Rhaegar

There was something interesting about the intricacies of the throne room of Dragonstone. Admittedly, it was not as grand as the Iron Throne nor as intimidating, but they beheld the same glory as the history that built them. Many times Rhaegar questioned whether he would be ready for it as his forefathers were, but had any of them truly been ready? At the age of eight and ten as he was now, most of them had already ruled for years. It was impossible to ever be ready for such a responsibility.

The sound of the great big doors brought him out of his wonderings. Varys appeared from behind them with his hands hidden together under his silk robes.

"My prince," Varys greeted, "thank you for receiving me."

"I'm rather used to it. You happen to be the only representative of the council that graces me with his time. I will not soon forget it once I am king."

"You honor me, my lord."

"Now you must honor me with word from the capital."

"Yes," Varys began, "on the matter of your betrothal. The council sees that you are best fit with the Dornish princess Elia Martell. She is young, healthy, and will make a fine match."

Rhaegar said nothing but acknowledged this with a nod.

"She is also the most famous beauty among all the noble bachelorettes of the seven kingdoms. I am sure you will not be disappointed." Varys managed a smile and Rhaegar regarded this.

"Very well. When are we to sail?"

"In three days, my lord. The proposal party should take place after the new moon."

"It seems the kingdom is in a rush." Rhaegar commented, "and my mother and brother will come with us."

"Yes, my prince, the king is excited to meet him."

Rhaegar knew this was a lie. His father was never fond of children. Only siring them. If anything, the king was only happy to have more heirs to assure that his birth-line beheld the prince of Aegon's dream.

"How is my father?"

"The king fares well, my prince, though he chooses to keep to his chambers. The measter's are at oft at his service. He seems to take a special interest in watching pyres from his balcony. He requests them be done specifically at night."

"Pyres," Rhaegar repeated, concerned. "He must be dreaming about dragons. It happens often. I've had several myself." In truth, he did not. It only seemed right to defend his father though it was obvious he was not who he once was any longer. Varys acknowledged this with a light bow.

"If I may add, my prince, the king and the hand have had more disagreements than naught. As in the matter of your betrothal, if the king had not disagreed and found a more favorable treaty with Dorne, the hand would offer his own daughter the lady Cersei."

"I have heard she too is a great beauty." Rhaegar said, "but I have to agree with the king. Dorne has for so long been the hardest to keep. I trust this will hold the peace.

"As well, thank you for the message. I shall take this to her majesty at once. I trust you will see to all the necessary preparations, Varys. Do excuse me." Rhaegar left as quickly as that conversation lasted. Varys bowed until they were apart from each other.

Rhaegar stormed into his mother's chamber after the announcement from the guard, startling Bellatrix to stand on her feet and the Queen to look up apprehensively.

"Forgive me for intruding like this," Rhaegar said sincerely. He turned to find the guard standing behind him. "Ser, I implore you to leave us as I would like a private word with my mother."

The guard did not move, irking Rhaegar all the more.

"Don't you see that we are not alone? Her lady is here, and I believe the others will be back soon. Now, listen to me damn you and leave us!"

At once, the guard stepped out shutting the heavy door between them. Rhaegar let out a deep breath and composed himself. Rhaella moved to soothe the rousing Viserys while Bellatrix stood seemingly unperturbed.

"What bothers you, my dear?" Rhaella asked him.

"I just spoke with the Spider. The council has decided I marry Princes Elia of Dorne." Rhaegar said calmly now. "We sail in three moons."

"We?"

"Yes, you are all coming."

"I don't think I am strong enough yet, my son." Rhaella said rather weakly. Viserys was growing more uneasy at the moment and Bellatrix stepped in to assist with soothing him, unsuccessfully as it happens.

"Mother, I will not have this argument with you. I will not leave you here. I must always be at your side at this time." Rhaegar demanded more than he informed. Rhaella beckoned Bellatrix to pick up the now crying Viserys while she stood to speak more closely to her firstborn.

"I need you with me, mother." Rhaegar said quietly. "I can not do this without you."

"Alright," Rhaella said appeasingly, "I will go with you. Though, I believe you are more than capable of doing this on your own. You're ready. You are the prince, and she will love you for you are a good man."

Rhaegar pulled his mother into a gentle hug. He caught Bellatrix watching them, then turn away as soon as their eyes met. That was when Jennie entered, panicking to the cries of the baby that Bellatrix could not seem to appease.

"Your Grace, he is hungry." Alyssa announced while holding a finger to the baby's mouth as he suckled. Rhaella pulled away and kissed Rhaegar's forehead before being escorted by Jennie with Viserys to the nursery.

Rhaegar gave attention to Bellatrix as she had begun to tidy the queen's parlor.

"Thank you for all that you do." Rhaegar said. Bellatrix looked over her shoulder and nodded. Finding this an uncommon response, Rhaegar studied her even as he asked her a question that caused her to freeze.

"You're not from here, are you?