Thank you everyone who took the time to read, left reviews, and are following the story.

Disclaimer: I own nothing. All things recognizable are property of G.R.R. Martin, David Benioff, D.B. Weiss & company, & the asoiaf wiki.

A/n: Going back through the story, I felt that some of the earlier chapters needed some restructuring, so the chapter numbering has been altered and some grammar-type editing happened. Nothing, story-wise has been changed. Chapter 12, this one, is the newest chapter. Sorry for the confusion that may have caused. Hope you enjoy.


Chapter 12

It was an appropriately cold morning as Rhaegar stood silently watching as those about him spoke to one another before the guests from the Stormlands were set to take their leave of King's Landing.

As he observed servants hurrying to finish off the remaining preparations for the journey, Rhaegar looked at where Lord Stannis and Lord Arryn stood off to one side. Lady Arryn stood in her husband's proximity, though she was slightly standing apart from them.

Rhaegar returned his attention to the high lords. It seemed that while the two lords were not overly affectionate with each other, given that their individual stances seemed rather formal and neither man was particularly effusive, they seemed to be on relatively good terms. Rhaegar fought the flush attempting to take a foothold on his pale face; Rhaegar's relationship with Lord Stannis was still one of careful civility and would likely remain so.

That their relationship was still cold was primarily of his doing and he long since accepted that. Even before the war and Robert, and however much it was seen as lacking in the abilities of a King, though it was not said he was discourteous, it was never in him to be overly courtly. He breathes out slightly; this was not the time to ruminate on his short-comings. With most of the guests who arrived for the coronation and the series of weddings gone or in the process of leaving, there would be more than enough time for that later.

No longer desirous of looking at those two other Southron lords he passes his attention onto the others from the Stormlands. Rhaegar belatedly remembered the Baratheon contingent was to be split into two groups so that they could in separate directions. Half of them were going to Storm's End directly, while the Baratheon family and some of their men were intended to make a sojourn of the Vale, the Arryns' domain; where the intent of Stannis Baratheon was to retrieve his brother's daughter from the Vale to take her with them to Storm's End.

Rhaegar swiftly directed his attention to Viserys who is saying goodbye to Lord Renly. Both the young men had been spending so much time together and were on such good terms that he had briefly thought to offer to foster the young lord at King's Landing, but, remembering Jon Arryn's fostering of both Ned Stark and Robert Baratheon and Lord Stannis' musings on his brother's fostering, thought better of it.

To be sure, it was possible that Lord Stannis would accept the offer and while it would likely benefit both of the boys and his relations with the other lord, Rhaegar did not have it in him to force the issue. Remembering the ease by which Lord Stannis took Ashara to wife and their still stilted interactions Rhaegar knew that the man would accept much from Rhaegar out of duty, but, Rhaegar would not be able to surmise if the other lord's acceptance of anything he offered was due to Stannis Baratheon's belief in his ideas having merit and so Rhaegar refrained from voicing such an offer. Both of the boys would just have to be content with letters and official visits; they would have to content themselves with that, at least in the interim. Soon enough there will be other friends and responsibilities for Viserys to occupy his time.

Though he tried telling himself that, he could see by the way they tried to put a brave face on their impending separation, Rhaegar just could feel that Lord Renly's return to Storm's End would be difficult for his brother.

It was no better when Rhaegar turned to where Elia and Ashara were saying their farewells, with Ashara's brother's joining them. After Ashara and Lord Stannis's wedding, it was obvious to everyone that both of the women, being as close as sisters were, had been aggrieved at the thought of separating again; yet, they both knew the inevitability of it. At least this time he was present for their separation and at least in this instance, Ashara and Elia were being separated because of less dubious reasons. Still, seeing Elia's face, he could feel that his would take the loss of her friend keenly.

True, his wife had friends in her both of her good-sisters, but, her brothers and their families would leave soon as well. Even with Elia on good terms with other women in King's Landing, Ashara was for many years, Elia's closest friend and it would cause both the women grief for some time. He could not say he shared as close as a friendship with Ashara as his wife and he knew Ashara did not regard him as highly as she had done in the past, but, they were parting on better terms than when Ashara returned to King's Landing.

Rhaegar turned his head briefly to see Lady Arryn's gaze also directed towards them, but, the woman did not make a move to join the two ladies. In fact, as far as he could tell Lady Lysa rarely was seen in Elia's company if Ashara had been present. He almost winced; Lady Lysa Tully was the sister to Ned Stark's wife. It was very little wonder the other woman was uncomfortable around Ashara.

Before too much time had passed one of Lord Stannis' attendants whispered something into Lord Stannis' ear causing the dark haired man and both men of the Stormlands took their leave of Jon Arryn to make his way towards to where the young Lord Renly was. The preparations, it seemed were fully completed.

With only a few more words, and a gesture from the elder Baratheon, the attendant guided Lord Renly slowly towards the wheel-house, where Ashara's daughter was already ensconced with a nurse.

Lord Stannis, with Viserys slowly following, made his way to where Ashara stood. When the got to her side, with a bow towards Elia and a polite greeting announcing his presence, Ashara turned and slipped her hand in her husband's. Much to Rhaegar's surprise he held it for a while. Not as surprising was Viserys pressing into Elia's side and Elia keeping a firm hand on his shoulder.

Rhaegar made his way to the group as Elia and Ashara shared one more embrace before stepping away from one another. Rhaegar stood to Elia's other side and touched his hand to hers, which she took, but, she did not look at him. Having seen him, Stannis Baratheon, turned towards him with a bow and a brief, "Your Grace."

Rhaegar returned with a polite, "Lord Stannis, Ashara, I wish you well on your journey." He found that he meant it.

The man looked at him and nodded once again. "Thank you."

Ashara stepped towards them once more. With a pained face, kissing Elia on the cheek once again and having made assurances that she would write regularly, Ashara turned to him and whispered in his ear, "Do right by her." The 'this time', evident in her voice.

He nodded and wished her a blessed journey. With that Ashara joined her daughter and good-brother in the wheel-house and Lord Baratheon climbed atop his horse.

Once the party was well and truly gone, those remaining made slowly made their way into the Red Keep and to their duties.


"Lady Arryn, thank you for joining me." Elia, not having known the other lady very well, was truthfully glad the other woman consented to join her in the nursery, though neither of them knew how best to speak to each other. To be frank Elia was fairly certain she would have never chosen Lysa Arryn as a companion before today. Though the Arryns had been in the capital for weeks, Elia had not spent much time with the other woman, despite Lord Arryn being Rhaegar's Hand. Outside the few feasts and other entertainments, Lady Tully had not taken that much of an interest at the goings on court and Elia could not remember if they shared any interests at all.

Lady Lysa joined them seeing the Baratheon's on their journey, but, Lady Lysa did not take much part in speaking to any of the others and did not move to join her and Ashara or any of the other ladies present. The looks the woman sent her way as they were wishing Ashara and her family farewell showed Elia that she should have spent more time with the other woman. Even that which caused divisions could have been avoided if someone made the effort. At any rate Lady Lysa, without her sister, seemed rather lonely. Even at meal times when the Hand and Lady Lysa would join them, the younger woman would speak rarely to her own husband, but, the Hand would rarely speak to her either.

Elia could sympathize with that up to a point. There were still days she did not want to speak to Rhaegar or look at him. She knew it was uncharitable, but, there were moments that she could just not stand the sight of him, but, even those were fewer and fewer as time went on. Even though she and Rhaegar did not share one another's bed frequently they certainly spent time together. For all that happened between them she still liked being with Rhaegar most of the time. But, then they were similar in age and had two children together; knew and loved each other even.

Still, she could not fathom the coldness still existing between the Hand and his wife. At first she supposed it was just that Lord Arryn was just so much older than his wife. When she first met Lady Arryn she could not help but think of her as a girl. But, then since Rhaegar crowned Lyanna Stark his Queen of Love and Beauty, for a long while Elia felt so much older than she was, but, with Lady Lysa age could not have been the only reason. While it was common enough for a highborn lady to have an older husband, even then the difference was great; but, she sensed that there was something else.

Lord and Lady Arryn seemed more distant with one another, even without their respective duties getting in the way. He seemed to be a good man and she seemed a typical high-born woman of her age; well, almost, there was sullenness about her.

Of course, there were rumors. To be sure there was no doubt that Lord Arryn having been childless could use a wife, but, if one of Lord Hoster's daughters was betrothed to the Lord of the North for years, that the other one could not entice Jaime Lannister only to be married off a scant few years later to Lord Arryn, who needed her father's troops, it was bound to raise a few questions.

Still, for Elia those rumors were of no concern. With Ashara gone, and her family preparing to leave, it was just as well she get to know Lysa Tully. It was high time she did. The lady just may surprise her.

She had not meant it as a slight, but, even moving past their contentious, former loyalties and their individual duties, given Ashara's awkward relationship with the Starks, and, in turn with the Tully's, it seemed as though she rarely was in the close company of Lady Lysa Tully.

As it was, the bulk of her feminine company came in the form of handmaidens, higher order household staff, and children's nurses, but, it would hardly be appropriate to ask them to join her much when she had her duties and they had theirs. It was true she had other female company of proper rank; but, mostly they came in the form of courtiers who would come and go from King's Landing upon the whims of their lords and husbands.

Still, this was something that needed to be rectified. If the war had taught Elia one thing it was that maintaining amiable relations with as many people as one can was absolutely necessary. But, a more selfish part of Elia knew that she invited the other woman along because it could get lonely in King's Landing. Even before the war there were not that many female companions of a similar age Elia had access to and King's Landing always seemed rather cold; even now when things were settling. Elia only had to think of this morning and she believed the other woman felt the same.

"It is an honor." The younger woman's response pulled her from those thoughts. "Are those the children?"

"Yes; three of them. The one nearest you is the Princess Daenerys."

Peering down at the girl, Lysa remarks, "She looks just like Prince Viserys."

Elia smiles again. "Except my daughter, who has my coloring, and Prince Jon, whose coloring takes after his mother, they have the Targaryen coloring." She gestured to the sleeping, dark haired infant.

Lysa turned to where she pointed, looking rather startled at the response. "You say that so easily." After she blurted that out, the Hand's wife looked rather appalled at herself.

Peering into Jon's crib, Elia reflexively strokes a finger down a chubby cheek.

"Jon is a simple name to say." She knows what the other woman meant, but, Elia could not help the joke. It was either make light of it or sigh at the way many high-born ladies would react to her speaking so casually about her husband's second son.

"I meant, he, how… I apologize." The woman then quieted, looking as though she wished she was swallowed up by the ground, whole, especially seeing a member of the Kingsguard, Ser Barristan Selmy, at the door. Elia waved him off. The girl was skittish as it was.

Trying to eliminate the awkwardness and give the other woman a reason to calm, she held up a hand. "It's quite alright, Lady Lysa. There is nothing to apologize for." Elia meant it. Even if this had been Dorne, there would have been awkwardness when it came to Jon, given the way he was conceived. She understood it more keenly with Lady Lysa being so young and so traditionally Southron; but, the piteous looks and the discomfort were rather tiring, given the frequency.

"His Grace legitimized him." Elia almost laughed; this one had some bravery in her after all. The other girl seemed to have a tone in her voice which signified horror at that development.

"That is correct." Elia keeps her voice level. That was hardly news.

"My sister told me once that Lord Stark offered to foster him." So, the sisters got on well enough. Though she had Ashara, she often wondered what it was like to have a sister.

"Yes, that is true."

"Why not foster him with his uncle?" Remembering the Tully house words of Family, Duty, Honor, and what those words traditionally mean with respect to baseborn children, Elia should have known the conversation would have come to that. The difficulty with which the woman refrains from asking is why she would freely accept what was seen as dishonor into her household is obvious, and woefully predictable.

"A father's love for his child is no small matter and we both decided it would be best for him to be with his family, with us." That was all true. For all that Rhaegar was not particularly demonstrative, Elia knows he does love his children and they did decide to keep Jon with them, together.

"And you agreed, Your Grace?" She looks torn; half awed, half repulsed.

"Yes, of course." Otherwise, it was likely that either the child would not have been here or she would not have been is what she stops herself from saying.

"But, is it not odd?" Elia would have snorted in derision if she was the type to do so. The need to be polite sometimes wears on a person. The situation has been more than simply odd for quite some time.

"In what way is it odd, Lady Lysa?" Elia wants to know what this one's thoughts are. She had her own thoughts and heard enough of everyone else's opinion, why not Lysa Tully's?

"Keeping a bastard child in one's household, even if he is legitimized." Elia would have smiled; even with legitimization, it makes the girl uncomfortable. She hears the uncertainty in the other woman's voice and briefly wonders if Jon Arryn was the type to have a lover with a bastard child before dismissing that thought entirely. He was not the type of man.

A bastard child or not, there are many days where it seems as though Jon is not only her husband's child, but, hers. It is her hands that hold him and her voice that sings for him. She does the same for Viserys and Daenerys and they are no more children of her body than Jon is. She hates what Rhaegar had done, how betrayed and inconsequential she felt because of it; but, she hated Aerys far more and he was far crueler than Rhaegar could hope to be. If she can raise Aerys's children, she can raise Rhaegar's. In the end they are all hers in one way or another.

That is not what she says; not when a rote answer will do. "It is not uncommon for men to have children not by their wives, even outside of Dorne; and he is family, Lady Lysa." It is true enough; but, not many accept that so easily.

"But, the child is not usually kept within their household along side their own children." That is always the crux of the matter, isn't it? It is accepted to have them, but, not have them near. It is very curious that; as if ignoring it by tucking the child in some faraway corner, giving him a different name, denying the child the same rights others of their blood have, could or would somehow lessen the hurt, embarrassment, or the shame of being found lacking. It is also equally quite a strange thing to see the child to be punished for the parent's inability or refusal to know or act better no matter what the reason for that was.

That is why Elia could not bring herself to do that to Jon. No one will think badly of her keeping the child or from refraining form denying his father from giving him his due as Rhaegar's son, but, it is right for Rhaegar to take responsibility for his son.

A war started because her husband eloped with a woman, a girl truly, and Aerys ignored their actions affect others outside of themselves; it serves her well to remember one thing always leads to something else.

"No, but, that does not change that there was a child born; no matter where the child is and the child needs a mother." The girl's eyes widen at that. Elia knows it is said of her in between the pity and the slight awe that she is seen as practical; for taking the mantle of mother though it is plain enough to her there was very little option otherwise. She does not have that luxury of sending the child to his mother's folk. Not when the child is the son of the king and so many lives were lost and touched when her husband and his mother chose to bring him into the world and not when such a division could lead to enmity for her own son.

Elia wonders if the lady will ask her what her feelings about Lyanna Stark are. They never do; not even brave Ned Stark had. That first conversation with Ned Stark was not her best, but, it was all so new then. He never asked even when they became civil. To be sure, she never truly knows what she would say now if asked directly.

"Still, it is unusual." She would have laughed at how the girl simply says 'unusual', as if that term could encapsulate all that it is.

"I suppose to some it would be." It is outlandish, but, above all, needs must.

Remembering whose good-sister she speaks to she gives an easy answer. "I am Dornish, Lady Lysa. It is not so strange to have one's own child, or their spouse's children by paramours about them."

Lyanna Stark had not been a paramour in the strictest sense. But, what else does someone call the woman their husband started a war over; perhaps even loved? A more significant question is 'does it matter'? Though she said it nonchalantly, the issue of her husband and Lyanna Stark would never be easy for her to think about, but, she would do herself no favors if she was unkind about the girl or her husband. Selfishness or not; whatever she is, whatever her failings are perceived to be, it would not become her to sink low. That one's husband sought affections elsewhere is often seen as a failing in the wife. Her being of Dorne was long held to be a failing by Aerys. She wishes she could rant and rave because of it, but, she is of an age to know better; that is the world they live in.

Thinking about it, there is no question others ask her that she fails to ask herself. The most important one she asks herself every day is, 'should it stop being a matter simply because Lyanna Stark is dead and her husband is with her'? That is a difficult question to answer, but, she loves her husband and she owes it to herself to not let the memory of ghost cripple her.

"May I hold him?" Her reverie thankfully broke when the younger woman asked, looking rather nervous gesturing to her son.

"Of course." Elia took her sleeping son from the bassinet and handed Aegon to the younger woman who took him gently, but, her nervousness showed.

"He's quite lovely."

Elia smiled again. "Thank you." When the babe let out a cry and started to move animatedly, the girl looked to Elia in frightened askance, but, made no move to give the child back.

"All is well; just slowly move your arms in a swaying motion. It will soothe him."

"He is an active one then?"

"Yes, he can be, but, he is more active later, in the afternoon. It was only a few moons ago that I could not put him down before he started to cry. Soon enough he will be on his way to toddling about."

The younger girl's expression was rather sad, if not wistful, as she quietly handed Aegon back; causing Elia's expression to almost falter as she settled him into his crib.

Lysa looked around. Trying to change the subject, she said, "You said the Princess was not here? Where is she? Does she not share these rooms?"

Elia laughed at that. "She does, but, Prince Viserys is at lessons and she went with him."

Lysa frowned. "She takes lessons with the Prince?"

She smiled. "Not truly." At the girls' flummoxed expression Elia elaborates, "In Dorne it is common enough for girls to join the boys in certain things. The other children are much too young to be of interest, but, Viserys likes a captive audience and during the war…" She trailed off. The war would never not be an easy subject and being who they were she did not want to bring it up more if the girl was uncomfortable, but, Lysa looked seemed curious. At any rate there was no derision from the other woman.

"They were close and there were not that many children here that either of them was used to. Everywhere he went, he wanted her to go, and she'd follow. The young prince had been rather morose at Lord Renly's departure. Today, well, he wanted his old friend and there was no harm in it."

The girl seemed to accept that. The rest of the morning, at least until the midday meal was spent on less contentious topics.


Rhaegar, for his part, spent the majority of his morning in council. The primary issue to be discussed was the kingdom's finances. For him, it was hardly the most scintillating of topics.

Though the coronation ceremonies and related festivities were not overly extravagant, public festivities always brought out contradictory attitudes when it came time to pay for them. On one hand everyone favored frivolities when it meant they would be at the center of others attentions or that it meant there would be an upswing in localized business, or that their requested presence meant an elevation in their social status; but few would think about the costs incurred when considering the myriad of details required for the success of such activities to be realized.

Infrastructure and other city related issues were always a pressing concern. Rebuilding of certain areas of King's Landing was discussed. Areas near Viseyna's Hill and the old dragonpits had structures which were still in disrepair. The Gold Cloaks also needed to raise their numbers and so there was a need to discuss the costs associated with that.

The more immediate issue needing to be addressed, in particular, was the issue of repayment of the loans taken from the Iron Bank of Braavos. Of course, all of this required tedious and seemingly endless discussions of payment schedules and revenue generation, which in turn sparked questions of where that revenue would come from. Talk of taxing the populace was no less uninteresting but necessary. There was considerable time debating which particular products and services to tax. The most contentious debate, the heated nature of which Rhaegar felt was quite unwarranted, was about raising the tax on brothels.

Lord Hoster argued that the business of whores picked up quite spectacularly as of late and so such ventures would be taxed at a greater rate. Ser Gerold, Rhaegar noticed, sided with Lord Hoster. Lord Emmon, however, put up resistance against the idea, citing "the guests of the city would be less likely to spend less" thereby decreasing the tax one could get from tax revenue. Eventually the debate only died down when Lord Tywin sent a look towards his good-brother.

Most of the council fell in line with Jon Arryn, when he settled the argument saying a small increase in taxes could only benefit the city as a whole.

As one remedy to the financial situation and to fill the treasury's coffers, Lord Tywin offered to provide a loan, but, Rhaegar had no intention of being too in debt to Lord Tywin. He knew from his experience dealing with Tywin Lannister was best done at a minimum. He would accept some help from the Lord of Casterly Rock, but, not a significant amount. Mace Tyrell, the new Master of Ships, also seemed all to be supremely helpful, by saying he would provide a loan of his own if needed. On the surface that was more agreeable than receiving a loan from the Warden of the West, but, Rhaegar knew better to accept a greater amount from Tyrell than he would Lannister.

Of course, Mace Tyrell had proved his loyalty to the Targaryens, but, Rhaegar was no fool to believe that Mace Tyrell did not have aims of his own. When the Hand mentioned his lady-wife was with Elia, and when Doran arrived saying something about his daughter, as a reward for good behavior, being allowed to join Viserys and Rhaenys at lessons with the Maester 'in the interest of making friends', Mace Tyrell hinted if Rhaegar wished it, he would make arrangements for his wife and children to come to King's Landing; after all he had 'two boys of a similar age to Prince Viserys and the King and Queen had not seen his youngest children and would that not be quaint'.

Not to be outdone, Lord Hoster who would be leaving for his lands later that day had the thought of brining his boy to King's Landing the next time he sojourned here. Remembering Viserys's reaction to Lord Renly's leaving and that Doran's and Oberyn's broods would leave with them, Rhaegar could not flatly refuse either offer. On one hand it would do well to solidify their relationships with the other houses and on the other, the idea did have merit. Even though Viserys got on with Lord Tywin's boy, the lad was sent back to Casterly Rock a few days after his sister's wedding. Viserys spent too much time with the likes of Oberyn and Ser Jaime than he did companions of his own age. His brother needed other companions.

As far as his daughter was concerned, for all he did not spend as much time with his daughter as he should, it would be a while before his sons or sister would be of any interest to her. Doran's girl and Oberyn's brood were much too wild in his opinion. He had every intention of reducing the effects of their exposure on his dear girl.

There was Elia to think of. He had not known Lady Tyrell wife all that well; but, at least she was younger than Genna Lannister; and so he did not outright refuse Lord Mace on that score. He never put much thought on Elia's companions before, but, he was no Aerys to deny his wife friendships if she was willing to form them; especially after Ashara had taken her leave of King's Landing. For now the Red Keep was filled with suitable company in the form of Doran's wife, Princess Mellario, and the Gods knew Oberyn and Ser Jaime would not desist about the spirited Cersei Lannister. Still, those two ladies would leave soon enough. There was, of course, Lady Arryn, who Elia invited to join her in the nursery today. Though he could not imagine how much of a deep friendship Elia could possibly have with Lady Arryn, Lord Arryn was his Hand and it would be expected their wives should be on amiable terms.

At any rate, Elia ought to have companions who were of a similar age and rank and not a member of the Kingsguard. It was frustrating enough at least one of his Kingsguard positively insisted on cutting in on his dancing with Elia every time there is a feast; but, with Arthur trying valiantly to rebuild their friendship and Jaime's war-forged acquaintance and new familial relationship with Elia, the tendency of the members of his Kingsguard to be overly courtly with his wife was getting rather tiresome. There were so few women at court who Rhaegar knew could make good friends to his wife, who did so without there being machinations behind it. Lysa Tully was not ideal in any sense, but, she would have to do, for now.

The rest of the meeting seemed no more stirring than when it began. Only after he was done with the meeting of the council there were petitions to be heard; the nearly endless petitions.

He did it well and knew it was necessary, however, Rhaegar wondered if ruling was actually an activity anyone could possibly enjoy outside of their being mad, like his father. He knew his duty, but, seeing the flexing of power between lords, deciding minor squabbles between men over grain rights, and witnessing vendors make arguments demanding thieves pay for taking food by forcing men to take the Black wore thin quickly.

Often it tried his patience, that men could squabble over the most mundane of things, but, he learned quickly enough to not voice vocal objections. Once he overheard Lord Renly ask Lord Stannis saying something to similar to which Jon Arryn cut in shaking his head in bemusement telling the boy that, "I assure you there is no better option, Lord Renly. Your brother is the Lord of Storm's End. If he was not going to do it, who knew what others in his stead were going to do under Lord Stannis' name", all the while not looking up from his letters muttering something about the distance of the Vale and regular ravens from his castellan.

Another time he made his way into Elia's Solar without being announced only to see the head cook, nearly in tears, exiting the room, followed by Rhaegar's steward, with a ledger in hand, who looked distinctly uncomfortable. He entered it only to find Elia with her head down on the table in front of her, laughing. Disturbed by the disparity of reactions he ventured enough to ask what the matter was. She nearly went into hysterics, eventually responding, "The cook had plans for something special for the feast for the following night; the steward was rather strident in the hopes of the household being more economical." Apparently asking if that was something she needed to regularly intercede on was worthy of a snort and an incredulous, "At least, this instance did not involve a handmaiden and a seamstress nearly coming to blows over the attentions of a visiting lord's squire".

Coming back to the present, Rhaegar was thankful the hall was nearly empty with respect to petitioners and complainants. Soon enough even they were gone and it afforded Rhaegar the opportunity to invite his Hand to his Solar.

"Lord Arryn, thank you for joining me."

"It is my pleasure, Your Grace."

"I never thought governing would be like this."

The older man, dressed in the blue of his house, looks at him in askance. "Like what?"

"Tedious; driven by minutiae."

Lord Arryn looks at him, in surprise. In a wry voice he asks, "You were given Dragonstone to govern once?"

Rhaegar looked at him, "Yes, that is the traditional seat of the future King of Westeros." His tone clearly indicates that the question was a foolish one. Everyone knew that fact.

"And you dealt with the same of the situations, I warrant."

"Yes, that is so." Rhaegar can not quite grasp what the other man is getting at. "Still, I thought…"

"Thought what?" Arryn's tone is patient, but, curious.

"That governing, being King, was meant to be something greater. That there is something greater." Being King was a duty and he would do it, but, Rhaegar was sure he was meant for something more than what he was doing.

Lord Arryn sends him a look; one that a parent sends a rather obtuse child of Viserys' age. It was a look he only heard about from the experiences of others. "All of Westeros is greater than Dragonstone."

"That is not what I meant." His Hand has the temerity to laugh at him.

"Your Grace", Jon Arryn begins, in a voice which was more suited to saying, 'My boy', "If you could, who would you choose to be anyone other than who you are now?"

What a ludicrous notion. The man looked expectant. "No, I would not." He never thought about being anything other than what he was.

"Would you choose to do certain things differently?" His Hand looks curious.

"Yes." Rhaegar does have regrets; both of things he has done and things he has not. Any man would.

It was likely Lord Arryn did not require a more rigorous answer because he continued, sighing, "The events which made up my life as it has unfolded are not how I imagined they would and I daresay you feel the same in some respects. At my age I would not have imagined myself to be childless nor married for the third time to the younger daughter of Lord Hoster any more than I would have thought I would ever be Hand of the King. I certainly would never have imagined that one day I would have refused my king-"

He raised a hand when Rhaegar moved to protest. "I do not mean that as an offence or some sort an attack, Your Grace." He took a deep breath. "Your Grace, Rhaegar, let me say my peace. You know my house words." It was not a question but Rhaegar nodded. As High as Honor are the words of House Arryn. In these few months Rhaegar learned he admired the man in front of him and would listen if that is what the man wished. He could and would do that. He made the man his Hand, Rhaegar owed him at least that much.

"I will not argue the merits of Robert's fight with you or yours with him, but, when I refused to turn over Robert and Ned to your father, aside from grief and betrayal I felt because how my nephew died, I did so because I was their guardian; entrusted to teach them, keep them safe, and look after their interests as much as I was able. My word and my care are my bond and in my keeping of them, that is my honor. Though I had not thought this would be my life, I know for certain I am Jon Arryn, Lord of the Eyrie. It is my duty to do right by those who look to me for guidance, support, and judgment. That extends to my bannermen and who live within in my borders. The way I comport myself is why my men follow me. What you call 'tedious' and 'minutiae' is not so for those whose petitions you hear or whose part you take when you pronounce your judgment. It may not seem like much, but, the baker whose goods are stolen in the end means less food for his family, the increase in Gold Cloaks is done for the safety for this city's citizens, even the taxes we mean to levy represent more money to fix that which needs it. Every decision and choice should be given due consideration. Those who govern can not take that lightly. It falls to someone to make decisions and pass judgments. By your birth, custom, and victory in battle, for that, fate chose you."

With a more unswerving look Jon Arryn says to him, "It may not seem like much, but, those who rely on you require that you play your part if you would have them play theirs. Those who call you 'King' do not look to you to fly unaided or bring dragons to life. All of Westeros looks to you to do right by them. There is no greater charge or purpose than that."

With a paternal pat to his shoulder the Lord of the Eyrie left Rhaegar in silence.


That night, Rhaegar, with Ser Arthur, made his way to the nursery where Elia and his young family was waiting. On his way to his destination Rhaegar ruminated on Jon Arryn's words. Lord Arryn's words cut him deep, but, they had done as the Lord of the Eyrie likely intended. They had given him plenty to think about. He could not stop thinking about them.

They had surprised him, but, they had not angered him, because Jon Arryn was a serious man with very little cruelty in him. He knew the other man had not said what he had lightly. Rhaegar appreciated that the man was forthright, no matter how sharp his words seemed to be. Rhaegar could see they had been words he needed to hear. Only now there was nothing to distract him from thoughts long suppressed.

Those words made him confront the part of him that was his father's son; the part of him he was so eager to deny and ignore. It was no difficult thing to wish to avoid memories of his father. Most everyone else avoided all mention of him. Why would anyone choose to remember, when for most, Aerys was remembered for the later part of his life; when he was the king who lived up to the ideals spelled out in the words of their house: Fire and Blood.

His father gave Westeros more fire and blood than it ever needed. Rhaegar was no different, no less culpable, in that regard.

His father's largest failing was not his madness, but, that his madness overshadowed everything else; propriety, duty, good sense, and, even, reality. One of Rhaegar's failings was that, like his father, he too let that same madness, that same reckless abandon and disregard of good sense, convention, and duty, take a hold of him at the expense of others.

Though he had done his duty and had taken charge of his father's armies when the time came, one of Rhaegar's greatest regrets was that he, even knowing his father's failings, had not taken the steps to correct them before his father's actions tore the kingdom apart. His father had ceased to care about his duty towards the kingdom and the people in it. Even if he later regretted it some of it, Rhaegar had done the same. Lord Arryn had been correct in that continuing to disregard or deeming unimportant what he ought not to for the chance to fulfill wild dreams would continue to be a great disservice to those who are his charges.

Only Jon Arryn's words caused him to think of more. He could have just as easily have be talking to him about his role as a husband and as a father, though the other man gave no indication he was speaking to him about being anything other than a king. Though Rhaegar did not like to speculate, Lord Arryn's words about his wife were suggestive in their own right. Though it was a decent match all things considered, it was unusual. In the end Lord Arryn married the young Lady Lysa for duty to his house that he owed an heir and for the honor of his people who received an army he needed to maintain his honor.

That he, in order to give into his desire for Lyanna and to fulfill his dreams, dishonored his wife and children and disregarded duty to his house and his people is something he can no longer ignore.

After Jon left him he made his way to the practice field with Arthur only to see Oberyn and Ser Jaime practicing at their swords and hearing his good-brother, knowing his sister was with Lysa Tully, ask what Ser Jaime had thought of Lady Arryn. Ser Jaime had said he barely remembered her and truthfully never gave much thought to her. Oberyn mocked his good-brother's ignorance of a once prospective bride. The knight good-humoredly shot back saying he had met many prospective brides at one point or another that it was no guarantee of anything; not when there were other women and his duties to occupy his time. Oberyn found that humorous. Rhaegar, remembering Elia had been one of those prospective brides and that guarding his family was one of the duties the knight took seriously, however, had not. He counted himself lucky that Arthur gave no indication that his blows were coming in harder than they should have.

Once inside the nursery he could hear the sounds of Viserys' voice. When he moved into the main chamber of the nursery he saw the three cots containing the youngest of the Targaryen children. He turned to see Elia sitting on Rhaenys's bed with their daughter's head pillowed on her lap, idly brushing their daughter's curls with her hand, while her other arm was wrapped around his brother's shoulder, listening intently to Viserys, who sat on her other side, recount his day. He could not help but smile a bit. He stood at the doorway, staring at them for a while, not wishing to disturb them; the family fate gave him; the family that, as Jon Arryn put it; fate gave him charge of.

When they noticed his presence, Viserys greeted him softly and Elia started to move, but, he smiled in her direction, gesturing for her to remain seated, and to his own surprise he kissed her. He then turned looked into the cots holding the youngest of the three children in his care. In doing so he missed the questioning look his wife sent to Arthur.

Looking down his sister, how small she is he was sure her slightness would remain as she grew. Not his own daughter, but, she was his blood and by his parents' death, his responsibility. Turing to gaze at the cots holding his two sleeping sons: one, silver haired and one, dark haired and both of them dear to him, he felt a rush of affection for them. He could not help it but, every time he looked at them he wondered if that meant they would grow up to be different types of men. He could not help himself and wondered which one would be more like him and now he wonders if he wants that.

He ought to do better, be a better father to his children than his own father was. He was the one to bring them into the world; he owed them that. Looking at his oldest son, still a child, Rhaegar just knows that the older man had been right. How could he expect his son to follow him as king if he fails to act like one?

"What did I miss in council, Brother?" Rhaegar raised an eyebrow, turning. Though he was not quite up to going to today's council meeting, his brother had taken to the idea being involved.

"We discussed taxes and loans to the Bank of Braavos."

"The Maester says Braavos has a different type of sword fighting called Water Dancing, is that true Rhaegar?"

"Yes, it is." The way his brother's mind bounces about confounds him sometimes.

"Do you think we can get someone to teach me?" Rhaegar saw how Elia bit her lip, likely in an effort to stop from laughing aloud.

"Not now." Seeing the formations of a pout grow on his brother's face, he amended, "Perhaps in a year or two, I will consider it, if your progress with the standard swords grows to an appropriate level." That quieted Viserys.

"Why do you want to know that?" He wonders if it was Oberyn who put the thought in his brother's head; none of the Kingsguard would and Oberyn did spend time in Essos to warrant knowing about Braavosi culture.

"It something to write-" The boy falls silent and Elia and Rhaegar share a look. Lord Renly.

Rhaegar abruptly changes the topic, "How was your lesson with the Maester?"

"Dull." That explained the look His Hand leveled at him earlier. At the answer Elia moved her hand to cup Viserys' chin.

"Certainly you can do better than that." His wife expects his brother to do better. Princes ought to do better. That thought comes to him in His Hand's voice.

"Because Arianne was with us he made me recite the early history of Dorne. She kept trying to correct me." At the incredulous tone Elia had to hide her smile behind her hand and Rhaegar ducked his head; both knew Viserys was familiar with history of Dorne.

"What is so dull about that?"

In all the indignation of someone who has seen less than eight name days could muster, "I know the history. I am a prince, not an animal in a mummer's act."

Rhaegar nods, "As you say. Though, she did not get to correct you that much, did she?"

"No." The boy seemed absurdly proud of that.

They spent some more time speaking amongst themselves before retiring to Elia's chambers.

They spent some time discussing council matters and upcoming plans for the Red Keep's activities and then moved on to other subjects.

When they started speaking about Viserys' education Rhaegar remembered a thought he had some days ago.

"Elia."

"Yes, Rhaegar."

"Have Doran or Oberyn said when they plans on returning to see Sunspear?"

She looks at him in humor lets out a full laugh. "Very eager to see the back of Oberyn, are we?"

He flushes. He wishes to see both of her brothers gone, but, that was not the point he wishes to get across. He looks at her and she tries, what to her might seem like a valiant effort, to stifle her laughter.

She takes pity on him. "They plan on leaving within the week. Why?"

"Viserys and Arianne may just come to blows before then."

She, uncharacteristically, giggles. "Oh, come now. They are just children and they seemed to be getting along well enough." That was true and partly what worried him. He had noticed the familiarity by which Viserys spoke about Arianne and remembers that chill he felt at Oberyn's wedding when speaking to Doran.

"Has Doran said anything to you about Viserys for Arianne?"

She looks alarmed. "No, he has not. They are both too young to even consider trying for a match for either, I think. Why? Has Doran said something to you?" He could not understand what caused him to voice the idea.

"No, no. It is nothing like that. It is just that Lord Hoster plans on his son to King's Landing while Mace Tyrell is thinking of having his wife and children join him as well."

She did not seem all that surprised. Still, she asked, "Was our Master of Ships that agreeable in council then?"

"You could not possibly imagine."

"Is that so?" She let out a chuckle, "Ah well. How kind of him. I suppose it would be nice to have some more company." They look at each other but do not mention Ashara. She smiles faintly. "I do remember Lady Alerie, she was kind." Rhaegar feels just a bit lighter. Mace Tyrell's idea is not without its virtues, then.

"You knew her?"

She shrugged, "Yes, we met when Oberyn and I visited Oldtown years ago."

Though it was said with the nonchalance it deserved, Rhaegar could not help the rush of jealousy at the way Elia coughed and looked down and brushed something imaginary from her skirt. It was bad enough their friendship made all but difficult to forget Elia could have been Jaime Lannister's wife, but, Baelor Hightower, Lady Tyrell's brother, had been another suitor for Elia.

Lady Tyrell seemed a less attractive as a companion for his wife now, but, he could not deny Lord Tyrell outright. "How was Lady Arryn?" Perhaps she could be just the companion she needed; Lord Arryn was more than proving his worth.

"Young, but, nice enough, I suppose." Rhaegar heard that for the non-committal answer that was.

She furrows her brow, "Did Lady Tyrell not give birth recently? To a girl; Margaery, I think."

"Yes, though they have three other children; boys."

"I see. Did they say why they were bringing their families? Not that I fail to see the merit in it." Rhaegar could see Elia was thinking of the other lord's possible motives; though with the added question of why her husband would be thinking of arranging something a marriage between her niece and his brother.

"They heard from Lord Arryn you were spending time with Lady Arryn and Doran mentioned Arianne was with the children."

She looks at him. "Why did you ask of Arianne and Viserys? Are they not too young?" He inwardly curses. Even if she had not considered it before, now she would be.

Thinking it over, it is true not many would be eager to give their daughters to second sons when the lord has two sons of his own, even if the prospective groom is prince. Especially not when he was the son of the Mad King, but, Doran who would need a husband for his daughter-heiress at least likes Viserys and does not hold being the son of the Mad King and his sister's unfaithful husband's brother against him. Still, the idea of making a match for his brother to fix the relationship between him and Dorne is a difficult one to stomach.

He inclined his head. "They are young, but, if other noble lords seem intent on bringing their broods with them there will be talks enough about the subject sooner or later. I at least know the girl."

She raised an eyebrow but only said, "In a few years, if that is what you wish, and the subject does warrant speaking about we could consider it. Still, why voice such thoughts now?"

"It would not surprise me in the least if Mace Tyrell has designs on making an offer for Rhaenys on behalf of one of his sons in the future or making his daughter future queen of Westeros."

They can not help but share a laugh.


Chapter 12: Communication is key.