I See Fire / Jacaerys Velaryon

Chapter 16

Daemon, my mother, and I all leave my chambers and go to the war hall. The Greens have declared war and we intend to fight back stronger, faster, and better than them. "Prince Daemon Targaryen, Princess Rhaella Velaryon, and Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen." Ser Erryk announces. My mother and father go to the head of the table while I go to the other end and stand in between Baela and Rhaena. I gently take Rhaena's hand seeing her tear-stained cheeks. She looks over at me and I send her a small smile.

"The Greens have struck the first blow and it comes at the cost of my son, Prince Lucerys', death." My mother announces and I hear the room erupt in murmurs and gasps. "We will strike back. The Greens have the support of House Baratheon but we have the support of House Arryn. Prince Jacaerys sent a raven this morning and as we speak he is flying to Winterfell, if not already there, to ask for the Stark's support." My mother announces and a ghost of a smile graces my lips but it quickly fades after I realize that Jace doesn't know about Luke's death.

"How do we plan to attack?" Lord Bartimous asks. "The blockade has been put in place in the Stepstones. The Green's shipping lanes have been cut off. With this the Greens will be significantly weakened. We will publicly declare war in hopes of drawing more House's and people to our cause. With the support of House Stark we, and our other allies, will attack King's Landing." Daemon announces and I see several people nod and voice their agreement.

"Launching a full-scale attack on King's Landing is a heavy task to carry out successfully." Lord Corlys says and everyone turns their attention to him. "Indeed it is but I am confident that we can force the Green's surrender." My mother says confidently. "Everyone is dismissed." My mother says and everyone exits the hall except for Daemon, my mother, and I.

"When are we attacking King's Landing?" I ask as I walk over to Daemon and my mother. "We will leave in a fortnight you, however, will stay here and rule over Dragonstone while we are away." My mother says and my eyes widen. "Mother-" I begin before Daemon cuts me off. "Your mother is right. A Targaryen must always remain on Dragonstone and if things end badly then after Jace you are the heir to the Iron Throne." Daemon says as he puts his arm around my mother's waist. "You're taking Jace but not me?" I ask in shock. Daemon and my mother share a worried look and then look back at me. "Your brother-" Daemon begins before I cut him off. "No, it is I who rides the second largest dragon in the world. It is I who has trained and studied battle strategies. I want revenge on the Greens more than anyone." I say angrily. "Rhaella-" My mother begins but I cut her off by storming out of the hall.

I quickly walk to my chambers and push open the door to reveal Jace standing in the center of my chambers. "Jace?" I ask in shock. He turns around with a smile on his face. "Rhae." He says and I run to him and wrap my arms around him. "I thought you would be gone longer." I say quietly. "I thought so too." He says as he leans back to look into my eyes. We share a passionate kiss and I break away from him. "Do we have the support of House Stark?" I ask and he nods.

"What of Storms End?" He asks and all my happiness is drained away. I break away from Jace and walk over to my window. "Jace, when Luke and I went to Storms End Aemond was already there." I say quietly as I look out at the sea. "What?" Jace asks as he comes to stand beside me. "Aegon proposed to wed Daeron to one of Lord Baratheon's daughters." I say as I look over at him. "When Luke and I went to leave Amond stopped us and confronted Luke about what happened six years ago. Boris stopped the confrontation and Luke and I were escorted to our dragons." I say as a tear rolls down my cheek and I look back out at the sea. "When we were flying back to Dragonstone Aemond followed us. Before we were even able to get halfway back to Dragonstone Vagar killed Arrax and Luke." I say quietly.

I look over at Jace to see him standing there in shock. "Aemond killed our brother?" He asks quietly. "No, he tried to-" I begin before Jace cuts me off by leaving my chambers. "Jace." I say as I run out of my chambers. I look around to see Jace nowhere in sight. My eyes widen as I realize where Jace is going. I run through the halls and down one of the back staircases leading outside.

I whistle and I see Valathore's wings appear in the night sky. I see Vermax on one of the hills and someone walking up to him. I run faster than before as my heels hit the grassy ground of Dragonstone. "Jace!" I yell out but he ignores me. "JACAERYS!" I yell and he pauses but then continues his pursuit to Vermax. I run up the hill as Jace starts to mount Vermax.

"Jace I know you're angry. I know you want revenge. I do too. But we both know this is not the way to avenge our brother. The only thing that will come of this is your death. The realm needs you, Jace. Our mother needs you. I need you." I say as I finally reach Jace. "They murdered my brother." Jace says angrily. "I know my love but you must be patient. We will avenge him." I say solemnly. Valathore lands behind me and Jace turns to look at me. My heart breaks seeing tears streaming down his cheeks. "Jace please don't do this." I say as I walk closer to him. A sob escapes his lips and he climbs off Vermax. I quickly wrap him into a hug and he cries on my shoulder.