Elaena stood by Jace, Luke, and Joffrey as Rhaenyra and Daemon stood solemnly near the burning pyre of Visenya. A soldier, clad in a white cloak, emerged, and Elaena's eyes widened with recognition as Arden followed closely behind him, holding the twins and Maelor. Helaena quickly embraced her children, and Arden approached Elaena, enveloping her in a hug and placing a tender kiss on her temple.
The soldier continued his advance towards Daemon and Rhaenyra, prompting the knights to draw their swords in caution.
"I mean no harm, brothers." Ser Erryk declared, removing his helmet and kneeling before them. He offered Viserys' crown to Daemon, his voice filled with loyalty and dedication. "I swear to ward the Queen... with all my strength... and give my blood for hers. I shall take no wife... hold no lands... father no children. I shall guard her secrets... obey her commands... ride at her side, and defend her name and honour."
Daemon crowned Rhaenyra, gently placing the crown upon her head, before kneeling himself and declaring her his queen. In a show of respect, everyone present knelt before Rhaenyra, acknowledging her as their rightful queen.
As the candles were lit and the council convened in the chamber, Rhaenyra entered, accompanied by her guards, while Daemon announced her arrival.
"Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, First of Her Name, Queen of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men. Lady of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm. Your Grace." Daemon proclaimed, his voice filled with reverence.
Everyone in the room lowered their heads, showing their respect and offering a curtsy to Rhaenyra. Elaena smiled with pride as Rhaena offered Rhaenyra a glass of wine and gestured for her to join them, along with Baela.
The council members gathered around the table, Elaena stood by Daemon's side, and Arden positioned himself beside Elaena, ready to provide support.
A moment of silence hung in the air before Rhaenyra broke it, her voice commanding attention. "What is our standing?" she inquired, her eyes filled with determination.
"We have 30 knights, a hundred crossbowmen, and 300 men-at-arms. Dragonstone is relatively easy to defend, but as an instrument of conquest, our army leaves a lot to be desired. We have sent word to my loyal men in the City Watch. I'll have some support there, but I cannot speak to the numbers. We already have declarations from Celtigar and Staunton, Massey, Darklyn, Bar Emmon." Daemon informed, his tone measured.
"My lady mother was an Arryn. The Vale will not turn cloak against their own kin." Rhaenyra stated confidently.
"Riverrun was always a close friend to your father, Your Grace. With Prince Daemon's acquiescence, I've already sent ravens to Lord Grover." one council member added.
"Lord Grover is fickle and easily swayed. He will need to be convinced of the strength of our position and that we will support him should it come to war." Rhaenyra acknowledged.
"I'm going to treat with him myself." Daemon declared, his voice full of finality.
Elaena glanced between Rhaenyra and Daemon, sensing the growing tension between them.
"What of Storm's End and Winterfell?" another council member queried.
"There has never been a Stark who forgot an oath. And with House Stark, the North will follow." another council member replied assuredly.
"Lord Borros Baratheon will need to be reminded of his father's promises." Rhaenyra stated firmly, "What news from Driftmark?" she asked, turning to Rhaenys.
"Lord Corlys sails for Dragonstone." Rhaenys answered, her voice full of conviction.
"To declare for his Queen." Daemon interjected.
"The Velaryon fleet is in my husband's yoke. He decides where they sail." Rheanys countered.
"We shall pray for both you and your husband's support, just as we prayed nightly for the Sea Snake's return to good health. There's no port on the Narrow Sea would dare to make an enemy of the Velaryon fleet." Rhaenyra concluded with confidence in her voice, "And our enemies?"
"We have no friends among the Lannisters. Tyland has served the Hand too long to turn against him. And Otto Hightower needs the Lannister fleet." Daemon answered.
"Without the Lannisters, we are not likely to find any allies west of the Golden Tooth," Rhaenyra countered.
"No." Daemon interfered, bowed his head, and continued, "The Riverlands are essential, Your Grace."
"Pray forgive my bluntness, Your Grace, but talk of men is moot. Your cause owns a power that has not been seen in this world since the days of Old Valyria. Dragons." one of the council members stated.
"The Greens have dragons as well." Rhaenyra replied.
"They have three adults, by my count. We have Syrax, Caraxes, and Meleys. Your sons have Vermax, Arrax, and Tyraxes. Baela has Moondancer. And Elaena has Silverwing." Daemon stated.
"Daemon, none of our dragons have been to war." Rhaenyra replied.
"There are also unclaimed dragons. Seasmoke still resides on Driftmark. Vermithor dwells on the Dragonmont, still riderless. Then there are the three wild dragons, all of whom nest here." Daemon muttered.
"And who is to ride them?" Rhaenyra questioned.
"Dragonstone has 13 to their 4. I also have a score of eggs incubating in the Dragonmont." Daemon answered.
Elaena released a breath as the tension grew, arching her brow as she noticed a man, or rather a messenger, who wanted to say something. Slicing her eyes towards Ser Erryk, who immediately understood her signal, he subtly approached the man, getting the intended message to their queen as Daemon continued to state his proposed plan to attack.
Elaena's attention was soon interrupted when she heard the word Harrenhal coming out of her father's mouth. The mention of Harrenhal triggered an emotion in Elaena. A sharp intake of breath escaped Elaena's mouth as a wave of dizziness swept over her. Arden immediately placed his hand on her waist and gently wrapped his hand around her arm, helping her steady herself and masking her momentary vulnerability.
Regaining her composure, Elaena refocused on the council's discourse.
"Are you fine, love?" Arden asked.
Nodding her head, Elaena replied, "Yes, thanks."
"Your Grace... a ship has been sighted offshore, a lone galleon, flying a banner of a three-headed green dragon." Ser Erryk informed Rhaenyra, earning the attention of everyone.
"Alert the watchtowers. Sight the skies." Daemon ordered and grabbed his sword, "Wildfire, come with me." he added as Elaena nodded her head.
Before heading out, Elaena approached Rhaenyra, softly grabbing her hand and lightly squeezing it, "No matter what happens, I'll be by your side and fight for you, My Queen." Eleana stated, earning a smile from Rhaenyra.
Placing a hand on her face, Eleana stared into her purple eyes, reassuring her that she would fight for her until the very last of her breath.
"Thank you, Elaena." Rhaenyra whispered.
Elaena hummed, "You are always welcome, My Queen." She replied and followed Daemon outside, with Arden trailing closely behind her.
Outside, Elaena can be seen standing with her weight leaning on her right foot, her hand resting on the hilt of her dagger, and tapping her finger onto it impatiently.
"Ah, they finally showed up." Elaena commented.
Arden stepped closer towards her, and Daemon stood in front of her.
"I come at the behest of the Dowager Queen Alicent, mother of King Aegon, Second of His Name, Lord and Protector of the Seven Kingdoms."
Elaena flinched at hearing Otto's voice once more.
"I've been directed to deliver her message only to Princess Rhaenyra. Where is the Princess?" Otto questioned.
A smug smile escaped Elaena's lips as soon as she heard Syrax approaching them with the Queen herself riding on her back. A chuckle escapes her lips once more as Syrax lands behind them. Fear creeps into their faces as their eyes never leave the dragon. Elaena bowed her head as soon as Rhaenyra dismounted Syrax and walked towards them.
"Princess Rhaenyra." Otto greeted.
"I'm Queen Rhaenyra now. And you all are traitors to the realm." Rhaenyra replied. Elaena nodded her head, agreeing with what she said.
"King Aegon Targaryen, Second of His Name... in his wisdom and desire for peace, is offering terms. Acknowledge Aegon as king and swear obeisance before the Iron Throne. In exchange, His Grace will confirm your possession of Dragonstone. It will pass to your trueborn son, Jacaerys, upon your death. Lucerys will be confirmed as the legitimate heir to Driftmark and all the lands and holdings of House Velaryon. Your sons by Prince Daemon will also be given places of high honor at court, Aegon the Younger as the King's squire, Viserys as his cupbearer. The King will have his Queen back, Elaena. Finally, the King, in his good grace, will pardon any knight or lord who conspired against his ascent."
A maniacal laugh came out of Elaena's mouth, earning Otto's attention, and he replied with such disdain in his stare.
"Tell your King..." Elaena paused, emphasising the word with such sarcasm, "that I will never be his queen nor be his fucking bedwarmer. Go tell him that he should be man enough to take responsibility for all the bastards he has."
Daemon chuckled, "I would rather feed my sons to the dragons than have them carry shields and cups for your drunken, usurper cunt of a king."
"Aegon Targaryen sits the Iron Throne." Otto stated.
"It won't be long." Elaena commented.
Otto glared at Elaena as she countered it with a smirk, "He wears the Conqueror's crown, wields the Conqueror's sword, has the Conqueror's name. He was anointed by a septon of the Faith before the eyes of thousands. Every symbol of legitimacy belongs to him. And then there is Stark, Tully, Baratheon. Houses that have also received, and are at present, considering, generous terms from their king." he added.
"Stark, Tully, and Baratheon all swore to me when King Viserys named me his heir." Rhaenyra replied.
"Stale oaths will not put you on the Iron Throne, Princess." Otto started approaching Rhaenyra, making the soldiers place their hands on the hilt of their swords, "The succession changed the day your father sired a son. I only regret that you and he were the last to see the truth of it."
Everyone was immediately on alert when Rhaenyra marched towards Otto, grabbing the Hand's pin on his chest, "You are no more Hand than Aegon is king. Fucking traitor." she stated and threw the pin.
Clicking her tongue as Elaena noticed a soldier unsheathe his sword a little, her eyes bore into his, and she shook her head, a warning that he better not make a move or his blood would spill on the bridge.
Otto called the Grand Maester, and Elaena rolled her eyes as he gave Otto a single piece of torn paper, which Elaena knew of. It was a page of the book that Rhaenyra ripped back when the three of them were under the tree.
"Queen Alicent has not forgotten the love you once had for each other. No blood need be spilled. The realm can carry on in peace. Queen Alicent eagerly awaits your answer." Otto stated.
"She can have her answer now, stuffed in her father's mouth along with his withered cock. Let's end this mummer's farce." Daemon said and unsheathed his sword, making everyone follow him, "Ser Erryk, bring me Lord Hightower so I may take the pleasure myself."
Syrax roared as Elaena whistled. Rhaenyra glanced at Elaena as the latter nodded her head, calming her friend down and also instantly the dragon.
"No. King's Landing will have my answer on the morrow." Rhaenyra replied and left, so Syrax did.
As Elaena was about to leave, "Aegon and Aemond wait for you in Kings Landing, My Queen." Otto stated with such dissatisfaction in his voice.
Elaena chuckled and turned around, facing him, "I applaud you for marching here in Dragonstone despite having shaking legs, Otto."
"You are supposed to be the Queen of the realm, you ungrateful bitch." Otto replied.
Elaena's mutter of amusement blossomed into an enormous belly laugh, "Did you really think that a mere piece of paper would be in your favour, dear Lord Hand?" she questioned as she slowly took steps towards Otto.
A menacing stare and smile now itched on her face, and Otto slowly took a step back. As fear slowly creeped into his face, Elaena's smile widened as she showed her prey's true emotions. Fear was what Elaena wanted to see most in her prey. It's what makes her lust to kill it the most.
"You should be thankful that I was never crowned the Queen, for it'll be your head that will serve on a silver platter to your usurper king." Elaena stated and patted Otto's shoulder, "The Queen will give her reply in the morrow." She leaned, whispering into his ear, "I advise you to hide, for I have already regarded you as my prey, Otto. I shall be the last face you see when your head rolls into the floor."
Elaena smiled and left, as Daemon and Arden were waiting for her. Daemon gave her a smile upon seeing the satisfied look on her face and the petrified look on Otto's. Arden gave Otto a glare and immediately stepped closer to Elaena as soon as she reached them, bringing her closer to him.