He rides his dragon – both as warning and as a show of power. Rhaegar gives them reason to fear the Emperor's wrath with his mere presence. But sometimes terror is not quite enough to keep the beast quiet. "Uncle," he greets the head of House Galare.
"Nephew." There is not a trace of warmth in the older man's voice. "Come, the journey must have tired you." That is to say they will speak of politics later. For now it is time to rest. "You will not be disturbed by any. A servant will knock upon the doors at mealtime." The invitation is clear. Rhaegar nods. There is little point in delaying.
The nobleman doesn't know what he was expecting, but the young woman in his chambers is not it. Poisonous snakes, maybe. An armed slave, of course. But a woman? Rhaegar's eyes mist over. This is a mistake he will not repeat. The girl stands to greet him, her naked shoulders hiding behind the curtain of dark hair that falls over them. They think he's learned nothing of his past folly. "You may leave," he dismissed her coldly, but he cannot deny her loveliness.
Her face falls and panic sets in her eyes. Does she fear punishment? "I will tell your master you've served me well. Now go to your business." He won't be fooled by the skills of an actress. And yet there is a sort of desperation in those dark orbs that pierces him. Rhaegar turns around, going to the window. "Away from me!" his sharp command jolts her into action.
Instead of departing – as Rhaegar wills her to – the woman falls to her knees, now truly frightened. "Do not send me away, I beg you, my lord. Do not send me away."
Rhaegar consider her for a moment. "You doubt my word?" He has already promised no harm will come to her. That may change if she continues on so stubbornly.
"Mercy," she pleads, her eyes staring into his as he faces her again. "Mercy." Two long steps and he stands before her. She grabs at his outer robes, fingers twisting the material. "My lord." This comes as an almost sob.
Grabbing her by the shoulders, "Your skills in seduction are somewhat lacking," he sneers at her. She's young and frightened. Younger than his wife when they'd been wedded. "Men do not wish to see a woman crying. When next you plan to enter someone's bed, be sure to smile."
"How can I smile, my lord, when you are condemning my whole family to death with your refusal?" Her words gave him pause, Rhaegar waited for her to explain. A sharp, little thing she seemed to read it in his eyes. "I am yours to do with as you will, my lord. But should you choose to send me away before you depart…"
"What will you do for me?" Rhaegar asks. She is one of those unfortunate women stuck under negligent husbands and fathers. She may still be of use. "Have you been long in my uncle's service?"
"No, my lord." She wipes her tears away. "I am not in his service at all. I serve only you."
"Do you now?" There is mocking edge to his inquiry. "Should I believe you?" As if to prove her point she makes to unbind the laces holding her dress up. From waist up she is bare, there is no mark on her skin of someone having claimed her,
"Despite my circumstances, I am a free woman. It is for me to choose the one I serve." There is surprise on her face when Rhaegar pulls the dress back in its place fastening the bindings. "I only ask that you allow me to remain by your side."
"If I allow this, you must not ever break my trust." Not that he has a lot of it. Rhaegar watches her nod. "Who knows what secrets that innocent face hides. "Can you read?" Again she nods. "Good." He beckons her over and hold out a scroll that he's picked up randomly. "Then I shall allow you to serve me thus."
Her voice lilts, it is young and uncertain, just as her, but not unpleasant. Rhaegar bids her to seat back on her pillows and he takes a seat too. It is a report he needs not know. Naturally his mind wanders back to the court and his friend's request. The Province shows signs of rebellion according to some. Rhaegar thinks on that. It is for this reason that it is he who has been sent here. If any plotting takes place, his uncle is sure to be in on it, and Rhaegar may put an end to it once he knows who is involved. Then he may return to his home.
Mayhap he will even take the little gift they've offered him. Rhaegar think with satisfaction of Elia's rage should he bring back a mistress. Even better if she breed him a child. He may be rid of her then. He toys with the idea some more. If the woman proves herself worthy in her service, he will do more than that. Whatever her problems are, whatever has disrupted her life, he will take care of it. Her voice finds his ears again. It is quite nice. He leans back into the chair thinking of his friend's words again. The memory stirs him.
"You are my dearest friend," the Emperor says mildly. "But it is not why I send you. I trust you to do what is best for our empire." Hs stands. "Do this for me and when you return name whatever you wish and it is yours."
"I have only one wish," Rhaegar reminds him.
Sighing the other man nods. "Ensure peace for my people, and I will ensure your peace."
It is this promise that has Rhaegar doing his best. After years and years he may be free of the lie he is living.
The woman reads on, and it hits Rhaegar that he does not know what to call her. "By what name are you know?" An abrupt halt marks her acknowledgment of his question.
"Lyanna," she replies.