I See Fire / Jacaerys Velaryon

Chapter 12

Jace and I break away as I hear a knock on my door. "Put on a shirt why don't you." I say as I place my hand on Jace's bare chest. I see a blush spread across his cheeks and I walk out of my bathing chambers. "Enter." I say calmly. "Princess, the Queen has requested you and Prince Jacaerys's presence in the war hall." Ser Erryk says and I nod. "Thank you Ser Erryk. We will be down shortly." I say and he bows and exits my chambers.

"Do we have to go?" Jace asks as he exits my bathing chambers and wraps his arms around my waist. "You didn't put on a shirt." I say as I place my hand on his bare chest again. "I thought you would prefer it that way." He says with a smile. "Oh I do but I don't want others seeing this." I say as I tap his chest. He smiles and I break away from him. "Get dressed. Mother has requested our presence." I say as I walk back into my bathing chambers.

I braid my hair and slip on a golden ring and necklace. I exit my bathing chambers to see Jace attaching his sword to his belt. He looks down at it and shakes his head. I walk up behind him and wrap my arms around his torso. "It's not your fault my love." I say and he nods. "Let's go." He says and I nod and follow him out of my chambers.

We walk down the long hallways of Dragonstone and eventually arrive at the war hall. Jace reluctantly takes off his sword and follows me into the war hall. We both bow to the Queen and Jace and I begin to walk away but my mother grabs my hand. "Are you alright?" She quietly asks me in a worried tone. "Yes, mother." I say quietly with a nod. She nods and lets go of my hand. I walk over to Jace and Luke and take my place between the both of them.

I sigh as I look around at the room that has fallen into chaos. Lords and knights argue over what to do with the rising tensions between the Greens and the Blacks. "The Lord of the Tides. Lord Corlys Velaryon and his wife the Princess Rhaenys Targaryen." Ser Erryk announces as Lord Corlys and Princess Rhaenys enter the hall with Baela and Rhaena following behind them.

"My Lords." Corlys says as he looks at everyone in the room. "Lord Corlys, it brings much relief to see you hale and healthy again." My mother says and Corlys nods. "I'm very sorry about your father, Princess. He was a good man." Corlys says sympathetically. Baela and Rhaena take their places next to Jace and Luke and I send them both a smile.

"Where is Daemon?" Lord Corlys asks as he looks around the room. "There were other concerns that demanded the Princes' attention." My mother says and Corlys hums in response and walks forward to examine the Painted Table. "Your declared allies?" Lord Corlys asks as he looks over the map. "Yes." My mother nods and walks up to the head of the table. "Too few to win a war for the throne." Corlys says as he looks over at my mother. "Well, we would also hope to have the support of House's Arryn, Baratheon, and Stark." My mother says. "Hope is the fool's ally." Corlys says as he stares at my mother. "Both Arryn and Baratheon share blood with my house. But all of them swore oaths to me." My mother explains. "As did House Hightower if I remember." Lord Corlys protests. "As did you Lord Corlys." My mother says losing her patience.

"Your father's realm was one of justice and honor. Our houses are bound by common blood and common cause. This Hightower treason cannot stand. You have the full support of our fleet and House your Grace." Corlys says with a bow and I smile. "You honor me Lord Corlys, Princess Rhaenys." My mother says as she turns to look at Rhaenys. "But, as I said to my Banner Men, I made a promise to my father to hold the realm strong and united. If war's first stroke is to fall it will not be by my hand." My mother says confidently. "You do not mean to act?" Lord Corlys asks confused. "Taking caution does not mean standing fast. I wish to know who my allies are before I send them to war." My mother explains.

"The consequence of my near demise in the Stepstones is that we now control them. I took care to fully garrison the territory this time. A total blockade of the shipping lanes will be in place in days if not already. The Triarchy have been routed. The Narrow Sea is ours." Lord Corlys says and I look over at Jace who sends me a small smile. "If we further seal the gullet we can cut off all sea-born travel and trade to King's Landing." Corlys plans as my mother intently listens.