9th Moon, 105 AC
Within the Walls of Vaemonds Holdfast, The Red Keep
''Thank you for seeing me Princesses.'' Lord Aegon Bar Emmon said, making his way into the spacious adjoining apartments which belonged to Princess Larissa and her sister Jaehaera, daughters of the late Laena, Queen of Skulls.
''The pleasure is all ours Lord Hand.'' The Princess Larissa, a woman of 52 said warmly, gesturing him to sit down on a lavish couch facing another, where her older sister Jaehara, a woman of 54 with a puffy red face was sitting.
The Hand obliged, taking a seat and looking around the chambers, which were indeed luxurious as all the apartments within Vaemonds Holdfast were. The two younger daughters of Laena were no great or important figures at court holding the title of Princess only by courtesy, though Larissa had been an advisor of sorts to Jaerion during his brief reign, but the late Jaerion had been generous to both of his aunts, allowing them to continue to reside in comfortable apartments within the walled inner holdfast of the Red Keep, and Aurion had made no move to deny his great aunts their accommodation.
Princess Larissa, a devout woman, lit a silver lamp representing the crone with incense before joining her sister on the couch.
Jaehara, poured herself a cup of wine, being no stranger to the comforts of drink Lord Bar Emmon knew, and offered him a glass as well, to which the Hand politely declined, he would need his wits about him for what was to come.
''Thank you again for the hospitality Princesses, but I shall not keep you long….I came seeking some advice.'' The Hand began, before continuing.
''Some advice regarding your sister, the Princess Vaella.'' He finished, studying their faces, and not failing to notice the paleness that appeared on the two princesses' faces at the mention of their older sister Princess Vaella, the spymaster of the Red Keep and the source of much stress for the Hand of the King, and the realms regent since Aurion was away.
Ever since Aurion had left for Saltcliffe following his brief stop at the capitol, the Princess Vaella had engaged in a series of oversteps, making decisions that were not hers to make.
First and foremost she had declared ''a royal edict'' that her bastard son Viserys, an officer within the city Gold Cloaks was to be appointed the designated successor to her husband's position as commander of the Gold Cloaks, and in the meantime making him the Master-at-Arms of the Gold Cloaks, the highest ranking officer besides her husband Renly Arryn and the man responsible for drilling the city watch. She had gone on to name her second son Matagar, a boy of sixteen an officer within the Gold Cloaks as well, passing over many more experienced men in a blatant act of nepotism.
Not only were such acts nepotistic, but these decisions, especially the appointing of the next commander of the Gold Cloaks were matters that were to be handled by the King himself, or in his absence, the regent of the realm, a position which Lord Bar Emmon himself held.
There had been other oversteps as well, Princess Vaella, citing her importance as the realms Master of Whisperers, had taken it upon herself to appoint a knight of the Kingsguard to her personal guard, with no authorization to do such a thing from the regent nor Aurion, and Ser Ryman Restlyn, a quiet and humble knight had not offered any complaints, especially with his Lord Commander not present to clarify his duties.
Not only this, but the Princess Vaella had also hosted foreign dignitaries several times within the throne room of the Red Keep, and when Lord Bar Emmon had went to take his rightful place leading these negotiations, the Princess's personal guard had barred his way claiming that ''court was in session.''
The Hand was a kindhearted and charitable man, and he had been willing to overlook some of her earlier and more minor missteps, he had not mentioned the matter of the gold cloaks to King Aurion during his few day visit earlier as the young King was enjoying time with his family and such matters could easily be settled upon his return. Ever since Aurion had departed however, the Princesses' oversteps became worse and worse.
He could of course go to Queen Alicent, as Queen, she controlled the household of the Red Keep and would prove a valuable ally in confronting the wayward princess. However, Alicent was still feeling the effects of a difficult pregnancy, and given the difficulty of her previous birth, the Grandmaster had ordered her to take to her bed for the entirety of her recovery. Furthermore, he knew Alicent was a bold young woman, and he also knew that the Princess Vaella was dangerous, he did not want to involve the Queen in any potential confrontation with Vaella.
Alicent was clever, she knew something was amiss, likely evident from the Hands tone and stress, but he had promised that he would take care of it and it was nothing she should worry about.
Lord Aegon Bar Emmon was a kindhearted and charitable man, but he was reaching his breaking point, he barely slept due to his anger at being outmaneuvered in a court battle by an aged woman, forced to accept overstep after overstep….he meant to put an end to this insolence today and show her who the true regent was.
His thoughts returning to the two sisters, he saw Larissa and Jaehaera exchange a look, before Larissa at last spoke.
''I'm afraid in terms of dealing with our sister we can provide little help or advice my Lord ... this.'' She began.
The Hand listened intently.
''To tread lightly my Lord.'' Larissa continued.
''What?'' He demanded.
''I advise treading carefully Lord Hand…..you would not be the first man of noble birth our sister has sent to an early grave….I advise you wait for Aurion to return, our sister enjoys the thrill of playing her game, but she is no fool, she will put aside her folly when the King returns.'' Larissa said, her older sister nodding.
The Hand stood up.
''Thank you for your counsel Princesses.'' Lord Bar Emmon said curtly, the two younger sisters had been of no help, he would not await the young King and face humiliation after having lost his court, he would confront this parasite today and remove it.
He made his way out of their chamber without another word, making his way to his chamber, buckling his Valyrian steel dagger to his belt and calling his personal guard, composed of Bar Emmon men.
He sent servants to confine the King's brothers to their rooms, he did not expect any trouble but he did not want the young Princes getting in the way.
Finding a passing servant, he demanded as to where he might find the Princess Vaella.
''The throne room Lord Hand.'' The servant replied nervously.
Lord Aegon Bar Emmon grunted acknowledgement and together with his personal guard, marched towards the throne room to confront Princess Vaella Targaryen.
A Short Time Later
Throne Room of the Red Keep
Princess Vaella sat upon the throne of the conqueror, accepting the parchment from one of her informants with a nod, breaking the seal and reading the report which detailed some minor troubles throughout the realm.
Placing it down she took in the sight from the Iron Throne, the seat of her mother….it was not an unpleasant view.
She had waited long for this, to have real power. She had suffered through ''Bedridden Belle'' forced to watch as all the servants scraped and bowed to her every whim, as the sickly woman held the title as the mistress of the palace. Now she was forced to accept subservience from some Hightower pup a third of her age, only good for breeding litters….she would not have it. She had served the realm for decades and would not wait any longer, she was the true mistress of the Red Keep, she knew its every tunnel, its every secret, she was a Targaryen princess and she had waited long enough to claim the power that came along with it, she had earned the right to make a few decisions.
She was shaken from her thoughts by a loud disturbance outside the Throne Room, where she had members of her personal guard posted to prevent any from entering without her leave.
One of her servants approached ''Its the Hand, Princess, with his escort, 10 men, all armed and armored.''
Vaella was tempted to deny that honorable fool entry, but she knew this was going to happen eventually.
''Let th…them in.'' She commanded and her servants obeyed, though her personal guard, Ser Ryman Restyln among them, formed a line in front of the throne.
Lord Bar Emmon stormed in, his personal guard close behind him.
''H…how was your m…meeting with my sisters L..Lord Hand….not v…very helpful I would imagine m…my mother once likened them to a f…f..flock of frightened hens…an apt compariso..on I think.'' She said in greeting.
Upon seeing her on the throne, the man stopped in shock ''Treason….you dare sit upon the Kings throne.''
''Im o..only k..keeping it w..warm for him.'' Vaella scoffed.
The Hand turned his eyes to Ser Ryman Restlyn of the Kingsguard.
''Remove yourself from this folly Ser….you are a knight of the Kingsguard.'' He demanded hotly.
''A k..knight of the Kingsguard a…and sworn to s..serve the Targaryens not thi…is lord of fish.'' Vaella responded curtly, with the young Kingsguard knight looking endlessly uncomfortable.
''I will suffer no more of this insolence Princess, remove yourself from the Kings throne at once…..you are confined to your quarters until the King returns…this is the command of the Hand of the King.'' Lord Bar Emmon demanded.
''Or?'' Vaella asked, nonchalantly.
''I can arrange for you to be dragged off.'' Lord Bar Emmon said, taking a step towards the throne, but her personal retainers at once stepped forward, their hands upon the pommels of their swords.
A sword was drawn.
To this day it is not truly known what occurred within the throne room of the Red Keep on that day. Survivors loyal to Vaella Targaryen claimed that it was Lord Bar Emmon himself who drew his valyrian steel dagger in anger, thus beginning the melee, while Bar Emmon retainers claim one of Vaellas men drew a sword and approached the Hand of the King.
The circumstances of the melee notwithstanding, one thing is clear of the events of that fateful day. A melee broke out just in front of the Iron Throne and in that melee, two of the Princess Vaellas men were killed, along with five Bar Emmon retainers, among the dead being Lord Bar Emmon, the Hand of the King himself, who was slashed in the forehead with a sword, and despite being dragged from the room by his retreating men to the Grandmaesters chambers, he would die of his wound within the hour.
Following this, a rather tense standoff would occur, with Alicent Hightower ordering the knights of the Kingsguard, Dragon Cloaks and Hightower retinue to man and barr the walls of Vaemonds holdfast, her young son and brother-in-laws inside, while Vaella and her loyal men would keep to the outside of the Red Keep. Despite the tense nature, no further fighting took place as Vaella was not so fool to take any action against the Queen herself.
King Aurion would arrive back in Oldtown after sailing on the Winter Rose, where he would find several desperate missives from the capitol awaiting him.
Leaving his retinue to escort his brother Aelor back, Aurion and Aemorys mounted Vhagar and Tridax, and quickly flew back to King's Landing to deal with the situation.
Upon arriving in the Red Keep, Aurion would find most of Vaellas men having abandoned the castle, with the Princess herself nowhere to be found either. After reuniting with his wife, young son, and brothers and ensuring their safety, it would come to the King's attention that the Princess Vaella had made her way to the Dragonpit, no doubt to her dragon Narrah.
The young King and the Lord Commander mounted their dragons and flew to the Dragonpit, landing outside of the large structure where the dragon keepers reported the Princess had made her way into Narrahs holding pen and had refused any to enter.
10th Moon, 105 AC
Outside the Dragonpit, Kings Landing
Aurion paced outside of the entrance to the Dragonpit, his Uncle Aemorys standing close by, in full Kingsguard armor and his hand on the pommel of Dark Sister, turning he saw the rest of his Kingsguard who had ridden from the Red Keep approaching.
He ran a hand through his brown beard, which he had begun to grow out following his trip to Saltcliffe. He was certainly in a tough position, he still did not know the truth of the altercation between his late hand or his great aunt, and all that was certain is that his great aunt had currently isolated herself with a 55 foot dragon and if she didn't want to come out, it wasn't going to happen.
''I'll go.'' Aurion said finally.
''Your Grace…..I don't know if that's a good idea.'' His uncle Aemorys said.
''You think she would harm me, her sister's grandson?'' Aurion asked.
''The truth…..I don't know, she always took after her mother…her cruelty especially and she was never one to hold many scruples….but then again you know that as well as I'' Aemorys responded.
Aurions hand fell to Blackfyre, the memory of how Vaella, sitting atop Narrah had burned many of their own men alongside the rebels during the battle of Stonedance, and he had to admit the thought of confronting his volatile great aunt was one which came with no small amount of danger.
''If there is to be any chance of resolving this peacefully…..it has to be me, If I were to send men to seize her Narrah would hardly just sit back….and if we drive her off , who knows what trouble she could cause with a fifty foot dragon.'' Aurion said.
''I advise against it, your Grace…..but if you think it the best course of action….'' His Uncle said.
The young King nodded slowly, fully committed now ''I entrust my son and my wife to you Ser.''
Without another word, he made his way to the entrance of the Dragonpit, moving quickly before he could talk himself out of the plan.
The dragon keepers escorted him through the wide winding tunnels of the main Dragonpit, with the King hearing snarls and roars from many of the dragons inside their massive pens, reverberating through the dark tunnel.
They stopped in front of one of the largest pits, with the Dragonkeepers signaling that this was the pit of Narrah, and judging by the rumbling from inside it was aware of their presence.
Aurion nodded thanks and dismissed the dragon keepers.
'' Princess….we have a lot to speak of.'' Aurion said, loudly.
''The door is u…unbarred….sp..speak if you must.'' A voice from inside called out.
Aurion, taking a deep breath opened the large metal door and stepped into the massive pit.
He saw Vaella Targaryen standing next to the red dragon which had its face close to hers, with the Princess running a hand on its white horn, upon his opening of the door however, the dragon turned, gave a deafening screech and raised its huge wings protectively over the Princess, sending gust of wind through the pit, Aurion made out some tattered and thin white membrane parts of the powerful red wings where it had taken a scorpion bolt through the wing in Pentos which had never fully recovered, this was a battle hardened dragon and would have no difficulty in incinerating the King within a moment.
He saw hot red crimson brightly forming in the back of the dragon's throat and running up its neck as it snarled and rumbled.
''Gaomagon ao nūmāzma naejot order narrah naejot tepagon nyke dragonflame kinswoman'' Aurion asked his great aunt in Valyrian. Do you mean to order Narrah to give me Dragonflame kinswoman
'Eman daor olvie decided, ēdan daor expected ao naejot sagon sīr mittys naejot māzigon kesīr'' She responded I have not quite decided, I had not expected you to be so fool to come here , and to Aurions shock, the words came out without a stutter, her speech flawless in the language of the dragon speech.
He slowly approached, the dragon still snarling.
''Why did you come here….and more importantly, why are you still here, you could have been hours away by now, across the sea in Essos, living in a palace in any of the free cities you desired.'' The young King asked, ignoring Narrahs rumbling snarls as he got closer.
''Th…This is m…my home and a Targaryen do…does not r…run…..as for why I am h…here, I c..came to say goodbye.'' The aged Princess responded, gently running a hand on the dragon's rough scales.
''I d…don't expect to s…see Narrah ag…again.'' She continued as the King drew closer.
''Why….what possessed you to such madness, Lord Bar Emmon was a good and leal man, regent and Hand by my own decree.'' Aurion demanded.
Vaella was silent a moment before answering ''I…I could tell you some t..tale of how I watched countless men and w…women eclipse me over the years…..how they all s..simpered and bowed to my older sister, your g…grandmother, or your mother….but…but that would be a l…lie…the truth…I was…bored…..I ne..never intended on an..any death.''
Aurion knew his aunt was a free spirit, unpredictable and always one to follow her heart, and yet the answer still surprised him.
''You know what must happen next Princess.'' Aurion said, it was not a question.
Vaella said nothing, saying something softly to her dragon in Valyrian before turning to her great nephew ''N…nothing happens to my sons….th…they had no part in this.''
''You have my word Princess.'' Aurion said solemnly, extending his hand to her.
For a moment she did nothing and Aurion thought his great aunt meant to roast him after all, but after one last word to Narrah, she walked towards him, taking his hand and Aurion and the daughter of the Queen of Skulls left the Dragonpit, arm in arm.
King Aurion escorted the Princess Vaella personally to a tower cell within the Red Keep furnished with all the comforts befitting a Targaryen princess, where she would be placed under the care of Aenys Targaryen, the King's Justice and await her trial, , which was to be held on the first moon of the new year of 106 AC.
1st Moon, 106 AC
Tower Cell within the Red Keep
Lord Commander Aemorys, in full Kingsguard armor, made his way towards the tower cell where his aunt was being held, his sworn brother Ser Emerick Stonecrab and a cadre of Dragoncloaks making up the rest of the escort.
''Wait here.'' He commanded them as they approached, making his way inside the tower and walking up the steps, with a pair of turnkeys armed with cudgels showing him to the chamber where his aunt could be found.
Inside he found his cousin Aenys and they greeted each other, the two of them had always been close ever since childhood, though their respective duties kept them both busy and despite both residing in the Red Keep they did not see each other frequently. As the King's Justice and Master of the Dungeons, Aenys was largely out of the public eye of the court, largely being forgotten which Aemorys knew was not a negative to his cousin, who despite his previous conflict with Jaerion was at heart a humble and content man, who wished for nothing for than a simple life.
''It's time.'' Aemorys said simply, placing a hand on his cousin's shoulder in greeting.
''I suppose I should say my farewells?'' Aenys said driely.
''The King understands the value of mercy…..but I cannot speak to where his mind is…..or what his decision will be.'' The Lord Commander responded, somewhat somberly, he had never been close with Vaella but it was still not a pleasant experience to bring his mothers sister to trial.
Aenys nodded and made his way to an adjoining suite, a set of keys in his hand, and after unlocking the cell, he returned with their aunt Vaella, who was dressed in a black dress with a necklace of rubies.
''Ah….my d….dear n..nephews, I c..can't decide which of you I a..adore more….my c..captor or my p…prisoner escort….I c..cant say its been a p..leasure.'' Their aunt responded with all her usual charm.
Aenys's jaw tightened at that.
''Y…you sure you wont a..attend Aenys….y…you know what you will be mi..missing I presume….get s..some excitement in your life.'' Their aunt pushed.
''I've had more than enough excitement in my life.'' Aenys said curtly, though he had a rather uncomfortable look on his face, refusing to meet Aemorys's eyes.
Aemorys gestured to his aunt that it was time to go, and the old woman needed no prodding, walking out of the tower with her head held high as she was escorted towards the Throne Room.
''W…Will you l..lend Tridaxes fire to m..my pyre?'' Vaella asked, as nonchalantly as if she was asking what the next course at dinner was to be.
''It may not come to that…..the King is a man of honor….submit yourself, confess your crimes, and I believe he will show you mercy…..this is no game however Aunt.'' Aemorys said, not breaking his stride.
''A p..pity…I w..was always good at games.'' She responded pithily.
They entered the throne room of the Red Keep, where his nephew was sitting upon the Iron Throne, the crown of the Conqueror upon his head, he meant to preside over the trial personally, with assistance from the Grandmaster. The throne room was quite crowded and the gallery above overlooking the throne room was close to full.
The rest of his sworn Kingsguard brothers stood in a semi-circle in front of the throne. Excluding Ser Ryman Restlyn who had been tried earlier that day, Aurion had pardoned the young knight as Aemorys had known he would, as the young knight could not be completely faulted for not wishing to disobey a direct command for protection from a Targaryen Princess, and he had no knowledge of what was to come, and was permitted to remain a knight of the Kingsguard, though he was absent from the trial due to conflict of interest. There had been other smaller trials, all of Vaellas men and Bar Emmon men had been pardoned for their role in the melee, with the exception of the man who had struck the fatal blow against Lord Bar Emmon, Aurion had ordered him hung, calling it a great dishonor to strike such a vicious blow upon an unarmored man who was armed only with a dagger. The rest, though pardoned, had been banished from the city.
''PRINCESS VAELLA TARGARYEN.'' The herald announced.
Aemorys gave a glance to his aunt, if she was nervous she was doing a good job concealing it. In the gallery Aemorys saw her bastard Viserys Flowers and her elderly husband Renly Arryn, both armored in the traditional golden armor and cloaks of the city watch.
''Princess Vaella.'' Aurion began in a loud voice as they approached the throne.
''You stand accused of…'' the King continued but Vaella cut him off.
''A g…great many things I i…imagine…b…but I will save you the t…trouble of a..all of this….I…Vaella Targaryen d…demand a trial by combat….by r..right of birth and blood!'' The Princess said, fearlessly despite her stutter and the crowd. A few laughs had arisen from the crowd at the beginning of her stuttering speech, but none were laughing now, in fact the throne room and all its hundreds of people were silent as a tomb, at least for a moment before a cacophony of murmurs broke out among the gallery and courtiers on the ground.
Aemorys, still in shock, looked to his aunt who stood determined, a sly smile on her face.
Suddenly, his cousin's discomfort and refusal to attend the trial all made sense She told Aenys she meant to go through with this madness. Aemorys cursed silently at his cousin for not telling him ahead of time so that he could have prevented this folly.
By the looks of it his nephew Aurion was just as shocked as anyone else, leaning forward almost as if he could not believe what he had just heard, the young King managed to compose himself however after some whispering from the Grandmaster.
''You have that right….but you surely understand that this is folly Princess…..it would be unseemly for me to stand against my own blood, or for me to send my Uncle against his own Aunt….but you will face one of my sworn seven, all of them trained and skilled at arms….unless of course you have a champion to take part in this farce'' Aurion said, his jaw tightening in disbelief. Aemorys found himself looking to his younger bastard cousin Viserys in the gallery, who fortunately looked as if he was not aware of his mothers plans.
''I…I have n..never been in a proper s..sword fight…s..seems as good a t..time as any.'' The old woman said.
Aurion, his face hardened and clearly frustrated at the trial becoming a spectacle glared at his aunt ''So you do not mean to appoint a champion?''
Princess Vaella Targaryen shook her head, suddenly the crowd began to murmur and Aemorys turned to see Vaellas son Viserys, an officer in the City Watch standing slowly.
Dont boy….don't throw your life away for her….you damn fool Aemorys silently pleaded, but his cousin continued to stand, the crowd backing away from him.
''Honor demands that I stand for my mother.'' The young Gold Cloak officer said boldly, though there was a hint of sadness on his face. A sadness matched by Aemorys, he didn't know his younger cousin all that well but he knew the lad was a goodhearted young man and honorable, the opposite of his mother, he was trained at arms as all gold cloaks were and likely a doughty fighter but he would stand next to no chance against the best swords in the Kingsguard.
For the first time, Aemorys saw a flicker of doubt, and perhaps even fear run through his aunt Vaellas confident facade.
''S…Sit down boy…I r…refuse to accept any c..champion.'' Vaella said loudly, looking at her son, and the boy, though clearly reluctant, had no choice but to acquiesce, champions were voluntary in trials by combat.
''Lord Commander.'' Aurion commanded, looking to Aemorys before continuing ''The Princess has chosen to go through with the trial by combat….it is my wish that one of the sworn members my Kingsguard represent me, as it would be unseemly for me to face mine own blood…make the preparations Ser, we assemble in a half hours turn.''
Aemorys raised a plated glove to his chest in salute and withdrew from the throne room, gesturing his sworn brothers to fall him.
Fifteen Minutes Later
Throne Room of the Red Keep
King Aurion paced in front of his throne, too angry to sit. He had been prepared to offer mercy and clemency to his Aunt, and had said as much to Aemorys to pass on to her but she had spat his generosity right in his face, and made a mockery of both the trial and courtly etiquette.
And for what the young King thought to himself, for pride, for some sort of foolish bravery, knowing her, there was a very real chance even the Princess Vaella did not know why she did the things she did.
He paused to collect himself, he was not alone in the throne room, there were at least three hundred nobles and courtiers, perhaps more in attendance, and it would not do for him to sulk like an angry child, a King must adapt.
He saw movement out of the corner of his eye, and saw his kinsman Viserys, the young Gold Cloak officer approaching, Aurion gestured for his dragon cloaks to let the man through.
Viserys bowed his head ''Your Grace.''
Aurion gestured for the man to speak.
''I wish to apologize for my mothers behavior…and state that I did not mean to oppose you when I offered to stand for her…I won't apologize for it though sire….I had too.'' The young officer said.
Aurion, his anger slowly abating nodded ''I understand.''
Viserys looked quite surprised at that.
''You had to try…were it my mother….I would have done the same…I don't hold it against you…..but you have more to say than just that.'' Aurion said perceptively.
Viserys nodded ''I….my mother has committed grievous acts its true….but I am here to ask for your mercy regardless….I ask for her life.''
''I was prepared to offer your mother clemency…there would of course been punishment, living out the rest of her days as a sister of the faith or under house arrest in her tower cell…..but she would have been spared….she has chosen a trial by combat however…it is out of my hands.'' Aurion said curtly, turning to leave.
''Perhaps it is not out of your hands.'' The young man said suddenly before continuing ''A word to your Kingsguard…..and she might survive this trial.''
''You are suggesting I make a mockery of this trial by combat?'' Aurion asked.
''I am suggesting you tell your man to allow her to yield sire…..to stay his blade….my mother is no great swordsman…it would be enough to simply incapacitate her…to disarm her.'' Viserys said.
The young King said nothing at that, and Viserys, seeing the futility of further begging turned to leave, a look of sadness on his face.
''Viserys.'' Aurion called out, causing the man to turn.
''Your mother has made many mistakes…but perhaps not all she did was foolish…I have heard much and more of you and I know you better than I did before…..consider your position as the next commander of the Gold Cloaks secure….regardless of my decision.'' He told his kinsman.
''You are saying…'' Viserys began.
''I am saying I will consider it.'' Aurion said firmly and the gold cloak bowed his head and withdrew.
He turned the hilt of Blackfyre in his hand, examining the ruby pommel….thinking.
He made his decision.
Ten minutes later his Kingsguard emerged.
His uncle had chosen Ser Maynard Mormont to represent the crown in the trial, a gloomy yet veritable bear of a man who was widely considered to be one of the best fighters not only in the Kingsguard but the entire realm.
Princess Vaella emerged as well, looking significantly less impressive, someone had found her some black chainmail fitting to her and a half helm, along with a sword and shield, the Kingsguard knight towered over the Targaryen princess in his white plate and helm as the two of them made their way to the center of the throne room.
Aurion waved his hand for it to begin.
It went about as one might expect. Princess Vaella, true to her nature let out a yell and hacked at the man though her blows were easily blocked by the younger and far stronger man. Aurion could not help but be somewhat impressed by the woman of 58, Viserys had claimed she was no great swordsman but she moved fast for an old woman and it was clear she had more experience than any could have guessed, but against an opponent of Ser Maynards quality it made no difference.
Ser Maynard Mormont could have cleaved Princess Vaella in two a dozen times as he drove her across the hall, and yet he never pressed the advantage, though the Princess did not come off entirely unscathed as she received several ringing blows from the pommel of the man's two handed longax to her helm and shoulder.
Still the Princess did not yield, the sneer on her face evident even beneath her helmet as she doggedly fought on, launching a desperate and wild attack like one of the fierce one eared tomcats which prowled the Red Keep…..which was abruptly ended when Mormonts thrust the butt off his ax just beneath her eye, sending her clattering to the ground laying on her back, her sword somehow still in her grip, though her helm had fallen off.
Mormont put a boot on her chest and raised his ax in the air….waiting for a moment, giving the King a knowing look that he had done all he could….the rest was quite literally in her hands.
Wordlessly, Princess Vaella loosened her grip on the sword, with it falling to the ground.
Aurion gave his kinsmen Viserys a slight nod from the throne as the Princess was dragged back to a tower cell to await her sentence.
Later that Evening
Tower Cell within the Red Keep
Aurion made his way to Vaellas cell, gesturing for his kinsman Aenys to open the gate to her cell. He found her laying on the bed, in obvious pain.
The left side of her face was a ruin of purple, red and black bruises, with her left eye barely able to open, Aurion had sent Maesters to treat her wounds, but they had reported she had refused any milk of the poppy.
He grabbed a small chair and placed it by her beside, with the old woman slowly getting up to a sitting position against the back bed post.
''My s…son came to see you…I suppose th…that's what I owe m…my life too.'' Vaella asked and Aurion nodded silently.
''A…good lad…too good….n…nothing like his mother.'' The old woman said.
''I have questions of my own.'' the King said and Vaella gestured boredly for him to continue,
''That bit about you never having been in a sword fight….that was bullshit wasn't it?'' He demanded. Vaella had been clearly outclassed by Ser Maynard but she had not fought like an ameteur, her stance and grip had been to refined…if it had been any other fighter than Ser Maynard the surprise alone of her technique might have been enough to overwhelm a different fighter, perhaps even himself he had to admit begrudgingly.
Vaella let out a raspy laugh ''I..I have fought in th…three campaigns b…boy….traveled to Volantis…P..Pentos….o..one doesnt li..live m..my lifestyle wi..without having been in a swo..sword fight or two.''
''Who taught you?'' Aurion asked, genuinely curious.
''I g…grew up on Dragonstone…my s…s..sister Syaella had her books…and I..h..had my sword craft…m..my mother m..made no m..move to put an en..end to it…sh..she understood th..the way o..of this world.'' The Princess responded, a rather somber look on her face when she mentioned her sister's name.
Aurion was silent at that, looking out the window, which had a view of the Blackwater Bay and the sunset.
''I am here to offer you a choice Princess….you may either stay here in the capitol within these chambers under guard….you will never set foot outside of these walls…but you will be comfortable and lack for nothing…and have a pleasant view besides.'' Aurion began, to which his Great Aunt was silent.
''Or…I could arrange to have you sent to the Faith, and live the rest of your days as a silent sister seeing to the bodies of the dead and spending your days in prayer and contemplation….you will never return to King's Landing, or leave your order for as long as you live….should you desert the faith, or attempt to escape….I will have the Warriors Sons bring me your head'' Aurion said.
''And what d…do you counsel Wise k..King?'' The Princess asked.
''I say the choice is clear….you seem to be a woman ill suited for captivity…and you have the chance to make something of the rest of your days rather than waste away…..and you have much to atone for Princess.'' Aurion said curtly.
''M…More tha…than you know boy.'' Vaella responded, looking to the window, a look that might have almost passed for regret in her eyes.
''I dont suppo..se I can b…bring N..Narrah...cremation of the d…dead would never be more efficient.'' The old woman said, quickly abandoning the rather uncharacteristic look of regret that had been present on her face.
The King smiled slightly but his silence was all the answer she needed.
Vaella was silent for a good while before she emitted another raspy laugh.
''All my l…life my mother t…told me to not be af..afraid to speak…..to never be si..silent for fear of what o..others might think….a Silent Sister….n..now I will b…be just l…like the rest of them.'' The Princess Vaella Targaryen said.
''You could never be like the rest of them Princess.'' Aurion said sadly, standing to leave.
''A f..final word o…of advice Aurion.'' The daughter of the Queen of Skulls stated, causing him to pause.
''B..Be wary of E…Ellard T..Tyrell…th…that one desires your Throne….hardly a s…surprise he is that sch…scheming bitch Alyssanes son'' She said.
Aurion looked at her in surprise at the mention of his Marshall.
''H…He planned to u..usurp the th…throne when it became clear y…your father w….would die…th..that is why he urged your f..father to k..keep you close i..in the c..capitol so he could s..seize you i..in the confus..sion…h…his plans were f….foiled when you marched w…with your Uncle. '' She warned.
He took the news in silence before responding ''Does he still plot this treason?''
''Your friendship w…with his son pr..proves a complication…and n..now that you are of age h..his claim i..is not as s..strong…he h..has little support now a…and ha..has abandon h..his outright wish for the t…throne…but g..given the opportunity….I would ad…advise removing h…him from yo..your court.'' Vaella answered.
Aurion thanked the Princess before withdrawing from the room.
Princess Vaella Targaryen would take her vows as a silent sister shortly after, traveling to join the convent of silent sisters at the Motherhouse in Maidenpool. She would spend the next 13 years of her life in service to the faith, quite dutifully as the Matron of the Motherhouse would later go on to claim there was never a harder working sister. Vaella made no attempts to escape and would never again visit Kings Landing, though various sources claim that several times, an aged silent sister was seen in the company of rather shady hooded men at Maidenpools rougher taverns, seemingly listening to their hushed tones and receiving parchments, with some claiming that this was the Princess Vaella, still keeping herself appraised of the various comings and goings in the realm.
The Princess Vaella Targaryen, daughter of the Queen of Skulls and her most trusted confidant would pass away peacefully in her bed at the age of 71 in 118 AC. Her remains would be sent back to King's Landing upon the request of her family and her ashes would be interred beside her mother, the Queen of Skulls, reunited in death.
Today, among the many pools and fountains which can be found in the city of Maidenpool is a small and faded fountain depicting a Red Dragon….no doubt made in homage to the late Princess Vaella Targaryen and known to this day as ''Vaellas Pool''.