The two seemed happy together.
And it had repaired the frayed relations with the Velaryons.
Should he just set the match and end the discourse on it?
In the end Elaena would get over it, just as Rhaenyra got over it.
…
As if sensing a decision forming, Elaena spoke up again.
“You allowed Rhaenyra to do a grand tour of the realm when she was older.
And while she ended up not selecting anyone, it did allow her to learn more of the Seven Kingdoms.
I enjoy learning, and books cannot teach me everything.
I also would love to have the opportunity to select my own husband, within reason of course.
Given the even greater importance attached to your heir’s choice in lifelong partner, I would not think it wrong to give her younger sister, whose choice is less impactful to the realm’s future, the same opportunity.”
Viserys thought a bit about her words.
He had given his eldest the choice… it would be fair to allow her the same privilege.
Introducing his other daughter to the wider realm, a daughter who was brilliant and poised, would also beneficial.
“When would you begin such a tour?”
He saw Elaena concentrate, “Six and ten would be appropriate, I would be mature enough to make a rational decision.”
“Given the time it takes to negotiate a betrothal contract, and plan a wedding, that may be too long of a wait.”
“Would it be?
Based on the texts I’ve read, giving birth at a young age shortly after the first coming of moon’s blood leads to birthing complications.
Given my family history, I would be more at ease in waiting longer and being sure I will be around to help my children grow.”
Viserys tried to suppress a wince.
Alicent had been there for Elaena, but she had well founded fears given what happened to Aemma.
That, itself, pushed his decision.
“Very well, we will plan a tour when you are five and ten, unless you change your mind about marrying one of your family.
But mind you, if you emulate Rhaenyra in this matter, I will make the choice for you.”
Elaena’s smile lit up her face.
“Thank you, father!” She embraced him in a hug and he felt good about the decision.
Making his family smile was a duty and a joy.
His daughter had another request, not related to her future marriage.
“Father, I’d like to study at the Citadel.
I’ve asked Maester Mellos for additional tomes and texts, however there is a lengthy travel time to consider, and some works have few copies and the Maesters are loath to provide originals.”
“I’m not sure about that my dear, I don’t believe women study at the Citadel.”
“Well,” she said with a smile, “it is a good thing then that you are the King, and that your wife is a Hightower.
One word from the both of you and I am sure they will have someone escort me around as I desire.”
He chuckled. You are reading on g.com, the official source.
“It may not be as easy as that.”
“It should be, and if you wish Rhaenyra to inherit, then there should be fewer barriers to women being able to accomplish things.
I am not suggesting you overturn the prohibition on female Maesters, but surely the King’s daughter could visit and study at the Citadel!”
She has a point.
“I will discuss it with the Grand Maester.
It is quite the distance from King’s Landing to Oldtown.
This is something we can consider when you are older as well.”
“I have a dragon, father.”
“You haven’t even reached your eighth name day, Elaena!
I am not allowing you to fly halfway across Westeros on your lonesome.”
“Very well, I can wait until I am eight, thank you father!”
He blinked.
“Elaena, that isn’t what I said.”
She gave him a roguish smile, and for a moment she reminded him of a young Daemon, and that brought a pang of sadness that they were still at odds with each other.
He missed his brother.
“Yes, but I believe you overestimate the danger.
I can fly to Bitterbridge on the first day and spend the night with House Caswell.
The next day, make for Highgarden and then evening with the Tyrells.
I would then arrive on the third day in Oldtown.
I would be in the air the entire time, or surrounded by your loyal and leal lords of the realm.”
The King shook his head.
No matter how advanced Elaena was for her age, this was a bit too soon.
“I’m sorry, Elaena, but not yet.”
“I understand.
In that case, what about allowing me to make shorter trips, such as visiting Driftmark or Dragonstone?”
Not wanting to outright refuse her twice in a row, he gave a partial agreement.
She had flown with an escort many times now, so she should be able to handle going on her own for the short journey.
“You may fly alone, but only to those two locations.”
Elaena looked pleased with that and they finished their walk for the day on a high note.
…
“How did Aegon do?” Alicent asked Ser Criston.
“Acceptable.
He is earnest, and at times has difficulties controlling his temper.
When his ire grows, he forces himself to do a type of patterned breathing that calms him.”
“It works?”
As far as his potential at swordsmanship, it is too early to say.”
Alicent nodded.
It would be good if her son grew to be someone who could win tournaments like Cole so often did.
It wasn’t a necessity of course; Aegon was a Targaryen, and one day he would have a dragon.
Aegon himself could not wait for that day, though his arms training was serving as a good distraction.
“The princess is with child again,” she told Criston.
“And this time she has been seen with Laenor, but the nature of that man means the child likely is not his.”
Alicent found the whole subject distasteful, no matter how useful it was.
Despite the pronouncement of Viserys, Alicent was sure to regularly make comments inferring the true nature of Jacaerys.
She knew that her father was also spreading the tale outside of King’s Landing, drumming up the very real concern that a bastard would one day sit the Iron Throne.
“We shall have to see.”
The door opened and Elaena came in.
“Mother, Ser Criston, how do you both fare?”
“No complaints, princess,” Criston said.
Alicent looked at Criston, as he always grew more wary when Elaena was around.
She thought it her imagination at first, but being around the knight regularly meant she had learned much of his manner.
She realized she had paused too long, as Elaena was looking at her for an answer.
“I am well, my daughter.
I wanted to speak with you regarding your request to your father.
It our duty as noble women to marry those who will benefit our families, not just who strikes our fancy.
I will not pretend that is always an easy duty, but it is a sacrifice we make for the good of the realm.”
“What is best for the realm, is not always easy to discern.
I would of course consider not just physical form and personality compatibility.
I intend to do a detailed cost-benefit analysis on each prospective candidate.”
“Or… you could consider marrying Aegon.”
Elaena was silent for a few moments, “I’m sorry mother, but I cannot view my siblings as potential marriage partners.
It unsettles me greatly.
If you were not married to father, I believe you would find the notion of marrying Gwayne just as troubling.”
“But they are not Targaryens,” Ser Criston interjected.
“No, but I cannot change the way I feel on this.
I would expect you to understand better than most, Ser Criston.”
…
Who knew?
So …
just keep tossing them 😉
…