I held the bundle closer in my arms, my baby wailing, and Rhaegar stood in the doorway, ever gaunt with grief, the crown atop his head.
"Your Grace."
"Have you named her?"
The door was closed, and Rhaegar sat opposite, his Kingsguard, with a nod of his own, outside the chambers.
"Not until it is safe to do so… "
Rhaegar blinked his violet eyes.
"It is over."
"You cannot know - I was imprisoned. None of us wanted - that ."
"I mean for the kingdoms to be restored."
I looked up, and he shook his head.
"To deny Lord Tarly what he has held would be an insult. Only Dorne can aid the crown against an attack across the Narrow Sea, or from within. Levies are made of men who must grow… "
Rhaegar held out his finger, and smiled an empty smile, when the babe clutched it. The king, so stunning in his silver hair and face, stared at me.
"Viserys does not mean it."
"He sees the babe as an insult. I have heard him… but pardons, Your Grace. It is only by - pardons."
Rhaegar took my shaking hand.
"You have lost your husband, your children and your home. But that I could reach beyond the Wall. It is dire news of your sons. And they say it was an accident… "
I turned my face as did Rhaegar.
"My Margaery would be most beautiful. A rose of Highgarden."
Rhaegar turned, hard-faced.
"You must let it leave you."
I turned and glared.
"She did not live, did she?"
Rhaegar's eyes widened. I nodded.
"And the boy? The Kingsguard Who Never Returned?"
Rhaegar continued to stare. I rose.
" I saw all, until he took me in. I see little now. I see you must rule, without her ."
Rhaegar had pain in every etch of his face. I came to him.
"Just as I survived for my children, now - "
I glanced down at the babe in my arms, suckling quietly. I glanced up.
" - I remain a reason to stay alive. If I should swear she would not claim, so be it. Such would be folly. Please protect her. In your arms, I trust. If you can keep him safe… "
Rhaegar raised his chin and nodded. Then he left, and the babe in my arms squalled, violet-eyed and tuft of silver hair…