Sunspear cuddled Elia as their boat left port, his scales glittering in the sunlight. She and Aegon had been gone too long, and Rhaenys' most recent letters had mentioned Walder was growing impatient and wanted an answer. Soon. From what she had known about his character from their brief meeting he was probably already asking. They'd been in Essos too long. And whatever happened next would be on her. She knew she shouldn't have left Rhaenys there alone but what choice did she have. Walter was a perverted old man but he's not a fool. Whoever crossed him would pay in terrible ways.
"Gods know what he'll do." Thought Elia. She wasn't sure how to proceed, especially since she had lost count of the amendments he had made. She wanted to decline his offer, but doing so would leave them with no way to cross the neck. Their dragons were still young, and even with fully grown ones transporting an army would be a bad idea. There were too many risks. But she couldn't stomach her daughter being forced to marry one of his spawn. Still, whatever he was planning, he probably wanted Rhaenys alone and isolated just as she was now. She sighed. Coming back would not be as easy as she hoped.
Elia heard a knock at her cabin door. It was a bit surprising, but she regained composure quickly. Sunspear was displeased at the unwelcome distraction, but stayed in his mother's lap patiently.
"Come in." Said Elia. A young man appeared in the doorway.
"My Lady, we have a message."
"From whom?"
"The Twins."
"Speak of a Devil" Elia thought.
"Thank You." She said aloud. The man left as she opened the letter.
It was just as she suspected. Walder Frey had edited his terms. Again. The letter stated:
"My dearest Mother,
My kindly and honorable host Walder Frey has since updated his deal. His offer with Caitlyn Stark still stands, as it has been accepted and finished by both parties, but in order for it to fully go into effect, Walder maintains his position that he wants a Targeryn or Martell hand in marriage. His son Perwyn or a daughter or granddaughter of Aegon's choice. This is the final offer he is willing to make in regards to the benefits discussed previously. Walder and I await eagerly for an answer when you get back to Westeros.
Love Your beloved daughter."
The fact he specified Martell as well was a bit surprising, but The overly formal wording gave away that it was someone else feeding her the lines. Elia sighed. She had a tough decision to make. How could she marry off one of her children or even herself to a Frey. While there were a few she had heard kind things about, indeed there had to be a few decent ones considering he still hasn't stopped procreating, she knew little of this Perwyn boy. She needed a lot of time to think about what she could do. Walder probably considered her past her prime, so accepting it herself would be an insult. And Aegon was the heir and needed to be kept as an option for more prestigious marriages. As much as it disgusted her to choose, it had to be Rhaenys.