Chapter 9
Queen of Love and Beauty
-289 AC-
"Give me honorable enemies rather than ambitious ones, and I'll sleep more easily by night."
Robert had requested that she travel with him to the tourney at Lannisport, hosted by Tywin Lannister. She had obliged but had frowned sourly at the mention of the old lion. Even their lady mother, Stannis and Renly would arrive shortly after their arrival in honour of their son and brother. She was quite giddy to see her mother again, even the king was pleased to hear of this news.
Shortly, after they had settled in Lannisport, she had been assigned Ser Meryn Trant as her temporary sworn shield but she had been affronted by her brother to have overlooked Ser Athur in favour of that child molester. The way he had looked at her left her feeling disgusted and disturbed, even Arthur had been ready to gouge out his eyes.
"Arthur, when we get back to Dragonwood, I want to visit the Night's Watch to meet my grand-grand-uncle, Aemon Targaryen. I'll take Rhaenys with me so she can meet her kin as well."
His violet eyes widened slightly in surprise before he composed himself, "As you wish, my Princess."
She rolled her eyes at his jests, "I can't tell who is worse, you or Saffyre or Rhaenys. Perhaps all three of you?"
He chuckled warmly, his hand on the hilt of his sword as they walked around Lannisport. People stared in awe and wonderment at the Sword of the Morning and the Baratheon Princess. "Perhaps." He answered her, eyes shifting left and right, alert and ready to strike like a viper.
"Relax friend, I'm sure no one would dare to attack me in the open, especially when they see the Sword in the Morning accompanying me."
He didn't ease his tense muscles, "You might never know which treacherous beast could be lying in wait."
There was a clear truth in those words. Elenys didn't trust the lions, not one bit. She shook her head, silver tresses bouncing on her back, "At least, try to enjoy it a bit, for me."
He smiled as if pained, "Is that an order?"
"No, silly, that's a request. I would be happy to see you happy as well. When was the last time you even drunk some wine or bedded a woman?"
"I have no need for such carnal activities." His entire face flamed up in embarrassment and he tried to compose himself. "And please, my lady, refrain from using such foul words."
Elenys rolled her eyes at his sheer stubbornness. To be honest, it even amazed her, "Ser Arthur, tonight you'll be going out and have some fun or so Gods help me I'll force wine down your throat until you're piss drunk."
He winced at her unladylike words, cheeks still dusted and form rigid. But then his entire stance changed and she was left bewildered at the suddenness of it all.
"Arthur, are you alright?" She asked in concern, eyeing the slight tremble in his hands. When she followed his dark, unflinching look, she knew immediately why. Violet eyes glittering in pure rage, she stepped forwards, wanting to push her dagger through the throat of the bestial man. Unfortunately Arthur stopped her and led her back from where they came, leaving the brutish man known as the Mountain that Rides behind them.
.
.
She whistled in appreciation as she checked Arthur thoroughly, "You will make every woman and man swoon from all that raw beauty, so pot-" "You may stop now, Elenys." Arthur interrupted her with a scowl, cheeks flushed again.
"Remember me again why we aren't betrothed?"
Arthur pinched his nose in irritation, "Why are we having this conversation before the start of the joust?"
"Why you wound me, dear Ser!" She mock-gasped, pouting, "And here I thought that you would ask me for my favour. Alas, our love isn't meant to be..." Placing the back of her hand on her forehead, she sighed melodramatically.
"May I have your favour, my lady?"
She was about to give another cheeky reply but stopped at the intense look he gave her. Her cheeks flamed up and she scowled in annoyance when she noticed his satisfied curl of his lips. Mumbling a quiet, "Stupid pretty man," She disentangled her necklace with Saffyre's claw and put it around Arthur's neck. "There," Beaming at him, she pecked him on his cheek. "I expect you to crown me Queen of Love and Beauty."
Arthur gave her a grateful smile, his purple eyes glinting with warmth and affection. He ruffled his pale blond hair with his fingers and called out to one of his temporary squires. At times she was rendered speechless at his immortal beauty, wondering how someone could possibly be so handsome. Such a striking and imposing figure, even more so than Rhaegar. And certainly muscled in all places, she appraised him with her eyes. She may have a child's body but her mind was certainly not. Blinking away her sudden, unexpected arousal, she shook her head to clear her thoughts.
...she needed to get laid and soon.
"Pardon me?" Arthur spoke up in utter bafflement, cheeks as red as blood. His poor squire wasn't better- a bungling mess of red.
She squeaked in embarrassment and fled the tent.
.
.
She sat in the royal entourage, with her eldest brother, Stannis and Renly. Lady Cassana was seated on her right side, with Tywin seated next to Robert as his good-father. Elenys found it hard to keep her face neutral around the dishonourable lion.
Her mother had been glued to her side for the entire time, fussing over her hair, dress or anything she got her hands on.
"Mother, can you stop fussing, please?" She grumbled in annoyance, blushing furiously. From the corner of her eyes, she noticed all three brothers snickering at her situation. She scowled at them, "Is that a smudge of dirt on your face, Renly?" She gasped in fake-horror, "That's shameful for the brother of a king!"
Renly's eyes widened and he shook his eyes, eyes pleading but she smirked wolfishly. Tough luck, brother. To her amusement, her mother set her predatory eyes on her youngest son, cleaning his cheek and fully embarrassing him in front of all the lord. She muffled her giggles and even Stannis' face lit up in a small smile. Not for Robert though, he erupted into laughter, pestering his little brother as well.
After some minor talking, Robert announced the start of the joust. She watched with excited eyes as the jousters came to the front, one by one, to greet their King and host respectively, Robert and Tywin.
Lord Jorah Mormont, Lord Jason Mallister, Lord Arthur Dayne, Ser Jaime Lannister and many more knights attended the tourney. Even the weasel-like Frey were in full attendance, but no Lord Walder Frey. She frowned when she saw Jorah Mormont, future exile, run through the many lords, breaking many lances in the process. Elenys gripped her dress with clenched fingers and stared with wide eyes.
"Elenys, I'm sure Arthur will win." Lady Cassana spoke up softly, grabbing her daughter's dainty and calloused hands from the use of her bow.
Shooting an annoyed look to her mother, she sat up and eased her muscles, "I know. I'm to be crowned Queen of Love and Beauty."
Her mother laughed prettily, "My, you're confident. Have you given him your favour perhaps?"
The Lady of Dragonwood nodded, ignoring her mother's jesting nature. "My necklace with Saffyre's claw, although it's not necessary. Arthur will win."
When the time came for Arthur and Jorah to joust, she was almost out of her seat, leaning forwards and almost tumbling down the royal stand. Arthur faced the Northman and held out his lance as, charging like a bull. She pushed her nails against the wooden stand, ready to burst from stress and excitement. The first lance broke from Jorah and his squire brought him a second one.
Elenys heard the pounding of her heart but her lips nervously. During Arthur's second try, he had sent Jorah flying and claiming victory like she knew he would do. Feeling proud for her friend, she stood and clapped loudly for him, ignoring the dark looks her brothers were shooting Arthur. Soon, the smallfolk cheered along in adoration for the chivalrous and most deadliest knight in the entire kingdom. He trotted to the royal stand and smiled towards her. She beamed brightly and curtsied for her closest friend.
"Alright, alright, enough! Let the final match begin between Ser Jaime Lannister and Lord Arthur Dayne!" Robert announced loudly, drinking a goblet of wodka. Ever since the day that she had gifted him with barrels filled with wodka, he had ordered his squire, Justin Massey, to have a barrel ready for him.
Pursing her lips, she awaited the final match with even more stress. Her eyes regarded Jaime with a cool stare, she downright despised him as she remembered the day where the Mad King had humiliated her and then proceeded to burn her at stake. As if she was some witch. Flickering her eyes back to her handsome knight, she held in her breath, as Arthur faced Jaime with a relaxed composure. No arrogance was seen on his face. To her amusement, she noticed Jaime's slight hesitancy, but that was soon disregarded as he took his place. The two charged forwards and she could only squirm and count down the time.
Jaime broke his first three lances while Arthur broke his lance only once. Her necklace gleamed under the sunlight and she couldn't help but smile as Arthur jousted with a stubbornness and determination that she had seen but a few times.
Then, during the last joust Jaime had been sent flying by the chivalrous and valiant knight. Arthur sat on his horse, proud and true, his hands on the reins as a golden-haired boy brought a wreath of red and golden flowers plaited within the crown. Not missing a beat, he strode forwards and stared at the king with a neutral look on his face.
Robert stood up and declared Arthur the winner of the tourney. Everyone erupted into flurry of cheers and shouts for the winner, some even throwing flowers to the knight. But the proudest of them all had been Elenys, standing and clapping like a madman. If she could, she would have whistled and cat-called him but unfortunately it wasn't meant to be.
"You may crown your Queen of Love and Beauty," The Baratheon king stated loudly, pointing to the many nervous ladies, hoping to be Arthur's Queen.
Elenys stared as the Sword of the Morning raised his lance and trotted closer to the royal stand until he stopped in front of her with the crown pushed towards her. "The honour goes all to you, my Princess." His intense and fierce look almost turned her into girlish giggles but she squashed those feelings down. She placed the crown on her head and ignored the envious and poisonous looks from many maidens and ladies alike.
"You honour me, my dear friend." Her lips curled up affectionately, "Whatever do you wish for, dear Ser?"
Arthur's lips curled upwards, "Only for our friendship to remain, my dear Princess."
Robert's eyebrow twitched in slight annoyance and called the tourney to an end, amusing both Arthur and Elenys to no end.
.
.
She smiled sadly as she watched her mother and brothers leave one by one, with the promise to visit the upcoming month. She was also curious for her little nephew, even if he was a bastard. She didn't really care for that. To her a child was a child and Edric Storm was family, her kin.
When she turned around, she picked up her dress and gasped when she bumped against someone. With a scowl she looked up and found twinkling emerald-green eyes shining, blonde curls framing a handsome face where a cheeky was etched. He looked familiair, like she had seen him somewhere. Inspecting him further, she noticed his strong and broad shoulders and firmly muscled arms. "And you are?"
He smirked knowingly, his eyes roving over her appearance. "Why you hurt me, my Princess." He leaned forward and grabbed her hand softly, placing a sensual kiss on her hand with the charming smile still intact. "I'm Gerion Lannister, brother of good old Tywin and uncle to Cersei Lannister, your good-sister."
When those words had left his lips, she pulled back her hand and refrained from wiping her hand lest she looked like a child. No wonder he had looked so familiair, he was the spitting image of Jaime, but much more handsome. With cold eyes, she regarded the, unfortunately, very good-looking young man. "It seems we are kin," she spoke neutrally, keeping her voice stable.
"I can see that you don't like my family, my fair lady."
She arched her elegant eyebrow, "I have no recollections of ever being yours, Lord Gerion."
He chuckled in amusement, "Whatever did I do to you to receive such frigidness?"
"Being born, for one," she retorted calmly, pushing her slight enjoyment down. This was a Lannister and most of them were back-stabbing traitors.
"You words are as sharp as the rumours said you to be."
She sighed tiredly and regarded him closely, eyes narrowed, "Why are you really here, Lord Gerion?"
"Can't a man enjoy talking to a beautiful lady?"
Her cheeks took a rosy hue, much to her chagrin, "You may not. Now, if you'll excuse me, there are places I have to be and people to meet."
Gerion grinned wildly, eyes shimmering in mirth. "I would think that you despise me, my Princess."
She flinched at his words and glared venomously at him, "Mayhaps I am, Lord Lannister." Not waiting for an answer, she walked away as fast as she could. This man was a nuisance, she thought in annoyance.
"Allow me to visit Dragonwood with your entourage, Lady Elenys."
She almost groaned in irritation when the cheeky Lannister caught up to her with fast strides. Why was this happening to me now? But then again, there was a very handsome Lannister man following her. Stopping in her tracks, she turned to him with a cautious look, "Tell me why and I'll give you permission."
He looked amused at her stubbornness, but replied anyway. "I want to see the famous Dragonwood in real life but what I really want, is to see your dragon."
Understanding dawned upon her and grudgingly she granted him permission. "Next time you better not look so ravishing, Lord Gerion." With that she stalked off, horror on her face as she replayed those blunt and honest words. What a fool she was.
Her cheeks flamed up all the way to Dragonwood when Lord Gerion kept casting her appraising looks.
At times she cursed her small body, she had never wanted to grow up so badly in life in that moment. People admired her beauty, but she was far from sophisticated and regal-looking. Not until she would have a few more years.
.
.
As it was, Gerion had visited Dragonwood and when he had heard that she was off to visit the Night's Watch at Castle Black, he joined as well. His curiosity for the Wall evident in his gleaming emerald eyes.
...but that didn't mean that she had liked his sly comments about his good looks.
To make matters worse, Rhaenys had been mortified and angry to see a Lannister, especially the brother of Tywin Lannister. She had opted to ignore him and at times, some scathing looks were sent as well.
"It seems we'll be nearing Castle Black in an hour or two," Gerion mused out loud.
Arthur glowered at the man, irritation swelling within him. She found him quite cute with that look on his face.
"It seems you have a talent for stating the obvious, Lord Gerion," She felt her lips twitch upwards when he roared in laughter, his eyes glimmering in good sport. Rhaenys glared at her when she chuckled softly, her eyes telling her to stop the conversation.
Rolling her eyes, she kept her eyes on the road as their horse galloped forwards. Snow covered every inch of the path and more fell down the cloudy sky.
.
.
.
When they had arrived in Castle Black, Lord Commander Jeor Mormont and Benjen Stark, along with several other men had been awaiting their arrival. She had made sure to send a letter to the old bear, letting him know that they were there to visit their grand-grand-uncle Aemon Targaryen. He had been surprised but welcomed them nonetheless.
"Welcome, Princess Elenys, Lady Rhaenys, Lord Arthur and Lord Gerion to Castle Black. Come, let's get you all warmed up." The strong voice of the Lord Commander rang loud and clear.
She pushed her cloak of furs closer to her, shivering when she saw all the leers from the men. Feeling quite troubled by it, she kept her hands on her dagger and stepped closer to Rhaenys. Poisonous glares were sent to anyone who even looked at her little sister. Thankfully Arthur and Gerion had formed a shield around them as the Lord Commander guided them to his office.
Her eyes flickered to Benjen Stark. She found it sad that he had still took the Black, "Hello Lord Benjen."
Benjen glanced at her curiously, his grey eyes sparkling silver, "Princess Elenys."
"Please call me Elenys. It's how your Lord father and brother do as well."
"Very well, Elenys, I would feel honoured if you would call me Benjen." He started, "In these walls we are neither lord or bastard. Everyone is a brother of the Watch."
She nodded her head forwards, "You're quite modest, ser."
"Someone has to be."
Her lips twitched in amusement and she ended the conversation, the silence comforting between the two. When they arrived in Jeor's office, she looked around and found the aged dragon sitting on one of the chairs. A bright smile lit up her face when she saw her grand-grand-uncle, "Grand-grand-uncle! You still look like a youthful dragon! I am pleased to make your acquaintance."
Arthur, Gerion and Benjen had opted to get a tour from the Stark while Lord Commander had left them to grant them their privacy.
"I see that both my grand-grand-nieces have graced me with their lovely presence." Aemon started, "What a sight you two must make."
Elenys and Rhaenys both took one of his wrinkled hands, placing a kiss on his cheek. "Uncle, you're quite a charmer." Elenys joked softly as she placed a kiss on his cheek, "You're making us dragons blush."
He chuckled quietly while Rhaenys giggled in amusement.
"As long as you don't breathe out fire then I'll gladly hear you two roar."
"Cheeky," was her retort.
Rhaenys suddenly looked saddened, "Uncle," she squeezed his hands gently, "You're one of my last remaining kin in this world and I cherish our meeting close to my heart."
Elenys frowned sadly, but refrained from saying anything. Rhaenys needed to say this.
"I hope that this meeting won't be our last and that one day you'll visit Dragonwood and even Saffyre." Her breath hitched at the end and Elenys grabbed Rhaenys' other hand, giving it a firm squeeze.
Maester Ameon shook his head, "My little dragon, this won't be our last meeting. This dragon is still quite alive." He caressed Rhaenys curly black hair and placed a comforting kiss on top of her head, "But I'm curious, how did you know I was a Targaryen. I had thought that all of Westeros had forgotten about this sleeping dragon."
"That would be me, uncle, I read your name in one of the books and had been dying to meet an ancient dragon."
Aemon's lips twitched in merriment, "This ancient dragon has quite the stories to tell."
"Then please indulge us, grand maester of old Valyria," Elenys jested in good humour.
...and so two daughters of the Targaryen line sat down and listened attentively to stories of old, back to times when Westeros was filled with Targaryen children.
.
.
It had been four months after the visit of her grand-grand-uncle when she heard the news of one of her serving wenches giving birth to her baseborn nephew. Black curls and piercing blue eyes with soft, childish features left her no doubt that this was all Robert.
Her eyes softened at the sight of the child in the arms of a wet nurse. The mother, Vael, had died in childbirth, which left the boy with no family. "I'll name you Steffon Dragonwood, after your grandfather. I'm sure father would have like to meet you." She took the child from the wet nurse and ushered her out with the order to retrieve her nephew after an hour or two.
As she took her spot in her office room, she played with the button nose of Steffon, "Did you know your father is the king of Westeros, so that makes you a prince. Unfortunately in this cruel world bastards are seen like the dirt on our shoes." She glared at the ground, but softened her eyes when she looked at Steffon, "But don't worry, no one will ever hurt you in here. I'll make sure you grow up with everything you want."
A knock on her door broke her from her trance and she granted entrance. With narrowed eyes, she looked at Gerion, "You're still here?" She asked rudely.
He chuckled quietly and looked at the babe in her arms, "Yours?"
She rolled her eyes at his poor attempt of a joke, "Of course not, I haven't even flowered yet."
Gerion grinned at her bold remark and took a seat in one of her comfortable chairs, "So, where are the parents?"
"My brother, Robert, left me this small present after the feast a few months ago. His mother died during childbirth so now I'll raise him as my own."
He frowned at that, "He is dishonouring my niece with all these bastards."
"I understand your plight, but don't you dare refer to my brother's children as some kind of disease. They are still my blood, my kin." She threatened hardly, dark glare set on his person.
"I apologise for my rudeness," He rubbed his temples and regarded the boy with curiosity. "May I?"
"Depends if you're good with children."
He grinned brightly, perfect white teeth flashing, "I have a bastard daughter named Joy so that means a yes."
She grumbled in annoyance and handed her nephew to the golden-haired man, "Be careful of his head, don't jostle him too much or you might wake him up."
"Is it true?"
"What is true?" Elenys asked in confusion at his random question.
Gerion shifted the babe safely against his chest, "That you're building a nursery room for him..."
"Why yes, my nephew deserves that and more." She flickered her eyes to the handsome man. "Do you also think that bastards are unworthy of love?"
He shook his head, his golden and unruly mane bouncing back and forth. "Of course not, I'm just displeased that king Robert hurts my niece by sleeping with every girl he sets his eyes on."
"I have to admit, my lady mother and I are quite displeased as well. He has sired more children, one even in Storm's End. But there is nothing I can do. He doesn't act like that when we're around him but when we aren't with him, there is no one to stop him." Elenys sighed tiredly and took the babe from Gerion, "Is there something else on your mind?"
He blinked his eyes in surprise and flashed her a pleased smile, "It seems I have grown on you, my fair princess. As a matter of fact I do. I wish to bring my nephew, little Tyrion, to Dragonwood, with your permission of course. He has been eager to visit this place and meet you."
"As long as he acts like you then I'll gladly open my doors for him. But Tywin isn't welcome in Dragonwood and neither is Jaime Lannister."
"Fair enough. I shall depart now and come back with my nephew. Farewell, my princess."
Elenys smiled softly, "Safe travels, Lord Gerion."
.
.
.
It was another month later when Elenys had welcome Lord Tyron and his uncle in Dragonwood with no escort, just like Gerion had promised.
"Welcome in Dragonwood, my lords, I hope your stay here will be to your satisfaction. I have prepared rooms for you for your stay here."
Tyrion looked at her in bewilderment and even Gerion chuckled at the sight, "Well, nephew, don't embarrass me in front of the Dragon Queen. Greet her properly."
Blue and black mismatched eyes regarded her with caution and yet lingering on hope and excitement, "My fair princess," He took her hands slowly, thinking her to feel ashamed to be kissed by an imp, "I am honoured to be here." He placed a gentle kiss on her hand. It seemed he was still baffled by the fact that she hadn't screamed bloody murder.
"Lord Tyrion, I care not for your dwarfness. I judge people on their personality-" Gerion interrupted her rudely, "You didn't seem to judge me properly at first." "-so you have no fear in Dragonwood. Give us respect and we shall gladly return the favour." Elenys smiled softly at the man-boy and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek, "As long as you don't grow to be as annoying as your uncle here then you'll always have a place here in Dragonwood." She joked in good humour.
Gerion grinned wolfishly, "The fair princess has missed me, it seems."
Elenys rolled her eyes and guided the men to their rooms within the castle, "Follow me gentlemen, I am sure you're both tired and exhausted from the long ride."
So, the two Lannister followed her, both admiring the woman in their own way.