“I don’t want to do anything that would make me look inept, and though taxes are a sort of evil, I’d like to atone for it by using the funds in a meaningful way.” – From the Saga of Tanya the Evil Vol.
2
Viserys smiled at his daughter as she regaled him with her tales of her shopping with Alicent.
It gave him no little joy to know that Alicent and Elaena were close.
With the advantage of hindsight, it was clear that marrying Alicent so quickly was the correct decision.
It allowed Elaena to have a mother in her life.
Now, if only Rhaenyra and Alicent could cease bickering with each other.
“Then we purchased a most interesting type of leather.
The merchant claimed it was specially made in Yi Ti, but I have my doubts.
I plan on taking it to a leatherworker and have it made into new riding gloves for Rhaenyra.”
“That would be a fine gift!”
“It really was fascinating to make these purchases.
I want to learn more about how trade works in the Seven Kingdoms.
Might it be possible for you to arrange a meeting with Lord Beesbury, your Master of Coin, so that I can learn a bit more hands on how taxation and tariffs work?”
Viserys was well accustomed to the eager curiosity that Elaena so often displayed.
Their now daily walks were the perfect thing to clear his mind before a busy day of ruling, small council meetings, discussions with various lords seeking favors, and feasting.
It was rare for him to miss these now, and only when there was some urgent matter to deal with.
“I shall speak with him.
Lyman is a busy man, but I will make sure he makes time for you soon.”
“Thank you, father.
I am sure I will learn much from him.”
They had incorporated going up stairs lately as they walked, a task that still winded him somewhat, but was becoming easier.
He caught his breath after going up a set and then inquired upon how her siblings were doing.
“Aegon is learning his letters and will soon be able to read on his own.”
The King’s eyebrows rose.
“So quickly?
Mellos had reported his early lessons had not gone well.”
Elaena gave a small shrug.
“Perhaps he listens to me more, since I know him better.
I’ve found the key is to burn off his excess energy before putting books in front of him.”
Maesters were the ones who taught children, and Aegon would still be taught by them, but there was no hurry.
If the troublesome boy started with a strong level of literacy, all the better.
He once again felt himself inclined toward a match between Elaena and Aegon.
As his daughter had said sometime ago, there truly was no hurry.
Elaena was six and Aegon’s fifth name day celebration would be soon.
They would need to wait at least seven or eight years to get married, if that is what he ended up choosing to do.
“Helaena and Aemond are healthy and growing, too early to start on their letters, of course.”
Viserys nodded; that was good.
He would check on them himself, every now and then.
He would also ask his wife how they were, but Elaena spent so much time with her siblings, she was the best person to ask.
Alicent boasted on how caring and reliable her daughter was and how Viserys should be proud of her.
The unspoken condemnation of Rhaenyra always hung heavy in the air, but he ignored it.
The walk ended and Elaena gave her customary embrace.
He took in a deep breath as she returned to the Royal Apartments.
There was trouble between Dorne and the Stormlands, again, and they would have to navigate tricky waters.
The last thing the realm needed was open conflict, and he was determined to prevent it.
Above almost all else, Viserys wished for peace.
…
Rhaenyra had missed her moon’s blood for a second time.
She was also having issues with nausea.
It could be nothing else, she was pregnant.
This was both a joyous and worrisome occasion for her.
Joyous because it was expected of her as heir to produce children.
If ill fortune had made her barren, it was likely that not even her father’s edict would allow her to inherit.
It was worrisome because Laenor had not been in King’s Landing for some time.
And it was also terrifying, due to what had happened to Aemma.
Ser Joffrey had been taken to Laenor’s home in Driftmark.
The blows to the head he had received have very nearly been fatal.
The Grand Maester had been amazed that Joffrey had woken up at all.
As it was, the man was not the same when he had awoken.
His personality was intact, but he was less coordinated and his speech had an odd slur to it.
Laenor had written that the speech had improved, but that Joffrey still needed care and taking him to court would not be helpful.
Her husband was loath to leave Joffrey alone, and so he had remained on Driftmark.
Rhaenyra needed to keep the pregnancy hidden for now and visit Driftmark quickly.
She left word with a servant to tell the King that she wanted to visit her husband and then headed for the Dragonpit.
The pit itself was a huge domed construction that housed multiple dragons.
As she neared, she saw Elaena working with Viktoriya in the courtyard of the structure under the careful guidance of the Dragonkeepers.
The silver scaled dragon almost shone in the sunlight.
Viktoriya was given commands in High Valyrian and she adhered to them all.
When Elaena told her to fly, she launched herself into the air with an easy grace.
The dragon was growing nicely and she would already be able to bear the weight of Elaena.
It was absurd that her father was making her wait.
“Hello, sister,” Elaena greeted her.
“Come to fly on Syrax?”
“I am, but I intend to go to Driftmark and visit Laenor.”
“How long will you be gone?”
That was a good question.
“I’m not sure, but at least a few days.”
Elaena nodded, “Safe travels then, please give my regards to my good-brother and his family.”
Rhaenyra ruffled her little sister’s hair and then walked past her into the Dragonpit and brought out Syrax.
Her yellow scales were hardening as she grew in age.
Dragons grew more powerful the older they became.
When they are younger it was possible for a heavy crossbow to pierce their scales, but not so for Syrax.
Now it would take a scorpion firing a large bolt to pierce her defenses.
Arrows and crossbow-fired bolts could still harm her dragon, of course.
The eyes and the wings were vulnerable, and in battle, so was she while riding Syrax.
She mounted her dragon and ensured the chains were secure and then took off for Driftmark. This chapter was copied from g.com without permission.
The journey to Driftmark would take but a few hours on Syrax.
Despite her anxieties, she felt alive while flying.
The roar of the wind and the spectacular view took her mind off her troubles.
Soon she landed at Driftmark and was quickly greeted by Lord Corlys Velaryon.
This was her good-father and one of the most powerful nobles in the Seven Kingdoms.
House Velaryon had an impressive navy, and his ships did much trade with Essos.
“Princess, we were not expecting you.”
“Forgive me, but I wished to see my husband, there is no cause for alarm.”
He bowed and led her into the castle of High Tide, his seat of power.
There he had the servants begin preparation for a welcoming feast, and then he showed her to her husband.
After making sure they were alone she shared the news.
“Laenor, I’m with child.”
He blinked.
“That is good, my parents and Viserys will be happy.”
“We haven’t been seen together in some time; we have to fix that.”
Laenor looked away and then back to her.
“I see the issue; you’ve been seen here now at least.
I will visit King’s Landing myself in a few days.”
“How is Joffrey?”
Laenor exhaled heavily.
“He is getting better, but it is slow.
His speech has almost returned to the way it was previously, but physically… some things just are not improving.
He is a knight, and he cannot fight, either in war or in a tournament.
It is hard for him.”
She nodded her in sympathy.
It must be wretched to not be able to do what you loved.
Had someone told her she could never fly Syrax again, she too would be distraught.
However much she sympathized, Rhaenyra still needed Leanor to be by her side as often as possible.
“You know that it will not just be one visit.
We will need to be seen together more frequently, and not just here in Driftmark, but in King’s Landing.
How will it appear if you are away while your wife is bearing your child?”
Laenor gave a frustrated groan and ran his hands through his hair.
“I know, I know!
I will go to King’s Landing and I will play my part.
But I will be back to Driftmark regularly.
I cannot abandon him.”
It will have to do… for now.
…
Who knew?
So …
just keep tossing them 😉
…