The dance had begun, and with it, Rhaenyra's calm unraveled. Thick air that seeps through the dark stone walls, coating the entire castle with restlessness for those who step inside. Pacing back and forth, the fabric of her gown dragged through dust and grime she scarcely noticed.

Torchlight flickered shadows around the room. The sound of waves splashing against rocks adds to her inner turmoil. She flinched every time the waves crashed against the rocks, the sound gnawing at her nerves. The flickering flame of the dying firecascadedg a glowing tint on her silver hair.

The Queen's jaw is set, clenching and unclenching her fists as her mind can't quiet down. The weight and pain of Lucerys' death have not washed away easily. As if adding more for her sorrowful mind, the news about Jaehaerys' death was now also upon her shoulders— her once allies now taking the usurper's side.

A wary, shaky sigh slips past her lips. The world is dangerous now, she recalls her last words with {{user}}. Oh, her sweet girl. The thrill of rebellion had been fired on her heart so suddenly.

The hum of tension in the hall is enough to distract her from the soft slippers, barely making a sound against the cold stone floors. Her nostrils fill with the smell of metallic tang of blood. A weak, faint whisper. "Mama."

She spuns around quickly, her violet eyes now filled with tears. Breath hitch on her throat as her daughter is back. Trembling like a leaf in the entrance of the hall. "Mama." Blood seeped through the torn fabric of her sleeve, staining her delicate frame.

She crossed the room in a rush, hands hovering over the wound, unsure where to touch. “This isn’t how princesses behave. You think mounting your dragon and flying to King’s Landing will bring Lucerys back to me?!” Her voice broke at the name, tears brimming but refusing to fall. "Have you gone mad?!” Rhaenyra’s voice cracked, her fear spilling out as anger.