Stormlands, Storm's End – 119 AC
Girls are annoying. That is an irrefutable fact that no one will ever be able to make me change my mind about it. I have no idea why Aegon has been so obsessed with them lately, they are harpies that I am 100% sure only want to feast on your blood.
Though there are two exceptions to that rule: my sister Helaena and my dear Lucerys. I've only been in Storm's End for a fortnight, and I'm already tempted to feed Lord Borros' daughters to Arrax! Well, not really, considering Arrax is still just a hatchling. Maybe when he's big enough, I'll consider it. As for now, I could always offer Cassandra, Ellyn, and Maris as a snack for Ghost. Not that my Lucy would ever allow it. After all, they're her kin. But I think that if I am convincing enough, maybe my Lucerys will turn a blind eye this time.
It's a shame, really. When Mother told me I'd be accompanying Princess Rhaenys and my Lucerys to the Stormlands, I was ecstatic. I've never ventured beyond the walls of King's Landing before. One of the reasons I yearned for a dragon was the freedom to explore Westeros without any hindrance. So, the opportunity to journey to Storm's End was a dream come true. And what better reason for an adventure than to celebrate the day my Lucerys entered the world!
My mother was adamant about polishing my manners and heeding Princess Rhaenys' instructions. She even assigned Ser Arryk Cargyll to accompany me, pledging his allegiance to be my Sword Shield. It was a comforting thought, knowing that a member of the Kingsguard was sworn to protect me. Ser Erryk Cargyll, his twin, did the same for my dear Lucerys. I couldn't help but grin with satisfaction.
We matched!
Promising to uphold my best behavior, I assured my mother that I'd return with souvenirs for her and Helaena. She rewarded me with a tender kiss on the forehead before sending me off. It was bittersweet, knowing I wouldn't be staying longer, especially with Daeron scheduled to arrive in King's Landing a fortnight later. I've missed my little brother dearly, and the thought of reuniting with him filled me with joy. Well, it does not matter now, I will simply have to see them when I get back from the Stormlands.
Princess Rhaenys went above and beyond to ensure our journey was memorable. She had an entire wardrobe prepared for Lucerys and me, featuring a delightful array of colors—Baratheon Gold, Targaryen Red, Velaryon Teal, and shades of silver to accentuate our attire. Intricate designs of dragons and seahorses adorned the fabric, adding a regal touch that made me feel like a true prince. While I appreciated the effort and craftsmanship of the clothes my mother prepared for me, I couldn't help but yearn for a break from the endless greens I had grown accustomed to. Nevertheless, it was gratifying to finally wear our house's emblem and colors, even if black was notably absent from our garments.
What I liked the most about it was the fact that my Lucerys made sure to match our wardrobe for each special event. Like for the reception banquet in Evenfall Hall, seat of House Tarth. The first stop on our tour through the Stormlands. Lucerys decided that we should both don Velaryon-teal attire, accented with elegant white and silver accessories. As we took our seats at the high table, I couldn't help but bask in the honor and recognition bestowed upon us.
Unlike my father, who seldom acknowledges our existence, Princess Rhaenys treated us with utmost kindness and respect, making us feel valued and appreciated. I might be a prince, but my father rarely pays us any attention or threw banquets in our honor. I do not believe I've exchanged many words with the King. Not that I minded, I have my mother, my sister, my Arrax, and my Lucerys, that is all I will ever need.
The night was meant to be a celebration, not just for Princess Rhaenys, but for Lucerys and me as well. Flying on Meleys, spending each day in the company of my dearest Lucerys, and receiving lessons from the skilled dragonrider, Princess Rhaenys—it was a dream come true. What more could a boy ask for?
However, amidst the festivities of the first banquet, a challenge presented itself: Brienne Tarth. The girl seemed relentless, trailing after me throughout the evening and persistently asking me to dance. As if I would even consider dancing with anyone other than my beloved Lucerys! To make matters worse, Brienne's older brother, Selwyn Tarth, was also vying for my beautiful pearl's attention. I found myself tethered to the dance floor, holding onto Lucerys tightly to fend off any unwanted advances. After all, nothing could come between us—not even pesky flies like Brienne and Selwyn.
The problem persisted as we arrived at Storm's End, the grand fortress of House Baratheon. On this occasion, my Lucerys had chosen a coordinated ensemble of Baratheon gold and Targaryen red for us. However, Princess Rhaenys ensured the shades were precisely matched, sparing us from the embarrassment of resembling the children of House Lannister by mistake.
The welcome banquet, undoubtedly held in honor of my Lucerys's fourth nameday, took center stage. Even Princess Rhaenys, Lord Boremund's niece, seemed to fade into the background as all attention turned to my precious Lucerys. Not that I minded—any occasion to celebrate my dear Lucerys was a cause for joy in my eyes.
Amidst the festivities, whispers among the older servants caught my attention. They spoke of my Lucerys as if he were the reincarnation of Lady Jocelyn herself. Curious, I inquired about Lady Jocelyn's identity, learning that she was Lord Boremund's sister, the daughter of Queen Alyssa, wife of Prince Aemon, and mother of Princess Rhaenys. It became clear why Lord Boremund held such affection for my niece—my Lucerys was the striking image of his beloved sister.
Throughout the entire nameday celebration, I found myself dodging the advances of Borros's three daughters—Cassandra, Ellyn, and Maris. Their persistent pursuit was nothing short of bothersome! It seemed they harbored fantasies of marrying a prince and ascending to princesshood, akin to their grandaunt. As if such a notion held any appeal to me! The very idea of anyone other than my beloved Lucerys was preposterous. My niece was a dragon, a princess in her own right. The only reason Jocelyn Baratheon had wed Prince Aemon was her Velaryon lineage!
Thus, once again, I was compelled to spend the entire night on the dance floor with my Lucerys, warding off unwanted attention. Thankfully, this time, House Baratheon had no sons to pester my cherished pearl. While I typically found dancing a tiresome endeavor, witnessing my niece's radiant smile as we twirled about filled me with unexpected fondness for the activity. Moreover, the undivided attention she bestowed upon me throughout the night was a considerable bonus.
As the evening drew to a close, I presented her with her nameday gift—a Velaryon-silver brooch fashioned in the likeness of a dragon, with delicate pearls serving as its eyes. The joy reflected in her smile made every golden dragon I painstakingly saved for the purchase worthwhile.
If only the rest of our stay in Storm's End had been as smooth sailing as the nameday festivities! Thankfully, my Lucerys quickly hit it off with Maris and Ellyn Baratheon, which meant I didn't have to bear the weight of their constant presence. Instead of clinging to my side, they happily kept my niece entertained, granting me some much-needed breathing room.
As our fortnight stay in Storm's End came to an end, Princess Rhaenys pulled off a major success. She orchestrated marriages between Selwyn Tarth and Maris Baratheon, securing Maris's future as Lady of Evenfall Hall, and Ralph Buckler and Ellyn Baratheon, guaranteeing Ellyn's role as Lady of Bronzegate. The discussions between Lord Robert Tarth, Lord Stannis Buckler, and Lord Borros Baratheon were met with a palpable sense of relief, as Borros realized his daughters' bright futures were assured.
With House Baratheon set to join us on our journey through the Stormlands, I breathed a sigh of relief, hoping to avoid a repeat of their previous habit of following me around like eager puppies. With Maris and Ellyn's destinies now sealed, I could finally bid adieu to the relentless pestering about becoming my princess. It was a huge weight off my shoulders.
Unfortunately, Cassandra Baratheon was still a whole other problem. She was stubborn and no matter how many times I turned her advances down, she did not give up. The only reason why I did not shame her as she deserved, was the fact that I promised my mother to be on my best behavior and to show Princess Rhaenys the respect she deserved. And shaming her mother's house was not the way to fulfill that promise.
Which is why, I found myself tucked away in a forgotten waiting room, seeking refuge from Cassandra's relentless pursuit. It was a cramped space, filled with dusty furniture and cobwebs clinging to the corners. As I pressed myself against the wall, I heard the creak of the door and the hushed voices of Princess Rhaenys and Lord Borros. Panic seized me as I realized that this waiting room might not have been as desolate as I had once expected. With no time to find another hiding spot, I squeezed myself into a nearby cupboard, hoping against hope that I would go unnoticed.
From my cramped vantage point, I strained to hear their conversation, my heart pounding in my chest. I listened intently, as Lord Borros spoke up. "Princess Rhaenys, I'm afraid the Dornish Marches are stirring once more. There have been reports of increased activity along our borders, and I fear they may be preparing for an incursion into the Stormlands."
"I see..." Princess Rhaenys hummed. "Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Lord Borros. We cannot afford to ignore such a threat."
My heart quickened at the gravity of their discussion. The weight of their words hung heavy in the air, and my heart quickened with apprehension. The thought of conflict brewing so close to home filled me with a sense of dread.
"What do you suggest, Princess?" Lord Borros asked.
"I propose we pay a visit to Blackhaven, home of House Dondarrion. The sight of a dragon soaring over their lands might be enough to give the Dornish pause." I couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration. Princess Rhaenys was always so quick to think on her feet, to find solutions in the face of adversity.
Yet, beneath my admiration for her resourcefulness, a flicker of fear lingered. What if our visit only served to escalate tensions further?
"A dragon's presence may indeed serve as a deterrent. Very well, Princess. Let us proceed with caution." Lord Borros agreed, before leaving the waiting room.
I was so immersed in my thoughts, that I did not even notice when Princess Rhaenys spoke up again. "Aemond, I know you're here."
I froze in the cupboard, heart racing. "Uh... Princess Rhaenys?"
"Yes, it's me. You can come out now, Aemond." Princess Rhaenys chuckled gently.
I emerged from the cupboard, feeling a mix of relief and embarrassment. "Sorry, Princess Rhaenys. I didn't mean to eavesdrop. I was just trying to avoid Cassandra."
Princess Rhaenys placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "I understand, Aemond. Cassandra can be... persistent."
"That's putting it mildly," I nodded in agreement. "But what were you and Lord Borros talking about?"
"Troubling news, I'm afraid. Lord Borros informed me about the Dornish Marches lurking close to the Stormlands." Princess Rhaenys sighed softly.
My eyes widening in concern, I had hoped I had heard wrong. "The Dornish Marches? What should we do?"
Princess Rhaenys gentle rubbed my arm in a calming manner. "We need to be cautious. But for now, Lucerys asked me to take you flying on Meleys while she distracts Cassandra."
My eyes lit up with excitement. "Flying on Meleys? That sounds amazing!" With Princess Rhaenys's guidance, I followed her out of the waiting room, my earlier worries momentarily forgotten in the anticipation of an exhilarating flight on Meleys. I turned to her curiously, before asking. "How did you know I was hiding from Cassandra in that waiting room?"
"Well, Lord Borros might have only daughters, but I've raised two dragons. I know how Targaryens behave. I was already walking towards the waiting room, when Lord Borros caught up to me and requested a conversation." Princess Rhaenys smiled knowingly. "But don't worry, I've already spoken to Lord Borros. He'll have a word with Cassandra about her behavior as the daughter of a future Lord Paramount."
As Princess Rhaenys lead me outside to where Meleys, Arrax, and Ghost are waiting, I can't help but feel a surge of excitement. Arrax chirpped eagerly as I approached, and I can't resist cooing back at him. This hatchling was mine! I finally had a dragon, and I could not be happier. It was all thanks to my beloved Lucerys. My niece was truly a gift from the Gods.
Once I was finally able to part ways with Arrax, I climbed up behind Princess Rhaenys onto Meleys. I felt a rush of adrenaline as the powerful creature took to the skies. The wind rushed past us, whipping through my hair, and for a moment, all my worries and troubles melted away. It's just me, Princess Rhaenys, and the boundless expanse of the sky stretching out before us.
As we soared higher and higher, I began to relax, letting go of my earlier anxieties. I trusted Princess Rhaenys implicitly, knowing that she's a seasoned dragonrider who knew what she's doing. With her at the reins, I felt safe and free, able to enjoy the exhilarating sensation of flight without fear.
Gazing down at the world below, I marvel at the breathtaking scenery unfolding beneath us. The Stormlands stretched out in all directions, a patchwork of green fields, rolling hills, and rugged coastline. It's a sight unlike anything I've ever seen before, and for a moment, I felt like I'm soaring above the troubles of the world, untethered and weightless.
As we glide through the air, I feel a sense of peace settle over me, a calmness born of the knowledge that I'm in good hands. With Princess Rhaenys by my side and the wind in my hair, I couldn't imagine a more perfect moment.
