Thank you everyone who took the time to read, left reviews, and are following the story.

Disclaimer: I own nothing. All things recognizable are property of G.R.R. Martin, David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, & company, & the asoiaf wiki.

A/N: Thanks Maiko for giving me an idea about how I wanted to approach something.

Chapter 7

Rhaegar looked about at the scene before him. It was a perfect day for a tourney. The air was crisp, but, the atmosphere was not too chilly; almost a perfect spring day. The arena was packed; the audience eagerly anticipating the start of the tilts.

Rhaegar flushed and took an uncharacteristically large gulp of wine. Tourney's. If it was not for the fact that most everyone enjoyed them, and they were expected by those who were high-born and expected other high-born individuals to host them, Rhaegar would have done himself a favor and banned them entirely. Of course, the tongues of other nobles would wag. Some nobles, he was certain, would find much amusement in that, but, he could not give them more reason to point to his shortcomings and failings, even if none of them were brave enough to do it in front of him. Now that war was over, many simply wanted to return to the way it was. Of course, the general public who happened to be fortunate enough to have a chance to sit in the audience would clamor for them saying that it would be unfair to rob them of their infrequent enjoyments and he could not deny them their entertainments now that the end of the war gave them license to enjoy themselves.

He laughs to himself because it is entirely his doing and now he must live with it. He is king and he could provide peace, but, the kingdom would not have required peace from him if he had not done anything to disturb the already tense peace which his father used to threaten. Now, because of that he can not do this simple thing, without consequences. His father learned that when war was declared and when he died, and Rhaegar knew all too well how close he got to having consequences heaped upon him because of his actions, as far outside the norm they were, even if they were done with the best of intentions.

He knew he was not particularly eager to be here and he was not the only one. Elia, who sat to his left, sat silently beside him with her back completely straight and rigid with her hands folded tightly in her lap. The smile on her face was serene, but, he knew well enough it was a mask, though a well constructed one.

Elia's brothers & her future good-sister, Lady Cersei Lannister, sat on her other side and to their left side sat Lord Stannis, who sat with Lord Renly and Ashara. Viserys, however, was perched in the seat to Rhaegar's right. At least his brother was excited. In between Viserys and the Starks sat the new Hand and his lady wife. It was no surprise even to those ignorant of most matters that Lord Stannis and Lord Ned were particularly stone-faced.

They always had reputations of being the most serious of men, particularly when they were in public. Of course, most knew better. Rhaegar knew they would rather be anywhere else. This he was certain of because he knew he wished they would be elsewhere as well. Their being here only reminded him of what he took from them even if he was not solely responsible for what, or rather, who they lost. They also reminded him of how similar to his father he turned out to be; of what he is capable of. He was certain those two lords would be relieved to leave King's Landing just as much as he was to see them leave.

Because of their history he would never be comfortable in the presence of them, and he doubted the other men would ever be comfortable with him. Because of that he had not spent too much time with them since they had been in King's Landing. It is not often when one is in the presence of the brother of the woman a man took for his own, nor is it common to be in the presence of the man who kills one's brother. It is not an experience he is sure none of them believe should be repeated frequently. Still, before they left for their homes he would still have to speak to them but he did not quite know how.

Remembering Lyanna and Robert, Rhaegar imagines it might be easier for him to talk to Stannis Baratheon, though, admittedly, not by much. Any man who would agree to wed Ashara and allow his brother to spend time with his younger brother would be willing to listen to him, to a certain point. Of course he had no illusions that the man liked him, but, Rhaegar doubted the man liked anyone overmuch. Rhaegar heard from Arthur the man had not spoken much about him, but, he supposed, no one would tell a knight of the Kingsguard much about the feelings about the King, future good-brother or not.

Ned Stark would be infinitely more difficult. For one, he did not know the man at all. Then, while the deaths of Rickard and Brandon Stark were not of his doing, by not being present when those horrific deaths occurred, by not curbing his father when he had been able, Rhaegar was responsible and he did hold himself responsible. Of course, he suffered no delusion that Stark's hatred of him had not compounded because Lyanna was gone as well and she left behind a son who was not fathered by the man who had been his friend, but that Jon was the son of someone who took her from her family. He doubted Ned Stark would care if Lyanna not wanting the life her father and brothers wanted her to have with Robert Baratheon emboldened, made her willing to go away with him.

He can not give them back their family, and he would not offer platitudes. Not only was he was never good with them, but, rather, there would be no purpose, because platitudes would mean nothing in the face of what he took and what they lost. Yet, he will offer apologies and explanations. His apologies might not mean much for either men and as hollow as the explanations he has now seem, even to his own ears, he has to give something. He owes the both of them that, at least.

Thinking back on their shared history he supposed he had been fortunate in some respects, while he knew for certain all of them would have wanted to, no one had tried to strike him. Such a thought was rather a hollow comfort. Oberyn, of course, had flatly stated he had been sorely tempted, and it was only thought of his siblings wishes that he had not. Rhaegar supposed it was a small mercy that he would not have to call neither Ned Stark nor Stannis Baratheon good-brother and as little as he knew of Ned Stark, he was certain the feeling was mutual. Oberyn, though, Rhaegar thought bitterly, he would never be free from, especially now that he was to be wed to the Lannister girl and anything untoward Oberyn does, Rhaegar was sure the Lord of Casterly Rock would pester him about. The Seven granted him a small favor in that though they were in close proximity, none of the other men were seated next to one another or him during this tourney.

And to think, just this morning, he had woken, alone, but, jubilant. He had thought between with the success of the feast last night and what happened after with Elia, it seemed a good omen. Perhaps it was a sign that he should stop looking towards omens. Thinking back to the tourney that started it all, looking for omens never served him well. Looking to his left, towards his wife and then to his right, at his brother, and to the cheering public in front of him as two men finished a joust, he knew it almost cost everything.

Rhaegar, intent on his thoughts and sipping his wine, had not been paying attention to the events of the tourney and had ignored the conversations which flowed about him. That remained so until he heard a voice from his right.

"Whose favor is Ser Jaime wearing? Does he usually not wear yours, Lady Cersei?" Lady Lysa asked; her tone just this side of sour. To be sure, he saw Ser Jaime on his horse waiting to for the signal to start the joust against a knight under the service of a Royce, if he was not mistaken.

Now, Rhaegar's reverie was truly broken. Ordinarily he would not be interested in the answer, always having thought such things were rather trivial, but, he wondered if Elia had given the knight her favor since Rhaegar was not participating in the tourney and the pair's friendship solidified after Lord Tywin accepted Oberyn's proposal on Lady Cersei's behalf. Elia had left her chambers before Rhaegar woke this morning, and he had not seen her since just before everyone left to go to tourney grounds. As such he did not have the chance to speak to her this morning about anything much less a possibility he had not entertained, though perhaps he should have.

He heard the sound of Lady Cersei laugh and an inelegant snort near where she had been sitting. Rhaegar could have sworn it was Oberyn, but rather than looking at that he kept his eyes turned on Elia, whose lips twitched for some reason. "My brother, I believe, is wearing our aunt, Lady Genna's." Rhaegar relaxed the hold on his goblet once he heard unexpected answer. It was rather curious that Ser Jaime would ride with an aunt's favor, though he supposed he never paid attention to whose favors the young knight used to ride in tourneys with. Lady Lysa apparently had not been expecting it either, but, he could not fathom as to why Lady Lysa would concern herself with such a thing.

While it would be worth some curiosity, he could not help but marvel at the odd tone Lady Lysa's voice had. Thinking on it he vaguely recalled his mother said something about Ser Jaime having visited Riverrun some years ago, but, obviously nothing came of it. He wondered at concern the lady had now, given that she was married to a high-lord and she would have the chance to be the mother of one in the future.

Now that the girl had noticed the other curious glances, Lady Cersei shrugged and continued, motioning where that same uncle had been sitting with the rest of the Lannisters, "Uncle Emmon rarely participates in tilts and usually my brother rides with mine-"

With barely concealed humor in his voice, Oberyn spoke, holding up a ribbon, "My future good-brother was slightly too late." The ladies within hearing distance tittered and nodded. Obviously they thought the idea was an appropriate one. Oberyn continued, "Oh, I did make another suggestion, in the spirit of fairness…" The man and his betrothed shared an amused glance as he kissed her hand and he laughed once more, "I told him since I took his sister's, he should take one from mine, although his lady aunt's proved to be just as lucky." As he was speaking, Ser Jaime felled his opponent.

As Oberyn said the last and stood to take his leave to the ground to await his turn, Doran snorted while Lady Cersei, Elia & Ashara laughed. Obviously Lady Cersei had come to understand Oberyn rather well. Either that or she had not particularly cared for Lady Lysa's curiosity. He wondered idly what Lord Tywin would say to the changes Rhaegar was certain associating with Oberyn would bring to his daughter.

For his part, Lord Stannis face shifted when he raised a brow, but, the man said nothing when Ashara shook her head as if in fond remembrance. Everyone else had incredulous expressions on their faces, clearly demonstrating that, while they thought it was odd, they supposed it must be strictly Dornish humor or that it was just the way of the Dornish prince to make such comments, and so they thought it best not to comment. Taking another sip of wine, Rhaegar thought rather sourly, that Oberyn would have the sort of humor.

He noticed Lady Cersei and Elia sharing a smile as Rhaegar grew nervous when the Lannister girl continued rather sharply at Lady Lysa's incredulous expression, "My brother did ask Her Grace, but, Her Grace had already promised her favor to another." Lady Lysa and her sister shared a look and their curiosity was clear to all.

Ashara smirked wildly, "If Ser Jaime is not wearing your favor, Your Grace, who is?"

This time it was Viserys who piped up, "Ser Gerold." Rhaegar almost choked on his wine as he shot a look at the man, off in the distance. 'Just what was it with the Kingsguard and his wife? If it wasn't one chasing after her skirts it was another. If Elia had been a different sort of woman he would be worried if she was using her amicable relations with his Kingsguard because she planning on deposing him'. He did not know which thought disturbed him more.

He looked between his brother and wife. "Just how do you know that?"

Viserys shrugged his attention mostly still directed to the jousting in front of him, "Ser Gerold asked Elia, um, Her Grace, when we were in the nursery."

A loud cheer rang out as another jouster won his tilt. Still seeing their perplexed expressions, Elia clarified with a smile, "Quite right. It is not everyday I am asked for a tourney favor from the same knight who saved me from an outlaw. Besides, now I can finally say I gave a tourney favor to a white bull. How could I refuse?" Laughter rang out from the Dornish, though, now, Viserys turned to his brother with a confused look on his face.

As Elia turned to Cersei to discuss the other woman's wedding plans, Viserys, spoke softly in his ear, his tone, shy, "Why is that so comical, Rhaegar? What outlaw? And what is so comical about asking someone for a favor? Prince Oberyn and he said he was glad someone thought to ask to wear hers. What does that mean? I heard Ser Oswell say that he had been planning to ask her too. Doesn't everyone ask for and accept favors in a joust?"

Rhaegar frowned at the nature of his brother's questions. He finally understood what Elia had meant about Viserys's inquisitive nature. Thinking of Elia, he noticed shifted so she was sitting forward and because of it a flash of movement caught his eye. Lord Stannis had stood, rather abruptly, and had his brother by the hand and started to escort him out of the venue while Ashara stood up to follow, making their excuses. Elia was taken aback, but, Ashara said something about both lords not being up to finishing the rest of the joust and followed shortly after. Doran caught his eye, and raised an eyebrow and nodded in Viserys' direction causing him to turn around and refocus on his brother. Evidently, this other good-brother did not see the need for him to know what happened with the Baratheons; the thought perhaps the boy suffered an illness. Deciding to concentrate on his brother who had been looking at he decided he would fret over Lord Stannis later.

As far as his brother he thought back to Viserys's first question. Frivolities, such as jousting, was very limited in King's Landing for the past few years and what with the war, jousting etiquette is not something the boy would have had experience with or would have been taught to him. Rhaegar certainly had not taken the time to explain much to him about jousting.

Given the way their family had been, his brother had never been privy to much and the boy had always been isolated from most others, even him. What with the difference in their ages and since before he left, his concentration having been elsewhere; immersed in his duties, his books, his music, and the prophecy, Rhaegar can remember spending only so much time with his brother. True, he used to carry him around and unbend enough to tell a story or two, but, before the war Viserys spent the majority of his time with their mother and Elia, a nurse or some other servant; perhaps a knight or two of the Kingsguard. His mother taught him what she could and from what he recalled when his father bothered to remember he, indeed, had a second son their father spent most of his time regaling Viserys about the family history and stories about the might of dragons, but, even that had been rare considering most had tried to keep Viserys' from their father's increasing madness.

When he returned the boy had already started lessons with the Maester and Ser Jaime, and then Oberyn arrived. He was fairly certain Oberyn agreed to teach Viserys how to use the spear out of love for Elia and spite for him. Otherwise, Viserys spent the majority of his time in the nursery with the other children and Elia, Ashara, & Ser Darry keeping close watch. What with his overseeing the rebuilding efforts and the coronation & related preparations, outside of meals or when someone brought Viserys to him for an occasional lecture, Rhaegar barely saw his brother; not even to supervise Viserys's lessons with Oberyn.

It is truly wondrous and disheartening how little time he spent with those he should have when he had the opportunity and how much he missed because of it.

Rhaegar flushed slightly. He examined his brother, who looked back at him with a completely guileless, but, almost nervous expression, as if he was regretting bothering Rhaegar with his questions.

Rhaegar felt very tired in that moment. There would be a time when answers would be demanded, from his brother, and the other children for that matter, but, no tale he could tell now was suitable for a child of Viserys's age.

It was no secret to any that Viserys had come to idolize the Dornish prince and apparently the man's candor extended to his sister's good-brother. Still, nothing had softened Oberyn towards him, not even a betrothal. Now, it seemed that even his Kingsguard were acting just as carefully considerate as everyone else when it came to their actions. He could hardly explain Oberyn's vitriol towards him without explaining everything else.

He sighed silently and took yet another long gulp of wine to give himself some time. It helped that Viserys was distracted by Ser Arthur failing to win his joust.

In the intervening time he considered his Kingsguard. This particular pair of knights had been a part of his father's Kingsguard. They were also ones who had not said much about their personal feelings; not to him, as it was. Intuitively he knew Ser Gerold nor Ser Oswell had not liked being at the Tower of Joy, but, they had been steadfast in their vows then, aas they had when they had been under their father's service. Their loyalty and their sense of duty never wavered, even as tested as it had been when his father had been alive.

Of course, he knew full well the story of how Ser Gerold received that wound in his hand, but even that was some time ago. It was curious that Ser Oswell had also considered asking Elia for a favor as well, but, Rhaegar did remember that Ser Oswell had danced with Elia at the feast. It was not as though the Kingsguard were particularly fast friends with his wife, though he was sure they liked her well enough and it was logical for them to ask her for her favor.

Still, Rhaegar cringed internally when he remembered Ser Oswell's brother and good-sister had been the ones to host the Tourney at Harrenhall, but Lord and Lady Whent had not come to the festivities today. Certainly that could not be relevant. Even if it was, his mother made sure that Viserys would not have been told about what transpired towards Harrenhal and Rhaegar had come to learn enough about the situation of the Keep to understand that efforts were made to ensure that Viserys had remained sheltered whenever possible. There would be time for Viserys to learn about that later. Still he could not completely speak to their motives to anyone, much less a boy who had seen six name days.

As to the rest of it, now that he thought of Viserys' questions about tourney favors, it occurred to him, Lady Lysa had not offered favors to anyone even though Jon Arryn was not participating in the tourney and Ser Arthur rode with Ashara's. Ser Barristan, took a favor from the wife of a cousin. The other lords and knights likewise stuck to asking favors of their wives, betrotheds, and family. He would be foolish to think it had to do with anyone but him.

Seeing his brothers rising confusion he gave an answer he settled on. "It is nothing, Viserys. Some time ago there was an outlaw who bothered Elia and Ser Gerold dealt with him and you know that many call Ser Gerold is called the White Bull. It is quite fitting for Ser Gerold to ask Elia. Queens or other married ladies usually do not give their favors to just anyone, even their lord husbands do not participate. The Kingsguard can not ask wives or betrotheds, as they have none, and Ser Gerold has no sister. Many women would be honored if a man so well respected like the Lord Commander asked for their favor to wear in a tourney."

Viserys accepted his explanation asked another question. "Why do people bother with tourney and their favors so much?"

This time, his childish voice was loud enough that it carried. Jon Arryn gave a response after a sidelong look to his wife who had been engrossed in a conversation with her sister. "Giving a favor and receiving one is quite the honor in its own way. Not every lady is asked, and on occasion some are refused when asked. You will understand when you are older and you ask a lady to wear yours, especially the first time. It can be rather wearing for the nerves."

Viserys looked at him as if the Hand said something outlandish. 'When I ride in my first tourney, I do not have to ask a lady, Rhaenys never says 'no' when I ask her to play so she won't refuse me a favor, either".

Rhaegar laughed for the first time in days. Jon Arryn patted Viserys's shoulder as if listening to childish prattle was something he enjoyed. The two men then turned the conversation about the council meeting to be held within the next few days. By this time, there was announcement of the last tilt: Ser Barristan vs. Oberyn. The two men looked fierce upon their steeds. Once the signal was given they raced to one another. Soon, Oberyn's lance hit its target: Ser Barristan's breast-plate. Oberyn hit's hit landed so fiercely that splinters flew every which way while the man fell to the ground, hard. Elia, and a few other ladies, including Cersei Lannister, took sharp breaths at that. Viserys looked starry eyed in his adulation of the Red Viper. Oberyn got off his horse and made his way to where the knight fell while some others also made their way to the grounds to check on the fallen knight. Ser Barristan had not been rendered unconscious but, still had to be helped up so that he could be taken to one of the tents to check for any further injuries.

Oberyn, then, walked back to his horse, climbed into the saddle and guides his horse to where the attendant holding "crown" of roses had been standing. Oberyn, held it in his hands for a few seconds before raising his arm holding it for all to see; loud cheering followed. He, then, made his way to where Rhaegar had been sitting. The man, atop his horse, stood in front of him for what Rhaegar seemed to be an eternity before he nodded and something of a smile appeared on his face. If one did not look too closely, or did not know the man, would have thought it to be a smile for certain, but, Rhaegar knew full well, it was a challenging smirk. Oberyn turned his attention to his sister. Oberyn's smirk became more pronounced and for a moment Rhaegar began to suspect that he was going to give Elia the crown, both as an honor to her and a jab at him, yet, again he merely nodded and truly smiled in her direction before making his way to where his betrothed had been sitting. Rhaegar tried to, discretely, let out the breath which he had been holding.

Soon enough Oberyn put the crown of roses on top of her fair head, and they shared a kiss, the length of which, in Rhaegar's opinion, went on a bit too long than appropriate, even for betrotheds. No one else save for the scandalized Tully women seemed to mind. It was true that Viserys looked vaguely disgusted, but, it was likely more horror related seeing kissing at his age more than anything. Twyin Lannister, as severe looking as ever, simply shared a look with his brother, Lord Kevan & sister, Lady Genna. One could easily read their thoughts: Martells. From his right he heard his Hand snort. Of course, Doran said nothing, but, shook his head and looked fondly at his brother and future good-sister's antics. Elia politely hid a smile behind her hand. Ser Jaime, however, had looked incredulous and then relieved, but, even that quickly evaporated and now he looked fit to burst from laughter.

Oberyn decided since his brother spoke to him about his and Lady Cersei's courtship he and his new betrothed needed to appear in public more often. So, the next day he was taking Lady Cersei on a walk through of King's Landing. Oh, they surely made a show of being happily betrothed when he won the tourney; not even his future good-father Lord Tywin Lannister had said anything to him or her for that matter, afterward. Still, his brother had said giving her a crown of flowers was just not enough of a courtship and he would have to do better than that.

He knew Doran had despaired of his ever being married or settling down. Of course his brother had married the woman he loved; this was something quite different. Even if he had no intention of informing Doran about Cersei & Jaime Lannister, just yet, he still had every intention of being as true of a husband as he could, even if they bedded or loved others. If one could look past his reputation for hotheadedness and violence they only had to look at his bastards to know that no single, ordinary, meek woman would do as a wife for him. It really was his good fortune that Cersei Lannister still needed a husband. She was hardly meek or ordinary. She was not a typical Southron lady; for that he was thankful. At least she would not bore him.

And so here he was preparing to ask her to go on a walk in the city tomorrow, though with her brother as a chaperone. He found the situation very much amusing. When Elia wrote to him she said the girl was still beautiful and he was no fool that he would deny himself beauty when it came his way. She had also hinted that Sunspear and Dorne in general would serve Cersei Lannister well. His sister had been right. It helped that she was fiercely independent and intelligent. She had taken his behavior in stride, and it was a rather big relief that she understood his humor. Of course his sister knew about the girl's preferences and still recommended the match, or perhaps that was why she did.

When Ser Jaime told him about them he had been surprised, which admittedly was a rare occurrence; then he had been understanding, and then amused. Ser Jaime had told him that he did love his sister but very few would understand it. The sentiment was true and Oberyn was hardly above reproach. Obara's mother had been a whore; Nymeria's mother was, like Mellario, a noble woman from the Free Cities, though from Volantis not Norvos; Tyene's mother was a Septa; and Sarella's, a trader. He could hardly deride others for their lusts when there was no reason to bar them from that lust. This though was more than mere lust. It really was a pity that such things were not accepted under most circumstances, unless they had been with the name Targaryen.

His face settled into a grimace. That name and the men attached to it caused nothing but trouble. Of course, wearing Elia's favors had not stopped that fool Rhaegar from crowning that Stark chit Queen of Love and Beauty, and shaming his sister, but, he doubted anyone would take such liberties now, even him. Still that fool of a good brother and that girl did enough damage. It was a stroke of fortune Rhaegar's boy was born before his good-brother married the girl and she died before she could pose a proper threat. Of course the boy had been brought here, but, Elia and Doran would have his head if something were to happen to the boy, not that he would do anything to harm him as he had wanted to the boys father. Even he had his limits and he had carried the boy during the coronation, after all.

At least Elia's and her children's legacies are secure. He had wanted to act, but, Elia and Doran were emphatic there was nothing to do about it now and he did see the reason of it. If it would not mean more strife for his sister and her children, Rhaegar Targaryen would have been just as dead as that beast that used to masquerade as his father. After Rhaegar Targaryen, just about anyone would be an improvement as a good-brother and he was hardly the jealous type. At least Ser Jaime had a sense of humor and he cared about his family at least.

He knew full well he caused Rhaegar great distress just by his mere presence. He had known it since he agreed to teach Prince Viserys who had become quite a diligent student of his and who had been very interested in following him around asking questions of what Dorne was like. Doran had also likewise mentioned his conversation with Rhaegar and relayed his shock the night before, at the feast because of his affable actions.

Of course today was more than it's worth in golden dragons. He saw Rhaegar as he approached the area of the stands where they had been sitting after retrieving the "crown" and when he kissed the girl.

Between allowing him to become more familiar with his betrothed, allowing for his betrothed some time with her brother, being able to spend time with his sister and her children, and being able to needle his good-brother it most definitely worked in his favor to remain in King's Landing for quite some time longer.

Later that night, after the evening meal, the royal couple found themselves in the nursery with the children, which allowed the nurse to have some time to herself. Of course, the youngest three children were fast asleep and Rhaenys was in the process of drifting off. Viserys, though, was wide awake, chattering away about the tourney and commenting on what he thought of each and every participant, the horses, which ones he liked best, and so on. Essentially, the pair of adults listened while the young boy spent his energy talking. If they regretted allowing him extra pudding at the meal, they made no mention of it. Of course, this meant that he would ask more questions whenever he ran out of items to comment on. Eventually the nurse returned and the trio moved to Viserys' chambers as the boy's eyes started to droop.

Once they settled him in they stood up to leave. Yet, before they could do so Viserys stopped them. While they felt that it was unusual they waited for the generally loquacious child to speak.

Eventually, he spoke up. "Did you know Robert Baratheon well?" Rhaegar and Elia looked at one another rather startled and so they sat back down again.

Rhaegar answered evasively, "Why? Did someone say something?"

The young boy looked down before looking back up to answer, "You know how Renly and I are friends now?"

Rhaegar nodded, prompting Viserys to continue. "Today, after the tourney, Lord Stannis would only let me have a short visit with Renly and he said Lord Stannis was mad at him for asking about Robert and that Lord Stannis got really worried when Renly mentioned that their brother would have liked to be at a tourney like we had today. Renly said that Lord Stannis told Renly to not mention their other brother when they stay in King's Landing at all. Renly even said Lord Stannis never speaks to him about their parents as well. Why is that?"

Rhaegar looked at Elia; she looked steadily back, saying nothing. Apparently questions he had been regretting required answers from him. And he had believed speaking to Stannis Baratheon would make for a relatively palatable experience.

Rhaegar swallowed heavily. He could hardly tell Viserys too much. Looking at Elia he noticed her face was rather expressionless, except, she was curious as to what he might say. Certainly she would allow for certain allowances given Viserys's age. Even that was very little consolation.

Rhaegar took a deep breath. "I can not tell you every thing, but, I can tell you Robert Baratheon died in the war. I am sure Lord Stannis loved his brother very much and does not want to be reminded of things his brother used to enjoy. It can be rather painful."

Elia raised an eyebrow, but said nothing.

Viserys continued, "But why would he tell Renly not to speak about him?"

"First, let me tell you that I do not want you pestering Renly or Lord Stannis, or anyone about this. Do we have an agreement?" The boy acquiesced easily though he was shocked at his brother's rather sharp tone.

Elia looked at Rhaegar pointedly and he modified his tone so that he spoke more softly. "Do you remember how I went to war as well?" The boy nodded.

"Lord Robert was on the opposing side and because he was his brother, Lord Stannis joined him. Jon's uncle, Lord Stark, was also Lord Robert's closest friend. The Hand, Lord Arryn fostered Lord Robert with him at the Eyrie. The war was very ugly business and many would prefer to not focus on it. I can not speak much for Lord Stannis, but, he probably fears that some would think badly of them and does not wish to stir up already painful issues for anyone."

"But, why would he forbid Renly from speaking about him and their parents. If they were Lord Stannis's family, they were Renly's too."

"That is true, however, Lord Stannis knew them longer. Sometimes people are very private, and you know Lord Stannis is one of them, and often some do not like speaking about those who have died and no matter how long ago it was and Robert Baratheon, only died some months ago. I can imagine the pain in particularly is still fresh for him."

That did not satisfy the child. "But, Renly says it is not fair because he does not remember his parents at all and now so is there brother, but Lord Stannis, does have memories of them."

Rhaegar sighed as he begged the Seven for patience. "You know our family history? Then you know that Lord Stannis' grandmother was Rhaelle Targaryen?"

Elia's expression was incredulous. Her thoughts clear. Family? Of all the explanations to use about Targaryens and Baratheons, now their kinship means something?

Rhaegar decided to keep his attention focused on his brother.

"Yes, Maester Pycelle informed me."

"Good, then did you know our father, because they were family, asked an errand of Lord Steffon and Lady Cassana and then they died soon after in an accident?"

The boy nodded, but, still did not comprehending what his brother was hinting at. "Lord Stannis and Lord Robert saw it happen and then Lord Robert was fostered with Lord Jon Arryn, but, Lord Stannis had to stay with Lord Renly and they remained apart until the war. It is very hard to be separated from family for so long."

"But, even so why would Lord Stannis still not like talking about family?"

Elia spoke up, perhaps to distract herself from other thoughts, and Rhaegar was surprised. Viserys turned towards her and she pulled the boy to her side. "You have met my brothers, Princes Doran and Oberyn, yes? Obviously it was not much of a question, but, the boy nodded, regardless.

"You have been studying the history of Dorne. Well, then you know Doran is much older than Oberyn and I?" Those were definitely not questions as they all knew the truth of all of that. Still, the boy nodded, 'yes', but said nothing, waiting to hear more.

"As a child, Oberyn and I used to play in the Water Gardens, but, Doran was much too old to play with us, just as Lord Stannis is much too old to play with your friend Renly. You understand?"

"Yes."

"In your studies, did you come across knowledge of my other brothers Mors and Olyvar?" Viserys looked confused and Rhaegar was rather alarmed, trying to figure out why Elia would mention her brothers who died as children, when she never had before.

"No, well, both of them were younger than Doran but much older than I, but I never met them as they died very young. It is not the same thing as your friend, but, our lady-mother and lord-father, nor Doran for that matter, spoke much about my brothers either and they did not like it when Oberyn and I asked about them. Sometimes it just too painful when those who did know are asked about family they knew and they lost. Tell me, you remember your lady-mother and your lord-father and you miss them terribly, yes?"

Viserys nodded.

"Then when Aegon, Daenerys, or Jon grow, and they, or anyone, may ask you or even Rhaenys about them, how do you expect to feel if they do?

"I think it would feel bad."

"Quite. It is unfair, but, there it is. Sometimes it's harder for those who have spent many years with them to speak of them or to hear about them, especially when someone talks about things they used to like."

Rhaegar rose and spoke again. "I think, if your friend asks again, tell him, that you think Lord Stannis misses them as well and will speak to him about their family in his own time. It is not, perhaps, what he would want to hear, but, that is the only answer I can give you. For now, the hour grows late. If you wish, we can speak more of things later. Please, keep most of what we have discussed to yourself. No one is to know what we have told you today."

Elia kissed Viserys's brow and both wished the boy "have a peaceful sleep' and closed the door behind them.

When they reached Elia's chambers they both sat together, drinking wine. Elia looked towards Rhaegar and said, "I suppose he would have asked some of these questions eventually."

Rhaegar replied, "Thank you for not saying too much about Robert and not saying much to contradict what I said. I…"

Elia laughed softly, "Nothing you said was strictly a lie, and Viserys is much too young for much of the war related talk. I think for now his curiosity is sated. I think his tiredness also contributed to that. Still, I suspect he will have more difficult questions in the future. I hope we are well prepared for that."

"While we are discussing the topic I had been intending on having a private audience with Lord Stark and Lord Baratheon individually."

"You wish to tell them..."

"I think I ought to speak to them, perhaps to explain myself. I feel that I owe them that."

"I see. I suppose it could not do any harm. If you wish, I might speak to Ashara, perhaps she can convince Lord Stannis change his mind about speaking to his brother about certain things..."

"If you desire to, I have no objection."

Nothing more was said for some time, but, eventually Elia spoke again. "Tell me, what forced you to acknowledge your kinship with Robert? Eventually, Viserys would make the connections, but, when it comes to light that the war effectively ended when you defeated and killed Robert in battle, what happens then? To be sure, for me, Robert having been kin of any degree is that which is least troubling. Still, Viserys and the rest are young. That will only serve confuse him and the other children, when the time comes to tell them all of it."

Rhaegar tried to look for the proper words though he struggled. Eventually, he settled on, "I am aware. As far as the family relationship is concerned, it can not be denied. Still, kinship had very little to do with what I had done. It is too late for any amends I can make to Robert, and even Lyanna. I can only try to make amends to you and do right by Jon. As for the rest of it, I will try to explain what I can though I know that it will not undo what I have done, or have not done, no matter how much I wish it now. All of this was of my own doing and I bear the responsibility for that. "

She considers him for a moment. "You have changed. Before, you would not have thought to even try. I remember, before we married, I was told you were a good and kind man. For the first time in a long while I am starting to see that in you again."

His only response was to rise and pull her close to him so she is flush against him. Nothing more was said that night.

Chapter 8: Meetings: the Small Council and otherwise.