Chapter 2

                                    

                                          
The Red Keep, King's Landing, 101 AC
During the Great Council: 53rd year of King Jaehaerys the Conciliator's rule
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Her father's promise was held until his dying breath.
His hands were cold. Daenys had not let up her grip since the day he came back from a hunting trip complaining of pain. She alone sat at his bedside, telling him stories and trying to cheer him up. Yet eventually, like her mother, he had to succumb to his pain. All that was left now was emptiness. 
What purpose was there to serve? Who was left to serve it with? Daenys did not believe such a vacancy could exist in herself, having always filled and filled for other people. What did she have left if not to brighten the days of those around her?
She felt a hand on her shoulder, knowing it had to be Viserys. She hung her head, "I need one more minute."
"Take all the time you need," said Viserys gently. "I've asked for Aemma and Rhaenyra to remain in their rooms today. Ravens have been sent to Rhaenys, Daemon, and our Uncle Vaegon. The King will call for a Great Council."
She raised her head. "A Great Council?"
"Yes." He sat on the edge of the bed, placing his hand over hers and subsequently his father's. "To decide who will succeed him."
Daenys blinked away tears. "Rhaenys is his eldest grandchild, daughter of his eldest son. And you..."
"There's that," said Viserys. "And young Laenor, even Uncle Vaegon. Other claims are sure to be heard— there's talk our Aunt Saera fathered three bastards and I imagine others will reach for a connection in the hopes of acquiring the throne." 
"I admit, I often imagined gladly that Rhaenys would be our queen."
"It is up to the Great Council to decide. Our grandsire does not wish to make this decision alone. He cannot." He caressed her hand. "I know you cannot recall when mother died. It was a day... much like this. Whatever you need... I know how to make it easier."
She tried for a smile but failed. It was too much to think of, Daemon returning and Rhaenys being overlooked again as Alysanne had so hated. Daenys didn't feel anyone understood her in that moment. "Excuse me." She finally forced herself to remove her hand from her father's body, immediately sensing within herself a tight coil in her belly, like a drag that threatened to pull her toward The Stranger. Nothing would ever feel the same again. Her father, who thought her his world, had gone. And where was the rest of her world? All dead or gone. 
She'd walked herself all the way to the Dragonpit, wanting to sit there waiting until Daemon arrived. It wouldn't be long— he'd drop whatever he was doing in the Vale and gladly abandon his 'bronze bitch' and all the sheep to come here as long as he could stay. Caraxes would deliver him swiftly and Daenys intended to be there to witness it all. Somehow, she believed only Daemon could feel her pain at that moment.
There was a low murmur in the back, within the cave Vhagar always nested in. She could not imagine the emptiness that poor dragon felt, too, having loved Baelon so much. She made a beeline for her, calling sadly, "Iksan kesīr syt ao, uēpa riña. Se syt nykēla. Gaoman daor jaelagon naejot sagon skoriot issaros kessa ūndegon nyke. Kesā shifang." (T: I'm here to comfort you, old girl. And to comfort myself. I don't wish to be where people will see me. You'll understand.)
As she neared, Vhagar emerged, long neck turning her head toward Daenys, serpent-like eyes blinking and regarding her as she let out a low groan. Daenys skidded to a halt as Vhagar began to walk towards her, spreading her wings and beating them once, hard, to send a gust of wind at her.