Chapter 9

(a long-awaited talk)

LYARRA

"We've needed to talk for a while. To my shame, I have put it off. However, after recent events, I can no longer postpone this announcement." Rhaegar said. His eyes as solemn as his words.

I held my breath.

"Tomorrow, I will announce to the court and Westeros the future of House Targaryen. Visenya, you like Rhaenys, will imitate your namesake and marry Aegon."

TWO DAYS EARLIER

I woke up happy. Goodness what a change that was. I usually went to bed wishing never to wake, and when I did, I wanted to cry.

"You look happy this morning Lyarra" observed Tabatha as she began changing me into my sparring clothes - I would wash afterwards.

"I'm sure I don't know what you mean." I replied, doing my best to be regal.

"Really, what if I were to mention, a certain boy, Daemon perhaps?" She said cocking her head.

"I'm sure that you will keep quiet, or I'm sure you will find yourself in a black cell." I replied, smiling to let her know I wasn't serious.

"I'll keep quiet. But the court is observant as I am, your morning sparring sessions, have become a subject of gossip."

"The lickspittles will gossip no matter what I do, if I speak to no-one, I'm a shut in and a shrew and a prude, if I smile and show favor, I'm an upstart northern tart like my mother."

"Very good Lyarra you're learning. They're all just noise, remember that. Your royal family, however, ..."

"I'm playing nice. Just yesterday I didn't flinch when King Rhaegar hugged me."

"You also refused dinner with Princess Daenerys. She's a nice girl that one, her servants adore her." Tabatha said. It felt rather what I imagined being admonished by a mother would be like. Between Grandmother and Tabatha, I truly began to understand what it meant to have a mother. Queen Elia did her best, and I endured her.

"Every time I enter a room with Daenerys she flirts with me."

"Oh, woe is you, both princess's and princes fall at your feat."

"They don't fall at my feat!"

"I'm sure Prince Aegon would and gladly, if he hasn't already."

I endured Tabatha's prying and cooing for a little moment more then left my chambers, Sir Arthur at my side.

"I need to hit someone." I told him.

"And who would her highness like to hit today, myself or Mopatis?"

"Not you too."

"Of course you wouldn't want to hit Mopatis too hard. You'd hurt his pretty face - "

"Stop it."

"Or perhaps you like boys with scars."

"As much as boys like girls with scars." I said turning the corner into our private courtyard.

"So, a lot then." Said Daemon who had evidently heard the latter comments. He was already prepared, leaning against a pillar, grinning roguishly at me. I flushed at his insinuation.

"You're lying. Don't all men want pretty scarless women in tight dresses?" I teased

"Weak men want pretty and vacant little pets they can dominate. A blank parchment. Strong men want partners as deadly as they're Scars and all."

"I shall find you the nearest pet then. I know which class of man you fall into. I saw a cat on my way here."

"I'm sure that's not the pussy I want." Daemon seemed to regret the words as soon as they left his mouth. Sir Arther stepped forward, hand on Dawn.

"You have a bold tongue, Daemon. I hope your sword is as bold. How about we fight with live steal today?"

I was galled a little at the comment. But I had heard Theon say much worse.

"Apologies your grace." He said. Eyes cast down.

"Accepted. I don't think Mopatis needs a sword in the belly today. Besides my tongue is as sharp as Dawn."

"I don't think there's any straight man in the realm who wouldn't accept a good tongue lashing from her grace." Daemon said attempting a jape. A weak smile forming.

"You can't help yourself, can you?" I said grinning. He grinned back.

"I shall surely lose my tongue one of these days. And the ladies of the court will weep."

"You'll lose your head Daemon. You can keep the tongue."

"Are we going to spar? Or prattle on like a couple of fishwives?" Sir Arthur said.

We obeyed and the morning dance began leaving us a sweaty mess. Sir Arthur was little harder than usual with Daemon that morning, walloping every inch of skin with more gusto than required. Daemon took the beating and the message it in tailed, 'remember your place' without complaining.

At the end of the training, Sir Arthur withdrew a little distance, to let us talk. However, his hand never left dawn, nor did his eyes leave Daemon.

"My father is of course, pleased as punch, at the rumours circulating the court."

"And what rumours have you heard?" I teased.

"Some say that we're friends, some say I have bought your favour. Others say - I will not repeat them." He muttered darkly. "But everyone agrees that I have somehow got your favour, through good or foul play."

"And the concert?"

"Oh yes! It's all arranged, it will happen tomorrow. A courtyard in flee bottom has been prepared, the acoustics are wonderful. There's plenty of food. And Fathers pre-paid local pubs, so the ale will flow free."

"Wonderful. Thank you so much honestly. This concerts all that's been keeping me sane these past few weeks." And it had.

There hadn't been much time to ruminate on escape, I still got lost in the red-keep, I would need to examine every inch of the place and the city, before I could even dream of making a run for it.

"Have you talked to your royal father?" He said quietly, glancing furtively at Sir Arthur.

"Sort of. I asked leave to take measure of the city for a day. He insisted I take a troop of guards with me, as well as Sir Arthur, but he didn't pry."

"You still don't trust them with the truth?"

"I wouldn't trust them with a lie. If I told them I was holding a concert, they'd insist on coming. Half the court would come with them, and all the common people would be muscled out. And I'd have to sing with King Rhaegar and Queen Elia crying, and Rhaenys and Aegon drooling."

"Ah Prince Aegon. We had a nice little chat the other day."

"Really?"

"Yes, he was very eager to know the nature of our relationship. And then he invited me to spar."

"It's none of his business. Why should he care?"

"Yes, why should he care what his long lost beautiful little sister is doing with other men?"

"I'm doing the same thing as I do with him. Nothing."

"As you say Lyarra."

We talked idly for a little while about matters of little consequence. He apologized that he wouldn't be able to make are spar on the morrow, as preparations would require his presence. He bowed and bid me good day.

I left shortly after, wishing to rid myself of the morning's excursions, before I could reach my courtyard, however, I was ambushed by Daenerys.

"Ah, I've seen you met the court lickspittle Daemon Mopatis. Is that your sweat or his slobber on your skin darling?"

I chose not to respond. Electing to remain aloof.

"Pardon me Daenerys. I am in need of a wash."

I attempted to walk past her, but she blocked the path, that stupid sultry smirk plastered on her face.

"You needn't bother the servants with that, when you have a wonderful aunt, eager to help."

"Bugger off Daenerys."

"How quickly you abandon courtesy ... must be your northern temperament shining through."

"Can I help you aunt?"

"How decorous of you to enquire. Yes. I am in need of a new bed-maid. It seems my usual sleeping partner has suffered the miss-fortune of getting married."

"I'm sure you can source another lady from the street of silk."

"But I want you, Visenya. And I will have you."

"I cannot be bought like a whore."

"No. But blackmail works just as well."

My heart thumped. This was no chance meeting. She came to this meeting prepared, if her ever widening grin was anything to go by.

"Out with it." I said.

"I want you for a bed maid, for seven days. There will be spooning. Kisses and maybe more ... in exchange I won't tell my dear brother about your secret concert in flee bottom with the Mopatis whelp."

Rage pumped into my weary limbs, reinvigorating me, I lunged at her. But Sir Arthur pulled me back.

"LET ME GO SIR!"

"When you calm down I will." He said calmly and then whispered, "pick your battles, Visenya."

I slumped in his arms, and he released me.

"Save the fight for the bedroom, niece." Said Daenerys. "I assume you accept my demand?"

"Six days. No spooning. One kiss on the cheek. Nothing more." I said.

"Bartering your principles already. It seems the ice princess is melting. Seven days, light spooning. One - ten second kiss - on the lips. And nothing more." She said counter offering.

I nodded my assent and watch her skip away. He guards who had remained hidden, lumbering off after her.

I turned to Sir Arthur. Although I knew Sir Arthur was the kings-friend I had hoped that our sparring session might have yielded some private confidences between us.

"Will you tell the King what happened here today."

"If he asks, yes."

"And if he doesn't ask?"

Sir Arthur said nothing. He just smiled down at me sadly.

DAENERYS

At long last she was mine. In a few minutes that northern niece of mine would knock on the door, and I would begin the conquering. She may put on a brave facade, but I know a submissive in the bedroom on sight, my numerous paramours were sufficient training to develop that skill. But Visenya was no mere whore though, she was the blood of the dragon. She made my blood sing and my cunt quiver with delightful anticipation.

After I had botched my chance with Rhaenys, I believed I would never get to be with a she-dragon. So, when I heard I had a long-lost niece, who was incidentally beautiful, I praised the Gods. That joy was initially dampened by my rage. How dare the Starks keep this jewel to themselves. The thieves should burn. How many happy years could I have had with her? How many nights had I missed?

No matter all would be set right. By the time the seven days were up, I would conquer the ice dragon. Tame her and make her love me. Maker her crave me as I craved her.

A small knock sounded. I stood up. And admired my form in the mirror. I had elected to wear a thin blue gossamer gown, that revealed a good deal of flesh, yet kept some secrets hidden, to tease the viewer.

Happy with my appearance, I arranged myself on the bed, striking what I hoped was a seductive pose.

"Come in darling." I said.

The door opened and Visenya shuffled in. Her eyes met mine and trailed down to my very sheer gown and then looked away. Her face reddening a little. Visenya in comparison, looked like one of the silent sisters. Only her neck, face and ankle were exposed to my lecherous gaze, the rest of her was covered in a thick prosaic grey nightie. And I wouldn't be surprised if she was wearing another one underneath.

I'd curse her northern prudery, but it was a turn on. Seducing her would be defiling a septa. The thought was delicious.

She moved towards the bed, eyes still down cast.

"Let's just get this over with." She muttered.

I tutted "This will never do. You dress as though winter had come. I shall find you something else to wear."

"That wasn't part of the deal!" She said. Her frosty lips pouting, tempting my restraint.

"It was never not part of the deal. You can always back out; I'm sure my brothers still awake. And he's always available to his only sister."

"Fine! But nothing too ... "

"Sexy?" I offered.

"Yes."

"We'll see." I said, lying through my teeth. I danced over to her and dragged her over to my draws. I rifled through a few gowns, holding it up to her, to assess its tastefulness.

Sadly, Visenya flat out refused most of my suggestions. But in the end, I compromised and found a nice slight gown, that showed off more of her porcelain perfection. It was a black lacy gown from one of the free cities. It showed off plenty of leg, and a bit of belly, yet it was demure enough to not enrage Visenya.

After a lengthy argument she acquiesced. And a new argument began.

"Turn around while I get changed." She demanded.

"There's nothing to hide, niece. We're family."

"Family doesn't mean the same thing to a northerner as it does to a Targaryen."

"You're a Targaryen whether you like it or not. But if it will humour you little darling, I'll turn around."

I picked my spot well, making sure I could see her change, through the reflection of the mirror. Unfortunately, she saw through that, and placed a cloth over the mirror, before she changed.

She changed quickly. And I turned around. Warmth flooded my core, and my knees wobbled. Goosebumps broke out all over my flesh.

Seeing her demure in her sheerness, made me want to ravish her there and then. She seemed to guess my intent, and reflexively covered herself with her arms.

We stood in awkward silence for a moment. Then an urgent knocking broke the silence!

"Who is it?" I screeched. Furious that all tension had been removed. The who was revealed to be Rhaenys. She stormed in, dressed in dornish lace. Her brown skin a welcome contrast to Visenya's snow white complexion.

"Ah Rhaenys, my other sweet niece, come to join me in bed too?"

She growled back at me. And then marched over to Visenya, then stopped as she took in her appearance. She gulped; her fury supplanted by something else. I crept up behind and draped myself over her shoulder.

"Look how beautiful your sister is Rhaenys?"

"Vi-Visenya. We -we need to talk. I came to visit you, but the - the maid said you were here." Rhaenys stuttered. She shirked me off her shoulders and walked over to her. I withdrew a little distance, pretending I couldn't hear a word they were saying.

"What are you doing little sister? You know what Daenerys wants."

"It's fine. Honestly. I'm fine. "

"What's she got on you?"

"Nothing."

"Nothing? You wouldn't be here, if she had nothing on you."

"I'm fine, please just go Rhaenys."

"I'm your big sister, I'm supposed to protect you."

I then heard some sniffs and a few muffled words. I peeked over to see Rhaenys smothering Visenya with her breasts, in a large hug. Oh, this night was getting even better.

"Do you want me to stay with you tonight, to make sure she doesn't do anything."

"... Yes please. If it's no trouble" Visenya said quietly. Rhaenys shushed her and stroked her hair, in a soothing manner.

"I believe it's time for my good night kiss." I said teasingly. Rhaenys shot me a dirty look.

"Kiss your reflection aunt, that's who you love the most."

"We had deal Visenyyyaaa" I said in a sing song voice.

"It's fine Rhaenys. It's just a kiss." She said, walking over to me, leaning down and offering her lips.

"Not like that, niece." I said. I flipped her onto the bed, then straddled her, and surveyed her. Her cheeks were flushed, eyes filled with trepidation and beneath that curiosity, with a tincture of lust. She was breathing quite heavily, her chest rising and falling.

I glanced over at Rhaenys who looked like she was trying very hard not to be turned on right now and trying even harder not be jealous. She failed at both. I winked at her, then lowered my lips to Visenya's. A first I gently hovered above her luscious lips, grazing them, nibbling at them, then without warning I consumed them.

I ravished her good and proper, and based off how she ground against me, and squeaked, it seemed she liked it too. I withdrew from the kiss first. Taking note than neither Rhaenys nor Visenya protested.

"Bedtime." I said.

The candles were blown out. And we three piled under the sheets. It was decided that Visenya would lay in the middle, with Rhaenys and I sandwiching her in. Both Rhaenys and I spooned her. I enveloped her back portion, swinging my thighs over her, and stroking her arms. While Rhaenys mushed her face into her breasts, putting one of her large legs in between Visenya's thighs, while her hands stroked her arms.

To the outside observer, I imagine we must have looked like a tangle of limbs.

"Sorry I've been such an arse to you Rhaenys." I heard Visenya say sweetly, it seemed she was finally letting her guard down. Rhaenys shushed her and kissed her on the cheek, it was quite adorable.

Visenya fell asleep first, her softs breaths punctuating the silence. Then war began. Both Rhaenys and I spent most the night, playing tug of war with Visenya, doing our best to occupy the most amount of her flesh, all while ensuring she still slept. It ended with a stalemate.

LYARRA

"Don't worry, you'll be great." Daemon said, pushing me in front of the crowd. A seat and some instruments had been placed down for me.

Daemons guards stood as a small shield between me and the crowd. Only the little children were allowed near me. Their cute little smiles and wide eyes warmed my heart. They were all munching on pies and drinking lemon water, that Daemon's father had provided via deputy.

Sir Arthur stood by me, eyes scanning the crowd. I thought he might disapprove of the concert, but instead he was all for it. Apparently, my 'father' used to sneak into flee bottom and play the harp to the common people in his youth.

I sat down and picked up a ukulele - a new instrument commonly found in the summer isles. After a quick few strums, I began to sing. And too my great delight the crowd clapped along with the melody.

"Wouldn't it be nice if we were older?

Then we wouldn't have to wait so long

And wouldn't it be nice to live together

In the kind of world where we belong?

You know it's gonna make it that much better

When we can say goodnight and stay together

Wouldn't it be nice if we could wake up

In the morning when the day is new?

After having spent the day together

Hold each other close the whole night through

But happy times together we've been spending

I wish that every kiss was never-ending Oh, wouldn't it be nice?

Maybe if we think and wish and hope and pray, it might come true (Run, run, we-ooh)

Oh, baby, then there wouldn't be a single thing we couldn't do

Oh, we could be married (Oh, we could be married)

And then we'd be happy (And then we'd be happy) Oh, wouldn't it be nice?

You know it seems the more we talk about it

It only makes it worse to live without it

But let's talk about it

But wouldn't it be nice?

Goodnight, my baby

Sleep tight, my baby

Goodnight, my baby

Sleep tight, my baby

Goodnight, my baby

Sleep tight, my baby

It was a sweet day. I would go as far to cool it the sweetest of my small life. It was if the clouds of my current had predicament had parted. The night before forgotten, and all the nights before too.

I sang many songs and saw many a smile on the small folk. In the afternoon a troupe of traveling musicians joined the fun, and I was able to dance with Daemon, along with the small folk.

The small folk gave me what meagre gifts they had to spare, a chain of daisy's, hugs, compliments, and their tears.

For the first time in my life, I felt like I had done something right. These people had it much worse than I had, and yet they still found time to sing and dance and enjoy their short lives.

"Thank you, Daemon." I said later, my head on his shoulder.

"No thank you Lyarra."

"I think you deserve a reward."

I looked around to see if any-one was watching us. Sir Arthur was looking at something far off, while Daemons guards had their backs turned to us. Without thinking, I looked up at him, and kissed him on the lips.

Daemon looked a little surprised at this kiss, although by his smirk I could tell he was pleased with himself, he also looked wary.

AND NOW

I was to marry Aegon! Because of 'recent events. He must have known about the days concert and the kiss!

"I know this is a lot to take in. I know it doesn't seem fair. But it is for the good of the realm." Rhaegar said, rubbing his eyes wearily.

"So, just because I had a concert and a little fun, without his graces permission, I'm to be married off?"

"Do you really think I'm as petty as that?"

"You're petty enough to chase down a knight, because of a shield."

"You look just like your mother when you're angry." He said smiling. The 'mother' comment disarmed me. Since I had entered Kings Landing, 'Lyanna Stark' had been a taboo subject.

"No child." He continued. "You're not being punished. Your northern family is in revolt, Westeros is on the brink of war again. A marriage between the north and south will create peace. The vale has agreed to mediate peace talks. You will come with me to the eerie, and see your cousins and uncle, and this whole northern revolt will be effaced."

"And if I refused."

"Then you will condemn thousands to death, including your own kin."

I had no real choice. I never did. I nodded my assent. I was to marry Aegon.