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Chapter 2: Elia, 298 AC
She dabs her eyes with a cotton handkerchief as she watches Arianne and Andrey have their hands fastened to one another's. Beyond them, Doran and Mellario are standing side by side, beaming, as they watch their eldest child marry. Feyd, Mellario's brother, a somewhat frequent visitor to Sunspear, was standing to Mellario's other side.
She notes his mustache is much longer than it was the last time he'd come to Dorne. Or, she thinks, perhaps it seems more pronounced since the Norvosi do not allow most of their men to keep a beard.
She turns towards her husband who was idly watching the proceedings. She'd only trimmed Robert's beard this morning. Her husband was a funny man to her, even after five years of marriage. He can shave himself or have the barber do it, but, for some odd reason Robert always asks her to do it. And she had today.
She points out, "Mors will be insulted."
He huffs, "Between the Dalts, your brothers, nephews, and son, the most sought out barber this side of Planky Town does not have enough time to be insulted by my lack of patronage."
She insists, "You are denigrating his professionalism."
Blue eyes twinkling, he huffs, "You're going to make me say it, aren't you?"
She tilts her head. Curious, she asks, "Say what?"
Robert grumbles. "You know I like it better when you do it."
Not so secretly pleased, aloud she wonders, "You like it when I hold a blade to your throat?"
He laughs that booming laugh that she has come to adore. "I cannot complain. You haven't wedged it in yet-"
This time, she huffs, "If I wedged it in, you wouldn't be able to complain."
He laughs again. "I do not think you ever would."
Archly, she retorts, "I won't if you do not give me a reason to."
He lunges for her. she lets out an undignified yelp as he wraps his hands around her. She tries to pull away, but, even now he's still so strong. The big ox does not so much as even flinch no matter how much she shifts. He grins. "How about I give you reasons not to."
With that he presses his lip onto hers.
She tells herself relented because she should not let her husband grow scruffy, today of all days. Still, that would only be a partial lie. Robert never would. Her family was his and Robert knew well what the weather in Sunspear was like as evidenced by his loose cotton garb, black as it mostly was. Still, the gold thread weaved through his shirt caught the sun's light nicely, even though she should be paying attention to the sight in front of her rather than her husband. Of course, Robert sees her looking and gives her a wicked smirk.
She rolls her eyes even as she leans into Robert's shoulder. Rather than Robert's arm which came to settle against the length of her waist, she tries to focus on the sight Andrey's brother Deziel, now the Lord of Lemonwood and Andrey's good-sister and Arianne's friend Jeyne, once of House Ladybright.
She smiles as she sees Quentyn and Trystane stand behind Doran and Mellario. They've both grown since the last time she visited. Such good boys she thinks of them, even though she cannot call them that to their faces anymore. She and Mellario joke about that far too much. It's even funnier because all of their boys looks of outrage are the same! Oberyn's girls, the ones before Ellaria came about and her own, find it hilarious and tease their cousins mercilessly.
Once more, she turns to watch the now wedded couple share a kiss. How quickly time passes. It seemed like only yesterday that she witnessed the pair of them splashing about in the Water Gardens pools and now look!
Without thinking, she turns towards her own children, only one thought on her mind. Perhaps soon, it will be time for her children to wed. She wants to wish that time never comes, but, she knows it is a mother's foolish wish. They do marry earlier elsewhere, but, even in Dorne one's children marry if they wish to.
She takes a breath. She already knows where Aegon set his eyes, though there will not be a marriage yet. Some would say of her son that he is a man grown. Her mother's heart rebels at the very idea.
Despite how much like his father he looks, she thinks her son was so much more handsome than Rhaegar had been. She swallows the direction of her thoughts so that she can drink in the sight of her son in his new copper colored doublet with bronze buttons and gold belt carrying the ornate daggers with golden hilt embedded with dark red rubies given to him by Doran on his last name day at each side of his hip.
On Aegon's right side sits the darling girl she considers herself fortunate to one day be able to call daughter. Still, Aegon is six and ten; old enough to wed if his chosen wife was old enough. Part of her is glad that Aegon's betrothed is not that, yet.
Promises have already been made but, she will not engage in that sort of nonsense no matter what the customs of the Stormlands were. Then again, even in the Stormlands they do not marry that young. She knew better than anyone the toll that birthing took on the body of a woman well flowered, hadn't she? And she was given no fight. Part of her is glad that her son was marrying into the same house she did. Stannis would hardly like his only child to suffer unduly for rushing into things. Besides, Robert was hardly going to demand it of either Aegon or Cassana.
Cassana, who decided on a loose black ankle length kaftan dotted with red suns and tied her mane of Baratheon black hair under the embroidered black headscarf that Mellario gifted her, was much too precious to all of them to put her at risk.
But, this was not the time to think of those dark times and she looks towards Cassana's other side where Rhaelle sits. In Stannis and Ellyn's absence, is Rhaelle acted as chaperone for her grandson's daughter, in theory at least. Seated on Rhaelle's other side was Harmen Uller. She tries not to think about why Rhaelle enjoyed Hellholt so much. Or at least she pretends as though she could not guess at the reason.
As she turns towards her daughter, though, her thoughts start to whirl. Rhaenys…her dear daughter and her eldest...who looks so much like her but was far more vigorous a personality. as she takes in the sight of her daughter whose gaze is fixed on the proceedings, she wonders what Rhaenys sees.
With the way Rhaenys sits with her hand resting on one knee covered by her copper gown and the other resting on the red bejeweled belt at her waist, she can see that her daughter is thinking, but what? Her own marriage perhaps…or lack of one. Aegon's situation was already settled, not Rhaenys'.
Rhaenys declares, one day: "I do not know if I shall marry."
Shall marry, not that she did not want to.
Tying up the last of Rhaenys' curls, she probes, "Do you not want to?"
Rhaenys turns her head, shrugging, "There is no reason for anyone to marry bastard girl that has nothing to offer besides herself."
Damn you, Rhaegar, she thinks not for the first time. Oh, that foolish former husband tried to make gestures at first, claiming that he would provide for his children. But, that was after disavowing them. No amount of giving back her dowry could make up for what he done to them!
Before she can even begin, Rhaenys smiles, "I know you made provisions for me, but, you and I both know that may not be enough for most. Besides, Uncle Doran turned down Daemon for Arianne, and he was Uncle Oberyn's squire. It's not him, Arianne is marrying."
She'd like to say that what Arianne and Daemon had was childish infatuation, and gods knew Arianne grew out of it, but, she cannot deny her daughter the point.
Still, she would not let her daughter sink herself into doubts. "You know that Robert's in talks about Mya with Steff. But, that's not it, is it?"
Rhaenys turns to her, her smile is a touch bitter, "The Lord of the Stormlands could expect a bannerman for his daughter. Robert has been good to us, yet, he's Mya's father, not mine."
"True," she says. What else could she?
Rhaenys shakes her head. "I know my uncles love me and Robert would be happy to do it. As much as I would appreciate their willingness, it still means that I would have to borrow someone else's father to stand beside me."
Damn Rhaegar to hell! Even now he manages to hurt her children!
There was nothing she could say to Rhaenys' words. But, there is something else she could say and so she does. "Yes, you would. But, if ever that time comes that you do find a man that you want to marry at least this way, which of them gets to do that, is up to you. Except me, I will be besides you. That is not negotiable."
Rhaenys laughed then and the matter had dropped.
Now though…her daughter had no lack of suitors or would be suitors but, no one interested her daughter. Robert can claim it was because of him the "riffraff" stayed away, but, that was not it. Cassana was young yet, but, Aegon, she knew could be and was happy with knowing where his attentions would lie. Rhaenys' path was a mystery.
That is not to say her daughter was some empty-headed maiden who knew little of the world. She won't pretend she doesn't know about the kissing games young ones often engage in. She partook in her own share of them a time or two. Why would she expect her own daughter would be different in that regard? Aegon's situation was, of course, different, but, when it came to marriage Rhaenys wanted no one's interest.
At least, not yet. Soon, though, she guesses, given the way her daughters eyes take everything in, it will come. She senses that. What she does not know is what her daughter was waiting for.
Of course, if that moment never comes, she would be fine with that. Gods knew that Oberyn's eldest two and his fourth never wanted to marry and still haven't. Still, she spent ten years alone, it's not something she wants for her daughter or her son. Ten years she spent alone having a taste of what a life with a companion could be.
Blessings to the Mother Rhoyne, she learned how imperfect her first marriage was and her second was with a man who was more stubborn than a mule on some days, but, she is happy in her family and in her love.
She cannot say she has the fiery type of love that the songs speak of, but, that she could live without. She and Robert were complementary in games of bedsport and the ability to make one another laugh, even now, but, theirs was a love born of aligned interests. She wanted someone who understood her need for independence and would not turn away her children and he wanted a lady who could manage his affairs and bear him no children to disrupt his plans for his brother.
She and Robert were well matched, but, what mother would not want more than that for her own children and their lives.
Unbidden and unwanted comes the thought: like Lyanna Stark got her great love and her crown?
She almost retches. Not, that of course. They say the Queen's brothers do not speak to her much. Aerys waited until she and her children were forced back to the Red Keep to watch Lord Brandon and Lord Rickard burn in front of her. No, she would never want a love built on bloodshed even though her own love was built upon a pile of ashes.
Thankfully, those dark thoughts are driven away when Manfrey sits down next to her. But, her relief is short lived. She dislikes the smile plastered on his face; it is one she knew full well was one born of practice not genuine feeling.
"What happened?"
Manfrey discreetly looks about before whispering lowly into her ear, "You know how we invited the Braavosi."
She turns around to look for Darko Antaryon, nephew to the current Sealord who had indicated he was going to attend. She finds him, but, she also notes what Manfrey has not mentioned yet. She turns her head and swallows thickly.
Gods be good!
It's been fifteen years and now a Targaryen was in Dorne.
Even as she washes down the last bit of taste of those cheese stuffed peppers into her mouth with a sip of Myrish Green Nectar she still feels the world shake.
Why had Viserys Targaryen come to Sunspear? For what? What did he hope to gain? A thousand questions and her brother wasn't answering.
Long after Arianne's wedding feast was over, the six of them: she, Doran, Oberyn, and their spouses, were seated in Doran's offices.
"Did you know about this the whole time?" Oberyn hisses at Doran. From besides her, Robert scowls and crosses his arms across his chest.
Doran looks impassive but she can tell he wants to roll his eyes, though he would never do such a thing so juvenile. Both Mellario and Ellaria give Oberyn looks, though the severity of both is vastly different. In other circumstances she would find that funny. There is nothing funny about this.
Doran, taking a sip of red wine, calmly answers back, "What did you expect me to do? I was not going to ruin my daughter's wedding by highlighting the presence of an uncomfortable guest. People would have noticed."
Oberyn hissed. "People have noticed."
She notes, with some amusement, Mellario leaning forward to remark, "If they had not, surely by now they heard you even if they were not there to witness Doran introducing him."
After the wedding, Doran had introduced Viserys without a hint of shame or guile to each of the guests that were important. Some had been more than reluctant at seeing the Targaryen, but, Viserys appeared not to have noticed; or at least was good enough at pretending. Gods knew Aegon had a difficult time of it even at the Water Gardens when he was young, despite all their efforts. But, her son was Martell to the bone!
But, the introductions that had mattered most to her were those that Viserys had with Rhaenys and Aegon and they had gone well enough she supposes.
Not knowing what to expect, her breath had caught when she'd seen him approach her children in public. To them, he bowed deeply in the way on expected someone of a foreign court to do; nothing more and nothing else than he had done with Doran's children and to Oberyn's after he was done with Rhaenys and Aegon. She will not pretend that did not fill her with a sense of relief.
She knew, if not witnessed, how Rhaegar had raged that Doran dared declare Dorne independent after dismissing them from King's Landing. Despite herself, seeing his brother acknowledge the schism was heartening even if she did not lower her guard.
But, as with all things, in private, it had been different in a way. Viserys did not require them to embrace as if they were long lost kin and did not take offence at their lack of willingness. Still, Viserys seem to warm to them instantly and the reverse also seemed true. She wondered at that.
Rhaelle might look like Aegon but Aegon and Viserys could have been brothers they looked so alike when they stood next to one another. The resemblance was even more obvious, especially since both kept their hair long, past their shoulders.
Yet, it had been Rhaenys who Viserys beamed when she said she recognized him.
Now, Doran's eyes flash. "Sit down, Oberyn."
Though after a moment Oberyn complies, Doran sighs. "Even if I wanted to and I do not, I could not shove him back on the boat he disembarked from without insulting Antaryon. I am not going to kick up a fuss and neither are you."
She tries not to bristle when Doran looks at each of them, his gaze lingering at hers and Robert's faces the longest.
Then, Doran sighs, "He is accompanying a representative of the Bank of Braavos. And once again, it was my daughter's wedding. Until he is here, we will be gracious hosts."
Even if she had not witnessed it, she could not have imagined Mellario's nod more perfectly.
Oberyn grimaces but nods, "Yes, yes, I know. Not the point."
Knowing Doran and Oberyn can go round and round on a subject and not tire, she cuts in, "What does he want?"
Doran also places an ornate dark wooden box on his desk. "To start, he wanted to give this back in person."
She frowns at the odd lit to his tone. He sounded almost amused.
Before she can ask why that would be or what was in the box, Doran nudges the box towards her.
She knew that Viserys had not came empty handed, far from it in fact. Still, the contents of the box are not for her. He'd already given her a necklace of pearls holding a golden sunburst pendant with a giant ruby inlaid at the center and a set of small glass vials containing too familiar perfumes. The necklace was new; the vials, or rather the perfumes in them were the ones she favored when she was Princess of Dragonstone. The gifts for her children were the ones that stunned her.
"He was always a fierce thing," Viserys said, as he handed Rhaenys the one part of her past. She had almost been shocked that it was her he handed his gift to first.
With the way Rhaenys was smiling, it seemed the cat was the only part of their past that was worth a damn!
Rhaenys nuzzles the old cat who purrs into her neck. "He recognizes me," she says, her voice thick with emotion none of them dare name.
Viserys insisted, "He is yours. He has always been. He missed you", Viserys said of Balerion now firmly ensconced in Rhaenys arms. Viserys continues in an earnest tone, "He wasn't the only one."
Rhaenys looks at Viserys. "Truly."
Viserys nods, still sincere. "Truly."
Rhaenys was not the only one moved. She was as well, but, she did not want to show it. When he had been a boy, Viserys had taken his cue about her children from Rhaella more than Aerys from what she remembered.
But, dragons burned them before. She cannot allow another one to burn them, not again.
To Aegon, Viserys hands a spear. Aegon takes it and examines it, his eyes almost betraying a wariness that she did not like seeing in her son. "It's an old piece. Well crafted. Quite valuable by the look of it. Why would you part with such a thing?"
A spear of all things. Why did Viserys even have that? The cat, she knew, held sentimental value to Rhaenys but this? Aegon does not have any memories. What little was there to remember is nothing worth remembering, in her opinion. She looks at it closely. It was finely made, not newly made.
Viserys sighs softly. "It is a pity I never got the chance to learn how your tastes run. I took a guess." Then, Viserys expression turns firm. "In due time, perhaps, I can learn what you like. But, this weapon was never meant for me."
It sounds as though Viserys expects to learn what Aegon would like. Why? And, what else does he expect?
Viserys' expression is mirrored on Aegon's face as her son lifts the spear slightly. "You thought I because I am of Dorne I would like this?"
As if unconsciously, Viserys' eyes flit towards Rhaenys and even to her before coming back around to Aegon. He does not appear to be insulted. He almost looks amused. "Why would you not like something once belonging to the son of a Dornishwoman?"
Dragonstone…spear…her thoughts churn fast trying to think of the possibilities of what Viserys was trying to say and what would it mean for them later.
Aegon asks, airily in a way that was not, "Who did it belong to?"
Conspiratorially leaning forward, Viserys explains, "It belonged to the eldest son of Daeron the Good, our mutual ancestor."
Indigo eyes meet lilac ones, even as a much older woman with a similar pair of eyes gasps. She almost gasped as well.
Aegon states it outright, "Baelor Breakspear."
Viserys acknowledges, "Yes."
Aegon asks, "Why?"
Why give it to Aegon? Why have it at all?
Despite herself she grows nervous as both young men examine one another. Rhaenys, too, seems just as anxious as her gaze flits between her uncle and her brother.
But, Viserys just smiles. "Before learning its history, when I found it in the armory of Dragonstone, I knew it was never meant for me. After learning it, I knew this spear had to come to you."
Despite himself, Aegon displays curiosity. "If it was on Dragonstone, why give it to me?"
She knows her son is trying not to seem too intrigued when he was. She, too, was intrigued. Why had Viserys chosen it? And why take it from Dragonstone?
Viserys says simply, "This spear does not suit the current Lord of Dragonstone."
Lord of Dragonstone? Why would Viserys call his other nephew that and not Prince or even by his name? Surely, it was not a simply a measure of tact in front of his brother's eldest children?
It was only a few short weeks after their wedding that Rhaegar installed his son on Dragonstone. Stannis had remarked that Connington must have flew from Storm's End to King's Landing when they learned that. Or was it something else? Great Mother, what was going on?
Viserys smiles; there was little kindness in it, just a sense of finality. "Ever since I was ordered from Dragonstone, I've carried it with me because I could not leave it there."
Aegon accepts it even as she wonders about Viserys' phrasing. Ordered from Dragonstone?
But, when she asked him questions, it was why he'd given Rhaenys her gift first.
Viserys laughs outright. That was jarring on its own because she does not remember if she ever heard this son of Aerys' laugh freely. She remembers a boy, half hidden in his mother's skirts, peering at her with large lilac eyes.
Now this man grown smiles at her fondly, "She is your eldest. Even if I did not know her better than I know your son, that is the way here, is it not?"
Now, Robert inches closer. He asks, impatiently, "What is it?"
She opens the box and recognizing the contents immediately. Despite herself, she mutters, "Clever boy."
Now fully thinking of other things that have made their way back to Dorne, she answers her husband, "This, Robert, is jewelry belonging to Myriah Martell."
So, they know the what, not the why. What does Viserys want? And what will it cost them?
At the collective nonplussed look Doran receives, he answers, "He insisted his mother would have wanted to do this herself, but, there is no note from her. It's his doing, I am sure of it."
She presses her lips together when Doran looks at her knowingly and she must fight not to turn her head in the direction of the one place in Sunspear she does not venture out to.
Then, Mellario announces with her own pursed lips, "I believe he also gave another box to Allem Dayne."
Eyebrow raised, Ellaria guesses, "Dyanna Dayne?"
"Quite," Doran answers even as Oberyn huffs.
Why would he have any of that? How did he come across those pieces? How long did he even have them? The jewelry had been in King's Landing, not Dragonstone. Most importantly, why would he give that back?
She looks up towards Doran. "He did not just come to Dorne to give us gifts, even ones we would welcome."
Doran stares back placidly, "You are correct. I presume he has plans of his own. This is a message though."
Mellario asks, "To what end?"
Oh, she heard the stories in passing. She still had some contacts on Dragonstone, then. Shortly after her wedding Rhaegar's boy was installed on Dragonstone and Rhaella was moved back to the Red Keep. But, Viserys had said ordered from Dragonstone and now this?
Ignoring Oberyn's and Robert's snarling, she turns to Doran saying, "I hope you know what you are doing."
Doran shrugs. "That, dear sister, depends entirely upon you."
Robert growls, "What is that supposed to mean?"
Now Doran is grim. "He and Antaryon will probably stay for at least a moon's turn if not more. He asked me if he could speak to you before he does leave."
What do they possibly have to discuss? "Did he say about what?"
Now, Doran shakes his head minutely. "Not to me. Perhaps he will open up to you."
The next day, Robert huffs, "I do not trust him."
Rhaelle laughs, "No one thinks you do, Robert."
Robert rounds on Aegon, "You seem awfully friendly with him."
Aegon laughs, "Rhaenys is the one volunteering to take him about. Not me."
Not for the first time, she looks about for her daughter, "Where is your sister?"
Aegon chuckles, "Off with our Viserys, again. She's taken him out riding."
"They've gotten quite close." She does not know if she should be worried about that.
Aegon grins but the expression is subdued. "She remembers him. I don't."
Robert lifts an accusatory finger in Aegon's direction, "I saw you on the training yard with him."
Aegon gives them half a smile. "I think he wanted to see me use the spear he got me."
Robert guffaws, "But, it was the Warhammer he saw you use." Robert's face darkens, "What did he say?"
Viserys remarks, "I find it curious that you favor that weapon."
"Why, because I am from Dorne I should only use spears?"
Viserys chuckles, "It is good to know weapons of all sorts. I have taken to some of the ways of the Braavosi when it comes to the sword, but, what I mean is that you favor the one that gave your sire a scar."
Instead of acknowledging that Viserys adopted the same method of referring to Rhaegar that they have, he finds himself replying, "He struck first from what I hear."
Rhaelle wants to know: "What was his response?"
Aegon smiles, "He laughed."
She guesses, "That's not the end of it."
Aegon nods. "We spoke at length about his purpose here."
She wants to know: "Which is what exactly?"
Aegon huffs, "He wants many things. He's a plotter, that one."
Surprised at the assessment and how Aegon does not seem to mind, she wonders, "He told you about them?"
Aegon, amused, shakes his head, "Not in so many words, but, I can hazard a guess about some of them."
Robert presses, "Which are?"
Aegon turns to Robert grinning outright. "He was curious about us. He also wanted to know what my aims for the future were."
Disgruntled, Robert wonders, "What does that have to do with him?"
Aegon replies simply, "Baelor Breakspear."
She asks, "What about him?"
Aegon tilts his head. "The half Dornish prince who would never be king."
She does not know if she should feel outraged or not. Then, she sees the look on Aegon's face. She realizes, "He is testing you."
Aegon smiles. "I think we are both testing one another." Her son seems too amused by this, far too amused.
Rhaelle sighs, "He wanted to know if you have thoughts about pressing your claim. What did you tell him?"
"It delights him; relieves him perhaps," Aegon says. "Knowing that I do not want what should have been mine."
"So, he believes you about that." Robert seems not to believe it, but Robert would never believe the word of a Targaryen except his grandmother.
Yet, it was true, Aegon does not want to press a claim. This she has known for years.
Aegon shakes his head. "I care not for a throne of a man who turned me away before I was able to walk. If his people wanted me, they could have demanded it over whatever the king declared. They did not. They do not value their own laws and customs. I know no other life but the one I lead and I am satisfied with it."
Aegon shrugs, "I think so." With a grin, Aegon continues, "I think that makes his other aims easier."
She asks, "Is that so?"
Aegon starts to recount what was said between him and Viserys.
Viserys begins, "We are somewhat alike."
He snorts, "You mean we look alike."
Viserys' snickers. "I am a second son. You are second born. Is that not the same here?"
Aegon nods agreeably, "That is true, but, we are not the same, your father wanted you, such as he was."
Viserys declares, "I cannot help who my father is any more than you could."
Aegon says, "I don't remember Rhaegar Targaryen."
Viserys sighs, "You still wear his face. Others still remember that. If you know that, surely you can see that I know that."
A respectable answer…after a fashion. But, not an impressive one. Standing in front of Viserys right now he knows what it is to wear Rhaegar's face. Rhaegar Targaryen had been respectable. Aerys Targaryen, too once. That does not mean much in the lands of his people.
He sobers quickly. But, Viserys was not wrong, For some, his face meant more than it ought to have.
He tells Viserys, "It has not benefitted me in any way."
Viserys frowns, "I imagine not, but, then again, I am the Mad King's son. But, I suppose we both benefit from being our mother's sons. Much better, do you not agree?"
This face was a burden enough. He is grateful he does not have the name to go along with it. Yet, being the son of a Martell meant freedom that a Sand would never have. It allowed him to have a different home as well. "There is that."
Viserys admits, "That's not enough for me. Is that enough for you?"
He supposes Viserys must have had a pleasant childhood up to a point. Many of the children in the Water Gardens he grew up alongside had happy childhoods too…until war broke out. And if what Viserys said about being sent from Dragonstone is true then...
Rather than answer, he asks another question, "Do you resent being forced to have to make your own way in the world?"
If this is the case, he would end this here and now.
Viserys narrows his eyes. Then, he says, "Not that, I resent that he sent me away from where I was happiest and how I am kept from my mother because my brother's temper got the best of him."
That is interesting. "From what I am told he is not an ill-tempered man."
Viserys lets out a sound of disgust. "I suppose ill-tempered is not the word. But, his disappointments cause him to act rashly. It cost him support of those that was all but assured."
Viserys is not just talking about Dorne or even the Stormlands. Perhaps himself. How interesting indeed!
He wonders, "You intend to capitalize on his rashness? Is that why you are here? Dorne will not interfere in a war for that realm."
Viserys shakes his head. "I do not want it to."
He wonders, "What do you want?"
"To start with, for us to be kin once more."
He laughs outright. "You are trying to be my uncle? Now?"
Viserys smiles sharply, "That is not quite what I had in mind even before I came here."
"Oh?" So, something had changed, but, what?
Viserys' lips curl up. "I don't make for a particularly good uncle. I was barely one to Rhaenys and you have no memory of me. And, well, I never warmed to my brother's other son."
He bites back a smile. "Do you think that would warm you to me?"
Viserys chuckles wanly. "While I would like it if you were warm to me, I am not concerned with stoking a rivalry between my brother's sons."
"What are you concerned with?"
Viserys says simply, "Reunifying our houses."
"What of King Rhaegar?"
A dark look passes across Viserys' face, "He may be my brother and my king, but, he does not speak for all of house Targaryen."
"Even though he is the head?" Viserys aims and the king's are different. Why else would Viserys be here?
Flatly, Viserys says, "He will not be forever."
Though he does not need to, he points out, "He acknowledged his heir."
Viserys huffs, "He acknowledged one, after having acknowledged another. That he is changeable is an obvious weakness, in a man and in a king."
Fair enough, but, he does have a counter, "He has not changed in how he refuses to acknowledge my sister and I."
Viserys' eyes flash, "And I am not him."
Who are you, Viserys?
As though he understood the unspoken question, Viserys smiles, "I am a prince of Six Kingdoms. I have my people to see to."
The words are said causally but firmly. Six Kingdoms. It's not the first time that Viserys recognized Dornish independence even though he knew that Rhaegar Targaryen had chafed at the gall of it. But, still, 'my people'. Despite himself, he is intrigued.
"The service of your people brought you here? Why? We are not your people." In a different life such a statement would have been painful, but, he has only truly lived one life.
"You could be again," Viserys insists.
He is almost indignant. "Dorne will not bow to another Targaryen!"
Viserys huffs, "I do not desire it."
She asks, "What does he want?"
Aegon smirks, "An alliance. What else? Do you expect anything else from a Targaryen?"
No, none of them did.
She asks of her son, "What did you tell him?"
Aegon huffs a laugh. "It's not my place to offer him what he wants. Curse of being a second child, I suppose."
Her son looks to her, but, she already knew what she had to do.
Finally, she seeks Viserys out for herself.
She remarks, "You seem to enjoy the sun."
She and Robert startled him, but, he was good at trying not to show it. He was less proficient at trying not to be dismayed that she brought Robert along. Whatever it was he had wanted to say to her alone or perhaps he was hoping it would be someone else? Perhaps anyone else?
Ultimately, Viserys answers, "I want to remember it feels like when I can write my mother about it."
Taking in his words, she examines him. How curious. He does not burn. Rhaegar had brought her to Sunspear after Rhaenys was born. He'd been burned badly. She should have realized the omen for what it was then. But, not Viserys though, she thinks curiously.
If things were different, if the last fifteen years had been different, perhaps Rhaella could have come to Dorne. But, things were not different and even if Viserys was welcomed reluctantly, his presence they got used to, to a point. That he stuck to Braavosi garb and deferred in a way that spoke of time in courts, not Rhaegar's, was, while not enough to completely build trust, enough to allow Viserys some tolerance. It helped her children, and by extension, some of their cousin's seemed to like Viserys.
When she walks into Rhaenys' rooms, her daughter was in the process of shooing a gaggle of her cousins and Mya out of the chambers.
After greeting the girls, to her daughter, she remarks, "I was worried. You missed dinner."
Obara snorts. "I am sure she had her fill of something."
Mya shakes her head and Tyene masks her laughter as the group of girls leaves her alone with her daughter.
Rhaenys glares at the door before turning back to her. "Mother, we picked up food from the markets on the way back."
"We?"
Her daughter settles Balerion on her lap, flushing slightly. "Viserys was more interested in the Sandship than I thought he would be."
She blinked. "Oh?"
One of the first things Doran upon declaring Dorne once more an independent nation and securing their ties in the east was to refurbish the old keep of their forebearers, Morgan and Mors Martell. And yet, despite the history, Sunspear, their seat was built around it and was grander still. But, the sandship is where she maintained her household when she first came back to Dorne.
"He has a taste for history, does he?"
Rhaenys looks up from her cat.
She searches Rhaenys face. "You seem to like him."
Rhaenys startles and instantly, she thinks she made a mistake. She had not meant it to seem like an accusation, because it wasn't.
"I didn't expect him to be so…" Rhaenys trails off.
She prods, "So?"
Rather than look at her, Rhaenys stares intently at the purring Balerion. "Unlike how I imaged King Rhaegar to be."
She shouldn't be surprised at the form of address or her daughter's musings. Robert, while never Father, was the closest thing she had now, but, even then that was only 5 years. No amount of hawking or dresses or ponies could change that!
Though she rarely needs to use care with her words for her children, she weighs these carefully. "There is a considerable difference in age between them and by the sound of it he spent a good chunk of his life away from the king."
Rhaenys scratches behind Balerion's ears which the cat seems to enjoy. "When I am with Viserys, I remember things...of the way they used to be before."
She swallows heavily. "Do you now?"
Rhaenys scrunches her brows together. "Flashes, but, I remember good things." Rhaenys shakes her head. "He talks about his mother…my grandmother a lot. She loved me, didn't she? That is what he says."
Rhaegar's love for her children she could doubt with good reason; Rhaella's she couldn't. When Aerys sneered at her daughter at her official presentation, it was Rhaella, not Rhaegar, that spoke warmly of her. After they returned to Dorne…Rhaella had written, but, it was more than with words that she understood what Rhaella did not or could not say.
"It's true.'
Rhaenys frowns. "The way he speaks about her, you can tell he loves her so deeply. I understand that."
She smiles at her daughter who muses: "He dislikes his father. I understand that, too."
She wonders which one was more important for either of them.
Now, she asks Viserys about Rhaella. "How is Rhaella?" That is a safe topic, or at least it should be.
Over the years she had thoughts of her mother's good friend and once good-mother, but, she never sought out the woman after she returned to Dorne or even when she started to reside in Storm's End. There was no need. What ties there used to be were no more or so she thought.
"She is well enough from what I am told."
Robert scoffs, "You seem awfully distressed at that. You are awfully close to your mother, yes?"
Viserys retorts, "And how is my mother's lady aunt today?"
Robert glared darkly, but, she can tell he was amused by that. She was too. Viserys had sought Rhaelle too, though what was said between them no one else knew.
Viserys softens though she can tell he is looking at only her to avoid seeing Robert. "Five years ago, Rhaegar decided that I was to go to Braavos. He had mother brought back to the Red Keep. Our correspondence is limited."
Five years ago…when she married Robert. But, Viserys' tone…
She asks, "Was that before or after my marriage occurred?"
Viserys looks impassive, but, she knows what Aegon's stifled sneering looks like. But, this dragon's time in Braavos has served him well. From him, all she gets a mild look and a flat, "I was still on Dragonstone when I learned of your marriage. I won't speak as to his reaction when I was not there to see it".
There is a glint in Viserys' eyes, but, the smile on his lips is both amused and bitter. "But, shortly after that the same time that his son was invested as Lord of Dragonstone that I was required to go East."
Once again, she is reminded about how closely Viserys and Aegon resemble one another. There was a sparkle in Viserys' eyes that tells her that he would have wanted to see it. How curious. Not just Viserys' reaction but at Rhaegar's. Why was there one, and this one at that! He left her. Surely, he did not expect that she would not marry again. Or was that what he hoped? Or was it because she married Robert? That she did not fling herself into the sea? She had two children to raise alone and thanks to him at that!
But, Viserys does not know her thoughts because all he adds is, "In one of her earlier letters she wrote that she was moved from Dragonstone to King's Landing for her health but the sun does not make up for the smell."
"It is still bad?"
It stank then. Gods, has nothing truly changed?
Viserys gives her a sad look. "As you know there was and is little sun on Dragonstone. But, no it has not improved as it should. My brother's priorities are seemingly elsewhere."
Robert snorts and Viserys barely turns his head.
She did know that even without his brother saying it. Because she does not want to talk about Rhaegar and Robert will not, and because she does not want to talk about things she cannot control, she changes the subject. "But, you get sun in Braavos."
Viserys huffs, "It's not the same and it will not be for mother. She has no ties there, if she ever does get to go."
Because she cannot do anything to help Rhaella, she ignores the bitterness in Viserys voice.
She remarks, "And so you have been there for nearly five years."
Viserys nods, "My brother sent me east to see what could be done about the price of goods, but, only Braavos seemed interested in keeping ties with the Six Kingdoms and so to Braavos I went."
This time, she was the one trying not to laugh.
Viserys nods agreeably. "But, my time in Braavos has been very educational. I did learn some things."
Robert sneers. "Like buying good gifts?"
Viserys leers back, "And the fact that the Iron Throne owes less to the Bank of Braavos than it should," Viserys says before turning to her and raising a brow.
Damn, she was caught. "You know about that?"
Viserys grins darkly, "And my brother does not."
So, what did Viserys want from them?
She holds up a hand to Robert who takes a step towards Viserys. "Blackmail?"
Is that where this is headed?
Viserys laughs outright. "Hardly, and I am not going to tell him."
That raises her suspicions. The memory of long buried hurts would allow for nothing else. But, it was Robert who growls, "Why not?"
Viserys snorts. "He was ten and seven at Duskendale when something could have been done about my father, but, he did nothing then or long after that. He also hurt my mother by hurting you. On some level he recognizes that my mother could never forgive him that. What I cannot forgive him for, is continuing hurting my mother."
Robert sneers, "Awfully bold words."
Viserys only looks bored. "My Lord Baratheon, no doubt that it is painful to hear but, there is no reason call a spear anything but a spear when a spear is not a knife. My brother leaves plenty to be desired, but, I doubt I have to tell you that."
She bites back a smile. Hatred of Rhaegar comes easy, but, that was not enough to embroil herself with this…
"Then, what are you trying to tell me?"
Viserys turns back to her. "I want to make things right between our houses."
"That is a tall order." Perhaps an impossible one.
Viserys nods, "I am not going to tell you that I can undo what was done. What I can do is honor the wishes made by both our mothers. A match between our houses." Viserys adds the last as though he needed to clarify what he wanted.
Even as Robert's face darkens, she responds, "There was one."
Viserys tilts his head. "Not honored as it should have been. If nothing else, I learned that at my mother's knee."
At least one of Rhaella's sons acknowledged the gravity of what was done. But, if Viserys was Rhaella's, he was also Aerys'. And even Rhaegar proved that the rot could be masked.
But, as Aegon said, he is testing us and she has just the thing to test him with.
She demands, "Come with me."
To his credit, he does so without another word and when they reach the greenhouses, she can see the delight on his face.
He turns to her. "Mother will be glad that some of it survived."
Somehow, she is not surprised, but, she has her doubts, "You recognized them? Or did Rhaenys tell you about them?"
His face flushes red, but, he turned to her gamely. "She did not. We do not speak of plantings, Rhaenys and I. But, I can see nearly ten and five years of growth. Dragons may not plant trees, but, they recognize where they get their nourishment."
She reminds him, "That has not always been true."
Though not necessary, he gestures towards the plants that once thrived on Dragonstone. "That is why my mother sent them back. She was not sure if they could survive the journey, but, she could not bring herself to keep them when my brother did not keep you."
She observed, "That is more than once you mentioned your mother." The mention of Rhaegar she avoids.
And still, for the first time, Viserys' mask slips and she is reminded of the little boy pressed close to Rhaella's skirts. In the next moment she tells herself not to be taken in by such things, particularly, as his face hardens anew.
She knew what having a father like Aerys could do to a boy who was once so sweet, but, it had been years since she had seen a Targaryen that was not one of her own children though even they do not think of themselves as that.
"For many years, my mother is all I had," Viserys says.
He turns away to look back at the plantings that she once took to Sunspear and Rhaella had sent back. He takes a breath and begins again, "Perhaps you knew or perhaps you did not, but, my father left my mother with a parting gift, if one can call a child that. It was going to be a girl, you see. The day she learned what my brother had done to you and the children, that was the day she lost her Daenerys."
Even as she registers the name all she can think about is her one-time good mother. Oh, Rhaella. She had not known. Gods, that poor woman! Not another one!
Viserys acted as he had not heard her gasp and continued, "Father broke her body, but, Rhaegar broke her heart. I know what she wanted, and I know what was, what is, being denied her. She blames herself for it. I do not say it for you to pity her, but, my mother believes Rhaegar's actions towards her aunt, her dear friend your mother, you, and her grandchildren. She is a queen and a good woman, and perhaps it means very little coming from her son, but, she is not rest. It falls to me to do it, and this is just one way I can."
Her knees almost buckled, but, she held firm.
Now with his gaze back towards her with eyes blazing, Viserys vows, "I cannot undo the damage my father and brother have done to you and yours, but, Princess, I swear it, the house of Nymeros Martell will have it's due from me. But, for me to prove it to you, may I have your blessings?"
He said the correct words. But, then, so had Rhaegar once. Still, that had showed her what it was for a Targaryen to lie to her and this one wasn't.
She blinks back her own tears, "What is it that you want from us? Aegon says an alliance, but this is deeper than that."
He corrects, "I want both an alliance and a marriage for myself." Viserys breaths deeply. Then, a smile plays at his lips, "And as you no doubt gathered, I have just the one in mind."
The sheer gall of him! "Bold of you to assume that I would give you one or that both is in my power."
And she thought they had enough of Targaryen boldness; they all had. Were not all those lives on the Trident enough? Obviously not.
Viserys glanced slyly. "Prince Doran was bold in withholding troops for my brother's fool war and even bolder in declaring Dorne independent." Then, the mask was replaced by a face so serious she almost shivered. "I can and will be just as bold for my family, starting with the woman who would be my wife. You are the one who can make it so that I may marry the woman I want."
Mother help her, she believed him!
Viserys grows solemn. "I do not have to tell you, Elia, that words are the wind. I cannot undo the damage my brother has done. I cannot make things right, but, just know that if I am granted Rhaenys hand, I will spend my life proving that I will treasure Rhaenys as she should have been."
"You have spoken to her about this?" Have they discussed this? Is this what Rhaenys wants? This was his uncle…but, not in a true sense.
Viserys smiles softly, "Rhaenys told me she is not promised to anyone else and that she is not opposed to a marriage. But, what she was most adamant about is that anyone she would marry would have to have your permission first. I do not disagree with her firmness in this for I could never marry a woman who my mother found disagreeable."
And Rhaella would not find Rhaenys disagreeable. Gods, what was she thinking! Why is she even entertaining this?
Part of her wants to decline outright. But, would Rhaenys want this?
To Viserys, she declares, "You'll have to ask her yourself. I will not force her into a match. If she says yes, I will agree. If not, it is a no, and you are to leave and never return. Am I clear?"
Viserys bows low. "I expected nothing else."
Later that evening, Rhaenys comes to her chambers. "He asked me to marry him."
He works quickly, she thinks. "Do you want to?"
Rhaenys hesitates but then says, "I see the benefits."
Benefit is not the only reason why one marries a man.
"He does not have a seat."
Rhaenys nods, but, replies, "He has skill, a comfortable position, and he loves his mother. There are worse reasons to marry a man."
"Do you love him?"
Rhaenys admits, "Not yet"
She gives Rhaenys a look and Rhaenys amends, "Not entirely, but, I believe one day I will completely."
"Then, why rush it?"
Rhaenys turns back to her. "Would you not say it is beneficial for me to marry? You married Robert because it benefits us, not because you loved him at first."
She wanted more for her daughter. "You do not need to marry just because I did. It also does not need to be Viserys". If her daughter desires a marriage, there are other matches they can try for if her daughter wants to marry; here and in the east that would not involve Viserys. "Do you want to marry him?"
Her daughter sits down on the closest divan. "I remembered him. Not well, of course, but I remembered some things. He seems kind enough."
That was true. Rhaenys admitted that she still had flashes of memory. But, where was her daughter going with this?
"You remembered him as your uncle. This is different."
Her daughter muses, "That is true, but, we did not grow up as uncle and niece. His interest in me is honest at least."
Fair enough she thinks and then Rhaenys her own question. "Did Grandmother love me?"
She startles. Her mother died before Rhaenys was born. But, in the next moment she feels foolish. Of course, Rhaenys meant Rhaella.
"She did." Perhaps she was the only one in that hellhole to mean it. And perhaps Viserys did too, though she wonders if this was an uncle's clumsy attempt at making it up to the niece that remembers him. "But you asked that before."
Rhaenys frowns. "I just want to be sure because King Rhaegar did not."
Damn you, Rhaegar! She thinks it not for the first time and she will continue thinking it. Perhaps once he would have loved Rhaenys or had. But, then, how could one love someone and turn them away?
She simply says, "I never understood him. Now, I am not so willing to try. But, you will not be able to avoid him if you do marry Viserys."
That is a mark against the match. By the Mother, perhaps it was a good thing that Viserys was sent East. Still…
For a minute her daughter's face darkens, but, then, Rhaenys laughs, "Perhaps it would be a smart thing just so I can see what he does. Even without Viserys telling us as much, we know they do not seem to get on."
As much as she would enjoy Rhaegar's look of horror, she looks at her daughter disapprovingly, "Spite is no reason to marry his brother."
She remembered that she had not been Aerys' first choice for his heir, either; valued only for her drop of Targaryen blood. Rhaenys has more than a drop and perhaps even Rhaella's favor, such as it was. A coup for Viserys over his brother, made even grander because it was the daughter Rhaegar discarded. A unification indeed!
Her daughter huffs, "And you married the king's cousin for purely altruistic reasons?"
Even at this age she can blush. Her daughter has the right of that!
"I married Robert because it was beneficial."
Rhaenys grins, "I believe this marriage can be beneficial for us as well."
"In what way?"
Rhaenys licks her lips before answering: "I had a letter from Sarella. It seems the match with Highgarden fell through. No one else is clamoring. Viserys is concerned with the stability of the realm, a good quality in a prince. Would you not agree?"
Oh, she thinks as she stiffens. Perhaps it was not only Viserys who wanted to prove a point. But, would that be worth the trouble that this would cause?
She only says, "I see."
Despite herself she starts seeing the potential futures for her daughter and one in particular…
"Is that what you want?"
Rhaenys smiles bitterly, "There are worse things in this world than marrying a prince."
She huffs at the answer. Then, she warns her daughter, "I married one, once."
Her daughter acknowledges the point and the tension rising in her shoulders subsides somewhat. "Yes, but, for me there is really no where else to go but up. My sire disowned me once, he can hardly do it twice. Unless you plan on disavowing me, too, for this."
The very thought makes her blood run cold. "Never," she vows. She will never turn away her children for chasing their happiness. Viserys is not spoken for. Rhaegar could not say that!
Rhaenys nods, "So I have my answer from you. But, what answer should I give him?"
Like her mother before her, she would only guide, not demand. She smiles wanly as she takes her daughter's hand in hers. "That depends, do you think you can be happy with him, whatever may come?"
She just hopes her guidance works in her daughter's favor. Try as she might, she cannot shield her children from the ills of the world. She certainly cannot from the consequences of their own decisions. Rhaegar burned her and now her daughter is willing to let herself see if Viserys will do the same. May the Mother shield her daughter.
But, she will not refuse her daughter if this is what she wants and she would not be having this conversation if Rhaenys did not want it.
Her daughter looks pensive. "I believe so and I want to, though, once I marry him, I will be Rhaenys Targaryen…again." Rhaenys scrunches up her nose and it was a fight not to do the same.
Rhaenys Targaryen was not a name much welcome in Dorne. Even now the memory of it causes her stomach to roll. A Dornishwoman's daughter named Rhaenys! Oh, she knew why Rhaegar had done it of course, well, besides the lack of care for her feelings. Her daughter looked Dornish, smelled Dornish, or so his father had declared. Rhaenys, of all things, was used to try and placate monster of a king.
She will never forgive Rhaegar that; of all the times he should not have placated Aerys and he did so with apologies spilling out from him afterward. With Viserys here she cannot help but remember how Aerys used to treat Rhaella; Rhaegar had done little else besides placating Aerys, for his own mother too!
What a little fool she used to be. If he could have abandoned his mother to his father's callousness, why not her? Why not her children?
It was a lesson made bitter because he had willingly protected others from Aerys. He let Aerys hold her and their children hostage claiming that he had to be loyal to his father, but, no, for Lyanna Stark he could do away with the man and then do away with them!
And so, it had been easy to let him go; and, she wanted to do away with him as much as she could!
As she had told Robert, she almost changed her children's names when she first came back to Sunspear. Oberyn suggested it and she'd been prepared to do it, particularly when Doran declared Dorne free. But, it was their heritage and Rhaegar already robbed them of their legitimacy and his name. As much as she wishes she could find a way to strip away the stain of him and what he did to them, she could not rob them of what was theirs already, not when they answered to those names.
But, she caught what Rhaenys said. "Once I marry him". Rhaenys' mind is already made up.
Just to be sure, she asks Rhaenys, "Do you think it worth the risk?"
Rhaenys replies firmly, "I do."
She takes a breath. "I suppose there are worse things to be called than Rhaenys Targaryen."
"Oh?" Rhaenys asks, but, she can see the smile on her daughter's face.
She makes her own face but replies: "The princess who was and then wasn't and once more was."
Rhaenys chuckles, "That sounds truly terrible."
"But, this is what you want?"
Rhaenys lifts her chin. "Absolutely."
A thought occurs to her though she is unsure if she wants to broach her subject, "Are you matched in other ways? Personal ones?"
This time Rhaenys flushes. It's a long while before Rhaenys answers, not quite looking her in the eyes. "We are."
She lets the matter drop though the next thought fills her with a different sort of apprehension. "If you truly want this, I will support you, but, you'll be the one to explain this to Robert."
At that, her daughter laughs. She thinks it is a magnificent sound.
Viserys is bold indeed, she thought, as Robert presses himself into her side. She recognized the crown on Rhaenys' head.
She wonders if Rhaella knows where it is now. Would she be happy about whose head it was on? She wonders if Rhaella gave it to Viserys. What would she do with that question?
Rhaella had commissioned it for her in celebration of Rhaenys' birth. Or so the story went. The part that no one dares to mention was that Rhaella had it commission in defiance of Aerys who proclaimed that her daughter smelled "Dornish".
As if that was a detriment! Oh, she still burned at the implied insult, but, Aerys had been a fool. There was more Dorne in him than that madman would ever have admitted to. He had in small ways, of course, drawn upon their shared heritage. Of course, that was what allowed him to pick a Dornish woman for his son to wife, but, he still disdained her for her heritage.
And look where they were now. He was dead and his son, the one that some even started to whisper he had favored above his designated heir, still picked a Dornish bride.
She wonders if it was the right step. Another match between their houses…
Viserys had not lied when he said Rhaella greeted Rhaenys warmly. But, that was as a granddaughter, not as a good-daughter. Would Rhaella approve of this match? Rhaella had approved of her, but, that was then…this is now.
Still, she thinks she likes the look of Rhaenys wearing it. It suits her too well.
She also enjoys seeing Rhaenys smile widely as Aegon goads Viserys into drinking Myrish Fire Wine while Cassana claps along with Rhaenys.
And well, later if she'd seen the four heads, two alike, one like hers, and one like Robert's, deeply in conversation, she does not find it jarring as she thought she might.
From besides her she hears Robert taking a drink. She wonders what Robert sees. Viserys is not Rhaegar, but, looks close enough and Rhaenys is her mirror. She knows he would not have been in favor of the match. But, that decision is not for him. Still, he was her husband, and she would hear him out. They were partners in most things.
He starts, "I hope you know what you are doing."
She presses herself into Robert's shoulder. "You don't?" she asks.
"I don't understand you."
She huffs. "Is it because-"
Robert grumbles. She feels the rumble of his body. "I hate him. Probably will for the rest of my days. Don't pretend you won't either."
She tells herself it is for the crowd that she smiles, not that Robert knew her so well. "I am not."
"Explain then. I trusted you since I married you, but, this? Are you sure giving our girl to him-" He makes a disgruntled sound, but, ultimately falls quiet.
Still, she smiles. Our girl. She loves Robert, but, the part of him that she loves the most is that he never tried to change her; he never dismissed the parts of her that she loved. Oh, she knew it had to do with the fact that she took Mya for her own as well and it was only fair, but, she rejoiced in it all the same.
But, she does owe him an explanation. "Look at the crown."
"Yes, it's nice," in a way that very much shows her husband is man who does not know or care to know the power jewels and manner of dress can wield.
She laughs.
Oh, Robert understands the power that wealth wields but what specific pieces mean are lost to him. Of course, he would not want to look deeply into Targaryen pieces, would he? Or really know what to look for…
15 years ago, Rhaelle had left King's Landing with Robert. In his place she left everything Targaryen that had been given to her throughout the course of her time as the Laughing Storm's cupbearer and her marriage.
She thinks back to the greenhouses. Perhaps Rhaella took a page out of Rhaelle's book. Despite herself she wonders if Rhaella did not know what this son of hers was up to even if she could not let it be known.
She turns to Robert. "Rhaella made it for me. I left it on Dragonstone."
Robert frowns so severely it was though he bit into a particularly sour lemon. He did not like to be reminded of their past. He was still hurt by it. As was she, but, she looks again at her smiling daughter and looks at the crown on her head.
It had been a gift from good mother to good daughter and she had worn it once. Perhaps, not happily, but, she had been touched by the gesture. She knew it had been a gift of reconciliation and of hope.
Rhaella liked her and she was glad of their short time together. She also knew that Rhaella loved the children that she had given Rhaegar.
Still, the jewel had been easy to leave behind. After all, Rhaegar did not want her as wife, so it did not feel right to keep something that was made for Rhaella's good-daughter. And in all honesty, she had not wanted the reminder of her failed marriage.
But, seeing it today, atop her daughter's head, and seeing how it shines, seeing how Rhaenys shines proudly next to Viserys, she realizes she was never the good daughter it was intended for.
Rhaegar had been the kingdom's hope. Once, he had been her hope.
And now she has a different hope.
She is resolved. Gods help her, these unions she would preserve.
He grumbles, "So?"
"That boy is on Dragonstone by Rhaegar's order. You think Viserys asked for permission to take something that belonged to his mother?"
How Viserys used to live on Dragonstone until their marriage is a well worn point and so she does not mention it now. Even in Storm's End they heard about the brothers' argument and the rumors that began anew. Arthur had grumbled under his breath for quite some time after he learned the particulars of at least one of the rumors.
Arthur even grumbled to Viserys about it when the once Kingsguard ran into the wayward prince.
Viserys huffs, "I said no such thing, Ser." Viserys frowns. "It is still, Ser, yes?"
"Yes," Arthur grumbled. "Did you or did you not say that I betrayed Rhaegar with Lady Lyanna."
Viserys sneers, "I said that if Rhaegar needed proof that Lady Lyanna's child is his outside the Kingsguard who proved more loyal to him during his time as a prince than they were for the king they were sworn to at the time, then, you could provide testimony. Those were my exact words."
Arthur argues, "That is not what people think! "You implied I fathered the boy, not your brother!"
Viserys shakes his head, "The only thing I implied was that, unlike Ser Gerold or Ser Oswell, you are not Kingsguard. Is this not the truth or are you hiding a white cloak here no one knows about? That anyone incorrectly inferred I was questioning Lady Lyanna's loyalty to those she claims to love, or my brother's youngest son's parentage is no fault of mine."
Then, Robert's shoulders shook at mirth. Now Robert still grumbles. "He better treat her right. I will not have anything else for our girl."
"No, we will not," she agrees watching her daughter in the arms of her betrothed.
He huffs. She waits.
Then, he asks, "Have you settled on the dowry?" No more arguments then.
"As you know I have been setting aside for it since my children were young."
A king's daughter ought to have a grand dowry. But, Rhaenys was not that. Rhaenys was her daughter, a princess of Dorne.
Robert makes a noncommittal sound. "I want to add to it. I will have her fitted properly, especially if Rhaegar finds out and disowns him too. My girl will not be a pauper."
That was awfully generous even if she doubts that would happen.
Once again, she counts herself that it was Robert she was tied to and no longer Rhaegar. But, she cannot help feeling that same anger at her former husband. It was a father's duty to provide for his children's future. Rhaegar had snatched theirs away. But, it was no matter now. She was more than capable of providing for her children and she has a husband willing to help her do that.
"You do not have to do that."
"I want to," Robert says leaning closer to her to whisper in her ear, "Besides, I may as well put the dowry I got for Lyanna to good use."
The answer almost shocked her into laughter, but, she managed to hold it in lest she scare the other guests at the feast.
She never did ask what Robert had done with the dowry. Rhaegar returned hers; a gesture, no doubt to assuage his guilt…or perhaps not. If Rhaegar had felt guilt, he would have never done as he had. Eddard Stark, though, seemed to be made of a different cloth. Though Robert has nothing to do with the man after all that had befallen them, Lord Stark had never sunk low in her estimation even if his sister had. Hearing this will not cause her to see that man differently even when the once strong bond of friendship between the Stark lord and her husband, which once was so close to becoming one of marriage, was now naught but ashes of memory.
In this, she acquiesces to Robert because there is little reason not to. Rhaegar inserted Lyanna into her marriage disregarding how Lyanna was already spoken for and for it, she and her children were denied their due. Rhaegar's paltry one-time apologies will never make up for it so she will take this instead.
"I am sure they will be grateful. I know I am."
Robert smiles into his cup.
But, she was smiling when Rhaenys declares.
"I want to marry on the Rhoyne."
Her smile stretches when Viserys' answer is: "So you shall."
She already feels better about this.
Over her small portion of the whiskerfish, she muses, "When do you intend to set sail for Braavos?"
Rhaenys arches a brow at her. "So quick to rid yourself of me, Mother?"
Laughter rings out all through the table.
She smiles at Rhaenys. "Not at all."
Viserys asks, "Any reason in particular?"
She daps her mouth with her napkin before speaking. "As you both are aware, I bought out some debts owed to the Bank."
Viserys lets out a snort. But, it is to Rhaenys that she directs her next words. "They are not due yet and I need someone to see to my interests in Braavos. But, I mean to make these interests of mine yours until they are."
She shares a smile with Robert who presses a kiss into her extended palm.
She finishes. "The resulting proceeds from those paid debts will serve your household better than they will me, my daughter."
Viserys' expression is bland, but, Rhaenys's face says all that he does not allow himself. And when Rhaenys smiles she knows this will be worth it.
On a bright day, as she makes her way onto the banks of the Mother Rhoyne on Robert's arm she thinks that life is truly funny. To think that this started with her niece's handfasting. Now, she bears witness to her eldest child's.
It feels rushed, but, it feels right. Outside of Dorne, Rhaenys is valued less for her sex, but, she will not leave her daughter unarmed. Neither will she leave her son so unarmed, but, her son's armor is not her daughter's. And even across lands, a daughter's armor is a marriage and so on this day, she freely gives her daughter in marriage.
Watching as her daughter on her son's arm comes to stand next to Viserys who looks handsome. For a moment, it was almost like looking at a memory, albeit a twisted one. At a distance Rhaenys looks so much like her and Viserys looks so much like Rhaegar had that it forces her to remember her first wedding. Pomp and circumstance and witnessed by all and sundry and in the end, it was dismissed as nothing by the willing groom himself!
This one she prefers handily, both the wedding and the groom, despite her initial misgivings.
Had she expected her daughter would marry this man of all people? No. Funny that, in truth. Had she lived another life, such a match would have been a possibility though not one she welcomed. When her life upended, she dismissed it entirely. Today, seeing her daughter smile at her chosen groom, she cannot say she is displeased. Far from it in fact.
Accompanying Rhaenys towards the base of the river, seeing her daughter, clad in rich red and black gown that once would have been hers by birthright and now is hers my marriage with Rhaella's gift atop her head, she is happy.
Once at the base of the Mother Rhoyne, Rhaenys with tears unshed, her daughter kisses her and Aegon, who had held Rhaenys' other arm, she can say she was happy.
She does not know how she managed to take a breath with her throat so tight watching as Aegon, wearing rich Martell red with a ceremonial sword with a red hilt inlaid with gold flecks, give Rhaenys' hand that had been clutched in his to Viserys. But, somehow she managed it.
Viserys raises a cup. "If I had but one regret it is that I wish my mother cannot be here to see us wed. I was young but I remember the way my mother smiled when she first held Rhaenys. It was as if Rhaenys was a treasure. Rhaenys is a treasure I swear to cherish. This son of Rhaella's promises you that, Elia."
She will miss Rhaenys of course, for Rhaenys will not only leave her side but will also remain East while she, Robert, and Aegon go back to Storm's End. Though her mother's heart fears for her daughter's happiness, she will welcome the day she and Rhaenys reunite again.
It is her duty to secure her children's futures. Though she could not secure the favor of their father, her children were priceless to her. For them, she would do all she could. If that meant allowing them to tie herself back to the realm that thought nothing of letting them go, then, she swears she will do it happily. She had done it once before, by binding herself to Robert. She has not regretted it yet. And she will not regret was she does for her children.
Later, she knows that Viserys and Rhaenys shall marry in the Sept for it is both their custom, but, for now, she will enjoy them marrying in her way.
Though it was in Dorne that she found her fortune and through Dorne maintained it, both her children will seek their fortunes outside of her homeland. Did a part of her want her children to find their homes there? Yes, but, when she herself cannot call it home exactly, she cannot require it of her children. Even if they spent most of their formative years in Dorne, neither of her children were born in Dorne even if they carry it in their veins and in their very being.
Still, more important is her children's happiness and she is happy because they both have chosen their own paths. There is no great blessing for a mother than that.