We Bleed Silver(GOT/ASOIAF Fanfic)

Dragonstone.

Rhaenyra stood motionless on the castle terrace, staring blankly toward the direction of Storm's End. Behind her, her Queensguard and advisors gathered nervously within the tower, casting uneasy glances at their queen, who stood alone in the open air. Black wings had brought black tidings. A raven from Storm's End had delivered the news of Lucerys death, and since the moment she had read it, Queen Rhaenyra had remained in this silence.

Lord Corlys Velaryon moved as if to approach her, but Rhaenys caught his arm, gently shaking her head. She understood Rhaenyra's current state all too well. When she had seen Laenor's body and Laena's ashes, she had felt the same hysteria veiled in silence. She had adored Lucerys as well—an obedient, kind child who always showed respect to his elders.

At Laena's funeral years ago, little Luke had confessed to Rhaenys and Corlys that he did not wish to become Lord of the Tides, because it would mean those he loved had passed.

At that moment, a silver-haired girl in a black gown pushed her way through the gathered crowd, walking slowly toward Rhaenyra. Corlys immediately recognized the girl's repressed emotion and red-rimmed eyes. She was his granddaughter, Rhaena Targaryen, the daughter of Prince Daemon and Laena—Lucerys' betrothed.

Rhaenyra noticed Rhaena's approach as well. The girl gently slipped her arm around the queen's, and Rhaenyra instinctively drew her into a tender embrace.

The courtiers sighed quietly and withdrew, leaving only Lord Corlys and Princess Rhaenys behind. They stood silently, listening to the muffled sobs that trembled through the terrace.

It was impossible to say how much time had passed when Rhaenyra finally patted Rhaena's back gently, lifting her head. The Sea Snake and the Princess could see it clearly—the fury burning in the queen's eyes.

"My sweet child," Rhaenyra said softly, "my son died as a true dragonrider. He did not shame our bloodline. I will make Aemond pay." Her voice was calm, but the pain and wrath in it could not be mistaken. She gently held Rhaena, allowing her to dry her tears on her gown, before stepping forward to face Lord Corlys.

"Lord Corlys, I must go to Storm's End," she declared. "I will not let my son's body remain in a foreign land."

"Your Grace." Corlys shook his head firmly. "You are the queen. A queen cannot risk herself like this. I will send ships to Shipbreaker Bay, and Prince Velaryon will search for his squire."

"No!" Rhaenyra said, her voice resolute. "I am still a mother. I cannot stand by and let my son's body drift alone in the sea. Neither the customs of House Targaryen nor those of House Velaryon will allow such a thing to happen." She glanced down at Rhaena, still holding her close. "This child grew up alongside Luke. Even when he stayed at Dragonstone, they frequently visited and wrote to one another. I cannot let her lose her betrothed without justice, without clarity. Lord Corlys, I must also find a better match for this child."

"Prince Joffrey?" Corlys asked, surprised that Rhaenyra could maintain such composure amid her grief.

Rhaenyra nodded. "I will personally fly to Dragon's Nest to confirm the betrothal with Prince Valar and Prince Joffrey. As for Prince Draezell, I trust he will agree."

"I will send ravens to the North," Corlys said, understanding this was the best outcome. It would solidify House Vaelarys' commitment to the Black cause. "But you—"

"I will detour to Storm's End," Rhaenyra interrupted. "I have recovered significantly these past few days, my lord. You must trust in my skill as a dragonrider." Confidence burned in her voice; after all, she had tamed her dragon and flown at the age of seven—an achievement even among the Targaryens. While she no longer soared as a warrior of the skies, she remained a skilled dragonrider. "While I am gone, all affairs of the realm will rest in your hands, Lord Corlys." Rhaenyra knew Corlys was one of her three pillars of strength. With House Vaelarys absent from Dragonstone and Daemon campaigning in the Riverlands, she had to rely on the Sea Snake to maintain her rule.

"I name you my Hand of the Queen, Lord Corlys," she said softly, bowing her head. "I regret I do not have the Hand's pin to present to you."

"It is of no matter, Your Grace," Corlys replied with a faint smile. "I will see to everything in your stead, but you—"

"Shall I accompany you, Your Grace?" Rhaenys interrupted, signaling to her husband to stop. As a mother, she understood Rhaenyra's resolve.

Rhaenyra shook her head. "I will go alone. Two dragons would draw too much attention. Syrax is swift; Sunfyre is no match for me, and Vhagar cannot hope to catch me." She turned to Rhaenys, gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you for understanding."

"This is what a mother must do," Rhaenys said with a sigh, taking Rhaena into her arms as Rhaenyra handed her over. Together, they watched as the queen strode resolutely toward the Dragonmount.

Syrax let out a thunderous roar and took flight, her wings cutting through the sky as she soared toward the endless expanse of the sea.

---

Dragonstone.

Rey stood at the entrance of the dragonpit, positioned firmly before Silverwing.

"Rey, sister-in-law, step aside! I'm going to burn Storm's End to the ground!" Valar's voice shook with fury as he donned his Valyrian steel armor, Silvershield. His bloodshot eyes stared intently toward the horizon, and Silverwing beneath him snarled restlessly, though the dragon dared not challenge Rey's authority.

Beside him, Diana spoke loudly, trying to reason with him. "Valar, calm yourself. We grieve for Prince Lucerys just as deeply, but burning Storm's End means war. They have yet to openly declare for the Greens. We cannot be the ones to tear the final veil and ignite the flames of battle."

"I understand the reasoning, but Lucerys was my squire!"

"Brther, Lucerys died as a warrior," Rey said firmly. "Don't you want the real culprit to pay for his death?"

"Aemond!" Valar growled, his face contorting in rage. "I swear he will pay for this!"

"You can go, but only to recover Lucerys' body," Rey said, spreading her arms wide to block his path as she tried to soothe his anger. "Lord Borros has not broken guest rights. An unprovoked attack on Storm's End will only cause chaos. Neither Brother nor Lucerys would want that."

"I understand," Valar finally exhaled, his voice heavy with restraint. "I swear, in Brother's name, I will not burn Storm's End. Now, let me pass."

Only then did Rey step aside, allowing Silverwing to take flight and soar into the sky.

"Valar…" Diana started to speak, concern still etched across her face. She knew Valar wouldn't break his word, but she still feared his emotions would get the better of him.

"Don't worry," Rey said with a sigh. "As long as Aemond doesn't wander near Storm's End, Brother will hold back." His voice faltered slightly, betraying his own grief. "That's just his temper…"

In truth, Rey also longed to mount Shadowmare and unleash his own fury. But the situation demanded restraint. Someone had to remain in Dragon's Nesr, a dragon at the ready, to defend their family—his nieces and nephews, young Aegon, and Stormcloud.

He could not leave them unprotected.