Riverlands, Riverrun – 122 AC

The Royal Progress started off with a buzz of excitement bubbling in the air. We departed towards Rosby, and I could feel the anticipation dancing in my heart. As much as it hurt to leave Harwin behind, Laenor made me understand that this was for the betterment of our children's future. This will be my first challenge as the future queen regent of Westeros, and I will prove to everyone that I am the better choice compared to my half-brother Aegon. When we reached Rosby, House Rosby was honored to host us. It felt good to be received with such warmth and hospitality.

The first issue started when we made a stop on Duskendale, the seat of House Darklyns. Something felt off during the visit. My daughter Lucerys seemed unusually tense, and her nerves were palpable. I couldn't help but worry, watching her closely as we mingled with the people of Duskendale. Only when we cut our visit short and moved back on the road, I started noticing a shift in her demeanor. She began to relax, her tension melting away like snow under the sun. It was a relief to see her smile and enjoy the company around her. I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease entirely, but I brushed it aside, chalking it up to the overwhelming nature of the Royal Progress for a young princess of merely seven namedays.

Our journey continued, taking us to Antlers, the seat of House Buckwell. The scenery changed around us as we rode on, each new destination bringing its own unique flavor and atmosphere. The people greeted us with enthusiasm, their cheers echoing in the air as we passed through their lands. It was heartwarming to see the joy our presence brought to their faces.

Finally, we reached the last leg of the first part of the Royal Progress at Sow's Horn, the seat of House Hogg. I knew that cutting our tour through the Crownlands in two parts would pay off in the end. The idea was to come full circle, completing our journey by sailing back from the Vale and docking in Claw Isle, the seat of House Celtigar. From there, we would continue on to Rook's Rest, the seat of House Staunton, before finally visiting my good-family's seat, Driftmark, home of House Velaryon. It would be a journey rich in meaning and significance, weaving together the threads of our alliances and familial ties.

However, before we could even set our sights on the Vale and the remaining Crownlands, we had the Riverlands beckoning us. It was crucial for us to solidify our hold over this region, to ensure that it remained firmly in the grasp of the Blacks faction and did not fall into the hands of our adversaries, the Greens.

As we deliberated on our route through the Riverlands, I made a swift decision to skip Maidenpool, the seat of House Mooton. The decision was not taken lightly, but the memories of past conflicts and the religious fervor that permeated the air in Maidenpool gave me pause. There had been incidents involving my family in the past, and I was not willing to risk a repeat of those events. The safety and well-being of my entourage were of paramount importance, and I could not in good conscience subject them to potential danger.

As we rode on, leaving Maidenpool behind us, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret mingled with relief. Though some may have questioned my decision, I knew in my heart that it was the right choice. Our journey through the Riverlands brought us to our first stop: Harrenhal, the seat of House Strong. Our arrival at Harrenhal marked my first visit to the legendary castle, a place steeped in history and shrouded in mystery. As we approached its towering walls and imposing towers, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder. Harrenhal was unlike any other castle I had seen before, its sheer size and scale leaving me breathless.

I knew little of the inner workings of Harrenhal, save for the fact that the heir of House Strong, my secret lover, was raised within its walls. So, as we rode through the gates of the castle, I couldn't shake the feeling of excitement coursing through me. The halls were vast and cavernous, echoing with the sounds of our footsteps as we made our way through its labyrinthine corridors. Every corner seemed to hold a new secret, a new mystery waiting to be uncovered.

And yet, amidst the grandeur and opulence of Harrenhal, there was also a sense of sadness that lingered in the air. It was a reminder of the castle's tumultuous history, a history marked by tragedy and loss. But even in the face of such darkness, there was still beauty to be found within its walls, a beauty that spoke of resilience and strength.

As we left the grandeur of Harrenhal behind us and continued our journey through the Riverlands, a pang of sadness tugged at my heart. The thought of Harrenhal, with all its majesty and power, potentially passing to my son Joffrey weighed heavily on my mind. He was Harwin's son, born of a love that dared not speak its name in the light of day. It was a cruel twist of fate, one that left me struggling with conflicting emotions. On one hand, I wanted nothing more than to see my son inherit the wealth and power of Harrenhal, to ensure his future was secure. But on the other hand, I couldn't bear the thought of subjecting him to the stigma and prejudice that would inevitably accompany such a title. For to give him the lordship of House Strong would be to brand him as a bastard, a stain that would follow him for the rest of his days.

As the Royal Progress made its way to Acorn Hall, seat of House Smallwood, I couldn't help but feel a sense of regret wash over me. Regret for the choices I had made, the paths I had chosen to follow. If only I had not been so consumed by my obsession with Daemon, perhaps I could have found true happiness with Harwin. Perhaps we could have built a life together, free from the constraints of duty and expectation.

But alas, such thoughts were nothing more than wishful thinking. This was my life now, a life bound by duty and honor, by the weight of my responsibilities as queen. And though I couldn't help but wonder what might have been, I knew that I had to focus on the present, on the task at hand. For the realm was in turmoil, and it was up to me to ensure that my family emerged victorious from the chaos that threatened to engulf us all.

After Acorn Hal, we made our way to the seat of House Tully. As we approached Riverrun, a sense of gravity settled over us like a heavy cloak. This was no ordinary stop on our Royal Progress; this was our first real battleground, a crucial moment that could tip the scales of power in our favor. If we could win House Tully to our side, we would have half of the Riverlands at our back and call, a formidable force that could bolster our cause immeasurably.

As Laenor and I straightened up and got serious, I couldn't help but feel a surge of determination coursing through me. This was the moment we had been waiting for, the moment when our plans would be put to the test. We had to convince Lord Tully of the righteousness of my claim to the Iron Throne. The loyalty of the other half of the Riverlands might be won with the rest of the Royal Progress.

But as we neared Riverrun, I noticed a tension creeping into the air, a tension mirrored in the demeanor of my daughter Lucerys. She had always been perceptive beyond her years, her keen intellect a source of pride and wonder for me. At her age she already spoke three languages, High Valyrian, the Old Tongue, and the Common Tongue. Yet, there was something different about her now, a darkness in her gaze that gave me pause. Even her dragon, Ghost, seemed ill at ease in Riverrun. I made a mental note to keep our visit short, not wanting to risk any disruptions or misbehavior from one of our dragon companions.

As we approached Riverrun, its formidable presence loomed before us, a stark contrast to the grandeur of Harrenhal. Though not as vast in size, Riverrun commanded respect with its strong three-sided walls of red sandstone, rising sheer from the water like a sentinel guarding the riverbanks. Its battlements were crenelated, dotted with arrow loops that spoke of its defensive prowess, while its towers stood tall, offering commanding views of the surrounding lands. The keep was nestled within Riverrun's walls, though it was the Wheel Tower that caught my eye, its great waterwheel turning ceaselessly as the Tumblestone rushed by. Ivy climbed alongside it, adding a touch of natural beauty to the otherwise imposing structure.

We made our way through the Water Gate, the sound of our oars cutting through the water echoing in the stillness of the air. Many boats were tied up within the walls, secured to iron rings that spoke of generations past. We then ascended the water stair, making our way towards the heart of Riverrun. We were greeted by Lord Grover Tully and his grandson Elmo Tully. This was our moment to make our case, to win House Tully to our cause and secure their loyalty for the battles that lay ahead. But as we were escorted to our rooms to prepare for tonight's banquet, a sense of unease settled over me like a dark cloud.

As I took a bath and prepared for the evening with the help of my maids, I couldn't shake the feeling of apprehension that gnawed at the edges of my mind. As I fastened the golden and ruby accessories around my body, Laenor's words hung in the air like a heavy mist. "Did you notice how Lucerys was acting?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.

I paused, meeting his gaze with a solemn expression. "Yes, I did," I replied softly, my mind racing with worry for our daughter.

Laenor's brow furrowed as he considered my words. "Perhaps she's just nervous," he suggested, his voice laced with uncertainty.

I nodded in agreement, though a part of me couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Lucerys' unease than simple nerves. "It's possible," I conceded, my voice tinged with doubt. "But we should keep an eye on her, just in case."

As we made our way to the banquet hall, the weight of our conversation lingered between us like a silent shadow. Lucerys was our daughter, our precious girl, and I couldn't bear the thought of her feeling alone or afraid in this unfamiliar place. It was only when we entered the banquet hall, that I relaxed at the sight of my family gathered. Each of my children looked resplendent, radiating beauty and grace in a way that only they could. They were my pride and joy, the embodiment of everything I held dear in this world.

I couldn't help but smile as I looked upon them, taking in the sight of Jacaerys and myself adorned with accents of red in our garments, a subtle homage to our Targaryen heritage. Laenor, Lucerys, and Joffrey wore accents of Velaryon teal. Lucerys looked positively lovely, her onyx braids adorned with sapphires and pearls that gleamed in the candlelight. And Joffrey, with his bright blue Velaryon cloak and amethyst eyes, was simply adorable. I couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness knowing that he had inherited my eyes, a small piece of me that lived on in him.

While part of me longed to see all of my children dressed in Targaryen red, I'll suppose that their garments using black as a base will be enough for now. Unlike Alicent I knew how to respect my husband's house and honor our family's traditions. Lucerys and Joffrey were claimed by House Velaryon, even if they have the blood of dragons running through their veins.

We then took our seats at the banquet table, surrounded by the warmth and laughter of our hosts. As I settled into my seat at the banquet table, my eyes met Laenor's in a silent exchange of understanding. We both recognized the subtle message behind the seating arrangement orchestrated by Lord Grover Tully. His great-grandson, Oscar Tully, sat beside our daughter Lucerys. Oscar Tully was a second-born, with his elder brother Kermit Tully set to inherit Riverrun. With nothing to inherit himself, it was no surprise that Lord Grover saw an opportunity to forge a bond between our families, perhaps even hinting at a potential betrothal between Oscar and Lucerys. After all, Lucerys was not just any princess; she was the heiress of House Velaryon, the future Lady of the Tides.

As I observed the interaction between Oscar and Lucerys, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of emotions swirling within me. On one hand, I understood the practicality of such a match, the benefits it could bring to both our families. But on the other hand, I couldn't help but worry about my daughter's happiness, about her future and the choices that lay ahead of her. Lucerys was a spirited and independent young woman, with a mind of her own and a fierce determination that matched my own. I knew that she would not be easily swayed by the whims of others, that she would choose her own path in life, regardless of the expectations placed upon her.

Laenor leaned into whisper to me in High Valyrian, a teasing glint in his eyes, I couldn't help but suppress a chuckle at his observation. "Se syt Dārys Tullīs hen Irȳbas astalta brōzi. (It seems Oscar Tully is quite taken with our daughter)," he remarked, a hint of amusement in his tone.

I nodded in agreement, a playful smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "Skorion, nyke riña jāhor? (Well, can you blame him?)" I replied in the same tongue, my voice filled with mirth. "Lucerys zȳhon vēzȳragon issa. (Lucerys has always had a way of captivating those around her.)"

But as the laughter faded from my lips, a shadow crossed my features, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of regret at the situation unfolding before us. "Ānogār, se zirni, (It's a shame, really,)" I murmured, my voice tinged with sadness. "Jentyssy kīvio ondoso zȳhon Lucerys, hae taqpa ondoso jaqot arli zābriar ajomar ao taqpa jikagon ondosy zūgusy ñuha ziry daor se sahīksy ao se hen. (If only Lucerys' heart weren't already spoken for, a marriage between her and Oscar could seal the deal and secure the Riverlands for our cause.)"

Laenor's smile softened at my words, his gaze meeting mine with a mixture of understanding and sympathy. "Sȳndor nūmāzma, qūbirī rijībagon? (You would know all about that, wouldn't you?)" he remarked gently, a note of tenderness in his voice.

I felt a lump form in my throat at his words, memories of my own past rushing back to me in a tumultuous wave. A niece falling for an uncle was not rare in our family line, I truly hope this time it would not end in tragedy. "Skoriot, (Yes,)" I admitted quietly, my voice barely above a whisper. "Aōhoso ēza. (I suppose I would.)"

As Laenor and I turned to follow a thread of conversation that had caught our attention, we were taken aback by the sight that greeted us. Lucerys, our daughter, stood before Lord Grover Tully, her animated gestures and bright smile captivating him in a way that left us both surprised. When had Lucerys left Oscar's side? It hardly mattered now, as she held court with the lord of Riverrun with a confidence and charm that left us both in awe.

Though, I could tell that there was a tension on her body language, that only we could tell because we were her parents. What did Lucerys have against House Tully and Riverrun? This was her first time here!

I watched with a mixture of pride and curiosity as Lucerys effortlessly regaled Lord Grover with her knowledge of Riverrun, a knowledge that neither Laenor nor I knew she possessed. How had she come by such information? It was a mystery, but one that I couldn't help but admire as I listened to her speak.

"Lord Tully, I read that properly garrisoned, Riverrun can hold supplies for men and horses for as long as two years," Lucerys explained, her voice steady and assured. "However, a garrison of two hundred men is larger than Riverrun requires in most circumstances." She continued, describing the guardsmen's attire with precision. "I read all about the guardsmen fish-crest helms, and it was so fun to see them outside of book pages," she said, her eyes bright with enthusiasm. "The helms are a symbol of House Tully's connection to the river and its bounty, right?"

Lord Grover listened intently, his eyes alight with interest as Lucerys spoke. As I watched Lucerys charm Lord Grover with her knowledge, I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride in my heart. She was my daughter, my flesh and blood, and in that moment, she was proving herself to be a force to be reckoned with.

When Lord Grover Tully bid us goodnight, his words of praise for Lucerys still echoing in our ears, Laenor and I shared a knowing glance. In that moment, we understood that there were many paths to earning someone's loyalty, and marriage was not the only answer. Lucerys had shown us that to truly earn someone's respect and allegiance, one must first respect their family and honor their history.

Days passed calmly and as we prepared to depart from Riverrun, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude wash over me. Our fortnight in the Riverlands had been a success beyond our wildest expectations, and it was all thanks to our daughter's charm and intelligence. Lucerys had won over Lord Grover Tully and his house with her knowledge and charisma, proving herself to be a valuable asset in our quest for the Iron Throne.

As we rode away from Riverrun, leaving behind the towering walls and rushing waters of the Tumblestone, I knew that we had gained more than just an ally in House Tully. We had gained their respect and loyalty, forged through the bonds of friendship and mutual understanding. And as we continued on our journey, towards the challenges and trials that lay ahead, I knew that we would face them with confidence and determination, knowing that we had the support of House Tully behind us.