftermath, she'd just felt stupid. Especially with Ikit so rudely rebuking her. But Lucerys hadn't been trying to prove himself to his brother, hadn't been trying to reach out to him. He just wanted to spend time with his brother. Then, when he noticed how embarrassed Rhaena got from Ikit's teasing, decided to escort her back to her room instead of staying with his brother as he originally planned.
Rhaena decided that out of all her cousins, she would mind being married to Luke the least. But oh well, that was something in the far future. For now, she would sleep and then the following morning would talk to her father and grandmother and see if they had advice for taming a dragon.
For now she still had her egg and that night Rhaena fell asleep with it tucked up against her chest.
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