[78 AC]
I had a huge extended family in my past life.
Eight cousins, Six aunts/uncles, four Grandparents, and a couple of Greats.
As an introvert who hates being in a group for extended periods of time dread the rare occasions when the entire family gets together.
No privacy was forced into mingling with my fellow cousins who I barely see and was forced to talk about sports. Yeah, I was one of two introverts in a family of extroverts.
Which makes the Jaehaerys Targaryen Family dinners to be my worst nightmare. Seven siblings, one nephew, and one niece. With the political undertone that Jaehaerys always seems to convey, especially when he looks at the youngest six members of his family.
"Daella," Jaehaerys called out, and everyone stood still. The only ones that weren't affected by Jaehaerys' tone were Viserys and Rhaenys. Viserys was a three-year-old kid who had no comprehension of what was going on. Lucky bastard! While Rhaenys is looking at Aemon, giving him a look that all but asks if she is in trouble.
"...Yes, Father?" Daella asked with nervous sweat. With her reaction, both Viserra and Saerra were quietly snickering. I kicked them both, I don't want Jaehaerys to use his signature glare anywhere near me.
Was it irrational of me to be afraid of Jaehaerys? Hell No! Jaehaerys was someone who took a broken realm and turned it into a functional kingdom, with negotiations alongside the standard Targaryen fire and blood.
"I'm disappointed with you. Breaking off an engagement with a prestigious house such as the Blackwoods because you feared a tree?" Jaehaerys said and Daella became a bit paler.
"...Father they worship heretical gods," Daella tries to explain her actions.
"The King of the Andals and the First Men. The crown recognized the Old Gods as a legitimate religion. So please don't try to use the Septon's teachings to excuse your actions." Jaehaerys said as he stared at Daella.
I looked at the interaction with fear coursing through my veins. The thing about Jaehaerys' rage is he never raises his voice. It is always controlled and simmering underneath his skin. Staring at Jaehaerys right now is like staring at the Bronze Fury, who is ready to wipe out an entire army.
"...The Weirwood tree frightened me," Daella said, and that made Jaehaerys' look absolutely livid.
"I was willing to forgive declining the upstart Corlys proposal. The others, we could get away with because they were minor nobles. But the Blackwoods were a prestigious house!"
Alongside putting a bit more pressure on the Tullys. Sure they supported Maegor, but can you really blame them? The Riverlands always suffer in war time and they wanted someone who could finish the war, at least open warfare.
"You were frightened of a tree!?" Jaehaerys all but seethe. Oi boy, can Vermithor come in and put me out of misery! No? Fuck!
"Your younger siblings played in the Godswood all the time. Are you telling me you couldn't spend what amounts to only a few minutes in front of a Weirwood tree!?" Jaehaerys said, and by now, everyone was trying to look away from their interaction.
The only exceptions were Alyssanne, who was squeezing Jaehaerys hand, and Viserra. Who was quietly snickering at our sister's expense? I gave Viserra an annoyed look, one she quietly ignored.
Honestly, I felt bad for Daella. I played in the Godswood to help her. I always knew she was going to reject the marriage with Blackwoods because she became frightened of the Weirwood tree. So I thought if she saw her little siblings playing in the Godswood that she could at least stomach it.
Yet it only made it much worse in the aftermath. Sorry, Daella.
"You will marry Rodrick Arryn. In two years." Jaehaerys said, and Daella all but nodded, afraid to say anything.
Hmm. Two years, soon enough to not question Daella's preference in partners but not so quick to insult the Blackwoods. Not only that, House Ayrrn is Warden of the East, and they fought against Maegor. A good match to strengthen the crown.
"What!?" A voice screeched out. I look to my right to see Saera stand up and glaring daggers at both Daella and Jaehaerys.
Jaehaerys sighed before looking at Saera with a look of a patient father. Ten out of ten, I must say that Jaehaerys is a top-grade actor.
"Do you have a problem with Daella's punishment, Saera?" Jaehaerys asked
"Punishment!? It's more like you are rewarding Daella for embarrassing the family!" Saera yelled
"Daella wasted six potential betrothals don't you think you should just skip her?" Saera said
"Daella is just having difficulty finding a good suitor," Alysanne said, trying to calm the rising tensions.
"You mean her making up excuses! Corlys Velaryon loved the sea more than her! Denys Swann, who eyed her lustfully? Simon Stauton who tried to give her wine at their little get-together? Gerold Templeton, who was a simpleton? Ellard Crane, who had a crooked look about him? And Royce Blackwood, who she was too afraid to be near a Weirwood tree for a few seconds!" Saera all but yelled, and Jaehaerys just sighed.
"I understand if this may seem like a gift, but it is not," Jaehaerys said, and Saera looked even more pissed
"You are marrying her to a Warden. How can that not be a gift? If you want to punish her, then send her to the Faith!" Saera said
"The Faith already has one of my daughters. I won't allow them to have another. " Jaehaerys said
"Oh wow, so caring to your children," Saera draws out as she looks at our older siblings with disdain. "I guess the three of us are just your leftovers," Saera said as she looked toward Viserra and me.
"Go to your room, now." Jaehaerys said with anger residing in his voice, and Saera stormed off in a hurry. Just as she exited the room, I saw tears coming from her eyes.
"Father, may I be excused?" I asked Jaehaerys, looking him straight in the eye.
"Let her stew," Jaehaerys said
"I guessed I would be having extra lessons or something," I said as I got up, ignoring Jaehaerys' voice.