The throne room was buzzing with excitement. Visenya took count and noted that all the courtiers were present, dressed in the most impeccable silks of various colors. Green, of course, was not permitted, as per King Aegon's royal decree.
King Aegon, Third of his Name, was already sitting the throne, his head held high, his son and heir, Prince Daeron, perching on his lap. The boy was laughing and doing his best to get his father's attention.
Aegon was dressed in his well-known black velvets, a golden chain around his neck of a three-headed dragon, and his simple golden circlet resting atop his clean and very straight silver-white hair. His dark purple eyes were intense, and his expression was solemn, as it always was during any formal gathering. Queen Daenaera was sitting beside her husband with Prince Baelor in her arms. She was wearing a new dress, specially designed for the occasion. Velaryon sea-blue with many black intricate designs of seahorses and dragons.
Prince Viserys made his way over to his brother in order to whisper something in his ear. He was wearing formal red and black, the colors of their House, making certain that his Hand pin was clearly visible on his garments.
Princess Visenya had the very same thoughts as she chose her dress with Lady Elinda that morrow. Targaryen red and black. Very expensive silks. Rubies, having belonged to her mother, adorned her ears and neck. Visenya kept her hair loose, her curls neatly brushed, knowing full well that its color and volume only amplified her beauty. There was no need to hide it. And she was determined to look her best on this day.
A moon had passed since the ravens had flown, and now many Lords and Ladies were making their way to King's Landing, responding to the King's summons. The nearest of Houses were soon to reach the Red Keep. Lady Baela Targaryen was already present with her daughter, Laena, as Lord Alyn had still not returned from Essos.
Soon enough, Lady Elenda Baratheon reached them with her youngest daughter, Ellyn, and her son, Royce. The Lannisters, Tyrells, Hightowers, Tarlys, Redwynes and the Peakes were also expected to arrive.
Unfortunately, the Blacks' strongest supporters during the war, namely the Tullys, the Arryns and the Starks would take longer to arrive, to Visenya's disappointment. She had hoped to have a full armor in place at this time. The majority of the lords and ladies who would present themselves before the King and Queen on this day would be from Houses who had supported the treasonous Greens.
Visenya breathed in deeply, raising her hand over to her ruby tiara, making sure that it was in place. She then looked out the window, as she had seen the shadow of Morning. Rhaena had been instructed by Viserys and Corwyn to take Morning and fly around the Keep at the time of the arrivals. It was a clever attempt at showing Targaryen strength, reminding the Realm that despite their losses during the war, House Targaryen would rise from the ashes and Morning was proof of that.
Turning her head back towards the throne, Visenya saw Viserys standing quite proudly beside his brother. They had not spoken more than a few words for as long as a moon now…not since Elinda had informed Visenya of the Council's plans to marry him off to a lady of a Great House who had supported the Greens. All for the sake of ensuring the acceptance of their mother's title as Queen of the Seven Kingdoms throughout the whole Realm.
Visenya had considered finding a moment to speak to him alone, but eventually decided against it. What would she say? And despite her many interactions with Aegon over the past moon in relation to their father's fascinating Valyrian scrolls, she hadn't the courage to bring up the subject to him either.
Lady Elenda Baratheon was the first to make her appearance in the throne room, her daughter Ellyn, and son, Royce, beside her, as expected. The woman had grown grey of hair and the wrinkles on her face attested to her old age. The shadows under her eyes were visible from a great distance, confirming the hardships she had had to endure soon after the war had ended.
Her husband's death made her the reigning Lady of Storm's End until such a time came that her son would come of age. But the troubles for House Baratheon did not end there. Lady Elenda's eldest daughter, Cassandra, had been exiled from Court and punished for her attempted poisoning of King Aegon and Queen Daenaera, by having her married off to a knight far beneath her own station, Ser Walter Brownhill. She was to remain in Storm's End and care for his thirteen children. A fitting punishment, erasing any dream this woman may have had of becoming Queen Consort one day.
The second of the Four Storms, Maris Baratheon, had chosen to join the Silent sisters shortly after the war, ruining any hope Lady Elenda may have had at seeing her daughter wed and having children of her own.
The third of the sisters and considered by many the comeliest, Floris Baratheon, had once been betrothed to Aemond One-Eye, as a way to secure House Baratheon's allegiance to the Greens. After Aemond's death, Floris had been promised to Lord Larys Strong, shortly before he was executed by Lord Cregan Stark for high treason. Floris had eventually been married off to Lord Thaddeus Rowan, who had served as Hand to King Aegon. Unfortunately, the Stranger had come for Floris on her birthing bed, breaking Lady Elenda's heart.
Visenya noticed how the Lady of Storm's End was holding on tightly to her daughter, Ellyn, as they made their way to the throne, in order to bow before the King and Queen. Ellyn, the youngest of the sisters, remained Lady Elenda's last hope. She had once been presented as a potential bride to King Aegon at the Maiden's Day Ball. After having been denied, Ellyn had surprisingly found it difficult to find a husband of her own. The girl was now thirty years of age and, if rumors were to be believed, considered by the Council to wed Prince Viserys.
Despite how the Baratheons had betrayed their Queen and taken up arms against her, Visenya could not find it in her heart to hold any resentment towards Lady Elenda for the crimes of her husband, or of those of her eldest daughter, Cassandra.
The woman possessed a kind heart, and had more than accepted the victory of the opposing side as well as the ascension of Queen Rhaenyra's son on the Iron Throne. She had even denied her late husband's wish of naming his son Aegon, after the usurper, and instead chose the name Royce, after her own father.
The same could not be said for Lady Johanna of House Lannister who, despite the many years that had passed, was reluctant to show true approval of the royal family.
Visenya was eventually greeted by Lady Elenda and her children. Despite her charming smile and acceptance of Lady Ellyn's flattery regarding her beauty, Visenya could not help but shoot her a dark look.
The Princess' gaze only darkened when Lord Lyonel Hightower and Lady Samantha Tarly were announced in the Great Hall. Many of the courtiers had turned their attention to Princess Visenya at that point, knowing full well of her distaste for that family.
The Lord and Lady of Hightower presented themselves proudly before the King and Queen. They bowed in unison, praised Visenya's eldest brother and indulged in flattery, upon seeing Prince Daeron and Prince Baelor close their mother, babbling incoherently.
"Are you quite well?" a voice was heard behind her.
Visenya turned around and saw that Baela had joined her. She was wearing a beautiful blood red dress, with intricate designs of three-headed black dragons located only on her chest. Despite having Velaryon blood herself and also being married to a Velaryon, Baela would always be first and foremost a lady of House Targaryen.
Paying close attention to the Hightowers' movements, Visenya whispered, "They are coming this way."
"Good." was the last word Baela spoke with the appropriate tone.
Once their guests have made their way over to them, Baela let out a gasp and clasped her hands together, exclaiming, "Why! My Lord Hightower! Lady Samantha! How kind of you to come!"
Visenya bit the inside of her cheek to keep herself from giggling at the sarcasm shinning in her sister's choice of words. This was not the time. They needed to be presentable. Stand their ground as a family and as a House. Rhaena was making quite an effort out there on Morning.
Visenya knew that her brothers would want her and Baela to make the same amount of effort indoors, when greeting their guests. Squash the rumors that House Targaryen relies solely on threats and dragons to assert their dominance.
"Lady Baela. Princess Visenya." Lyonel Hightower greeted them both with a small bow. Quite small, Visenya noticed.
"But of course! How could we ever ignore a summons from the King?" Samantha replied to Baela's comment, tightening the grip she had on her husband's arm.
"I only wish we could have reunited under more…reasonable circumstances." Hightower couldn't help but test the waters, getting right to the subject at hand.
"I cannot think of other more appropriate gatherings than the one on this day, ready to right the wrong in history, and recognize my mother as my grandsire's legitimate heir, and Queen of the Seven Kingdoms." Visenya explained, holding her head up high, as any proud Targaryen would.
"Yes. Ravens have flown across the Realm, and if rumors are to be believed, we have you to thank for the reason we are all to gather on this day, Princess." Hightower replied, his face grim, as he continued eying Visenya with recognizable contempt.
But, of course, Visenya would not be intimidated. While she was only six and ten years, and inexperienced despite her marriageable age, she was still fierce and set in her ways, much like her mother had been at the time she was referred to as the 'Realm's Delight'.
"I made the suggestion to my brothers, yes, and they believe it proper now that my mother receives the recognition she deserves. Life had been far too cruel to her. Her only hope now lies in her legacy. Her children and grandchildren alike.", the young princess explained, watching the way the spouses eyed one another warily.
Lady Samantha then leaned over and boldly touched the sleeve of her dress, making Visenya's eyes widen slightly. This was not proper, to say the least.
Baela's jaw clenched, watching the scene unfold.
"I must say…I admire your dress, Princess. The choice of color is impressive. If stories are to be believed, this is what your mother wore a long time ago. According to some of the maesters I have spoken to, she loved to make an impression. You seem intent on honoring her in every way possible." Samantha told her, a glint of deviousness in her eyes.
"Indeed, I am." Visenya replied and took a step closer to Baela, pulling away from Samantha's grip, but keeping a firm stance.
"But of course, as much as we love our mothers and wish to honor them…we are oft reminded, even by our septas, that we must do better, and not let ourselves be so highly influenced. After all, the sins of our forebears should not be repeated.", Lady Samantha continued and Visenya could see out of the corner of her eye the way Hightower was smirking.
But this was her home. This was her family. And Visenya was not about to be put in place here, especially not by them.
"I could not agree more. Which is why, I admire your own dress as well, Lady Samantha. The embroidery is exceptional. It is a pleasant change to see Hightowers wear the color of their House. Quite honorable. As you say, the sins of our forebears should not be repeated." Visenya bit back and enjoyed seeing the shadowy look cross the woman's face.
The young princess knew what she was doing, alluding to how the shameful branch of House Hightower, having previously been led by Alicent Hightower, oft chose the color green to make a statement of war…of treason, most would say. As such, wearing green was no longer permitted at Court.
And because of that, the Tyrells themselves could not use one of their own House colors when they made their appearance at the Red Keep. Visenya had eyed their party with curiosity, noticing the beautiful color gold of their garments, outshining even their small patterns of roses.
"No children?" Baela asked the Hightowers, a feigned look of surprise on her face, determined to prevent Samantha from taking away Visenya's small victory.
"I'm afraid not. Our eldest has been struck with a fever, and our maester prescribed plenty of bed rest." Lord Hightower responded at once, having somewhat taken control back from his wife.
Visenya wondered if Samantha Tarly oft did the thinking and the talking for her husband. Mayhaps so, since she was the mind behind the finances of the Bank of Oldtown.
"Yes, but even so, you do have more than one child, do you not?" Baela pressed and Samantha pursed her lips, as her husband frowned.
"We do. Six. Why does that concern you, Lady Baela?"
"As far as I can see, the lords and ladies of the Realm are here today with at least a child on their arm, honoring the King's summons. Most believe it important to teach their children such appropriate customs. You mentioned six children, my lord. I do not see why the illness of one should prevent the other five from attending." Baela replied, crossing her hands over her chest.
"His Grace would understand…" Hightower began but Baela cut him off.
"His Grace, my brother, specifically mentioned the importance of families attending, not just one or two representatives of each House."
"Well…we fully intend to explain to His Grace the situation. We did not mean to offend, of course." Samantha responded, and started to look down at her feet, a little embarrassed.
Visenya could only imagine how difficult the subject of the Hightowers' children must be for them, especially since their legitimacy was still being put into question, despite the sayings of the current High Septon.
Samantha Tarly had had little choice in the matter when she had been married off to Lord Ormund Hightower many years ago. Her parents had arranged that for her, of course. She must certainly have not been pleased to have a husband more than twice her age, especially since she herself was only two years older than his eldest son, Lyonel.
However, upon Ormund's death in the war, Samantha was determined to remain mistress of the Hightower, by marrying his son and heir, Lyonel, and having his children. Her own family, the Tarlys, were on the side of the Blacks, and fought for the rightful Queen, Rhaenyra Targaryen.
Choosing to remain a Hightower, meant choosing to side with the usurper and his party. As far as Visenya was concerned, Lady Samantha, who had been seven and ten years of age at the time, a woman grown therefore, had chosen to turn her back on her family's beliefs and the oath her family's House had sworn to King Viserys, First of His Name, and his chosen heir.
Lady Samantha had chosen greed over honor, and now, many years later, she was mistress of a wealthy House, and the mastermind behind the Bank of Oldtown, with a husband of her choice, and one she could control.
Was this the sign of another Alicent Hightower on the rise?
Visenya eyed the grey dress once more and thought, the green beneath the grey.
Samantha's only problem now lied in the questionable legitimacy of her children. In the eyes of the Faith, marrying your husband's son soon after his death is distasteful and perceived sinful. The marriage had not been recognized by the High Septon at the time, and therefore, all the children that had come out of it were deemed bastards.
The Hightowers accused of producing bastards? Visenya knew for certain that her mother would have rejoiced if she could have heard about this well-deserved misfortune which befell the House that attempted to take everything from her.
Visenya had once asked Aegon about the half-brothers she had barely known. She had been two and ten when curiosity about the past lives of her parents and the brothers she had lost during the war, struck her.
Aegon had been kind and understanding, as expected, and explained to Visenya how each one of them died. He also told her of how much pain their mother had to endure during her life after she married her first husband, Ser Laenor Velaryon. How she could not escape the constant and vicious rumors the Greens spew at Court about her children and about her husband's sexual appetites.
Jacaerys, Lucerys and Joffrey Velaryon had been the Hightowers' main targets for years, in their attempts to discredit Rhaenyra and take the throne for themselves once King Viserys passed.
Whether the rumors were true or not, it mattered not to Visenya. Her brothers were Targaryens, and now, even though many years had passed since those unfortunate events, the Hightowers were forced to pay the price for the evil tongues of their forebears.
A similar misfortune befell them. Whether or not those six children are to be considered bastards, would remain the subject of eternal gossip. A lifetime of misery and shame.
Mayhaps, had Samantha Tarly chosen a more righteous path, and not one of excessive ambition, the Gods would have not seen fit to punish her for the sins of her husband's forebears.
Enjoying the discomfort of the two people before her, Visenya was about to make another remark, when Viserys stepped forward, putting a halt to their little conversation.
"Lord Hightower. Lady Samantha. We are most fortunate you could attend." Viserys greeted them with one of his charming and formal smiles. His back straight, his shoulder touching Visenya's slightly, almost in comfort.
Visenya looked up but he was not meeting her gaze. Instead, he exchanged pleasantries with the Hightowers, before they departed.
With a sigh, Viserys turned to both his sisters, eying them quizzically. Both were smiling at him quite sweetly, almost as if they were keeping a secret.
Then, keeping his eyes firmly on Visenya, Viserys stepped close to her and whispered, "What did you say to them, sister?"
"Daorun, jorrāelagon lēkia." Visenya responded with that ever-sweet smile still grazing her lips, as she gazed at him. Nothing, dear brother.
She was happy to be speaking to him again. There was no doubt in Visenya's mind that he had been avoiding her.
"Pōnta vestragon jenitis." Viserys remarked, raising an eyebrow. They seem bothered.
"Kesrio syt pōnta pirtir." Visenya responded, matching Viserys' stance and crossing her hands in front of her chest. They are lying.
"Skorkydoso?" How?
"Pōnta vestragon pōja riñnykeā iksos lumie." They say their child is ill.
"Se?" And?
Then, as if she was truly about to tell him a secret, Visenya raised herself on the tips of her toes, her face closer to his, their breaths mingling, as she whispered, "Pōnta gōntan daor maghagon pōja tolie riñar. Kesrio syt issi zūgagon." They did not bring their other children. Because they are afraid.
Viserys had remained silent for a moment, looking between Visenya's eyes and her lips, before finally pulling away and clearing his throat.
Baela was amused, watching the exchange between them. Especially since the folk who passed by and heard them seemed almost outraged at hearing High Valyrian again after so long. Barely anyone had spoken it since the war.
"Why do the two of you insist on making trouble for me?" he addressed them both.
"My dear brother, I do not know what you mean." Baela replied, nonchalantly.
Sighing a little too loudly, Viserys told them, "Very well. You should know that the Hightowers have informed our brother that they wish to discuss the matter further."
"What matter?" Visenya asked, even though she felt she knew the answer already.
"The recognition of our mother's reign." he responded, swiftly.
"They can try." Baela said, and Visenya could only nod in agreement.
…
Soon after, a grand feast had begun in the Great Hall. Enough space to accommodate all the representatives of the Houses who had arrived to the capital. More Houses would follow in the next days.
Visenya had kept close to Baela, after the little fun they had with the Hightowers.
"Father would have approved." Baela had told her with a wink, and Visenya had no doubts that the infamous Rogue Prince was looking down at his daughters with pride for their newly forged bond and the way they used it against the House he had always despised.
Sitting at the table, Visenya felt uncomfortable, having to deal with the lords and ladies, who she knew perfectly well, were trying their best to use the time spent in the capital to prevent any changes from happening.
Viserys himself had confirmed that the Hightowers were in on it. This was no surprise. Those people were always scheming. It was their nature. And they had the full blessing of the Faith.
This was one of the reasons why Visenya had always been wary of septas and refused to let them teach her. There was no way of knowing which ones were reporting to the wrong people.
Visenya turned her head and shared smiles with Baela and Rhaena, who were becoming closer to her each and every day. They were true sisters now, and for that she was glad.
Queen Daenaera was seated amongst the many ladies of the Houses present, holding Prince Baelor in her arms, constantly kissing and hugging him tightly. The 'little queen' was still quite young, at eight and ten years of age, and lacked the stiffness and the coldness of some of the other ladies who were present.
And unlike these ladies, Daenaera saw no shame in displaying affection for her youngest son outside her private chambers.
"Really, Your Grace. Shouldn't the wet nurse take him? You must enjoy this feast with us." Lady Redwyne remarked, as she sipped her wine.
"Oh, it is no trouble. Baelor is my joy." Daenaera replied, holding her babe close.
No mother should have favorites, and of course, the 'little queen' loved her two sons equally. But the labor she had endured, bringing her second son in the world, had been most troubling. Everyone thought Daenaera would lose her life. And then, as if they had been blessed by the Gods, she survived, as did her babe. Baelor held a special place in her heart, because of that. He was a blessing.
"And a joy for us all, Your Grace."
Daenaera turned around when she heard that distinctive voice behind her, and noticed Ser Gedmund Peake. Her smile was fading. She watched the glint in his eyes as he looked down at her babe.
Keeping the regal stance, as expected of the Queen of the Realm, Daenaera stood up, Baelor in her arms, whispering, "Do excuse me. My little prince needs his rest.", and made her way into the back of the hall.
"Daenaera!"
Visenya was holding onto her dress with one hand and her ruby tiara with the other, as she ran to catch up to her good-sister, her silver-gold hair flowing freely behind her.
"Visenya." Daenaera greeted her.
Her signature smile was there once more. Always the light of the Red Keep. But Visenya had known Daenaera for almost her entire life. She could sense that something was wrong.
"Has something happened?" the young princess asked, having seen the Queen practically rush out of the Great Hall earlier.
"Of course not. I was just taking Baelor to the nursery." Daenaera responded, but Visenya could sense the quiver in her voice.
Coming closer, Visenya took her hand in hers, comfortingly, and told her, "Please, tell me. You know you can trust me."
Looking down at Baelor, her smile finally disappearing, replaced with a worried expression, Daenaera confessed, "It's Ser Gedmund Peake."
"What has he done?"
"Nothing. He has just been looking strangely at me…and at Baelor. I think I am beginning to fear his presence." the 'little queen' confessed, as she was holding tightly onto her babe.
Visenya's breathing hitched, as she remembered the challenge she had faced at the Council meeting with the current Lord Admiral and Master of Ships.
"You must tell Aegon about this."
"No. He is already nervous about the Council meeting on this day. I am doing everything I can to help him keep his courage in this quest for your mother's honor." Daenaera replied, determined not to make a fuss.
"But…"
"Visenya, it is quite alright. Come, join me. I am putting Baelor to bed." Daenaera insisted.
…
Aegon and Viserys had cut the feast short, as they prepared for another Council meeting…one Visenya, was apparently, not allowed to attend, as she had no formal position.
They claimed that it was about how they would move forward with the proposal of declaring Rhaenyra Targaryen's rule legitimate, however, Visenya was certain it would actually be about Viserys' courtship.
Now that Ellyn Baratheon had arrived and no doubt, Lady Johanna Lannister would soon send for one of her daughters as well, Viserys would be made to choose between them.
Visenya could feel her heart racing, almost like she was running out of time. But running out of time for what? What did she want? What was she hoping for? One thing she knew for certain is that she wanted to speak to him. Make certain that he was not making another mistake, as the one he had been forced into with Larra Rogare.
Even if it were indeed for a good cause, with the purpose of appeasing the lords and ladies of Houses who had supported the traitors, such an arrangement could prove to be more damning to their family, than doing nothing.
She worried about what was happening behind closed doors. However, Visenya did not forget that as a member of the royal family, she still had the task to keep all of their guests entertained, just as Daenaera, Baela and Rhaena were now doing.
Rhaena was being praised by everyone for her dragon, Morning, whereas Queen Daenaera was taking the time to present Prince Daeron.
Baela was proving to be quite a charmer. It appeared that the rough exterior she had previously used had been specially reserved for the Hightowers. There were certain lords, especially those from the Crownlands, which she considered, deserved their undying respect.
"Princess Visenya!" someone exclaimed with a loud chuckle, and the Princess turned around to be met with a person she had most looked forward to meeting.
"Lord Clement!" she exclaimed in return.
Lord Clement Celtigar bowed, and took both her hands in his, kissing them lightly.
"I am very pleased to have you here, my lord. I do hope your journey to the capital had been effortless."
"Sufficiently short, and spectacular as well. Especially when I have this jewel beside me." Lord Clement responded with another laugh, as he looked towards the young lady beside him.
"May I present my daughter, Prudence."
"Of course. Lady Prudence. Welcome to King's Landing." Visenya greeted her with a smile. She was excited to meet the first among her chosen ladies-in-waiting.
"Happy to be here, Princess. I was overjoyed when father shared the news with me. Having a new household of ladies shall certainly keep you occupied." Prudence replied, a mischievous look in her eyes that Visenya recognized.
It was as if she was looking at her double. Valyrian, six and ten years of age, and with an appetite for causing trouble.
Prudence Celtigar had luscious long golden hair and crystal blue eyes, as most Celtigars tended to have. Valyrian themselves just like the Targaryens and the Velaryons, but oft forgotten. Mayhaps because they lacked dragons and ships. And of course, they were nowhere near as wealthy as their kin.
But Visenya knew of the Celtigars' loyalty towards her mother during the war. And for that, they deserved to be rewarded.
Everyone at Court whispered of how the overly-pretentious Princess Visenya Targaryen had finally agreed to accept ladies-in-waiting, and everyone understood why only four ladies of four specific Houses were chosen.
As soon as Clement Celtigar left the girls to get acquainted, the overly curious and talkative Prudence, asked Visenya, "Your mother named you for the Conqueror's sister, did she not?"
"Yes, I am told that she did. Visenya had been her favorite queen, and as such, wanted to honor her." Visenya stated proudly.
"I can understand that. Queen Visenya is oft overlooked, because the Targaryens are all descended from the bloodline of her younger sister, Rhaenys. Most forget that it was Visenya Targaryen who contributed the most to conquering Westeros."
"Yes, they do." Visenya responded with a smile.
"But of course, men would never acknowledge that." Prudence said, as they strolled.
"Of course, they wouldn't. I am surprised so many of them decided to uphold my mother's name during the war."
"That is because oathkeeping is proof of great honor. And there are men all over the Realm who wish to prove that they can be just as loyal as the Starks, and just as honorable as the Arryns." Prudence explained, and Visenya could not agree more.
The two girls found they had a lot in common, and were becoming fast friends. Visenya never thought that spending time with a lady her own age would prove to be so riveting.
"I was named after my forbearer, who was lady-in-waiting to the Good Queen, Alysanne Targaryen. She saved the queen's life at the Maidenpool, when those godawful septas tried to kill her." Prudence explained.
Visenya remembered Lady Elinda having read to her the story. Queen Alysanne was with child at the time. It was her firstborn, and she and her ladies went to the Maidenpool, to bathe in the healing waters of Jonquil's Pool. The septas there attacked the queen and tried to kill her unborn child, because they deemed it an abomination. Queen Alysanne's ladies fought to protect her, and succeeded. Some of them died, and others, like Prudence Celtigar, survived.
Visenya and Prudence continued to exchange similar stories, up until the moment Elinda Massey had come forth with her niece, Elinor.
The second lady-in-waiting to Princess Visenya was proving to be very shy and awfully quiet for a girl of four and twenty years of age. She was tall, her eyes dull and downcast, but she had pretty hair. Brown, with a tinge of red. A small nose, and there was a permanent tinge of red on her cheeks. But she hardly smiled.
Prudence did not like the idea of having to spend time with someone like Elinor. However, Visenya understood how difficult the girl's life had been and how dire things have gotten at her age, when she had no husband and no prospects.
Nevertheless, Visenya made it her mission to ensure that Prudence and Elinor would get along great, and as such enjoy their time at the capital.
…
The Small Council meeting took longer than expected.
"What are they doing?" Baela was hissing, impatiently tapping her foot, getting a little tired of having to play the gracious host.
Visenya herself was impatient. She had gone straight up to the Council chambers, and waited outside the door for them to finish. The guards were there, of course. And she doubted that they would let her listen in on whatever was going on.
Thankfully, she wouldn't have to wait long, as the doors opened all of a sudden and Aegon whooshed past her, without sparing her a glance. His pace only quickened, as he returned to the Great Hall. The other Council members followed, and as Visenya came into their line of vision, they all looked away almost at once.
And then, there was Viserys. The Hand of the King had walked out last, and had stopped right in front of her.
Visenya looked up, her eyes trusting and almost hopeful, before he whispered, "Sister, we must speak."
"Oh." Visenya managed to exhale, as trepidation set in.
This was the moment. Would he reveal who he had chosen to wed?
Dismissing the guards, Viserys pulled Visenya into the Council chambers and closed the doors. He lingered there, with his back turned to her.
"Viserys…" she whispered, stepping closer to him, but he wouldn't meet her gaze.
Determined to unburden him, Visenya placed her hand on his back lightly. "It's alright. You can tell me. The guards have been gossiping for a moon now. Elinda told me what they're planning."
That was the moment her brother finally turned, a frown creasing his beautiful features.
"Who are you to wed?"
"What?" Viserys' frown became more evident, as he stepped closer to her.
"A Baratheon or a Lannister?" Visenya persisted, wishing he would spare her this torment.
Her heart was beating madly. She wanted to know what had been decided first, and then…mayhaps she could convince him not to do this. Their mother wouldn't have wanted to see him in an unhappy alliance once more. The first one caused nothing but trouble for their family, and broke his heart.
"Neither. The Council has decided that you are to wed, Visenya." Viserys eventually told her.
Their eyes met, and Visenya felt like she could no longer breathe.
"What?" she managed to mumble.
"You are a woman grown. Six and ten years of age, and you are a Targaryen Princess. Many lords and their sons alike covet for your hand."
"The Council is selling me off?!" Visenya exclaimed, her voice raised, as her chest heaved.
She eyed the window on the far corner, wishing someone would open it and let the fresh air inside.
"You are to wed Lord Lyonel Tyrell." Viserys explained gently, taking her hands in his, so as to steady her.
"A Tyrell? I will do no such thing!" she snapped, her voice getting louder by the second.
"Visenya, the option presented to you is the best there is. The Tyrells are good people. And they have never taken up arms against our mother."
"They had not defended her claim, either. Craven!" Visenya spat.
Renouncing on his softness, Viserys gripped her wrists and pulled her closer.
"Lord Lyonel is the same age as yourself. His mother had recently passed and he is now the Lord of Highgarden. Think of what this could mean for us. You would be the Lady of Highgarden. You and your husband would have all the gold and the soldiers necessary to control the entire Reach, and keep the Hightowers and the Peakes from rising up against us." he explained to her.
All this politicking. It was something which had always interested him. She cared not for it.
"Visenya, they were going to betroth you to Lord Loreon Lannister. They thought him to be the best match, given how the Lannisters had been some of the Greens' fiercest supporters. I talked them out of it, knowing your distaste for them. Do not allow my efforts to go to waste."
"You…talked them out of it?" Visenya whispered, looking deep into his eyes, sensing for the first time that something was wrong.
"Yes." Viserys replied, his eyes growing softer, as he released his grip on her wrists and massaged them gently.
"The whispers were that you were going to wed. Not me."
"Gossip." Viserys replied instantly, and straightened his posture, as he usually did when he was trying to control his emotions.
"Are you certain? Or are you lying to me, brother?" she tested him, and the flicker in his eyes confirmed it for her.
Visenya knew perfectly well that Viserys had no intention to remarry after Larra Rogare left their lives. He had been trying to avoid heartache and refused any possibility of courtship. And despite his position as Hand of the King and the high regard everyone in the Keep had for him, he spent most nights on the Street of Silk, attempting to deal with his inner conflicts.
The Small Council had indeed thought of him when marriage prospects came to mind. And he certainly took advantage of his position as Hand and manipulated the situation, to have her married off, and he would be free. Visenya was certain of it.
There was conflict in his eyes as he leaned forward once more to touch her.
"No!" Visenya escaped his grasp and headed for the door.
"Visenya…"
"Fuck you, Viserys!" she exclaimed, feeling liberated through her crass tongue.
...
A/N: Hi guys! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I had fun writing the confrontation between Visenya and the Hightowers. It has been a long time coming.
Thanks for reading! Don't hesitate to leave a review with your thoughts! :)