DRIFTMARK 

124 AC

Baela and Rhaena hadn't left her side since the passing of their mother. The Targaryen and Han household voyaged on sea to the ancestral seat of House Velaryon for Laena's funeral.

Dressed in the colours of mourning, Hira stood with the twins as they listened to the eulogy given by Vaemond Velaryon. Baela was clinging onto the Princess Rhaenys, her hand grasping Hira's whilst Rhaena held the other. Ming, Jade and Linh stood behind, providing a silent comfort.

In Leng, death wasn't a solemn affair, but rather a celebration of life through a bonfire of lights and a special dance which guided the deceased's spirit to the other realm. It felt odd to wear black. Death wasn't foreign to Hira, for the Dark Other had paid their visit to her through her lifetime. But this wasn't a simple someone, this was Laena who over the past year became someone she cherished, a woman she viewed as her mother. Losing her felt a lot like losing a limb.

The pact between Laena and Hira lingered in the air and wrapped a tight coil around her tanned, slender neck. She was forever bound to this vow.

"Salt courses through Velaryon blood." Vaemond declared, staring sharply at the brown haired boys she knew to be Princess Rhaenyra's sons, the heir to the Iron Throne. Vaemond's gaze was like sharp daggers.

She knew of the whispers being said about the next-in-line to the throne, how her sons were bastards and not true Velaryons. Hira pondered on this, why did it matter if they weren't trueborn Velaryons? The Targaryens held the throne, if the successor came from the womb of the princess then their legitimacy shouldn't be a question.

Though she supposed she could relate to the boys' disposition. Hira wasn't born from either of her mother's Lengii or Yi Tish husband-consorts, yet she was a Han by blood and later by name when her mother crowned her as the spare.

It was a pity that Westeros was so heavily patriarchal, with society's need for men to be valued higher than women and girls. In Leng, the people worshipped the God-Empress so society was skewed towards the matriarchy, but at least the Lengii knew and appreciated the value of their men, in a way that the Westerosi had trouble with their women.

"Our runs thick. Ours run true. And ours must never thin."

A mocking laugh interrupted the eulogy.

"Has he no shame?" In Lengii, Linh questioned disapprovingly. Hira shook her head, sighing disappointedly at Daemon's condescending behaviour.

She knew Rhaenyra was the lost love of her father. There was an incident, the one time where Laena was deep in her cups and revealed that Daemon had a minor transgression with the princess in her youth. She may not know her father as well as his lady wife did, but she knew well enough that he still yearned for the heir, even after a decade of separation. To draw attention to himself at his late wife's funeral, so that the suspicious glances given to the princess' son were instead directed to him. Truly, Daemon's showing of love was conflicting and deeply confusing.

The tension was obvious, it littered the air like a bad odour and clung to the little princes' bodies. It was clear the Targaryen House was divided in black and green, whilst their King stood ignorant.

Rhaena sniffed and Hira immediately ran her hand over her hair, tucking her close. Ming withdrew a tissue from her sleeve, handing it to the Lengii princess, who wiped away the tears from her sister's cheek.

Laena's coffin landed in the ocean, as per the Velaryon custom and the funeral was at its end. A simple reception was to take place nearby so Hira led the girls away.

Finding a bench, she sat the girls down, telling them, "Give me a moment, I shall be back with water."

Walking to the table filled with refreshments, she nodded to the Lord and Ladies gathered by. Thankfully none made a move to speak to her, leaving her to stare blankly at the spread with her ladies surrounding her.

"How are you feeling, princess?" Jade timidly asked.

Numb. It feels as though I'm a ship sailing with no direction and the only course was the one heading towards a storm. How can a woman affect me so dearly in such little time?

"You're dismissed for the day. Do what you will." She announced, waving them away.

"Don't ignore us, cousin." Ming chided, "We're also saddened by Lady Laena's death. She was kind to us."

"She told wonderful stories about sailing around Driftmark." Jade recalled.

Linh agreed. "Truly a woman worth celebrating."

"She lives on, cousin." Ming squeezed her hand whilst the two girls pulled their princess close, all four ladies holding each other tight. A choked sob attempted to flee Hira's throat but she laughed it off. Discreetly she wiped a lone tear with her sleeve.

"I apologise. I know not how to handle this pain." She admitted. "But thank you for your comfort, all of you. I meant what I said, take the day for yourselves, I will be with my sisters. Let us mourn in our own ways."

Her ladies bowed their heads and Hira returned to her siblings, only to find Prince Jacaerys awkwardly comforting them. She knelt by their side and pressed a soft kiss on both of their hands and stared into their eyes.

"I know it is not the same, but when my elder sister's father passed away, I too was distraught. He may not have sired me, but he loved me all the same. When he died everyone offered up their sincerest sympathies but all I wanted was for someone to say they were sorry that I lost the man I called father." Hira paused, thinking back to her cousin's words, "I'm truly sorry Baela, Rhaena. Your mother deserved more years. But know that you both carry a piece of her inside you. In your smiles, your hopes and dreams, in the way you speak and walk. Your mother lives on, take comfort in that."

"Wise words beyond your years, Princess Hira." The Princess Rhaenys crept up to them. "My darlings."

"Grandma," Rhaena sobbed, "I don't want mother to be gone."

As the twins found consolation in their kin, Hira proceeded to track down her father, who attempted to remain hidden in solitude throughout the day.

Except the Queen Alicent stepped in her path and offered Hira a polite smile. Alicent Hightower appeared quite pious, with the Faith of the Seven embroidered on her clothing and jewels. Her gown, the obvious Hightower green and her ever present sworn shield closely behind her.

"Your Grace." Curtsying, Hira gave a rueful smile.

"You're Daemon's daughter, aren't you?"

"I am, Your Grace. Princess Hira of Leng. I'm sure my father has spoken of me once or twice during his time in King's Landing."

"Yes. The King had hoped to meet you when you were a babe, but Daemon was rather ..."

"Difficult? Stubborn?" Hira offered, quite happy with the distraction, "Exasperating? Prone to abandonment? I could go on, if it pleases you."

The Queen shared a startled look with her sworn guard, who shrugged in return.

"I merely jest, Your Grace." Hira savoured the bewildered looks. "Daemon is Daemon. Or at least that's what I tell people when he commits to something without thinking about the consequences."

"Sounds very much like Daemon. I thought to myself, this sweet girl couldn't be his, but I assumed wrong. You share the same strange fondness of gall."

"A compliment, Your Grace." Hira cheeked, "Putting aside the likeliness to my father, it's quite lovely to visit Westeros. I thought I would live out the rest of my life in Leng, until my mother sent me to Daemon."

"You must visit King's Landing." The Queen suggested eagerly, "Viserys would appreciate it, as would your cousins."

"You honour me, Your Grace. Mayhap when the mourning period has passed. Baela and Rhaena, the girls find comfort in me."

"Where there is misery we must unite and stand together."

"No words are spoken truer."

"As we are along the lines of family, come meet your cousins."

The Queen's children had the true markings of Targaryens, which is most likely why their whole court was in an uproar regarding the princess' sons. Hira mused that one should simply look at Laena's daughters to conclude the legitimacy of the boys.

The eldest silver haired prince was deep in his cups. A drunken fool at such a young age, Hira was far from impressed. He smirked as his eyes trailed up and then down Hira's figure. She narrowed her eyes, absently tapping her fingers along the concealed dagger under her skirt. 

The second son was polite, but slightly distracted. His gaze fixated on the skies above, eyes darting from cloud to cloud. He mumbled a simple greeting to which Hira nodded at. 

The daughter was another interesting character. In her hands was a bug that crawled from her palm up to her arm. She whispered words that didn't make much sense.

And here Hira thought her mother's side of the family was odd.

"A pleasure to meet you, cousins." She greeted them, before curtsying to the queen. "Thank you for introduction, Queen Alicent. It's unfortunate that we met under sad conditions but I must check on my father now."

The queen nodded, dismissing her.

Hira browsed the courtyard for her father, finding him nowhere. She sighted Princess Rhaenyra and followed her line of sight, already knowing who the target was. Rolling her eyes, Hira grabbed her dress and marched to Daemon.

"There is nothing subtle about you, father." She seethed, before switching to the common tongue when she approached him. "Your gaze is far too familiar, considering who this funeral is held for."

"Daughter." Daemon mocked, raising his cup to her, "To what do I owe the pleasure of your fine company?"

"Some comforting words could be said to your daughters." Hira reprimanded. Snatching the cup, she threw the contents over the stone ledge and into the sea.

Daemon groaned, "That was a good cup of wine!"

Hira took a deep breath, "Those girls - your daughters are mourning their mother."

The day was getting to her. Not once had she properly mourned Laena, not when Rhaena and Baela needed her to their strength. Hira had to stand tall, be firm and be a beacon of hope for them, even her father needed her. He who so obviously mourned differently from the rest. 

Yet it was truly trying.

"Am I not in mourning too?" He argued.

"You're their father. It's your duty to ease their pain."

"They have Rhaenys and you."

Hira stepped forward Daemon, glaring at him. "The audacity you bear is remarkable. Do you think you can pass along your fatherly responsibilities to me?"

"You bear it so well, daughter, how could I not?" His words were taunting, laced with bitterness that Hira couldn't discern.

A glower took over her face, jaw clenching in anger, "You're being selfish."

Daemon's eyes hardened and narrowed into slits. Finally, something real. "Think me selfish all you like, Hira. I wasn't built to do this."

"To do what? Emotions? Oh grow up, my prince." She sneered, voice raising without her intention. "I understand avoiding duty is a common trait of yours but your daughters need you more than ever. You're cold and ruthless by nature, but you're not cruel and especially not to them."

"Might we lower our voices and remember our place." King Viserys advised, stepping between the father and daughter.

Hira didn't even realise how close she had gotten, or how badly she wanted to punch her father at that moment. She unclenched her fist and hid her hands behind her back.

"I apologise for my unbecoming behaviour, Your Grace." She said with a controlled smile.

"Think nothing of it, it was the heat of the moment. It paints a striking picture to see you finding your match, brother." He gestured to Hira. "Sharp wits, this one. Brings me back to our younger days."

"You're not the first person to comment on our wits, Your Grace, nor the last."

"Allow me the honour of being called uncle. I wanted to meet you years ago."

"As did I, uncle. Please call me Hira."

Viserys turned to Daemon. "Your girls are the very image of their mother. A comfort and an anguish, as I well remember. The gods can be cruel."

"It seems they've been especially cruel to you." Daemon replied, offhandedly.

Hira, with all her patience lost, shut her eyes and begged to be swallowed whole by the sea.

Instead of being offended, his brother chuckled, "Yes. You should return with us to King's Landing. It's time that you came home. Hira would do well in the capital."

Opening her eyes, she replied, "You honour me, Your Grace. I w-"

Daemon hastily interrupted, "Pentos is my home and that of my children."

The King's face turned downwards. "Daemon, I know we've had our differences, but let them pass with the years. There's a place for you in my court if that's something you should need."

"I need nothing."

Hira shook her head at Daemon's retreating form.

She faced the King who was staring blankly at the spot that Daemon vacated. "I would apologise for my father's harsh words, but you've known him longer than I have. He frequents having the last words and dramatical exits."

At the very least she gained a hearty laugh from the King as he replied, "Yes, I'm not at all surprised with his answer. If you wish niece, my court would happily accept you."

Her mother's words flashed across her mind.

"I shall reply with the response I gave the queen. After the mourning has passed, I shall sail to King's Landing to know more of my father's family."

[ x ]

The sea at Driftmark was rough. The tides pulled and pushed and crashed along the shore. Pilak seemed to be enjoying himself, his agile legs chasing the tides and huffing when it caught one of his limbs.

After putting the girls to bed, Hira escaped to the beach for her own solitude. Even now she could see that the duty of caring for the twins had begrudgingly passed to her. She loved them, the same way she loved her elder sister simply because they were family, but the weight was far too heavy to carry. 

It was lucky though, to have their grandparents pick up the slack that Daemon had left. She assumed he had run off to see his lost lady love, instead of saying goodnight to the girls.

"Pilak. Don't whine when the waves pull you in." She tutted, her Lengii accent thick when she spoke her mother tongue, "You know what game you're playing."

Her basilisk whined in defiance before boldly leaping to her lap and settling against her chest. The beast was larger than her, which said something, considering her Lengii height. He was heavy too, but she welcomed the additional body warmth.

It was these moments where Hira was thankful for Pilak's advantaged hearing. His head swiftly turned to the left, red-blood irises unblinkingly prying on the rocks nearby.

"What is it?" Hira whispered, ready to grab her dagger.

At that moment a boy hurried across the hill and stumbled along the beach, face planting on the sand. A throaty laugh left Hira as she beheld the boy who was struggling to get up. He was one of the queen's sons.

He nervously gaped at Hira, as if he was a child caught with this hands on the treat jar right before supper.

She spoke before he did, pointing in other direction. "Vhagar is that way, if you're looking for her."

He winced, "How did you know?"

"A calculated guess. One you proven true. You're the only one without a dragon, no?" She overheard the many taunts from his drunken, elder brother.

"For now. What are you doing out here?"

Hira shrugged, "The sea reminds me of home and Pilak needed to shit."

His eyebrows scrunched in confusion, "... What?"

Only then did he notice the large reptile nested on her lap. Pilak's tongue hung out, the size of Hira's arm and a manic grin appeared on his scaled face. Ever the terrifying monster that haunted the Lengii forests, Hira thought amusedly.

"What the hell is that thing?!" He screeched.

Hira took offence. "That thing is named Pilak and he's my basilisk."

"What is a basilisk?"

Ignoring the question, she challenged, "So will you claim Vhagar as your own?

The boy hesitated, fidgeting from foot to the other, before a look passed over his lilac eyes. His back straightened and his gaze turned to determined, no hint of fear she found a second ago. "Yes."

"Hmm." She hummed thoughtfully, observing him.

"Are you going to stop me?"

"Why would I?" She questioned, "If you claim her then you're her rightful rider. If you die in your attempt... Well, I doubt I'll mourn you much." Nonchalantly she asked, "What was your name again, cousin?

"Aemond."

"Aemond." She murmured, tasting the name on her tongue. She tended to elongate her 'a's, a Lengii accent habit. "Well good luck, Aemond. Not that you would need it, if you are her true rider."

He stood there, gawking at her, as if she was a toy puzzle piece he couldn't figure out. She stared back, brow raised in annoyance. She was tempted to gesture a shooing motion before he suddenly leaped up and ran to the direction of Vhagar.

"What do you think, Pilak? Will he achieve his goal or are we to attend another funeral in the capital?" She asked her reptile companion, before calling out loudly, "What are your thoughts, Jin?"

Hidden in the shadows away from prying eyes stood her Sapphire Guard who was tasked with watching over her tonight. He walked over, footsteps ever silent and bowed.

In a deep, husky voice her favoured guard answered bluntly, "He has spirit, but a little stupid."

Hira's not meant to have favourites among her guards, but Jin kept up with her folly and sometimes even encouraged it. The best way to describe him was an elder brother, one that would cut down anyone who dared lay a finger on her.

"I agree. Let's wait a little while more to see if the little prince has been eaten by the Queen of the Dragons."

Jin nodded and returned to his post.

The peaceful sound of waves crashing against the shore was all they could hear until a bellowing screech filled the air. Two seconds later, the colossal dragon flew up and up until the clouds covered Hira's view of the beast. Distantly she could hear an excited voice mixed with Vhagar's roar.

Ignoring the sadness that hung like a veil over her, Hira chuckled. "And there we have it, Pilak. The new rider of Vhagar."