A/N: This chapter has adult content. And it's my first time writing anything resembling a sex scene, please forgive me.
"Elia?" Her brother stood by the doors of her room, just watching her sadly.
Oberyn had been so distant since the announcement of her betrothal to Rhaegar. It had only been in the past moon that he had seemed to realise that it was happening with or without his approval, and that his sister would be lost to the dragons soon enough.
Elia smiled and stood, moving over to her younger brother. It was too late for turning back now. Elia had taken her fill of the Water Gardens, had spent every day out in the sun.
And every time the thought would return to her that she was not free, and she almost felt like she could feel Rhaegar's eyes on her from across Westeros. Waiting for her.
He would not have to wait much longer.
"You have a pretty dress for the wedding?" Oberyn smiled, his voice quiet. He tilted his head downwards, looking at her from beneath his dark lashes.
Elia chuckled softly and cupped her brother's cheek. How she loved her brothers. Doran had congratulated her and would often come to her in the Water Gardens and sit with her in silence for a while.
Mellario had been positive throughout, as well. Although sometimes Elia caught her watching her sadly and in those moments Elia would take her friend's hand and smile her reassurance, even if she didn't feel it.
Oberyn. How she would miss Oberyn.
Even as she stood here and forced herself not to cry, she could feel the incessant sting of tears behind her eyes.
"My little brother." She smiled, taking his face between both her hands as he smiled.
"You only ever call me that when you want to remind me of my place."
Elia laughed softly and leaned up to kiss her brother's forehead. "Not this time, Oberyn."
There was a moment of silence between the siblings as both of them attempted to organise their thoughts. "I will miss you." Oberyn's voice trembled and his hands rose to grip her wrists tight.
Elia smiled, "I know you will. But we will see each other again. And we have the whole journey to King's Landing to take together. And the wedding to sit through."
"Sit through? It's your wedding!" Oberyn laughed and released her hands as Elia let her own hands fall to her sides.
She memorised his face as he laughed and looked back to her and then offered her his arm. She memorised the corridor she walked through and she memorised the feel of the warm sun on her back as she walked towards the carriage that would carry her away from home forever.
Her mother waited for her by the carriage and she saw Doran and his family climbing into another one just behind.
Elia couldn't help it. She turned to look back at her home, if only to feel the sun on her face so she could memorise that feeling too.
Oberyn chuckled, "You act as if you will never see the sun again."
Elia didn't smile and she climbed into the carriage, watching as the door closed and she was left in the dim light, already feeling leagues away from her home even before the carriage began to move.
King's Landing was full of noise. She found it too noisy. She could see people batting their hands against her carriage, calling out her name. Her mother said it was because they knew she would make a good wife for Rhaegar. Elia knew it was because she had money and they were hungry.
The stink of the slums permeated their carriage even as they rolled by on their way to the Red Keep. Oberyn wrinkled his nose at the sight of the towering castle, but didn't say a word.
It seemed that the need for caution had already begun, even before they had stepped into the castle and into the dwelling of the king.
The Red Keep itself was imposing, without even a thought of the king inside it - or the prince for that matter - Elia was intimidated. Aegon the Conqueror had changed the face of Westeros forever, and built this monumental castle to his new dynasty. And now Elia would be marrying into that dynasty. She would be a part of it forever.
Suddenly, she couldn't move her feet forward towards the castle doors. She was too weak, too frail to ever live up to the Targaryen dynasty. How could she produce a future king? A Targaryen? A dragon?
Oberyn stopped beside her and took her arm, leading her forward. Elia focused on his arm against hers, the warmth of her brother's skin. What would she do without Oberyn and his warmth?
She looked up in awe at the Keep as she passed beneath the balustrade and into the echoing hallways of the building. Her future home.
Oberyn had offered to walk with her through the castle gardens. They reminded her a little of Dorne, but everything was so pristine and silent. Elia wondered if she would ever be able to enjoy it here. Oberyn said she was being too negative. Elia pinched his arm and told him to shut up because he was not the one marrying Rhaegar Targaryen.
"If I were marrying the prince I wouldn't be sulking around him." Oberyn chuckled.
"You sound like mother, please be quiet."
Oberyn frowned and opened his mouth to argue, before he blinked. "Oh, by the Seven, I do sound like her."
Elia managed a laugh, but it was small and soft. Oberyn looked at her sadly, "Are you scared?" he whispered.
She looked to her brother and came to a stop at a wooden bench along the path. "I would be an absolute fool not to be scared."
Oberyn sat at the bench and grinned, although his fingers tapped nervously against his crossed legs. "You are an absolute fool. From what I have heard about Rhaegar he is not a cruel man."
"It is not his cruelty I fear." Elia sat beside her brother.
"Then what?"
"It is his expectations."
Oberyn frowned and took her hand in his, squeezing hard. "You are a Lady of Dorne. Descendant of Nymeria. You are a beautiful, clever woman. And the prince will know he is lucky to have you. He will cherish you when he knows who you are."
Elia smiled then and kissed his hand. Oberyn chuckled, "Do not tell me I sound like mother, I know I do. The woman lives and breathes by Nymeria's name."
She laughed then, loud and barking.
"Lord Oberyn." A soft voice called to them. The clink of armour and chainmail could be heard and Elia turned to find the tall figure of Prince Rhaegar, and beside him two Kingsguard clad in full armour, including helmets that obscured their faces.
"Lady Elia." Rhaegar spoke, even softer, as he came to stand in front of the bench. Oberyn and Elia stood, bowing and curtseying their respect.
Rhaegar nodded his head in acknowledgement. "Oberyn." He addressed her brother, but his eyes were on her face. "It is an honour to have you here for the wedding. And an even bigger honour to be binding our houses in such a way."
His words were soft caresses, floating through the air whimsically. Elia could not imagine listening to him sing. He felt elusive to her, as Rhaegar's eyes flicked to Oberyn, awaiting his response.
Oberyn grinned, his body lazy and his eyes flicking over the two Kingsguard. Most likely Arthur Dayne and Oswell Whent, if Elia could guess. "Targaryens have married Martells in the past. Our houses have been bound for quite some time." Oberyn mused.
Rhaegar's thick brows rose and Elia wondered for a moment if there were more snake than dragon in the man. Her thoughts were dispelled when Rhaegar smiled, flashing perfect teeth. It was too much to look at him when he smiled.
"Of course. Myriah Martell and Daeron II. Married so that House Martell could join the others houses under Targaryen rule. I read of them once." Rhaegar smiled to Elia then and she almost begged him not to smile at her, or look at her, or do what she knew he was about to do.
"May I speak with my betrothed alone for a moment, Oberyn? My Kingsguard will be with us. I will bring her back to you soon." Rhaegar promised and even bowed ever so slightly. He knew Oberyn was over-protective and reckless.
Even now, Oberyn was looking to Elia, about to protest. Instead, he sobered and asked her softly, "What say you, Elia?"
She smiled when he offered her a say. "I will go with him." She nodded. It was an illusion of a choice, for Elia could not refuse the prince, but at least Oberyn had acknowledge that she had a voice.
Rhaegar smiled and offered her his hand.
She had not touched him yet. And in her mind she had thought his first touch would be at her shoulders when he placed that dragon cloak around her.
But he offered her his hand, as if leading her to a dance. Elia smiled and wondered if it was not another sort of dance they were about to embark upon. One of polite curiosities and the weighing up of one another.
She slid her hand into his and found his skin warm to the touch. He smiled and placed her hand at his arm, but his fingers lingered for a moment on her skin.
Rhaegar led her away, down the pathway of the gardens. "Elia."
She stiffened when he spoke her name and not her title. But this was her betrothed, soon to be her husband, she reminded herself.
"I hope you are not too upset by this arrangement our parents have made."
Elia frowned slightly. He was asking about how she felt? "I am not upset. I know that my prince will make a fine husband, and I am honoured to be furthering the line of kings."
Rhaegar smiled, but his eyes remained on her a moment too long before he faced forwards again. "If we are to be married…" Elia glanced up at him and found a light frown on his brow, "I would have you speak to me freely."
"You want to know the truth of how I feel?"
Rhaegar nodded.
"What if you do not like it?"
He laughed then, a bright laugh that she remembered from the tourney where Aerys had announced their betrothal. "I will not dislike it."
Elia raised a brow, smiling wryly. "You say that now, my lord, but I do not know you. And my place it to make you happy, is it not?"
Rhaegar stopped then and turned to face her. Elia met his eyes.
"It isn't." He shook his head, silver hair brushing the shoulders of his black tunic. "I am not the type of man to harm his wife if she displeases him. And I am the type of man who wishes to know how you feel about marrying him. I have heard much about you, Elia,"
A shudder ran up her spine, out of pleasure or discomfort, she did not know.
He continued, "And what I have heard is that you are a clever woman, with a sharp tongue and a soft heart. I do not find that description unappealing."
She swallowed hard. "I do not find you unappealing." It was a blatant appreciation. An obvious admittance of how she admired him, and more clearly, his body.
Rhaegar, to his credit, blushed and cleared his throat. "I know that many think you too frail." He spoke without inhibition, to Elia's surprise. She found herself holding her breath.
"But I look at you and see something more. I know you will do well for me. And I know you must be nervous. To be here alone, without family."
Rhaegar sighed and his teeth caught his lower lip before releasing it. He watched her closely. He was calculating, despite the earnest words he spoke.
"But we are to be each other's family now."
It was a woman's words, pouring from this warrior's lips. Elia did not know how to respond. She did not know if this was real.
"I know such marriages do not always bring happiness. But I know that some have done well. And oftentimes husband and wife will come to like one another, even to love." Rhaegar smiled and it made Elia's heart jump.
Could he read her mind? Her innermost desires? How did he know what to say to comfort her?
She smiled and watched as he reached for her hand. She let him take it.
"I am afraid." Elia whispered, deciding to be truthful with him. "But I will do my duty. And I will try to be… What you think we can be."
Rhaegar let out such a sigh that Elia knew in an instant that he had been honest with her. He brought her hand to his lips and pressed a chaste kiss to her knuckles. "Thank you."
Elia felt her heart warm. Perhaps she could find another comfort here, if she could not have her brother or mother with her. Rhaegar had sought her out, knowing she would be afraid and nervous. And he had allayed those fears as best he could.
"I will take you to your brother. I know you will want to spend time with him while you can." Rhaegar said kindly and led her back to Oberyn, who stood waiting where they left him.
At Elia's bright eyes and sweet smile, Oberyn relaxed and grinned to Rhaegar.
The prince nodded to them both, releasing Elia's hand. "Till tomorrow, Elia."
"Rhaegar."
He paused when she spoke his name, and something passed over his indigo eyes that spoke to the effect of her speaking his name to him.
"Thank you for finding me today. I look forward to what tomorrow brings."
Rhaegar grinned and admired her, kissing her hand again a little more fiercely than before. He left brother and sister in the garden, his Kingsguard clanking and creaking as they followed behind their prince.
"Has he made his expectations clear?" Oberyn asked her softly.
Elia nodded and watched the sunlight reflect of his pale hair as he left.
"And do you still fear them?"
She smiled and shook her head.
The wedding was exactly what they all expected it to be. There were no surprises. And the people turned out in their multitudes. Elia caught only a glimpse of the sea of them outside before she entered the sept.
When she emerged she would be a Targaryen, and Rhaegar's wife.
Her mother had ensured that Elia was not frightened. She had allowed for the distraction of Oberyn while Elia dressed in the ivory gown. To her credit, her mother had allowed for gold embroidery along the gown, forming the shape of the Martell sun, and the flames of the Targaryen dragons.
The roar of the crowd could be heard as she entered the sept with Doran at her arm. Her elder brother had been a comfort to have beside her. He smiled softly and in it Elia saw certainty and strength, and took it for her own.
Mellario and Arianne had seen her before they had left the Red Keep for the sept. Not much had been said, but Elia was grateful to have seen them. Mellario had complimented her gown, but in a moment of privacy had gripped Elia's hand and told her to remember what would happen that night.
Elia had almost forgotten about what was expected after the feast, when Rhaegar would take her to his rooms.
She pushed the thought aside as Doran began to walk forward, leading her through the crowds of novels in the Great Sept of Baelor.
Elia allowed a moment of wonder for the magnificence of the sept, the high domed ceiling and the grandeur covering every wall. She saw the same grandeur amongst the crowd, and knew that the Houses of Westeros were all in attendance today.
Her eyes found Rhaegar easily. Even if she had not been looking for him, she would have found him. He was tall, standing in his ceremonial tunic. A bright red dragon blossomed over his chest, a gold clasp securing a scarlet cape behind him. Over one arm hung the fur-lined cloak, the black material emblazoned with the red three-headed dragon of his house. Elia found her eyes drawn to the three heads of the dragon, and she knew that soon the cloak would sit on her shoulders and there would be no turning back.
Her own maiden's cloak, of red and orange, slipped along the floor behind as she made her way up to the dais where Rhaegar stood waiting. He smiled to her and then nodded to Doran as both Martells came to a halt before the septon.
Elia looked up at the window of the sept, a bright seven-pointed star that let in the sun and showed her the sky. She watched it as Doran removed the cloak from her shoulders, taking away the orange material with the red sun and spear.
Rhaegar stepped up beside her, but the septon spoke first. "You may now cloak the bride and bring her under your protection." The elderly man's voice was rasping and he had such a heavy accent that it took Elia a moment longer to understand him.
By then Rhaegar had stepped up behind her and she heard the heavy flap of the dragon's cloak before it settled on her shoulders. She reached up and fastened it, so it did not slip. Rhaegar caught her eye before he stepped back, and once again offered her a smile.
She wondered if he still worried about her unhappiness. If all his secret smiles just for her were to keep her calm and reassured. As if she were a child. Elia hoped not.
The septon spoke again and demanded the attention of the room. Elia could only focus on the roar of the crowd outside and the wash of pale light streaming in from the star shaped window above them.
It seemed only a moment later when Rhaegar turned to her and they joined hands. She felt his warm, rough skin beneath her palm and her fingers ran over them in an attempt to keep herself calm.
Rhaegar's eyes flickered to their hands, then he stepped a little closer and began to speak. Although the words were custom, Elia could hear his soft reassurance. "With this kiss, I pledge my love," he paused, "And take you for my lady and wife."
Elia felt the memorise words spring to her lips. She met Rhaegar's eyes, "With this kiss, I pledge my love and take you for my lord and -" she hesitated, her eyes glancing at his lips.
Under her gaze, his lips pulled into a smile and he mouthed the last word for her. 'Husband'.
Elia held back a laugh, looking back at him again. "And husband." she finished.
The septon raised his voice a little louder, "I declare you both man and wife, one flesh, one heart, one soul, now and forever."
When Rhaegar placed a gentle hand on her waist and pressed his lips to hers, all Elia could think of where those words.
One flesh, one heart, one soul, now and forever.
Forever with Rhaegar was a nice thought, she decided.
The feast was a happy occasion for the attendants. The king had spared no expense, and the gardens of the palace were littered with entertainers and enough food to feed an entire army for months.
The hall where the lord and ladies sat and ate and drank was echoing with the sweet music of the musicians in the corner. Elia watched her new husband as he watched them. She had almost thought the rumours of his musical inclinations were false, but watching him now she could see the admiration in his eyes. The way the music spoke a secret language to him.
Elia smiled and cast her eye about the crowd. Queen Rhaella had spoken to her not long after the ceremony. Her new good-mother had her son's kind eyes and gentle touch. She had helped remove Elia's cloak to set aside, for she could not wear it to the feast as it may get ruined in the bedding ceremony.
The bedding ceremony. It was a daunting end to the evening that was proceeding so well. She wondered when the king would call for it, and she was on the edge of her seat as the evening grew later.
Oberyn cast her a glance, but his eyes were stony. She knew he hated these customs, but he could not interfere. Elia was hoping Rhaegar would say something to her about it, but her husband had only spoken of the food, and of the weather, a sure sign that their union was blessed.
It seemed his candour from the gardens was no longer present.
Rhaegar was jerking his knee as his father stood and called for an end to the music. Suddenly, Elia felt Rhaegar's hand on hers beneath the table and he gave it a gentle squeeze as Aerys announced the bedding ceremony as best as he could in his drunken state.
A lord surged forth, obviously from the North with the way his facial hair was unruly and from the furs that lined his tunic. He lifted Elia onto his shoulder in one strong motion and a cheer rang out from the crowd.
Elia cast one look back at her brother, watching his sharp eyes glare at every man that stood to begin tugging at her clothing.
She caught sight of the women flooding Rhaegar, and he stood, allowing himself to be tugged and yanked along, and allowing their slender hands to unbutton his tunic and unclasp his cloak. The scarlet material went flying as a lady tossed it away. Elia lost sight of her family as she rounded the doorway and the men took her down the hall.
A hand wrapped around her ankle, some lord attempting to unbuckle her shoes as another yanked at the laces at her back. She kept her face stoic, but when one lord reached up and tugged a sleeve down her shoulder, she had to squeeze her eyes shut in horror.
A rough and calloused hand slid so far up her thigh that she thought she might scream and beat him back, but the man just gripped her petticoat and let it fall away behind her as they made their raucous way down the corridor.
They jeered at her, shouting the worst sort of profanity. It was as though she was no longer a lady. She could feel their eyes on her as they exposed her body, leaving only her thin shift behind.
The Northern lord laughed at the joke of another man and released his grip on Elia's hips. She shrieked as she fell backwards into the arms of another male.
Suddenly, her bare feet hit the icy floor outside of the prince's chambers. She saw the flurry of women coming down the hall and caught sight of his silver hair before she entered his chambers and left the men behind. They did not stop calling out lewd things, suggesting that Rhaegar have her one way or the other, suggesting that he test her before he put his heir inside her.
Elia swallowed hard and set about removing her jewelry and undoing the intricate braids from her hair. She wished she could have kept her cloak, even if it was a Targaryen cloak. It would have helped her feel less exposed now.
The door opened and Rhaegar stepped in, closing the door behind him with a small chuckle. She could still hear the men and women outside, but Elia focused on Rhaegar in his undershirt.
He smiled, running a hand through his hair and approaching her. "I am sorry for that." He said.
Elia shook her head and swallowed hard again, "Don't be. It is our duty."
"It is my duty to put a son in you now." Rhaegar whispered, as if he didn't want the people outside to hear. His words washed over her, sending a shiver up her spine.
"Then you should do your duty, my lord."
"Rhaegar. I am your husband now."
Elia smiled and nodded, "Of course. Rhaegar." she tested his name on her tongue, liking the fullness of the word, the way it made her feel strange and special.
"Doing your duty is not usually enjoyable, is it?" He whispered.
Elia shook her head with a wry smile. "No."
"Tonight it will be." He promised, taking her hand in his gently.
"Tonight it will be more than duty. It will be man and wife, as they should be. Do you want that?"
He was asking her what she wanted.
Elia watched as he raised her hand to his lips and turned it over so it lay palm up in his hand. He pressed his lips to her palm, then another kiss to her wrist. He looked up at her for a reply, his lips hovering above her skin.
She could barely summon the breath needed to whisper, 'Yes.'
Rhaegar grinned and kissed her wrist again before he tugged her closer by her hand. Elia looked up at him, sliding an arm around his shoulder boldly. He hummed his approval and kissed her.
At first it was soft, and slow. At first it felt like he was tasting her, savouring her. But when her fingers found their way to his hair, tangling in the silver locks, his kiss changed to something fiercer.
His hands gripped her waist, one sliding to her hip as his lips locked against hers like they belonged there.
Elia released a soft moan and Rhaegar seemed to growl from someplace in his chest as his hands tightened on her body and he lifted her up.
She blushed when he crossed his arms beneath her backside, supporting her weight on his forearms. The kiss broke when Elia straightened and looked down at him.
Admiration filled Rhaegar's eyes and made her heart soar. He breathed out a laugh. "My wife."
Elia laughed and nodded at the strangeness of it before he lowered her to his bed.
His room was full of dark wood furniture, carved with flames and dragon figures. His bed was soft and large and Elia lay in the middle of it. Rhaegar lifted her, tugging down the red sheets to reveal white linen coverings.
He brought his lips to her neck, his hands travelling along her sides to the hem of her shift. In a moment, when Elia lost herself beneath his tongue and teeth, her shift was gone and she was bare.
Rhaegar pulled back and his eyes followed her body before a smile blossomed across his face. "You are beautiful."
She believed him. And as he leaned back down to kiss her again, Elia lifted the hem of his undershirt until Rhaegar laughed against her lips and had to pull back to pull the material off of his body.
Elia could not stop staring at his body. He was lean, hard and soft at once, a contradiction even to his flesh.
She smiled unbidden and Rhaegar lifted her up till she was seated in his lap and his legs were spread across the bed behind her.
"Will you speak to me if you are uncomfortable?"
His words brought her back to the present, and the step she was about to take with this prince, this man, who was now her husband.
Elia nodded, "I will. And-" she bit her lip, hiding a smile. "You will do the same."
Rhaegar laughed that loud and beautiful laugh that made her feel like she had accomplished something wonderful. He kissed her again and his hands roamed her flesh, touching her skin and making her moan.
When he lay her back and met her gaze, she nodded. And when he slowly pressed inside her, she let out a sigh of pleasure. He watched her through it all, his hand coming down to where they joined and pressing against her, igniting a fresh wave of pleasure in her core.
She threw her head back and whispered his name when she came undone. And when he followed after she lost herself a second time beneath his thumb, he pressed his face to her neck and spoke her name into her skin in a way that made every part of her relax and tense all at once.
He had her one more time that night, slipping down till his face was betwixt her thighs, and until his mouth made her need him again. He was rougher the second time, his hips pressing against her as he filled her to the brim and she overflowed with happiness.
Once they were spent, he lay beside her and laughed softly. Elia laughed too, facing him and watching the sweat gleam along his pale skin. "Rest, my husband." She whispered softly, hoping he could hear her affection in the words.
Rhaegar smiled and kissed her, his lips lingering for a moment. "My wife. My love. My dream." He breathed out.
Elia felt his chest against hers as he wrapped his arms around her and held her close. Rhaegar pulled the covers over them, enveloping them in warmth, but Elia was warm where she lay. Tucked up against the dragon, she glowed like she was the sun and fell asleep smiling.
