Aegon had already begun to be sick of Tyrosh. The free city was full of slavers and greedy men. The city had been their first real stop since sailing away from Pentos as his father could not overlook its reputation as a hub for sellswords. Despite his reservations about buying men with coins, father insisted that they needed as many men as they could gather. And the city of Tyrosh was as well known for their sellswords as well as their queer love for flamboyant colors. The bright blues, pinks, greens, and purples were in abundance. Men dyed their beards these bright colors, Aegon found the combination of the half blue, half red beards unsavory. The man before him was looking to join the services of his father. He was tall and looked strong, he would have made a most frightening sight if it weren't for the ridiculous color of the man's beard. Aemon stifled a laugh behind his hand as the man pleaded again and again to be allowed to join his serves.

"Please My Prince. It would be an honor to join the dragons in reclaiming what is theirs. I am but a humble man looking to help reclaim the Targaryen glory." The man said, his hands waved and made grand gestures. Aegon was amused as he looked at the man.

"The offer of your sword is most appreciated but I must admit that my father, Rhaegar Targaryen, is the one that you should be pleading to. I am only his son." Aegon said.

"Yes, of course." The man said, disappointed. Aegon watched as the man walked off into the streets of Tyrosh. As soon as the man disappeared from their sights, the brothers turned to one another and could no longer contain their laughter. Their laughter seemed to annoy their sister, Visenya. Aegon saw the scowl on her face.

"Sister, please do not make that face. It only makes you look uglier." He said playfully to his sister, Aemon choked back his laughter. Aegon soon regretted the words that left his mouth as Visenya elbowed him in the stomach. He let out a grunt and hunched over In pain. He cradled his stomach and tried to soothe the pain away. "I was only jesting. Why must you take everything so seriously?" Aegon let out. Visenya huffed in response. Viserra stepped in to keep the siblings from fighting anymore.

"We have to head back, mother said we are not to be out for so long. Especially on our own." Her voice came out authoritative despite being the youngest. Her attitude would have made Aegon laugh if his stomach wasn't in so much pain. The siblings all seemed to agree that it was time to head back to the Manse. Visenya led the way and the rest of them followed. The walk was silent.

As they headed closer to the street that the Manse took up, Aegon was still amazed at the amount of people that resided in the residence. There were tents parched up in the vast yard, sellswords were conversing amongst themselves. The majority of the sellswards came from Tyrosh but there were some that followed them from Pentos. The free cities had provided them with more than enough sellswords. Inside the residence were the more important men needed to fight the war. Most of the lords that had been at Pentos were with them now with the exception of Lord Hightower. The man had returned to the Reach, he claimed that he would be of much more use in the Citadel than in Tyrosh. Aegon had been suspicious of the man, he very much expected the man to run down to Kings Landing and tell the usurper of their plans to take back the Iron Throne. Aegon told his father about his concerns but Rhaegar would not hear it. His father seemed to have trust in Balor Hightower, but Aegon could see that his father did not trust the man fully. Even Ser Arthur seemed to mistrust and mislike the man. Aegon saw the daggers that the Sword of the Morning would shoot at the Lord of Oldtown. He had half the mind to question the knight about his disdain towards Lord Hightower but Aegon had scarcely seen the white knight since arriving in Tyrosh.

The manse they were living in was decent to inhabit for a few days. However Aegon could not help yearning for their grander home back in Pentos. Though he knew that his father had made a deliberate decision to opt for a more affordable one. Aegon felt a wave of sudden sadness wash over him as he remembers that he will never see the manse he once called home again. His library filled with books and the garden his grandmother painstakingly built would never be seen again. He had half a mind to visit Pentos once they had won back their home but when he told his father of this, he highly discouraged it. Aegon was sullen for days when his father had all but forbidden him from ever returning to Pentos.

"Pentos was never our home Aegon, you must understand that. Dragonstone is our home, you and your sister were born there." His father had said. Aegon was ready to tell him that his other sisters were born in Pentos, not Dragonstone. Even Aemon, despite being born in Westeros, was born in sunny Dorne but he held his tongue. Aegon could not understand why his father seemed to dislike Pentos now, he had been more than content living there but as soon as they had sailed from the Bay of Pentos, his father seemed to forget all about their home. Perhaps it was never his home. That thought upset Aegon, but he could not figure out why.

His mind was snapped out of thought when he felt a hand upon his shoulder. He turned towards his left and found his sister's concerned face. "Are you alright, Egg?" Visenya's voice was soft. Viserra, who was besides Visenya, had the same look upon her face as her twin did. Aegon managed to compose himself and let out a shaky smile, not wanting his beloved sisters to worry.

"I'm alright. I just miss home." He responded to his sister. They both nodded their heads in understanding. They were are all silent until Aemon spoke up. "But I thought you were happy to leave Pentos?" The twins quickly turned to the boy and told Aemon to quiet down.

"What? I'm just asking. He said he was glad to leave Pentos, why is he so upset now that we are in Tyrosh?" Aemon has both hands up in surrender

"Stupid, don't say that." Viserra hissed at Aemon. Aegon shook his head and waved his sister off. "It's fine Serra, he did not mean any harm." He turned to Aemon, waiting for his response, to which the silver haired boy nodded his head eagerly in agreement. "See, told you so." He whispers in Viserra's ears. The girl blushed in embarrassment and turned away from him. She rushed ahead of them and Aegon and the rest of his siblings watched as their younger sister disappeared into the large doors of the Manse. With her gone, Aegon turned to his brother.

"Of course I miss home you fool." He chided, Aemon looked abashed and murmured a soft apology, Aegon rested his hand on his brother's shoulder. "Pentos has been our home for many years, I will always remember it fondly. But we will have a new home now Aemon, a home where we can be safe, a place where we won't have to worry about being killed by strangers." He said gently. Visenya chimed in a moment later.

"Egg's right. Westeros is our new home now, we must mourn Pentos, for we will never return there again." Her voice was stern and gentle at the same time. Aemon looked at his siblings. "I know that Pentos is out of reach for us now but— surely father didn't mean what he said. You know about— about not going back to visit." Aemon looked at his elder brother for a response. Aegon turned to Visenya, hoping to enlist her help in telling Aemon the truth. But Visenya too looked at him with hopeful eyes. Aegon could not find it in himself to tell his siblings that their father had been serious about not allowing them to visit the place they all called home for years. So instead he smiled at them and reassured them with a lie.

"No, father was not serious about that. I'm sure he only said that because he wants us to look towards Westeros as our new home."

"Well that's a relief," Visenya sighed.

"I cannot wait for all of this to be over," Aegon grumbled.

"I thought you wanted this," Visenya said amusedly. "I have never seen you more fired up"

Aegon blushed at this. It's true that the prospect of going back to Westeros and reclaiming his birthright made him incredibly enthusiastic. He had all but eagerly gone to his siblings to share the news of reclaiming the Iron Throne. The siblings had stayed up all night discussing their mutual anticipation for their journey to the west.

As the trio began walking towards the Manse, Aegon recalled that night with great fondness. The Targaryen children had talked at length about what their journey would entail. Little Rhaenyra had been frightened when Aemon brought up the Krakens that lived in the waters surrounding Westeros, it had taken lots of reassurance from Aegon and comfort from Viserra to calm her down. After the young girl had calmed down, she fell asleep with her head on Aegon's lap. The siblings were all on top of his large featherbed. He stroked his sister's silver hair while watching her sleep. One by one they all succumbed to sleep, until only Aegon remained awake. He looked at his siblings and for the first time in a while he remembered Rhaenys, only this time he doesn't remember her with jealousy and contempt. Instead he remembers– no, imagines his sister as a beautiful maiden. Aegon pictures Rhaenys as best he could with the information he had learned over the years, his grandmother had told him that Rhaenys had a wild and willful way about her. Arthur told him that the princess was kind and friendly, like her mother. Viserys told him that she was stubborn and hot-heated, in a way only a Martell and Targaryen could be. And his father– his father told Aegon that Rhaenys was everywhere. Aegon had only been ten namedays old and did not understand what his father meant by that. His father answered softly.

"She is the air I breathe, she is the sun and the moon all at once. A storm of fury and mist of sorrow, she is— she is everything." Those words had not meant much to his younger self but now, those words seem to haunt him as of late. Does she truly mean that much to you father? Is she more important than us? A small part of him knew the answer to that but he blissfully ignored it. Content to live in ignorance when it came to his fathers favorite child.

His thoughts are interrupted as they step into the Manse. A familiar voice calls out to him. Aegon turns his attention to the man before him.

"Arthur!" He said excitedly. The man had been scarcely seen as of late, the knight and his father were oftentimes locked away in his fathers private chambers discussing their plans of war. They were both too busy to pay any attention to any of the children.

"Aegon, your father wishes to see." He quickly says. Before Aegon could ask any questions, the knight had already walked off into the direction of his fathers solar. Aegon and his siblings looked at each other, none of them said a word of Arthurs bizarre actions for a moment.

"Why do you think father wants to see you?" Aemon questions his brother. Aegon only shrugs, "How should I know, Arthur didn't tell me anything."

"Do you think it's important?"

"I don't know, probably." Aegon replied.

Annoyed with his lack of information, Aemon huffs away, he walks towards the direction of their shared room. Aegon rolls his eyes at his younger brother's dramatics. Visenya swiftly hits Aegon on the head, though not very hard. "Hey!" He calls out loudly. "Why did you do that?" He questions his sister.

"Can't you see that he's upset?" Visenya says.

"Upset about what? I didn't do anything to him." Aegon time it was Visenya who rolled her eyes. "Father and Mother say that you are smart and wise beyond your years and yet you cannot see what it is that troubles Aemon."

"Huh, what are you saying Visenya?" Aegon was confused at his sister's words, they made no sense to him. He could feel himself growing more and more annoyed with both Visenya and Aemon. "Whatever, father wants to see me. I must go to him now." He tells his sister. Aegon does not wait for a response and heads off to his fathers solar. Eager to see why his father wanted to see him.

The atmosphere in the room is grim. A couple of people stood present in the room. His father and Arthur being among them, a couple of minor lords stood around the round table that centered itself in the room. A man, who could only have been three or four years older than Aegon, was speaking. He wore black breeches that were stained in some parts but were overall clean, the white linen shirt he wore was much cleaner. The man's hair was blond and he had blue eyes. Aegon thought the man was handsome, especially for a ship crew member. Aegon had seen the man around the docks but he did not know the man's name. Only that he belonged to the 'Serpent' ship crew.

"They will be here soon, My Lords." The man's voice conveyed a confidence that no mere sailor crew member could have.

"Are you sure that you saw them?" Aurane Waters spoke clearly. The crew member nodded his head. The room was quiet, they awaited Rhaegar's response. No one had noticed Aegon yet, he made his way towards his father. Rhaegar stood at the round table with Ser Arthur and Lord Tarly, his father only noticed his presence when Aegon called out to him.

"Has something happened?" He questions his father but it is Lord Tarly that responds to him. "Lord Tywin and his son Tyrion have been seen on a merchant ship." He said

Aegon was shocked at the news and stood silent for a moment before he looked towards his father for confirmation. His fathers face was expressionless and Aegon could not get any confirmation from him and so he turned to Arthur. The knight's face gave away everything, Aegon had never seen such a look on Arthur's face. It frightened him slightly.

"Are you sure that it's them?" Aegon asked no one in particular but once again Lord Tarly responded with a curtly nod. Aegon felt his hands shake ever so slightly. He looked around the room and saw all the curious eyes on his father. When they saw the lack of response his father was giving, they turned their attention to him. Aegon grew worried for a moment, he had no idea what to say to them. He was at a complete loss of words. Before he could say anything foolish, his father spoke up and Aegon found himself endlessly thankful for him.

"Let them continue their journey, unscathed. They will come to us, and we will wait." Rhaegar's voice was firm. The lords around them exchanged curious glances, it was Lord Valon Celtigar that spoke up.

"My King, surely you do not mean to align yourself with Tywin Lannister, he betrayed your father and murdered your—" The man's voice cut off when Rhaegar looked at the man sharply.

"I know what he did lord, you need not remind me of the crimes of Tywin Lannister. I know them well enough." His voice was hard and the men in the room quickly quieted down at the sound of his harsh tone. It was clear that his father had made up his mind.

"Shall we have rooms ready for the guest?" One of the men spoke up, Aegon did not know the man's name, only that he had once been a Dragonstone envoy. His father quickly answered the man.

"Yes, but have the servants only prepare one." He said.

"Only one, my lord?"

"Yes, only one." After having said those words, his father dismissed everyone but Aegon.

The silver haired boy lingered in the back as he watched the men file out of the room. Aegon did not know why his father asked for him to stay behind, his father had not spoken to him since landing in Tyrosh. Aegon's anticipation grew by the seconds until finally father and son were left alone. The silence grew unbearable and Aegon had no choice but to speak up.

"Father." He said softly, Rhaegar's eyes snapped towards Aegon, and he saw the flick of surprise in his fathers eyes. He forgot I was here with him.

"Ah, Aegon." His father said. Aegon nodded his head, beckoning him to continue. "I want you to join me when Tywin Lannister comes and asks for a meeting." Aegon contemplated what to say to that.

"Father." He hesitated. " Are you sure that Lord Tywin is here to see you?"

"Why else would he come to Tyrosh? He wishes to align himself with me and he knows that I won't go to him." His father states clearly. Aegon allows the words to sink in. He fights hard to keep the question in but his curiosity does not allow for it.

"And will you?— will you align yourself with him?" He says quietly. His father stares at him for a moment.

"What do you think, Aegon?" The question caught him off guard. He did not know how to respond, he was not sure what kind of response his father wanted him to give. And so he answers honestly.

"We need Lannister men." He says simply.

"We do." His fathers affirmation encouraged him to continue. "We need Lannister men and Lannister gold, you will join hands with Tywin Lannister once more." He says confidently. But all confidence shatters as he sees the dissatisfaction and disappointment present in his fathers eyes.

"No, I will not align myself with Tywin Lannister."

"But we need—"

"Aegon, have you forgotten what Tywin Lannister did to us?" He questions his son. Aegon answers angrily, annoyed that his father would ask him such a question.

"Of course I haven't forgotten." You always remind me.

"So why would I align myself with Tywin Lannister." He asks Aegon.

"Because you need Tywin's men and his gold." Aegon repeats himself.

"No, we need Lannister men and gold." His father retorts. Aegon is bewildered at his fathers words before he finally understands.

"Yes, father. I understand now." He tells Rhaegar, his father only gives him an apprehensive look and dismisses him.

As the wretched vessel finally docked, Tyrion made his way out onto solid ground with a sigh of relief. The journey had been an absolute nightmare, with the tumultuous winds causing constant rocking and discomfort. Despite this, he was grateful to be in Tyrosh at last. It was midday and the sun shone down upon the bustling port city where ships from far and wide arrived daily, bringing with them exotic imports such as aromatic spices, precious oils and a plethora of other goods. The air was filled with exciting scents that permeated every nook and cranny of the docks, adding to the already vibrant atmosphere of the place. Despite his fatigue from the treacherous voyage, Tyrion could not help but feel a sense of anticipation for what lay ahead in this thriving metropolis. He did not know what to expect, and yet he looked forward to what Tyrosh would bring him.

Accompanied by his father, Tyrion boarded a small carriage, which was being pulled by a feeble mule. The driver of the carriage had artificially dyed hair that looked dreadfully out of place. Despite knowing that his father detested such an arrangement and would not have agreed to it under normal circumstances, Tyrion felt compelled to take this desperate measure. They had no other option but to reach the place where Rhaegar was staying as soon as possible. It was quite easy to locate the place, as one would expect with the presence of a Targaryen prince and his group of children who always garnered attention from those around them. The Targaryens are known for having a certain aura that draws people towards them, be it due to their regal demeanor or storied history. There was no hiding the presence of a Targaryen, much less a hoard of them.

When Tyrion arrived at the manse where the Targaryens were currently residing, he couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment wash over him as he took in the decrepit appearance of the building. He had envisioned a grand and opulent palace, one that would cater to his every need and provide him with a much-needed respite from his travels. Instead, what he found was a run-down and dilapidated structure that seemed to be barely holding itself together. The walls were crumbling, the roof looked like it could cave in at any moment and there was an overall sense of neglect that hung heavy in the air. It was certainly not what he had been expecting or hoping for when he embarked on this journey to meet with them.

A pale-haired, comely boy came before him.

"Prince Aegon, it is an honor to meet at last,"

"What?" the boy said looking confused. "My apologies my lord but I believe you have me confused. I am a mere servant,"

"Oh," Embarrassment flushed over him as he tried to avoid the scalding look his father gave him. How was it his fault? They all look the same.

"We wish to take an audience with Prince Rhaegar," his father said, chest puffed out.

"Yes, my lord," The boy bowed politely. "We have waited eagerly for your arrival."

Tyrion had wanted nothing more than a warm bath when he stepped foot in Tyrosh but the thought of meeting the elusive Dragon Prince enticed more than when he left Westeros.

Excitement pulsed through Tyrion as the boy servant led them down a dimly-lit hallway, surrounded by towering, grime-coloured windows. The narrow passageway seemed to stretch on endlessly before they finally came to halt at a large oak door. Tyrion's heart raced with anticipation at the knowledge that behind this door waited none other than Rhaegar Targaryen himself.

Tyrion felt a sense of unease take hold of him as he soon came face to face with the Dragon Prince. Even after more than a decade, Rhaegar's beauty remained just as striking as in his youth, but it evolved into something sharper. The refinement that had always marked his looks was now tempered by a sense of severity. His demeanor was laced with an unyielding determination that could cut through steel like butter. His sharp eyes reflected unwavering strength and looked every inch the man his father was not. He understood the infatuation Cersei had for him.

Behind Rhaegar stood the legendary Sword of the Morning. Tyrion could not help but think of this man being sworn brothers with Jaime. Although it appeared that Dayne had aged more than Rhaegar, he still possessed a formidable strength that remained unchanged since his prime. The man shot his father with a glare so intense that it could curdle milk and if Tywin Lannister was a lesser man, then he would have wilted and taken the first ship back to Westeros. Instead his father stood firmly, with cold eyes scrutinizing every inch of the man before him. It didn't surprise him. After all, Tywin Lannister had the likes of the Mountain at his disposal who made the chivalrous Arthur Dayne seem like a mere child in comparison.

His heir, Aegon Targaryen, stood in the room as well. The boy of sixteen exuded an aura of regal grace much like his sire and held the same beauty. A pure embodiment of the Targaryen princes that Tyrion had read about, his long silver-blonde hair and mesmerizing amethyst eyes were a testament to the lineage's captivating beauty. Yet, it seemed that traces of late Elia Martell's visage had vanished entirely from her son's features.

Rhaegar bore an eerily serene expression as he gazed down at his father's former Hand who stood in front of him. He walked over to the small wooden table with a big jug of wine and poured three cups. Tyrion could have kissed the man. God knows when was the last time he had a good drink.

"Lord Tywin Lannister," he greeted simply. "It has been a while."

His facial expression remained unchanged as though he wasn't in the presence of a potentially powerful ally. Whatever his opinions were on his father betraying him, it was all concealed.

"It has, My prince". Tywin replied, sipping on his wine.

"My apologies about your children, Cersei and Jaime," he said without seeming apologetic at all. "Sordid affair"

Tywin's jaw clenched at the audacity of Rhaegar. Despite his grown appearance, the prince may just be the same fool he had been in his youth.

"Fools both of them," Tywin replied. "Jaime has always been led by his heart. He saved her, you know? Jaime was so fond of Rhaenys".

Upon mentioning his daughter, Rhaegar's impassive expression broke, displaying a rare moment of vulnerability. He heard Arthur snarl while Aegons gaze darted nervously at his father, sensing the rising tension in the air.

"Yes, I will forever be indebted to Jaime," Rhaegar said. "Whatever he did, he was still an excellent knight, and I will always be grateful that he saved my child from the men you sent."

"There seems to be a misunderstanding," Tywin said. "There were no orders from me, how can I be held responsible for the atrocities my bannermen have done."

"The raping and the slaughter of Kings' Landing were done by your men in your name as their liege lord." Rhaegar snarled. "The same man I knighted butchered my wife. She was a kind and good woman, and you sent that dog after her."

As Rhaegar approached closer to Tywin, the once composed demeanor shattered to exude an aura of seething rage. Tyrion could not help but shudder as he watched Rhaegar's face contort with a fury so intense, it reminded him of the dragons that once roamed the skies.

"You knew what he was capable of yet you still sent your dog after a woman and a child of three name-days"

"This is all unnecessary," Tywin gritted out. "Your daughter is nothing but a prisoner for the very man who stole your crown. You may have allies but I have gold."

"I prioritize loyalty over gold, My Lord" he spat out. "Something you have not shown me. You would have never come up to me if you daughter had not sired bastards"

"Princess Rhaenys has given birth to two legitimate Baratheon heirs," His father said, stepping forward as a way to intimidate the Prince. However the mention of Rhaenys Targaryen only served to fuel the flames of anger in Rhaegar. Tyrion held his breath along with Aegon as the heated exchange unfolded in front of them.. "It took you fifteen years just to leave Pentos with the help of your loyal allies while Robert Baratheon is consolidating his power and fortifying his rule "

Prince Rhaegar stood still, his expression returning to the stoic one he wore when they had first appeared. Any traces of anger at the recollection of his wife's death or his daughter's suffering had all but erased itself from his expression.

"You are right," he uttered calmly. "I do need gold, if I do hope to make it to Westeros. It is not a cheap journey but it's a cost I am willing to take for my daughter."

His father preened at this, his usual smug expression taking over.

"However, I refuse to come into an agreement with you, My Lord."

Arthur Dayne leapt forward with incredible agility and poise, like that of a nimble cat. The knights fist made contact with the lord's face, hard. Tyrion saw the blood that gushed from his fathers face, so much was blood that Tyrion wasn't sure where the blood was coming from. So much blood from only one hit. Tyrion shivered as he thought what one more hit could do. He did not have to wait long to see how much damage more than one hit from the Sword of the Morning could do.

Arthur Dayne's disdain for his father had already been apparent as soon as they stepped in. Tyrion could now see the full length of the man's hatred as he plunged his great fist deeper into Tywin's gut.

He felt a rush of bile at his throat. It seemed as though Prince Aegon shared similar sentiments as the poor boy looked close to fainting as he stared at the gruesome scene in front of him. Meanwhile the prince's father remained stoic, looking upon the scene with an eerie calmness that it chilled Tyrion to the core.

His father had crumpled to the floor, surrounded by a pool of his own blood. His bewildered expression was immortalized. Tyrion felt a strange sense of satisfaction. Fear gripped him as Arthur wiped the blood from his hands on the cloth of his thigh, though blood had already been splattered on the man's thigh.

"Lord Tyrion Lannister" Rhaegar looked at him. "You're now Lord of Casterly Rock, am I correct?"

Tyrion could not find it in himself to reply. He turned to look at his father, he could see that his chest still moved, slowly. But for how long.

"Tywin Lannister has suffered a most unfortunate accident," Rhaegar smiled sardonically down at him. "It appears that he will be unable to run his house properly, but I'm sure he has taught you well." The handsome man said. And this time Tyrion responded.

"You will find my abilities even better than my fathers, Lord Rhaegar." He said. He saw the silver haired man nod his head. He suddenly called out to Arthur. "Take him to his rooms, My Lord has come a long way to see me. He must rest now."

Tyrion could not help the words that left his mouth. "And what of my father?" He asked, he did not know why he asked that question but he did so anyway. Perhaps it was curiosity or perhaps it was worry. The last dragon turned to look at him.

"You need not worry about your father, he is in my care now." His voice was strangely calm. Tyrion said nothing more and followed Arthur Dayne out.

She lit the candle carefully. Rhaenys placed the flamed candle on the Mothers altar; she had initially wanted to go to the gardens but they proved to be much too crowded for her liking. The day was hot and lovely, it seemed that the people of Kings Landing were eager to spend a day as nice as this one out in the gardens.

Rhaenys found that the Sept was all but abandoned. Ser Edric had accompanied her to the grand sept, her children had been left in their own room, fast asleep. The few moments she had in the sept would be her only quiet moments for the day. Her children were growing fast and they proved themselves to be demanding but Rhaenys had grown to love the chaos that her children brung. Her Elia and Cassian had breathed a new life into her. Where once she could not find any joy in the streets of the capital, she found the heartfelt laughs of children playing around in the streets to be quite effervescent. She was reminded of the childish joy as she watched two children play in the sept. The younger of the girls hid behind the solid and well-built statue of the Warrior, the older girl appeared to be looking for the younger girl. As Rhaenys watched the girls play she finally took notice of the small boy who hid behind the Maiden, the boy must have felt her stare as he turned his attention towards her. And to her surprise the young boy jumped up from behind the statue and ran towards her. Edric Storm quickly grabbed her from the wrist and pushed her behind him.

"It is fine, Ser Edric." She steps up from behind him, "It is just a child." She tells him. The man seemed hesitant to let the child come closer to her but listened to his queen's orders nonetheless. She takes a closer look at the boy, he had brown unkempt hair and his clothes were littered with small holes. The young boy glances her up and down, as to determine who she was, when she is about to ask the boy his name, he takes out a piece of paper from his pocket and hands it to her. She takes the paper gently, not quite knowing what to make of the young boy or the piece of paper he has handed to her. Her and Edric exchange curious glances. Before Rhaenys could question the boy, he had already run out of the Sept. She unfolds the paper and starts to read the letter.

"To my dearest cousin,

You must think me a stranger Rhaenys, but I write to you as family. I have longed to be acquainted with you and hope that you will allow me to do as such.

I will continue to write to you when I can, you need not respond to me but if you desire to write to me, write the letter and have someone you trust give it to the boy who gave you this letter.

I have so much more I wish to say to you my cousin, and I pray that one day I will get to see your famed beauty for myself and speak of everything I wish to. I pray for the health of you and your children, Cassian and sweet Elia, who are loved by all in Dorne.

Princess Arianne of Dorne"

Rhaenys' hands shook as she finished reading the letter. Edric could immediately tell that the letter was the source of her sudden reaction. "Is everything alright, Your Grace?"

Rhaenys says nothing for a moment, her mind is in disarray and her heart moves against her chest violently. Princess Arianne, my cousin , had written me a letter. It had been years since she received a letter from her Dornish family, besides the congratulatory letter she received from Prince Doran shortly after giving birth to the twins. Rhaenys did not know what to make of the letter, she had trusted her uncle Oberyn when he had said he wanted to get to know her better. And then– he stopped, he stopped writing letters to her. If she were to write letters to Arianne, she would not get her hopes up, lest her cousin become disinterested in her much like her uncle did.

I will be careful this time, I must be. If I am not careful, the only person I would harm is myself.

She steadies herself and strengthens up. She turns to Edric.

"I am fine." She tells him.

Later that night the queen would write her first letter to her cousin, the Princess of Dorne. It was short and simple, for Rhaenys did not know what else to write for a cousin she had only met once when she was two.

"Dear Cousin,

I have received your letter and I too, would find it agreeable to exchange letters.

I do not have much to say cousin, only that I wished you would have written sooner.

Queen of the Seven Kingdoms"

She had given the task of delivering the letter to Edric; she did not know why she had chosen him over her friend Talya. She reasoned with herself that if Talya were caught, Rhaenys could not do much to protect a servant girl. Edric could protect both himself and the letter. And so soon after writing the letter she had called him into her room. He looked eager to see why she had called for him.

"There is something you must do for me, Edric." She had never called him that, it was always Ser Edric. She found that she enjoyed calling him that, just Edric. Rhaenys made her way towards him until she stood only a few steps away from him.

"Anything, my Queen." He replied. Rhaenys walked closer to him, and further closed the gap that had once been in between them.

"I need you to deliver this letter to the Sept." She placed the piece of paper she had been holding into the hands of Edric. Before he could refuse her she grabbed a hold of one of his hands, the one that didn't contain the letter and encased both of her hands around it. Her eyes were desperate.

"There is no one I trust more, please Edric, no one else can know." She pleads with him. Rhaenys could see that she had convinced him, his eyes were unwavering when he spoke. "I promise I will deliver this letter safely, you need not worry."

"Thank you."