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Elia Martell II
Red Keep, King's Landing, Crownlands, 284 AC
She sat in a chair by the window of her room looking at the rather tumultuous waves of the Blackwater Bay…a storm was surely approaching and Elia worried about Queen Rhaella who was by now at Dragonstone waiting for her child to come to life of that Elia was sure of. The skies were getting darker, sending shivers down her spine…an uneasy feeling about this storm and about everything that was to come tormented her…
From everything that went by in the first Council Meeting, the upcoming tourney was what worried her the most…she did not wish for it to happen and she knew not what Lord Tyrell's intent was on organizing it but it was most likely a way to get in their good favor just as almost everyone else in the Red Keep was trying these days…
The only thing she missed from Aerys was how he scared those lickspittles away with his madness…how scarcely populated court was in those days…just this morning she had to contend with Lord Florent who for some reason brought a sizable part of his family to court and was now begging to make his poor niece Selyse, a lady-in-waiting for he feared she would never find suitable husband thanks to how unforgiving the Gods were with her looks…
Elia accepted out of pity for the woman but she was regretting it already…Lady Selyse was not particularly good of character as the very few interactions they shared showed…and she also seemed to look at Elia and Rhaenys with mistrust and well-hidden disgust…some Houses in the Reach were very conservative and it seemed House Florent was amongst them and by conservative Elia meant especially racist towards Dornish people. Well…young Lady Delena was a pleasant child with little faults in her…it was a shame she was so young for she would have made a much better lady-in-waiting than her cousin.
One thing that Elia and Rhaella had long agreed was to force every courtier who was not underage or had a position in the Councils or in the administration of the Red Keep to find a manse of their own in the city because feeding these courtiers and housing them was an unnecessary burden for the treasury and if they wanted favors then they should very well fight for them with their own pockets and she would make them fight for it.
Besides Lady Selyse, Elia had nominated with the advice of Queen Rhaella, the ladies Elinor Chelsted and Lollys Stokeworth together with Lady Felicia Templeton, whose friendship the Queen wished to resume and who Elia was quite excited to meet too. On her initiative, she also nominated Lady Catelyn Tully as a way to get closer to the Tullys and the Rebels or at very least undermine their cohesion. It was not something she liked but she would be damned if she did nothing to secure her son's position.
Well…at least the Rebels' cohesion seemed to be fracturing which was somewhat good for the Crown…given that they could only truly count on Dorne for support and sometimes she did wonder if her brother Doran would truly support her at all…When she was being threatened by Aerys, her brother only sent ten thousand men north when he could muster at least thirty thousand men…Oberyn would deplete Dorne of men if it need be to help her…her brothers could not be more different…
Thinking of Dorne, Elia had also invited Emyly and Ashara to resume their positions but she knew very well that at least her best friend would have to decline thanks to her newfound position in the North. Nevertheless, Elia hoped a visit to the capital could be organized so she could see her friend's little pup…
"Mommy!" Elia turned around, to where the door to her room was, just in time to catch her daughter who jumped into her hold out of nowhere.
"Rhaenys dear, where did you come from?" she questioned, finding Lady Catelyn with Aegon holding her hand and Lady Lollys by her side with a big and simple smile.
"I came from my room with Egg, Lady Catelyn, and Lady Lollys." Replied her daughter in a sophisticated tone which she was practicing to soon receive a private Septa. "I wanted to know when grandmother will return with my new sister."
Elia smiled and kissed her daughter's forehead. "Rhaenys, your grandmother's child will not be your sister, she will be your aunt if she is a girl at all."
"Aunt…like who?"
"Hum…like your aunt Mellario, your uncle Doran's wife." Elia said.
"Who is uncle Doran?" Elia forgot that her children did not recall her brothers…maybe once they were a bit older they could travel to Sunspear and visit them…last time she saw Arianne, she was about Rhaenys' age so it would be good to see her and Oberyn's daughters…
"He is my older brother," Elia explained. "And the Prince Regnant of Dorne."
"Oh…he is like Stark!" Her daughter said, making her smile but she also noticed that Lady Catelyn looked away…Elia knew she was once betrothed to Brandon Stark but her father broke the betrothal and Brandon did not seem to resume it yet…she could imagine why hearing his name would upset the beautiful redhead woman… "Stark is nice! He comes to visit us often and always plays Come-Into-My-Castle."
"Rhaenys, you cannot call Lord Brandon that, he is a Lord Paramount and deserves respect," Elia warned. "Be polite to everyone older than you!"
"Ok…I'm sorry…" Rhaenys murmured sadly but a smile quickly replaced the sadness. "I know my aunt will be a girl because I saw it in a dream and so I can't wait to play with her, we will be friendly friends!"
"Your aunt…" Elia played along with her daughter's confidence. "Will be too young to play with you, my dear but we will find you some girls to play with, so do not worry. In the meantime…you have ladies Jasline, Nysah, Lollys, and Catelyn but do not put too much pressure on them, ok sweetling?"
"Yes." Rhaenys nodded smiling. She then jumped to the floor and went to pull Lady Lollys' sleeve. "Lady Lollys, let's play dolls again! I will be Princess Rhaenys and you Princess Visenya."
"Oh ok…hum…should I or…" The kind big-boned woman looked at Elia seeking approval and Elia nodded so Lady Lollys left quite happy with Rhaenys…to play dolls…The rumors about Lady Lollys painted her as dimwitted and so Elia was concerned that Rhaenys would be able to manipulate the poor woman around…once the entirety of the ladies-in-waiting were nominated, she would need to put another woman with Lollys to prevent such thing from happening…
"Lady Catelyn, can you bring me, my son, please?" Elia begged after eyeing Aegon extending his hands to her. "He seems to wish to speak with me."
"Of course, My Princess…" The young woman proclaimed as she brought Aegon to her hands and so Elia kissed the King in the forehead, making her child smile. "Forgive me…"
"Oh, there is no problem, Lady Catelyn." Elia dismissed. "You are still getting used to being a lady-in-waiting."
"Waiting! Waiting!" Aegon laughed. "Play with Egg, momma!"
"Not now sweetling, mother is expecting a visit soon." Elia rebuked with much sadness, she loved to play with her children… "But Lady Catelyn will take you to join Rhaenys and Lady Lollys and you will have so much fun."
"Yes! Rhaenys!" Her son giggled.
"And mother will join you both in…fifteen minutes? Twenty? Does it sound good to you?"
"Yes!"
"Come here, My King." Lady Catelyn called, extending her hand to him and he took it quickly. "With your permission, My Princess."
"Wait, Lady Catelyn, how is Prince Viserys?" Elia was supposed to keep a close watch on her brother-in-law for Queen Rhaella but she knew he was well protected by the Kingsguard knights so she was not concerned about it. He was also studying his lessons with Grand Maester Pycelle so it was all good for the time being.
"If I'm not mistaken, he is practicing swords with Ser Willem Darry and Ser Barristan Selmy who guards him today." Lady Catelyn replied. "I assume he is having fun."
"Thank you very much for the information Lady Catelyn."
"With your permission then, My Princess." Lady Catelyn bowed and left with Aegon.
Elia waited for a while more until Arthur announced the person she was patiently waiting for. "My Princess, Lady Elinor Chelsted is here."
Finally. "Send her in please."
"Of course." Arthur nodded and allowed the young lady to enter. Lady Elinor was a suggestion made by Queen Rhaella for a lady-in-waiting as a way to compensate House Chelsted for what King Aerys did to his former Master of Coin and Hand she was dressed in green and white and had dark brown hair and eyes, pretty enough, like Elia was. "My Princess." The young woman bowed.
"Lady Elinor, I'm more than happy to see you here." Elia began with a smile as she stood up from her chair. "Welcome to King's Landing!"
"My Princess…I'm afraid I'm not as happy to be here." The Lady replied without expression.
"May I be so bold as to ask why?" Elia asked curiously.
"What happened to my Lord Father…" Of course…
"Will not happen to you, My Lady, I can assure you that." Elia quickly assured. "None of us are King Aerys and the Rebels have done the Realm a great favor by forbidding the use of wildfire. You have my word that no harm shall come to you."
The lady nodded still unsure. "What are my orders then My Princess?"
"For now, you shall go to your room, get acquainted with them, get yourself settled in, and then you can come to meet my children in their room," Elia instructed. "Today you just watch."
"Ok…and how should I find the rooms in question?"
"Yours on the floor below this one, three rooms from the stairs but if you are lost, there should be a servant around…" Elia said. "And I will be waiting by the door to make sure you find us which should not be too hard since my children's rooms are located on the same floors as yours."
"Many thanks." The woman nodded again. "If My Princess allows it, I shall go to see my room…"
"Of course, the servant, Justin, shall take you there. I think it's better that way." Elia assured as she walked outside of her room with Lady Elinor and motioned for the mentioned servant to approach. "Justin, see that Lady Elinor finds her room."
"Of course."
"My Princess." Lady Elinor bowed once more and left for her room.
With Lady Elinor gone, Elia turned her gaze to Arthur and did not miss this opportunity… "Have you missed being a statue Arthur?"
"If I'm to be honest…this is so much calmer than what I have been through that I would stay like this for hours if need be," he replied with a soft smile. "And without Aerys, it is all even better."
"I'm glad." Elia admitted smiling. Despite Arthur's actions, Elia knew he did not act wrongly at the end of the day and no one could have predicted what was to happen during all those months of isolation so she certainly did not hold a grudge against him. In fact, she was quite happy to have him guarding her door…but then again she was biased…Arthur still had a very important place in her heart…she felt safer with him around…him and Ser Jaime…Arthur was special for her as Ser Jaime was to her children.
"If…I ever…leave my functions again…I shall take my life and not bring you or anyone more shame…" Arthur said, not fixing his dark blue eyes on her.
Elia was shocked by what she was hearing but then again she knew how Arthur was…the whole affair became a big misunderstanding and it no doubt hurt him a lot. "Arthur…I understand what troubles you…and I know you will not repeat this but please do not speak of such things…it would hurt me a lot to hear that you took your life…please do not speak of it…"
"I'm sorry Elia…but I feel ashamed…I failed Rhaegar, I failed you, the Queen, Lyanna Stark…I failed so much and so many…"
"You speak as if the blame was all yours and it was not." Elia continued pointed out. "I know you and I know you will stay true to yourself and your vows."
"I hope so…"
"Princess Elia!" A soothing voice echoed in the corridors, making both Elia and Arthur look at where it was coming from, Ser Baelor Hightower. "I was just looking for you for a word if I may?"
"Of course…" Elia said while trying to look serious but…she could not…Baelor Breakwind…get yourself together Elia! You are a Princess and Regent of the Seven Kingdoms, not some giggling girl…
Ser Baelor glanced at Arthur. "Ser Arthur."
"Ser Baelor." Arthur replied.
"Well, My Princess…I know I'm asking quite a lot but…can I offer the companionship of my sister Lynesse to you?"
Please do not tell me that Ser Baelor is trying to get a hold of me and the children too…like the whole rest of them… "Your sister you say?"
"Yes, she is young but bright, knows how to make interesting conversations although she is…a bit naïve…"
"Naïve?" Elia inquired with a raised eyebrow. What did he mean by this?
"Yes…her head is still full of songs about knights and princesses…that is why I thought…maybe she could learn something from you and the Queen Rhaella…given that a lot of interesting characters are filling this castle thanks to the Regency and King Aerys' death…I'm sure Lynesse can profit a lot from the experience and hopefully one day help her husband, whoever he may be, with running a household."
What to do…she was not expecting this but…Ser Baelor was a decent man and her daughter could use a friend to play with…she did promise that to Rhaenys earlier and many times before…but Lady Lynesse was not a child of four…I just hope he is not playing with me… "Rhaenys is in need of some companions…perhaps Lady Lynesse could soothe that need, Ser…"
"She sure can, My Princess, Lynesse will be delighted to meet the little Princess." Ser Baelor assured with his famous bright smile. "And I do assure you that my dear sister has more manners than me. No indecent sounds shall…come out of her…"
Elia burst into laughter after he said this, she could not contain herself any further and she noticed that Ser Baelor was chuckling too while Arthur was looking at her astonished…Elia you foolish woman! "I'm so sorry Ser Baelor…it was so impolite of me…"
"My Princess should not be so ashamed…it was me who made the mistake but I have grown out of it and even find it funny…" The man insisted. "Anyway…" he picked her hand and pressed her a kiss, making her blush. "Many thanks for doing this for me, Princess Elia. If you ever need my help with anything, I'm more than happy to help."
Elia nodded. "I will take that into consideration, Ser Baelor."
"With your permission, My Princess." He bowed before her and then looked at Arthur again. "Ser Arthur."
As he left, she spent some time looking at his figure, wondering how her life would be if she had married him…might have been better…but she would not have her precious children that she has now… "He is taking advantage of you." Arthur said with a serious expression.
"I do not think so."
"Why do you think he wants his sister by your side?" Arthur insisted.
"It might be for spying us and keep him informed but that is precisely why I'm placing her with Rhaenys, the only thing she is going to learn for my daughter is drawing dragons and how much she likes Balerion the cat."
"Still…"
Given that Arthur was very insistent…she quickly understood his reasoning… "You are jealous perhaps?"
By his reaction, she deduced he was which made sense... "I'm not…I'm a knight of the Kingsguard…"
"Sworn to celibacy…I know…" Elia rolled her eyes. "It was not my fault you made such vows."
"Not your fault indeed, nevertheless…here I am..."
"Indeed…" she nodded. "Arthur I appreciate your counsel but it seems to me you are blinded by your jealously…"
"True as it might be, you are blinded by an event that happens a decade ago." Her sworn knight countered.
"And what if I am?" she asked in a bitter tone. "Might as well be blinded by half-decent people than by lickspittles. I'm going to see my children, so stop bothering me with politics and jealously, Arthur, I'm tired of those."
"If that is your wish," Arthur said as he moved from his position, ready to follow her, as his duty commanded. "No word shall come out of my mouth."
Elia felt bad for being so assertive with Arthur but everything was so tiresome now…the least she needed was her sworn shield, great friend, and former lover feeling her head with unnecessary jealousies. It would seem her children's company was the only thing that kept her sane at times…I just want this to end but there are still fourteen years to go…how am I to survive?
Rhaella Targaryen II
Dragonstone, Narrow Sea, 284 AC
The only thing she could hear was the thunder, the strong winds, and her screams of pain from labor. It had started nearly five hours ago and the child was not coming out… "Why is the child not coming?" she asked between tears and screams and thunders, worriedly.
"The child refuses to come out…might she have her umbilical cord around her neck…" Maester Rudigen informed her but it only made her more desperate. She worried for her child…that it would end like her deceased siblings…
"My head hurts…" she moaned, feeling unbearable pain in her forehead. "Oh Gods…"
"Might she have caught a fever?" Ser Jacaerys questioned worriedly, he was one of the few allowed inside though he was by the doorway next to Ser Gerold who stood gazing from outside, a great hint of worry on his face.
"Perhaps…" Maester Rudigen put his right hand on her forehead and… "Shit…get some ice!" he barked at the Dornish ladies, Jasline and Nysah who immediately left the room in hurry. "Fuck…hum…please forgive my language, My Que…"
"Forget the language but please…my child…"
"The only thing to do is for My Queen to push it out…otherwise there is no choice but…open the womb…" The Maester said while gritting his teeth. "Such thing…will…"
"Kill me…" she whispered worriedly before inhaling some air and let it go out. The decision was not an easy one to make but she was ready to suffer the consequences of it. "If it comes to that, please save my child and not me."
"My Queen…given your history with children…I'd suggest…"
"I COMMAND YOU TO DO WHAT YOU MUST TO BRING MY CHILD TO THIS WORLD!" she said loudly as he made an effort to kick the child out of her. "AAARRRGHHH!"
Rhaella had to keep pushing for the Gods know how long before she began hearing a cry…a baby's cry... "The Seven are merciful…the child is out!" Rudigen proclaimed smiling. "It's…a girl!"
A girl…like my Shaena…Rhaella's weak smile was replaced by worriedness… "Is she alive…and healthy or…"
"My Queen this is a strong girl." The Maester said as Ser Jacaerys approached him and Ser Gerold turned away with emotion it seems... "And healthy of course…does not seem to carry the troubles of consanguinity in her, at least physically…"
"We must hope that the coin landed on the right side…" Ser Jacaerys said as he cupped her daughter's cheek. "We got a strong Princess, My Queen, the Realm will rejoice upon hearing of her birth."
"No, they will not." Rhaella dismissed, feeling weaker and with the fever getting stronger. "Maester I don't feel too well…"
"It's the fever…" The Maester said worriedly as he gave the child to Baela the wetnurse who had been there and had tears in her eyes. "Where are those Dornishwomen? Did they went Beyond the Wall to get the bloody ice?"
"Have some patience Maester or are you failing to hear the thunderstorm outside?" Ser Jacaerys questioned but Rhaella was struggling to keep her eyes open. "Just a few minutes ago I saw pieces of the castle flying in the window and I shudder to think what happened with my ships."
"Yes but the Queen…" The Maester saw her lose her conscience and immediately try to keep her conscience. "My Queen!"
"Her name…" she murmured, using her last efforts to think of a name…for moments she thought about Visenya…it would fit well with the pattern her late son set and the girl apparently was strong so…it would have fit quite well indeed…but…she wanted to honor her Dornish friends for once…Doriah, Elia, Ashara, Jasline, Nysah, Emyly…all of them…Rhaella gave it some thought and then remembered little Rhaenys' enthusiasm with the name Daenerys which was a Targaryen dear to the Dornish so… "Is Daenerys Targaryen…" After that, Rhaella only saw darkness…
When she regained her senses, she found herself in Aegon's Garden amidst the dark pines and wild roses…she noticed that it was not raining…the awful storm that sent shivers down her spine while she was screaming for Daenerys to come out was nowhere to be found…and yet the sky looked weird…
She noticed that she was near the huge pine tree that was meant to represent a Heart Tree… "It's still as I remember all these years ago…" A feminine voice said, Rhaella quickly turned to where she heard the voice and was abashed by who it was…
"J…Joanna?" It could not be…Joanna was long dead…
"I'm happy that you recognized me, my friend!" Joanna said while approaching Rhaella.
"How could I not? You were always…easy to recognize…beauty is easy to spot…" Rhaella murmured as she saw her friend giggle. "How…"
"Am I here?" Rhaella was about to ask alive but…it worked all the same… "Well…if I'm, to be honest…I do not quite know…I was looking at you giving birth when…suddenly I was here next to you…Curious is it not?"
"Am I like you?" Rhaella asked curiously.
"If you mean…like that, no, not yet." Joanna dismissed.
"Is this a dream?"
"Maybe…" Why were her answers so…dubious? "Say…Rhaella…I heard you took the Old Gods as your own?"
"You heard or saw it in whatever place you were before?" Rhaella countered.
Joanna shrugged and smiled. "Does it matter?"
"I suppose not…" Rhaella smiled too. "My grandmother showed me how to pray to them and it always felt more genuine to me than the High Septons' prays…you remember me saying it a few years ago…do you not?"
"I might…" Joanna said pensively. "There was a lot we spoke about…one can hardly remember everything…"
"Indeed…"
"Seems things have been…awful without me around…" Joanna pressed forward, looking at Rhaella with sad eyes.
"Things are improving…"
Joanna walked to her side and hugged her all of a sudden. "I feel so sorry for everything you suffered my friend…Aerys and…"
"It has passed, Joanna." Rhaella insisted but she liked the hug she was receiving…
"You always undervalue things dummy…" Joanna said sternly. "My friend, you were raped by your brother for years, you lost so many children…even Rhaegar…you are scarred! I would have gone mad with grief…and you would not have been the first Targaryen Queen going mad because of what happened to her…I remember poor Queen Halaena well from History lessons…"
"What do you wish me to say, Joanna?" Rhaella asked, tears forming in the corner of her eyes. "I must look strong…I must set the example…I…" she began crying in the embrace of her long lost friend, she finally…broke down…
"Let it all go, my friend," Joanna whispered in her ear. "Let it all go…cry as much as you want as I cried in your presence the last few times we saw each other."
"I miss you…my grandparents…Rhaegar…all my precious children…Doriah…Cass…everyone dear to me…why must they all leave me and I continue to suffer these injustices?"
"Not all is good and not all is bad my friend…I wish I could have been there for you…for my children…yours…there is so much nonsense I saw that I wish I could just go there and slap them all into their proper place but alas…I cannot…"
"Would you have slapped Aerys?" Rhaella questioned.
"Aerys? My friend, he would have been known as the Red King for how red his face would be from my slaps…I cannot believe I lusted him and slept with him…I should have put some Tears of Lys in his water after Rhaegar was born…imagine how many lives I would have saved?"
"And what about Tywin?" Rhaella questioned curiously.
"Tywin always liked crimson so he would go well with how red his face would be." Rhaella stopped hugging her friend as she heard this and instead looked at her friend's serious expression. "You have no idea of what my husband has been doing and how much I'm disappointed at him at times…I love him but you and I know how to differentiate love from reason…it's like…only his ruthlessness is left…only that Tywin who destroyed House Reyne and Tarbeck and not the Tywin who lead the Realm to prosperity…granted there are a few reasons why it ended this way but still…what hurts me most is how he treats my Tyrion and my Cersei…"
"I suppose no one is truly safe from a lioness…" Rhaella murmured. "The world has been different without you around my friend…"
"Your kids perhaps…a few more kids from different parents…would be safe from me…" Rhaella laughed with that and so did her friend.
"Only you to make me smile after crying…"
"I always had a good way with words…" Joanna admitted smirking. "Gods…I feel so bad but as you said, you must keep going…that is…if you wish of course…"
"What do you mean?"
"You know what I'm speaking of, my dear friend…you must choose between suffering and finding peace…"
Suffering and finding peace… "You mean…between living and dying?"
"You always had the wits in you Rhaella…" Joanna admitted. "I do not need to explain much more."
"So I can choose…"
"I would recommend that you make your mind soon, my friend…" Her friend pressed forward. "We do not have all the time in the world, unfortunately…"
"Then I choose to live." Rhaella decided without hesitation. Sure she suffered a lot but she wanted to raise her children and grandchildren, help her family survive…help the Realm.
"Even after all the suffering?" Joanna questioned.
"Aerys is dead so my life has been much better even when I'm tired of carrying my daughter which if I'm allowed, I would love to raise just like my son and my grandchildren and if the Gods will it, their own children…"
"And the Regency you daughter-in-law set out for her son? I have seen some nasty things all around the Realm because of it…"
"It was the only choice we had back then…it was either that or our deaths…only Elia was likely to live if…"
"Yes I know, Rhaella, my dear friend." Joanna smiled tiredly. "But I had to test your resolve…I see that you are more than convinced…so she will grant you what you wish. At the least for the time being…"
"Who are you talking about?" Rhaella questioned confused.
"She goes by many names…" A man's voice whispered, prompting Rhaella to look around but this time she saw no man...or anything at all… "And I'm amused that she got herself involved…after all this time…"
"Who goes there?" Rhaella questioned worriedly, before turning to Joanna. "Who is there Joanna?"
"Someone good." Her friend replied with a smile. "Someone who finally decided to speak…after…watching so many of these dreams…I was thinking they had mute him…"
"Indeed Lannister…she mixes her own words with yours and you don't even notice it…I wish I had that power but alas I do not…" The voice whispered. "I'm not understanding how you came up with the mute since you know a lot of things…"
"I'm playful even if my followers think of me differently…" Joanna or rather whoever was controlling her friend spoke. "And you are doing a lot already…you always did…even when no one gave you the proper credit. So do not give up now."
"I still have strength in me for a while, do not worry…I'm happy to hear I'm not alone anymore and that those close to me have strength in them as well." The male voice said. "I must leave now…"
"I know, it's a tiresome effort you have but I'm helping you and intend to do more," Joanna said. "We shall not lose without a fight if we lose at all."
"Aye." The male voice agreed as a rustling of wind sent shivers to Rhaella. What was all this about?
"He is gone…" Joanna whispered. "Oh well…we have wasted a lot of time my friend…before you go back to your suffering…I have a request to make…"
"You or the other…entity who seems to be using you?"
"Me, Joanna of House Lannister, wife of Tywin Lannister, Lord Paramount of the Westerlands, Shield of Lannisport…must I continue saying my husband's titles? I can if you want but it's rather boring." It was her friend speaking now…
"No need…I can confirm it's you," Rhaella said. "What is your wish, my friend? If I can fulfill it that is…"
"My children Rhaella…they need someone around them…they have committed many mistakes and more mistakes they will commit I'm sure…luckily my eldest and handsome Jaime is…growing better now…he needs compliments of his resolves…to my youngest and dearest Tyrion I wish for him to have more good people around him…people like Jaime…and my Cersei…the one who concerns me the most…she needs a mother…a person she can confide her worries with it…a person who is similar to her so she can relate and neither feel inferior or superior because…she has a lot of Tywin in her and I shudder to think what she might do without someone paying attention to her…she really needs someone like that and unfortunately for all of Genna's qualities she has failed to do this…"
"You wish me to…become like a mother to your children?" Rhaella asked surprised.
"Yes…I wish it could be me but…"
"I understand…" Rhaella assured. "I will do what I can…"
"I know you will succeed because you are a wonderful mother figure to Doriah's daughter and all the ladies-in-waiting." Joanna avowed. "Our time here is ending I'm afraid…I wish you all the well in the world my dearest friend…I hope you have some happiness because you are a great person deserve it."
"Thank you, Joanna." Rhaella hugged her friend again. Whoever or whatever this all was, she was thankful for it.
Joanna pressed her lips onto her forehead. "Goodbye my friend…I guess we will see each other later…hopefully after a bunch of more years…good luck."
"Goodbye, Joanna…"
Rhaella woke up all of a sudden in her room at Dragonstone…where she had given birth to Daenerys…she noticed the weather outside was clear and no longer a thunderstorm…she looked around but did not saw Joanna anywhere…as expected…
The door opened and the Maester and Ser Jacaerys entered with worried faces. The young man was quick to notice her and smile but the Maester continued talking without seeing her. "She must be dead I tell you Ser…we must inform the Regency now that the storm has ceased…"
"I'm very much alive Maester Rudigen." Rhaella said with a hint of amusement in her words especially as she saw the man's face turn to shock.
"Seven Hells!" The Maester exclaimed open-mouthed. "I thought the fever took My Queen…for moments there was little pulsation if any at all…it ought to be some sort of miracle!"
"Perhaps it was…" Rhaella whispered amused…the whole dream she had…Joanna…that man's voice…it was likely all miracle… "The Gods are devious at times."
"Well…I shall go call the crying Dornish ladies…they will be overjoyed with the news." Ser Jacaerys said. "And while I'm at it, better bring a baby girl here to see her mother…perhaps tell Ser Gerold to clean his tears…"
"I'm not crying!" Ser Gerold's voice was quick to say. "I just got some salt in my eyes…"
"I would very much love that, Ser." This is indeed what I wanted…hold my children…all of them…rest can come later, once I fix every mess Aerys and my dear son did, once I see all of the children have children of their own…only then I can join Joanna, Doriah and Cassana in eternal peace.
My apologies for taking so long to update, December and early January were pretty tiresome and challenging this year with loads of works to do and exams all on top of each other not forgetting Covid and perhaps some writer's blocks...now I'm a bit more relaxed so fingers crossed I can update more often.
So here are some new ladies-in-waiting for Elia and Rhaella, I was originally going to have one for each Kingdom but ended up having two from the Crownlands, gotta give Lollys some love too right?
Also, showing some more of those dreams...while leaving much hidden...what do you guys think of Rhaella's POV? Again since my original idea was not the Regency, Rhaella was meant to be escorted by Joanna for eternal peace after birthing Daenerys but since I grew to enjoy writing Rhaella so much as well as her actually having an important role in the story now...well it did not make sense to kill...yet...
Again so sorry for how long I took to post and reply to the reviews...
RedRat8: Well I did take a long time...Jaime will obviously play a role in raising Aegon but there is more for him to do...
trollzor69: What made you think that way?
Radomir's Renegades: Brandon has lost a lot of confidence in himself and he feels he is not stable enough for Catelyn and that she deserves someone like Ned, not Ned of course. Maybe Brandon will get a bit drunkard like good old Bobby B except he will keep himself in shape as he has some Kingsguard pals...I also can tell you I don't want Catelyn to have such a bad life as Walder Frey's wife or one of his sons'.
Indeed Mace is being Mace...not having his mother around leads to this but he is not as stupid as many think he was, but he is not the smartest apple in the tree either...
Thank you all for sparing time reading and I hope everyone has a nice day and stays safe in those dire times.