Chapter 137: Chapter 137: Custody of Children
"You're a sinner who doesn't deserve the light of day," Rhaegar's voice cut through the tension, his grip tightening on the hilt of the Dark Sisters' sword. "Uncle, last time we met, you left your own sword behind. What will you leave this time?"
"Tsk tsk, you're not as charming as you used to be,"Daemon replied, disappointment in his voice as he shook his head. His eyes were cold and determined, and he was still haunted by memories of a rainy night seven years ago.
Were it not for Laena's timely rescue, he and Caraxes would have been buried at sea.
The clash was inevitable. With a resounding bang, Rhaegar and Daemon collided, their gazes locked in a fierce struggle. Daemon, towering over Rhaegar, exerted his strength, forcing Rhaegar back a step.
"Uncle, have you no weapon left after losing the Dark Sister?" Rhaegar's voice was sharp as he swiftly unsheathed his sword, aiming a strike at Daemon's waist.
"Stop!" Several alarmed voices rang out as Daemon deftly sidestepped Rhaegar's blow, countering with a press to Rhaegar's shoulder.
"You're outmatched, kid," Daemon sneered, his experience evident as he attempted to grapple Rhaegar.
But Rhaegar wasn't finished yet. He quickly came back with a counterattack, aiming for Daemon's heart with his elbow.
"Stop, no fighting in my castle!" Corlys stepped in with a loud order, calling for an end to the fight.
One was the heir, the other the husband of his daughter.
The atmosphere was charged with tension. Any harm done would have serious consequences.
For either of them to die on his castle would be an unbearable disaster.
One was the heir, the other the husband of his daughter.
Neither of them bothered to listen to what he wanted to say.
Rhaenyra and Laena sprang into action, rushing to separate the uncle and nephew.
Rhaegar's hand moved to stab Daemon in his belly, but he was halted by Rhaenyra's intervention, her grip firm as she pulled him away.
"Rhaegar, no," Rhaenyra's voice was stern, her furious gaze fixed on Daemon, while Laena held him tightly, restraining his movements.
At the same time, a blood-red figure was seen in the night sky above Driftmark.
"Roar..."
A loud, thunderous roar suddenly shattered the silence, reverberating like a bell. From the dark clouds emerged a massive beast, its green eyes gleaming with menace as it fixed its gaze on the intruder.
"Roar!"
The blood-red figure was startled by the appearance of the dark beast and let out a warning roar before quickly retreating and distancing itself from the threat.
...
Once Corlys and the women got involved, the tension inside the castle eased up for a bit.
Daemon, not happy about the confrontation, walked over to Laena's seat and sat down.
Rhaenyra forcefully pulled Rhaegar back to his seat. Corlys, his expression stern, spoke in a deep voice, "I don't care what grudges you have. In my castle, you will not act recklessly."
"Don't take it personally. I just came back to have a look," Daemon said, taking Laena's hand and stroking it.
"Shut up!" Corlys immediately rebuked, his tone a sharp warning. "You've seen everything you wanted to see. Do you want me to kick you out?"
Though they were technically of the same generation, Corlys was 28 years older and had no qualms about reprimanding his son-in-law.
Daemon snorted and turned his head, saying no more. He and Laena had already planned for the children's return to Westeros to restore their legal status. While the plan was originally to follow this step, Daemon, as their father, wanted to do it himself.
"What was the response?" Daemon asked.
"The prince has recognized the royal status of Baela and Rhaena," Ranelle replied, pinching Daemon's waist discreetly to warn him not to cause trouble.
Rhaegar sat across from Daemon, staring coldly and contemplating whether another ambush was necessary. He had never liked his arrogant uncle and couldn't tolerate someone who disregarded the law.
"Calm down, he's just a lost dog," Rhaenyra whispered, stroking Rhaegar's cheek, worried that the conflict would reignite. After all, Daemon was a seasoned warrior, and she feared Rhaegar might suffer.
Rhaenys, deciding to end the farce, stood up and raised her glass. "Tonight is a feast for me to reunite with my loved ones," she announced loudly. "Everyone here is a pillar of the kingdom or a member of my bloodline."
Sweeping her gaze around the room, she continued, "Whatever your grievances, I don't want any surprises, at least tonight."
Laena and Laenor were the first to respond, raising their glasses as their mother spoke. Corlys, intending to follow suit, glanced at Lyonel and raised his glass. Lyonel, catching Rhaenyra's signal, clinked glasses with her.
By the end of the night, only Rhaegar, Daemon, and the watching Aegon remained silent.
"I agree," Daemon finally said, tapping the tabletop after Laena's persistent nudging.
"I respect your wishes, Aunt," Rhaegar echoed, his eyes darkening as he also knocked on the tabletop.
Aegon watched in awe and quickly followed suit, tapping the tabletop with excitement. It was a rare treat to see his brother Rhaegar and uncle Daemon clash. "This trip to Driftmark was worth it," he thought to himself.
With the tension eased, Rhaenys took a sip of wine, indicating her approval.
The feast continued. A servant brought Daemon a chair, and a maid carried the two babies into the hall. Daemon, who was experiencing fatherhood for the first time, took his twin daughters in his arms and gazed at them with a mix of wonder and tenderness.
He had almost been a father once before, to a boy, but the child's mother, a woman of low status, had been cast out by his ruthless brother, leading to a tragic miscarriage.
Seizing the moment, Laena raised her glass and said sincerely, "Cousin, thank you for forgiving my sins and restoring the identities of my two children. I offer you a toast."
Rhaegar raised his glass and exchanged a meaningful glance with Rhaenyra.
"Laena, you have been away from Westeros for too long. Would you like to return to King's Landing with us so my father can see the children?" Rhaenyra asked.
"Of course, it would be my honor," Laena replied, her smile bright with hope for her children's future.
Rhaenyra pondered for a moment, then raised her glass again. "Laena, I love these two children, and I have an important request."
Laena looked puzzled, unsure of what her friend meant.
"The children's last name is Targaryen, but their father is a sinner," Rhaenyra continued. "I believe they should live in the Red Keep and be raised by the crown."
Rhaenyra's request was logical. The children were indeed Targaryens by blood, and being raised at the Red Keep would ensure their integration into the royal family. It would be inappropriate to allow them to remain with Daemon or to be raised by Laena in Driftmark.
Laena's eyes widened in horror. "Rhaenyra, you want to take away my children?" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with resistance. She had just given birth; how could she part with her babies?
(Word count: 1,189)
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