Prologue Part 4: Disinheritance and Wedding

The following three months passed quickly in the capital, and soon Lady Leonna and Lady Sara arrived in Kings Landing to help organize the wedding. As it was tradition that here was always supposed to be a Stark in Winterfell, Cregan's paternal grandmother, Lady Eloise Stark, decided as travel was too hard for her that she counted (after having spent the majority of her life as a Stark) and would let the other three go without involving Cregan's uncle. It was also Prince Aegon's second birthday and everyone had heard that the King planned to make a big announcement.'

Privately, the King had spoken with his daughter and apologized to her but said that he had dreamed that if he kept her as heir, she and all of her children would die as the Lords of the realm would never accept her since he had a son and possibly a second one very soon. With all the grace and dignity of the Queen she would never truly become, she replied that if she was to be disinherited for his half Hightower son, that she refused to have her line cross bred with any descendant of House Hightower and more so any descendant of Otto or Alicent, her titles as Lady of Winterfell and the North were not disputed and that the succession of the North and East were left alone by the crown, she would not contest it. However, if anyone not of Stark blood would attempt to take over the North or of Arryn blood tried to usurp the East, then she would contest it. It was also agreed upon that, following her marriage, she would move to Winterfell full time with her husband and that it would be understood that it was a long journey between the two places so that visits would be very rare.

So, Rhaenyra, Leonna and Sara attended Aegon's hunt and Rhaenyra killed the White Hart all on her own and then asked for its skin to be made into a new heavy cloak for her to take to the North once wed as well as a pair of boots, a pair of slippers, a pair of gloves and a muff [BTW I have no idea how much hide each of these would take and if it would be possible to make so many things from the skin of a single animal, but if not, let's just say the white hart is a particularly large animal]. The three women also managed to kill twelve rabbits, nine deer and five boars during the week-long hunt, all the skins of which would go toward making cold weather clothing. Rhaenyra insisted upon cloaks, boots and gloves also being made for Leonna, Sara and even Cregan as gifts. [Northern women know how to hunt and Rhaenyra had learned how and had gotten good at hunting during her visits to the Vale].

Two days after returning from the week-long hunt, Viserys called everyone to court where he announced the change in the succession. With the announcement Otto was gloating and beaming with pride while Rhaenyra stood with her head held high beside her soon to be good mother and sister.

Despite the sly and condescending looks so many of the Lords and Ladies gave her, the following three months passed quickly for Rhaenyra. A month following her disinheritance, Alicent gave birth to a girl that was named Helena. With all the preparations for her forthcoming marriage and subsequent move north, Rhaenyra was able to avoid meeting the babe.

When word broke a month before the wedding that the Stepsones had been won and that her Uncle Daemon had been crowned King of the Stepstones, Rhaenyra was glad to finally have some of the attention off of her.

With two weeks left before the wedding, Lord Stark finally arrived in the capital and was greeted by his bride (with whom he had maintained regular contact with), mother, sister and the King. Neither man was particularly impressed by the other (the King having thinning silver/white hair, rather overweight, standing nearly a head shorter than his beautiful daughter and looking at least a decade older than his 35 years. Meanwhile the young Lord was very tall with broad shoulders but still quite lean in his youthfulness and having an abundance of dark hair). The King also apologized for the absence of his queen but stated that she was still recovering from birthing their daughter six weeks prior but that she hoped she'd be well enough to attend the wedding.

Leanna and Rhaenys along with a delegation from the North and the Vale (which included Rhea Royce, Amanda Arryn and Jayne Arryn) arrived at the Red Keep a week later and bore witness to the chaos going on as last minute details were being finalized. They also got to witness arguments between the Princess and the Queen over details such as the Princess' wedding clothes, travel clothes and even the bed linens for the wedding night.

The Princess had decided to honor her late mother and her mother's kin as well as House Stark on both her gown and cloak and by using Arryn blue with Stark gray and then having embroidered on them a gold dragon for her Syrax (who was coming with her), a falcon and a direwolf. Alicent thought she should wear a demure pink gown and black cloak with only the Targaryian symbol on them. As for travel garb, Alicent didn't seem to grasp that as they journeyed North that it would be getting much colder especially as they crossed the Neck and so lightweight summer gowns would not be warm enough. Lady Leonna stood up for her son's bride with that issue as she did not wish to have the girl freeze. As for the issue of bed linens, Alicent wanted them to be a dark maroon color which would conceal the maiden blood (and were the color chosen for her own as she had not been a maiden on her wedding night but instead had been carrying Aegon and she feared her step daughter having lighter ones would call her own virtue into question should they be stained). This issue had both Viserys and Cregan speaking up as rumors had already started that the Princess was not a maiden and both men were eager to have it be proven that Rhaenyra entered her marriage bed untouched though she would not leave it that way.

Finally the day of her wedding dawned and Rhaenyra felt ready. It had been eighteen months since she'd had her dream and had felt the flames of Aegon's dragon burn her before taking her into its mouth and with a crunch, she'd known no more. Today she set her destiny on an entirely new path that would hopefully allow her to live to old age and to see her children grow up and have families of their own. So long as the only blood spilt that day was from her maidenhead, it would be perfect.

So she washed and then Lady Leonna, Lady Amanda and Lady Jayne came into her chambers to help her dress and to do her hair, a role traditionally filled in the North by the bride's mother [I do not know if this is canon or not but we're going with it]. Alicent tried to insist that she was Rhaenyra's mother so she was entitled to the role, but, thankfully, Viserys denied Alicent and allowed Rhaenyra to have her goodmother, aunt and cousin stand in for Aemma. Viserys knew that it was hard on his daughter to wed without her mother's presence and also knew Alicent wasn't much older than Rhaenyra. Plus, Alicent had just born her own daughter so it wasn't like she'd never get the chance to play mother of the bride.

Then it was finally time. The older women held the edge of the cloak (which was gray in color) off the ground, while Rhaenyra held the hem of her sky blue dress. Her hair was styled in a curled, messy bun with loose silver curls left out to frame her face. On her head she wore a simple silver circlet that had fire opals, blue opals and white opals embedded in it.

The Princess met her father at one of the entrances to the Godswood.

"My sweet child, you look so grown up. Your mother would be so proud of you and I have to believe she can see what a stunning woman you've become."

"Thank you, father. I only wish she and my trueborn siblings could be here in person to celebrate this day. But, alas, I too can only hope they are here in spirit with Grandfathers Roderik and Baelon and Grandmothers Alyssa and Daella."

Then the King offered her his arm.

Lord Cregan was already standing at the Weirwood tree and upon seeing her bridegroom for the first time that day, Rhaenyra's breath was caught. She couldn't help it as he looked so good in his gray breeches, black boots, gray doublet and starched white tunic and his dark hair pulled back. It made her smile and she felt a sense of peace wash over her. Then their eyes met and both blushed.

Cregan had also gotten up early that day to bathe, shave and dress. He really wanted to look his best for his dragon bride so that it wouldn't dishonor her. How he had managed to win the hand of the most eligible maiden in Westeros was beyond him but he was not about to complain. He found in her a kindred spirit and he really couldn't wait to start building a life with her at his side, knowing soon, only death could take her from him. After readying himself and having a light morning meal of bread, fruit and juice, he went out to the Godswood where their modest 100 guests had begun to gather. He strode to the Weirwood tree to await his bride.

Soon all the guests had gathered and a hush fell over everyone. He looked up and saw her and was awestruck. She looked absolutely stunning and was looking at him with a big smile. When their eyes finally met, he couldn't help but blush knowing that she was dressed for him and that soon he could pull her into his arms fully for the first time and kiss her.

When Rhaenyra and Viserys got about four feet from Cregan, they stopped walking. Jayne, Amanda and Leonna dropped the hem of the cloak and stepped off to the side and then Cregan began.

"Who comes before the Gods today?"

Viserys replied, "Rhaenyra, daughter of houses Targaryian and Arryn comes before the Gods to wed and seek the blessings of the Gods. Youthful and spirited, trueborn and of noble birth. Full grown and eager. Who claims her before the Gods?"

Cregan then spoke again, "Lord Cregan Stark of Winterfell and Warden of the North. I claim the Lady Rhaenyra as my bride. Who gives her to me?"

"Her father and head of House Targaryian, Viserys Targaryian. My daughter, will you accept this man's claim to you?" Viserys said as he turned to face her full on.

"I accept Cregan Stark's claim to me and accept my Lord Father's giving of me to him," said Rhaenyra in a clear voice.

As Cregan took a step towards them and stretched out his left hand towards his bride, Viserys quickly placed a kiss upon her brow and then on her hands before letting her go, though his eyes were growing wet. Aemma's only child now had a different name and belonged to another man. He would never be her patriarch again.

After her father let her go, Rhaenyra took a step forward and reached out with her right hand. They then clasped hands and moved to kneel at the base of the tree in prayer. After a couple minutes, Cregan squeezed Rhaenyra's hand and they both stood. Still holding hands, Cregan pulled Rhaenyra closer to him and then placed a tender kiss on her lips.

Before anyone could begin to head into the hall for the wedding feast, the shrill whistle of the Blood Wrym was heard. For Rhaenyra, while it had once been her favorite sound, it had lost its appeal and she feared her Uncle might try to ruin her wedding day. Viserys also groaned knowing his little brother loved to cause chaos and chaos was not what he wanted, especially on that day.

However, despite that, everyone soon filtered into the hall. At the High table from left to right (as the view all the guest got) sat Lord Beesbury, Lord Strong, Ser Otto, Lady Laena, Princess Rhaenys, Lady Rhea, Lady Amanda, Lady Jayne, Queen Alicent in a blood red gown and elaborate ruby encrusted tiara, King Viserys, Rhaenyra, Cregan, Leonna, Sara, Lord and Lady Mormont, Lord and Lady Manderly, Lord Glover, Lord Umber, Lord and Lady Norrey, Lady Karstark and Lord Bolton. After everyone at the high table got settled, the guests began to approach to give their blessings and congratulations to the young newlyweds. Before the last guests could finish, the doors to the hall were thrown open and in walked Daemon.

"Brother, you held a feast in my honor? How did you know I was arriving today? I didn't even know I was arriving today as I planned to take care of a problem in the Vale before returning."

Standing up, Viserys responded, "This feast is not for you Daemon and what exactly do you mean by taking care of a problem in the Vale?"

"My king, it has long been known that Daemon favors silver haired whores. I believe my husband desired to kill me so he might wed Lady Stark," replied Rhea. "Isn't that right Husband?"

Daemon, who had not expected to see his estranged wife in the Red Keep, let alone the High Table at a feast, was taken back. Then he finally took note of the others sitting at the table. He recognized Amanda Arryn and Rhea sitting on his brother's right side along with his cousin Rhaenys but on Visery's left, the only face he knew was that of his niece and she was holding hands with a boy dressed in gray and white. It then also dawned on him that Rhea had mentioned silver haired whores and a Lady Stark.

"How could you be so stupid Viserys!!!" Daemon yelled. "You've always known Rhaenyra was meant to be my bride and yet you marry her off to a savage. I can' believe you! I doubt the marriage has been consummated yet, so annul it so I can wed her properly in Valerian tradition."

"No Uncle. Father did not marry me off to a savage as the Northerners are not savages and I chose Cregan to be my husband. I was never meant to be yours." replied Rhaenyra.

"Guards, remove my brother from his hall as this is supposed to be a day of joy and he is ruining it."

So the guards dragged Prince Daemon from the hall.

"Mother, do you think you could get father to betroth me to Daemon?" asked Lady Laena who was only 12. "I'm a Valerian beauty and I'm open to wedding in Valerian tradition.

"Leana, perhaps in a few years, but you are still young. Wouldn't you prefer a younger groom? Plus, Daemon is married."

"No mother, I want Daemon. He's a prince, a dragon rider and a fierce warrior of Valerian blood. I want him."

"If I could be separated from him, then I would gladly let your daughter have him Princess," stated Rhea.

"You wish to be from my brother!?" asked Viserys in shock.

"All that drunken whoremonger has done since we wed is dishonor me. I would love to bear an heir for Runestone but I know I never will while stuck with him unless I wish to bear a bastard."

"Then for your sake, I will annul the marriage but I will also have my brother pay you reparations for his poor treatment of you these many years."

Smiling, Rhea replied, "Thank you, Your Grace."

"I do hope that even in light of this new development that I may still call you Aunt," said the bride.

"Of course, you are," then Rhea paused, "were, my favorite Targaryian. I'd be pleased to still be counted among your kin My Lady."

Soon it was time for dancing after the first meal had been served and cleaned up and time for the new bride and groom to take their first dance.

One dance quickly turned to two, then three and four and five before they allowed themselves to separate and take new partners.

The dancing lasted four hours before the second part of the feasting commenced.

"I wish to raise a toast to my firstborn child and the young Warden of the North. May your union be fruitful and without much loss. May your arguments be few and overcome quickly. May you find peace, joy, happiness, contentment and companionship with one another. May you enjoy many long years together and most of all, I bless that you become one another's strength. Here's to the bride and groom!" spoke the King turning to face the newlyweds.

The Wedding pie was brought out and the couple cut it.

Finally it was time for the new couple to head to bed.

"I will be losing my maidenhead in my maiden bed. The perfect way to leave it," said the young lady to her man.

"No regrets then?"

Smiling, she replied, "None."

After they arrived in her chamber, the young lord helped his lady undo her hair.

"Ever since I first laid eyes on you, I've been eagerly awaiting this. Knowing you were dressed for me and that I would be the one to help you out of the dress. To claim you completely as my own."

"You aren't the only one. Knowing that I cannot be shamed for being found in your arms and less than properly attired in my private chamber. Knowing that I'm yours now and get to put my hands all over you and kiss you and its nobody's business is thrilling. Now, can you unlace this dress for me?"

"It will be my pleasure."

They then dived into their wedding night activities.

The following morning the youths woke late and again indulged themselves in one another before a maid came in to collect the sheets. After eating and dressing Cregan left to meet with his mother and finalize the details of their departure. As for the princess, she wanted to double check to make sure she wasn't leaving behind anything she wished to take with her to the north. She slowly ran her fingers over the surfaces of the furniture in her room knowing she was leaving it all behind and caressed the silks and lace of her maiden dresses. Then following a brief conversation with Rhaenys, she left the room and soon left the Red Keep for Winterfell.

Author Note: Yes, I know, long chapter. Yes, Rhaenyra does not want any of her precious babies to be forced to wed any Hightower spawn and yes, Viserys does have an actual dream. Cregan is still a bit of a gangly youth here but he's only 16 any by the time of the reunion, he's really filled out and becomes this big muscle man (think Hugh Jackman in the Wolverine movies but with shoulder length hair as the full grown adult he becomes). The story of Rhaenys and Rhaenyra is still to come so stay tuned. I did decide that Laena is very young but she's set her sights on Daemon. Also, while Alicent had an easy pregnancy and birth with Aegon, each one after gets harder on her and takes her longer to recover which is why she only ends up with four children when, with her age, she could have had many more.

Next up we get to more of the present day.