Familiarity ||| Jacaerys Velaryon

twenty-six

As Alyssa predicted, she was the last one back from the trip. She returned successful and happy, landing Cannibal and leaving him with the Dragonkeepers.

What did surprise Alyssa was that Jace was waiting for her at the base of the Dragonmont. He'd been pacing when she jogged down the way, smile faltering when she saw the magnitude of relief on his face.

"Jace?" Alyssa asked, more confused when he hugged her like he'd lost her. Like he thought she was in danger.

"You're safe," he breathed, squeezing her shoulders. Almost like he was convincing himself about that fact.

"Why wouldn't I be?" Alyssa asked, pulling back and placing a hand on the crook of his neck. "What happened?"

"Luke," Jace said and Alyssa could see guilt and hatred flash through his eyes. "Aemond was at Storm's End. He got there first, offered Prince Daeron up to marry one of Lord Borros' daughters. But Aemond demanded Luke give him an eye as repayment."

Jace was explaining rapidly, eyes filled with rage and regret that he couldn't be there to protect his brother.

"Luke promised not to fight. But Aemond wouldn't let him leave; he took Luke's eye by force. Cut it out of his head."

Alyssa felt sick as her face dropped. That sick son of a bitch could truly never be satisfied. He'd told them all it was a fair exchange in Driftmark. An eye for his dragon.

Suddenly he wanted more? He wanted Luke's eye?

"He tried to flee on Arrax while partially blinded. But Aemond still wasn't done. He started to chase Luke on Vhagar. To scare him. But he can't control that hoary old bitch. Vhagar ate Arrax." Alyssa could see that same rage overtake Jace's whole body. A dragon was a part of their soul. Aemond hadn't only taken Luke's eye but also his dragon.

"Baela had a feeling. That's just what she said. She followed Luke to Storm's End, on the order of Rhaenyra, just to make sure he would be okay. She followed them on Moondancer and she was able to save Luke before Vhagar got to him. He's alive but he's hurt."

And in one of the first acts of true affection Jace had ever shown Alyssa, he hesitantly put a hand on Alyssa's jaw. "I was fearful you'd also met trouble along the way. Sleep alluded me not knowing if you would return safely."

His concern was understandable. Jace's brother had been injured on the same mission his betrothed had embarked on. Maybe they'd sent Aegon to go meet personally with a lord or perhaps Aemond had travelled North after Storm's End.

"I apologize for worrying you," Alyssa said, reassuring him she was alive and well. "I was safe. And I managed to gain the support of both the Eyrie and White Harbour."

Jace's rage softened when he heard that his betrothed had been successful in her journey. They both had. They'd gotten the most important Houses on their side.

"Come," Jace said, taking Alyssa's hand. "The council must know this. We have gained valuable allies."

***

Before Alyssa could see her sisters personally, Jace took Alyssa to the painted table and Rhaenyra gathered her council. Alyssa noticed Luke wasn't present and made a note to see him after.