Rhaegar

Rhaegar stood at the foot of his mother's bed, hands clasped together as he averted his eyes from her breastfeeding brother. Viserys was a tiny thing, but he fed so hungrily you would think he hadn't just fed an hour ago.

"Your wife will be stronger than I am when she has your first child." Rhaella said. Rhaegar dared to look at her and saw how hollow the rings around her eyes had become. Her once flawless skin sagged under the freckles that had grown overnight. The sight of her hurt his heart.

"Mother, I know what must be done, and I'll do it. I'll do it so you don't have to." He referred to siring an heir. He knew what would be in his father's mind, though Rhaegar barely spoke to him anymore.

"Choose someone strong, someone healthy, and someone you can love and who will love you, my son." Rhaella pleaded and they were apparent in her eyes. In all honesty, Rhaegar was not hard to love. It was he who she worried about. Though Rhaella knew little of what love is like from a husband, she knew of love when she had Rhaegar and she only wished him the world, and a world she could not give him in her weakness.

Rhaegar looked around and at the guard standing by the doorpost. It was hard to find any words with others in their presence.

"I believe Varys will be left to the choosing." Rhaella started again, "he is quite wise when it comes to finding you a suitable bride and queen. No doubt she will be of noble birth. He will see to it the lords of the council will only bring you the best."

"The best of their advantage, more like." Rhaegar muttered. Was there anything any of the council chose that was not to their personal advantage? Tywin Lannister was a wise man, Rhaegar did not deny it, and the crown needed him as much as it needed his gold, but something about him left an unsettling feeling in Rhaegar's stomach. With his son as his father's guard and he in as the hand, his offer of his daughter almost seemed too good to be true. Though Rhaegar was yet to meet Cersei, he wasn't too excited about it.

"I think you should keep yourself busy for now, while they do the choosing." Rhaella's voice brought him back to himself.

"Truthfully, my mind is on you, mother." He said thoughtfully.

"I'll be okay. All I need to do is stay healthy for your brother. He needs to be just like you. I hope him to be."

"Hopefully better."

"You're already the best to me." Rhaella said with a weak smile. At that moment, a rap on the door caught their attention. The queen straightened in her seat and nodded to the guard for permission while Rhaegar positioned himself away from the entryway sight. In stepped a handmaid in her most meek nature.

"My queen, the ladies in waiting are ready for you." When Queen Rhaella nodded, more maids entered the room to take Viserys and help her in her robes.

"Come with me, Rhaegar." Rhaella announced before she stepped out. Obediently, the prince followed and assisted her with an arm. She held him so gently to walk at a glacial pace. It had already been a full moon's turn, but she still moved as though she had just given birth.

They stepped into the receiving area to find three young women standing side by side, heads slightly bowed.

"My queen, if it pleases you to receive them." Melene, her primary handmaid, said. "They are Alyssa Corwin, Jennie Poole, and Bellatrix Black." They each curtsied in respect, one after the other.

"Corwin? Of the Stormlands?"

"Yes, your grace." Alyssa replied so timidly you barely heard it.

"What is Ser Gulliver Corwin to you?" The Queen asked as she let go of Rhaegar to stand on her own, hands clasped together.

Rhaegar, in his usual unimposing manner, moved aside. Though his eyes were taken by Bellatrix Black. He remembered her and those dark long locks. He saw now that they framed a strong jaw, full lips and high cheekbones. She did not look at him, in fact, its as if she purposefully avoided his gaze so she kept her eyes on the stone floor.

"Ser Gulliver is my uncle, your grace. Brother to my father."

"Hmm," Rhaella hummed, "Ser Gulliver is a good man. I had the chance to meet him when he visited King' s Landing. It was a long time ago."

Alyssa smiled at the queen. Rhaegar thought she had a comely beauty. They were all so young, he guessed close to his age. It made him think about the day he'd have to choose a wife. Would they be presented to him like this? Like choosing a horse for the hunt? He cringed at the comparison.

"Jennie Poole from the Vale, your grace." Jennie said kindly, but not as timidly as Alyssa. This one had a fuller figure, heavy-breasted and narrow at the hips. "I am very good with children as I've had a hand at raising my younger brothers and sister since the age of ten."

Rhaella beamed at her and glanced at Rhaegar. Rhaegar returned her smile knowing exactly what she was thinking. She would be perfect for him. Perfect for child-bearing and rearing, yes, but what about companionship? Rhaella looked back at the three young women, specifically at Bella.

"And where are you from, my dear?" Rhaella asked her.

Bella looked up at her this time. Eyes wide with clear apprehension. She opened her mouth to speak, but the words came late.

"Westerlands, your grace." Bella stammered.

"I must admit I've not heard about your house. Who is lord there at present?"

"Lord? My father was Cygnus Black, but he's gone now. My mother, Druella, is master of our house." Bella spoke as if unsure of herself. Rhaegar regarded this closely.

"I see, and is this your first time at Dragonstone?"

"Yes." Bellatrix replied firmly. She never seemed to look at anyone directly. When she did not say any more, Rhaella left it at that and gave them her blessings in for their service to the crown. They thanked her in return and bowed again while Melene gave them further instructions. Rhaella turned, and beckoned for Rhaegar's assistance and Rhaegar moved to help her, but not before giving Bellatrix one last glance. She was watching him, and as their eyes met Rhaegar swore he saw a smile on her lips.