Rhaegar regarded Lady Lannister with suspicion as she held his mother's hands in her own and whispered in the Queen's ear. Life at court had taught him a great deal, not the last of which was that those who seemed the friendliest of the lot were usually the quickest to betray.
At his side, Arthur choked once again on his laughter. He would the whole matter laughable, much to Rhaegar's displeasure. "My friend, only you would protest good food and beautiful women," his Dornish companion had said as they'd begun the long road to Casterly Rock. "You act as if are being sent to your death," Arthur remarked, uncharacteristically mild. That made Rhaegar even more suspicious.
"Might as well," the Prince grumbled under his breath, knowing fully well that would annoy Arthur.
Far from ready to show his irritation, Arthur continued his teasing. "You are twice as lucky now. Lord Lannister had acquired a second daughter. Just think, Rhaegar. You can now safely play Aegon the Conqueror and no one would fault you for it."
With a groan, The Prince punched Arthur's arm, subtly through, so none might notice were they to glance at the two. "What Aegon? Do stop, Dayne, or you'll find yourself left at the tender mercies of those two sisters you speak so fondly of." Few things terrified Arthur more than marriage-minded simpering maids.
Felling that he had made his point, Rhaegar turned his eyes to the road once more and cursed the sun and the heat. Dust. There was dust everywhere. He was covered in it. Gods be good, he had dust in his mouth too. Needless to say, his mood was not improved by such conditions. Only one occurrence could have possibly made it worse, but thankfully that did not seem likely to happen. Glancing towards the wheelhouse that bore his father towards their destination, Rhaegar felt relief wash over him. It was to be hoped that the King did not wish to ride – at any time. The Seven knew what ideas would take root in that sick head of his. Disgust rolled through Rhaegar at which he shuddered involuntarily, thankfully, he was able to mask his reaction.
He considered Arthur's words with greater care though. His father's acceptance of Lord Tywin's invitation had come as a surprise. For years, Rhaegar had left like a fox being hunted, as the Lord Hand tried to shove in his – decidedly unwilling – arms his daughter. The King had protested. Perhaps the single kindest act his madman of a father had done in his entire life, some may argue that it was the very single.
Yet, as Lady Lannister her own children brought forth to the Rock, his father's mind changed. Rhaegar was far from stupid. He had understood well enough what his father wished. The only question was if he himself was willing to do it. In truth, he was rather curious about the new additions to Lord Tywin's house. Cersei and her brother were known to him, but Lyanna Lannister – or perhaps she had remained a Stark – and her brothers were unknown to him. There was one certainty, it wouldn't be Cersei to be his bride.
"At least attempt a smile," Arthur advised him, nudging him none too gently in the ribs to let him know they were being watched. He had his uses, that friend of his, when he put his mid to it.
Whatever intention Rhaegar had towards these games the ladies so enjoyed playing, he knew that some things could not be avoided. He swallowed his annoyance, managing to ignore it long enough to incline his head politely at the two ladies looking with curiosity towards him and Dayne. "All I shall be hearing for the next few weeks is how accomplished one or the other of those girls is."
"You might get a demonstration," his friend suggested, the implications decidedly lacking in innocence. At Rhaegar's glare he merely smiled with accustomed grace. "You are entire too irritable on this fine day. It cannot be only the prospect of wedding that has you so."
"Right you might be, Arthur, but I have no plans of discussing it with you." Knowing when it was time to let go, Arthur merely shrugged. Of course, eventually, he would find out what worried Rhaegar, but it was a lesson learned a long time ago that the Prince could be as stubborn as a mule when it suited him. And it suited him often enough.
It was Rhaegar's hope that he might be done with the whole issue in a short span of time. And along solve the matter of marriage too. It had gone on long enough to be sure and it was growing less and less likely that his own mother might bring forth a daughter. In truth, Rhaegar was rather pleased with that. His poor mother had suffered enough in wedding someone of her own blood and history had a nasty habit of repeating itself. The quicker he was about finding a bride and appeasing his father, the quicker he could turn to important matters.
"If you'd only make an effort," Arthur cut off the train of his though, "I am sure you'd find a lady willing to consider taking on that burden which always pressed upon your shoulders."
"You enjoy vexing me." Well, it was the truth. Arthur enjoyed mocking people and situations and Rhaegar was his only available target at the moment. "You are very lucky I consider you my friend, Dayne."
"So you keep telling me," the Dornishman confirmed. "But I have yet to see the luck your friendship affords me. Look at you, always sullen and morose. This is hardship, I tell you."
"Then be off with you," Rhaegar challenged. He even managed a smile at the face Arthur pulled. "I cannot have people saying you keep me company under duress."
Arthur snored. "Nay. I think I'll stay. Watching the dragon struggle with the little lions might be something worth seeing."
"It pleases me beyond words to have provided entertainment for you, Dayne." They shared a look of mock contempt before laughing. At least he would have a shield in Dayne. Who knew, it might even be that he would escape unscathed from the encounter.