Chapter 93: Rage
Dragonstone.
Rhaenyra stood blankly on the castle terrace, staring motionlessly in the direction of Storm's End. Her Queensguard and ministers stood within the tower behind her, watching nervously as the Queen remained alone on the terrace. Black wings had brought black tidings. A raven from Storm's End had carried news of Lucerys's death in battle. From the moment she received the letter, Queen Rhaenyra had fallen into this silent state.
Lord Corlys Velaryon tried several times to step forward, but Princess Rhaenys held his arm and gently shook her head. She understood Rhaenyra's feelings completely. She had once been the same—lost in silent grief—when she saw Laenor's body and Laena's ashes. She had also loved Lucerys dearly, a child who was obedient, kind, and considerate. At Laena's funeral, Lucerys had once said he did not wish to become Lord of the Tides, because it would mean losing those he loved.
At that moment, a silver-haired maiden in a black gown pushed through the crowd and slowly walked to Rhaenyra's side. Corlys saw her reddened eyes and suppressed emotions—his granddaughter, Baela Targaryen, daughter of Daemon and Laena, and Lucerys's betrothed.
Rhaenyra noticed her arrival. The girl gently took the Queen's arm, and the Queen naturally embraced her.
The courtiers quietly withdrew, leaving only Lord Corlys and Princess Rhaenys. They stood behind them in silence, listening to the faint, restrained sobbing.
After an unknown amount of time, the Queen gently patted Baela's back, then raised her head. The fury in her eyes was unmistakable.
"Good child, my son died as a true Dragonrider. He did not betray his blood. I will make Aemond pay the price," the Queen said softly, though her voice carried unmistakable pain and rage.
She released Baela, allowing her to wipe her tears, then turned to Lord Corlys.
"Corlys, I must go to the Stormlands. I will not let my son drift alone in foreign waters."
"Your Grace," Corlys shook his head, "you are the Queen. You cannot place yourself in danger. I will send ships to Shipbreaker Bay, and Prince Valarr will search as well."
"No," Rhaenyra said firmly. "I am also a mother. I cannot abandon my son to the sea. Neither the customs of House Targaryen nor House Velaryon would allow such a thing."
She glanced at Baela.
"She grew up with Lucerys. I cannot allow her to lose her betrothed without knowing the truth. I must also secure her future."
"Prince Ray?" Corlys asked, surprised that she could think so clearly in such grief.
Rhaenyra nodded.
"I will fly to Dragon Nest City and confirm the engagement with Prince Valarr and Prince Ray. As for Prince Longze'er, I believe he will agree."
"I will send ravens north," Corlys said. He knew this would firmly bind the Varezes family to their cause. "But you…"
"I will detour to the Stormlands," she continued. "I have recovered enough. You must trust my riding."
She still had confidence in her skill—she had ridden since childhood. Though no longer at her peak, she remained a capable dragonrider.
"While I am gone, you will rule in my stead," she said.
"I name you Hand of the Queen, Corlys. Forgive me—I have no badge to grant you."
"It is enough, Your Grace," Corlys replied with a faint smile.
"Do you wish for an escort?" Rhaenys asked gently, stopping her husband from continuing.
Rhaenyra shook her head.
"Two dragons would draw too much attention. Syrax is swift. Sunfyre cannot match her, and even Vhagar cannot catch her. Thank you, Rhaenys."
"This is what a mother must do," Rhaenys said quietly.
She took Baela into her arms as Rhaenyra turned and walked toward Dragonmont.
Syrax roared, rising from beneath the mountain and soaring out over the sea.
Dragon Nest City.
Ray stood at the entrance of the Dragonpit, facing Silverwing.
"Ray, sister-in-law, move aside! I will burn Storm's End!"
Valarr, clad in Valyrian steel armor—Silver Shield—stared into the distance, eyes bloodshot. Silverwing roared restlessly beneath him but hesitated before Ray.
Diana stepped forward.
"Valarr, calm yourself. We grieve for Prince Lucerys, but burning Storm's End means war. Storm's End has not yet declared for the Greens. We cannot be the ones to ignite this war."
"I understand," Valarr said through clenched teeth, "but Lucerys was my squire!"
"Second brother," Ray said, "Lucerys died as a warrior. Do you not want the true killer to pay?"
"Aemond," Valarr growled. "I will make him pay."
"You may go," Ray said, "but only to search for Lucerys's body. Lord Boros did not break guest right. If we attack now, we will cause unrest. Eldest brother would not want that."
Valarr exhaled deeply.
"I swear in my brother's name—I will not burn Storm's End. May I go?"
Ray stepped aside. Silverwing surged forward and took to the skies.
Diana watched uneasily.
"Valarr… will he truly restrain himself?"
"He will," Ray said quietly. "Unless Aemond appears before him."
His voice faltered.
In truth, he also wished to mount Shadow Nightmare and unleash his fury—but he could not.
Dragon Nest City still needed protection.
He had to remain—to guard his kin, and the young princes and dragons left behind.
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