Rhaegar

277 A.C The Red Keep

Rhaegar sighed as he was called into a small council meeting by Lord Tywin. The hand insisted he take a more active role in ruling the seven kingdoms. So, Rhaegar sat with the small council and his father. Lord Tywin, presented them with a letter from Duskendale, Lord Denys Darklyn had been rising complaints about a new town charter for Duskendale. The man complained of taxes that he would refuse to pay until the king gave him what he wanted.

"The man's grievances are…somewhat legitimate," Lord Arryn stated, but looked unconvinced.

"His grievances insult Lord Arryn!" his father rasped, leaning on the table. "I should be swift in my response." His father leaned his chin on an open palm.

"Your grace, I suggest you remind the man you are the king," the master of ships, Lord Lucerys Velaryon suggested.

"A man who has to say he is the king, is no king at all. Your Grace I shall send a minstrel and he will fall in line," Lord Tywin's suggestion only served to aggravate his father.

"Aye, we all know of your ballad Lord Tywin, but this is not the Westernlands! Varys, I want your birds to tell me by the end of the month if Lord Denys plans to revolt." His father stood and stormed out of the council room. Rhaegar, and the rest of the small council took this as a sign to adjourn and took their leave. Before Rhaegar could do the same Lord Tywin stopped him. "My prince a word."

Rhaegar nodded and stayed behind until all the council members left.

"Your father, has been…under quite an amount of stress lately. Tell me, has he done anything out of the ordinary?" Rhaegar wondered if he was asking out of concern, or some personal agenda. He would admit his father was acting rather strange these day, but admitting the king's weakness felt unwise even to Lord Tywin. But Lord Tywin, is his father's hand of the king, if anyone deserved to know it was him.

Rhaegar thinned his lips and replied with a sigh, "With the recent miscarriages, my father has been feeling ill." Rhaegar worried his already high wired father would get worse. His mother has been completely enamored with Viserys, his little brother. Robert himself, had been playing with the babe whenever he met with his mother. He thanked his friend dearly for keeping his mother company, while Rhaegar was buried in the business of ruling the seven kingdoms.

"Prince Viserys is healthy and was born with a strong cry, perhaps he will feel better soon" Lord Tywin gave his vote of confidence. He took his leave leaving the prince alone to his thoughts for a moment. Afterwards, he left the small council chambers and outside its doors Ser Arthur waited for him to exit.

Falling in step behind Rhaegar, Ser Arthur saw his troubled face clear as day. "You're worried my prince."

Rhaegar let out a half-hearted chuckle and glanced at the knight behind him. "I must be transparent, that's not good for a king to be." He turned forward making his way to Maegor's Holdfast.

"Ah, you worry too much, my prince. You are loved by the people and the Lords." Arthur pointed out, but Rhaegar felt that wasn't nearly enough.

"So you say Arthur, but now Lord Denys is raising some bloody ruckus about taxes, and a charter to expand his territory. Duskendale does not require more space and it holds little strategic value." Rhaegar stopped outside Maegor's Holdfast over the drawbridge.

"So he wants more coin and power." Arthur stopped with him, his hand resting on the pommel of his sword.

"Aye, so let's hope this ends without bloodshed. Yet my father seems intent in throwing his weight around." Rhaegar crossed the drawbridge headed inside to the royal apartments.

"Then what do you suggest be done?" Ser Arthur asked

Rhaegar agreed with Lord Tywin, a threat might make Lord Deny rethink his actions. "I think a minstrel, play the Rains of Castamare to put the fear of the gods into the man. Even if my father's pride is wounded." Rhaegar moved to his mother's rooms pausing at the door. He looked to Ser Arthur who was quickly becoming a good friend. Especially now, Robert had gone back home, to Stormsend for a few months to see his family. Ned also returned to Winterfell, but he returned only a few days prior to the council meeting.

"My prince, I hope I am not overstepping my place, but there may not be a peaceful solution. A show of strength would surely put Lord Denys back in line," Arthur advised and let the topic die at Rhaegar's mother's door.

Rhaegar considered, a show of power might indeed be not a bad option. "I will think on it. We are to convene before the end of the month, I will bring it up to the small council." Rhaegar entered his mother's rooms while Ser Arthur stayed behind to guard the door. Inside, Ser Lewyn was standing not too far from the queen. His father had a new paranoia that the reason his mother's last two sons died was due to being poisoned or some other treachery. His father saw traitors in every corner of the Red Keep. He was her sworn shield now, and he had been so for the past few months.

"Robert, be careful." His mother smiled.

Robert tossed Viserys up, and down, his little brother all the while giggled with glee. "Aye my lady, don't worry. My father did this to me and his father to him!" Robert laughed heartily . After coming back from Storm's End his face had a light beard. Ned himself, who stood arms crossed grinning by his mother, had a light beard as well. Rhaegar briefly entertained why he didn't grow much facial hair himself.

His mother, as if reading his mind, stood from her chair and patted his face making the young prince smiled warmly. "Keep your face clean, you look beautiful like this my son."

Robert laughed, with Viserys on his shoulders, his tiny fist holding onto Robert's hair. "Hear that Ned? He's bloody beautiful." Robert smirked wickedly.

"Aye, I heard" Ned failed to hide his laugh.

"Well, I expect someone to be getting a dress for his next nameday. Isn't that right. Vis?" Robert japed trying to get his little brother to laugh.

"I imagine Robert should get a chastity belt for his," his mother quipped.

Rhaegar grinned while Ned looked Robert knowingly.

Robert faked indignation sniffing at the air. "My Lady! You hurt me with such words. Why your beautiful son himself says so. I am Baelor the Blessed incarnate." His declaration was followed with a dramatic clutching of his heart.

"Oh Robert, forgive me. Your chastity is as sturdy as the land bridge the first men used to get here." His mother faked her own apologetic tone, winking at Robert as she did so.

"The queen has you pegged lad" Ser Lewyn said.

Rhaegar felt the tension of the meeting today ebb away. He was glad for this; for Robert and his endless japes, Ned and his shy demeanor. Thinking of Ned, Rhaegar pondered how his shy friend could keep up with Lady Ashara and her Dornish spirit. While Ned wasn't a prude by any means of the word, he was very tamed to how Dornishmen presented themselves. With those thoughts on less political matters, Rhaegar spent the day with his family, for he could not see his two friends as anything but.

Rhaegar spent the next weeks like this, consulting with Lord Tywin and becoming more familiar with the realm, and her workings. Ned and Robert would spar. Every now and then, they got together to go down to Kings Landing for their usual routine playing the harp and singing Dornish songs half-drunk with Ser Lewyn. His mother still giving them bloody murder when they returned, hungover.

Eddard

Ned sat back on his bed reading a letter from Lady Ashara. Correspondence with her stopped only for the two months he went to Winterfell. Ned smiled involuntarily as he read on with Ashara filling her letters with so much. He felt as if she were with him telling her tales in person.

Dearest Ned

I have wonderful news from my end. My brother, Tristan has arranged for me to become Princess Elia's lady in waiting. I have always wanted to see Sunspear and their famous Water Gardens of Dorne. Tristan has visited and constantly tells me they're beautiful and there are always children playing in the fountain! Oh I cannot wait to see them and to meet Princess Elia. I do not know if Dornish gossip reaches Kings Landing. However I have heard she is gentle and has a sharp wit, only matched perhaps by that of her brother Prince Oberyn Martell. Once I have reached Sunspear, I will make sure to write to you about everything. Well, I have written enough to count this letter a book, I look forward to hear of your visit back home to Winterfell, write soon.

Ashara Dayne.

Ned grinned and left his bed to write his reply immediately. Ned excitedly scribbled and told Ashara of seeing his brother Brandon, who welcomed him with a huge hug. Lyanna as well had run to him in breeches after having escaped her septa to play wooden swords with Benjen. Ned stopped writing and thought if this was enough, it was a bit short and he went in only some detail about the happenings. So, with a shrug, he decided if she would share her politics he would do the same. With a bit of a sad sigh he told her of his father arranging a marriage between Lady Catelyn Tully for his brother Brandon. Then he wrote how his father narrowed down the choices of marriage for his sister to Robert, and Roose Bolton to strengthen the alliance of both houses. Ned confessed he felt worried about such a match.

When the letter was finished, he gave it to a servant to be delivered. On his way he was visited by Rhaegar, of all people. Ned let his friend in and they sat drinking some ale. The two enjoyed some quiet time just sitting by each other before Rhaegar spoke.

"How was your trip Ned?" he asked.

Ned retold the contents of his letter to Rhaegar and few extra bits he could not fit into the parchment for this lone letter. Ned sighed and was only glad his father hadn't even thought about him or Benjen on any type of marriage.

"So…what of Lady Ashara?" grinned Rhaegar.

Ned rolled his eyes while sighing. Robert would throw a raunchy jab at him about Ashara and then Arthur who Robert made sure was in hearing range when he told them, would jape about taking Robert's cock and they would laugh. Rhaegar, on the other hand, had found pleasure in making Ned talk about their constant correspondence.

"She has been made the lady in waiting for Princess Elia Martell. She seemed excited about it."

"She is quite the free spirit, are you sure you should pursue her?" Rhaegar asked with genuine concern.

"There you go assuming I-"

Rhaegar interrupted him before he could finish, his voice serious at the same time gentle. "Ned you are still young, but you will be a man soon even if you are a second son, she is a first daughter. Arthur tells me Lord Tristan is in the works of trying to get a match with Oberyn Martell."

Ned sucked in some air. She was sent to Sunspear perhaps in the hope of befriending the prince and something developing between them. He felt a tug at his heart but decided to ignore it shaking his head and sighing. "I don't know about that yet, Rhaegar. For now I wish to court her, know her and at least befriend her." Ned said and his friend smiled putting a hand on his shoulder giving it a squeeze.

"Then I shall endeavor to champion you to her and her brother." he grinned.

Ned groaned throwing his head back on the seat."Gods you will not let me live this down won't you?"

Rhaegar drank his ale and stood."Come on, Robert is in the courtyard. Says he wants to put us on our asses again."

Ned finished his ale, stood, and walked next to his best friend."Try going for his flank this time, he keeps beating us two to one. It's embarrassing" Ned said

Rhaegar chuckled. "I'm the crown prince. How do you think I should feel?" The friends japed back and forth to find Robert to fight.

Rhaegar

Of course, Robert beat them again, he was bred for war if Rhaegar really thought about it. He used his war hammer and by the end of their match Robert had beat them to the ground. Even after Ned defaced himself and jumped on his back to bring Robert down the padded armor adding to his weight. Robert had lifted Ned and Rhaegar thanked the gods Lord Tywin wasn't around to scold them. Because Rhaegar had gone for Robert's midsection. Robert laughed bringing Ned over his shoulders to hit Rhaegar's back sending them both to the ground. Before he jumped on top of them they looked like a pile of dogs fighting over meat. When Ser Lewyn had come to them, he laughed at their pitiful state under Robert, who said he wouldn't let them up until they claimed they were beaten bitches. That had been a hard swallow. But, not as hard as having Ned and Robert get off him when it felt like a bloody horse was on him. Dusting off Ser Lewyn revealed he was there to fetch Rhaegar for a council meeting. So, after leaving his friends and making himself presentable Rhaegar followed the Kingsguard to the meeting.

"Your grace, the news is…unnerving to say the least," Varys said amidst the weary council.

"Treason is it?" His father leaned forward banging his fist on the table.

"Lord Denys is preparing his keep for a siege. He has called his levies and men at arms, as well as filled his stores with the foods of the smallfolk." Varys reported and Rhaegar sighed, peace was no longer an option. This was treason of the highest magnitude, the crown will be forced to act or look weak. Weakness led to rebellion, and more-war.

"Respond with force, your grace. March a thousand banners to his gates. He'll piss his pants and be out of his keep kissing your boots for mercy," Ser Gerold snarled. Rhaegar would call that tactic overkill.

"A measured response might be best, my Lord." Varys offered an option that would have made Eddard spit on the ground.

"Assassination!?" Ser Gerold spat disgusted by the mere thought.

"That would be an efficient end to this madness." Tywin seemed to agree. Rhaegar understood why, he was torn between one man's death and hundreds more.

"Lord Tywin, assassination is the coward's way out." Lord Arryn spoke and Rhaegar wasn't sure if he was thankful or not about that.

"Then perhaps you would rather tell me how many children should grow up fatherless, my lord."

Jon Arryn growled at the barb directed at him.

Rhaegar threaded his fingers together in silence as they argued back and forth before lifting a hand to get attention. His father silenced them and looked to him."Silence. My son will speak. Go on lad," his father grumbled.

Rhaegar nodded to his father."A measured response, I propose my father takes a small force as a retinue and speak to Lord Denys personally to a beneficial agreement." Rhaegar thanked the seven he was the voice of reason as even Lord Varys raised a brow and smiled with approval.

"The Prince speaks wisely, I suggest we use this measured response." Jon Arryn smiled as well and Rhaegar felt small hint of pride at the thought.

"I will call some of the crownlands lords to get a force of five hundred men and the entire Kingsguard" Ser Gerold said.

His father waved that away."Bah that's too big smaller, easy to move" His council agreed, all but Lord Tywin.

"Small and easy may not work when you are going to a manned fortress, your grace." Tywin's response only seemed to anger his father. The small council tensed at the budding argument between the hand and king. Rhaegar sighed at the argument that had been building.

"So you think me a fool? Is that it, Tywin?" his father snarled.

"I think you smarter than to walk to an enemies keep with only ten men," Tywin calmly replied.

"You think you know better than your king, Tywin! Remember who made you the hand of the king!" his father declared while Tywin kept his cool demeanor, hands behind his back."I shall handle my bannermen how I see realm will know I rule, not you, Tywin" he growled and the briefest of cracks escaped the mask of the lion.

His jaw twitched ever so slightly and he straighten his back, as if he wasn't stiff enough, and replied to his father."Very well, your grace. I shall gather ten good men for you. Please forgive me overstepping my place." The Hand of the King bowed and without dismissal left. His father only waved him away and stood up. The meeting ended.

"Rhaegar, a word with you" he said as the council members left them alone. This was a very similar situation to when he spoke to Lord Tywin, he wondered what his father could possibly want.

"Ten men is enough, isn't it? Why should I need an army for a lord who should know his place?" his father mumbled and Rhaegar opened his mouth to reply but closed as quickly as his father continued."Bah it matters not. You did well, son. You averted bloodshed and kept me from dishonoring myself by having a man killed in his bed." His father placed a hand on his shoulder and nodded but his eyes still seemed far away.

"Rhaegar, I will show the people I am the true ruler. My reign will be marked by peace. This will end quickly and without swords having to be drawn." His father sighed and looked tired, very tired. His features sagged, his silver hair looked whiter than the snows of the North. A man in his thirties shouldn't look so. Rhaegar then, for whatever reason, threw his arms around his father and crushed him to his chest tightly. His father seemed late to the response, but hugged him back with almost desperation.

"Come on boy, you're hugging your father like he's going to war. I will return and I must talk with you of changes to the realm." His father tapped his shoulder signaling to part.

Rhaegar nodded to his father and they parted ways his father going to see Varys and Rhaegar decided to find his brothers. Robert and Ned were in the gardens with his mother. Viserys played with Arthur, who had tried to stand guard as he was supposed to but ended up kneeling and playing with him.

"Rhaegar! My son, how was your meeting?" His mother smiled and stood. Ser Lewyn, ever the knight when he felt like it, helped his mother up.

"Mother, you shouldn't have to get up." Rhaegar smiled slightly and she waved him off hugging him.

"My handsome son." The Baratheon heir chuckled while Ned shrugged.

"My lady, you have embarrassed your son by fighting his battles," Ser Lewyn quipped.

"No shame, Ser Lewyn. I bet my mother would beat you and Ser Arthur one hand behind her back," Rhaegar quipped.

"My lady, you hide martial skills from us?" Ser Arthur smiled at his mother and she kindly laughed.

"No, Sers. I just know the basic of swordplay," she said with a twist of her lips. "Stick them with the pointy end."

Ser Lewyn slapped his knee laughing.

"Well put, my lady." Ser Arthur laughed. Viserys seemed to lose interest in him and return to their mother, pulling on her dress wanting to go up. His mother smiled picking him up to kiss his pink cheeks. He giggled, burying his face against her neck.

"So how would she beat us?" Arthur asked.

"By ordering you to stand still while she beats you with her slippers," Robert loudly proclaimed and the knights looked to each other shrugging in agreement.

"Baratheon speaks sense, the gods must be walking the earth." Arthur said.

"He has moments when his head clears the clouds he keeps it in." Rhaegar said.

Robert frowned, rolling his eyes. "Seven hells! What would you say if I wasn't in your presence?"

Ned clapped Robert's shoulders breaking into a grin at Robert's poor.

"Well, we should have lunch. You boys need to grow and Ser Lewyn can afford to leave the servant girls be," his mother quipped and the knight gave a smirk as he followed them to eat in the tables at the garden. After they ate Rhaegar spend the rest of the day by himself thinking on his father's words. Changes to the realm his father had thought he would do so thousands times before, but with how he looked today, Rhaegar was worried. He was very worried indeed and Rhaegar felt some time off from ruling would be best for his father. He needed to step down for some time, let Lord Tywin rule so his father could rest his mind. Time passed for a moment and he sighed, deciding he would deal with this when the time came. For now he would just keep going to council meetings and learning more of the Seven Kingdoms.

After almost a fortnight, his father had gathered his men with him, Ser Gwayne Gaunt of the Kingsguard would follow as his personal guard. Rhaegar stood outside to watch his father off. Beside him Ned and Robert, who his father paid no mind to. Rhaegar stepped to his father on his horse and nodded to him.

"Good luck father, gods speed." Rhaegar put his fist across his heart and bowed his head to his father.

"I will return and we will talk. Now, until then, son," his father rasped and his small procession left. For whatever reason, Rhaegar climbed the battlements to see his father off until he could glimpse him no more from the Dragon Gate. Rhaegar turned to Ned and Robert who went up there for his sake.

"Calm yourself, Rhaegar. Lord Denys would not dare to attack the king when he comes seeking guest rights." Ned said wisely.

"Aye, it also helps the fact that he knows we can pull his keep down to rubble if he does anything."

Rhaegar smile only a little."That is what I want avoid, Robert"

"Well, what could happen?" Robert shrugged, patting his shoulders with a wave of his other hand.

Rhaegar sighed and thought yes, nothing would happen. He was merely letting worries get to him.

Rhaegar has that feeling of premonition the Targaryen are famous for, and Duskendale arch has begun and we shall continue Duskendale next chapter where things began spirling down and the happiness starts to go downhill.

Well to answer some questions!

Hades: Well here is some of what Lord Rickard is thinking on Lyanna's future and that of his house.

Well that's it by the way changed the name just took the before on lords and kings I think it sounds better.

Edit 3/6/2017: Another chapter down thanks to my lovely beta. Shadowcrest Nightingale