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Chapter 3: Rhaegar, 303 AC
He starts, "They can take your name, Martell."
"How generous…my king," Elia says with the utmost loathing.
"Please, Elia, do not make things difficult-"
Her laugh was so sour curdled milk would have seemed fresher. She lets out a sob even as her eyes spit fire. "Difficult? Ten thousand of my people were dragged into a war you started for someone else's woman. My uncle died protecting you! You turned me into your whore and robbed our children of their birthright, their identity, even! You think I am being difficult?"
Once more the guilt sets in. Before he can speak, she gives him a practiced, stiff bow he is miserably aware the last time he had seen her give a person, his father had been at the receiving end. "Your Grace, forgive my impertinence. Perhaps you are right, I do not have the right to take up more of your time or what else you deign to give. After all, I am not your wife."
With that she left his life. Within the hour the only Dornishman left in the Red Keep. Even Arthur left him.
It's been twenty years and despite himself, he still wonders why Robert married Elia. Revenge, he thought at first, when he heard of it. It was not as though Elia could give Robert any children. But, now, he knew it was not about that.
When he first heard of Elia's marriage to Robert, he thought it was some jape at his expense. But, Jon confirmed it after coming back from the wedding. Jon had been reluctant to discuss what goods the wedded couple handed out and even more reluctant to speak about the children. But, in between Jon's silences he heard plenty.
For a time, there was nothing except despair because most if not all Essosi goods started to be funneled through Dorne. Norvos, he expected, for he remembered that Doran's wife hailed from there but, then, goods from Volantis, the Summer Isles, Tyrosh, Lys, and Myr went to Dorne first. Pentos goes where wealth does and Essosi wealth now went towards Dorne…For a time even Braavos became tight fisted.
Some of that wealth from Essos started to flow into the Stormlands after Elia married Robert. But, Dorne and the Stormlands demanded a high price.
Which one of them meant to deal that blow to him most? Elia? Robert? Doran? Even now he cannot say. But, all he knows is that the Stormlands, Storm's End in particularly, became richer.
Braavos had unbent some but not enough. Soon, there were debts owed to the Bank were coming due…
Even Viserys presence there had not soften them. Yet, he thinks that Viserys did not try very hard to fix things.
Another thing to fix that he did not know how. There were few letters from his brother and most of them to his mother. Oh, his people checked them of course, but, Viserys' letters did not say much.
Now though, he tries to push those thoughts out of his mind because the politely detached exchange which took place in the great hall of Storm's End is witnessed by too many. By design of course. In this moment, the accusations Viserys hurled about his second son's paternity at him came back with a vengeance and by the looks, he knew he was not the only one to think of them.
Years ago, he dismissed his brother's words as fury. In truth he could have handled his brother and his mother better. Dragonstone was a dismal place, too dismal for his mother or his brother who spent years there. That was why he recalled them.
But, in the quiet of his own mind, he knew he had been selfish. In the beginning, all the court knew that his mother had disapproved of his new marriage and how the High Septon changed his tune. Then, Doran proved how much a snake in the grass he was by declaring Dorne independent as soon as Elia and the children were firmly ensconced in Dorne. But, that had proved to be a boon because the questions had slowed, though never ceased.
He had not meant to drive his brother from Dragonstone, either; but, Dragonstone was meant to be the seat of the Crown Prince and he had to show that Jaeherys was that. The talk of his actions towards Elia and children had never died down. He was not going to rebuild Summerhall, let alone for Viserys, lest those topics come back up.
But, they will, because his eldest son was in front of him.
When they had first been 'welcomed' to Storm's End for this tourney to celebrate the 16th name day of Stannis' daughter, Elia greeted him, calmly and detached, as though there was nothing ever between them, but rather what is between them in that moment: hostess and guest.
Part of him wanted her to seem as worn as he felt. Only, she was not. No she was resplendent, even at their age, wearing a gown of black and gold silks in the Lyseni style dotted with Myrish lace with ropes of gold jewelry draped around her neck and dripping from her ears.
Even worse, Robert, standing tall besides her, was dressed in a gold doublet with a cape of black velvet so dark the only light that bounced off it were where stags made of finely woven gold threads were plastered across the cape.
Lord Stannis and Lord Renly were dressed similarly. Gods that had been difficult to see, because it was not just Dorne that prospered but the Stormlands, too. But, more than see it was more difficult to think.
Aegon, too, was dressed in the same style as the Baratheon men, though the color was gold with red suns. He stood at Elia's other side, taller than both Robert and even he was. Aegon's face remained neutral, but, seeing his face stamped across his eldest son caused his stomach to lurch unpleasantly.
When their boat landed, he'd wonder if he would see hatred from his children. From Aegon there was nothing from his spot next to Elia, but, the easy way Aegon's hand rested his bejeweled and belted hip, with golden daggers on either side was telling.
Aegon had not even made a move to acknowledge him, content to let his mother and mother's husband speak for the household.
There was plenty to say, but, he remained silent? Of course, what would Aegon say to him that he would want to hear? He had done enough, hadn't he?
He knew how little his younger son and acknowledged heir looked like him. When pulled his gaze away from the son that looked so much like him, his unease only grew. Rhaenys was nowhere to be seen.
Darkly, he recognized this was clearly meant to be Elia's and Robert's triumph. Rhaenys should have been here, even if only to see that. He wondered at the lack of her presence, but neither Robert nor Elia offered him an explanation. No matter how discretely he tried to do it, he felt they noticed him looking.
If everyone in the hall could notice how much Aegon looked like him and he tried to tell himself not to react to whispers amongst his own retinue, then, of course, Elia and Robert's household would notice that.
He can only imagine what would have been said if he did ask. If he wanted to know where his daughter was, he should have kept her. He had not.
Later that evening from a servant that one of Storm's End's servants that the Prince and Princess would be arriving soon. She married some time ago, the servant was able to glean from a Baratheon servant, but, the Baratheon servant only referred to Rhaenys and her husband as "Princess" and "Prince" and that meant nothing when Rhaenys grew up in Dorne. Their servant got no more from the Baratheon one.
In the end he did not speak to Aegon and nor did ask after Rhaenys. He could hardly demand to do with Lyanna and his mother on either side of him or Jaeherys one step behind and Lyanna and Jaeherys remained close. They were welcomed but not wanted.
The only person he brought with him afforded more than empty platitudes was his mother who gladly received the warmer tones of welcome than he or Lyanna had garnered.
His gaze flickers between the melee ground and the Baratheon stands. Beyond their arrival, he stayed away from them despite how his 'hosts' did not seem to spare any expense, even for them. The royal box was immaculately outfitted with rich coverings, plush seats. But, they were seated at opposite ends of the grounds from their hosts.
It kept the Baratheons away, but, also within his sights.
He could not say which sight was worse. Even from his vantage point he could see how anxious Elia was though he could sense that her being on Robert's arm was comfortable for her. He could also see that while Robert's gaze was mostly on the field below, Robert was whispering into her ears while he had one of his arms wrapped around her shoulders.
How he wished he could delude himself in thinking that it was revenge and hurt which drove the pair, but, his stomach twists seeing them with their heads bent together. If it had once been revenge and politics, it was no longer that. Or, rather not only that. No, theirs was a true marriage.
He tries to look away except beyond the pair is Arthur, clad in black. He fights not to sigh. Another one lost to him so long ago. Arthur, too, is focused on the grounds. He follows Arthur's line of sight towards the orange and red clad figure ramming his Warhammer against his final opponent. He winces in sympathy. He'd been the victor in that battle, but, he remembers all too keenly the pain from the force of Robert's blows.
A roar goes through the crowd as the victim falls from his horse.
He cannot hear Elia and Robert or even Arthur, but, he can see how elated they are and a thrill of some emotion he dare not name flows through him as the raucous joviality of the crowd from the Stormlands envelopes the arena.
His chest started to tighten even before the victor lifts his Warhammer to the utter delight of the crowd.
At first, he thought that this was Doran's boy because while his helm covered his face, the shield he bore had two quarters with the Martell sigil. But Doran's son already fell and the shield that the victor carried bore no signs of Norvos.
Perhaps that would have been better if it had. The relief on Elia's face and the pride on Robert's tells him who the victor was even before Aegon lifted his helm. The shower of silver hair flowed down Aegon's back, so like his, does little except fill him with dread.
In the dark of the hall, Aegon's features could be ignored, but, not here, not in light. No, here, it was clear whose son he was.
It becomes more apparent when Aegon starts to lead his horse in a circuit in the arena with his Warhammer resting against his shoulder.
The closer Aegon gets the more he starts to tremble. He can make out more of Aegon's features…ones that they share. He can feel rather than see Lyanna and Jaeherys stiffen the closer Aegon comes. As far as he knows Aegon had not approached either of them. No one was outright rude, but, there was no warmth from most of the people here.
Even if the High Septon upheld the annulment he knew the move to disinherit his children was never popular amongst the rest of the Faith. It had not been popular with the people because Elia had given him a healthy son, one that was his mirror. His mother's reluctance to embrace his new wife and Viserys's claims had not helped in allowing others to move forward.
He also knew that the High Septon had disliked it when which of his marriage he would sever was the one he had sanctioned. Alas the High Septon, pockets heavier, had granted him the choice and he made it and now…there was a different High Septon.
And now his son was coming closer.
The man now before him with his face, dressed in his mother's colors and carrying Robert's favored weapon, is not his mirror, though, Aegon could have been had he not denied his eldest children.
For a moment he wonders if Aegon will say anything to him. Aegon said nothing in the hall. Aegon just stared and did not so much as twitch until it was time for Robert and Elia to welcome another guest. But, now, in the shadow of this victory of Aegon's…he both wants it and fears what Aegon will do.
He does not know whether to be grateful or not Aegon just rides past on his mount past without looking back to complete the circle before lifting his Warhammer once more to the deafening cheers of the crowd.
He knew without looking that Jaeherys had been increasingly nervous and Lyanna's relief was palpable that nothing untoward happens. The relief he should feel that there was no scene never comes.
He'd ignored the stares and glares as he made his way through the grounds after the archery competition. He suspected it was because Ser Barristan was at his back rather than out of any deference that no one spoke to him. The dark and suspicious looks said enough.
He is hesitant when he approaches the tent where he hears youthful laughter.
"I am so glad I am at a feast this far North has seasoned chicken-" the rest of the words are drowned out by laughter.
He almost laughs but then he remembered his first trip to Dragonstone after the war. He wanted to present Lyanna and their son to his mother. His family and his future.
His mother had not taken it well.
Since he stepped on the island, he felt a sense of wrongness, but, even the steward and his wife, once welcoming, were solemn…too solemn. It was much later he learned the pair lost a son at Ashford…a battle that he never fought in.
It was not just that. When she not recovering from the children's births, Elia been a capable administrator and much beloved by the household. His children were the delight of the keep. And now, they were gone…because of him.
The steward and his wife were not the only ones to show their displeasure though only one person could vocalize it. His mother, it seemed, did not seek to replenish the household that was left bare because the remainder stalked back to Dorne. The few servants who remained tried their best to show nothing was different, but, he noticed the constantly exchanged looks and whispers when the servants thought he could not hear.
He could see how different Dragonstone looked; the brighter colors, the comfortable pillows, the fresh flowers and scents that became characteristic of the keep under Elia's watch were all gone. Even the food lost its magic.
His mother snorted. "Lemons? Peppers? My son, you know those do not grow on Dragonstone."
"Elia-" He stops even as Lyanna, seated next to him, stiffens.
His mother continues, the expression holding the barest hint of a sneer. "Is not here and neither is anything that she brought with her, including the vegetation."
Impossible! When he'd first made the decision to use Dragonstone, Elia had ordered many plants and seeds from all over Dorne.
As though she shared his thoughts, his mother, tossing her napkin onto the table, replies, "I had the plantings torn out and returned to Sunspear. As we have shown we do not treat the Dornish people well, I see no reason to continue to use their goods."
He stares blankly even as Viserys keeps his gaze on his plate. But, his he could recognize disapproval in the childish face, too. He looks away from his younger brother, imaging his eldest son in Viserys' place. Though he felt guilty for thinking it, mostly he was glad he would not have to see it!
But, that did not mean things improved.
At first, he thought his mother was just trying to express her displeasure at the end of his first marriage and the beginning of his true one. To prove it, the next day, even though the gardeners kept averting their eyes like the servants who showed them to their chambers, he strode towards the greenhouses where Elia had cultivated her additions.
To his dismay, he found them empty, just as his mother warned.
He looked for any other sign of their things but, only the clothes and jewels which bore Targaryen markings were left in his mother's care. All the clothes and jewels Elia brought with her were gone. The children's things, too. He tried to tell himself it was better this way, now he and Lyanna and their boy can move on, but, there was no changing that they had been here.
And his mother did not seem to mind reminding him of that fact. An ornate crown his mother fashioned for Elia upon Rhaenys' birth had a place of pride on his mother's vanity. If he wanted to visit his mother in her rooms, he had to do it sitting the large portrait of him, Elia, and their children he commissioned after Aegon had been born his mother had hung above the fireplace.
He had known his mother loved Elia, both as the daughter of a dear friend and as the daughter she never had, but, before coming to Dragonstone, he had been sure she could come to love Lyanna in the same way. He was sure that though she adored his elder children, she would come to love Jaeherys just as much, because after all, he loved Jaeherys' mother. He just knew that Lyanna would give him two more dragons to join their Jaeherys in a way that Elia could not.
But, by the time he left Dragonstone and his mother and brother behind, he understood that his mother was more than capable of matching the blows that Doran or Robert landed.
Now, Aegon says something to the group at large in that language he does not know. Reluctantly, the other occupants leave, the girl with the too blue eyes is the most reluctant. But, she does, after Aegon gives her an encouraging nod.
Then, he's alone with his eldest son for the first time since his son was a baby.
But, though this was his idea, to come here, it felt as though only he was the one shaken. Aegon tilts his head. "What can I do for you, Your Grace?"
Your Grace when it should be Father.
But, even Elia will not see him privately now. Her note read: "Your Grace, it would not be appropriate for us to meet without my husband present."
If Elia was not wife, then, her son would not call him Father. He had not given Aegon leave to do that in twenty years.
Still, he says, "I wanted to see you."
Aegon's lips twitch briefly. "You had many years to see me."
True and calmly said and while Aegon had lived in Storm's End for many years, the Dornish lilt, he can still hear. The eyes, so much like his, also darken.
He can feel Barristan's disapproval. Thankfully, the man says nothing. He had not wanted the man to. He expected difficulty.
He swallows. "Yes, I did."
Because what else was there to say? If he wanted to act as a father to his eldest children he could have, but, he had not. He let both his eldest children go with their mother. He thought letting them keep the Martell name would be enough; that returning Elia's dowry would be enough to make up for the fact that he was letting them go.
Quickly he was disabused of the notion. Dorne was closed to him. Letters went unanswered. If their messengers came back at all, they came back with news from Doran or his castellan; nothing of Elia or the children, even when the messengers were told to get direct answers.
He adds, "You fought well."
"I had excellent teachers," is Aegon's level reply.
Good teachers, indeed! None of which had been him or ones he provided. Aegon must have had them and one of whom was obviously Robert if Aegon was comfortable with his choice of weapon.
Aegon is capable of warcraft, clearly. He was a good archer and won the melee and he obviously has charm if the sounds of the arena were genuine. But, what could that mean for Jaeherys?
He thought there would be no danger in keeping the children in Dorne. He had not thought to think that Doran's charity would expire if Elia had to marry Robert. Or had it been Doran's idea to rid himself of a burden that he had not been expecting?
He replies, "Ser Barristan was telling me he was quite impressed with you."
Aegon smiles as he turns towards the knight, but, there is no warmth in it or his next words, "That is kind of you to say, Ser."
The older man had seen his worry. "He'd be a fine knight…a worthy man of the Kingsguard…should he want it."
Can Aegon be convinced to join the Kingsguard or the Night's Watch? Was there anything else he could do to neutralize the threat his oldest son poses?
Jaeherys was his heir, but, Aegon had been that first, no matter what the High Septon agreed to later.
He knew that a man like Tywin Lannister would have kept them for Dorne's continued support, but, he realized he already lost it. And he knew that if he kept his children close to him, he'd always worried that if he kept them in the public eye that no one would ever support his new marriage or his new heir. And who of his allies would he have trusted them to? The Crownlands would have favored Aegon and Dorne was the one who sent more men. The Reach? Perhaps they would have used him to rally around…
"Your knight's master must have been quite a man."
Aegon's face hardens. "I am not a knight."
His brows furrow. But Aegon has studied weapons. Clearly.
"No?"
Ser Barristan is confused as he is.
Shrugging, Aegon says, "To be a knight one has to take vows to the Seven. I am not one of their faithful."
Their faithful? He blinks, "You're not?"
That almost fills him with some relief. Most of the kingdom follows the Seven as does Jaeherys for the most part. But, the rest of the kingdom does not trust Jaeherys who still respects his mother's gods, either.
But, if Aegon was telling the truth…But, what does that mean?
Aegon shrugs again. "The Seven abandoned me a long time ago."
Both he and Ser Barristan flinch despite Aegon refusing to say the words they all think. That he, not the faith, abandoned his children.
He cannot refute that. He'd bribed the High Septon to disavow the marriage he himself presided over with money for the Faith and promises that his father would be curtailed.
Even though his voice shakes, he asks, "What faith is it that you do follow?"
Because surely, that is something he should know about his son?
His son spoke in words he cannot understand. He looks to Barristan who looks back with an equally nonplussed expression. With a faint smile on his face, Aegon clarifies in High Valyrian: "The Mother Rhoyne provides all I need."
He exhales sharply.
The language of the Rhoyne were banned by the Red Princes. Nymeria's children wanted to unite the Rhoynar with the people of Dorne and now…The Dornish repudiated him as he repudiated his children.
Because he does not want to see that accusation in his son's face he looks around and he notices the bowls of water littered around the tent and the image of turtles pressed into the silks of the tent. A clear homage to the old man of the Sea. A closer look at Aegon shows that the golden clasp of his cloak was a red sun, and the golden threads weaved into the cuffs of his tunic are in the shape of interlocking spears. A tent for a man of the Rhoyne and clothes showing nothing but a prince of the house of the Nymeros Martell.
But, no, Aegon had not repudiated him, not completely of course, otherwise he would have refused the Valyrian. But, why?
This is what he'd wanted, wasn't it? This Aegon could never compete with Jaeherys for his throne. Or could he still? A man with Baratheon backing. And he would be lying if he said he had not noticed many emissaries from the East and even Reachmen here along with the many Stormlanders.
Because there is no reason not to ask, he does, "What drew you to it?"
He cannot help but wonder that. Elia never shared much of the Rhoynish culture with him. There was never any time…and he cannot be in front of his son and deny he allowed little of it.
Ultimately Aegon says, "Necessity at first."
Necessity? He wonders that but then he sees Aegon touch the clasp of his cloak, clasp in the shape the Martell sigil.
Aegon's keen eyes followed his and they narrow. For the first time Aegon shows him something beyond mild amusement. He looks offended and true, he had offended, but, what had he said or done now?
Aegon says, "I looked too much like you."
He'd earned Dornish enmity, but, surely, they would not turn their enmity towards his son?
As though Aegon could read his mind, his lips curls upwards. "Do you think that children cannot be cruel? I assure you they can. But, do not feel so badly on that account. I do not blame them. It's not their fault they lost their fathers and brothers in the war they did not want to fight in or that my sire did not want me."
Even though he forces down the lump that lodged itself in his throat he also registers Barristan's gasp.
How he wished Aegon screamed the words at him. But, Aegon spoke so calmly, he felt that his son could have been speaking of the weather to a courtier in the Red Keep.
It was on the tip of his tongue to deny that he had not wanted his children, but, what defense is there? Still… By giving his children the Martell name, by sending them to Dorne, he'd known what he was doing. The people of Westeros would never accept an heir who lived in Dorne, who bore his mother's name. He thought that would clear the way for his new heir, but, he had not thought this…
"And Doran did nothing? Is his control over his people so lacking?"
Aegon's face twists in a snarl. For a moment he thinks Aegon would lunge for him, but, nothing like that happens and soon Aegon's princely mask returns. When Aegon does speak it is with a voice few at court could ever master. "There is no need for outrage, Your Grace. My uncle's control is not so lacking, otherwise Dorne would not be free now. Still, I knew I had to fight my own battles. I learned quite early that I cannot rely on blood-ties alone to see me through life. I smoothed the way for myself as all men without fathers must, just like all of the sons and daughters who lost their fathers on the Trident under your direction, Your Grace."
His son's words now hurt far more than any blow he had taken that day.
He had been the one leading the army that day, with 10,000 Dornishmen who were there only because his father had Elia within his grasp. And those losses were on his shoulders. And how had he repaid the lives lost?
But, only Aegon was brave enough to say it to his face. No, not quite. Aegon is the only one to say it to his face in so long. Even Barristan would never say such things and the man had been there!
It seems his son is braver still, "Be at peace with it, Your Grace, as I am. After all, many of those sons and daughters were not as fortunate as I was. At least I had my mother to see to what was best for me."
Mother, not Father. And what had his children's mother done? Take them to the one man who hated him.
"Robert allows it?"
Because what else can he say?
Aegon's lips curl. "While it is not my place to discuss the arrangements made by my mother and her consort, I know he is respectful of what is important to me."
Robert? Respectful? No, that was what Lyanna despaired about. But, he cannot know now, can he? And try as he might, though he does not have spies in Storm's End, there was no talk about Robert being publicly unfaithful. Robert had another bastard girl, but, even she was born after the war and before Robert married Elia.
And again, what can Robert do to Aegon, that he himself did not?
His son finally smiles a true smile in his presence, but, it does not fill him with joy. "He does not deny me my right to honor either my mother in this realm or the other." Airily, Aegon continues in a way that fills him with dread. "It was to be expected. From what I hear, he made the same promise of the freedom of worship to the father of his previous betrothed."
He sharply draws breath. He had not asked and Lyanna had not mentioned…
It is just as well he did not allow Lyanna to come with him now to see his son. She had not wanted him to come to see Aegon at all. She'd never forgiven that he'd kept the knowledge of her father's and brother's deaths from her. And to hear Aegon speak so calmly of words that echo his brother's leaves him cold.
And of course, because fate hates him, Robert comes barreling through the tent nearly pushing Barristan out of the way. Robert does not bother holding in his grimace, but Robert's eyes completely soften when they turn towards Aegon.
"Your friends were wondering what kept you. Cassana-"
Aegon gives Robert a soft smile and something in him twists. Consort, Aegon called Robert, but, the expression tells him it is deeper than that between them than man and mother's husband…something that he did not have with Aegon.
Aegon nods his head towards Robert. "I would never want to bring her to worry, but, I suppose it is as good a time as any. I'd rather avoid an unfortunate scene later."
That confuses him. What would be unfortunate?
A feminine voice calls out. "You would never bring me worry. I trust you."
The blue-eyed girl again, though this time, she's on the arm of her father and another blue-eyed girl was with them.
"Quite right," is Lord Stannis' grim reply.
Lord Stannis does not seem to be capable of anything else beyond stiffness, but, Aegon's face brightens at seeing them. Though even she masks it well, he can practically feel the girl's disapproval as she brushes past him and Ser Barristan to where Aegon and Robert stand.
He does not understand why but Robert seems to. And Robert's nod at Aegon has his throat running dry.
Aegon turns to him smiling again, this time it approaches something genuine. But, it does not mean Aegon is happy to speak to him. "Your Grace, Ser Barristan, I do not believe you have had the opportunity to meet these ladies, may I introduce Lady Mya Rogers, Lord Robert's eldest daughter; and my betrothed, Lady Cassana Baratheon, Lord Stannis' daughter."
Before he received the look of daring on any of the Baratheon's faces, whatever little hope he still had of encouraging Aegon to join the Kingsguard or the Night's Watch had already died. Twenty years and he can still hear Lady Rhaelle's fiery tirade. Though the old woman did not speak to him at all, he knew that she still bore a grudge, though it was not towards his mother who the woman had greeted warmly.
At any rate, to interfere with another Baratheon betrothal will do him no favors. This time there was no justification of ridding the realm of a mad father. Besides, is he going to force himself to ask the question of whether or not he can sink any lower in his son's estimation than he already probably has?
Though he tries to grasp at anything else to think of the only thing he can is that he recognizes who the one referred to as Mya is. Robert's daughter, Aegon had said. This was the one whose existence proved that Robert, in Lyanna's mind, would have not been an ideal husband. And now she was a Rogers…Lyanna's kin in the Stormlands. He still recalls the tears Lyanna shed after Lady Branda's repudiation.
He swallows. How was he going to tell Lyanna this? They had not been able to secure a bride for Jaeherys yet…
He holds his breath when Robert smiles and nudges Aegon. "Go now, enjoy yourselves, but, not too much. You'll want an early night. You did well today. No doubt you will want to do well tomorrow. I expect you to do well."
He forces himself not to turn away at the way Aegon and Robert smile at one another again.
Aegon has the natural skill…but the interest, that would have been encouraged, by Elia's kin of course, but, by Robert as well. Of course, Aegon will participate in the tourneys.
Of course, he will "fight his own battles" because his father abandoned him, and his mother's husband cannot be expected to, no matter how good their relationship is.
Yet, he cannot think that what if Aegon wins that as well? Part of him wants to see it and the other part of him dreads it. The way Aegon spoke of "his mother", would Aegon crown the person entitled to his overtures in the way he had not. He remembers Jaeherys being fretful of being left on Dragonstone after he'd exiled Viserys…and that was Viserys, his brother. But, Aegon was his eldest son…
Lady Cassana…his future good-daughter presses herself into Aegon's side, "Must you be so silly, Uncle? My Aegon always does well."
With what is clearly practiced ease Aegon extends a hand to the girl who eagerly slips her hand in his.
His son smiles at his betrothed, completely besotted. "Claiming me already?"
Blue eyes shine into purple ones. She says, "Absolutely."
To avoid looking at the pair who are smiling and Robert who laughs affectionately, he turns towards Stannis only to see no reaction from the man and a roll of the eyes from Lady Rogers.
He'd heard that Robert and Stannis were little alike but clearly the man does not mind such an intimate display any more than Robert does. So, this must not be new…
What other surprises are in store for him? Does he want to know? And he has not seen Rhaenys yet!
But, before him, his son breaks away from his betrothed and gives Robert and Stannis a smile for a moment he wonders once again that though he won the Trident perhaps he was the one who lost at the Trident after all.
"Your Grace," Aegon says as he gives him a short bow and leaves the tent with a lady on either arm.
"Stannis, go with them, please?" Robert asks.
For a long moment Stannis says nothing but does has his brother wants.
Once Stannis left, all warmth in Robert did as well. "I do not know what you are doing, but, you are not needed here."
"He is my son."
Robert laughs in his face. "Now he is your son? So, where have you been for the last twenty years? Oh, wait, how foolish of me, twenty years ago, you were making his replacement. Leave him alone, Rhaegar. He grew up into a fine man without you, despite you. He does not need you in his life."
He growls. "Because you are in it? You cannot keep him away from me."
Robert snorts, "You took yourself out of his life willingly, gleefully even. What did you think? That Elia was going to allow them to wallow in your absence. If you did care, you had years to show it. You do not get to pretend you care now. We both know all you're going to end up doing is stab him in the back like you did me."
"I never did-"
Robert's face curdles. "So, what do you call sneaking off with my betrothed or doing nothing while your father demanded my head? Neither one of those were a damned favor."
Says the man who married his children's mother and took his children! "How many times must I bleat apologies!"
Robert screams in his face. "You never did!"
Ser Barristan makes to move forward, but, he waves him back. The last thing he needs is for anyone to think he's the one who goaded Robert on his own lands.
"I cannot change the past, Robert."
Robert sneers, "I bet you don't want to."
He tries again, "Robert, I am not trying to start anything."
Robert sneers, "You think anyone would believe that? That I do? That your son does? You don't even believe that. If you do, you're just as delusional as your father used to be."
He lunges for Robert who manages to escape his attempt, despite Ser Barristan's yells. Robert attempts a swing but it stops in mid-air when he hears a too familiar voice.
"What in the Seven Hells are you two doing?"
Arthur's eyes blaze with fury. "Fighting like idiots where anyone can see and hear you. Get away from each other, right now. Stop this before you embarrass yourselves. You are too old for this nonsense."
Still glaring daggers, Robert barks, "What are you even doing here?"
Arthur huffs. "Lord Stannis warned me, thank the gods. Twenty years and still bickering over your favorite toy as though neither one of you learned a damned thing. Come now, the Princess is looking for you, let's go, my lord."
Robert mutters under his breath about Lord Stannis but aloud he starts, "He has no business being here. He does not get to play at being the father to Elia's children now."
Arthur grimaces at them both. "I don't care. You know better and they deserve better than you bothering with him."
It should not, but, being relegated to 'him' by Arthur stings almost as much as Aegon's casual dismissal of him had. And it seems that Barristan agrees, but, what was that worth now?
Robert seems mulish but then Arthur adds, "Come now, your other guests have settled in. They actually do want to see you."
Robert's face brightens. "I suppose you want me to be grateful you aren't always a fool, Dayne."
It was as though his very presence was forgotten. Even Arthur is not immune to this when Arthur snarks back towards Robert, "And I suppose I will have to settle for the barest hope you will promise to act your age. If not for yourself, do it for them."
Once that Arthur would have spoken to him that way…or perhaps not.
Arthur unclasped his cloak and threw it on the ground.
"I became a Kingsguard under King Aerys. If your marriage to Princess Elia or the children who sprung from it are not legitimate because of the former king's madness, then neither is my appointment to the order."
He swallowed. He had not realized that Arthur could take this path. Arthur had followed him to the Tower of Joy. He had not thought Arthur's loyalty would slip at this! "They see you as an enemy."
Arthur gave him a twisted smile. "I have earned it and I will earn whatever they see fit to give."
"What if they kill you?"
Arthur sighed. "I thought I was doing my duty by obeying you, but, now I see that when I betrayed my king for my prince, I was assisting in the dishonor of my brothers of the Kingsguard, my family, and my people. If that is what they wish, let them kill me for it."
Without a glance in his direction, both men leave him alone in a tent filled with touches of his son's life that he has no part of only to be left with a Kingsguard who never had been a friend, wondering what all that was about.
Despite his best efforts, he forced himself to watch as couples weave their way through dancing.
He thinks back to the Tourney at Harrenhal. It always came back to that didn't it? He thinks of how even though he had given the crown to Lyanna, he and Elia shared a dance in the Whent's hall. Elia had put on a stoic face though he had known how deeply he'd hurt her. Now Elia was dancing with Robert with smiles on their faces.
His eyes burn. He looks away only to land on Aegon who was leading his betrothed in their own dance. Their bodies pressed close as propriety would allow as they shared smiles with one another. Another glance at Lord Stannis who was leading his own wife in a dance, but, this time, instead of indifference, there was satisfaction.
The girl was Lord Stannis' daughter and only child. Since Robert and Elia never had a child of their own, Lady Cassana was the future lady to Storm's End…unless they meant Storm's End to go to Renly, but, that did not make sense.
He never meant Viserys to have anything meant for his son. There is no reason why Lord Stannis would be any different.
"What a fine pair," he'd heard murmured around the room when the announcement was made…the very public announcement.
He'd also noticed and pretended to ignore the sidelong glances made his way. He'd warned Lyanna and Jaeherys, but it still made them uneasy. Despite Robert and Elia ignoring them, sitting in this hall among these very people, eating this rich food that he did not have access too of much without trying to drain his treasury, he felt ill.
Still, the rest of the hall was jubilant.
Lord Rogers, Mya's husband, who took after his grandmother's side of the family but barely acknowledged Lyanna, was seated next to Lord Renly. The other of Robert's bastards, was seated next to her husband, Ser Brus Buckler, and was deep in conversation with a pair of ladies, one fair haired and one with a head of dark hair, he learned were Oberyn's daughters. And they were surrounded by a mix of Stormlords and Dornishmen.
But, his gaze kept going back to where he could not afford it to go, towards Aegon. However, Aegon was not looking at him and had not even spared him a glance beyond the initial pleasantries required of them. Now, Aegon kept his gaze firmly on the girl that was to be his wife. Then again, why would Aegon look elsewhere? It was not as though Aegon could afford insulting his mother's husband's family by setting his gaze elsewhere now.
Had he acted differently years ago, Aegon would have had his pick of maidens. Because he did not, even as handsome and with martial skill, the consort to the Lady of Storm's End was the best match a bastard, even with his princely last name, his son could hope to achieve.
He pretends he did not hear Lyanna's sigh of relief. Though part of him bristles, even as he watches Aegon pick himself up and dust himself off, the cheers force him to remain still. The cheers were somewhat more subdued than it had been at the day of the melee but they give him pause. He tells himself it was only because Ser Barristan was his man.
He should be able to be proud his son broke thirteen lances before falling to Barristan the Bold. He'd managed twelve lances against Arthur once and he's fairly certain Arthur let him win. He strongly suspected Barristan had not let Aegon get an inch.
He should be able to show pride, but, Robert's sneering face was burned in his memory and Elia barely said a word to him and any time they were near one another, Robert, too, had been present.
But, what to do about his son? Show pride now and people will talk. Then, what? Mere praise would be empty. Award him with what? Lands? Titles? Would that make up for taking away his position? His very name?
He doubted it would. Daeron II honored his father's wishes and gave Daemon lands and how did Daemon repay him? But, was Aegon to be Jaeherys' Daemon when Aegon was his elder son? How would Jaeherys feel? What would he think? Aegon had been his heir once, he could be so again.
So what if Aegon loses today in a war game. What of tomorrow? Would how he invalidated his first marriage matter when he is gone? His eldest son is a warrior and soon to be married into a great house, one with all the reasons to see his chosen wife and acknowledged heir brought low.
He's never considered himself cowardly and gods knew the realm paid for his being bold. Yet, part of him is glad such a question does not have to be answered today.
He tries to put such troubling thoughts out of his mind. He'd almost managed until not a half hour later he saw Viserys topple Ser Barristan to ultimately be declared the winner. He'd been so nonplussed about Aegon that seeing his brother for the first time in five years proved shocking. A late, surprise entrant.
He tries not to look towards his mother who had been overjoyed to see Viserys out in the grounds. Darkly, he sees Viserys turn towards the Baratheon stands were Robert and Arthur were clapping politely. He remembered that Robert had been so jubilant when Arthur reminded him of new guests. Obviously, Viserys, who for whatever odd reason skipped out on the feast, was that.
He and Viserys parted bitterly, he will grant it, but, to see a near mirror of himself again in his brother when his eldest son was there did little to set him at ease.
He looks towards where Robert and Elia are seated. He frowns. Next to them are the Rogers and the Bucklers to Robert's left. But, at Elia's other side, there is a heavily cloaked, veiled form.
Rhaenys! It must be. But, why only now? Where has she been?
He swallows. Had Aegon said anything to her about him?
But, he cannot then, Viserys' voice booms out, as his brother finally made his way towards the Baratheon stand. "Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you my Queen of Love and Beauty, my wife, Princess Rhaenys of House Martell and House Targaryen."
From one side Lyanna gasps and from the other side his mother lets out a shaky breath. But, both sounds are nearly drowned out by the raucous cheers from the crowd as Rhaenys removes her heavy cloak revealing her full belly.
When Rhaenys shifts, he finally sees the little boy tucked into Rhaenys' other side cheering as loudly as everyone else.
Gods, no!
It must be a joke. Surely, Viserys would not…He'd known his brother had been bitter, but, for him to do this? But, he cannot deny it, that is his daughter who looks so much like Elia that she could not be mistaken for anyone else. The boy besides her looks just like him and his eldest son to be anyone else besides his grandson.
He takes a deep breath when he can see his hands shake.
Then, he can see the look on Viserys' face and he remembers the last words Viserys spoke to him.
"How dare you? How much more must others pay the costs of your lusts? Haven't you had your fill of that yet! But, of course, why should I think you would care? You never care when it is others who suffer!"
Now all he can do is sit there and watch as his brother and daughter, with a crown of red roses on her head, engage in a deep kiss.
They were to dine, his brother's family and his own, with their mother. Robert extended the favor to his mother, in part, as a gift for his grandmother, but, mostly to appease 'his girl and her husband'. Gods, the last time he hated Robert so much was when he learned of his cousin's marriage!
Of all the King's Justice he hated dispensing was familial disputes, particularly when it came to a wayward daughter, especially when Lyanna was also in the audience. After a sly look in Lyanna's direction, some lord would almost always begin, "I am happy to provide for my children who are loyal to our house and upholds its values, as is my duty, but, I will not have disloyal daughters in my household or tolerate the disrespect of some sneakthief claiming kinship with me simply because my ill begotten daughter threw away her virtue."
To those men, though he could not change their mind without inviting troubles left in the past, he could be sharp.
But, he cannot voice his displeasure or pretend how his mother was so eager to get to know Rhaenys. Part of him knows it is because Rhaenys was her eldest grandchild, but, that is not what Rhaenys was here. No, she was here as his mother's good-daughter and his good-sister.
Part of him wants to rebel at the very idea, but, what is he going to call on, family precedent? There had stranger ties in his family.
It still was painful. Even if it was only known for a day, it was no secret to him which good-daughter his mother prefers. And it started with him being forced to witness his mother eagerly told his daughter that Rhaenys need not kneel in their presence, particularly in her condition. He strongly suspected Rhaenys was not going to kneel anyway.
He believes himself correct when Rhaenys, draped in cloud of rich black and red silk and lace, only smiles. "Martells are not in the habit of kneeling."
Lyanna's hand stiffened in his, but, neither of them said a thing. It was an obvious trap. Martells married into Westeros unlike the Starks, led by Torrhen "the King Who Knelt". Even the smallfolk of Dorne barely knelt to Daeron the Young for that one year that resulted in heavy losses for the crown. This generation certainly would not kneel to him at all.
Possibly suspecting his thoughts though uncaring of his thoughts, Viserys brings Rhaenys' hand up to his lips. "A Targaryen who was a Martell absolutely does not."
His brother and daughter share a kiss that no man ever would want to see his daughter engage in, or his brother for that matter. He looked way though that proved to be of no succor. The stiff expression on Lyanna's face and the joy on his mother's could not be that.
But, this was a Martell princess, not a Targaryen one, and he could not say anything. Even if he did, he doubts anyone here would care.
Damn Viserys to the deepest of the Seven Hells! No doubt this was his idea. Gods knew Elia or her brothers would not have sought out a Targaryen. Robert certainly wouldn't have championed it; something they have in common.
But, it was clearly a done matter and his mother certainly was not objecting.
His mother loved Elia, or at least the promise of her as a good-daughter, since he had no living sisters and Princess Loreza had been one of his mother's ladies. Because of it, Mother never learned to love Lyanna. And now his brother gives their mother a good-daughter, his own daughter. His mother would not turn her away! Viserys would know that.
Still, things had not improved especially with a table laden with foods he does not get to enjoy regularly. Not when his mother was asking about the intricate necklace Rhaenys wore. The base was off-white embossed with a black dragon with red eyes with a red sun behind it.
Targaryen and Martell united…again. Why that piece? He wondered.
Rhaenys beams. "Papa Harmy-" At the blank look that everyone besides Viserys gives her, Rhaenys politely coughs into her napkin. Despite the mischievous twinkle in her eyes that makes him twinge in guilt, Rhaenys' voice is stoic as she starts again, "Lord Harmen Uller. He is the grandfather to four of my cousins. This is from him."
His throat runs dry. Harmen Uller of Hellholt.
"Papa Harmy?"
Rhaenys turns to Mother. "Lord Harmen is as close to a grandfather I have. I never had the chance to meet my Lady Mother's father for he died before I was born and the former king refused to even hold me."
Jaeherys interjects, "He killed my other grandfather."
As he swallows the lump in his throat at the mention of his father and the way Lyanna stiffens in her seat, Viserys answers, "We know. We were both there when he ordered it. That was also his command. Thankfully, my wife and my good-brother were too young to remember. Naturally, I cannot say the same for myself, my mother, or my good-mother."
Then, Viserys flicks his gaze upwards toward back of the room, towards Barristan who also had been there and then towards him. Viserys, a boy then, had been there…unlike him or Lyanna and Jaeherys had not been born yet.
His daughter turns to his brother and though he cannot see it, he knows they linked their hands. Rhaenys smiles softly at Viserys who returns it. She says, "But, this is no time to talk of such horrible acts."
Then, Rhaenys turns back to Mother. "He gave this to me as a wedding present. It's made of dragon bone."
It was on the tip of his tongue to ask where Uller even got dragon bone but when the realization comes it was as though he was pierced by the spears of the merling king in Blackwater Bay. The Ullers of Hellholt shot Meraxes, and his rider, Rhaenys, out of the sky.
He can feel his face heat.
Why had the man given her that?
As if she knew he was thinking Rhaenys turns to him, grinning in a way mirrored Aegon's earlier one. It did not make him feel good; Aegon had grinned at Robert good-naturedly. This grin felt as though it was mocking him.
She explains, "Rhaenys is not a name welcomed in much of Dorne for obvious reasons, but, Papa Harmy decided that I should have something of hers. It's only fitting since I am a descendant."
Where his face had no doubt grew red, now he thinks it went pale even though his eyes burn with trying to keep unshed tears at bay.
What had he done to his children?
He'd thought naming his daughter Rhaenys would calm some of his father's, and the realm's, worry that his then first child was born a girl who had her mother's look.
Aegon outright stated his looks were a drawback in Dorne. Rhaenys obviously did not have that particular problem. Clearly, it had not meant there had been none.
He had not wanted his elder children to interfere in his newer plans. He had not thought of that and he had not thought that their very names would have made things worse for them.
He had not intended this and now his daughter came to him wearing that! A symbol of Targaryen defeat at the hands of the Dornish. But, what did that mean when Rhaenys was not refusing the obvious tie between their houses?
His mother says, "Quite right, so, tell me? Where is my grandson?" Grandson, and granddaughter's son, but she could only acknowledge the one.
The parents smile and something in him twists at the sight.
Rhaenys says of her son, "Aenar is with my mother and Robert for now, unless Aegon stole him away. Aenar adores his uncle so, especially since Aegon promised to get a boar for him at the hunt. I expect that Aegon took him to meet Rhaelle at the least."
Both his mother and Viserys laugh at that, but, he only grips his fork tighter.
Uncle, not uncles, he thinks as he sees Lyanna stiffen as Jaeherys returns his attention to his plate.
He swallows and tries not to glare at Viserys. No doubt, that was his idea. Aenar…for the first Lord of Dragonstone…the seat he'd denied Viserys…and before him, Aegon.
If Aegon was any indication, Rhaenys would never choose that name unless she was talked into it. Gods knew that Elia despaired when he named their daughter Rhaenys.
His mother asks of Rhaenys, "Is Aegon close to my aunt?"
Rhaenys laughs airily, yet her words are not. "When we first came to Storm's End, he was delighted to see someone who looked like him. She has been very good to us as all of my mother's consort's kinsmen have."
Her mother's consort. How politely vicious his children are, not drawing attention to the name of Elia's husband, though all full well know who reigns in this household. And Aegon was set to marry one of them.
His mother gives his daughter a shaky smile, then asks, "Did you have an easy time of Aenar's birth?"
Rhaenys smiles as she idly rubs her stomach. "Oh, I was quite fortunate. I hope this one will be as well."
To distract himself he popped a date into his mouth, but he nearly bit his tongue when Rhaenys revealed, "If we are blessed with another son, we will name this one Lewyn" with her hand across her belly now covered by Viserys.
Remembering what Aegon had said about those who perished at the Trident, he tells himself not to look back at Barristan.
The expression on Viserys' face was less than fond and more of a warning. The look that Viserys shares with Rhaenys though, their mutual affection plain, as they clasp hands and give one another a kiss is one that forces him to take a gulp of wine. But, even that is no respite. It's a Dornish red and it only highlights that he is here witnessing the results of his daughter's marriage, that he had no hand in, because Robert and Elia allow it!
But, his mother is utterly charmed. She smiled at Rhaenys and Viserys again. She even goes as far as to say, "A strong name for a boy. Lewyn was not as much as a friend as Loreza had been to me, but, he was a loyal man to his dying breath. I am happy that you both would honor him as you do our heritage in Aenar."
He does not care for Viserys' smug look as his brother spears a piece of lemon glazed fish.
Now, Jaeherys speaks for the again that evening, "The hunt begins at dawn, yes?"
Rhaenys turns to Jaeherys, nodding, "After Robert leads all the participants in the prayers at the Sept."
He did not understand that. Aegon made his views on faith too clear, but, this morning, he'd seen Aegon go into the Sept. Both his elder children knelt at the altar of the Mother first. Not that he could comment on that.
Despite himself he finds himself asking, "And Aegon finds no problem with that?"
Rhaenys glances at him curiously. "Why would he? While my brother-" he held in another wince, "Does not keep the gods we were born to, he does respect them. As it is, he is a warrior, such things would appeal to him. As to the rest, the Mother…Mother Rhoyne…the Goddess of the Wind. The Crab King…the Stranger…and the Smith set the world to balance. They are not that much different in the grand scheme of things."
For the first time Lyanna speaks, "He respects them but does not worship them first? Is that why he followed you both in going to the Sept today?"
He bites back a sigh. His mother frowns, but, Rhaenys turns to her, shrugging dismissively. "Yes. I am Aegon's elder and Viserys is both of ours. That has always been our way."
Our?
Our way, Rhaenys had said when she meant the way of the people of Dorne. It was the way Aegon respected. Then, Rhaenys smiles, "But, while the worship of the started to dwindle in Sunspear, the Seven speaks to me in a way it does not my brother, all the same, gods are the gods even in Braavos."
"You met in Braavos?"
Both Rhaenys and Viserys look far too amused at that. Yet, Rhaenys is the one to answer: "No, but, my mother entrusted in me some of her business in Braavos since her place is here, so it makes sense in the interim to be there though my business there will conclude soon enough."
He asks, "Will it?"
Rhaenys smiles again, a touch too sharply, "Yes, Mother bought out some loans owed to the Bank of Braavos some time ago. They will come due soon."
His mother asks, "Profitable?"
Rhaenys remarks, "In a year or so."
As light as her words were, a chill ran down his spine. The way Rhaenys' and Viserys' eyes sparkle do not help. Telling himself it's only the flames of the torches and candles littering the room is not working.
"Will you still love Braavos when your business is concluded?"
Rhaenys shrugs, "I go where my husband goes. Is not that the way of the world. I have lived in a few places and while it is not home in the way Sunspear or Storm's End are, Braavos has been good to me." Then, Rhaenys sets her warm gaze towards Viserys. "Would you not agree, husband?"
Viserys smiles back at Rhaenys, "That is so. But, it's not home."
Dragonstone? Was that home, to you brother? He wonders, now, perhaps too late. But, he does not have to wonder long and somehow that was worse.
Viserys smiles gently at his mother and starts, "I only cared for Dragonstone because it was home to my most beloved person at the time. Now, I hope you would forgive me for saying this mother, but, you are no longer my favorite person and so Dragonstone means little to me now, too."
His brother ended with an adoring glance in Rhaenys' direction who was reflecting the same expression back.
He hates it. He hates it more because had he not done as he had twenty years ago, this would have never happened.
Later when he was alone with his brother, he bellows his fill, "How could you marry her?"
Unfortunately, Viserys' time in the east has done away with any deference his younger brother would have had for him. Viserys only sneers. "Do you think I could do better than a niece of the Ruling Prince of Dorne, the daughter of the Lady of Storm's End? Me? Thanks to you, I have nothing else to offer except my lineage."
He growls back. "You know damn well what I mean! And do not make this about that! You had your pick of women!"
Not even Jaeherys can say that!
"Father, she does not want to marry me," Jaeherys says of Desmera Redwyne.
He wonders, "Did they give you a reason?"
Jaeherys frowns. "She's devout. Of the Faith. She would never be comfortable being good-daughter to house of mixed faiths."
Lyanna held on to her gods. He did not see the point. The Northmen forsaken her. No Northern ladies came down to serve her. She barely gets one letter for any ten she sends to Winterfell.
"And what of Margaery Tyrell? She is not so devout." Oh, the girl plays at it of course, but, he knows Mace Tyrell and that harridan mother of his!
Then Jaeherys looks down, dragging his curly hair down with him, his cheeks reddening. "She will refuse." Jaeherys, then, looks up at him, grey eyes darkening. "They do not think I am legitimate."
"You are!"
Gods! How many times must he explain this! Must he explain this to his own son!
Jaeherys sneers. "It does not matter. None of them want to marry me."
He would have said Jaeherys is being petulant, except it was true even for a Crown Prince of the Realm and he knew why. Damn Robert! Damn Elia! Since the court learned of their marriage, it's been gossip and rumor everywhere.
Jon had gone to Storm's End and while he never saw the children except for that first time (Oh, they just left for Sunspear…Oh, Prince was in Sunspear, the Princess was in the Water Gardens… He's in Lys…she is in Tyrosh…oh, perhaps they were both in Norvos now visiting with Princess Mellario's kinfolk…). There was never an answer for him. And even Jon stopped answering.
Jaeherys sneers at him, "No one will give me their daughters. They don't trust who I am. If they do, they do not trust that I won't use them up for children and turn them out when some other girl comes along, because I am your son! Perhaps!"
And damn Viserys too! He should have known there was enough of his father in Viserys that he would have reacted in such a way when he told Viserys of his plans to install Jaeherys at Dragonstone!
Unconcerned at his outrage, Viserys only huffs. "Did you think I was going to pluck a cousin's betrothed, like you? Well, I wasn't. Besides, my wife has a good lineage, the right blood, and an even better dowry. I suppose you think there are better reasons a person should wed."
Without waiting for an answer, Viserys sneers. "I also thought about what kind of lady Mother would prefer as a good-daughter. Surely, you knew that Mother would have loved her best no matter how many others I would have paraded, and it is not like I have many options. Who wants to marry a man with without a seat of his own?"
He chokes down the retort he wants to make.
Damn him!
Viserys snarls at him. "Our father was mad, very well, but, our mother was not and neither was Rickard Stark. Brandon Stark made his father's wishes about his daughter's marriage quite clear, and you had no right to interfere with his choice or our Mother's! Look what happened because you did."
Before he can get a word in, Viserys chortles. "Oh, yes, how silly of me. How could you know that? You weren't there. I was and now you are shunting me away without a care!"
Remembering that, he almost flew at Viserys, propriety bedamned, but, it was not as though he could deny any of what Viserys said, then or now. Lyanna had not come with a dowry and Elia's, he returned. His mother had loved Rhaenys and Viserys knew it. She still does. Now his brother uses that to humiliate him!
"My daughter!"
Viserys scoffs. "Daughter? You might have sired her but, my wife is a woman you have not seen in twenty years. And, in case you forgot, you threw her away! At any rate, she is a Martell. That was your own decree, Brother. The head of her house is her uncle, Prince Doran, not you. When I approached her kinfolk for her hand, the only one whose permission mattered was that of her mother, Princess Elia, ahem, Lady Baratheon. She gave hers."
He can only imagine how easily Elia had and she probably laughed when she did it!
He snarls back. "You did not have mine!"
Viserys snorts, "Like you had father's or mother's? Oh, that's right. You did not. So, spare me the outrage, brother mine. At any rate, it's a fruitful, consummated marriage that cannot and will not be set aside, not now. There is no king to claim is a madman and no malleable High Septon, now is there? Besides, you saw my son, yes? A healthy boy with a good lineage on both sides. You are going to be an uncle again in a few months. Why aren't you happy for me? Or is it only you that can marry for children? Oh, forgive me, I forgot, you only acknowledge one son, one child, unless it's convenient!"
He has had it with being mocked!
He screams into his brother's face and goes to grab at his brother's richly embroidered red tunic. "I am your king!"
Viserys sneers and brushes his hands aside. "Are you? So let me tell you what I am. I am a man who did nothing that you have not. I might have done better. Perhaps that is your issue, because at least our mother likes my wife."
Viserys is right. Of course, he is. Once, he was the prince who could do no wrong. That seems such a long time ago. And even his brother knows it, if the look on his brother's face is something to go by.
"Besides," Viserys jeers, rolling his eyes. "We have married uncle to niece before. Your current wife's family did that as well."
Then, Viserys' smile turns sharp, "Though if I remember my lessons correctly in your wife's histories, the uncle was trying to usurp his niece's claim. Our Great Councils made it quite clear where daughters' claims stood for us. At least you do not have to worry on that account."
A chill goes down his spine. What was Viserys hinting at? But, there was no answer, Viserys only left him to stew.
He sits and watches. That's all he can do, watch Aegon & Cassana and Robert & Elia as they dance. Aegon, in his Martell colors, and Robert, in his Baratheon black, lead both women draped in gowns of gold and diamonds that shine when they catch the light of the many torches littering the hall. All of them are laughing as they spin and spin.
Earlier, as he ate richly flavored food, he both missed and learned to live without, he observed Aegon and Rhaenys with Viserys on Rhaenys' other side and Cassana on Aegon's. They'd only been laughing and talking amongst one another, but, the sight of it almost caused him to vomit.
Aegon was a good hunter as well. A buck and a boar, much to the delight of Robert who Aegon gladly took the tankard of Norvosi beer from. The young men who surrounded Aegon, a distressingly obvious mix of Dornish, Stormlander, and Essosi were equally enthusiastic in their retellings of their grand hunt today.
His gaze often settled on little Aenar who wanted to know every detail of the hunt all the while taking very seriously Viserys' words about guarding his mother, much to the delight of most of the assembled.
While most of the men were at the hunt, he had refrained. Even though no one accosted him after Robert's argument with him, he did not trust any of them. It was then when he was formally introduced to his grandson. Thankfully, they were left alone. Rhaenys' ladies, the Westerosi ones or the ones from Essos, as polite as their masks were, did not seem to think kindly of him and set him on edge even though he knew he had nothing to fear.
Rhaenys still had not curtsied when she presented, "Prince Aenar Targaryen, Your Grace."
She turns smiling to her son, "Aenar, this is His Grace, King Rhaegar of the Six Kingdoms of Westeros. He is your uncle."
The little boy scrunched his nose while his own heart squeezed. Uncle, not grandfather. But, then, hadn't Rhaenys herself that the closest thing she had was her cousin's grandfather? And what sort of grandfather would he make when he had not even been a father to her except for a scant few months he doubts she even remembers?
The boy, with his son's and brother's face, looks at him up and down, "Uncle? Like Uncle Aeggy? Is that true, Mother? He is old."
Rhaenys laughs. It is such a sweet sound, though to him it is unfamiliar. His daughter has a charming laugh which he knows will never be for him. The surety of his suspicions on that accord is painful because he only has himself to blame for it.
She replies, "Yes, he is your Papa's older brother. He is very much your uncle."
Once again, Uncle when it should be Grandfather. And it will not be. Perhaps, Robert will have the honor, he thinks with a sigh of resignation.
Aenar turns back to him and states. "You live in the Red Keep."
He blinks and Rhaenys answers his unspoken question. "Viserys speaks to him often of his childhood and where Mother Rhaella lives."
His throat tightens. Viserys' childhood? How much does the boy truly know? But…Mother Rhaella when it should be Grandmother.
The boy declares, "I want to see it."
"Perhaps you will," his daughter says. Rhaenys, then, smiles into her son's hair, but, he does not think it a particularly kind one. But, he does not find himself refuting her words.
What a fool he'd been.
He wants to flee but he cannot. He cannot allow himself to seem weak. Oh, but, he felt it and he felt trapped and so he sat there for hours watching as the ones he abandoned revel in joy.
He sat and watched as Aegon & Cassana and Robert & Elia spin in Dornish and Essosi finery. But, when he looks away, he saw that while Rhaenys and Viserys are not dancing, every time he glances in their direction, they are always engaged in one conversation with a lord or lady, and never the same one and always with Aenar nestled in between them while both of their hands always seeming to touch Rhaenys' belly.
Throughout the night he sat in his corner being able to do little else watching the younger persons, from Westeros and Essos converge on his children and their respective partners; laughing, singing, and talking.
The rest of the party, Robert's and Stannis' men, Elia's and Lady Ellen's compatriots too seemed to enjoy themselves. Princess Arianne arrived with her Dalt husband and Prince Oberyn, Prince Oberyn's wife, and the Ullers were eagerly greeted by Doran's oldest son who seemed to be joined at either hip by a brother and sister pair that he since learned were Yronwoods. Not one important house of Dorne were left without invitation to say nothing about the Stormlands! All of them were here, even from Griffin's Roost, though it was Jon's cousin in attendance. Rich, his own former squire was here too!
Ser Baelor Hightower made his presence known with a few young men from the Citadel who came with him. Various persons from Essos from the Free Cities and otherwise were there, also making merry.
He remembered keenly what his daughter had said about her affairs, or rather the one's Elia gave to her charge, when the representative of the Bank of Braavos greeted both Rhaenys and Viserys warmly. The man even ruffled Aenar's hair which left the boy baying with laughter.
Seated at a table with Lord Grandison, he saw Lord Harmen. The man had been delightfully greeted by both of his children. Oberyn's daughters, not by his wife, also seemed to enjoy the man's company. Aenar, too, seemed to love the older man who even Viserys had a smile for. Not Rhaenys' grandfather, but, he seemed to be a fixture with the way even Lady Rhaelle knew to call for the man's favorites as they dined.
While everyone else seemed to enjoy themselves, he could not help but think and gaze at his eldest children who never approached him again.
Though he tries to choke down his food, he finds himself gazing at them even as they sat down to dine.
He repudiated them because he believed that he needed his three dragons in the same way Aegon and his sisters were a set of three. But, he did not have three dragons. What he had was two children who learned to live without him and one that he did not prepare for life alone because he expected two others.
Years ago, he started to think he'd been wrong again. After all, Lyanna had only given him one child.
He had not tried to rectify his mistakes for he made so many already, but, fate, seemed to want to do it for him.
Seeing them like that, he remembered the first Aegon and his sisters had Orys Baratheon at their side. In Robert's hall, though he tried not to look, all he could see was that at the High Table, away from his seat were three persons of Targaryen blood and one of Baratheon blood, united once more.
United in what? That, he still does not know. He does know he fears it.
Weeks later, after he returned to the Red Keep with his carriage heavier for all the goods that were given to them due to their visit to the Stormlands, he finds himself still uneasy. Even away from his former wife and cousin, away from his grown children who carved out lives of their own without him, that distress he felt in Storm's End does not leave.
No matter what he does he cannot shake this sinking feeling that he miscalculated and there is nothing he can do to fix things.
A dragon, he thought of himself once. Dragons did what they liked because their concerns had been greater than any other mortal man. Now, he wonders if he is a dragon at all. Even though he tries to push the thoughts of that time out of his mind, he cannot help but feel that he is no dragon, but, rather their prey and the dragons he unleashed on the world had their sharpened teeth already bared.