**DISCLAIMER FOR ENTIRE FANFIC *SO ONLY POSTED HERE IN CHAPTER 1*: If anyone does these anymore—I DO NOT OWN ANYTHING RELATED TO OR FROM THE HOUSE OF THE DRAGON and ALL OF IT'S RELATED CONTENT & WRITINGS. I only own my OC and her future children. Purely all imagination and 'What If': more explained in Author's Note below.**
A/N: Hello! Another fanfic to the list because my imagination is flying this summer—mixing with my real work job, and then temporary writer's burnout for other fandoms/fanfics I am keenly working on as well whenever I have energy and time—I felt this needed to be written… The HBO series is hands down the best series I've watched in a long time.
I'm awkward with summaries, so basically this story is one huge 'What If', and especially for all fellow Ser Tyland Lannister lovers out there (because my typical self just notices *minor characters* off the bat—and come to find out, he deserved not just love but deserved better in general *without giving spoilers away*) His character is incredibly, starkly different from his twin brother Jason, and IMO, Tyland is rather a great Lannister. ALSO, I really like the concept of Rhaenyra having a sister and seeing through this younger sister's eyes the eventual risky 'neutral' ground she manages to create between the Greens and Blacks in order to survive with her family, and to restore the throne, rightfully, to Rhaenyra.
I will remain true to what happens in the series and/or book (still waiting to see what choices the producers make for future episodes and decide what to forgo if needed etc.). The only difference is my added OC (Arwynna) and her future children.
**Please note: Her original name I came up with is meant to be in honor of her mother, Aemma Arryn, and a nod to my favorite book character Arwen in the Lord of the Rings. I also did not want it to sound too much like Rhaenyra's in order to not be confusing for reading/writing purposes.
And lastly: The Rating for this fanfic may be subject to change. For now it will be rated 'T'. If it does venture into more explicit scenes, I will change the rating to 'M'. Overall, I tend to keep romances/sexual themes clean and not obnoxiously inappropriate.
With all that being said, I hope you enjoy where this takes us! Thank you! :)
Narrator
As the first century of the Targaryen dynasty came to a close, the health of the Old King, Jaehaerys, was failing. In those days, House Targaryen stood at the height of its strength with adult dragons under its yoke. No power in the world could stand against it.
King Jaehaerys reigned over nearly years of peace and prosperity. But tragedy had claimed both his sons, leaving his succession in doubt. So, in the year , the Old King called a Great Council to choose an heir. Over a thousand lords made the journey to Harrenhal. Fourteen succession claims were heard but only two were truly considered:
Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, the King's eldest descendant, and her younger cousin, Prince Viserys Targaryen, the King's eldest male descendant.
Jaehaerys Targaryen: It is declared by all lords paramount and lords vassal of the Seven Kingdoms... that Prince Viserys Targaryen be made Prince of Dragonstone. Rhaenys, a woman, would not inherit the Iron Throne. The lords instead chose Viserys... my father.
Jaehaerys called the Great Council to prevent a war being fought over his succession. For he knew the cold truth. The only thing that could tear down the House of the Dragon... was itself.
Chapter 1: Second of His Name & the Second Borns
Dream Sequence
The bodies of their beloved mother and day-old brother, wrapped tightly in fine dragon skin, laid atop the pyre. A funeral of fire for the true blood of the dragon, the only worthy way for a Targaryen to pass into the afterlife.
Arwynna felt sympathy directed from everyone present towards them. She recalled Princess Rhaenys and Lord Corlys standing close behind her and her family—their presence always highly regarded.
Viserys stood subdued yet strong right next to his youngest daughter, his blurred focus on the pyre holding the love of his life the entire funeral—unable to offer his two surviving descendants a glance or a comforting word. Perhaps one look at his daughter's would make him fall to his knees begging for her forgiveness, thinking that his wife was truly with him still, as they resembled their mother so much…
His daughters did not know how broken his heart was, and his mind, all utterly guilt-ridden over her death.
As Arwynna was about to reach for her father's hand, she wasn't meant to hear this surely, yet as if the wind itself intended it, she overheard in the breeze the whispers of the High Valyrian language spoken between her Uncle Daemon and Rhaenyra:
"I wonder if, during those few hours my brother lived, my father finally found happiness." She could hear the brokenness in her dear sister's voice, knowing she was holding back sobs.
"Your father needs you, more now than he ever has."
"I will never be a son." Rhaenyra mumbled.
Arwynna swallowed, unable to bite back further tears at her sister's words which were so shattered with no hope. Whilst true, and how they both felt for many years, it was going to be an uphill battle from here. One they will likely not win or heal from.
When Rhaenyra stepped forward, lining up with Arwynna and Viserys, the sisters looked to the other for strength as they always had. Arwynna nodded stiffly to her, though seeing Rhaenyra look past her to Viserys, who remained intensely focused on the pyre—barely keeping his held back tears at bay while the dragon began to make light growls—she could understand Rhaenyra's discernable anger at him and the world, as well as her hesitance to make the hard command.
"Dracarys!" Rhaenyra had gained the dragon's attention. Arwynna, like her sister, had tears streaming down their faces. It was not until the dragon came forth down the sea cliff they stood near and watched as it breathed fire onto the pyre that their tears burned hot—and stung as if the flames had licked their cheeks itself. It was a lash in the face of their new reality, of living without their beloved mother, and being without their little brother they immediately loved at first sight, who would have certainly made an excellent future king and saved them so much grief.
Arwynna looked away, her shoulders shaking with her constrained, silent cries. She wanted to reach for both her older sister and her father, but they were all so equally distant from each other in that moment. This memory was as suffocating as it was being there.
But Arwynna will never forget the anguish on her father's face, and forever regretted not reaching for the hand he had pulled tightly to his side…
"So why didn't you?" Her Uncle Daemon's accusing voice hissed behind her, which did not happen.
Arwynna gasped as she awoke with wide, burning eyes as tears had long since dried out for some three years. Her chambers were still empty—void of maidservants for now. She sat up in her plush bed alone, blankets falling from her chest exposing a loose, wrinkly nightgown covered in sweat spots from restless sleep. If this was not evidence enough, her hair was sticking up in all directions as if she flew her dragon in her sleep. At this calming, fleeting thought, she smiled softly thinking of going to her dragon and taking the entire day off to fly to a secluded spot that was safe, of course. There were few of those, however.
But as soon as the desire to fly had hit her, reality sunk in. Today was Aegon's second nameday. A celebration for her half-brother conceived and born not long after her and Rhaenyra's mother had passed. This event, and the marriage between their father and Alicent was still beyond the pale in their minds. After months of Rhaenyra going to Alicent with her worries about Viserys replacing her, this felt like a betrayal.
Despite sharing anger with her sister—even closer than before—Arwynna was fortunate that she was not as close of a friend to Alicent as the young woman was to Rhaenyra, who was still avoiding her to this day. Alicent was more of an acquaintance of Arwynna's to begin with. She never thought on as to why, other than their slight age difference—Alicent older than Rhaenyra by three years, then Arwynna being a year younger than Rhaenyra. So, in her own view, she was a perpetual child to her now stepmother.
"Princess, good morning." The maidservants clambered into her chambers to perform their duties.
"Good morning to you Princess!" The others chorused.
"Good morning." Arwynna nodded to them whilst casting her eyes down at the bed sheets, not exactly feeling good this morning. The maidservants lost traces of any smile they had—seeing their youngest princess was not in her usual cheerful mood.
"It is suggested that you eat quick," one said as she set up the table for her. "His Grace is expecting you and your sister to be present as soon as possible, and to eat well before travel. The main dinner feast at the camp will take place late in the day."
"Ah. Of course." Arwynna smiles now, though tightlipped. The older maidservant approached her, Ellie, one she had been close with since she was born.
"If it means anything, it is a lovely day outside—much like your nameday was. I'll always recall it because it differed from your sister's," the woman tenderly shared with a nostalgic smile. "You will not need to fret over rainfall or catching chills on the ride…" This always boggled her mind, was rain bad or good luck to have on a significant day? Did rain mean good luck, cleansing and renewal, or bad luck and future tears to be shed?
Knowing very well what she was about to mention, Arwynna shifted in her bed, and moved reluctantly to stand to go sit by her window to eat.
"So I will be more than presentable for the lords in attendance." Arwynna sighed, thinking of the deep conversation with the king—as only mere instants of her father would shine through his expectations for her—about the prospects of marriage for her. The second born, the spare that was not needed anymore. While she had the freedom to marry who she pleases and for happiness as he had: her father's wish for her, she still had to be sensible and forge an alliance: the king's want for her. Despite being second born and bumped down in succession due to Aegon being born.
At least she and the king came to an agreement that she was in no hurry, as they were expectant of Rhaenyra to find great interest in a Lord at the encampment for Aegon's nameday. Though Arwynna knew that would most certainly not happen, much to both her amusement and melancholy. Would I have to wait for Rhaenyra to be married before I am even betrothed? Arwynna thought to herself. It felt like a pierce through her heart because she felt ready, and more willing than her sister. Beyond tradition and duty she always desired marriage and a family. After all, Arwynna did entertain the thoughts of one particular man she had known for years. It was through letters and several encounters at her home overtime until they finally became closer—after her mother's passing—and a true bond, friendship, was their foundation.
Ellie came up beside Arwynna to clear the breakfast remnants and the empty plate from her table while the other servants continued to remove the bedlinens and tidy her chambers.
The older woman mumbled in a hushed tone, "My Princess, I only say this in hopes to guide you, as I know you are expecting a certain knight to return from the Stepstones." Arwynna's hand went to her lip anxiously at the mention of him.
Ellie continued, and for the sake of privacy and chance of a name being overheard by the other servants, she kept the man's name secreted, "I wouldn't put too much bank on his return for the young prince's nameday. Despite his Lord brother expecting us in the Kingswood, he still has a duty to uphold."
"I know he does, Ellie. But he will be in my every thought as ever, even in the company of another Ser or Lord at this camp. As much as I worry greatly about his welfare, I fear for his lack of response to my recent letter to him—"
"—Princess—"
"—Still I must…" Arwynna eased her own nerves as she looked up to an understanding Ellie. "I must hope."
"Of course, Princess." Ellie bowed her head gently before leaving her side to fetch the outfit for today.
When the maids who dress her held up two options, a dragon riding-hunting outfit or a proper dress, Arwynna found herself at a loss for thought. While the former is practical for the journey, the latter is what would be worn by the other ladies of high standing at the main encampment. Alicent will be dressed extravagantly formal… Rhaenyra will undoubtedly wear a comfortable riding habit with exquisite needlework…
"Both." Arwynna told them. They looked at her with a raised brow then at each other before getting right to it.
The rest of the time spent readying Arwynna for the long day ahead was in complete blissful silence. As they now worked on her hair, the young Princess kept to her thoughts, daydreaming of the good that could possibly unfold. Though of course, she did not let her hopes climb too high. For if she expected too much, she would get far less. Thinking neutral always served her well, and here was where she found her full confidence.
"He has your hair, Your Grace."
"He does have my hair."
"He has your eyes, Your Grace."
"Yes, he does. And you have my nose, don't you?"
From her place behind a large stone column, Arwynna watched as her father poked little Aegon's nose, making him squirm and shake his head cutely with the biggest smile on his little face. Hopefully he remains this delightful and sweet when he grows older, she thought. As quick as a smile blossomed on her face, it fell when she once again saw Alicent's hand donning a large stone ring, rub her entire swollen belly so dramatically that Arwynna considered the possibility that her pregnancy was fake, and the woman was stuffing a pillow beneath her ornate silken dress. It was painful to see her in the red of Targaryen's sigil with all her gold adornments—such as her gilded hair net and large necklace with matching red earrings. Yes, she dressed as part of her new family surely…
But silk wrinkles, dear Alicent, Arwynna rolled her eyes as she turned her attentions back to the fire before her. The Targaryen in her: the flames are always more interesting than a person would ever be, and the thoughts or inner conversation that flows in this silence. The crackling fire will always be more preferable than interaction. Depending on who it was, at least.
"Your Grace." A familiar rumbling voice broke above the joyous laughter at the front of the feast table. Arwynna peered around the column to see no other than who she was not expecting at all, but extremely hoping to see.
"Tyland?" Arwynna whispered under her breath to herself at the sight of the winded Lannister man hastily walking up to the king. She had not expected to see him return so soon from the Stepstones, and seemingly unscathed. Of course she prayed he would be protected, yet she was stunned to not see a single cut or blemish on the exposed skin of his face or neck. It did not mean he was wounded, she thought.
She watched as he bowed his head, the morning light catching his golden lion fastens trailing down his leather tunic, whilst he announced in a clear rumbling voice coated with severity:
"Your Grace... I bring urgent news from the Stepstones. The Crabfeeder has dug in for siege on Bloodstone while his men sabotage our fleet under the cover of dark."
"Not today, Tyland." Viserys smiled towards him, completely turning his attention back on little Aegon and the nobles surrounding them.
Arwynna peered at her father in surprise, now, at his indifferent disposition before looking back to a stoney faced Tyland—who was focused on the king & wishing to hand over the rolled-up parchment, likely the report. The exhaustion from travel and what atrocious sights he may have seen were evident in his expression. Dark circles hung beneath his eyes like he, too, had trouble sleeping.
Yet, there he was before them, strong and able, tall and dashing as ever. She closed her eyes to regain her senses. It was that damn leather he wore so well. Arwynna took a sip from her goblet.
"The matter of the Stepstones is regrettably urgent," Tyland pressed on, his face telling no lie. Even a nobleman next to him who overheard had grown visibly concerned.
Eyes sparkling, Viserys kept smiling, even lightly laughing in an attempt to lift the serious air, "It's been three years. It can wait another three days…" Though once her father turned from Tyland, he sent a scowl to Alicent at this untimely interruption. Why was he being this way? She thought to herself.
Arwynna looked away before they would see her, moving back behind the stone column, glancing at the wall torch for the calmness she needed—as her sister had yet to make an appearance. 'Always keep your grace and gentleness around your father, as I do. He will come to his wits sooner rather than later,' her mother had once told her this advice when he would get into a foul mood. It has not failed her yet.
"Come, eat!" Viserys announced to all as he walked around the feast table, "Fortify yourselves for the journey. Please…" Viserys caught sight of Lord Lyonel Strong, and murmured, "Is the baggage train ready?"
"It is presently massing at the River Gate," Lord Strong answered in matching tone. "Lord Jason expects us in the Kingswood before midday."
"Have you seen Rhaenyra?" Viserys grabbed a plate. At the mention of her sister, Arwynna took in a deep breath, taking a final sip from the goblet of light wine, before discarding the goblet and leaving her hiding spot to join Lord Strong's side.
"I have not, Your Grace," Lord Strong answered, feeling someone's presence behind his slow steps. At the sight of the younger Princess, he briefly bowed his head in acknowledgment and looked at her curiously as she said nothing but return a bow of her head with one of her genuine kind, thin-lipped smiles. The corner of his mouth quirked up, understanding she intended to listen in on this exchange too.
During this, Viserys made a once over in the room, only to turn the other way to see Tyland Lannister had followed, and proceeded to inform him on the activity in the Stepstones whilst he made his plate.
"With the Triarchy now sheltering in Bloodstone's caves, the threat of the dragons is blunted," Tyland murmured solely for the king to hear. However, since Arwynna and Lord Lyonel Strong stood side by side behind the king and the advisor, following them respectably close, they both were able to hear him loud and clear as they listened keenly.
"They don't have foot soldiers." Viserys said matter-of-factly, proceeding to move down the table of arrayed food.
"But their sellswords have been withdrawing in droves, Your Grace. Even the mercenaries can see that it is a losing effort—" Tyland's already grave tone sunk further as he said this. If not, sunken out of frustration for being ignored by the king.
Arwynna's heart clenched hearing all of this as she remained silent, and wondering how her father could easily brush off the fact they were at war and one they were not winning presently. And here they are about to travel without a care in the world as if none of this was taking place.
Viserys walked up to Ser Criston Cole, her sister's sworn protector who was standing guard here at the parting feast instead of with her…
Rhaenyra… Arwynna held back an eyeroll as she bit her lip. She surely ordered him to leave her be.
"Where's Rhaenyra?" Her father asked the knight. In turn, Arwynna narrowed her eyes in scrutiny, seeing the young knight's glossy dark eyes betray his oath of honesty.
"I cannot be sure at present, Your Grace—" Ser Criston Cole's pitiful whispered response was immediately dismissed when Viserys did a double-take, finally noticing his other daughter present and near them. He was visibly relieved.
"—Arwynna, gods help me where is your sister?" Viserys asked, his voice betraying his frantic state of mind.
She left Lord Strong's side and had to step around Tyland, who had yet noticed or acknowledged her until now as he was focused on the king and intent on informing him of this urgent news. As she was now surrounded by all these men, and felt their stares lingering on her, she remembered her mother's advice: Grace and gentleness… He'll come to his wits… Her chin tilted up ever so faintly.
"I'm not sure, Your Grace, other than she abruptly left her rooms this morning after wakening," Arwynna softly articulated with more confidence than Ser Criston Cole had expressed, "I do know for certain she is not on dragon-back, she knows of our plans to leave, as I reminded her last night and checked on the dragons this morning, just to be sure. Syrax was in his pit resting soundly, Your Grace." Because it would be like Rhaenyra to do this. Marching to the beat of her own drum even if she smelled of dragon.
"That's a better answer, the least!" Viserys grumbled under his breath, "And you took it upon yourself to do what others are apparently inept to do for our future heir. Thank you, my sweet." Her father's crinkled as he smiled shortly to her as he turned away.
Blinking, she was stunned to hear the endearment so rarely used, it made her chest rise and fall. Sweet because… well, she was sweeter than her sister at times. This was the only instance where she felt recognition from her father. Perhaps even favor for this trait, but the feeling was fleeting. As fleeting as she was scarcely noticed.
Because of this raw emotion hitting her full force, she was blissfully unaware of the deafening silence of only the nearby lords of his small council because of him reaffirming Rhaenyra as his heir. In her peripheral vision, Arwynna ignored the silken red gown of Alicent on the opposite side of the table with her hand atop her rounded belly—looking on like a fish out of water.
Overcoming the slight discomfiture at the attention in this brief pregnant pause that felt like eternity, Arwynna eyes looked up thoughtfully to the interrupted Ser Tyland Lannister, who was still looking down at her—ready to meet her dark violet eyes as if he wanted to do so all morning going by the sheer appeal suddenly gleaming in them. He looked as if he had just received all his answers from her father, relaxing his shoulders and losing the tenseness of his jaw & the pinch of his brow waning, yet that was not the case. He was so endearingly focused on her… Her stomach grew hot as it fluttered pleasantly.
Arwynna merely raised a gentle brow to the lion-knight—she called him to herself— but kept the benevolent and graceful composure she was born with as it was perfected through lessons years ago. The ever young yet seasoned Ser Tyland Lannister looked like he wanted to smile, but he reluctantly tore his gaze from the Princess and continued as if he were not interrupted by her father. He, too, blinked in order to regain composure.
Tyland tirelessly continued to advise, sharing in her father's exasperation. He is doing his duty father, and you should do yours, Arwynna thought to herself.
"The Velaryon forces have suffered heavy attrition, Your Grace," Tyland said. "The seeds of dissent are sown amongst the rank and file. Daemon has driven the men hard. They have begun to question his command. If the crown were ever to intervene—"
"—Tyland—" Viserys made to stop the man's commentary. Arwynna looked away as she meandered away from the men, so she could continue to listen in discreetly and spare glances back. Not that they were already talking at a normal voice level.
"—now is the time." Tyland looked down at the rolled-up parchment of the report in his hand, desperately wanting to hand it to the king who would make no move to take it, or at least snatch it from him.
"Daemon and The Sea Snake started their war without His Grace's leave," Otto Hightower voiced, garnering the men's attention. "Were he to intervene now after so long, it would make the crown appear weak."
Arwynna's jaw clenched at this, as it made her heart sink seeing Tyland look rightly annoyed and disheartened by the lack of agreement with him. Like the Lannister lion he was, his composure gave away his capacity to bite back with a clever reply to the Hightower. However, he refrained.
'Sometimes nothing is the hardest thing to do,' Tyland once said to her.
"Can someone tell me where in the Seven Hells Rhaenyra might be?!" Viserys shouted to anyone who would listen or help. Paying no heed to all the politics around him.
While this transpired, Arwynna continued to ignore Alicent and her annoyingly huge, protruding belly. As much as she wanted to admit motherhood looked beautiful on her, she simply couldn't. Not when the young woman somehow wormed her way into her father's line of vision, wedded and bedded him—not even confiding in Rhaenyra. It took every muscle in her to not shudder or outwardly wince at this truthful thought. She could feel the bile crawl up her throat every time she was put in a position to compliment her. Her stepmother.
Yet, she did feel bad for the young woman, though. Arwynna could feel the woman's—the queen's—nausea whenever she sees the mother's hand ever on her bulbous belly in attempts to soothe the constant kicking or the urge to gag. It was a wonder Alicent never fell over like a spinning toy top, or if it was twins inside her womb fighting over who would enter the world first. Gods hoped it would be a girl, or girls if they were twins, so Rhaenyra would remain heir as the king declared. Little Aegon will be less of an issue since he was still a small child.
Oh wouldn't that be a joy, Arwynna suddenly smiled to herself, dreaming of herself being a mother one day. Frightening, and life-threatening yes, but to have two little ones at once to love, not just one— two potential heirs. Now her smile dropped at these political thoughts. No way in the Seven Hells were her future children going to be considered heirs. It's not like she was anywhere close.
Not anymore.
Arwynna hadn't realized she had silently exited the feast hall in these inner-musings, and yet again isolated herself from the crowd of people preparing to embark on their travel. She was leaning against a far wall outside the hall, staring out at the open-air, slitted window with a furrowed brow when a familiar man's rumbling voice broke the silence. Though this time as soft as velvet.
"Your divine voice has the power to command attention, Princess. I was rendered speechless finally hearing you once more." Ser Tyland Lannister. The tall, leather clad form came to stand next to her, leaning on the opposite side of the window. His presence extended warmth to her at the drafty cold window.
"Hope the long face is not because of my trying insistence towards your father on the pressing matters at hand," Tyland told her considerately. "Or the talk of war that may be sensitive to your ears. Which, forgive me, I truly had not noticed you were present at first when I walked in, lest I would have conducted myself differently."
"Oh, no. Not at all." She shook her head earnestly, "If anything I hope my father had not offended you, good Ser. He sadly overlooks even more things now that he is beginning to age so…" Arwynna looked to him, who was watching her closely.
"A heavy dose of reality is what most of these people needed to hear, especially myself," she continued, the corner of her mouth turned up in unison with his. "As grave and urgent as it sounds, I'm surprised the king is not giving it a second thought right now. This isn't a time for merriment. A second nameday can wait in my opinion." The boy won't even remember it, she wanted to add.
Tyland folded his hands behind his back as he stepped closer, "Your opinion I consider, considerably." This made Arwynna break into a beaming smile—one that he easily returns—at his unexpected humor, as he was so articulate yet, he could be redundant by accident. It was all a part of his inherited Lannister charm.
He continued this reflection, "I must ask this. Do you believe the crown should intervene, Princess?"
Arwynna whispered this time, "Indeed. Lord Hightower was mistaken when he said the crown would appear weak for coming in so late—it is never too late..." Tyland nodded for her to continue, breathing steadily. "… If you didn't know of it before, surely you've witnessed it there. The heedless ambition of my Uncle Daemon and Lord Corlys is showing, and it is inevitably detrimental if they do not exercise more caution. That goes for everything else in the future. Though I'm afraid it's a bit late for them right now."
She did smile as she added this truth that gave her this opinion, a sparkle in her violet gaze, "Small conversation with Princess Rhaenys now and then has a way of lifting the wool from one's eyes."
"I'm pleased to have someone's good regard in the matter," he said as he felt his entire body sigh, even truly sighing aloud. The sheer appeal in his blue gaze returned, though it was aglow with something else Arwynna couldn't put a finger on. The warm feeling when he gazes at her the way he does, she feels wrapped in his embrace without even touching him. "Suppose there hardly is a time for merriment anymore. Perhaps it can wait three more days…"
Tyland didn't seem too convinced of his own words. It was a matter of his voice in the advising being dismissed when war is ensuing, and simply his pride nicked. Though unlike his twin, he admittedly overcomes it faster and turned his attentions back to the Princess before him.
"I'll keep your words in mind but forgive me again, my Princess, I came over here to ensure you were alright and if it was due to my words. If not them, then what was the cause?" He was known to safeguard her for as long as she had known him in her father's council. Though not often at meetings of late to represent House Lannister—as he does not yet hold a true seat— he journeys to and from different regions and returns when necessary to Casterly Rock.
"Nothing serious, I was just wondering what vapors got into my sister lately." She lied a little. "Ali—the queen… should be looking for her wherever they used to hideout as friends." Thankfully he did not react to her slip of Alicent, as he was well aware of her discomfort to this still.
Immediately she asked, "But are you alright, Ser? I've prayed fervently you would be safe; I hope you were not harmed in any way at the Stepstones."
"I am more than alright, thank you for asking," Tyland bowed his head once to her, moving his folded hands to his front now. His Adam's apple moved as he swallowed thickly, being moved by her thoughtfulness, "Safe with my small fleet. Your prayers have covered me, Princess, as I am unscathed."
However, he had smirked in amusement at her words previous. He cleared his throat and speaking quieter, "You know… the invitation to hunt with us does extend to you, if you would like to witness—especially should your sister not wish to attend. It would put you in a good light next to the queen—"
She blinked, "When was I ever in a bad light, Ser?"
Tyland swallowed and shook his head, "No, no! I'm sorry, I did not mean to phrase it like so Ar—Princess. I simply meant for the fun of the hunt, the eventfulness of the name day for your father—if your sister is not with us, and you are, then you would be…" Tyland trailed off then, because he realized his own thoughts were blurred with the politics pushed on him because of other men who had Arwynna in their sights. These thoughts now hurting him more now that he's in front of the Princess, and how he truly felt was coming more forward without control. How he cared for her and how she felt…
Then to his shock, he felt her fingertips brush his own, reaching for his hand ever so softly.
"Tyland." She began. "Since the passing of my mother—the one true queen and the king's one and only love, may she rest in peace—" her heart squeezed as he smiled softly and murmured 'may she rest in peace' in return, "—you were there for me. You now also know me more than my own family put together. But I believe I need to remind you that truly, there is no more favor that I can gain from the people than I have right now, especially from my father's council. I was hardly considered an heir before Rhaenyra was named thus, and now, any claim I had is considered null and void with the recent merging with Alicent Hightower."
She swallowed herself before continuing, seeing he was listening intently, "As for the eventfulness of the hunt, while it would be different to witness you and you alone hunt, I… cannot be around my father and the court more than I have to, for reasons. Besides, I care little to witness the death of an innocent creature as a spectacle. I will not attend the hunt."
He knew it was a risk, despite carefully glancing at their surroundings—confirming no one was watching them so closely— so he moved himself in front of the Princess though not backing her into the wall of the window and took her hand in his gloved ones. Even adjusting his posture and leg to hide their clasped hands near the window. He turned his back to the crowded hall slowly trickling out the doors on the opposite side. So they were certainly overlooked and pleased no one had noticed their absence.
"It is no trouble at all. Arwynna…" He whispered finally. His velvety voice saying her name will always be her favorite sound in the word. His distinctively posh accent belonged to the western shores of Westeros, but unlike his twin, Tyland held more humility in his inflection. "I'm sincerely sorry for my earlier words, I did not mean to cause offense, nor did I mean to make you feel inferior to your sister, which you are not—"
She slowly shook her head, "—You could never possibly offend me. How is it you know exactly what to say in writing, and with the king, or with the small council, but when it comes to us finally face to face… we both tend to freeze up?"
He chuckled lightly, "I suppose it's due to not spending so much time together. Or by the gods we are simply too astonished we're speaking to the other."
"I wish we had more moments like this..." Arwynna beamed up at him, though shyly losing her smile realizing what she was saying to him. She treaded carefully, "You know I value our friendship to a fault." His hands clutched hers tighter.
"As do I. And do not think I purposely disregarded your letter last, I wanted to respond, desperately—" he closed his eyes a second as he turned his neck gently, "As you know, time was of the essence, and my dispatch to the king was urgent."
Though relieved to hear this, at least, Arwynna looked down at the floor before braving her gaze to look at him once more, meeting the sea of his blue eyes as intent as they were with her father. One of her hands retracted from his hold, leaving only one hand in his own. Her jaw tensed out of habit, nodding gently, "On behalf of His Grace, your efforts in the warfighting are deeply appreciated. Your duty to the realm and the crown takes priority."
Tyland nodded gently once more, wishing she'd look up at him once more. Her full, long eyelashes kissed her cheeks whilst she looked to her feet.
"Yes… so, I reasoned it was better and faster to act than to sit and write a response. Because the instant I read the part in your letter of His Grace's ready intentions to marry you off and present you before eligible men one day soon, as well as this coinciding with the young prince's second nameday—seeing the chance for him to proffer you to a stranger—" he gathered himself, reining back his jealousy, "—I was worried I'd be too late."
Arwynna's eyes welled with tears as they shot up to his, staggered by his candor, "What do you mean?" His brow crumpled, his expression conveying as if it were obvious—though he would realize after the fact that she knew what he meant, she simply needed to hear it from himself. Not in writing.
"To be here for you, of course." His free hand reached up, pulling away almost at the last minute as he was nervous in fear of deterring her, before finally allowing himself to touch the ends of her hair—and ever so delicately moving it over her shoulder. It only disappointed him that he will not know how soft it feels, yet. He prayed fervently as she had, that he would be hers. "To be with you. And see if my dull, seasoned self stands the slightest chance."
Arwynna's knowing gaze sparkled a this, hoping with every fiber of her being that he could see her complete approval of him. And something far greater than this she held for him. He was only ten years older than she: she is six and ten years & he is six and twenty years. Well-established and still not in his tricenarian years. Hardly old in age and look by her account. Other women can think otherwise all they want…
Suddenly before she could answer, movement and hasty footsteps from behind her startled the both of them, their hands fell back to their sides and Tyland stiffened.
To their relief, it was only Rhaenyra, who came up beside her sister not expecting to see Tyland with her so close together. Their paled faces and matching looks of shock and dread when she first spotted them made her barely bite back a small grin.
"Sister… Ser Tyland…" Rhaenyra greeted them both with a glint in her eye now, sure to hide her knowing smile behind Tyland's back as she walked straight past him to go to her chambers to change outfit. She added as she was further down the hall with a shout, "Apparently we leave soon. Father is in the outer courtyard awaiting us, Arwynna..." She trailed off in a singsong voice.
Arwynna was blushing the deepest shade of red that surely matched the dark red of her dress.
Though after this, Tyland's face only softened further towards her, and his chest shuddered much to Arwynna's liking.
Arwynna laughed now as she grinned, "Now if that doesn't make you feel young again…" He barked out a laugh. "As I was saying, you are most certainly not dull in any way, Tyland. If, however, that is what you believe, then be assured you won't believe so at the end of our stay at the Kingswood. You, and any other eligible male in attendance, including your identical twin, will be convinced that as youthfully seasoned as you are… they stand no chance next to you."
Tyland let out a hearty laugh, "Oh how you flatter me so." Then he nodded to her in all seriousness, his heart was bursting at the seams at her serious claim. "But do know that my brother Jason knows well to not vie for you."
She looked down shyly before saying just as shy, "There is no contest for my hand. Not to my knowledge." Still basking in his glow and charming smile, she asks more seriously, "Are you sure you cannot sit with us in the carriage? At least you will have the chance to rest… after your journey from the Stepstones."
"Afraid not, I need to ride ahead to meet with my brother. Because someone needs to be there to ensure you are received well. I will only find rest after you arrive safely and settle in."
She bowed her head to him now in gratitude. "Suppose it is also wise you do not, as it will be dreadful to hear Alicent attempting small talk with us altogether."
Oh how she wasn't so shy now, knowing they were completely alone. Well almost completely alone.
"Arwynna, that is the queen you are talking about, now," he laughed helplessly, stepping forward. Resuming his place closer to her once more prior to being interrupted. "Let me guess, reasons?"
"Queen consort she may be, but not my mother of any kind, and never will be," her smile turned sour before regaining her prior, innocent humor, "And since we're returning to formal titles now, that would be Princess to you, Ser Lannister."
"Knight of Casterly Rock." Tyland added more formally, raising a serious brow at her. Despite this, she could see the warm smile in his eyes before it melted to his mouth once more—his true smile that was so rare to see—spreading like fire enough to make her, too, melt. Every time. She hummed to herself. Even her blood felt it, feeling it coarse through her wildly yet calmly—and her heart fluttered pleasantly at his flushed face.
My lion-knight. Arwynna felt her head, heart & soul thrum this ode to herself. However, by the look of Tyland's fading smile, parted lips and now unreadable stare, she realized that she had in fact said this thought out loud. Her own private secret spilling from her lips without her realizing.
"I'm… so sorry…" Arwynna felt her face burn, praying it wasn't as deep a red as his family crest on his chest near the left shoulder, where unbeknownst to her, his heart rested beneath beating wildly.
She feared the foundation of their friendship would crumble this instant. That he would burn all the letters they shared, some that had moved into the territory of flirting in a romantic way—though kept respectfully tender. She feared that he would never look her way on purpose again. That he would take back what he just said. All that he said.
But…
A squeeze of her hand shook her out of her fears and brought her back to reality. He had returned to holding her hand, gloved fingers cradling her own bare ones. Masterfully he raised their hands, moving to hold the back of her hand, brushing his thumb across her smooth knuckles—the yearning for his skin to touch hers was coming to a boil—before he leant down to place a soft, searing kiss on her hand. His blonde beard stubble tickling her skin surprisingly satisfying. Not once did his shining eyes brimming with unshed tears leave hers.
"Need not be sorry, ever. Between you and me, I still much prefer we do not use our formal titles. However, your lion-knight is the most glorious title to ever have dreamed of hearing from your lips. It is an honour to serve you, my Princess. As ever, as always."
They remained still, starry eyed and lost in the heart-pounding moment. This time they did not hear Rhaenyra return from the other end of the hall now changed into her outfit of choice for travel and the nameday.
"Arwynna…" Rhaenyra trailed off as she walked past them. This time the heir Princess did not hide her amused grin.
Arwynna looked up to him with a shake of her head, "I must go join them now."
He nodded, "Allow me." He offered his arm to her, which she gladly took as they followed far behind Rhaenyra.
"This is not farewell," Tyland whispered down to her before they rounded the final corner to be in the open doorway to the outer courtyard. "I'll be there right when you arrive to ensure you're received well. Then after I rest from my exploits, I'll seek you out. There is much I'd like to discuss."
As she brightly looked up to meet his eyes once more, her cheek accidentally rubbing against the side of his shoulder, his large, gloved hand went beneath her chin to brush it softly. Then as his thumb hovered over her lips, he pulled it away as they met the open doorway. Just like that their forced, refined visages masked their faces—no longer giving way to their true feelings.
Everyone from the feast hall were gathered out front in their circles of discussion or entering their carriages ready to travel. Some looked their way, but their stares did not linger.
"Travel safe, Ser Tyland." She told him as they entered the courtyard, his arm still holding hers in escort.
"Princess." He bowed his head to her before retracting his arm from hers to head straight to his horse, his tall self even managing to disappear in the crowd.
Remaining where he left her, Arwynna stood calmly, keeping to herself. There would already be much mingling and discussion at the camp with most of these people.
"So…" Rhaenyra came up next to her sister with a smile. "You and Tyland."
"Not here, Rhaenyra!" she whispered in warning.
Rhaenyra cleverly switched to speaking High Valyrian, "You must tell me everything. Since when it has changed between you two?" Rhaenyra asked eagerly, keeping her voice low still.
"It was gradual, over the last three years," Arwynna spoke discreetly in their shared language. "We forged a firm friendship as you've already known, yes, but getting to know each other more, we found much in common. Our bond just… sparked. He's wonderful Rhaenyra, and so respectable—"
Both sisters silenced themselves and lost the smiles on their faces as Alicent approached them, ever with one hand atop the swollen belly and the other rubbing it full circle.
"You both look beautiful," Alicent complimented with a stiff smile that was both warm and unsure. She's been aware and living with the same tension they felt.
The Targaryen sisters nodded their thanks silently.
Though Arwynna felt the compliment leave her tight lips, despite how she felt. It was the truth. "And you, you're glowing, your grace."
Alicent appeared taken aback, though she smiled, nevertheless. "Thank you, Arwynna."
At the silence that stretched on after this, Alicent finally said much to their discomfort, "You looked to be enjoying yourselves, it was a pleasing sight. There will be more time for such enjoyment at the camp… I was sent over to come tell you we're about to leave."
"Our father sent you over?" Rhaenyra asked. The challenge hidden in her tone unnoticed by the woman.
"Yes—" Alicent replied.
"—Come, Arwynna. We can't ignore father's wishes." Rhaenyra voiced, cutting off Alicent and already walking past her.
Immediately following after her sister gladly, not wanting to remain behind to stand there with Alicent.
As they walked side by side in equal stride receiving bows from the noblemen as they passed them, leaving Alicent in the dust—especially knowing how she walked slower now as the pregnancy progressed—Arwynna whispered to her sister, "That was bold but brilliant. You're brilliant. I'll never be able to do as you just did. I don't even think she caught on to the slight on her."
"Care not if she does or not," Rhaenyra muttered under her breath. "But yes you will one day. A year makes all the difference, I was once in your place, sister," Rhaenyra sadly looked to her as they passed their father and the wet-nurse holding little Aegon. "But since we were both affected at the same time… we both had changed. Now we are growing together, for once."
Rhaenyra let Arwynna step up the extended steps into the carriage first, Arwynna's long cape trailing behind her. But as she did, Rhaenyra added thoughtfully, eyes shining with love for her little sister, "You're brilliant as well."
Arwynna smiled sincerely to her, "Thank you."
"You will tell me everything, right?" Rhaenyra reminded her in High Valyrian.
"In the carriage—" Arwynna was cut off by sight of their father making his way to them with Alicent in tow. "—Or when we get a moment alone…" Their frowns returned to their faces as Rhaenyra followed her younger sister inside the carriage to take their seat before the two maidservants, Alicent, Aegon, and their father would climb in.
It was going to be a long, uncomfortable journey despite the Kingswood being up the main forest road, on the outside skirts of their realm.
…
A/N: Part 2 of this chapter will be next! Didn't realize how long this chapter was, and that it felt like writing an hour-long episode, lol. Hope you are all liking it so far! Please review!
And stay tuned! :)
-BrownEyedGirl87