Introduction: Aegon I has ruled Westeros for the entirety of its history as one, unified country. But there will come a time…come a day…when that will change. It is 36 years after Aegon first stepped onto the land that became King's Landing. After thirty-five years of what can mainly be described as peace in six of those kingdoms, there emerges some trouble on the horizon.
Aegon has two sons. His first, eldest and Crown Prince of the Realm, was Aerys. The son of the late Queen Rhaenys, he took after his mother in many ways. Beautiful, gallant, warm-hearted, but also impatient, envious and selfish. His second, younger by a handful of years, Maekar. All edges where Aerys was smooth, brittle and cold where Aerys was warm. Not uncomely himself, he only had the misfortune of coming second.
When they were young, each fell in love. It was a tale whispered from keep to keep - both brothers falling in love with the most eligible woman in the Realm - Laena Velaryon. Rumors say she even was allowed to choose by her father, though those cannot be entirely trusted. Shortly after her eighteenth name day, she wed Aerys Targaryen, the Prince of Dragonstone.
Beyond King's Landing's drama of the two princes, there is unease elsewhere in the Realm if things came to blows. Highgarden and the young House Tyrell worry most - they have not yet consolidated control over the Reach and older and angrier houses remain embittered to Aegon's decision. House Tully is forced to try to mend fences after yet another breakdown in relations of Bracken and Blackwood, themselves young Paramounts as well. And Houses Stark and Arryn, desperate to remain away from such southern squabbles, have been dragged into the fray.
The Reign of the Conqueror is ending. There is no clear indication of where things go from here - but all fear the worst.
Crownlands
Houses Needed: Targaryen, Velaryon
House Targaryen
King Aegon I (62) is in the twilight of his reign. His son, Aerys (39) is the Prince of Dragonstone and future heir. Less controlled than Maekar and prone to quick decisions, there are those that fear he would end the Targaryens' young reign. Maekar (37) is Visenya's child and the unhappy second son of Aegon. Cold, calculating and as hard as steel, Maekar is not well-liked either, but is commonly regarded to be a steelier hand than his elder brother's. Some whisper he would be fit as Hand. Aerys rides Quicksilver, while Maekar rides Dreamfyre.
Aerys is wed to Lady Laena Velaryon (39) and they have four children together.
Prince Baelon Targaryen (21) - Open
Princess Jaehaera Targaryen (20) - Open
Prince Aenys Targaryen (20) - Closed - Mandalore the Survivor
Princess Daenerys Targaryen (18) - Open
Aerys has one natural-born son hidden away elsewhere.
Ser Valarr Rivers/Stone/Flowers (19) - Open
Maekar and his wife, Lysara Rogare (38) have two children together.
Prince Maegon Targaryen (19) - Closed - KeepMeRunning
Princess Visenya Targaryen (18) - Open
Note - Some may have dragons. Others may not. Canonically, many will be hatching soon and be in their infancy. I will determine them by personality/fit and their positions.
House Velaryon
House Velaryon is the only other house in the Crownlands that I could see a need for. Laena's brother Aethan (38) rules on Driftmark and he or his children could be fit to be submitted - potential matches for either branch of the family and/or as close friends and confidantes. Max of 3 submitted characters.
Matarys Velaryon (20) - Wax and Wane
The Stormlands
Houses Needed: Baratheon
House Baratheon
House Baratheon is ruled by the handsome Rogar Baratheon (34), a childhood friend of the two Targaryen princes, yet disaster struck when he lost his wife of an illness. Wroth with rage, Rogar invaded Dorne on his own in 33 AC, yet failed miserably. He still nurses such a grievance. He had two children with his wife, Cassana Estermont.
Orys Baratheon (18) - Open
Jocelyn Baratheon (18) - Open
The Reach
Houses Needed: Tyrell, Hightower
Characters Wanted: Florent/Rowan/Oakheart/Tarly
House Tyrell
House Tyrell is the most endangered house in Westeros if conflict begins. Even if they choose the winning side in a war, it is possible they are felled before the conflict is done. Reach lords die young, they say, as Harlen Tyrell was the longest lived and only made it into his forties. Now, a young Levi Tyrell (21) rules in Highgarden with the aid of his mother, Falia Tyrell (formerly Peake, 44). The older houses of the Reach perch like vultures, waiting for weakness from him…or from the Crown.
Levi Tyrell (21) - Closed - Wax and Wane
Mina Tyrell (19) - Open
Alla Tyrell (19) - Open
Robin Tyrell (18) - Claimed
House Hightower
House Hightower has never truly coveted ruling all of the Reach. They have their hands full in Oldtown. But they are able to sway opinion up and down the region - and even the continent, with a rambunctious High Septon in town. An aging Lord Harmon Hightower (66) has left most ruling to his son, Addam (43).
Addam's heir, Myles Hightower (22) - Open
Alicent Hightower (20) - Open
House Florent/Oakheart/Rowan/Tarly
Any of the above houses/all of them are potential allies or enemies for House Tyrell - or both, depending on their status. A lord or character from any of them or as many of them as desired would work well for the story, but does not need to be overly filled.
The Westerlands
Houses Needed: Lannister, Reyne
House Lannister
The lions out west are perhaps the best positioned in all of the Realm to be a kingmaker, should someone desire it. With enough wealth to rival what the Rogares can offer Maekar, Casterly Rock's influence relies on the fact it has not yet been bought. They have no true rivals for their power under the steady guidance of the former Lady Regent Cerelle Lannister, who has recently given power to her eldest son, Tion (24).
Lord of Casterly Rock, Tion Lannister (24) - Open (Betrothed/soon to wed Lady Celia Reyne)
Ser Lancel Lannister (22) - Open
Lady Ceryse Lannister (20) - Open
Lady Joanna Lannister (18) - Open
House Reyne
Lord Robar Reyne (50) currently serves as the Master of Coin in King's Landing under Aegon I. An astute and crafty businessman, he has navigated politics well. He now has a match between his daughter and the heir to Casterly Rock, while seeking an ambitious match for his son and heir - both of whom have minds of their own…
Lord Robb Reyne (25) - Open
Lady Celia Reyne (19) - Open
The Riverlands
Houses Needed: Tully, Blackwood, Bracken
Characters Wanted: Qoherys
House Tully
The Tully clan was put in charge for their loyalty to Aegon Targaryen and have been hard at work strengthening their control over the region. The Tully lord, Edmyn (48), wed several of his sisters to prominent houses - including Mooton and Mallister. His latest headache is quite the challenge between what once seemed to be close friends capable of healing the Blackwood-Bracken divide.
Heir to Riverrun, Lord Axel Tully (22) - Open
Lady Hostella Tully (20) - Open
Ser Matthos Tully (18) - Open
House Blackwood
Lord Lucas Blackwood (22) was a childhood friend of Lady Bethany Bracken. The two were betrothed at a young age, but seemed to delight in causing the other anguish and envy. When Lucas took it a step too far and fathered a bastard (and acknowledged her), the Brackens angrily ended the arrangement.
Lord Lucas Blackwood (22) - Open
Lady Melantha Blackwood (19) - Open
House Bracken
After the death of her father and brother in a tragic bandit attack, Lady Bethany Bracken (21) ascended to become Lady of Stone Hedge, assisted by her cousin, Alyn Bracken. She remains embittered to Raventree Hall and personally against Lucas.
Lady of Stone Hedge, Bethany Bracken (21) - Open
Alyn Bracken (30) - Open
House Qoherys
House Qoherys died out shortly after Aegon's reign in canon. However, Harrenhal still looms large under their rule now. A character from there could add more dynamics to the Riverlands and connect them to the Crownlands.
The Vale
Houses Needed: Arryn
Characters Wanted: Royce
House Arryn
The Vale remains on the outskirts of politics in King's Landing, but a recent raven is going to change things. The previous Master of Laws, Lord Dondarrion, passed and Lord Artys (43) was summoned to take his place. He remains uncertain about subjecting his children to the life in King's Landing.
Ser Osric Arryn, his heir (22) - Open
Aemma Arryn (20) - Open
Rymond Arryn (18) - Open
Rowena Arryn (18) - Open
House Royce
The Royces are a traditional ally of the Arryns and important house in all of Westeros. It is possible a character or two from Runestone could help tie with the Arryns or other houses in some way.
Ron Royce (24) - Closed - Mandalore the Survivor
The North
Houses Needed: Stark, Manderly, Bolton
Characters Wanted: Dustin, Mormont
House Stark
The North is traditionally very isolationist compared to the rest of Westeros. Lord Edderion Stark (45) was dragged into southern politics by Aegon's encouragement of his eldest son warding in the Eyrie. Even further, now he wishes the young man to come to King's Landing. Some fear a potential southern marriage is being slowly extracted from Lord Edderion.
Lord Benjen Stark (22) - Closed - Mandalore the Survivor
Lady Arsa Stark (20) - Open
Lord Brandon Stark (19) - Open
Lady Lyarra Stark (18) - Open
House Manderly
The Manderlys are the northern bridge to the south and would be important in any southern-northern relations. Lord Desmond Manderly (55) rules in White Harbor. His son, Ryman has volunteered to go south with Benjen, though he didn't intend for his sister, Myriame, to accompany him.
Ryman Manderly (23) - Open
Myriame Manderly (19) - Open
Wylla Manderly (18) - Open
Lymond Snow (18) - Open
House Bolton
The Boltons are steadfast behind House Stark by way of a marriage of Mara Stark to Lord Royce Bolton (40). Royce is a trusted advisor of the Starks and advises him against any large southern entanglements, opposing the Dustins and Manderlys.
Lord Domeric Bolton, his heir (20) - Open
Lady Lyessa Bolton (18) - Open
Characters Wanted:
The North will have its own plot running alongside the southern plot, though very much interconnected. The larger discussion of southern relations is a big one in the North, as are important matches between large Northern houses. Characters from the large houses of Dustin and Mormont, could benefit as well.
Small Council
Hand of the King: Prince Aerys Targaryen (39)
Grand Maester: Grand Maester Armen (64)
Lord Commander: Open - House of choosing of player (30s-40s)
Master of Laws: Lord Artys Arryn (43)
Master of Coin: Lord Robar Reyne (50)
Mistress of Whisperers: Lady Florence Fossoway (37) - Closed - nevershout
Master of Ships: Lord Aethan Velaryon (38)
Kingsguard - OPEN
All 7 will be able to be chosen by the submitter if they wish to have a certain house. I will allow a max of 3 to be under 30 (so 20s or late, late teens), and a max of 1 to be from a Paramount-level house.
The six non-Lord Commander may take a Targaryen child of the younger generation to specifically protect as a sworn sword, if desired.
Prologue - Reign of the Conqueror
12th Day of the 5th Moon, 36 AC
Winterfell
Lord Edderion Stark
Saying it was snowing in the North was like saying it was sunny in Dorne. It was just a given. This wasn't a fierce winter storm, but a summer snow. These were the ones Edderion had always liked. A thimble's full would coat the ground and slowly melt away over the next week. Good enough for him.
The Lord Paramount of the North walked in the yard while the snow fell, his dark furs dusted with white. The first vestiges of age were starting to take hold of him - beneath his mess of black curls lay a few gray roots. His face was weathered and wrinkled, but his wife always said that the handsomeness was still there. Edd wasn't so sure. Berena only wanted to help, but she had been born a Hornwood - and a flatterer.
He saw the danger before he heard it. Not a wolf or an assassin, but his gray-cloaked maester. Old Harlon never had anything good to tell him anymore. Not these days, with the news growing wearier by the minute from the south. If it wouldn't offend Lord Artys, he'd yank his son back from the Eyrie straight away.
Edd had half a thought to turn and walk away. There were other problems that needed fixing and Harlon's always took the longest. The snow would be melting on their food stores since the gate was left open and it took a team to close it even in the best of times. No one had checked the roads from Wintertown to ensure that no one had been caught out in the snow. But instead, he did his duty.
Lord Stark conjured up a pained smile as he marched towards Maester Harlon. He'd been a Flint by birth - years ago, he'd known which branch too. With his stuttering steps, Edd knew that he would have some time before he reached him. Might as well get it over with.
"Maester," Edd said respectfully as he stopped in front of him. "What have you got for me today?"
He eyed the parchment that was clasped in the old man's gnarled hands. A bit of blue peaked out from behind them. His brow furrowed.
"Lord Stark," The man painfully bent his head as far as he dared go. "I…a raven arrived this morning…just before dawn, I'd say…you were busy with the Lady Berena…or at least, that's what your guards said…but I went to see who it came from straight away…and spotted you out here…"
The northern lord knew that if he didn't stop Harlon, the old gray-cloaked ghost in front of him would keep going on like that for ages.
"Who's it from, Maester?"
"Lord Arryn, my lord." He held out the letter to him. "Straight from the Eyrie, if you'd ask me. Bit of a hurry too, the raven headed back as soon as it got fed. We'll have to use one of our own for a reply."
Edderion took the letter immediately. It had been a decade or more since he had sent his eldest son Benjen to the Eyrie. It hadn't been entirely by choice. King Aegon saw fit to try and stitch together his Seven Kingdoms - not knowing of course that there was plenty of ill history between Stark and Arryn. Every letter he'd gotten from Benjen was complementary of his hosts, though, and that was enough for him. Sometimes he even felt there was a friendly tone in some of Lord Artys' letters.
"I'll be in my solar, Maester." Edd didn't bother to feel bad as he walked straight past the poor man. A raven from the Eyrie, from Lord Artys, was rare. The last one was to tell him that Benjen had just returned from a venture to Runestone and was sending forth a trinket from Lord Royce on a trader's next trip north. The old bronze coin had been a sight, that was for sure.
He remembered how his heart had swelled with pride and warmth when the tradesman arrived. Berena joked that he had been waiting outside the castle gates each day waiting for him. If he was honest, his lady was rarely wrong.
Edd inclined his head to the servants as he passed by, the household guard straightening as their lord rushed through. The castle felt warm that day, but he refused to bother to get rid of the furs just yet. His cloaks swished upon the ground as Lord Stark made a beeline for his solar. He hoped it was good news - perhaps Benjen was setting out for Winterfell and Lord Artys had taught him all he could. A part of him feared it was something worse - an injury, maybe.
Lord Stark pushed open the heavy wooden door and let it clatter behind him. He brushed off a few lesser papers and grabbed his letter-opening knife. The Arryn eagle and moon was in a crisp royal blue, staring back up at him. He carefully pried it open and stood while his eyes drank in the letter.
Lord Edderion Stark,
I bid you good fortune as summer sets in. The last few years have gone well in the Eyrie and your Benjen is an accomplished duelist - even able to hold his own against Knights of the Vale. I was halfway to the Bloody Gate with him when my own heralds came for me in the mountains. I am honored to be appointed King Aegon's Master of Laws and sit on his small council as a foremost advisor.
As you read this letter, I am on my way to King's Landing. I have brought my children with me to learn what life is like in the new capital. King Aegon also bid me take my ward - your son, Benjen, to King's Landing. He wishes him to get to know the princes and princesses of the royal household.
I acknowledge this may not have been the news you were expecting. As a father, I understand.
Yours Honorably,
Lord Artys Arryn
Lord of the Eyrie
Lord Paramount of the Vale
Warden of the East
Edderion held the note in shock for what felt like ages. Slowly, he sunk into his heavy-set chair and gripped the edges. Aegon Targaryen had asked for his son to come to King's Landing. Whatever it meant, he feared it was not good. The disappointment rose in him like a tide, together with the dread. The North had no allies in King's Landing - and their most trusted one would be a Valeman who would be on his first day on the council. He hoped Artys had taught his son southron customs and manners.
After the shock wore off, he sat up straighter to read the letter again. "I was halfway to the Bloody Gate", Artys Arryn had said. Did he mean that he was about to send his son home? Was Edd truly that unlucky? Then there was the whole ending - acknowledging it was not what Edd was expecting. Moreso, was not what he wanted to hear.
On the one hand, he was surprised Lord Artys felt comfortable disclosing such a thing in a raven. If pressed, he could feign innocence, Edd figured. He wondered if Lord Arryn was nervous about heading into the dragon's claws. Honor or not, he may not have accepted such a post.
At once, Lord Stark shoved back the chair and got to his feet again. He pulled open the wooden door again and turned to the nearest guardsman.
"Get me Maester Harlon. I need a raven sent straight away - White Harbor. And send for my lady wife as well."
22nd Day of the 3rd Moon, 15 AC (Flashback)
Aegonfort
Lady Laena Velaryon
The old fort was quiet when Laena made her last rounds. It was well-known that the Aegonfort was a poor fit for a capital of the whole of Westeros, but Laena had always found it charming. The way the old wood let in the barest slivers of light between some of its older logs, the way you could smell the very hints of nature from even beneath its roof. And now, as she made her way through the keep, she was reminded of memories. Memories of a trio, of friends.
A slight smile passed her features as she folded her hands in front of her, gazing at a corner of the old fort. She'd huddled there when a dreadful storm had swept up from the south and thundered ahead - at only eight, she had recently arrived from Driftmark. It was the day she'd met Aerys Targaryen, with his warm smile and comforting grasp. If she closed her eyes, she could imagine it now. He'd been all legs and a huge, round head that was too big for his body back then.
Down those stairs, just up ahead, is where Aerys had introduced her to his younger brother the next morning. Maekar had been small then, not yet having even begun much of a growth spurt. Even two steps above her, he only just met her eyes. His lilac ones had been as shy as could be, a pale hand quivering to shake her own.
The fort was much smaller than old castles and keeps, but it felt like home. A large part of that was because of the two Targaryen boys who had taken her under their wing. Laena had watched them grow, watched them become who they were. Her foot falls were cushioned beneath her flat shoes, taking the shallow steps two at a time.
To the right there was a hallway, and her heart panged. Queen Visenya's chambers lay that way - and Prince Maekar's. Maekar had been harder to understand as he got older. He wasn't shy anymore, but he had replaced that with an ice-cold exterior. Laena was the only one who knew why. And the only one, besides the queen herself, who could puncture his armor. She could still remember the relief she had felt when he returned from Lys, but when she threw her arms around him under the heat of summer, Laena no longer felt the friend she knew, but a statue.
She loved Maekar. In the inky blackness of night, she could admit it to herself. While Aerys had been off riding Quicksilver, Laena had been doing the hard work of coaxing Maekar from his shell. Sometimes it led to arguments, angry doors shut in her face. Other times it led to her hand holding his as he told her of the sea voyage, her head on the bony line of his shoulder.
But in public, the Silver Prince was iron. He visited the houses nearby in the name of his father, he journeyed to the Vale to meet with Lord Arryn and affirm their support. Even at that tourney in Gulltown, he refused to look at her. Laena back then hadn't known why. But now she knew. Maybe it was the fact her red roses were around his brother's lance. That Aerys had won the tourney, named her Queen of Love and Beauty. That she was a blushing maid smiling as her dashing prince placed a chaste kiss on her cheek. It made her stomach swirl when she thought of what people said Maekar's face had looked like.
She loved Aerys. Far easier to admit, he was the Prince of Dragonstone and the heir to the Iron Throne. He had his moments, as did everyone, but he was passionate and warm, dashing and confident. Half the maidens in Westeros would stash a painting of him away if given the chance. His hair was a darker cream color compared to Maekar's silver, his chest was broad and filled with muscle. A glowing smile often radiated across his face and his laugh was like the singing of birds, lifting her spirits. Laena loved who she was with Aerys.
Just half a year back, she had tearfully spilled everything to her father. A lesser man than Lucerys Velaryon would have laughed. Instead, he had assured her that whichever prince she decided she wanted, she would wed. Laena was the obvious choice for either of them - the only daughter of Lord Velaryon, of the strongest Valyrian line besides the Targaryens themselves.
The flicker of candles led her down a different hallway. A portrait of the beloved Queen Rhaenys was hung crudely on the wall, nailed into the wood. In her heart, Laena knew she was more Rhaenys than Visenya. So it made sense that her path would lie to her son's door, didn't it?
One of the newly-founded Kingsguard stood outside Aerys' door. Upon seeing Laena, he knocked upon the prince's chambers and waited for a response. Her heart thundered in her chest as she stood with him. It was always going to come to this, Laena told herself. Aerys needed her more. He loved her more.
A bleary-eyed prince greeted them. Aerys wore a pair of light trousers with the warmth of the castle, a fine silky red shirt over his shoulders and open at the chest. He blinked several times, scrubbing his eyes.
"Laena?" He waved to the knight to return to his position, a flicker of concern in his violet eyes. "What are you doing here at this late hour?"
"I came to talk, if that is alright." Laena should have addressed him as her prince in front of the ser, but years of informality and nerves caused her to forget herself.
"Always."
Aerys opened the door wider and allowed her entry to his chambers. The floor was wooden like the rest of the castle, but was covered in exquisite rugs that were imported from Myr and Pentos, gifts from the Free Cities. A large velvet chair sat near the fireplace, which was snuffed out at the moment. What were presumably his clothes for the next morning were laid over the back of the chair. A window was open, creaking in the slight breeze. His wide bed was rumpled, the sheets thrown back from where Aerys had awoken.
"I'll start the fire," Aerys offered.
"No need," Laena answered. "It's quite warm enough already, wouldn't you agree?"
"I never know if you agree with me." Aerys' eyes twinkled as his right hand went around her shoulders to gently steer her with him. "You're cold year-round, and you are just in your nightgown, Laena."
Laena was relieved at the levity of the conversation, which was lightening the weight on her heart.
"It is rather thin," She admitted. "I'd rather not sit on the ground with it, if you'd please."
"Then sit with me."
Aerys climbed into the bed, sitting upright with his head resting back against the crudely designed wooden headboard. His arm laid out to the side, awaiting her to join him. A quiet breath left her mouth before she carefully climbed in beside him.
For years, she would've thought nothing of it. It was an old tradition of theirs to huddle there in the winter if something was wrong. Usually with Laena, if she was being honest. The Velaryon fit easily into his side, her shoulder pushing up against his, facing slightly away from him to keep some distance.
"Alright," Aerys patted the bed with his other hand. "What's bothering you?"
"Nothing." Laena turned when he remained silent, a single eyebrow arched at her, clearly doubting. "Nothing, I swear it! I just…I needed to talk to you."
"Hit me."
The words were as thick as honey on her lips. She felt foolish, but her face burned as she considered whether he would even accept.
"Your father the King has granted me the honor of being your lady wife."
Laena didn't dare look at Aerys to see his reaction. She only knew he had when his hand squeezed her shoulder, a thumb brushing against skin as he massaged the area.
"I am the luckiest man alive," Aerys murmured. A soft press of his lips against her temple made her look back to him.
Her doubts evaporated as she gazed into his eyes. His hand moved to cup her cheek in it, a smile widening across his face. It only reminded her of those days in Gulltown, laughing and smiling as she followed after him around the yard. Was it possible to be as happy as she had been then?
"Maybe we should keep some mystery for the wedding night," Laena teased, but leaned forward to kiss her betrothed's cheek.
"Let's talk, then." Aerys agreed, pulling her more firmly into his chest as he laid back against the headboard once again.
"About?"
"Us. The future. The past. Anything."
"What are you looking forward to?" Laena asked.
"A future with you." Aerys squeezed her shoulder again. "Father is working with the Master of Coin to get enough money to build a proper keep. Raise our children in it and lead Westeros into a prosperous and golden era."
"You've always been so concerned with perception." Laena gently ran her fingers through his free one. "I rather like this place."
"It's not suitable anymore," He sounded resigned, a small puff of breath coming after it. "The wood is aging quickly, the byproduct of a few rainy years. It's not large enough to host many guests - and King's Landing is so new that much money is going towards building guest manses there."
"I understand. Well, I hope the king and queen's chambers will be closer than the king and queen's in the Aegonfort," She elbowed him lightly, to which he chuckled.
"I fear what would happen to us to make us like Father and Visenya. I wonder how much he misses Mother."
Laena remembered when Rhaenys had died in Dorne, during the Conquest. Aerys had been nearing ten and had been inconsolable at the death of the queen. Aegon and Visenya had left shortly after to wreak havoc upon the sands, turning some to glass. Only she and Maekar had remained to aid their friend. Time had made old wounds lessen, but Laena had a feeling that they ran deep for Aegon.
The silence stretched until Aerys squeezed her hand. "Tell me a story, would you?"
She took a few seconds to think, but smiled as she intertwined their fingers. "Okay. A memory then."
Gulltown was on her mind, so that was the story she told. The second night they were there, she and Aerys had snuck into Lord Grafton's private stash of all sorts of wines. The spiced wines from Dorne were passed around, for neither had really tried them before. Laena had nearly broken out into a coughing fit after hearing Aerys' addled words after a few too many sips. She had done her best to get him back to his chambers, supporting his weight and trying to keep him walking ahead, but it was for naught. He only fell and brought her with him, silent laughter shaking through her on the cold stone of the castle floor.
She hadn't had an inkling that Aerys was falling asleep, though maybe it was just because she wasn't paying attention. His head had slipped from her shoulder and was resting just above his pillow, his arm still loosely around her and a hand in hers. Laena carefully extracted it and tugged him gently to lay on the pillow itself. A hand caressed through his curls and she bent down to kiss his forehead. The girl carefully moved his arm and extricated herself from the bed. When she placed her two feet on the floor beside it, the sense of dread hit her like the strongest gale of wind. The morning would be harder.
The Next Morning
. . .
The color she chose was an obsidian, bejeweled with the smallest gems that captured the light of the room. The color of her betrothed's house. Laena feared Maekar may have already heard, but she didn't risk waiting very long. The lady was shook awake by one of her handmaids at dawn, alerting her that Prince Maekar was awake and headed to the longhall for breakfast.
Laena swore it was the fastest she had ever dressed, her feet carrying her like a deer through the fort. The longhall was in the center of the old fort, with the Iron Throne sat way back at one end. The high table was for the royals to use and just one seat sat occupied at the leftmost end - Maekar.
He must've intended to go out riding, for he wore silver plate over his chest and the helm sat to his right. His hair was thinner than Aerys', falling back in a sheet to his mid-back, though was all swept behind him, no hair out of place around his cheeks.
"My prince," Laena greeted as she swung a leg over the bench.
"My lady," Maekar eyed her from his seat. "You're early."
"And you're leaving."
"There's a bandit group assailing some travelers coming from the south. Father said some of the local knights were having trouble locating them, so that is my task."
"For how long?"
"As long as it takes to clear them," Maekar gripped the pommel of the sword that jutted from his hip.
Laena was disappointed. "Well, I don't want to disturb your meal, but I have some news."
There was an almost indistinguishable change in his features. His lips tightened and the corner of his mouth twitched, his back straightened slightly.
"Let's hear it."
"Well, you see…" The words were failing her as she gazed at her friend, whose light purple eyes were staring right back at her. She couldn't look away even if she wanted to. Maekar would see it as weakness, or as fear, after he learned what her news was. "I…you know…I'm about the age your own mother was when she wed the King. Right. Your father, the King, his Grace…has seen it fit to accept my father's proposal to wed the Prince Aerys to me."
There was no surprise on his features. It was like a lock had been tightened.
"Congratulations," His words rang like steel slamming against steel. "I am most happy for you, Laena. If you'd excuse me, I have some bandits to clear."
Maekar pushed himself from the table and grabbed his helm, the edge of it thunking against wood as it hit the table on the way up.
"You've hardly eaten," Laena protested as she looked at the full plate of meat and eggs. The prince ignored her as he crossed the room, helm at his waist. She rose to her feet after him, hoisting the bottom of her dress as she hurried after him. "Maekar! Maekar, stop!"
He stopped so suddenly that the Velaryon wasn't prepared for it. She ran into the back of him, but grabbed hold of his shoulder plate so the prince wouldn't keep moving.
"What?" Maekar's fingers gripped the helm so tightly she could see the corded muscle of his arms through the mesh that connected his armor.
"I - can't we talk about this? I don't want you to go on an empty stomach and with…with…" Anger was the first word in her mind, but she knew she couldn't say such a thing aloud. "With questions on your mind."
"I have none. You will be a fine queen one day. Aerys is lucky to have you," The last words seemed as though he was pushing a brick through a wall.
"I just…I don't want this to be our end," Laena whispered, reaching for his hand before he yanked it out of her reach. She didn't respond, just continuing with a hand on his shoulder. "You're still my friend, Maekar. And always will be. I trust you. You will have a happy life. A successful one, with the respect of all who meet you. A formidable man, Maekar, you…you will do much good."
He turned at once and the feel of cool lips against her own came before she could react properly. The feeling in her stomach wasn't like with Aerys, like the warm pit in her stomach with fire licking her insides and growing from there. It was electric, like lightning sparking at every end of her fingers. Maekar's lips were firm and the kiss was clumsily pressed to her face. Laena only realized when he stepped back as quickly as he had forward that her own lips were parted.
Laena snapped out of it as though it were a dream, her hair like a sheet flying as her head whipped back and forth to ensure none were in the vicinity. Not yet. But there would be soon.
"I…I am sorry Laena. I just couldn't live without knowing."
Other girls would think he meant what kissing her was like. Laena knew he wanted to know if she felt the same way about him.
"Good luck on your hunt," The Velaryon girl whispered, dropping her hand from his shoulder. "Goodbye, Maekar."
Author's Note: I've been working on this for a few weeks now, off an idea I've had for years. I find this time period is dreadfully bare. Thank you for reading this far if you've gotten here, and I hope you stick around and submit a character or two (or three, four, etc.)! With House of the Dragon coming, I wished to get something out before then. I am not giving up on Marked for those that may be checking from there - I just did a bit of work on it a few days ago for the first time in a while (woohoo!). I am hoping more consistent writing helps move things in a better direction for me. This tone fits better with the kinds of original stories that I have rattling around my head.
Things of Note to begin:
1) Names are not set in stone. They're there to give you an idea, and if you want to keep them - that's cool. The Targaryen names are a bit more particular - especially ones that are a call-back like Visenya or Maegon, etc. If you want to change the name, just let me know and I'll mull it over. More than likely I say yes, but I may not and I'll explain why. I have had a few questions on this - the names are placeholders. You are free to change them! Consider checking the wiki for canon names of regions to help if you want some help!
2) This is an AU. While I specifically did things to mirror canon - Aerys is like Aenys, Maekar like Maegor, etc. They are not the same.
3) Sometimes in stories that hint at war, it's treated as inevitable. It's not. I think it's worth pointing out, as that's what the story will show and we will see where the path takes us!
4) I don't need every character submitted that's up there - I am more than capable of fleshing them out myself if we don't get them. They're mostly there to offer if people find any position especially compelling and fits in the story!
5) Dorne may feature later and open up once they become relevant, but as of now is closed. If you're really interested, feel free to reach out to chat about it!
To get the form, please PM me with a general idea of the character. A brief personality, small history, a very brief appearance etc. I would love it if you could include some ideas you have for your character (2 or 3), and especially any questions you have about the character or those around them that could inform your submission. Please title your PM Name of Character - Position/Title - Age.