House of The Dragon: The blind warrior

Walking through the halls of Dragonstone, heading toward my mother's chambers where I knew she and Daemon would be, I couldn't help but feel frustrated.

'It wasn't enough.'

Knowing Daemon, he probably shrugged off the threat I made. Say what you will about him, but Daemon is a warrior through and through. He accepted the idea of dying long ago, so threatening to cut off his head would only go so far before he lashes out again—and does something everyone will regret.

"Vealor," someone called out from behind, footsteps approaching briskly.

"Good. I was just about to send Yue to fetch you, but you're here," I said to Jacaerys as he joined me.

"Where are we going?" he asked after a moment of silence, walking between me and Yue.

"You said you wanted to help, right? We're going to convince Mother of that," I replied, climbing a flight of stairs.

"Wait, Is it smart to approach Mother after that spectacle? Won't she be angry with you?" Jacaerys asked, echoing what Yue seemed to be wondering.

"She will, most likely," I agreed. "But her being angry doesn't change the fact that you're a valuable asset to our war effort."

Jacaerys gave me a puzzled look.

"Don't look at me like that," I continued. "You have a good head on your shoulders, and you're a dragon rider. That will take you far when it comes to rallying banners in the Riverlands."

Jacaerys stopped in his tracks. "What?" he asked, as I kept walking. He hurried to catch up, Yue shaking his head in amusement.

"You want me to rally the banners in the Riverlands?" Jacaerys asked as we approached the entrance to the Queen's chamber, where Ser Erryk Cargyll stood guard, frowning at the absence of my own men.

"Why are you so surprised?" I nodded at Ser Erryk, who stepped aside, the sound of arguing coming from within the chamber.

"It's just... no one's ever trusted me with such a responsibility before," he admitted, stopping just outside the door.

"You're a man, Jacaerys. It's about time you were treated as one. Just because Mother doesn't recognize that doesn't mean I don't," I said, placing a hand on his shoulder but keeping my void eyes on the door.

As the voices inside quieted, "Wait here," I told yue, entering the room with Jacaerys close behind.

Silence greeted us. My mother and Daemon were both angry, though a somber air lingered in the room.

"Vealor," my mother said pointedly. I nodded. "Mother."

"I came to speak to you about Jacaerys," I said, moving further into the room, passing by Daemon without so much as a glance as I took a seat.

Jacaerys stood awkwardly by the closed chamber door, shifting his weight.

"Jacaerys? What about him?" she asked, looking between us. "No—before that, what in the Seven Hells was that back at the council meeting?" she demanded, stepping toward me. I leaned on my walking stick, staring at the floor as I did often.

"Do you want us to lose the support of the lords we've already secured?" she shouted, eyes narrowing at me before spinning around to face Jacaerys. "And you—going to your brother after I explicitly said no? You will not be taking Vermax anywhere near King's Landing. Is that clear?" she finished with finality as Daemon scoffed from the side.

"He won't be going to King's Landing, Mother," I interjected, rising to my feet. "I was thinking we send him to the Riverlands—to rally the lords with Daemon." I nodded toward Daemon's direction.

Mother shook her head. "No. Absolutely not."

I frowned. "Mother, who would you trust more for this task—the traitor standing over there who went behind your back, or your own son, who convinced two Lord Paramounts to rally to your cause?" I took a step toward her as she kept a wary eye on Daemon.

Daemon didn't dare react.

"I still don't agree. I've already nearly lost one son," she said, moving toward the open window. "I will not lose another."

I understood her fear as a mother, but her reluctance was growing frustrating.

"Mother, you have to understand that Jacaerys is not a boy anymore. He's a warrior and a dragon rider. He has more value than those squabbling lords whose advice you seem to cling to," I said, my mother turning around so fast the air seemed to shift.

"Weren't you just admonishing those lords for speaking to their queen disrespectfully?" she challenged.

"Yes, but I am not only speaking to you as my queen, but as your son and heir," I replied, stepping closer, towering over her.

"This is war, Mother," I said, gripping her shoulders gently but firmly. "Those lords know nothing of war. They were raised in peace."

"So were you," she retorted.

I shook my head, a pained smile curling at my lips. "No, Mother. I grew up in war, fighting and death," I said, memories of Essos flashing through my mind.

"It's not a pretty place, across the Narrow Sea," I continued, watching as realization dawned on her face.

"I'm sorry," she whispered.

"It doesn't matter now. What matters is what you decide to do," I said, letting her go and turning toward Jacaerys, who stood beside Daemon.

"Jacaerys can do this—better than Daemon, even," I said, as Daemon sneered but remained silent.

"Trust me," I finally said, turning back to my mother, who seemed deep in thought before slowly turning away.

After a pause, she waved her hand in agreement. I felt Jacaerys's elation, and, oddly enough, Daemon's as well—most likely pleased at the prospect of two dragons intimidating the lords into submission.

"Good," I said, turning to Jacaerys. "Before you leave, I have something to give you," I told him as he turned to leave, Daemon following.

Before they could exit, my mother spoke once more. "Daemon."

He stopped, turning to face her.

"Take care of him," she said softly.

Daemon stared for a moment before nodding, then left the room, leaving just me and Mother.

There was a silence in the room as I sat down and poured myself some wine. After tasting it, I grimaced—not at all liking the fruity taste; it wasn't strong enough.

"You knew it was Daemon," my mother began, still looking out the window.

I set the mug with the bad wine down and hummed in response.

"How?" She turned halfway to face me. "Did you dream it?" she asked, but I shook my head. "No," I said, tapping my walking stick on the floor. "My men told me," I added, thinking about how to explain the situation with Heleana.

"Your men?" she asked, now fully turning toward me as she approached, taking the mug I'd filled earlier and taking a swig.

"Yes, they were the ones to stop the cutthroats," I replied, and my mother practically choked on her drink, setting the mug down as she began coughing hysterically.

I quickly retrieved a handkerchief from my breast pocket and extended it to her as she wiped her mouth.

"What?" she asked, clearly not expecting this.

"I sent some of my men to…" I started, trying to find the right words, not wanting to anger her more than she already was. "Free Heleana," I said, feeling her hand move before it even connected with my face.

"Are you mad?" she shouted, slapping me across the face. I maintained a passive expression, not reacting.

"No," I said shortly, locking my milky white eyes with hers.

"Why would you do that, then?" she asked, bewildered and angry, but I kept my gaze locked on hers.

"Because she is my betrothed, and because she possesses the same gifts as I," I explained. "She is too innocent to stay in the viper's nest called King's Landing. I couldn't risk her getting hurt."

"You were threatening Daemon for going behind my back, and you do the same," she said, and I could feel my temper rising.

"What Daemon and I did are two completely different things. He disobeyed a direct order from you," I said, showing my disapproval at being compared to that man.

"I acted on the knowledge that Heleana would be an asset to our cause. There wouldn't have to be as much bloodshed if we had another dreamer on our side," I said, sensing her anger still bubbling under the surface.

"And… it makes me feel much better knowing she's here, by my side," I admitted, my voice softening.

Heleana was different from everyone.

Even though she was a dreamer like me, she still had odd behaviors that I had come to learn were special to her. She wouldn't have fit well with the Greens; they would have made her do something she's against, I was sure of it.

My mother, still looking at my face, sighed as she rubbed her brows.

"You bring so much headache to me, Vaelor," she said, her tone concealed. I could only imagine how her face must have looked—like Grandfather's.

"Fine, but next time you do something like this, you have to inform me. I am your queen, after all," she said, while I only nodded, knowing full well I wouldn't be telling her everything.

I felt her hand on my cheek as she gently caressed where she had slapped me earlier. She sighed, coming closer to kiss my cheek.

"It's fine. No harm done," I said, standing up as I heard footsteps approaching. My mother, still seated, looked at me in confusion.

"Did you call someone?" I asked, looking at the chamber door. My mother stood up as well.

"Yes, I called Beala," she said, making me turn my head to look at her.

"Why?" I asked, already suspecting the reason she had called her.

"To help Rhaenys with the patrols," she replied shortly, just as Beala stepped into the room.

"Your Grace, my prince," she said, as I moved toward the door.

"Cousin," I nodded, patting her on the shoulder before turning to my mother one last time. "I'll make sure Jeacerys is ready for his journey. Don't worry," I said before leaving the room, finding Yue still standing next to Ser Erryk.

"Let's go," I said shortly, making sure to call for four additional men to guard the Queen's chambers.

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Walking into my chambers, I find Ignis and Jeacerys sitting quietly together.

As soon as Ignis notices me, he stands up instantly, while Jeacerys remains still.

"My lord," Ignis says shortly, as I set my walking stick on the bedstand and put on the black mask that was also resting there, feeling its familiar weight settle on my face.

I turn toward my desk. "Any news, Ignis?" I ask, taking a seat. Ignis, Yue, and a now-standing Jeacerys approach me.

"There is, my lord. Word came this morning from Second General Meredyth," Ignis says. Yue stiffens while I lean back in my chair.

"Continue," I say.

"They'll be here in a few days. The missive contained very... limited information, as you know," he continues, pausing. I nod, fully aware of how cryptic Meredyth can be.

"Well, as long as she hasn't lost half my men to one of her gambles, there's nothing to worry about," I say, shifting my gaze to Yue, who is quieter than usual.

"Yue?" I ask, checking if he's alright.

"I'm sorry, my lord, just lost in thought," he replies, shaking off his nerves. I catch Ignis trying to suppress a laugh, his stoic demeanor cracking as he enjoys his friend's discomfort. I shake my head.

"You should be happy—your wife is arriving tomorrow," I say, offering a small smile, knowing how afraid Yue is of her.

"My lord, please, not you too," Yue groans, and I chuckle lightly before turning to a confused Jeacerys.

"Jeacerys, there's something I need to tell you before you go to Harrenhal with Daemon," I say, my tone turning serious, worried for my brother's safety.

"What is it?" he asks, as I signal to Yue to bring the items I had prepared for this moment.

"When you're at Harrenhal, you'll meet a woman," I say, clasping my hands together as an image of a black-haired girl flashes through my mind.

"A woman?" Jeacerys asks, uncertain, glancing between Yue—who is approaching with a long box—and Ignis, who has returned to his usual stoicism.

"Yes, but she's no ordinary woman. She's a witch," I finally reveal. Jeacerys recoils in shock.

"There's a witch at Harrenhal?!" he nearly shouts. I raise my hand to calm him.

"Yes, there is," I confirm.

Yue reaches the desk and, as I tap it, signaling where to place the box, he sets it down.

"What do you want me to do about her?" Jeacerys asks anxiously. I understand his concern, but I shake my head.

"Nothing. You are to do nothing to her."

"What? But if she's a witch, can't she use sorcery against us?" Jeacerys asks, sounding outraged. Ignis makes a disapproving huff, clearly displeased by Jeacerys raising his voice at me.

Sighing, I rise and begin unlocking the box.

"Believe it or not, that's part of the plan," I say, confusing Jeacerys even more.

"Daemon needs his eyes opened, Jeacerys, and for that to happen, someone has to... open them for him," I explain, finally unlocking the last clasp and turning toward Jeacerys, who is starting to understand, even if he doesn't fully grasp the reason why.

"And you expect this witch to do that?" he asks. I nod, leaning on the box as he eyes it.

"But won't she try to use sorcery on me?" he asks, raising a valid point.

"That, I can't say for sure," I admit. "Which is why I brought you this," I say, opening the box to reveal a bastard Valyrian steel sword and another item beside it.

Jeacerys steps closer, staring at the contents before turning to me with shock on his face.

"It's Valyrian steel," he says. I nod.

"And it's yours," I reply, watching as he admires one of the few Valyrian steel swords I've acquired on my travels.

"Where did you get it?" he asks, transfixed by the blade, not even glancing at the dragon claw ring beside it.

"We retrieved it from the ruins of Old Valyria," I say casually, though an odd sensation washes over me.

I place my hand on my chest, feeling my heartbeat quicken.

'Odd,' I think.

"You've been to Old Valyria?" Jeacerys asks, astonished. Both Ignis and Yue notice my thoughtful gesture as I touch my chest.

"My lord?" Yue whispers, concerned.

I wave him off.

"Yes, more than once, actually," I say, walking toward the window and letting the cool air hit my face.

"Why?" Jeacerys presses, his gaze fixed on my back as I observe the outside, searching for something though unsure what it is.

"My dragon, Abraxas, decided that ruin was his new home after we got separated," I say, my hearing sharpening as I catch the distant shouts of people near the docks—ships approaching.

'She's here. I can feel it,' I think.

"You got separated from Abraxas?" Jeacerys asks, his voice pulling me back from my thoughts. I turn to see him holding the sword in his hands.

"A story for another time," I say shortly, returning to the box and lifting the ring.

"This is the main thing I prepared for you—a protection ring," I say, handing it to him.

"A protection ring? What does it protect me from, and what kind of sorcery gives it these protective properties?" Jeacerys asks, and I feel both Yue and Ignis exchanging a glance at his inquisitiveness.

"You ask a lot of questions, dear brother," I say, amused. I take the ring and slip it onto his finger.

"It's nothing dangerous, I assure you," I say, gripping his shoulders and looking him over.

"Remember, I trust you fully in this. Do it as you see fit, and make Mother and me proud," I say, patting him on the shoulders. He stands for a moment, then suddenly embraces me.

"Thank you," he says, and I sense that he means more than just the sword.

I pat his back and bid him farewell, instructing him to meet Lucearys before he departs. Once he leaves, I sit back down as Ignis and Yue pull their chairs closer.

"Well, today has been an interesting day," Yue finally says, speaking his mind.

Ignis, who has been busy with the men, gives Yue a questioning look.

"They don't respect the queen, the lords," Yue says, and Ignis nods in understanding.

"That's a problem," he says, as they both turn their attention to me, lost in thought. Even though that's an issue to address, there are more pressing matters—like the campaign I know the Greens will soon start, where my grandmother will perish.

"Not if I have anything to say about it," I say aloud, not startling Ignis or Yue in the slightest, as they are already used to my talking to myself.

"What are you thinking, my lord?" Ignis asks, as I tap my desk rhythmically.

"I'm thinking it's time to go greet my betrothed," I say, hearing the familiar heartbeat approaching the castle. I've never taken my senses off her since she disembarked the ship.

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