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Rating:
Mature
Archive Warning:
Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Categories:
F/FF/M
Fandoms:
House of the Dragon (TV)Game of Thrones (TV)A Song of Ice and Fire & Related Fandoms
Relationships:
OC/Helaena TargaryenDreamfyre | Helaena Targaryen's Dragon & Helaena TargaryenDaemon Targaryen/Rhaenyra TargaryenHelaena Targaryen/Original Male Character(s)
Characters:
Helaena TargaryenDaemon TargaryenRhaenyra TargaryenKermit TullyDaeron Targaryen (Son of Viserys I)Aegon II TargaryenAemond "One-Eye" TargaryenAlicent HightowerOtto HightowerJeyne ArrynOriginal Rhea Royce/Daemon Targaryen Child(ren)
Additional Tags:
The Dance of the Dragons | Aegon II Targaryen v. Rhaenyra Targaryen EraAutistic Helaena TargaryenHelaena Targaryen Deserves BetterDragon Dreamer Helaena TargaryenOriginal Character(s)
Language:
English
Series:
Part 1 of The Bronze Dragon Next Work →
Collections:
Heroes hive👀
Stats:
Published:2022-10-28Completed:2024-10-27Words:301,770Chapters:97/97Comments:984Kudos:2,279Bookmarks:489Hits:168,968
The Bronze Dragon
kornerbrandon, orphan_account
Chapter 4
Chapter Text
My father and the rest of King's Landing were informed of Lady Laena's death not long after. It was decreed that she would be taken to Driftmark and given the full Velaryon funeral rites; her body committed to the sea.
It was also the first time my father and grandfather had laid eyes on each other for ten years, and it was not a reunion that would be a happy one. Though, it must be said, that is not what this funeral is known for. Today, this funeral is known for being one of the causes of the Dance.
It was the night my uncle lost his eye.
It was a solemn affair. Everyone was wearing some sort of dark clothing to mourn the loss of Laena Velaryon. Rhaenys wore a black veil over her face. At the very least, she had taken comfort in her daughter meeting a dragon rider's end, to hear Daemon and their daughters, Baela and Rhaena, say it.
The Rogue Prince himself had been greatly saddened by Laena's death. He had tried to see if there was any way of being able to rescue her during the childbirth, but there hadn't been. He realised what a sadistic choice his brother had faced during the birth of his son Baelon all those years ago now; if he had been in Viserys' position, he honestly could not say he would've done the opposite of him. His eyes, scanning the crowd for potential threats, landed on the same woman who had denied him all those years ago. Jeyne Arryn. She was two-and-thirty now, and carried herself with the air one would expect of the Lady Paramount of the Vale. She had endured an uprising from her kinsman, Arnold Arryn, in that time, and had put it down with much effort. She could only be here as sending a statement towards him, that much he knew. The bitch was bold, he had to give her that much. Standing not too far from her, was his estranged son, Daevar.
He wasn't like the spindly little boy that Daemon had imagined. He was actually rather strongly built, with a fit frame and Lamentation at his hip. Daemon was struggling to maintain his decorum at the sight of Daevar bedecked in the bronze cuirass of the Royces, and the fact that he had seemingly appropriated as much of the imagery of his mother's house as possible.
Daevar for his part was trying to translate what was being said by Ser Vaemond, who was eulogising his niece. Daevar wasn't completely daft when it came to Valyrian, but he knew only a mere handful of phrases when it came down to it. After a while he simply gave up trying to translate what was being said and settled for standing peacefully. Helaena was at his side; she had stood close to him when he had walked up. Maybe it was the sense of security or something, he wasn't quite certain.
His train of thought was broken by… laughter? He turned his head in the direction of his father to see him laughing freely. At his own wife's funeral. Daevar scowled. Clearly, his father had no real concept of what it meant to grieve. After all, it was Daevar's mother that he had murdered all those years ago; the man really did simply believe he could do what he pleased without facing the consequences.
Eventually, Laena Velaryon's sarcophagus was lowered into the ocean, farewelled to the sea in the traditions of her house, and the various parties made their way elsewhere for the wake.
The first people Daevar approached were the Lord of the Tides, Corlys Velaryon, and his wife Rhaenys. The latter gave Daevar a small, sad smile as he approached them. "My Lord. My Lady." Daevar bowed to both of them. "I am deeply sorry for your loss… I did not know Lady Laena well, but I would've liked to." Daevar felt awkward with this; he had never actually known what Laena was like. Corlys and Rhaenys smiled, however.
"Thank you, Lord Daevar." Corlys said. "I am certain that Laena had a wish to meet you as well."
"As do I." Rhaenys added. "You have grown much since I last saw you, Lord Daevar. You were that bronze rather well."
Daevar instinctively looked down at his cuirass and placed a hand on it, his fingers running over the runes that decorated the plate. "It's a symbol of House Royce, My Lady. The Lord of Runestone must wear this armour at all times. The power of the First Men protects us from harm." He said.
Corlys nodded. "Indeed. It reminds me of a man who said something similar in Yi Ti during my travels. He was not the smartest man alive, it must be said."
"And you carry Lamentation as well." Rhaneys smiled again. "To be carrying a sword of Valyrian Steel is a great honour indeed."
"It is, My Lady." Daevar smiled. "It's been in the hands of the Lords of Runestone for thousands of years, and has protected us against many a foe and slain many of our enemies."
"House Royce does have a reputation for producing fine warriors." Corlys replied.
"Indeed. And I have little doubt that you will join them one day Daevar." Rhaneys ruffled his hair slightly. The Lady of the Tides had a great deal of affection for the boy, and was the only Targaryen to actually have paid significant attention to him growing up, apart from Aemond and Daeron. As far as she was concerned, her cousin's attitude towards the lad was disgraceful. At the very least, he could've had him sent to High Tide to foster with her and Corlys, maybe marry Baela or Rhaena upon their return. Or anywhere else for that matter; one of the Tully boys was a squire to Ser Gerold Royce; surely they'd have taken him in at Riverrun?
"I hope so too, Lady Rhaenys." Daevar bowed again. "Alas, I feel I must speak with some of the others here. I hope to speak to you again soon." As the Lord and Lady inclined their heads toward him, he moved off to say his condolences elsewhere. He spoke briefly with Ser Laenor Velaryon, offering him his sympathies as much as he could. To his credit, Laenor was grateful for it, and promised to bring Jace and Luke to Runestone one day. Daevar wasn't sure how to feel about that.
Then came his half-sisters, Baela and Rhaena. He knew even less about them than he did about Laena. This was his first time ever laying eyes on them. The two were young, younger than he was, and likely the same age as Rhaenyra's sons. They had the look of both Targaryens and Velaryons, though from what he had heard people say, they looked more like their mother than their father. Daevar found some relief in that, hoping he would he not take an instant dislike to them
"Baela, Rhaena." He bowed, introducing himself. "I'm Daevar, Lord of Runestone. Daemon's first son."
"We know, brother." Baela said. "Mother told us that we'd be able to meet you one day."
"I had heard that my father had sired two daughters with his second wife. I hoped I'd be able to meet them one day, though I wish it had been under better circumstances. I am sorry for your loss, sisters."
"Thank you, brother." Rhaena said through her tears, reaching out and taking Daevar's hand in hers. She had been a bit distant from their father, mainly due to the fact that she didn't have a dragon. Baela's Moondancer was still young, but it had contributed to their father's preference for her over Rhaena. It had always been their mother who had doted on her, and the loss had affected her very deeply, as Daevar could see.
He leaned forward and hugged both of his sisters. It was awkward for them, pressing against the breastplate of the cuirass, but they managed. "Should you ever desire some time away from here, you would always be welcome at Runestone." It was the offer he was no doubt expected to make, but he did mean it. "It's rather lovely this time of year."
Rhaena nodded. "We may visit one day, brother." Daevar bowed again and took his leave of his sisters. As he left, Rhaena dried her eyes and watched her elder brother leave.
"Do you think he's handsome?" Rhaena asked, turning to her sister.
"I suppose he is." Baela replied. "His hair is quite short of a Targaryen, though." The two girls were then approached by Nesaena, Helaena's twin. To their surprise, Nesaena did seem genuinely upset for them.
"I can't imagine what it's like to lose a mother…" Nesaena said, taking their hands in hers. "If you need anything at all, just ask. I'll do whatever I can."
"Thank you, cousin." Baela said before hugging the girl.
The next person Daevar went to see was Lady Jeyne Arryn. The woman had always been kind to him growing up, and it was a joy anytime he got to see her. Her blonde hair seemed to shine even in the growing darkness, and her eyes always seemed to twinkle with mischief.
"It is good to see you again, Lady Jeyne." Daevar said in greeting.
"I only wish this meeting was under more pleasant circumstances, Lord Daevar." Jeyne said, smiling sadly. It was not the first time that she had been faced with loss; Rhea's death still haunted her ten years later. Her father, Yorbert Royce, had guided Jeyne through her formative years, and she and Rhea had become rather well acquainted in that time. Her death had left a mark on the entire Vale, and few more so than Jeyne Arryn.
"As do I, My Lady." Daevar replied. "If I may ask, My Lady, I am curious as to your presence here."
Jeyne smiled, a bit more genuinely this time. "I was visiting a Motherhouse in Gulltown when I received a message from the King inviting me to King's Landing for discussions on matters in the Vale. What Arnold is up to, how we're containing the Hill Tribes, and so on. We had put in at Claw Isle when we heard of Lady Laena's death, and the King wanted us to redirect here for those discussions."
Daevar nodded. Jeyne had already fought off one uprising against her rule; she did not want to fight another. Arnold Arryn had escaped as well and was now in hiding somewhere; and every day that he was not in one of the Sky Cells was another day where he was likely plotting his return with an army, possibly even with the backing of the Gulltown Arryns and their limitless reserves of coin.
"Is there anything I should know?" He asked.
"Hardly." Jeyne replied. "Arnold has not been seen in many moons and the Hill Tribes have mostly been keeping to themselves for now. The odd raid still occurs, but we're able to fight them off without much effort."
"Well, that is some good news at least."
"For now. I'm ever on my guard, as you know. Many of my vassals believe that a woman should not rule in the Vale; it is a necessity to remain watchful."
Daevar nodded and took his leave of her before approaching Helaena. The girl was lying on the ground near her father, playing with her bugs no doubt. He noticed that Helaena was mumbling something as he approached her, though he wasn't sure what it was about.
"…hand turns loom, spool of green, spool of black, spool of bronze…"
"Helaena?" Daevar asked. The girl actually looked up at him this time, a bit different from when she was fascinated with her bugs back in King's Landing.
"Daevar. Hello." She said as Daevar sat down next to her.
"Are you alright?" He asked.
"Of course. Why wouldn't I be?" She replied. Daevar just smiled at her.
"Just asking. I thought you would've preferred King's Landing to here." It was warmer there, he had to admit. Driftmark, thanks to being surrounded by the sea, got cold fast, especially at night.
"I don't mind it here." She replied, turning her attention back to the spider that was crawling along her hand. Daevar looked out over everyone again. His father and uncle were talking, no doubt with Viserys offering his condolences to Daemon over Laena's death, for what it was worth. Daevar half-expected his father to have some role in Laena's passing; he had murdered the boy's mother after all. Or at least, that's what Gerold had always told him.
"Well, I'm glad to hear that." He said in reply.
Viserys, for his part, had noticed the two talking and made a decision after telling Aemma that he was going to bed. Instead, he invited Lady Jeyne to talk with him. In truth, Viserys had admired Jeyne Arryn for some time; he had married a relative of hers, of course, and the woman had proved strong-willed enough to see off a major uprising by her kin and keep the Hill Tribes in check. There was a certain steel to the woman, and he hoped that steel would make itself apparent if anyone challenged what he had decided.
"Do you remember our discussions ten years ago, My Lady? Regarding Daevar and Helaena?" VIserys asked. The two of them had discussed betrothing them when they were much, much younger, not long after the death of Daevar's mother. The idea of betrothing them so young had sat ill with Viserys, but given Daemon's repeated insults to the Vale, a way was needed to pacify them before things got out of hand.
"I remember them well, Your Grace. I remember us speaking of betrothing Daevar and Helaena at a young age, and I recall you were uneasy with the idea." She said.
Viserys grunted in agreement. "Because I was. I believe I'm right in saying that was the main reason such a betrothal never happened?"
"Indeed. I had no wish to press the issue, given your well-founded unease of betrothing them at such a young age. I'd be lying if I said I did not understand the sentiment." Jeyne had felt a bit of unease at the prospect as well, but less so than the king. She supposed that was because she had come to her rule at such a young age, all things considered.
"They spent some time together in King's Landing, and again when you saw them out there. Maybe we should resurrect those discussions." Viserys said.
"You wish to betroth them, Your Grace?" She asked.
Viserys had to think that over genuinely for a minute. On one hand, Helaena was expected to marry Aemond, or likely Cregan Stark or Kermit Tully. On the other hand, the Vale had been in continuous uproar over what had been claimed to be a denial of justice over the ill fate of Lady Rhea. Not to mention that despite being raised in the Vale, Daevar was of Targaryen blood, meaning any children to be had between them would be of pure Valyrian Blood.. Finally, he had reached his decision. "Yes, I do. Helaena will marry Daevar when she has had her blood."
He didn't add that he hoped that would not be for some time. He wanted Helaena to enjoy her life a bit longer before she was married off. The marriage could not happen any earlier besides, considering what were the traditions of the wedding night. Oh well, Helaena would be prepared for it by her mother, she supposed. No reason for him to interfere. He turned to Jeyne again. "Now if you will excuse me, I really must be going to bed."
Later that evening…
Daevar had been sitting by the window of the chamber he had been assigned, looking out over the water. One could almost see Dragonstone from here; the two islands were so close. Hopefully one day he would be able to see the island of his ancestors for himself; it was where Aegon had conquered Westeros from, after all.
His thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of Lady Rhaenys. "Lord Daevar, how are you finding your chamber?"
"Pleasant enough, Lady Rhaenys." He said, turning to her. "Do you need something?"
Rhaenys smiled and nodded. "Yes. Will you walk with me?" She asked. Daevar nodded as the two left his chamber. The hallways and passages at Driftmark alternated between being stone passageways and tunnels that had been dug since the Velaryons had settled on the island. "You've grown into a fine young man, Daevar."
"Thank you, Lady Rhaenys." Daevar beamed at her compliment.
"Still, as you get older, you must be thinking of the prospect of marriage, no?" She asked.
"I… yes. Ser Gerold has talked about betrothing me to Lady Alysanne Blackwood, the sister of Lord Willem." He had met Alysanne only a few times, but she was not the typical noble lady, more at home with a bow in her hand than anything else. She was a spirited girl with a sharp tongue; Daevar liked that about her.
"A Blackwood is a fine match, but you might look at something closer to home before committing." She said.
Daevar gave Rhaenys an inquisitive look. "Who did you have in mind?"
"My granddaughter, Baela. It would mean the world to me for her to marry you."
"Wha… what?!" Daevar said in disbelief. "My sister?! That's forbidden!"
"It is our way, Daevar." Rhaenys replied, in a matter-of-fact way. "We are Targaryens. Your grandfather, Baelon, married his sister and soon enough your cousins Aegon and Nesaena will be wed. House Targaryen has done what it must to keep its bloodline pure. It is the way it has always been."
"Regardless of the fact, Rhaenys, I can't marry Baela! I'd never be able to show my face in Runestone again! This may be viewed as the status quo within the Red Keep, but not in the Vale. And not to me for that matter, either." The thought of marrying his sister was repugnant to him; a brother should never fornicate with a sister, as he had been told by Gerold and Julia numerous times. He had no intention of repeating that part of Targaryen tradition.
"Daevar, we must-" She was interrupted by a servant running to them
"My Lady, My Lord, you must… you must come with me immediately."
"Why? What's wrong?" Daevar asked.
"It's Prince Aemond. He… he's lost his eye!"
That was the news that would shape the Dance. It was not something that anyone would forget easily. What my father later learned had started with my uncle claiming Vhagar, the largest dragon of the era, and ended with a brawl between Aemond, Rhaenyra's eldest sons, and my aunts Baela and Rhaena where Aemond lost his eye.
I was never told of what my aunt's reaction was to my father rejecting marriage to her on the grounds that it was incest, especially given my ancestors' proclivity for marrying brother and sister in order to keep their Valyrian blood pure, but we can safely assume that knowing my aunt's nature, she did not take it well.
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