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Daughter of Steel and Bronze ~ HOTD

Ch 16 - Succession

HOTD x Targaryen!OC, Targaryen!OC x Harwin Strong

Warnings: nothing in particular/Daena being snarky to Alicent?

A/N - gosh I'm so sorry for the wait! I feel so bad whenever I make gaps between uploads but uni is crazy and also I haven't felt the desire to write recently sooo, yeah, hope you enjoy this!

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"Just a couple months after their wedding, Princess Rhaenyra and Ser Laenor announced that she was pregnant with their first child. His Grace was delighted and threw a celebratory feast that night.

Princess Daena also made an appearance at court, shortly after. In a private meeting with the King and his Hand, the Princess reportedly discussed her inheritance of Runestone. What is known is that she named an heir, her young nephew Ossifer Royce, who was only five at the time.

Another prominent piece of information about this trip is that a formal betrothal was established between the Princess and Ser Harwin Strong. Many have speculated for years about the nature of Daena's relationship with her sworn shield and whether a secret tryst occurred during their many years together."

(Fire & Blood, Being a History of the Targaryen Kings of Westeros, by Archmaester Gyldayn)

116 AC, Driftmark

Rhaenys was making one last lap around the island before she decided to land. As Meleys descended towards the beach, a thunderous roar could be heard in the distance. From beneath the thick fog, Vermithor appeared. His great tan wings cast a shadow over High Tide.

The Queen Who Never Was raised a brow. What was Daemon's daughter doing here? Meleys let out a whistle of acknowledgment. The Bronze Fury responded to the Red Queen with a deep growl. Once both dragons landed, Rhaenys approached Daena.

"Princess Rhaenys." The young woman greeted. She was dressed in a black leather riding coat and her silver hair was pulled back, freeing her face. Her lilac eyes, the same as Daemon's, were a shade lighter than Rhaenys's own eyes.

"Princess. To what do we owe the pleasure?" Rhaenys asked pointedly. Daena looked down at her feet. She knew why the older woman was upset. She never attended her father's wedding to Lady Laena. As the bride's mother, Princess Rhaenys must have felt offended.

But Daena felt justified in her absence; her mother died not even six months ago and her father had already married another woman. This, of course, wasn't Laena's fault. Daena had nothing against Laena; on the contrary, the two spent a lot of time together during their childhood.

"I came here to speak with my father."

"About what?"

"...You'll find out soon enough," Daena answered curtly. "Now, where is my father?"

Rhaenys had to give the girl credit -she was just as mercurial as her father and had the same firey attitude.

This was Daena's first time at Driftmark. High Tide did not disappoint; the castle built by the legendary Sea Snake lived up to its reputation. Built from the same pale stone used to build the Eyrie, the vast halls glimmered in the early morning sun. She was directed to the Hall of Nine, the main hall of the castle.

"Princess Daena Targaryen." A servant announced her.

She walked in to find her father sitting at a long table, next to him his new wife, Laena. The Sea Snake was also there. They were finishing their breakfast, it seemed.

"Lord Corlys." She greeted the lord of the castle politely. She then looked at Laena; how was she supposed to address Laena? Stepmother? But Daena was older than her.

"...Lady Laena." She greeted her father's new wife. Speaking of...

"Father." Daena called softly.

"Daena? We didn't know you were coming." He said, getting up.

"I received a letter. From King's Landing. I wanted to speak with you about it. In private."

"To Princess Daena Targaryen,

Ever since Princess Rhaenyra's wedding, His Grace has received many letters asking about you. I know you are still mourning your late Lady mother, which naturally explains your lack of appearance at court.

However, seeing as your 18th name day is only six months away, I advise you to come to King's Landing as soon as possible so that we may discuss the prospect of a potential betrothal for you.

I hope this letter finds you well,

Queen Alicent Hightower"

Daemon couldn't help but chuckle as he read the letter. That Hightower snake wanted to control his daughter. Who was she to command the blood of the dragon? Who was she to dictate his daughter's life?

"What will you do?" He asked his daughter.

"I have to act before she has the chance to strike." She responded. "I want to marry Harwin."

Daemon was shocked but not surprised by her words. Long has he wondered and now his suspicions were confirmed. He saw how Harwin looked at her during Rhaenyra's wedding feast but chose to ignore it, for the time being.

"I've already spoken to Harwin about it, he- he asked me to marry him. Well, I asked him as well...We both asked each other." Daena clarified, blushing.

"You...asked him?" Daemon asked curiously.

"I did!" Daena confirmed with a smile. He asked her why. "Because. I love him, Father! I want to be with him. Forever."

Daemon chuckled at her words but Daena didn't laugh. She meant every word she said.

"There is more." She spoke up again, this time sitting closer to her father. "In four days, I will sail for King's Landing. I will speak with the King about my inheritance of Runestone."

She proceeded to explain to her father her troubles. She was a Royce by blood but not in name and she had no intentions of changing her last name. So, Daena decided to name an heir who would succeed Runestone after her.

"Harwin will also go with me. He will speak to his father about our betrothal and then before we return to Dragonstone we will announce our betrothal to His Grace. I have no intention of letting Otto Hightower's daughter meddle in my life."

"What do you want from me? My permission?"

"I don't need your permission. I want your blessing so that I can proceed with my plans in peace, knowing my father supports me."

Daemon watched his daughter with a smile on his face. Fierce and beautiful she was, with fire in her eyes, a fire only the blood of Old Valyria could possess. She looked determined and headstrong like nothing could sway her mind. Rhea wore that face many times while he was still around her. He couldn't help but think of how similar the two looked.

"You look so much like your mother in certain lights."

This caught her off guard and her carefully crafted mask slipped and her eyes glazed over with unshed tears. He stood up and grabbed her face. "You don't have to pretend. Not around me."

Her lip quivered and her brows furrowed as she tried her hardest not to cry. She was tired of constantly shedding tears. "The last thing Mother...before she died, we talked about Harwin. She said he was a good man and he would be a good match for me. She gave me her blessing. Please, father, I-"

He cut her off. "You have my blessing."

"Kirimvose kepa." (Thank you, Father) She whispered, her voice cracking and she leaned into his touch. He kissed her brow and hugged her. Daena held onto him tightly, her head slung over his shoulder. She felt so small in his arms, and he remembered how clingy he was when she was a toddler, always demanding he hold her.

How he wished he could go back to those times, to those simpler times when his daughter was little and could fit so neatly in his arms. And here she was, asking for his blessing to marry the man she loved. He blinked away the tears.

Four days later, King's Landing

Lord Lyonel Strong was returning to his chambers after a Small Council meeting when Ser Steffon Darklyn stopped him and told him his son had arrived at the Red Keep. Lyonel frowned. Harwin didn't tell him anything about returning to the capital. As far as Lyonel knew, Harwin was on Dragonstone serving Princess Daena.

"He's here? Why?" Lyonel asked.

"Princess Daena was summoned by Her Grace. She arrived by boat this morning." Ser Steffon replied.

"The Princess wishes to speak with you, my lord." The Kingsguard added.

"Did she say why?"

"No."

Lyonel found himself in front of the Princess's chambers. His son, who was standing at the door, greeted him.

"Father. It's good to see you again."

"Son...You never told me you would be visiting."

"The Princess didn't want anyone to know when we would be arriving."

"Why?"

"Perhaps it's best you ask her yourself," Harwin said and opened the door. Lyonel walked in and Harwin followed and closed the door.

His eyes first fell on her silver hair. It shone like molten silver in the bright morning light. Her back was straight and her shoulders stiff.

"Princess. You wished to see me."

She turned around. Her black gown was straight and sharp, with no embroidery. Rubies, emeralds, sapphires, diamonds, and pearls were sewn into the cuffs and shoulders of the gown. Her face was serious, but there was kindness in her lilac eyes. Lyonel has been serving House Targaryen for decades and has met many members of the royal family, but he would never get accustomed to their strange eyes.

"Lord Lyonel. Thank you for meeting me on such short notice. Please, sit." She said walking toward the chairs.

"What is it that you wished to discuss?" Lyonel asked once they all sat down. He wondered for a split second why Harwin was still in the room with them.

"There were two topics I wanted to discuss with you. One of them concerns Harwin. That's why he's here. But first, I wanted to talk about my inheritance. Upon my mother's death, as her only child, I inherited Runestone and became its ruling lady. One little problem is that I'm not a Royce by name, only by blood."

"You could always change your last name."

Daena chuckled. "Now why would I ever do that?"

"I merely thought-"

She lifted her hand. "I know what you thought, my lord. I thought of it too. But, my last name holds too much power for me to give it up. I am one of the last scions of Old Valyria. Too few of us bear the name Targaryen. Why would I ever want to give that up? And for what? Castles, lands? No. Never."

Lyonel thought for a moment. "You could name an heir."

"Precisely." She said, pointing with her chalice.

"Who did you have in mind?"

"My nephew, Ossifer."

"...Isn't he a child?"

"Yes," Daena said. "But, I will be Lady of Runestone until he turns 16. Once he does, all my rights and titles will pass on to him. I've already spoken to Lady Jeyne Arryn about it. She agreed."

"What about your children?" He asked. She seemed confused. "Once you have children, will they be able to lay claim on Runestone?"

"Well, If I make a good and proper contract, no, they won't. Whomever I marry...our children will take his last name. Once Ossifer becomes Lord of Runestone, none of my children will be able to challenge him."

They further discussed the details of her contract. Once that was finished Daena was just about to start talking about the second, and in her opinion more pressing, issue. But, before she could utter a word someone knocked on the door.

A red-headed maid came in. Daena did not recognize her. "Forgive me, Princess. Her Grace requests your presence in her chambers."

"I'll be there shortly," Daena answered curtly and the maid left. She sighed and got up.

"Before I leave..." She picked up a letter box from a nearby table and pulled out a letter.

"A letter for you, my lord. From my father...your son will explain everything, won't you, Harwin?"

"Of course, Princess," Harwin responded.

"I'll be back soon. Thank you again for helping me, my lord. It's greatly appreciated. " Daena bid the men goodbye and left the room.

"Princess Daena, Your Grace."

"You may leave, Talya." Alicent dismissed her maid and turned around.

Daena Targaryen stood in front of her, tall and poised. The jewels on her black gown shimmered like stars compared to the rest of Alicent's dim room. Her signature silver hair was pulled back in a slick updo, freeing her face.

Daena's cold lilac eyes stared at her, observing and calculating. She greeted Alicent curtly. "...Your Grace. You called for me."

"Yes, I did. I presume you read my letter." Alicent said as she sat down, gesturing to the Targaryen to do the same. Daena seemed reluctant to do so.

"I did," Daena answered as she sat down across the Green Queen.

"Have you thought about what I wrote about? A marriage pact between you and a Lord from a powerful House would surely benefit the Crown."

Daena tilted her head, looking around the room. "Oh, I thought about it...Who did you have in mind as a candidate for my hand?"

"There are several suitable candidates: Ser Tyland Lannister, Lord Desmond Manderly, Bennard Stark, younger brother to Lord Rickon, and...Ser Gwayne Hightower."

Daena couldn't help but laugh at the last name suggested. "Your brother?" She asked with raised brows. "The one my father bested at a tourney?"

Alicent flushed in embarrassment at the memory. "What about the others?"

"I don't feel like living in the North... too much snow," Daena commented, waving her hand around. "And Ser Tyland is...fine I suppose, but frightfully dull. I need a man who can match the fire inside me."

"What does that even mean?"

"I want a husband of my own choosing. I know very well what a loveless marriage brings. Just look at my parents, they hated each other. I don't wish that fate for myself or my future children. I want to love my husband and for him to love me." Daena explained and Alicent couldn't stop from frowning a bit.

"...Not many people live such lives. Few people know marital bliss and affection." Alicent replied, trying to stay composed.

"That is true, but I don't see why I can't be one of those people. What is stopping me?"

"Most women don't get to choose their husbands," Alicent said, her voice shaking at the end.

"I am not 'most women.' " Daena stated, her voice steady and her gaze steely. "Now, if that is all, I must speak with the King."

"About?"

"A private matter," Daena replied curtly while standing up. She looked around again. "How do you live in this room, I wonder."

"What do you mean?" Alicent asked.

"My aunt died in this room...they cut her open on that bed and here you are...living here."

Alicent gulped, uncomfortable with the reminder of the late Queen Aemma. With a nod of the head, she dismissed Daena, too agitated to continue conversing with the Princess.

The daughter of the Rogue Prince quickly left the room. Alicent watched as she disappeared, the jewels on her shoulders shimmering once more. What a brazen, ill-mannered woman, Alicent thought critically.

While the Princess conversed with the Queen, Harwin was in her chambers talking to his father. He and Daena went over the major talking point multiple times, but now that he was in front of his lord father, he found himself tongue-tied. He was never the best with words; Hanna and Larys were much better at it than him.

"Harwin, what is this? Are my eyes deceiving me?" Lyonel asked once he read Prince Daemon's letter.

"No, father. It's true. I want to marry the Princess. She... she wants to marry me as well." Harwin answered, stumbling on his words a bit.

"Does she?" Lyonel asked with a smile.

Harwin looked down, a smile of his own blooming on his lips. They conversed a bit more. It was mostly Harwin who did the talking, trying to convince his father how good of an idea this was. His father was the Hand of the King and Harwin would inherit the biggest castle in Westeros; he was more than capable of providing for a royal Princess. Their conversation about the Princess was stopped by her return.

Harwin nervously shuffled his feet, looking at anything but Daena. "So, Lord Lyonel, did you read my father's letter?" She asked.

"I have."

"And? What is your answer?"

"You honor us, Princess."

"Is that a yes?" Daena asked, her voice tinged with a sense of urgency. Lyonel nodded.

She smiled, a sense of relief washing over her. All was going according to plan. She was glad but knew she couldn't rest until she and Harwin were officially married.

"Good. My lord, you go and write a letter to my father telling him you accept the offer. I shall now go and speak with the King."

The next day

Alicent was seconds away from jumping out of the window. She was having breakfast with her husband who was going on and on about Daena's betrothal to Harwin Strong. Unfortunately for her, the silver-haired minx got to Viserys first. She vividly remembers the smirk on the Princess's face when they bumped into each other in front of the king's chambers last night.

"-I'm so happy for her. She's like a daughter to me. I know Daemon and I don't see eye to eye about many things but her happiness is of vital importance to both of us, I'm sure of that."

"Ser Harwin is a good man. I'm sure the Princess will be happy by his side." She replied curtly.

"Speaking of them, did you congratulate them?" Viserys asked, oblivious to his wife's growing disinterest.

"I haven't had the pleasure yet."

"Oh, you must, you absolutely must," Viserys said gently, drinking his wine.

Alicent just smiled, biting her tongue lest she displeased the king by implying his niece was a scheming harlot who was having an affair with her sworn protector. Just like Rhaenyra, Alicent thought bitterly. Both of them were treasonous harlots who disobeyed the rules of society.

As per the Queen's request, Harwin and Daena were in the Goodswood, waiting for her. After a couple of minutes, Alicent showed up. Her dark green dress contrasted well with her auburn hair. Daena, feeling victorious, was unbothered by the Queen's presence. She joined hands with her betrothed and greeted Alicent.

"I have heard the joyous news. Congratulations on your betrothal. It seems the Maiden has smiled upon you and granted your wishes." Alicent congratulated, though begrudgingly so.

Daena looked up at Harwin with a smile. "And for that I am grateful." Harwin smiled down at her. Alicent couldn't help but feel envious of their displays of affection. The look of genuine love in their eyes made her stomach churn. Daena seemed to notice.

"Worry not, Your Grace. On the morrow, we shall sail back to Dragonstone and you won't have to look at me anymore, not until the wedding, that is." Daena reassured the Queen, unable to contain the smirk from forming on her lips.

"...What?"

"Oh, you don't know? The wedding will be held here, in the capital. We shall be married in the Great Sept and after that, a feast will be held in the Red Keep." Daena announced proudly.

"...I thought it was being held at Harrenhal."

"Yes, we thought that as well. But, His Grace has expressed his desire for it to be held in King's Landing, and who are we to disobey the King's wishes?"

"How...wonderful," Alicent replied, bile rising at the back of her throat.

"Only one night, I said. That is more than enough. After that, we shall leave for Harrenhal." Daena said, waving her hand around.

Alicent was reminded of Prince Daemon and his arrogant behavior. Like father, like daughter, she thought as she watched Daena. Alicent could bear it no longer and she turned around and briskly walked away, leaving the pair alone in the Godswood.

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