“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.”
…
Alicent was surprised, was that a comment on the vows of chastity the Kingsguard take?
Why would that create embarrassment for Ser Criston?
She sighed, her daughter was almost never stubborn about anything, and this of all things was where she chose to dig her heels in.
Well, Elaena was young still, maybe she would change her mind.
And if not, Aegon could wed Helaena.
Following that Targaryen tradition in that manner had its own benefits.
“Thank you for explaining, Elaena.” A thought came to her, “I take it that means you are set on not marrying anyone within your family, be it brother, cousin, or nephew?”
“That is correct, mother.
Father also broached the idea of being married to Jacaerys, but it still felt wrong to me.”
“He did what?” Alicent almost hissed the question.
Elaena tilted her head, “You did not know?
The age difference and the familial relation made it easy to beg off.
Father was kind enough to listen to my concerns and I will not have to wed him either.”
Alicent gave her a fragile smile.
“Yes, that’s good, yes.
Elaena, would you mind checking on Aemond and Helaena, I have a few other things to speak with Ser Criston on before dinner.”
The young princess left them alone and Alicent whirled on Criston.
“That would have been a disaster if the two married!
How is it that my husband did not see fit to tell me about this?”
Ser Criston looked at her oddly.
“Your Grace… how would I know?”
Useless, if father was still the Hand, he would have my husband’s ear.
Seven knows I don’t half the time.
Alicent had hoped that Lord Strong would make some misstep as Hand, but so far, he had not done so.
The man wore black, like his son, but he was cordial with many at the court.
He had a reputation for evenhandedness her father had not had.
Another disappointing turn.
It seemed as if every possible opportunity was cut off before it could be grasped.
Sometimes she despaired and felt it was all hopeless.
“Have the maidservant bring Daeron, I wish to hold him for a time.”
“Yes, Your Grace.” Follow the newest chapters on g.com.
Daeron, her youngest child, and hopefully last child, was a delight.
Only Helaena had been as sweet during the early years.
Holding her babe tight, while she could, was one of the few things that allowed her fears to temporarily subside.
…
Rhaenyra was once more on the birthing bed.
At her side was her sister and husband.
Ser Harwin guarded the door and an actual competent Maester, a man by the name of Gerardys, was assisting with the birth.
This was her second time, and things seemed to be progressing smoothly.
The pain was a dull ache, bothersome, but nothing she couldn’t handle.
Laenor even complimented Rhaenyra on doing better at not maiming his hand.
She liked Laenor.
His jests were frequent, but not too common.
He approached life in much the same way she did.
Damn the stringent roles that Westeros forced on them; they would live.
When it came time to push, she pushed, and soon she was welcoming another boy into the world.
Lucerys would be his name, or Luke for short.
Viserys came and congratulated her.
He had doted upon Jace and oft said he would one day be King of the Seven Kingdoms.
Luke was much like Jace in body, and when Elaena had an opportunity to hold the babe, she gave Laenor a fierce glare.
Rhaenyra barely held onto the giggle that threatened to leak out as the dragonrider and warrior who had fought in several battles, shrank back from a little girl’s ire.
Not all visitors were welcome.
The bitch Queen Alicent had stopped by.
Her green dress showcased her slim figure and emeralds danced upon wrist and throat.
She looked down at the babe and then at Laenor.
“Do keep trying, soon or late, you may get one who looks likes you.”
Laenor’s jaw clenched, but he said nothing and soon Alicent left them.
As the hour grew late, they posted guards to inform them that she and her babe were resting and to turn anyone away.
Only then did Ser Harwin enter and hold his son.
Rhaenyra always enjoyed seeing her sworn shield interact with his children.
They had to keep it to a minimum, but these moments were too precious to miss despite the exhaustion settling in from the delivery.
“He’s perfect,” he rumbled.
He was.
Harwin also deserved more time with his children.
Rhaenyra wanted to remain in King’s Landing to be a counterweight to Alicent’s influence, but was all this worth it?
She was the Lady of Dragonstone, she had two children, she could take her seat and manage it personally.
Flying on dragon-back would still allow her to attend court functions, tournaments, name days, and feasts as required.
Seeing baby Luke so peaceful in Harwin’s strong arms made her decision.
Court intrigues be damned, she would not sacrifice the father of her children’s happiness for advantage.
She was the heir, and no matter how many backbiters and ne’er-do-wells Alicent gathered, it would not matter.
Ser Harwin would have to give up his position as captain of the Gold Cloaks, but she knew that would be fine.
With the additional privacy of Dragonstone, they could afford to be more free and less guarded.
She would miss seeing Elaena on a daily basis, but her sister was already asking for escorts so she could visit various places with Viktoriya.
Dragonstone was also very close to Driftmark, which would allow her to spend more time with Laenor’s sister Laena, who was a kindred spirit in many ways.
Yes, this would all work out for the better.
…
Viserys had been disappointed when Rhaenyra left for Dragonstone.
It was her right, of course, and Lord Lyonel had advised it was good for his heir to learn how to administer holdings personally instead of leaving it to a castellan.
And yes, she would return regularly, but his two grandsons were too young for the rigors of dragon traveling, and he missed seeing them.
There was something special about being a grandsire, and he delighted in holding Rhaenyra’s babes over all others.
Fortunately, he still had his precious Elaena.
Their daily walks were still the best way to begin his day.
“Father, I love my sister, and there are many who are utterly devoted to her.
Yet, I feel at times their short-term desire to aid my sister will cause friction in the future.”
Viserys was not sure what Elaena meant, so he looked at her quizzically.
“Your Hand is Lord of Harrenhal, a critical seat in the Riverlands.
His son and heir has given up a position of importance to continue serving Rhaenyra as her sworn shield.
While he was here in King’s Landing he could do both duties reasonably well, but obviously it is impossible while on Dragonstone.
While in King’s Landing it was easy for him to interact with potential ladies of the court who could serve as wife and continue the Strong line.”
…
Who knew?
So …
just keep tossing them 😉
…