Chapter Eleven: 299 AC – Dragonstone
Visenya stood in the Chamber of the Painted Table, looking out the window, waiting for the war council to enter the room. Many things had been discussed among the commanders of her army and the lords and ladies loyal to her over the last few days, this meeting was the final one before they headed for Westeros. She felt extremely proud of her nephew. Jacaerys had never been to Westeros, but had she not known better, she would have thought he had grown up among the nobility of Kings Landing. Roslin had done well to help her, the perfect compliment to each other. Not to mention, Jacaerys listened to his betrothed in a way Aerys and Rhaegar never had their own wives.
Her chest swelled with pride as she thought of her nephew. He would be a good king to the realm, after what Aerys, Rhaegar and Robert had done to Westeros. He cared. Her nephew would turn himself into the next Jaehaerys the Good. In her opinion, Jacaerys was going to be the best king Westeros had ever had, even better than Aegon the First. She just had a feeling in her gut about it. Now she stood at the window, looking out across the Narrow Sea, in the direction of Kings Landing, her home weighing heavily on her mind.
She wondered how her former ladies were doing and about her daughters. She wondered what Oberyn was doing and if he thought of her half as much as she thought of him. Her chest tightened as she thought of the sun of her life. Oberyn Martell was someone she never expected. When Aerys agreed to Rhaegar wedding Elia, she was sure she would be forced to wed their cousin Robert. Aerys hadn't wanted to hand the Iron Throne to a child with blood of the First Men. It was irony because Jacaerys was just like her, born of a northern mother, with blood of the First Men. Not a lower noble house either, but House Stark, the leader of the Time of Heroes, the First of the First Men.
The door opening grabbed her attention from her thoughts, and she turned slightly to see Ser Arthur at the door, "Yes?" she asked, the tone of her voice telling Arthur he could speak plainly.
He gestured behind him, "Lady Baratheon wishes to speak with you," he said softly.
Purple eyes lit up, as the little girl had been sleeping for three days as the dragon blood tore through her body to heal the damage the greyscale had caused her. Ser Davos Seaworth, who had surrendered the moment Visenya seized the keep, had been standing guard over the little girl for that whole time, sleeping on the chair at her bed side. He had told Visenya everything about Stannis and Melisandre after being freed from the dungeon when Stannis had put him when he tried to save Edric Storm and Shireen. Visenya had granted him a pardon and named him guardian to Shireen. It wasn't everyday that a peasant would go against their liege lord to save a child. Just look at that happened to Viserys.
Arthur opened the door to admit three people. Septa Mya, Ser Davor and Shireen. The girl was bouncing on her feet as the door opened and allowed them to enter. While the adults entered and bowed before the Queen Regent, Shireen made a straight beeline for Visenya, "It worked," she cried as she threw her arms around the woman who had saved her. Visenya wrapped her arms around the little girl with a wide smile, happy that the little girl was so pleased. They shared an embrace for a few moments, Shireen's head full of thoughts that her own mother had never embraced her so warmly before.
Moments later, Visenya slowly pushed Shireen away and then looked down at her. Her greyscale that had covered the whole left side of her face was gone, leaving nothing but fair skin flushed with blood. Her eyes slowly drifted up and Visenya noticed the side effect from the dragon blood; Shireen's eyes were now Targaryen purple. Rather than looking like a Baratheon, Shireen now looked like she would be Visenya's daughter. The dragon blood had brought for the Targaryen genes, to overpower the usually strong Baratheon blood, also noting that Shireen's face looked softer, more like Daenerys.
Arthur looked on in surprise and couldn't believe his eyes. Only few of Visenya's circle knew what the power of the dragon blood could do. It had saved Captain Whitefang's life after all. To see it cure a little girl of something many people had said would never be cured, it was a dream come true for Shireen, who had always hated to even look at herself in the mirror. Now a woman had come out of nowhere, saved her life and cured the ugly scarring across her face. She hugged Visenya tight again, "Thank you," she whispered before stepping back.
Visenya smiled, "Your welcome Shireen," she said softly.
The little girl looked down at her feet as she shuffled them nervously, "What's going to happen to me now?" she whispered nervously.
Ser Davos rested his hand on her shoulder gently as Visenya gestured her over to the Painted table, Shireen looking at it curiously. Her father had never allowed her into the Chamber of the Painted Table. She looked at it now, eyes amazed at just how big Westeros was. She had never left Dragonstone since the greyscale had got her. She looked at the world now and wondered what her future would be. She looked up at the woman who saved her and Visenya smiled softly at her, eyes showing a warmth that Shireen had never seen from anyone other than Ser Davos.
She settled into her seat and Visenya gestured to the map, "You and your cousin Edric are going to accompany my army when we sail to Westeros. After the Stormlords surrender, you will be named Lady of House Baratheon and the heir to Storm's End. Ser Davos will be your guardian and Regent until your of age. After that, its your choice what you want to do Shireen," she said, gesturing to the Stormlands on the map, where Shireen could see the Baratheon ancestral seat was light up with the table lights.
Shireen looked up at the woman with tears in her eyes, "I get a choice?" she asked softly.
Visenya nodded, "You have been through so much Shireen. You're the only legitimate Baratheon heir left, which leaves you as Lady of the Stormlands. So, unfortunately you don't get a choice about that, but if you want to wed, to not wed, to have children, all of it, is your choice," she promised.
Shireen looked at the Queen Regent seriously, staring deep into her eyes, trying to find out if she was lying. Visenya just looked back calmly, her whole aura was trusting, and Shireen found that she believed her. She believed the Visenya would protect her and that going forward, she would always have a choice. Without a word she nodded her agreement, making smiles break out on Visenya, Ser Davos and Septa Mya's faces.
Visenya clapped her hands together, "Wonderful. Now, I believe that Daenerys, Roslin and the other ladies are in needlework lessons, you should join them," she said with a smile.
Shireen nodded, rising to her feet, where Septa Mya, the Septa who had been on Dragonstone for many years and had cared for Rhaenys Martell-Targaryen as a babe, stepped forward and ushered Shireen out of the room with tears in her eyes. She had never seen the little one so happy. Ser Davos bowed to Visenya, "Thank you, your grace," he murmured, before following them out after Visenya dismissed him.
Athur looked to Visenya, "That was a good thing you did there," he murmured moving to her side.
She smiled softly, "Shireen's a good girl. I still can't believe Stannis was going to burn her alive," she said back.
The Sword of Morning shook his head, "That red priestess really screwed up the people on this island, Selyse Baratheon had been shrieking about the 'Prince who was Promised' and the night is dark and full or terrors," he said with disgust. Arthur Dayne held to the Seven, while Visenya held to the Old Gods. Neither one had any respect for the Red God, who burned people alive. Especially those with kings blood, just like Edric or Shireen. Visenya had always held the believe that it was your choice which god or gods you believed in but the Red God… she had no respect for him or his people, which is why she burned the priestess alive.
Their conversation ended when Jacaerys voice came from outside the door, where Ser Gerald was standing guard.
The door opened and Jacaerys entered the room arm in arm with Roslin, Daenerys, Sarella, Missandei, Ser Jorah and Monterys Velaryon, Jace's squire. The Crown Prince's eyes widened as they entered the large chamber. There were three windows overlooking the sea and allowing the sunshine to light up the room, a beautiful rock table in the middle, lit up with candlelight, twenty chairs in a circle around it, torches lighting up the walls, the chandelier candles had been lit lighting up the dragons carved into the right wall. The room screamed power as Jacaerys entered it and he couldn't help his look of awe.
Many mouths dropped in surprise as they had never seen anything like this. Visenya, who was already in the room and moved to the chair at the top of the table facing into the room. Ser Arthur followed her and stood at her right shoulder as she took her seat, Lillian standing behind to her left. Ser Gerald stood behind the chair on her right, which was for Jacaerys, then Roslin, Daenerys, Missandei, Sarella, Quentyn Martell, with Prince Lewyn standing being the young sand snake, Lord Velaryon, Theon and Asha Greyjoy and Garland Tyrell. On Visenya's left sat, Greyworm, Daemon the Dragonstone harbour master, Lady Blackmont, Ser Brackard Sand at her back, Samwell Tarly, Lord Redwyne, Lord Cressey, Lord Rosby, Lord Thorne, Rakharo and Darrio. The last the join the room was Captain Whitefang and Ser Davos Seaworth, both moving to stand to the left of the table behind Daemon. It was the last war council before they began moving into Westeros.
Whitefang's men stood against the wall behind him, Dany's handmaidens stood against the wall behind her. Ser Oswell stood Roslin, Prince Lewyn behind Sarella and Ser Jorah behind Daeny. Missandei's brothers stood behind her watching cautiously, they had just gotten her back and they didn't want to lose her. Valyrian and Moonfyre had followed them into the room, Valyrian looking out the windows and Moonfyre sat beside Jace. It was time to make plans.
Visenya smiled as she took her seat, "Before we begin to move into Westeros, we need to heal some hurts done at the time of the Rebellion. The Targaryen's must pay debts to Dorne," she said commanding attention.
Ser Loras sat forward, "Why your grace? My grandmother always said Dorne would stand with the Targaryen's," he asked, speaking up hesitantly as everyone looked at her curiously.
"They are with us. However, after The Battle of the Trident and my brothers death, Tywin Lannister sacked Kings Landing and ordered Elia Martell and her two children murdered," she explained as everyone nodded their understanding, "their bodies were sent to Dorne wrapped in Lannister cloaks. Rhaegar abandoned them, leaving them at the mercy of my father. Rhaegar started the Rebellion, but Elia and their children were innocent. They shouldn't have been punished for the Targaryen's mistakes," the Queensguard nodded along.
Arthur scowled, "Aye, I was at the Tourney of Harrenhal. I remember the fight you had with Rhaegar after her gave Lyanna the crown of winter roses. Elia was crushed and then confined to Kings Landing after Lyanna went to Dorne with Rhaegar. When Rhaella was sent here to Dragonstone with Viserys, Aerys refused to send Elia and held her captive in the capital to force Dorne to fight for him. Doran, the ruling Prince of Dorne, had demanded his daughter Arianne marry Viserys to make up for the hurt caused. However, Visenya broke their betrothal when we arrived in Pentos on the grounds that Viserys was as mad as his father. Now something else must be offered to make it up to them," he explained in more detail.
Roslin nodded her understanding as she had spent more time in Westeros than many of the other people in the room. "What were you thinking of doing?" she asked Visenya.
The Queen Regent smiled, "I sent a letter to Varys six moons ago telling him to track down Gregor Clegane and Amory Lorch. He sent me a letter back just before I left Dragon's Bay to say he found them," she answered and looked around expectantly.
Prince Lewyn half chuckled half snarled, "The men who killed Elia Martell, and Aegon and Rhaenys Targaryen," he said looking at her intently.
Everyone sucked in a breath, "You want to hand them over to Dorne," Jace said quietly watching her form his spot at the table.
Visenya nodded, "Yes, this will heal most of the hurt done to Dorne as they were never given justice for their murders. To have total support, I want to kidnap and hand over Tywin Lannister as well," she stated bluntly.
Silence echoed around her as they processed what she said.
Arthur shook his head, "Tywin Lannister your grace?" he asked looking like he really should have expected that from her.
She nodded again, "Tywin Lannister ordered their deaths. His daughter Cersei was supposed to marry Rhaegar before my father broke off the betrothal and sent Steffon Baratheon and his wife to find him another bride. It was agreed for marriage to happen between Elia and Rhaegar and Tywin saw it as a slap to the face. He had no idea that Rhaegar had gotten Lyanna pregnant when he ordered Rhaenys and Aegon's deaths, so his daughter could become queen," she explained to everyone.
Jacaerys watched everyone his body still filled with fury every time he thought about what happened during the rebellion.
Visenya had only told him the truth of everything when they had arrived in Valyria. When she was finished, Jace had wanted to kill himself because of what his parents had done. He had grown up apart of the dothraki people, he knew what acceptable and unacceptable behaviour to women was. To learn his father abandoned his wife for his mother had made him angry. When he had learned of the humiliation Elia Martell had suffered, he had actually hated his mother. But Jace had realized that while Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark may have sired him, may have given birth to him, Visenya had been his mother. Arthur not Rhaegar had cared for him and taught him how to hold a sword. They were his parents. He may have put distance between them after the truth came out but Jacaerys still thought of Visenya as his mother.
He agreed with everything she just said.
"I agree. But how are we going to find Tywin Lannister?" he asked surprising many in the room.
"He's at Harrenhal with a bunch of Lannister troops. Gregor Clegane is also there," she said eyes shining with victory.
Ser Gerald burst into gruff laughter, "Everyone's going to regret getting on the bad side out you, my Queen," he said between chuckles.
Theon shifted in his seat, "How are you going to get to them? Robb is in the Riverlands, my father patrols the coast is raiding throughout the north and the Lannister's have the land covered from King's Landing to Lannisport and are slowly moving into the Riverlands," he asked cautiously. Theon had been in multiple council meeting with Robb and even his own father, but Visenya… she was so different from the both of them. He never knew what she was going to say.
Visenya nodded to Sarella, "We aren't going too. Sarella is a Sand Snake, one of the best warriors of Dorne. She's going to lead a team of twenty into Harrenhal under disguise and drug them and smuggle them out. We're going to sent someone in disguised as a merchant, with a carriage. It will carry the two of them out. An escort of two hundred soldier are going to be waiting in the forest ten miles outside Harrenhal, where everyone is going to regroup before moving to Riverrun" she explained.
Ser Loras signed, "How are they going to move The Mountain? I've jousted against him before, he's huge. No offence to Lady Sarella but I don't think she'll be strong enough to move him," he asked curious.
Everyone in the room chuckled at his words, "While we were in the slave cities before arriving in Pentos, I had met with a blacksmith about needing strong chains. He made me a set strong enough to hold war elephants, I'm pretty sure they'll hold him. The drug I'll give you to slip them will make them sleep for three days. It will give you time to get away from Harrenhal and head north to Riverrun," she said as anticipation began filling everybody. "Lord Bracken and Lord Blackwood are the two Houses between Harrenhal and Riverrun. I will send a letter to Lord Tully, who will urge the two lords to offer you rest in their keeps for the night before you continue on your way. It will take five days to reach Riverrun after you leave Harrenhal, you need to stay off all the main roads. The moment the Lannister's find out Tywin is missing, their going to start searching for him. You need to make it back to Stark controlled land before then."
Sarella smiled excitedly at her naneth, "Is this why you asked for me?" she wondered aloud.
Visenya nodded seriously, "Partly, the other part was that I missed you," she said making Sarella blush.
Jacaerys shook his head at Visenya's brilliance, "What will the rest of us be doing?" he asked curiously.
Visenya relaxed into her chair, "Six thousand will go North to the wall. Maester Aemon has written that they don't have enough men to defend it and the wildings have increased their attacks on the Wall. He said it was like something was driving them South. Two thousand men will go to Winterfell to keep it safe from the Iron Born, who will be led by someone of Robb Stark's choosing. Another two thousand will stay here and protect Dragonstone from being seized by an enemy party, I am also leaving two the dragon here, with order to defend the island. The rest of us are heading to the Riverlands to meet up with the Stark and Tully bannermen to see about an alliance," she said watching everyone faces.
Theon frowned leaving forward to set his elbow on the table, "I don't think Robb will welcome you. He's been named King of the North and King of the Trident. He's going to think your attacking him and he won't trust you. He doesn't know that Prince Jacaerys is his cousin," he explained frowning.
Visenya smiled though, completely relaxed. "Hoster Tully is loyal to my family and his son Edmure is aware of the alliance that still runs between us. He is also betrothed to my niece Arianne Martell, if something should happen to me the betrothal will be broken. With that in mind, Robb Stark will treat with me. He needs allies if he wanted to win this war. While Jaime Lannister is a captive in the Stark camp and Tywin will soon be dead, that doesn't mean their army is leaderless. Kevan Lannister is not as ruthless as his brother, but he has been Tywin's second in command all their lives. He isn't a fool," she said grinning as her plans began to be brought into the open.
Theon just gaped at her stunned before she continued, "What many people don't know is that I am also apart of the North," she said softly. Ser Loras looked between the two of them frowning as realization came across the Queensguard faces. Visenya felt like her smile was going to split her face, "I was born from King Aerys Targaryen and Lady Arrana Umber, I am of the North. Jace was born from Prince Rhaegar Targaryen and Lady Lyanna Stark, he is of the North as well. This means for us to fight each other, would be Kinslaying" she claimed to everyone surprise.
Captain Whitefang chuckled aloud, "You're a truly devious woman my Queen," he murmured to her as he watched the others speak quietly.
Visenya nodded her head and then Daeny spoke for the first time, "What about Amory Lorch? Where is he?" she asked.
At this Visenya's face darkened, "He's been in the Westernlands this whole time. Tywin tried to blame Elia and Aegon's murder on him and he went into hiding but too many people had seen Gregor Clegane leave Elia's room the night of the sacking," she answered.
Daeny nodded, "Who's going to collect him?" she wondered.
The smile that crossed Visenya's face just then was startling, she looked pleased and angry all at the same time. "I'm sending Daario to get him," she said simply, gesturing to the man sitting at the left end of the table, who was drinking a glass of wine.
Instantly everyone was protesting until Visenya raised her hand for silence, "The reason for that is, Darrio isn't a known member of my court. No one will suspect him. He's also not just going to collect Amory Lorch. He's going to deliver a letter to Ser Barristan Selmy from me and then they are both going to sneak Lyra and Sansa Stark out of the city." Silence echoed around them as everyone was quiet frankly speechless over her plans, including Jacaerys.
Theon rose to his feet, pulling his sword and slamming it down on the table, "If you can get the Stark girls out of Kings Landing, I will fight with you," he said. Everyone followed him to his feet and did the same, pledging their swords to the war to come. Visenya knew things were now coming together. It was almost time.
~!~
Robb,
Just after I met with my father, I received a raven from Lord Varys asking for ships. He had said something might happen to you if I didn't go to her, the Dragon Queen, Visenya Targaryen. So, Asha and I collected a hundred ships and we headed to Essos to meet with her. We are at Dragonstone now; Stannis Baratheon has been executed because he tried to burn his own daughter alive for a red priestess. She stopped him and now Stannis is no longer an issue. She's also brought the dragons back to life.
They call her the Mother of Dragons here and she has decided to return to Westeros and claim her families throne. She had thirty-thousand men with her. I also learned that The Reach has already pledge their men to her and Dorne. This officially makes her army the largest in Westeros.
She's going to offer an alliance with the North.
Tell the Greatjon that I found out what happened to his niece. Daella was never her birth name. Arrana Umber had named her daughter Visenya and Rhaella Targaryen told her that on her death bed. She's an incredible leader Robb. She is sending eight-thousand men north. Six thousand to the wall, as Maester Aemon has said they desperately need more men and two thousand to protect Winterfell, under the leadership of a man of your choice.
You should also know that the heir to the Iron Throne, is the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark. She was never taken against her will. His name is Jacaerys Targaryen and he's a good man Robb. He reminds me a lot of Lord Stark. He's already betrothed and looking forward to seeing the North at some point. I write this letter to you, in hopes you will take this alliance. I can tell you right now, she's going to win the war against the Lannister's.
We're getting ready to depart from Dragonstone soon. We'll be seeing you soon brother. I hope you make the right choice.
Theon Greyjoy
Heir of the Iron Islands
Robb Stark put the letter he had just received down on the table and looked at the Northern and Riverland Lords who made up his council to see what they thought. His mother was tense next to him, Lord Bolton looked like he had swallowed something sour, his son Domeric looked like he was contemplating something, Greatjon Umber looked like he was about to fall down, his son looking at him questioningly. The gather lords murmured among themselves. They had talked previously but now that an offer for parlay had been put forward, it was time to decide.
"So, the moment of truth. What do we do now?" the Blackfish said from his spot at the high table.
Greatjon Umber looked to Robb, "I would like to see my niece," he said firmly.
Lord Karstark nodded, "Aye. I want proof that Visenya is the daughter of Arrana Umber and that Jacaerys is the son of Lyanna Stark. The female line of the Blackfyre's are still alive. You never know if someone decided to try and trick everyone," he pointed out, gaining nods around the room.
Robb looked to his uncle, who was shifting uncomfortably, "You see nephew, House Tully has always supported the Targaryen family. They're the reason we are a Great House in the first place. It's the reason House Tully was able to make allies with Dorne and House Martell," Edmure said bluntly. "If she wants an alliance, we're honor bound to respond."
The Riverland lords nodded along, Lord Blackwood speaking up now, "That's true. Not to mention, Queen Visenya would be a good ally to have. Rumors have reached us that not only does she have dragons, but an agreement was reached with Volantis, for their war elephants. She was gifted with a thousand in return for one of the Triarchs to be make a noble house here in Westeros and a wedding to the crowns closest allies," he said from his spot in the great hall.
Robb signed heavily, "It would seem that Visenya Targaryen is deeply intertwined with most the houses of Westeros. Theon has written that Visenya is a good woman and that Jacaerys Targaryen does not have any of the Targaryen madness. I agree with Lord Karstark that we should meet so we are not made a fool of. Many of the lords in this room have met Visenya Targaryen, so you will know if she is who she says she is. Not to mention I don't want to deny Greatjon the honor of meeting his niece, as I would very much like to meet my cousin. Therefore, I agree to the parlay. All those in favor?" he asked the room at large.
Everyone's arm rose in the air with a shouted "AYE!" echoing through the room.
Ser Wylas Manderly, heir of White harbor stepped forward, "My father received a raven from the Dragon Queen yesterday. His letter to me arrived this morning. She requested permission to sail into the harbor with her men. My father wrote back asking why he should allow it and she sent a group back under a man known for his honor. The man's name was Ser Gerald Hightower, and he is the Lord Commander of her Queensguard. His exact words were 'Her Grace comes to offer help to the north.' He had Theon Greyjoy and a group of soldier with them. My father agreed to let them pass. There was a rider last night from him. Queen Visenya and her men will arrive tomorrow and will wait there until Ser Gerald sends a letter back stating you will treat with them," he said fidgeting with his hands.
It took a few seconds to process what he said before Robb frowned, "Why White Harbor and not one of the other ports?" he asked curious.
Arianne answered, "It's closer to the North. Not to mention, it's safe as it isn't in the control of the Lannister's," she pointed out.
Robb nodded and then looked to his uncle, "I guess we better prepare for the Targaryen party," he said with a pointed look. The two Tully men nodded in agreement and the council broke up, lords leaving to begin preparation and others talking among themselves about the possible alliance being formed. Robb himself turned to his mother, wanting information about Visenya, completely unaware that his wife Talisa was wondering how fast she could get the information just discussed into the hands of the Lannister's.
~!~
It was their last night on Dragonstone and Jacaerys stood in the sept, dressed in his black armor with the ruby dragon sigil stitched into it. He bore a Targaryen red cloak, with no ornaments, his sword and his crown. He was waiting for Roslin to enter the room, all the lords and ladies at Dragonstone were gathered in the room, the statues lit up with candles as the sun sank from the windows. It was dusk and Jacaerys was about to wed the love of his life. His aunt stood at his side as his only parental figure, Ser Arthur had agreed to walk Roslin down the aisle, so was nowhere to be seen.
The young prince was very nervous. He loved Roslin, he wanted to be a good husband to her. But they were going to war and even though they had won every battle, not everyone would live through the war to come. His aunt had pounded it though his head as he was growing up, war was no place for honor because most men would have no honor when facing their death. He wanted to marry Roslin, wanted a family with her but… he didn't want to leave her alone if he died. He knew as well as Visenya did that if they lost this war and the Lannister's won, every single Targaryen and their inner circle, would be killed. Joffrey was mad, he would never allow any of them to live. So, with that thought in mind, he promised himself as the Septon's prayers finished, he would do everything in his power to win the war and make Westeros safe for Roslin and their future children.
He straightened his shoulders the moment he heard the murmurs rise in the room, knowing Roslin must have entered, the sound of her shoes echoing across the floor, the sounds of the Septon's hymn echoing around the Sept. He kept turned away from her until he heard her steps stop just behind him, the part where Arthur would hand her off to him, and turned to face here, where his breath escaped his chest.
Roslin was dressed in white, the skirt of her gown draped from her hips to the floor in layers of silk, two dragons were embroidered on the skirts, Moonfyre and Dreamfyre, in the same color as the dragons themselves. The bodice of the dress clung tightly to her upper body, like a corset, with a heart shaped top that dipped low, giving a generous view of her cleavage. The sleeves went over her shoulders, baring her arms and collarbones, with a clear see-through material that hung from the straps on either side of her, trailing down her body on both sides to the floor. Her hair was pinned back with braids on either side, small white flowers he didn't know the name of were weaved through it and held in place by a tiara.
He could not describe the jewellery set she wore, as it was a bit beyond him. It was black metal with either ruby or red crystal set inside. She bore a necklace, earrings and tiara. All he knew about it; was it had belonged to the Targaryen's for a long time. Visenya had opened the treasury for Roslin, to pick her bridal jewellery and this was what she had chosen. She looked absolutely stunning. The last piece of her wardrobe was the cloak atop her shoulders, in blue and grey, the colors of House Frey. The maiden's cloak that every woman wore to their wedding day.
Today, Roslin would leave the protection of her house and enter his for the rest of their lives.
Arthur bowed his head before holding out Roslin's hand for him to take, which Jacaerys did with a deep breath, a smile crossing both of their faces as their hands met. Arthur moved to take his spot beside Visenya, a soft smiled upon the Queen Regent's face as her nephew and soon-to-be niece turned to face Septon Oswyck with smiles upon their faces.
"In the sight of the Seven may I welcome all to the Sept of Dragonstone on this monumental occasion. My Queen, my lords and ladies, we stand here in the sight of the Gods and men to witness the union of man and wife, one flesh, one heart, one soul, now and forever," Septon Oswyck began to speak his hands held open in welcome, before he gestured his hands in beckoning to the bride and groom. Holding hands, Jacaerys and Roslin both stepped forward until the were a step below the Septon who smiled softly as he began to marriage rights.
"You may now cloak the bride bringing her under your protection."
Here Arthur stepped forward again and gently removed Roslin's cloak, stepping back beside Visenya as Jacaerys pulled the cloak from his shoulders and draped it overtop of hers, his hands gently smoothing it over her shoulders, casing Roslin to shiver slightly. He then moved back to her side, his heart pounding as he realized in just a few moments, Roslin would be his wife. They joined hands as Septon Oswyck stepped closer, a white ribbon in his hands.
He spoke as he began wrapping it around their joined hands, tying it into a knot, "Let it be known that Roslin of House Frey and Jacaerys of House Targaryen, are one flesh, one heart and one soul," the couple's eyes met and held with an intensity that everyone in the Sept could feel, "Cursed be he, who would seek to tear them asunder. In the sights of the Seven, I hereby seal these two souls, binding them as one for eternity." The ribbon unraveling the moment he finished speaking, their hands locking firmly together as they turned to face each other.
"Look upon each other and say the words," Septon Oswyck commanded.
Their eyes were still locked together and everyone there, could hear the conviction in their voices as they began to speak. It was clear to all that this was a love match, not a political one as many Targaryen marriages usually were. They could see the love on Jacaerys face as he looked at his bride, a look that was not on Rhaegar's the day he wed Elia Martell. It was a look that convinced many that the Crown Prince was nothing like his birth father.
Their voices echoing in sync as they began to speak, "Father, Smith, Warrior, Mother, Maiden, Crone, Stranger, I am hers/his and she/he is mine, from this day until the end of our days," they intoned together. Their voices were strong and many in the Sept could not every remember hearing such convincing marriage vows before. Jacaerys reached up with her free hand and cupped Roslin's cheek, wiping the tear that fell with a slight smile on his face, "With this kiss, I pledge my love," he announced before leaning down and pressing his lips to hers.
It wasn't the first time they had kissed, but it was the most important one. Their lips met in a chaste kiss, "I pronounce you man and wife!" the Septon's words echoing as the crowd burst into applause and cheers, as the future leaders of the realm turned to face everyone arm in arm. Jacaerys caught sight of his aunt, who was standing beside Arthur, tears in her eyes but a smile of pride so large on her face that his chest swelled with it. He smiled brightly at her before turning back to his bride, who was laughing as she waved to the crowd.
"I give you Crown Prince Jacaerys and his wife Princess Roslin of House Targaryen! Long may they reign!"
"Long may they reign!" echoed back from everyone in the room.
Visenya watched with tears in her eyes and pride in her heart as Jacaerys led his new life through the crowds towards the exit. Her nephew was a good man, nothing like her brother and she was so proud of him. Jacaerys looked at Roslin with more affection that Rhaegar ever had Elia or even her. Even after two children, Rhaegar never looked to Elia the way Jacaerys had looked at Roslin since they met, and even now were married.
Visenya had high hopes for their future.