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Chapter 16
Rhaegar spoke to Jon about the last judgment he presided on as the throng of people left in the Throne Room steadily thinned. Because the hall was nearly empty the high pitched, excited voices of children carried. The trio of boys in the far corner of the hall, it appeared, had tired of decorum required of them while there were petitioners to be heard.
The trio of boys, his younger brother and two young lords, one older and one younger than Viserys, were visiting their father who remained in the capitol. Mace Tyrell had made good on his promise to bring his family to Court; or at least his wife and his eldest two sons, Lords Willas and Garlan, had come from the Reach.
Thus far the arrangement, though it only had been a few days, has been favorable. The two young lords seemed to enjoy King's Landing and Lady Alerie and Elia knew of one another. Rhaegar remembered Elia asking Lady Alerie about the Tyrells two youngest children, only to be told that Lord Tyrell's mother was caring for them for the duration of their visit. Remembering the rather formidable woman, he was sure the two younger children, as well as Highgarden, were in quite capable hands.
He looked about the hall. Arthur was standing to his left. Ser Jaime stood nearest the lads; watching for whatever mischief they might engage in. Ser Gerold was having some sort of discussion with Maester Pycelle, looking distinctly bored. Lord Tyrell, who had previously been in conversation with Lord Tywin, was now looking at where the boys were animatedly speaking with one another, with a pleased expression on his face. If Rhaegar was the type to snort he would have. This past evening when Elia asked Lady Alerie to join her and Lady Arryn to join her for today's audiences the man had the same expression. The ladies in question were standing some feet away from the boys who were now nattering on about who knew what.
The noise also attracted Jon's attention. Rhaegar saw a faint smile bloom on the man's face before it faded and the man turned away. Rhaegar felt a jolt of sadness both remembering his and Jon's conversation about his fears about Lady Arryn and the man's history with fostering young lords at the Eyrie.
Remembering his and Elia's intensions, he rose from his seat on the Iron Throne. "Lord Arryn?"
The older man turned towards him, "Yes, Your Grace?"
He pointed to where their wives were standing. "Let us join them."
The man looked dubious, but, he agreed, all the same. That was promising. When the pair of them made their way to where the ladies were standing Rhaegar overheard the youngest Tyrell attempt to coax his father into allowing him to take part in the practice swordplay his older brother and Viserys were allowed to partake in. Viserys was older than the slightly pudgy younger lord by two name days.
"Father, please? Willas gets to." Jon looked as though he was barely containing a smile; evidently this sort of conversation he was quite familiar with.
Lady Alerie could be heard trying to argue with both her husband and her son: "Willas is older and we certainly did not allow him to play with swords at your age. Many things can go wrong." The child's older brother and Viserys could barely control the rolling of their eyes in face of motherly concern and a look of abject dismay from the child.
"I suppose it could not hurt to at least become familiar…" Lord Tyrell, it seemed, was not intending to put in at least a token amount of resistance at which Lady Alerie and Elia shared a commiserating glance. Lady Lysa looked dubious about the whole thing.
Lady Alerie huffed, 'It seems I am to be overruled then."
The lad seemed as though he was almost about to let out a cheer until Elia spoke for the first time; her expression, vaguely reminiscent of Doran's at his most calculating. "Do not worry, my lady. I am sure Ser Jaime would not mind overseeing a lesson with wooden swords only; for all three of them. Would you, Ser?"
The knight, trying not to laugh at the dismay now plastered on all three young faces, nodded cheerfully, "No, of course not. It is always good to refresh one's skill by going back to the beginning."
Rhaegar almost laughed aloud at the look of betrayal Viserys sent Ser Jaime's way. He had come across Viserys practicing with a sword of true steel not a few days ago. It seemed now he was to be denied much desired practice with it.
Instead, he voiced his thoughts on the matter, "Quite right. One can never be too careful. There will be far many more opportunities for learning the art of weaponry with true weapons at a later time." He had never shown any interest in arms in his youth with the same enthusiasm as Lord Garlan displayed, but, he knew the value of being patient and though he could not show it, he had long since lost what little thirst for battle he had once.
Though Lord Tyrell looked vaguely put out at his less than enthusiastic thoughts on the subject, Lady Alerie seemed slightly more relieved. A few minutes later the children were herded away after being regaled with yet another admonition to be careful leaving the adults to speak about the morning's audiences and their respective plans for the rest of day.
Before too long the ever helpful Lord Tyrell had some plans regarding the building of the naval fleet which he wanted to discuss with them in time for the next council meeting. Apparently that was the topic he had been discussing with an "admittedly skeptical" Lord Tywin. At that pronouncement Lady Lysa admitted she had a letter to write, Lady Alerie admitted to wanting to do the same. Elia made her excuses about going to the nursery after inviting Lady Alerie and Lady Lysa to join her on a picnic with the children the next day, which the ladies readily agreed to. He registered the discreet look she sent toward Lord Arryn as she made the overture before the ladies swept through the hall.
Tomorrow, it seemed, he and Lord Arryn were to join in on a picnic.
Fortunately, the next day was one with fine weather. Having been at work for much of the morning he had been able to convince Lord Arryn into joining him for "a walk" and so he, his Hand and Arthur started the trek out of his Solar.
They spent a while discussing the merits of Lord Tyrell's proposal. He knew the necessity of keeping the Kingdom's naval affairs up to par, but, to ensure a heavy influx of funds into maritime affairs during a time of peace when the state of things required no great improvement was foolhardy.
Though Rhaegar felt it was a worthwhile endeavor, as of now, the scale of plans the man was touting it would require large amounts of money; money the treasury did not have. The financial state of the kingdom had been dire under his father and the war was costly in more way than one, even though the respective Lords Paramount had paid for their own costs. The other members of the council were well aware of that. He certainly had no desire to raise taxes in order to update the city's maritime efforts when there was not a great need to. His rule was far too new for such things. Even if it was not, he would have to think very carefully about his actions with respect to the realm.
He did not wish to borrow more money from lords than he had to, much less from lords who would require "favors". He was under no illusion the Master of Ships had designs on being the one who Rhaegar should borrow from. While it was true the Reach was helpful during the war that was no reason to be overly gracious when there was Lord Tywin's pride consider; that and the hash of things Lord Mace made during the Siege of Storm's End. Lord Stannis and Ashara had arrived at Storm's End some time ago and the letter which Ashara wrote to Elia told of the state of things in Storm's End. He understood the need to repay the "favor" shown to him and his house by Lord Mace, however, he could not act so that it continually alienates those houses and those families who he would make amends with.
Jon, having heard his concerns, was of the same mind, but, he did suggest giving into some part of Lord Tyrell's plans. He advised to give in to nothing extravagant, but, something sort of refurbishment of a limited number of ships. He was remarkably fortunate that most of his Hand's advice was sound.
If Lord Tywin proved to be "less than receptive" at this moment, and while that usually would be reason enough to not agree to such things, giving in to some Lord Tyrell's suggestions would cause Lord Tywin to think about how best to manage the office given to him. Such a thing could only be good.
Between that and other topics it was not long before he guided them to walk where he knew Elia was hosting her "picnic". He briefly gazed out to see where her company was seated. He smiled as he saw her talking with Lady Alerie and Lady Lysa who were seated with her. However, he is immediately distracted when the next thing to catch his eye was Viserys and the two Tyrell boys, together, in a jumble, their limbs all askew. They were fighting one another. He could not fathom why they would be; as far as he knew, the boys got on well. Or at least that is what he was led to believe.
Alarmed and quite forgetting Lord Arryn and Arthur were with him, he could not help but walk at a slightly faster pace towards the children in the hopes he could stop them before they get seriously hurt or at the very least cause a diplomatic incident. As he got closer he could not help but frown at the way Ser Brynden of his Kingsguard stood some feet away, not offering help or breaking the children apart but telling them to aim for various parts of each other's bodies and advising on various striking maneuvers, while Ser Lucas was cheering them on with the enthusiasm one would generally attribute to other youths who were not members of the Kingsguard.
"Ser Lucas! Ser Brynden!"
At the sound of his voice the younger knight turns around and simply bows to him. With a cheerful voice he responds, "Your Grace. We were not expecting you."
"What in the name of the Gods is this?" He goes to move closer to the boys to check for injuries, but stops when he sees the three are now untangled and laying on the ground, panting from their exertions and Viserys is laughing. Laughing? Who laughs after being in a fight? He feels a cold chill as he wonders if his brother has shown some sign of his family's madness before he stamps down on his feelings when he notices the same type of laugh emanating from the other two boys.
At a loss for words, he turns curiously to the knights for an offer of explanation. He simply points to where his brother and the two young lords are.
When Jon finally catches up to them, the older of the two knights looks at him blankly. "They were wrestling, Your Grace." Ser Brynden says it as though the answer was obvious or that he should not be concerned about this.
"Why?" Viserys was far too slight to be wrestling and not of an age to do it. His brother should not be wrestling at all. Why would anyone let their children wrestle?
The two knights share a look he was not able to decipher. As the three boys began making their way towards them, the youngest of his Kingsguard just shrugged at him. "We were just testing them to see how they would fare. Lord Tyrell said he would prefer more accelerated exercises for the Tyrell children while they were here as well. Ser Jaime agreed with Lord Tyrell on this score. He said that learning to use weaponry was not enough and so it would benefit the Prince and these young lords to start learning a wider variety of strengthening exercises."
He could not help but feel a stab of annoyance at knight's words. Of course this idea would have come from Jaime Lannister. Aside from Pycelle, the knight has long since been the one who determined the trajectory of Viserys' instruction. By the time he returned to King's Landing that choice had already been made for him.
While it was true education of the children would fall under the care of the members of the household staff and he had spent more of his time focusing on his brother's scholastic efforts, he would have liked to have been consulted about this at least.
"And just where is Ser Jaime?" If this was his idea he could at least be here for it, particularly if he was letting his brother endanger himself because of such foolishness.
Ser Brynden clears his throat and gestures behind them.
At some distance away the knight was standing near the sitting group of women. Attached to one of the knight's fingers was his son, Aegon. The knight's other hand was bracing Aegon's back as his son was walking slowly, but, steadily towards Elia who sat a short distance away with her arms outstretched, while the other two ladies with her cooed along as most ladies of a certain age were wont to do. Amongst the pride and happiness there was annoyance as well. Though he knew he was being unfair he nearly grimaced, 'Naturally, the knight would be helpful enough with his son as well'.
He turned back to Ser Brynden determinedly not looking back. He was sure Ser Brynden was a capable knight, but, he still asked the older man about what they had just been discussing, "You believed it wise for them to be wrestling like this and at their ages?"
Now it seemed as though Ser Brynden was trying to stifle his laughter. He wonders if it is a common occurrence for members of his Kingsguard to not laugh while trying to humor him. "Your Grace, I was no different at that age. It certainly would not do to be so overprotective."
He stared at man. "Overprotective?" This was the first time someone ever accused him of that, directly or otherwise.
He looked towards Lord Arryn who was wearing a most amused expression. "A scrape or two could hardly endanger the lads."
He turned to Ser Lucas once again. "And you wrestled at that age as well?"
The younger man laughed, rather uneasily, and nodded before saying, "I am the youngest of three boys. I was my brother, Lyn's, preferred sparring partner." Arthur nodded along sagely; as if he and Ser Lucas found some common ground on being conscripted into such things was typical when one had older brothers.
"I see." He did not see, but, he had never wrestled at that age, much less willingly. Though knew he should learn such things, he had only done so because it became evident such skills would become necessary, he had never enjoyed them as the children seemed to.
He supposed his brother, who was now looking at him rather beseechingly, seemed unhurt and therefore, he could not find it in himself to argue about it, publicly, but, he resolved to have words with Ser Jaime about overreaching.
He sighed, nodding, "Very well. Carry on, then."
Remembering why he was there he turned towards his Hand, "Come Lord Arryn, we ought to greet our Lady-wives." He ignored the surprised look on the man's face.
When he got closer he heard Elia laugh at something Lady Lysa had said. They were faced away from him, but, not Ser Jaime who turned around and greeted him with a short bow and a "Your Grace". Ser Oswell, who had been doing the same as Ser Jaime had been earlier, though with his younger son, rose to bow, but, picked up Jon to carry him with practiced ease. Regret and embarrassment builds in his head seeing that it is the same ease that Ser Jaime displayed with his family; it is the type that he does not readily have.
At the greeting the women turned towards him. The ladies moved to rise, but, he held up a hand to stop them.
"Husband, how good of you to join us, and Lord Arryn, you as well. What a lovely surprise." He could see Ser Oswell grinning because of the pleasant tone and the smile she levels at him. Remembering the last time Ser Oswell caught them together Rhaegar fought not to react at the obvious flow of the other man's thoughts.
"It is too fine a day to not venture out for at least a few minutes. I hope we are not intruding." Though he tries to keep his gaze directed towards Elia he does not miss the other knight's knowing expression. He was here for Jon, not for himself.
She turns to smile at the other two ladies. Lady Alerie is placidly pleased. Lady Lysa shrugs but there is some level of discomfort there. Whether it was because of her husband's unexpected presence or her condition, he did not know and he knows better than to ask.
"Not at all. Please join us. It would be our pleasure."
He takes a seat next to Elia. He looks at his Hand, hoping the other man would get the hint for him to sit next to his wife as well. He is distracted when Rhaenys settles next to him with a cheerful hug and a greeting of "Papa". It is not long after his arrival that his daughter loses interest in him and becomes entranced again by Daenerys, who is slowly rolling about on the blanket. He could not help but wonder if when they grew it would be strange for the both of them that the niece would be the older one between them. He shakes his head; such things do not matter.
No one speaks for some time. Rhaegar is quite content to sit with his family watching as his sons are interacting with the two knights, but, he is dismayed at the uncomfortable way Lord and Lady Arryn are sitting next to one another and not speaking a word to one another.
Rather than forcing them into an uncomfortable conversation he decides to start a conversation with his own wife. Perhaps that will cause the others to speak.
"You saw how Viserys, Lords Willas, and Garlan were wrestling."
Elia and Lady Alerie laughed a bit. Lady Alerie's laugh was of a slightly nervous quality.
Elia nodded, sighing slightly. "Yes, Viserys learned the Lord Willas and even Lord Garlan had already learned some wrestling maneuvers. Of course he wanted to join in." She shook her head and he almost groaned. His brother did not like it if others knew something before he did or did something he was not allowed. Even if his earlier thoughts of his brother did not come to be realized, he would have to ensure that his brother did not become so forceful.
Lady Alerie speaks up, "I am afraid my Lord-husband has been very insistent on our sons learning such arts. He is especially hopeful our eldest is well prepared before he is to be sent to Oldtown to be a squire."
Lady Lysa starts, "Who is Lord Willas intended to squire for?"
Lady Alerie smiles, "He will squire for my brother, Baelor. My brother will be a good influence, I think. He has a temper which will benefit Willas' education greatly." Rhaegar, having been in proximity to Lord Mace for so long, is quite sure of the veracity of the statement.
Even then that does not stop him from almost frowning at the smile which blooms on Elia's face when she says, "I quite agree. From what I recall, Ser Baelor was quite a talented knight."
His Hand speaks for the first time. "Her Grace knows Lord Baelor?"
Rhaegar frowns at Elia whose smile remains, "Yes, Lord Arryn. We, and by that I meant my parents, my brother, and I, were fortunate enough to visit Oldtown some years ago. Lord and Lady Hightower were kind to consent to be our hosts for the duration of the visit. I met Lady Alerie and Ser Baelor then."
He narrows his eyes remembering the reasons for Elia's visit to Oldtown. He wishes he could say he leans in closer to her just because of impulse, but, he will not lie to himself.
Lady Alerie, all smiles, starts speaking to the Arryns, "My Lord-father and Lady-mother were quite honored to host Her Grace's family."
Elia smiles again, "Lady Alerie I do hope you would pass on my regards to Lord Leyton and Lady Rhea, and the rest of your family when you see or write to them."
The two women share a smile before Lady Alerie continues, "Oh, yes of course."
Rhaegar stiffens slightly hearing Aegon's giggle and they all look up and he tries, with difficulty, to control the darkening of his expression at the smile Elia and the knight share. A wave of distaste flows through him as he sees the easy relationship Ser Jaime has with Aegon and Elia's elated laugh at their antics. Disgust, at himself, follows quickly after. He should be above such emotions.
He finds himself looking at Ser Jaime again. Here was yet another one of Elia's former suitors; who was quite comfortable with his family. He knows that they consider each other friends. He is aware of how their friendship and the dark events which contributed to it. He also knows that they are family through marriage. He was always sure that Ser Jaime would keep his vows to the best of his abilities and Ser Jaime will always be a handful of years younger than Elia. While that usually would reassure him, he still cannot find that he likes it very much, even if he had accepted their friendship.
Baelor Hightower, however, he has never met. Aside from knowing he is family to the Lord Commander and that the man is the heir to Leyton Hightower and a knight, he knows even less about the man. What he knows is that he quite thoroughly dislikes the way Elia speaks highly about him.
He turns to where Viserys was; his brother was surrounded by knights of the Kingsguard and boys who wished to be knights. He cannot forget how sure he is that he had no taste for such skills that knight's revel in. He steels a look at Lady Arryn; he remembers what Elia had said about girls and their dreams and he cannot help but remember that though she said she left her ideals behind, both suitors of hers he knows about are knights; reputedly very talented ones.
Even unbidden now, because he thinks of Elia he also thinks of Lyanna. He knows it is not quite fair to Elia or Lyanna's memory, but, he has long since stopped trying to avoid such thoughts. Even though both women, when Lyanna had lived, were far too different and he could not help but compare them. Lyanna's death does not change that and he doubts it ever will.
Still, he knows that Lyanna would not have favored a certain type of man; but, he knew she what type of man she would not favor. Before he and Elia married he never gave a thought to any other suitors she may have had. When they married, it was never something between them. They certainly did not speak of it; there was never any need. Even when he returned from the Tower of Joy she never gave any gave no indication of wanting to be with anyone else; even though he knew the possibility was there, but, mostly because he earned such a possibility. He flushed slightly remembering the way she proved how strident she was on that score.
As the group carries on conversation of what Oldtown is like for Lady Lysa's benefit Rhaegar cannot help but think over his reactions. Though he knows it is foolish of him but he knows what he feels is jealousy. One of those formerly prospective grooms was here in front of him and would always be and now he sits uneasily listening as his wife praises another one of her former suitors to the man's sister. What else could he call this but jealousy?
He was never jealous about Lyanna's one-time suitors. Perhaps it was because he knew Lyanna had not wanted the man she was promised to. She had told him that. He also knew that he was the only one to be with Lyanna and, in turn, was the one who Lyanna wanted to be with. With Elia he cannot say it is exactly the same. He is sure he has never thought or felt this way about Robert Baratheon in the same way he does seeing Ser Jaime interact with her or hear about Lord Baelor.
All he knows he does not like it; both the thoughts and the feelings.
His thoughts are interrupted when a hand wraps itself around his wrist. He shakes his head and levels a look at Elia whose expression has not changed despite being the one to do that. He moves to ask her, but, she settles in closer and she gazes at him before sending her gaze towards Lord Arryn who is now sitting silently watching Lady Arryn carry on a conversation with Ser Oswell about his brother and his family for some reason. Ah, of course, the Whents were the Tully's bannermen. Usually that would be fine, but, he needs Lady Arryn to talk to his Hand not one of his knights.
He clears his throat, "Lady Arryn?"
She turns to look at him curiously, and she blushes slightly. He is again reminded of how young she is. "Yes, Your Grace?"
"Has Lord Hoster written to you recently?"
She looks confusedly, but, she answers gamely, if rather nervously. "Ah, yes. He has quite settled into Riverrun again, though he does send his regards."
He nods, "Good, good. When you do write to him again, do tell him is presence and his counsel is greatly missed."
She squeaks out, "Of course, Your Grace." He is rather taken aback at her expectant look.
He is saved from having to ask anything more when the boys, with the knights following at a much more sedate pace, join them. Viserys, apparently done acting like a young prince, after taking politely asking for sweets for himself and the two other boys, decides the next order of business is making faces at the younger children. It seems that the behavior of young men runs both ways as the younger of the Tyrell boys start doing the same, much to the amusement of the adults.
Rhaegar, for his part, takes the time to speak to his Hand.
"Lord Arryn, I hope you are enjoying yourself."
"Yes." The man nods, but, frowns, "I have to ask Your Grace…"
"Yes, Lord Arryn?"
"Why are we here?"
"Am I unduly keeping you from something, my lord?" As far as duties within King's Landing are concerned, there is nothing the other man should be doing which would prevent him from taking some time away from his work.
"No, His Grace has been far too kind of late, with respect to my duties."
"Yes, well, work will always remain, but, it would be a great disservice to not take a moment or two to be out on a day like this." He blithely ignores the droll look sent his way.
The other man frowns more deeply. "Your Grace has never been concerned about the weather before."
"Yes. That is so, but, I wished to be outside." This was uncharacteristic of him, but, the statement was true enough today.
"Why?"
He certainly was not going to tell the man he had designs on helping along his marriage. "Though the demands of the kingdom are many, it would not do to work ourselves into tiredness. Especially yourself." Seeing the dubious expression he adds, "Her Grace agrees with me." It was the truth, not the entire truth, but, a truth all the same.
The man's eyebrow rises. "Her Grace thinks I overexert myself far too much."
Rhaegar ignores the snort which comes from near them. Ser Oswell, it seems, will continue to find too much levity with the circumstances of his life. Instead he just turns slightly and tilts his head to where their wives are sitting knowing the man's eyes follow where they are directed.
"It would not do put one's efforts into one aspect of one's life at the expense of others." He learned the dangers of that. His focus on Lyanna and the prophecy and what came after lead to the near destruction of the kingdom. The other man knew of just some of the ways that was true for him, and so he nodded, but, still his Hand looked unconvinced about how such advice would be appropriate in his circumstance.
Leaning in further to the man, Rhaegar decides to be direct. "If you wish for her to think kindly of you, she must know you well enough in order to do so."
"She does not want to think kindly of me." Though he does not doubt such a possibility, one of them should make the effort.
"How is it that you came to that particular conclusion?"
"We have been married for some time and she still has not warmed to me." Rhaegar thinks a man of his Hand's age should not sound so petulant.
Remembering what Elia had said, he ventures, "Have you given her reasons to think kindly of you?"
The older man looks confused at the question, but thankfully does not seem to have taken it as an accusation. "I am afraid I do not follow your meaning."
"Certainly there was a reason you chose to marry her aside from the practical ones?" No one needed to elaborate on the reasons why the marriage, though unconventional as it was, went forward.
The man looks away. "No."
"When you asked if I could speak to Her Grace, she intimated that she would not take kindly to those circumstances either."
"Your marriage was no less of an arrangement."
"That is so, but, Her Grace was of an age to understand what marriage entails and knows that I value her more than simply what she brought into the marriage."
His Hand argues, "I cannot change the reasons why I married her."
"No one expects that you would." Nothing can change it, either.
"Then what do I do?"
"Give her a reason to want to be your wife."
The older man scoffs. "That is easily said."
"It does not make it less than true."
"Your Grace sounds so certain things can be improved upon."
Rhaegar looks to his wife, "I am."
His Hand snorts as he looks toward his wife, "My lady wife is different from Her Grace."
He agrees, "Yes, however, in no way does that mean that she thinks kindly of me all the time." He thinks he is grateful he does not have to elaborate on why that would be so, before he continues, "She will even tell me so."
"That does not offend you?"
"I expect honesty from Her Grace and she expects it from me. That is true even if we do not like what that honesty entails."
The man's tone is bitter. "And what sort of honesty can I expect from someone who married me despite not having much of a choice?"
"I do not know what you can expect, but, you must talk to her, regardless. Nothing good comes letting the matter go unvoiced because of discomfort or fear."
"What if nothing improves?" He sounds so disheartened at the prospect. That is something, at least.
"Then you could at least say you tried and the both of you understand one another. Certainly that is better than the uncertainty and the tense carefulness now?"
The man sighs, "I will think on what you have said, Your Grace."
He nods; that was something. After a few minutes, he takes his leave of the other man. He, then, moves to where his sons are. He smiles at the proud way they display their "ability to walk". With one more look at his daughter who sits politely next to her mother, he considers himself very fortunate for having such fine children.
It is some time before he sits down next to Elia. Though he keeps his gaze directed towards his daughter who started chattering at him and Daenerys' attempts to crawl into his lap he also listens somewhat to the conversation Elia and the other two ladies are having.
"Will you be remaining in the capitol until the child is born?" That question is posed by Lady Alerie. It seems the other woman has been made aware of Lady Lysa's condition.
He hears the girl sigh, "My Lord-husband insists on it as a precaution."
Elia replies, "That, I think, is wise. To travel in such a state can be much too strenuous." Lady Alerie nods sagely. Rhaegar remembers that it was not a few months ago that Lady Alerie gave birth to the youngest Tyrell.
The girl looks towards her husband and seems to consider what the women say. "I suppose, there is sense in that."
"After the child is born will you venture to the Eyrie or to Riverrun first?"
Now Lady Lysa looks rather alarmed at the question. But, seeing Elia's encouraging look, she glances briefly at her husband who is now talking to Ser Brynden before saying, "Though we have not discussed it, I think he wants to visit the Eyrie first."
He can hear the smile in Elia's voice when she asks, "Have you ever ventured there?"
"No." The tone is flat and unenthusiastic.
Lady Alerie prompts, "But, certainly, you have spoken about what it is like?"
"Not particularly…" The girl looks vaguely uncomfortable
The expression on his wife's face is calculating. "Perhaps you should ask him."
The girl looks vaguely interested at the prospect, but, she still frowns, "Would he not find it obtrusive?"
Both other women laugh before Elia replies. "Not truly. If the Eyrie is to be your home and one day your child's seat, it would be better to be well informed of what it is like."
The girl's eyes widen as though she had not thought of it that way. As the girl looks towards her husband again she catches her uncle's eye.
Eventually she says, "I think it would please Lord Arryn and my father if I learned what it was like."
"Of course, but, we meant better for you." Lady Alerie smiles good-naturedly at Elia's pronouncement.
The poor girl looked confused, "How do you mean?"
"After all, it would be you who would be mistress of the Eyrie. Both your Lord-Husband and your household would love you for taking such an interest."
Lady Alerie's expression is just as crafty. "That is especially true when there is no good-mother to gainsay you when it comes time to make decisions regarding it." Elia and Lady Alerie laugh fully, but, the latter part of the conversation has filled Rhaegar with disquiet. Is that what Elia had done, at least in the beginning; weighed the benefit of remaining with him and found it more worthwhile than leaving?
Before he could think on it further the speculative look Lady Arryn sent her husband it seems the words seem to have taken effect. "Oh, I suppose one or two questions could not possibly be frowned upon."
Elia nods and takes the time to change subject. No one discusses anything of import after that.
Soon after Viserys and the two boys who are now being herded back inside by Ser Jaime and Ser Lucas. The rest of them follow quickly after.
Late that evening he makes his way through the hallway where the sleeping cells of the Kingsguard are kept and stops when he comes across the open doorway of the man he came to see. As he steps through the doorway he takes in the sight of the lone man sitting at the edge of his bed.
"Is there a need for hiring more seamstresses, Ser Jaime?" The man is sitting with a thread and needle mending his own tunic. Remembering the knight's ease with his brother and son, he wonders sourly if he should ask if the knight is capable of teaching Rhaenys to embroider as well. The man goes to rise but, Rhaegar holds up a hand to stop him while the other moves to close the door behind him.
The knight, knowing none of his thoughts, smiles at him, "Not at all, Your Grace. I simply do not wish to bother anyone over a simple matter that I am capable of solving."
Rhaegar thinks that is his problem with the knight; the knight takes thing upon himself without consulting others on matters.
"I do not know that many knights who do their own mending." He knows he should be above such digs, but, he is in no mood to be overly charitable.
The other man laughs. "I doubt there are many like me. When my sister and I were younger we used to look quite similar. A handful of times she would go out and take sword lessons and I took a few with the Septa." The other man's smile slips slightly, but he continues, "It is a worthy skill to have." He finishes abruptly but, the younger man takes a look at the bedside table where Rhaegar can see a letter is perched. At least now he understands something of the sister's acceptance of Dornish husband's and his children's ways; she was just as wild as they were. Rhaegar also remembers Elia told him about how difficult the separation between the Lannister twins had been on the knight's part.
That thought alone brings to his lips the reasons for his visit.
"I am told it was your idea to begin my brother's wrestling lessons."
The man flushes slightly. "I, ah, yes. Lord Tyrell was also insistent that his children be taught a wider variety of exercises in preparation of Lord Willas' squiring and Lord Garlan's fostering and they insisted on joining the Prince's lessons."
The distaste in the affronted tone in the knight's voice about Mace Tyrell was evident. Rhaegar could sympathize with that; however, the knight kept speaking.
"As it was Prince Viserys has done remarkably well with the sword, but, he is well past the age where more strenuous activities should be included into his studies. The Prince had been vehement about learning and I cannot find a worthy reason to deny him the right to engage in such activities which others of his age engage in."
"Is that so?" Even though he is mildly curious at that general consensus the knights in his household seem to have he cannot help but wonder if the other man is implying something about the way Rhaegar approaches his brother's studies.
"Yes. I began learning such things when I was younger than the Prince as had the others of the Kingsguard. Lord Willas has already and Lord Tyrell insists on Lord Garlan learning such things and the Prince is his elder by two name days."
Though he cannot find an argument against the other man's reasoning, what his brother is taught was not for others to decide or a matter to be voted on the basis of popular opinion. His eyes again catch the sight of the letter from the man's sister and Rhaegar remembers Lord Tyrion. He wonders if the man's manner has something to do with his having a younger brother Viserys' age; a younger brother who is prevented from doing as others his age would. Still, that would not explain the man's comportment.
"Perhaps so, but, I wish to know why I was not consulted on the matter first." He was Viserys' brother and guardian; his permission ought to be asked.
The younger man tries not to look affected and had Rhaegar not been looking for his reaction he would have missed the narrowing of his eyes and the flush creeping up the other man's neck as the man's expression becomes blank.
"I do apologize, Your Grace, however, I had not thought to disturb you with something like this as today's exercise was simply to test Prince Viserys' abilities. As it was I only thought of it in the morning and as a precautionary measure I had insisted on Ser Brynden's presence. Her Grace had not objected. If I had known Your Grace would object, I would have never considered it."
He wants to sigh at the other's earnest response, but, he manages to successfully fight the urge. He is not objecting to anything the knight is doing, but, it is rather frustrating to not have been consulted, even if Elia was aware in that moment. Before he left King's Landing his father had been the one to decide almost everything. After he returned, when it came to Viserys' education, his input was, it seemed, not expected. He should not know of what his children or siblings are doing only after the fact.
"I am not objecting to anything, Ser Jaime." He holds up a hand when he thinks the other man is moving to interrupt. "I am also not casting doubts on your abilities or questioning your adherence to duty with respect to all the members of my house."
Rhaegar knows that while he was gone the knight had been allowed certain liberties, by virtue of necessity. He could understand the protective nature of the man, with respect to Elia and the children, but, there were limits to the familiarity which Rhaegar will accept; especially now.
He continues speaking as he moves towards the door. "I understand that my brother's education has been left to others and I doubt I could find a better teacher who knows him so well. You are correct that I have duties which unfortunately prevent me from being as attentive as I wish and while it does you great credit that you would take the duties entrusted to you seriously, my brother and the rest of my family are my responsibility and I am at least owed the courtesy of not being taken unawares, regardless of the good intentions behind it. I believe we have spoken about your unwillingness to tell me what I need to know once before." His wife's nightmares about his father were something far more serious, but, the principle is the same: if there is something which affects his family, he should be made aware of it.
Rhaegar saw the way the other man, who had been looking at him in a vaguely amused way, looked somber when he finished. Eventually the knight does nod agreeably. He sounded contrite and honest when he said, "Of course, Your Grace; I do apologize. It was remiss of me. In the future, if such a circumstance arises I will keep you appraised; and Her Grace."
The last, Ser Jaime, added almost as an after thought, but, still it caused him to abruptly put in, "Or the Lord Commander". Rhaegar knows he was abrupt, but, he is not entirely ashamed of it. He continues, a bit more sedately, "As for Lord Tyrell, be amiable as you have been, but, do use your discretion. It would not do to encourage him far too excessively. He is a friend, but, also a guest who will take his leave of us soon enough. I will, of course, speak to him myself." He had already planned on it.
The other man shrugs. "Of course, Your Grace."
Knowing the man had been made aware of his concerns he goes to his leave. As he opens the door and steps through the threshold the other man coughs.
"Ser Jaime?"
"Though he mentioned in passing, I believe Prince Viserys has become taken with the idea of going on a hunt." The man almost looked amused at that.
Deciding that this conversation has been going on longer than warranted he only says, "I see. Well, the answer is no. He certainly will not be doing any such thing." Rhaegar thinks he may prefer the wrestling.
"I thought as much." Rhaegar does not doubt that at all.
After that he returned to his apartments to see Ser Barristan keeping watch outside.
"Ser?" He was not expecting anyone to meet him much less a member of the Kingsguard.
"Her Grace decided to join you this evening." Rhaegar smiles as he dismisses the other man.
When he stepped into the ante chamber he took in the way the outer chamber was still well lit, but it is empty. He enters the bedroom to see Elia brushing her hair. She is only wearing her night shift.
When she hears him enter she turns and smiles. He goes to kiss her and she returns it.
When they pull apart he is the first to speak. "I hope I have not kept you waiting for too long."
"No, not too long, but, I had thought you would be here."
He nods, "I would have been, but I had something to attend to."
She looks at him curiously. "What was that something? "
"I went to the wing hosting the Kingsguard's sleeping cells."
She frowns, concerned. "At this time of night? Why? Has one of them taken ill?"
He shakes his head, "No, no; nothing as dire as that. I wished to speak to Ser Jaime."
She relaxes, but, she is still curious, "About what?"
"Viserys' wrestling."
Whatever she was expecting it was not that. She smiles a bit. "Yes. Ser Brynden tells me he did very well for his first time."
He frowns. "You do not find an issue with it?"
She mirrors his reaction. "No, not truly. I do fear he might get injured, but, he could get injured by playing with swords, or any other weapon, or doing anything else that children of his age do."
He tilts his head in frustration. "That may be so. Still, I was not aware that Viserys would be wrestling. I suppose now you, like others on the Kingsguard, would tell me you or your brother's wrestled each other frequently in their youth."
She looks vaguely amused. "Of course not, my health was hardly sturdy and even in Dorne there are standards by which "ladies" are required to live by. As for my brothers by the time Oberyn was born, Doran was a boy of ten. By the time Oberyn was old enough to start wrestling Doran felt it would have been a grossly unfair advantage on his part. Despite Oberyn's best efforts he was unsuccessful in his efforts to engage Doran that way. Our parents were eternally grateful for Doran's good sense. There were always other lads Oberyn's age in the Water Gardens."
Nothing of what she says is all that reassuring. "And Oberyn started wrestling at Viserys' age?" He doubts he will like the answer.
Looking at her face, she is exponentially more amused. "Younger. But, that does not explain why you felt the need to speak to Ser Jaime about it now."
"Ser Jaime took it upon himself to encourage it and arranged it without either of my, our, knowing about it or our blessing."
Her face contorts and despite her efforts laughter slips through her mouth.
His eyes narrow. "What is so humorous?"
She comes to stand in front of him. "I am sorry I laughed." She certainly does not sound apologetic in the least. Her hands come to grip his arms. "You are usually so occupied with the business of being King, as you should be. We can hardly fault him, or anyone, for not adding to you your burdens when there was no true need."
He wraps his arms around her, "Should that not for me to decide; if there is a need?"
"Perhaps, but, do you not think you are being slightly unreasonable?"
"No." He does not in the slightest.
Elia smiles again. "I think you are being far too overprotective."
"That is the second time I have been accused of being overprotective."
She grins. "Should that not tell you something?"
"I am merely being attentive as any older brother would. I can hardly see why that is seen as a fault." He knows he is not being unreasonable.
She sighs, "Would you require an announcement every time the Maester or the knights of the household wish to deliver a lesson? You would have very little time for anything else. Viserys is just the first. What of when Aegon and Jon grow? Or do you also intend on having to know what the potential lessons set by a Septa are when Rhaenys or Daenerys begin their own respective education?"
"I am glad you seem to find it humorous that I have very little voice in my own brother's education. Pycelle never seems to mind that I have control over what he teaches my brother. Ser Jaime rarely consults me at all."
She steps closer; smiling widely. "Viserys is no more fond of Pycelle than you are and Pycelle's lessons are not nearly as thrilling for a boy his age." Or a woman of hers, he cannot help but think; he remembers the time he saw her rapt attention as her brother and the knight fought. Something must have shown on his face because a soft "Oh" falls from her lips.
There was something odd in the way she concedes, "'Overprotective' is not the word is it?"
Relived that she finally understands, he replies, "Precisely."
Her expression becomes dangerously sly, "You are being territorial."
He stiffens slightly and exclaims, "No, I am not." He will admit to no such thing. It is his right to be told what goes in with those of his own family.
"Then what else can explain it? There is no reason for you to think that Viserys is any true danger at lessons when there are enough fully trained knights watching him even if it is something new or strenuous."
"Do you deny that we should have been told?'
She smirks. "As you should recall, I was seated only some distance away. Even without much prior notice, I know a true fight when I see one and none of the boys had a reason to fight. As it was, when they arrived I asked what they had planned and Ser Jaime told me. Viserys was enthusiastic. I could not find a reason to refuse."
He remains unconvinced and it seems she takes note of it.
"Now or later, Viserys would learn to wrestle. I rather he knows how to now then need it and be ill prepared."
"He is a boy. Why would he need to learn such a skill now?"
"Is it not enough that he shows an interest in it? And Ser Jaime has been made aware of your concerns. It could always be far worse." With that she takes a moment to lounge on one side of his bed.
He purses his lips as he settles in next to her. "I do not doubt that for a moment. He tells me Viserys wants to go hunting."
She laughs and lays her head on his chest. "And here you were worried about a bit of wrestling."
He narrows his eyes at her, but as he had told Lord Arryn, he would accept whatever sort of truth from Elia, and so, only wraps an arm around her. "You find too much humor in my consternation."
Elia snorts inelegantly as she leans in closer. "Hardly. You are my husband. Such a thing would not be proper."
That fact is belied by the snigger she levels at him. She sighs, "Speaking of husbands and wives shall we speak about the Arryns?"
He nearly groans at the slow progress made with that. "They do not speak."
She smiles sadly, "No they do not. They seem to avoid each other. Perhaps that will change, or at least it might from Lady Lysa's perspective."
"Yes, that is so." Thinking back to this morning he remembers something caused his some anxiety and he asks, "Why did you take that approach with Lady Lysa?"
She looks confused for a moment and so he elaborates. "You and Lady Alerie spoke as though it would be of use to speak to Jon and know about the Eyrie for her personal gain rather than something she simply should do. How would that improve their marriage at all?"
He cannot help but remember his earlier thoughts. She takes a deep breath. "You spend far too much time thinking, Rhaegar."
"And just how do you know what I think?"
He can tell she wishes to roll her eyes at him, but, she does embrace him more tightly. "You are rather easy to predict at times."
When he says nothing more, she prompts, "We do know the benefits Lord Arryn had by entering the marriage." Everyone did. "And to her it was unfair that she gets a much older husband who was a virtual stranger who made his views about what she brings to the marriage fairly plain."
He frowns, "By showing her the advantage of the match for her, you think it would incite a more favorable comportment from her."
She nods. "Yes, that is the idea."
"And that makes it right?"
She shakes her head, "Not precisely, but, if it cause her to be more enthusiastic about speaking to our Hand or something her husband cares for that can only be a good thing."
"Is it?" Can that be a good thing? He is not sure. Mere enthusiasm about one aspect of a marriage does not mean enthusiasm for the rest of it. He was well aware of the negative effects of that sort of thinking could have.
She counters, "It is better than whatever it is they have now. The more they speak to one another the more she will come to understand he is a good man. Certainly he is willing to try with her, is he not?"
"Yes, but, he is not a man who will court her."
Her voice is soft, "I do not think she would welcome such a thing from him; not now. Still, kindness and a willingness to not disregard her as unimportant will help matters along quite considerably. "
Remembering his own less than reassuring conversation with Lord Arryn he asks, "You are sure of it?"
"As much as I can be." She shrugs as though that is all she can say about it.
Remembering his thoughts this morning he cannot help but ask, "Well, even understanding will not change things as they are."
"No, but, I am sure when they get to know each other more fully she will warm to him as he is. These things will take time to improve. They always do."
"Even if he never is a type of man she prefers?" He ventures towards the topic he truly wants to speak about.
"I cannot speak as to what type of man she would have preferred, but, even then, there is room for improvement of their relationship."
"But, you would know what type you prefer?" He is almost aghast by the way he asked that.
She is shocked for a moment, but, her expression settles into something which he could describe as amusement. "I would think I do, but, is it not far too late to be asking me such things now?"
"Should I not know you favor knights such as Baelor Hightower and Jaime Lannister. You speak highly of them."
She laughs. "I did not say you should be ignorant of such things. However, I had not said anything about preferring those you mention, even though I do think of them very highly."
He frowns. "But, you do not deny you prefer knights."
She looks as though she is bursting fit to laugh. "Not at all."
His own advice about hearing truths is difficult to accept. He regrets voicing this entirely.
She smirks at him, "I think you are forgetting something."
He frowns at her. "What could I possibly be forgetting? I certainly am not without good hearing."
He gasps at the unexpected weight of her body as she straddles him. "Perhaps so, but, it seems your memory is rather faulty. I did marry a knight."
Chapter 17: Fortunes; good and bad.
