Here's another Baratheon OC for you all. This time my first female led one so hopefully I do it justice considering I'm a man. But if George R.R. Martin can do it then I hope I can too. The first few chapters will have some development for our main lead before the Rebellion starts. She'll start off married to Rhaegar but the tag is a Jaime/OC story so we'll see that develop over the events of the story. Also this is my first attempt at a Jaime/OC story so I hope I do it justice.
278 A.C.
She didn't think she would be wed to the Crown Prince, but here she was. Selene Baratheon, eldest daughter of Steffon Baratheon was preparing to wed Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, heir to the throne. The match had been proposed by the king, Aerys II, to her father. Aerys said he needed someone of Targaryen blood to wed his son, but his wife Queen Rhaella had failed to produce a daughter for Rhaegar to wed. Selene was chosen due to her grandmother being Aerys' aunt, and since the Baratheons descend from Orys Baratheon, who was rumored to be Aegon the Conqueror's half-brother, the match made perfect sense for the realm. Aerys wanted to keep the bloodlines pure like his father Jaehaerys II did, so Selene was the closest thing to Targaryen blood for Rhaegar.
But for Selene, well, she wasn't all that excited. Yes the prospect of being queen was exciting but she didn't really feel anything for Rhaegar. Whenever they visited, Rhaegar would often tell stories of legends and prophecies, not to mention he would visit Summerhall, that haunted castle and play his harp. He also never payed her any mind. All the other girls in the Seven Kingdoms found him handsome, but Selene felt indifferent about him. He could be charming and gallant, perhaps he could be a great king, considering he was more popular than his father, who had begun to show signs of madness. But to be fair, in Selene's mind, it made sense for why Aerys was paranoid, considering what happened at Duskendale, but he didn't need to be overly cruel at times. He insulted Tywin Lannister, his Hand when he called Tywin's daughter Cersei, a servant's daughter. Selene knew it would not bode well to invoke Tywin's wrath, she knew about the stories of Castamere but perhaps she could do something for Cersei and that would be to have her as a lady-in-waiting. Perhaps because of this she could have Cersei married to someone else, someone more worthy of a Lannister. But as long as Aerys lived she could not suggest a marriage with the royal family. Selene's thoughts were interrupted when her mother came in with the bride's dress. It was a beautiful gold and black dress with the symbols of her house stitched in there.
"My little girl. Off to be a princess and one day, a queen. You know I'm very proud of you dear." She said.
"I know mother, I hope I do well as the prince's wife." Selene said.
"You will. I know it." Her mother replied.
"Do you think I'm ready for this?" She asked.
"Of course you are. Why? Do you not think otherwise?"
"I hardly know him. And from what I've seen he's more interested in books than marriage or anything else in life really."
"Oh my dear, he will be good to you I promise. You need to give him time. I never knew your father when we were wed, but out of our union we had four beautiful children that we are so proud of."
"Even Robert?" Selene asked slyly.
"Yes even him. He's young and your father can teach him a thing or two. Hopefully Jon Arryn has been teaching him some things too."
"Will he behave at the feast? I don't want him to cause a scene at my wedding."
"Not to worry, your father has restricted him to two cups at the feast."
"Oh joy. Though it probably wont help, he'll probably sneak off with some wench on his lap." Selene said. She had heard from her parents that Robert had been having a bit too much fun with the serving girls at the Eyrie. His habits weren't approved of by their father. Or her brother Stannis.
"If he does, your father will beat his ear bloody. But it won't come to that Sweetling, I swear." Her mother said.
"Thank you." Selene said.
"Now, enough of all that, I came to help you get ready. And to give you something." Her mother said. She brought a maiden's cloak of the sigil of House Baratheon. "This is the cloak your father gave me when I wed him. Now I give it to you as a gift for your wedding day. This is your special day my dear." Her mother went up to her and gave her a long hug. She returned it and started crying.
"Oh stop mother, my eyes are going to be ruined." Selene said.
"Mine too, but I don't care." She laughed. They both shared that laugh before breaking apart. Her mother then left and her handmaidens dressed her in her wedding gown. Eventually her father came knocking.
"Selene. It's time." He said.
"Yes father." She said. She walked up to her father who smiled at her.
"My special girl. You've made me so proud you know that?"
"Yes father." Selene said smiling at him. She was always close to her father more than her siblings were. She was his 'little princess' he'd call her. Even though she wasn't a princess he always called her that.
"Now I get to call you my little princess after today. You'll make a wonderful princess. And queen someday. I hope to live that long to see that day."
"You will father. You're too tough to kill."
"Don't say that. Fate will tempt that." He laughed. She laughed along with him. After that he gave her a long hug. She hugged him back. They stayed that way for a while before Selene decided to try and break free but her father wouldn't let her go.
"Ok father. We have to go." She said, her face buried in her father's chest. They pulled back laughing.
"Sorry. It's just, hard you know."
"It's okay father. It had to happen eventually."
"I know. I just thought I'd have you home for a few more years." Her father said. "But what's done is done. Time to make you a princess." Her father took her arm and led her to the Great Sept.
It was grand for the occasion. Many lords and ladies came for the royal marriage. Selene saw some of their banners. Stark, Tully, Baratheon, Lannister, Arryn, Tyrell, Martell and finally, her soon-to-be husband's banners, Targaryen. She saw on the left her brothers, Robert and Stannis, her mother holding her baby brother Renly who was born a year earlier. She saw the Starks as well, well only Eddard, Robert's best friend who was fostered alongside him in the Vale. Speaking of the Vale, she also saw Jon Arryn, the man who fostered both Eddard and Robert standing with Ned. On the right, she saw some of the Tullys, Lord Hoster and his brother Brynden, the Blackfish, the Martells, the Princess of Dorne, her brother Prince Lewyn a member of the Kingsguard, her daughter, Princess Elia and her other sons, Doran and Oberyn. Then she saw the Lannisters, Lord Tywin who frightened her, his daughter Cersei and the newly knighted Jaime Lannister, who was knighted for his bravery in fighting the Kingswood Brotherhood. She then saw her new family, King Aerys II, his wife, Queen Rhaella, their second son, Viserys who was born two years ago. It was at the tourney celebrating his birth at Lannisport that Tywin made the proposal to Aerys to wed his daughter to Rhaegar. Now Viserys was to be her new brother. And finally she saw the man she was to wed, Prince Rhaegar Targaryen. He was wearing a splendid outfit with a tunic of black cloth with red leather sleeves. The tunic had his house sigil a three headed dragon stitched on there and he wore the cloak she was to don for her wedding to him. Her father escorted her to Rhaegar and he officially gave her away. She could see he was holding back tears. Then Rhaegar took her arm and led her to the High Septon. She was standing to his left. From there, all the boring parts were happening, the songs and prayers and other mundane things. Selene just wanted to get it over with. Then the High Septon spoke.
"You may now cloak the bride and bring her under your protection." Selene turned at that point as Rhaegar then removed the cloak of Baratheon off her shoulders and handed it to her father. He then placed his own cloak of House Targaryen on her shoulders. "Your Grace, Your Grace." The High Septon said to the king and queen. "My lords, my ladies, we stand here today, to witness the union of man and wife, one heart, one flesh, one soul, now and forever." He then pulled out the fabric used to bind their hands together. "Let it be known that Selene of House Baratheon and Rhaegar of House Targaryen are one heart, one flesh, one soul. Cursed be he who would seek to tear them asunder. In the sight of the Seven, I hereby seal these two souls, binding them as one for eternity. Look upon one another and say the words." Selene turned to Rhaegar as he turned to her.
"Father, Smith, Warrior, Mother, Maiden, Crone, Stranger. I am his and he is mine, from this day, until the end of my days." Selene said as Rhaegar said his own vows. "With this kiss, I pledge my love and take you for my prince and husband."
"With this kiss, I pledge my love and take you for my princess and wife." Rhaegar said. Then he took his right hand and cupped her face brining it close to him as he softly kissed her. She kissed back as well, then the crowd went into an uproar of applause. Rhaegar held her hand as they turned to face the crowd. Her parents were in tears, Robert was cheering loudly, Stannis was, well Stannis about it but she smiled at them, nonetheless. They were then led to the litter taking them back to the Red Keep for the feast. Now she and Rhaegar were alone. Selene thought it might be good to get to know her husband a bit better before the bedding, that way she could feel a bit comfortable. As if sensing her thoughts Rhaegar spoke up.
"So, Selene. We're married now, I think we ought to get to know each other don't you agree?" He said.
"Yes. I suppose so." She replied.
"So what do you like to do?" He asked.
"Well I like to ride."
"You like riding?" He asked. It wasn't a mocking tone like she thought he would react though, it seemed he was genuinely curious.
"Yes, I would ride out in the Kingswood sometimes. My father and mother would both get worried at times. And considering what happened with the Brotherhood, it made sense."
"I remember that. Awful business, but Ser Arthur took care of them easily enough." He said. "Have you ever been to Summerhall?" This took Selene by surprise. She didn't expect that.
"No, I never went near there. Everyone said it was cursed. Never believed it but others seem to." She replied.
"Like Harrenhal I know. It seems wherever my family sets fire to a castle it's always cursed. I never believed that. I've been there myself. It's where I was born." He said looking deep in thought. Selene could see there was something that tormented him, but she couldn't put her finger on it.
"Well it's not necessarily cursed. It's not like Harrenhal which is huge and monstrous, Summerhall can be rebuilt. Myself, I don't really believe in curses, not truly." Rhaegar looked at her, seemingly impressed.
"You're right. Perhaps for the future Prince of Summerhall we could do that?" He said. Selene faltered a bit at that. She wanted children herself after seeing firsthand how Renly was but she dreaded the birthing process. She knew some ladies didn't survive childbirth, Lady Joanna Lannister, Lady Lyarra Stark, but her mother had produced four children herself. Selene could do it too. She was a Baratheon of Storm's End, she was strong.
"Perhaps." She replied to Rhaegar's suggestion.
"So is there anything else you like to do?" Rhaegar asked her.
"Well…" She trailed off.
"What?" He asked.
"It's too embarrassing." She said.
"No please, I really would like to know. Besides you haven't heard my embarrassing stories." He jested. She laughed a little. Perhaps this marriage won't be so bad.
"Alright. I like to sing sometimes."
"Sing?" He asked. Selene felt herself flush at that moment. She could sing well enough, but she preferred to do it by herself. "Well, I like to play the harp. Perhaps we could play something together?" she was shocked at that. Really? He wants to hear me sing?
"Thank you but no. I don't have that good a voice. It's not pleasant." She said quickly.
"As you wish." He said. She could tell from his eyes he was a bit disappointed.
"Maybe one day, when I feel a bit more confident." She said.
"I look forward to that day." He said smiling.
Eventually they were dropped off at the Red Keep and to the throne room where the feast would be at. Every lord of Westeros had their own little section, the Stormlands at the front due to Selene marrying Rhaegar. Selene could see her family was already there, Robert was cheering loudly when she came in with Rhaegar. The rest of the lords applauded them as well. Rhaegar escorted her to the high table where their families were. They sat at the middle as they were the main couple. To her right sat her family and to her left sat her husband and his family. Eventually Aerys got up.
"My lords and ladies! Today we celebrate the union of my son Rhaegar and my good friend and cousin Steffon Baratheon's daughter Selene! Their union is one we should all be celebrating! For one day we will have a true queen we can be proud of! One who is of the blood of the dragon and not some mongrel cub!" Aerys said. Selene could see he was looking at Lord Tywin when he said this. "Let their union be blessed with many children! And let House Targaryen prosper as it did after my ancestors conquered it! To the Prince and Princess!" He said. The whole room cheered and toasted the newlyweds. Aerys went over to her father after that and she could hear what was being said. "You should be proud cousin! Your Selene will make a fine queen one day!"
"I assure you cousin, she will bear Rhaegar many sons."
"I hope so. And maybe a few daughters as well. My wife can't do much anymore." Aerys said. "You know, you should stay in King's Landing more. I need more trusted friends at my side rather than the schemers and traitors." He said Selene could see again that he was looking at Tywin. "I need you here Steffon, not down at Storm's End getting all rainy and muddy."
"I will Your Grace. In time. I just have some unfinished business to deal with. The Brotherhood really left a nasty mark on the Stormlands. I have to make sure that they're safe again. Especially for my daughter's sake." Her father said. Aerys surprisingly to her nodded understandingly.
"You're right. You're always right friend. Take all the time you need." He said before going back to his seat, though he stopped by her seat first. "You have a good father dear. Never forget that." He said.
"Thank you, Your Grace." Selene replied. As Aerys went back to his seat she could see other noble lords coming to her. The first was Lord Mace Tyrell who came to wish the couple a happy union and many children. Then the Princess of Dorne came to wish them well. Lord Arryn cordially wished them good health and many children. They wished him that as well though he joked it wouldn't be likely as he had two fruitless marriages but nonetheless they wished him well. Lord Tully and his brother came to wish them well. Then came Lord Eddard on behalf of his father Lord Rickard.
"My Prince, Princess. I wish you both good health and many children." He said.
"Thank you Lord Eddard. Could your father not be here?" Rhaegar said.
"I'm afraid not, business in the North. But he sends his wishes."
"Tell him I wish him well and if he could I would like to speak with him concerning certain affairs." Rhaegar said. Selene looked at him queerly. What business would he have with Lord Stark?
"I shall. And to my princess. I offer my congratulations. Your brother Robert speaks very highly of you." This took Selene by surprise. Her brother would never talk about his family like that, he often couldn't stand her or Stannis but hearing this? Maybe Selene shouldn't have judged him so harshly before.
"Thank you Lord Eddard. I take it you know my brother from your time in the Vale?" Selene asked.
"Yes indeed. I've had quite a few adventures with him though not like he has. I don't like to do the things he does." He laughed. Good, at least this one has sense. "Well I'll leave you to your husband, apologies for taking too much of your time."
"There's nothing to forgive Lord Eddard." Rhaegar said. "Enjoy the rest of the feast." Eddard left to enjoy the feast when Robert came drunkenly to him and put his arm around his shoulder and led him away. Then Lord Tywin came up to them.
"Prince Rhaegar, Lady Selene." He said. Selene noticed that he didn't call her princess, even though she was that. Everyone else had been calling her princess all throughout the feast. All except Lord Tywin.
"Lord Tywin. We appreciate your presence." Rhaegar said diplomatically.
"I wish you both well." He said. "Perhaps we could talk sometime later Prince Rhaegar?"
"Of course, my lord. For now enjoy the feast." Rhaegar said. Tywin merely bowed his head and returned to his seat, next to his son and daughter. Selene then got up.
"I'm going to talk to some people. Do you mind?" She asked.
"Not at all. In fact, I will as well." Rhaegar said getting up. Selene smiled at this. "I have to talk with some of the other lords about some certain business."
"Of course. Perhaps I should try talking to some of the ladies here. I'll need some ladies-in-waiting now that I'm a princess. Might as well see some candidates."
"As you wish." Rhaegar said. They went their separate ways after that. Rhaegar looked to be engaged with a conversation with the Princess of Dorne while she went to the Reach area. She engaged in conversations with some of the girls there and came across two potential candidates for her ladies, Bethany Redwyne and Mina Tyrell. Both of them seemed like nice girls but deep down, Selene knew she had to be careful. Everyone wanted something from each other and they would use cunning and deception to get it. Selene would not fall victim to these games, she would work her way to outmaneuver these people. Eventually Selene made her way to where the Riverland section was and accidentally bumped into a red-haired girl.
"Sorry. My bad." Selene said. "I wasn't watching where I was going."
"No I'm sorry I should have—" The girl stopped mid-sentence realizing who she was. "Princess! Forgive me! I should have looked where I was going! Please I mean no disrespect." The girl trailed off. In truth Selene didn't mind. She laughed a little.
"Please, there's no need. I don't think I got your name. Lady?" Selene asked.
"Catelyn of House Tully." Selene then realized who it was.
"Ah you're Lord Hoster's daughter? I should be the one asking your forgiveness. I should know all the houses and their children." Selene said. Catelyn couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"I suppose you'll have plenty of time for that now that you're married to the Crown Prince."
"It has its benefits but for now I'm just preparing for what comes after." Selene said. "How old are you Catelyn?"
"Three-and-ten Princess." She said.
"Call me Selene. I don't really feel like a princess yet. It hasn't sunk in. May I call you Catelyn?"
"You may call me Cat if you wish, my family calls me that."
"Very well Cat. I'm looking for some ladies-in-waiting, I am a princess now so it makes sense for me to get some ladies together. Would you like to be one?" She could see Cat was shocked.
"Princess, I am not worthy of that honor."
"Why? You are the eldest daughter of the Lord of Riverrun, it's expected of you that you should be in this position. And besides, I can see you are a very kind person. I would love for us to be friends."
"If that is what you wish, then I'll speak to my father and ask him." Cat said. Both girls said their goodbyes. Then Selene met Princess Elia Martell of Dorne.
"Princess Selene." She said.
"Princess Elia." Selene replied.
"I must offer congratulations, marrying the Crown Prince. It makes sense. You're the closest thing to kin to Rhaegar."
"Yes, I'm well aware of that Princess. Though if I wasn't born you would be married to him probably." This caught Elia by surprise.
"Really? You think I would have been chosen?" She asked.
"It's possible. Your ancestors married into the Targaryens, you have the blood of Daenerys Targaryen, sister to Daeron II. It may be a distant relation but I think the king would have made a betrothal for you."
"Try telling that to my mother. But I thank you. You have a bit of knowledge of the family ties of the Targaryens. It's quite impressive."
"It's nothing to boast about. I had to considering I'm marrying into the royal family."
"Well I wish you well." Elia said.
"Wait princess." Selene stopped her. "I'm trying to find some ladies-in-waiting for myself. I wanted to offer you a place with me. I already have Catelyn Tully and two others as candidates. You would be welcome as well." Selene could see this shocked Elia and she began to smile.
"I would love to. Actually, can I ask for a friend of mine?"
"Of course. Who do you have in mind?"
"My friend, Ashara Dayne." Elia pointed out to a woman who Selene thought was very beautiful. A girl with dark hair and purple eyes.
"Is she good?" Selene asked.
"She has a good heart and her brother is in the Kingsguard, they are very close to each other I would like for her to be near her family."
"Done." Selene said. This took Elia by surprise but she nodded her head in gratitude.
"Then I thank you. I'm sure you must be rather busy with every guest here so I'll let you go."
"Of course. Enjoy the rest of the feast Princess Elia."
"Just Elia dear. We are to be friends after all." Selene and Elia smiled at each other and bid farewell for the evening. Just then Selene remembered one girl who she wanted, Cersei Lannister. She went up to the Lannister side of the room and saw Cersei engaging in a conversation with her brother Ser Jaime.
"Lady Cersei, Ser Jaime." Selene greeted them. She could see Cersei almost glaring at her but Jaime was a bit softer when he looked at her.
"Princess. Congratulations on your wedding. Prince Rhaegar is a very lucky man." Jaime said.
"Thank you Ser Jaime. And I might offer congratulations as well for your new knighthood?"
"Oh thank you. You are far too kind. But it was to be expected, I am Tywin Lannister's son and heir after all. But enough about me, what brings you here?" Jaime asked her.
"Lady Cersei, I wanted to offer you a place as a lady-in-waiting. I have several ladies who have accepted and I would be honored to have you among them." Selene said politely. Cersei just snarled.
"You think you're so perfect aren't you?" She said in an accusing voice. Selene could see Jaime tense up next to her.
"I'm sorry?" Selene asked. She was confused, why was Cersei reacting like this?
"Tell me how does it feel? The way you whored your way to Rhaegar's arms?" She said. Selene could not believe the words coming out of the Lannister girl's mouth. Here she was going out of her way to try and be friends with this girl despite the circumstances and this girl was simply being rude to her.
"Excuse me?" Selene asked getting offended.
"Oh your not the first to bed him. It was supposed to be me. Rhaegar loved me I know it. He'll be thinking of me when he fucks you. I hope he whispers my name in your ear." Cersei sneered. Just as she was about to say anything more Selene saw her father behind her, tall and imposing.
"Cersei that's enough. Leave. Now." Lord Tywin said in a stern voice. Cersei faltered and looked scared for a moment before running off. Jaime got up after her but was pulled back by his father. "Jaime you stay here. Your sister does not need comforting. She is being punished for insulting the royal princess." Jaime stayed where he was. Tywin turned back to her. "My apologies princess." He said. Now that took her by surprise, Tywin calling her princess. "I will discipline my daughter accordingly. As her punishment she will not be one of your ladies."
"Thank you Lord Tywin." She said. Tywin just stared at her long and hard as if studying her. "I apologize for my good-father's behavior toward you and your family."
"You have no need to apologize for him. He's been doing that to me for years. I've grown… rather used to it." He said.
"Still the way he made this marriage happen was no way to treat your family. He shouldn't have insulted you. Or your daughter."
"I thank you." Tywin said. "Your father must have taught you well. I knew him when he was a page in King's Landing. And during the War of Ninepenny Kings."
"I know you do. My father often told me of your… prowess in battle. And the way you've worked here in the capital is extraordinary. Despite the people complaining about your methods."
"A lion does not concern himself with the opinions of the sheep. I get things done, by any means necessary and as a result, the realm has been prosperous and stable."
"Well, I hope to see more of you my lord, considering."
"Of course princess. Enjoy the rest of your evening." He said cordially. Selene curtseyed and went back to the table where Rhaegar was back to.
"Did you find any candidates?" He asked.
"Some. One refused. But it's probably for the best. She wasn't very, ecstatic, about it." Selene replied. "And you? Any business with the other lords?"
"I could only talk to your father and Lord Arryn. The others were far too busy with the feast. But maybe one day." Rhaegar said.
"What business did you discuss with my father?" Selene asked.
"Well—" Rhaegar was interrupted when the king tapped his cup.
"Well, we've had a lot of fun tonight. We've had meat, wine and music. And my son has wrapped his princess in a cloak. But they are not yet man and wife." Aerys said. This brought some chuckles from the other lords. "A sword needs a sheath. And a wedding needs a bedding!" The king shouted. Then the lords pounded their cups on their tables.
"TO BED! TO BED! TO BED! TO BED!" They started chanting. Selene could feel herself tense up a bit, but Rhaegar put his hand on hers and gave her a reassuring smile.
"What say you my old friend?" Aerys asked her father. Selene looked in his direction as he gave her a sad smile. And stood up.
"If you think the time is right Your Grace, by all means, let us bed them." Her father declared. At that the men came bounding up to her as The Bear and the Maiden Fair was played. She could also see Robert and Stannis going to her as well. the men carried her off her feet as she saw the women swarm Rhaegar, she was thankful the Cersei Lannister wasn't there. She could see her clothes being torn off but her brothers were slapping the hands of lustful men away.
"Anyone touches my sister like that! I'll bash your head in! That includes you too Ned!" He shouted. To her surprise, even Jaime Lannister came to her defense as well. Eventually she was dropped off in hers and her husband's chambers as naked as her nameday. She waited a while for Rhaegar to show up. she took this opportunity to drink a glass of wine on a nearby table to calm her nerves. She took the braids out of her hair and let it flow down freely. Selene never liked the styles in King's Landing, she preferred her hair down. Eventually Rhaegar was dropped off in the room naked as well. Selene was hidden away from the ladies so thankfully they didn't see her bare. The door was closed and she and Rhaegar were staring at each other. She studied his body, memorizing every tiny detail. He was very slim, though not too skinny. He looked to be gaining muscle though it didn't seem like much. She saw that he was studying her too. Selene felt a bit self-conscious and wanted to cover herself but somehow she kept her head straight.
"Well, Selene. Shall we?" Rhaegar gestured to the bed. Selene nodded and quickly got under the covers. This brought a bit of a laugh to Rhaegar. "Am I that intimidating?" He said playfully. Selene could feel a blush on her cheeks.
"N-no. I just… I haven't done this before." She stammered.
"Well it'd be a surprise if you had. But I promise you Selene. I won't hurt you. Ever." He said. Selene was surprised at her husband's kind words, she thought he would be indifferent about it all but took comfort that he would be kind.
"Thank you, Rhaegar." She said. He came to the bed and got under the covers with her.
"I promise, it hurts the first time. But after that, it won't ever hurt again." He said. She decided to play along as well.
"Have you had many women in your bed?" She asked playfully.
"No." He laughed. "My father can be very… vocal about his activities. He told me ahead of time."
"Oh. Well, then shall we?" Selene said. Rhaegar cupped her face and kissed her on her lips gently. The rest of the night was pure bliss. It had hurt at first, but Rhaegar was very gentle with her that she didn't care. After he spent himself inside her, he held her close and eventually they both fell asleep.
So there you have it. A few chapters will be developing Selene before we get to the inevitable, Harrenhal. Tell me what you all think. I'd also love to hear some theories about this if you have any. Until then, see you next time.