Chapter Text
The air was unbearably hot and humid. The looming hot sun was unforgiving and Arthur couldn't help but curse the sun for being so intense. Sweat trickled down from his forehead and he wiped the moisture away with annoyance. The Sword of the Morning had thought that he was used to hot climate, having lived in Dorne for most of his life, he often used to make fun of his sworn brothers, Oswell Whent and Gerold Hightower, during their time spent in Dorne. The kingsguard duo had suffered extensively because of their unfamiliarity with the Dornish heat. He used to laugh at their faces when they turned beat red after being out in the sun. But Dorne's heat was nothing compared to the intense swelter of Pentos. Perhaps I was too harsh on my brothers, Arthur thought bitterly.
In the courtyard, Arthur stood witness to the training of the children. His gaze fixed on Visenya and Viserra, as they engaged in a spirited spar. The twins mirrored each other in more ways than one. Proficient with their steel swords, their eyes radiated with an undeniable fervor as their blades clashed once again. The sound of metal scraping against metal resonated with familiarity for Arthur. Ever since their arrival in Essos, he had dedicated considerable time to sparring sessions with Rhaegar and his loyal comrades, occasionally even crossing swords with Lyanna. As Viserys and the children grew older, Arthur took it upon himself to train them as well. Even after establishing Pentos as their new home, he persisted in honing their skills. At times, he displayed sternness towards the children, but it was a necessity. They bore the blood of Old Valyria, making them targets for numerous adversaries who sought their demise. If I am not hard on them, they may soon meet their demise in the hands of some assassin.
In a fleeting moment, it appeared that Visenya had gained the advantage, only to be swiftly countered by her sister. With grace, Viserra dropped to one knee, delivering a precise strike with the blunt side of her sword. While Viserra possessed greater agility, it was Visenya who displayed exceptional skill in swordsmanship. Arthur couldn't help but wear a fond smile as he observed the two girls. Like their father, they radiated the captivating allure of Valyrian heritage. As Aegon's words drew laughter from the sisters, Arthur found himself captivated by their joyful camaraderie. "Aegon, you are not supposed to be here." He called out to the silver haired boy.
"I only came to see my sisters Arthur." Aegon said with a mischievous grin.
"Your father awaits your presence. It is unwise to keep him waiting, My Prince," Arthur's voice carried a stern tone, though an undertone of amusement lingered as he observed the boy. Aegon, in truth, bore little resemblance to his father, save for their shared passion for books and looks. No, Aegon possessed more of Elia's spirit than Rhaegar's. Both the Princess and the Prince possessed an extraordinary ability to forge connections with individuals from all walks of life, whether highborn or lowborn. Their genuine warmth always attracted people to them.
However, there was a distinct fire within Aegon—an ember that ignited his actions when he deemed it necessary. Elia's kindness, at times, overshadowed reason, but Aegon, on occasion, exhibited a calculated cruelty. It was a juxtaposition that both warmed and worried Arthur, for within Aegon burned the radiant essence of the Sun, yet he also embodied the fierce nature of dragons. These qualities did not escape Arthur's discerning eye, secretly causing him concern.
"Arthur, my father wished to speak with you as well." The boy called out from down the courtyard.
"Yes, My Prince. I'll be right there." Arthur made his way to Rhaegar's wing of the manse. Arthur heard the footsteps of Aegon behind him.
"Has something happened Arthur?" Aegon's voice was grave and serious, so unlike the boy who was just moments ago laughing with his sisters. "Father has locked himself in his solar ever since that letter came."
As Arthur allowed his mind to wander back to the events of two nights ago, a vivid recollection took hold—the moment when Magister Illyrio had arrived with a sense of urgency, his news striking dread into Arthur's heart. The memory echoed with the weight of past revelations, for it was during a similar encounter that Illyrio had informed them of Princess Rhaenys' fateful betrothal to the usurper. But that was many moons ago, and now the young girl whom Arthur had once seen play around Dragonstone, perched upon his shoulders, had ascended as Robert's Queen.
Yet, despite her newfound title, a lingering bitterness tainted Arthur's thoughts, as if the taste of it still clung to his tongue. Rhaenys would forever remain Princess Rhaenys, the cherished daughter of Rhaegar, in his eyes. The mere notion of her forced union with the depraved Robert Baratheon evoked an insatiable rage within him. How could they subject his beloved princess to such a fate? The image of her, alone and wedded to that whoremonger, cast a dark shadow upon his soul.
However, Arthur steadfastly refused to succumb to despair. Within him, a flicker of hope burned brightly. He knew that soon enough they would rescue her from the claws of the Baratheon dog and bring her back to where she truly belonged - by their side.
Rhaegar, consumed by a private conversation with Illyrio, had secluded himself within the confines of his solar. Arthur's curiosity piqued as he pondered the nature of their exchange, yet the enigmatic magister stubbornly withheld any inkling of information. Days stretched by, each one marked by Rhaegar's solitary seclusion, until finally, the summons came—for Aegon first, and now for Arthur himself.
"I am uncertain of what transpired, My Prince, but do not fret. I have faith that all shall be well," Arthur offered reassuring words to the young boy, seeking to assuage any apprehension that might have taken root within him.
As they approached the imposing carved wooden doors that guarded the entrance to Rhaegar's solar, Aegon gestured with respect, granting Arthur precedence. "After you, Ser Arthur," the boy said courteously, his hand extending to open the doors, beckoning Arthur to step forward and enter the chamber that held the secrets and worries of their beloved prince.
The room greeted Arthur with an unusual chill, an oddity in stark contrast to the searing heat that permeated the world beyond its walls. As he ventured further into the solar, his eyes widened, and an unexpected gasp escaped his lips, caught in the grip of astonishment.
Nestled within the heart of the chamber, a magnificent table stood, resplendent in its construction of the most exquisite marble and rarest woods, a lavish gift bestowed upon Rhaegar by the benevolent magister. Yet, the grandeur of the table seemed inconsequential in the face of the figure seated behind it.
Rhaegar appeared disheveled, his long strands of silver hair falling unkempt and tangled, mirroring the turmoil that engulfed his spirit. Clad in the same attire he had worn on the day of his private discourse with Illyrio, he emanated an air of neglect, as if the world outside had become inconsequential to him. The heavy scent of wine lingered in the air, its presence an unyielding testament to the struggles that plagued the prince's troubled mind. Yet, it was the distress etched upon Rhaegar's face that struck Arthur the hardest. Drawing closer to his prince, he discerned the faint remnants of dried tear stains that adorned the beautiful face, now marred by sorrow.
In the face of such evident anguish, Arthur's heart weighed heavy, brimming with concern for the man he had pledged his life to protect.
Aegon's hurried footfalls reverberated through the room, echoing a sense of urgency. Startled by the uncharacteristic display of his usually composed father, the young boy knelt beside Rhaegar, his voice laced with concern. "Father, what's wrong?"
Arthur stood rooted in shock, his eyes locked on the distress unfolding before him. Never before had he witnessed his dear friend in such a state of disarray. Throughout the years of their companionship, Rhaegar had shown little interest in alcohol, often consuming no more than three glasses of wine, if any at all. Yet now, before Arthur's disbelieving eyes, he beheld two flagons of wine, their contents emptied and carelessly discarded upon the floor.
Shaking himself from his daze, Arthur swiftly moved toward Rhaegar, his footsteps carrying him closer to the troubled figure. "My Prince, what troubles you? Are you well?" he inquired, his voice filled with genuine concern for the silver-haired man whose turmoil was etched upon his face.
Arthur's gaze remains fixed on Rhaegar, a mix of apprehension and curiosity swirling within him. To his surprise, the prince rises from his seat with an unexpected steadiness, his movements devoid of any faltering or sway. Gracefully, like a dancer, Rhaegar traverses the room, heading towards the unlit fireplace.
The air hangs heavy with an eerie calmness as Rhaegar speaks, his voice devoid of any discernible emotion. "The letter, read the letter on the table, Arthur." The command falls from his lips, delivered with a detached air that sends a shiver down Arthur's spine.
Obeying the prince's directive, Arthur's eyes descend upon the desk, where the object of Rhaegar's attention lies in wait. His hand instinctively reaches out, grasping the letter with a mix of dread and urgency. The paper crackles under his touch as he lifts it, anticipation gnawing at him, urging him to delve into the contents that have consumed Rhaegar's thoughts.
"Queen Rhaenys has given birth. A boy and a girl. The sweet girl named her daughter after her mother. Elia Baratheon. The boy was named after King Robert's own mother, Cassian Baratheon.
Your Friend"
Arthur felt a lump in his throat. Rhaenys, a mother? No, she's just a girl. She can't be a mother. His mind could not believe the words written on the page and so he read the letter once more.
Queen Rhaenys—a title that now sits upon the shoulders of the girl he once knew so well—has brought life into the world. A bittersweet revelation, for in her youthfulness, it seems inconceivable that she could bear such a weighty responsibility.
A boy and a girl, their names forever immortalized in ink upon the parchment. The sweet girl, cradling the precious fruit of her love, chose to honor her own mother, Elia, by bestowing her daughter with that very same name. And the boy, a testament to the twisted ties that bind their family, was named after Cassana Baratheon, King Robert's own mother, Cassian Baratheon.
Yet, despite the words that stare back at him from the page, Arthur's mind struggles to fully comprehend the magnitude of the news. Rhaenys, a mother? The notion seems strange and wrong, defying the image he had long held of her.
"What is it? Has something happened?" Arthur heard Aegon say.
Arthur did not know what to tell the boy. Aegon was a small child when they fled to Essos. He does not remember much of his sister. The knight remembers how upset the boy had been when Rhaegar had told him of Rhaenys' marriage to Robert. Aegon had been mad at his sister but he had not voiced these feelings out loud, at least not with Rhaegar around.
The princess is a sore subject for all the family in truth. It was peculiar how the family never seemed to talk about Rhaenys out in the open but once the doors were closed, Rhaenys was all they talked about. Aegon and his siblings would often imagine what their long-lost sister was like, concocting wild stories about her. Rhaenys seemed to exist as an idea rather than a person to them. At times, they found themselves cursing the sister they had never known, for they could see how heavily her absence weighed on their father.
The depth of Rhaegar's love for Rhaenys resonated within every fiber of his being, evident in the heartfelt words that spilled from his lips whenever he spoke of her. In the hushed moments of countless sleepless nights, Rhaegar and Arthur would find solace in each other's company, their conversations revolving solely around the cherished memories of the eldest princess. Though unspoken, the unassailable truth loomed between them—Rhaenys was unquestionably Rhaegar's favorite child. The bond they shared, akin to the color of the sky or the warmth of the sun, needed no confirmation.
After their departure to Essos, Rhaegar transformed into a mere semblance of the man he once was. The weight of his losses bore heavily upon his shoulders—defeat in war, the relinquishment of his crown, the death of his wife—but it was the loss of Rhaenys that struck him at his core. The memory remained etched in Arthur's mind, the haunting image of Rhaegar being dragged aboard the ship, a shattered prince consumed by anguish. In that moment, the polished facade Rhaegar had worn so flawlessly shattered, replaced by a feral desperation as he unleashed a storm of curses upon the cruel hands of fate.
Retreating into a cloak of silence, Rhaegar withdrew from the world, shutting himself off from all those who sought to offer him solace, even his Lady Lyanna. The lingering resentment flickered in his eyes, a silent reproach directed not only at the circumstances that had torn Rhaenys from their grasp but also at those who had failed to reclaim her. Arthur could sense the weight of Rhaegar's expectations, the unspoken reproach that silently hung in the air, accusing him and his sworn brothers of not trying hard enough, not fighting with every fiber of their beings to bring Rhaenys back into his embrace.
"It's your sister." Arthur finally spoke. His voice was shaky. He cleared his throat and continued. "It says that your sister has given birth. Twins, a boy and a girl. The girl's name is Elia."
Arthur saw the change in emotions in Aegon's eyes. "What? You mean she's had children with that dog?" The boy's voice was filled with anger, his beautiful purple eyes glowing viciously.
"Yes, it would seem so." Arthur said in confirmation
"And Elia Baratheon?" Aegon scoffed incredulously. "Does she take us for fools? Uncle Oberyn would be furious at her naming the usurper's spawn after his precious sister"
Arthur tensed at this and looked at Rhaegar who clenched his jaw at the mention of his sweet wife being the namesake of the daughter of the man who ordered her death. Aegon turned to his father. "Do you see now? We can't stay here any longer. Robert Baratheon married your daughter and now he has given you grandchildren, while you sit here and do nothing."
"Quiet boy" Rhaegar's voice was stern and Aegon flinched at his cold voice, looking like a child of five name-days. Arthur watches as Rhaegar gaze lingered longingly at the barely-used harp, hidden in the corner. "When she was a babe I used to sing to her. When she started walking she would climb up to my lap and play with my hair. Once she started talking she would demand me to sing her Jenny's song." His voice was melodious and soft unlike the harsh tones he took with Aegon. "The day before I left her—she climbed onto my lap one last time and made me promise something to her." The prince suddenly stopped. He stared at the ashes in the fireplace.
"What did she make you promise?" Aegon asked hurriedly. The boy had always been impatient.
"I promised her that I would write her a song, a song as beautiful as she was. A song that I would sing until the end of my days." Rhaegar turned to face them for the first time. "I wrote her a song that night, but I never got to sing it to her."
"Robert has taken my daughter like she is one of his whores, he has fathered children upon her. I did nothing when they murdered my wife, and I will regret it until my dying days. But he has gone too far. He's taken my precious Rhaenys and I can't allow that" Rhaegar's voice was filled with pain and anger. "It is time for us to return. When morning comes, we shall discuss this more in depth. But for right now, I need to be alone."
"But father—" Aegon began.
"Leave"
"Yes, father"
Arthur followed Aegon out.
Night came quickly enough and yet Arthur could not find any sleep. On sleepless nights like this he would go to Rhaegar for company, Rhaegar was often awake when Arthur was. But he decides against joining his friend and instead makes his way to the garden. A singular large lemon tree was planted in the center of the yard, flowers of all kinds were scattered around it. The garden was Rhaella Targaryen's own personal paradise. The woman would spend her whole day here, tending to the flowers and watching them grow. The lady had once been queen of the seven kingdoms but she was a simple lady at heart. Rhaella Targaryen had always enjoyed the simple things that life had to offer. He was happy that the woman was living freely, content with being surrounded with the love of her family and not being brutalized by the horrible man he once called king.
Arthur leaned promptly on the trunk of the lemon tree. His lilac eyes gazed over the abundance of flowers but the red roses quickly caught his attention. Those were Elia's favorites. And suddenly the garden of flowers smelled too much of Elia. The yellow sunflowers were the same color of the gown that she had worn the last he ever saw her. The purple iris was Elia's favorite color. She said that it reminded her of the eye color of her greatest love. Some days it seemed like everywhere he looked Elia's shadow would appear. When he would go out to the streets and see merchants selling hair clips that Elia would have surely adored or when he hears a sweet song that Elia would have loved. He sees her often, even the manse is not devoid of Elia's ghost. In fact, Elia's biggest shadow looms over him here in the form of Aegon Targaryen. The boy had his fathers coloring but he was his mothers son in truth.
He has her smile, small crevices on both cheeks would form when they smiled. They were so much alike that it sometimes pained Arthur to see him.
He thinks of Elia often, he thinks of her radiant smile and infectious laughter, the beautifully exquisite gowns she adorned herself with and her long, dark tresses which flowed like silk. He has never gone a day without thinking of his beautiful Elia.
You were wrong to love her, a voice whispered. You were wrong to leave her, a darker voice insisted. Arthur could not help but begin to berate himself for all the wrong choices he made. Leaving her was the biggest mistake he ever made. If he had returned to her, Arthur could have spared her from the monstrous mountain. If he had stayed with her, at her side, she would still be alive. Perhaps she would have been sitting next to him.
When the news of her death reached them, he felt like he was in a never-ending nightmare. It was as though it was a cruel jape and he was expecting Elia to reappear in the corner. The thought of living in a world where he can never see her lovely smile. Arthur remembered it being the first time where he ever felt such vicious fury towards Rhaegar to which he lunged at him. Rhaegar did very little to resist and both men cried pitifully in the end, holding onto each other desperately. That night he burnt his white cloak.
Arthur tries often not to think about such mistakes, for no matter what he does, he can not change the outcome. No matter what he tells himself, nothing will change. Elia would still be dead.
The sworn brother shifts his head to look up at the night sky. Moonlight danced, and the stars glowed. It was a beautiful night. As Arthur admires the sky, he hears familiar footsteps coming towards him. He waits until he feels someone loom over him and finally acknowledges the person.
"My prince," The knight says. The boy looked down on him and Arthur could tell that something was bothering Aegon. "Are you alright Aegon?" He asked the boy. Aegon did not respond immediately. Instead the boy sat down beside Arthur, Aegon's head gazed up and looked at the night sky, much like how Arthur was doing. The prince's eyes were still focusing on the moon when he began to speak.
"Do you think father will ever see things as they are?" The boy asked the man.
"What do you mean Aegon?" The boy lets out a sigh and continues. "My father does not see things as they are. He believes Rhaenys to still be his little girl. Did you not hear the way he kept calling her girl? Rhaenys is a woman grown now. And he must be made to see that." Aegon's frustration was clear in his voice.
"Rhaenys is Rhaegar's daughter, my prince, she could be as old as your grandmother Rhaella and Rhaegar would still call her his little girl." Arthur says gently. "You must understand that Aegon, you may not remember her but Rhaegar does. He remembers her and loves her. You must love her as well, for she is your sister and she has been alone."
"How can I love someone I don't remember?" Aegon questions. Arthur was about to respond to him but the boy quickly cuts in. "It's unfair for my father to expect me to love her. I don't remember anything about her. Visenya, Viserra and Rhaenyra are the sisters I love, not her. In truth she is more like a story of a ghost."
"Your sister is not a ghost, Aegon." Arthur was beginning to feel agitated with the boy. "She is alive, and she is alone in a castle filled with her enemies. Rhaenys was made to marry the usurper, how can you not love her when she is forced to pay for the crimes your father committed?" He tells the boy before him.
Aegon turns to look at Arthur and he could see that what he had said upset the boy.
"Rhaenys opened her legs for the usurper before she even married him, did you know that? I read one of Magister Illyrio's letters. And now she's given birth to his spawns. She's a traitorous whore Arthur, can't you see that." Aegon huffed.
Arthur had not felt this much rage toward the boy before him but made great efforts to conceal it. He tried to understand the boy, he truly did but he couldn't, not when he speaks about Rhaenys like this. "Your sister is no whore Aegon, and you're a fool to believe what those letters tell you. Men gossip and spread lies, do you truly believe that your sister would willingly lie with the man who murdered your mother?"
Aegon was silent for a while, his mind swirling with conflicting feelings about the sister he never knew. Meanwhile, Arthur grew more and more agitated. "Aegon, you must not dare call her such things," he says coldly, the anger in his voice barely hidden. "I can overlook this for now on account of your shock at this terrible news but your father will not show you any mercy if you speak that way about her and neither will I"
Aegon huffs and looks down with a petulant scowl.
"Fine, I won't talk about her like that ever again." The silver haired boy finally concedes. "It was unbecoming of me to speak that way about my sister,"
"Good. Now get to bed, the hour is late. We will have visitors tomorrow and your uncle Oberyn will be here." He informs Aegon who smiled at the mention of his beloved uncle. Arthur watches as the boy gets up and heads into the manse. He watches the boy disappear. Arthur follows the boy into the manse.
Night turned into day and still Arthur could not find sleep no matter how hard he had tried. As the sun peeked its way into the cream colored curtains of his room, Arthur could feel the upcoming apprehension that the day will surely bring. There will be many visitors today and while he did not look forward to the impending talks of war, he knew that today would also mark the start of the new Targaryen dynasty. That idea alone made him a bit excited to leave his room.
He got up and dressed quickly. He made his way to the large balcony that overlooked the courtyard. There was a large table situated in the middle and he could already see that people were there. As he approached them he heard someone call out his name.
"Arthur" A squeaky voice yelled. Little Rhaenyra came running to him and hugged his legs. The young girl was short even for her age and she had her fathers coloring. The girl was attired in a simple tunic and breeches, resembling Lyanna and her sisters. Arthur ruffled her hair and greeted her.
"Arthur join us please." Her heard Rhaella tell him. He did as she bade him as the young princess trailed behind him to the table. Arthur's mouth watered at the lavish spread on the long table, from perfectly boiled eggs, freshly baked bread with their warm and crusty exterior to juicy, succulent sausages and an endless array of other delicacies. The aroma wafting from the dishes served to make his hunger grow stronger than he thought it did. Arthur sat next to Viserys who was flanked by his sister Daenerys. The opposite end of the table was occupied by Lady Lyanna, her daughters and her son while Rhaella Targaryen sat at the head of the table. Aemon and Aegon were the last to arrive. Judging by their puffy faces and the way they squinted their eyes at the bright sunlight beaming through the balcony, it seemed that they had only just roused from sleep. They must have snuck outside again last night Arthur thought bemusedly
"Good morning brothers, you look absolutely splendid today." Visenya teased sarcastically, eliciting a giggle from Viserra and Dany.
"Leave your brothers alone Visenya." Lyanna playfully scolded her eldest daughter.
"No need for that mother. I am sure our dear sister just wished that she looked half as good as we do. We all know she looks like a feral weasel when she wakes up." Says Aemon. Aegon let's out a bark of laughter and even Visenya's twin can't help the chuckle that escapes her lips.
The older twin turns to her sister and scowls. "What are you laughing at? We're twins, we look the same, he's insulted you as well stupid." Visenya says with a look of annoyance. "Oh right" Viserra answers sheepishly. Visenya rolls her eyes as she turns her attention back to her brothers who had sat down now. The sharp-tongued girl appeared ready to retaliate with a scathing insult of her own but before she could do so, Viserys cuts in.
"Ser Arthur, have you seen my brother?" Arthur was about to respond to him when Rhaegar suddenly appeared. "I am right here brother." The man said. Rhaegar's lustrous silver hair was neatly tied back and was attired in his usual rich silks, giving him an air of dignity. To Arthur's great relief, none could guess that the man had been drinking a ridiculous amount of alcohol unbecoming of his royal status and was nearly on the brink of collapse just hours before.
The table grew unusually quiet and all eyes were glued on Rhaegar as he made his way to the other side of the long table to sit at the head of the table, opposite of his mother. Rhaegar began eating silently and soon everyone followed suit, a peaceful atmosphere descending on the table. The children continued their chatter while Lyanna was helping little Daeron with eating his food. Despite the brief tension at Rhaegar's arrival, everything returned to its usual state.
"I have some distressing news from Illyrio," Rhaegar said with a somber expression, with his long, elegant fingers interlaced tightly. At this, the children straightened their back, their interest piqued while Rhaella and Lyanna appeared concerned. Arthur observed Aegon's anxious expression as he nervously nibbled on his half-eaten bread..
"It is about Rhaenys"
The name alone caused everyone to flinch, particularly Rhaella who was still deeply emotional at any mention of her first grandchild with her eyes beginning to well up with tears.
"Of course it is," Aemon muttered bitterly under his breath while he shared a look of annoyance with his sisters who shared the same sentiment, except for Nyra who was genuinely interested in getting to know about her elusive sister. Aegon couldn't resist smirking, which he concealed behind his hand. His smirk fell when he saw his mother looking visibly distressed as her face paled.
Viserys on the other hand looked curiously at Rhaegar, he looked desperate to know about his niece whom he hadn't seen for fifteen years.
"Is Rhaenys alright brother?" Viserys asked
"She was forced to marry that usurper, Robert Baratheon," Rhaegar gritted out, with great anger reminiscent of the fiery temperaments of their ancestors. Rhaella gasped while both hands over her mouth while everyone looked at each other in shock.
"She also bore him twins" His voice sounded strained to Arthur's ears.
The news caused a stir in the room, the shock on everyone's faces being palpable, particularly that of Rhaella whose mouth went agape. Her breathing started to take an erratic pattern, with Daenerys coming to her mother's aid by filling her cup with water to which she gulped down hastily.
Viserys looked at Rhaegar in absolute horror. The young Prince had been Rhaenys' constant companion when they were children. The two of them were inseparable, the boy had been inconsolable when he landed on Dragonstone and informed his elder brother that Rhaenys would not be joining them. Prince Viserys was the only one who ever openly talked about their princess. He would share stories and tales of mischief about his niece. More often than not those stories would make his mother cry, but they always made Rhaegar smile, a sad smile. But a smile nonetheless.
No one said anything. The silence was all too consuming and Arthur wanted desperately to speak up but his voice seemed to have left him. It was not just him but everyone present seemed to have lost their voice, as they tried to process such shocking news. The tension in the room refused to dissipate even after time had passed since the shocking revelation came forth.
That was how Leuro, he servant boy found them. He looked slightly taken aback at the unfamiliar silence that was present in the room but the boy quickly recovered. "Prince Rhaegar, the guests have arrived." He informed Rhaegar. "They are waiting for you in your solar." The boy continued.
"I will be right there." Rhaegar dismissed the blond haired boy." Aegon, Arthur, and Viserys you will be joining me." He said as he stood up. Rhaegar did not wait for any sort of acknowledgement as he strolled out of the room and headed towards his solar. Arthur quickly followed his friend.
Rhaegar's solar was in a much better state than it had been in yesterday. The room felt warm, and the smell of wine no longer lingered in the room. As he scanned the room, his attention was drawn to one of their guests. Arthur paused slowly as he caught sight of one of their guests. Seated casually with one leg crossed over the other, the Red Viper had a glass of Dornish red in his hand as he appeared to be talking to Ser Oswell Whent. Their conversation soon came to a sudden stop as Aegon entered the room. A bright smile illuminated the boy's face, a similar one found its way into Oberyn's.
"Nephew, It is good to see you so well." Prince Oberyn said as he stood up from his chair and gave Aegon a hug. Aegon embraced the man just as warmly. "Uncle, it is good to see you. Will you be staying with us?" He asked his uncle.
"Yes, your father has offered me a room and I intend to make good use of his offer." Oberyn said brightly. The silver haired boy tried to hide his excitement but failed miserably.
"Shall we get started, Prince Oberyn?'' Rhaegar voice cut in. The Dornishman nodded curtly at the Targaryen man and they all settled at the large, round table to discuss. There were many people here, Arthur noted. He knew all of them. Aurane Waters was the Bastard of Driftmark, brother to Monford Velaryon, current lord of Driftmark. The Velaryons were amongst the first to answer Rhaegar's call. Seated next to him was Lord Randyll Tarly. The man was representing the Reach on behalf of the Tyrells, who had offered their swords to House Targaryen once more, but having one of the Tyrells come to Essos was ill advised. So the battle-hardened Lord of Horn Hill took their place on the table. Baelor Hightower was also amongst those in the room but Arthur disliked the man greatly. He answered the call too late. But Arthur could not dissuade Rhaegar from turning him away. The Hightowers are the richest house in Westeros, we will need their support if we plan to take back the Iron Throne, Rhaegar had said to Arthur and yet he could not warm up to the man. Many other minor lords were present, some merely serving as envoys.
He heard Rhaegar clear his throat and immediately turned his attention to his friend.
"My Lords, it is time that we finally set into motion our long laid plans." Rhaegar takes a deep breath and begins once more. "Robert Baratheon stole my crown and now he has laid claim to my eldest daughter, Princess Rhaenys Targaryen. I am sure that some of you may know this by now but my daughter has given the man heirs."
A couple of gasps were heard from around the room, the Velaryon bastard being among them. But Arthur was only focused on Prince Oberyn. The knight had braced himself for the man to rise up from his chair and curse the usurper. To his surprise, the man remained seated with a stoic face, a face so devoid of emotion that it unnerved Arthur more than the Red Vipers' fury.
"I wish no harm to come upon his children." Rhaegar's voice pierced through. Upon hearing this, Arthur felt an immense sense of relief washing over him. Regardless of who the father is, those babes were still Rhaegar's first grandchildren. Rhaegar would never seek to hurt his blood.
"But my Lord, these children will be a threat to your crown." One of the Florent envoys said. Arthur could see the immediate regret in the man's eyes when both Rhaegar and Oberyn glared at him. He quickly attempted to placate the situation. "I only mean that well… They are the usurpers' blood. Would they not be a threat my Lord?" The man had a bead of sweat trickling down his forehead. Although part of Arthur wanted to laugh at this man's ridiculous face, rage consumed him instead. The knight felt repulsed by the sad excuse of a man in front of him. Did he not know that those children he's calling a threat have the blood of Old Valyria coursing through their veins? That those children were as much Rhaenys' as they were Roberts.
"Do you think a babe who can't even talk yet will be a threat to His Grace." Randyll Tarly's voice was stern and clear. "Please do not ask such foolish questions, boy. We have important matters to discuss." Arthur was secretly grateful for the man's intervention. If the envoy had continued with such an absurd line of questioning, Arthur was certain that Oberyn would have killed the man.
"Yes. Let us continue." Arthur heard himself say. Rhaegar glared at the man one last time before continuing. "We must begin by readying our fleet. With the ships that the Golden Company have provided us with, we will be able to swiftly take back Dragonstone. The castle will be our base and from there we will proceed as discussed. We have friends in the Stormlands that will help us, as well."
"Do you have any friends in the Riverlands, My Lord? It will be in our best interest to befriend at least a couple of lords from there. I am sure they will be of great use to us should a battle be fought in the Riverlands again." Baelor Hightower beckoned.
"We have a few friends but none of great importance I fear." Rhaegar replied.
"What of the North?" Lord Hightower asked. Rhaegar seemed flustered at the question. Arthur glared at the man. "Has Lord Eddard sworn allegiance to you, My Prince?" The man continued. Prince Rhaegar let out a bitter laugh.
"Lord Ned has not yet sworn fealty to me Lord Hightower."
"Yet." The blond man questioned. An amused smirk plain on his face. "Ned Stark is your wife's brother, do you not believe he will join you?" The man's tone was slightly mocking. Rhaegar only smirked at the man. Baelor Hightower seemed to understand and quietened down reluctantly.
The rest of the discussion went on without incident. Arthur lingered on as everyone else left the room. Aegon and Oberyn were the last ones out, the two seemed to be in deep conversation. They looked serious. But before he could put much thought into the duo he heard his prince call out his name. Arthur turned his attention to the purple eyed prince.
"Do you think they will heed my words Arthur?" Rhaegar said softly. Arthur voiced his confusion to the question.
"Do you think they will harm his family?" Arthur did not know what to say. A part of him wanted to tell his friend the truth but the other part wanted to spare him the ugly truth.
"Some may try to harm the children." The knight finally says.
"You must not let that happen."
"Of course, I will not let any harm come to the children."
"No, I mean—yes, you must make sure no harm comes to them. But—" Arthur waited for his prince to continue. It took Rhaegar some time to finally say what he meant to say. And Arthur felt his throat tighten up.
"You must make sure no harm comes to her. She must be our sole priority. All this is for her. If anything happens to her, all of this would have been for nothing." Rhaegar finally says.
"I understand My Prince." Arthur answers confidently.
"Do you? Do you truly understand Arthur?" His voice was cruel. And Arthur did not know what to say.
Aegon's siblings hounded him as soon as he returned from the counsel. He groaned in frustration, wanting a moment of solace with his books for once.
"Egg, did you know about this?" Visenya whispered to Aegon with disgust still etched on her face. She frequently glanced at his door as though Rhaegar would emerge from it any time soon. Aemon and Viserra looked equally disturbed. Nyra rushed into his room, wanting to be included. They all knew that if they had any desire to speak about Rhaenys freely then they best find a secluded space, like Aegon's chambers. The children were terrified of being overheard, especially by their father but that never stopped them.
"Yes," he gritted out in annoyance. The thought of Rhaenys irritated him already but her willingness to wed and bed that usurper only enraged him more.
"Gross," Nyra gagged.
"Gross indeed," Viserra shuddered.
"Of course, Father still thinks his precious Rhaenys was forced into it," Aegon scoffed. "He refuses to hear reason. She is not a toddler anymore, she's a woman grown"
"That's father for you," Viserra said bitterly.
"How could she marry someone like him," Aemon scowled. "He murdered your mother and she still laid with him."
"Speaking of mothers, guess what she named their spawn?" he chuckled sardonically. His siblings' faces lost all color as they all knew the answer
"No, she couldn't possibly be that much of an idiot," Visenya gasped at the audacity of Rhaenys. Aemon couldn't help but scoff.
"I'm sure my uncles are pleased that their sister lives on in the spawn of her killer" Aegon said bitterly.
"But they're still our nephew and niece," Nyra said quietly, who was secretly thrilled at the prospect of becoming an aunt. "Besides stop calling them spawn, Egg, it's not kind"
"Yes, Rhaenyra, apologize, that I failed to display civility and respect towards the children of the man who seized our kingdom and also approved of my mother's slaughter."
"Stop being so cruel, Aegon" Dany said in disapproval while Nyra stuck her tongue out to an unfazed Aegon, who only rolled his eyes.
"You do not know her situation, all of you," She said to her nieces and nephews. "Rhaenys had to live in the midst of our enemies who wanted her dead. It must have been hard for her. We have no right to judge her"
The siblings stood quietly. They detested being scolded by their aunt, especially since she was not much older than them.