Chapter 34 — Lady Susan Harroway
Prince Daemon Targaryen, astride Caraxes, and Prince Baelon Targaryen, upon Vhagar, departed from King's Landing and flew northward.
Vhagar, ancient and vast, was far slower than Caraxes. Daemon, seated upon his crimson-scaled dragon, had to rein in Caraxes's speed to keep pace with his uncle.
In past royal progresses, Rosby and Stokeworth were often overlooked, being but half a day's ride from the capital. Their lords frequently sent fruit and fine delicacies to the Red Keep and held chambers there for convenience.
The first destination of this royal tour was Harroway's Town.
The castle stood upon a hill surrounded by cliffs on three sides, accessible only by a winding southern path through camphor and elm trees. Beyond stretched wide, lush meadows.
Awaiting them at the foot of the hill was Lady Susan Harroway, young and fair, with honey-colored hair, shapely hips, and skin pale as cream. She wore a scarlet silk gown that shimmered in the sun and bowed deeply beside her sworn knights.
Years ago, when she was but a maiden, Lady Susan had served in the Red Keep as a lady-in-waiting to Princess Jocelyn Baratheon, mother of Princess Rhaenys Targaryen. In those days, Prince Aemon yet lived, and Jocelyn had been the Princess of Dragonstone.
The Kingsguard and Dragonkeepers who had flown ahead stood assembled to greet the princes.
> "Prince Baelon, Prince Daemon," Lady Susan said, "Harroway's Town welcomes you. But your dragons cannot enter the castle. Vhagar is far too large, and Caraxes too fierce."
Baelon inclined his head.
> "Vhagar and Caraxes shall remain in the field, under the watch of the Dragonkeepers."
Lady Susan smiled and lightly brushed Daemon's wrist with her fingers.
> "We have prepared sheep for your dragons, my prince. I hope they find them pleasing."
Her husband, Ser Alen Lannister, stood beside her — tall, handsome, and golden-haired — yet he kept respectfully silent, his eyes downcast. The flirtatious tone between his wife and the prince seemed not to trouble him; he was used to it.
Vhagar exhaled, and a wave of heat rippled through the air. Lady Susan's gown fluttered wildly. She laughed lightly, pressing her dress down.
> "Vhagar seems quite taken with me. Shouldn't she be a she-dragon? Her breath is so warm! I imagine the blood of House Targaryen burns even hotter — you must never need a hearth in winter."
Daemon smirked.
> "We Targaryens are of the dragon's blood — fire and blood. The flames are within us."
Ser Alen blinked in wonder.
> "Fire… in your blood? Truly?"
Susan laughed softly, brushing his arm.
> "Only a fool would believe such tales, my dear. Go now — see that the kitchens are ready for our royal guests."
The Dragonkeepers called out commands in High Valyrian, leading Vhagar and Caraxes to their field pens. As they moved, the ground trembled beneath their weight, leaving deep prints in the soft earth.
Lady Susan led the princes up the hill path.
> "Lady Susan," Baelon asked as they walked, "your husband — is he kin to Lord Lannister of Casterly Rock?"
She smiled.
> "Only distantly, my prince. My husband's branch hails from Lannisport. It is said their forebear was a cousin to a King of the Rock — a thousand years past."
That evening, a feast was held in the great hall: mead and spiced wine flowed freely, with lamprey pie, roast mutton, lemon cakes, and glazed capons upon the table.
Lady Susan sat beside Daemon, her eyes ever upon him.
> "Prince Daemon, I was present at your wedding. That day, every maiden in King's Landing envied Princess Gael."
Soon she turned the conversation to politics.
> "A petty lord, Ser Kyle Buckwell of Bronzegate, moved the boundary stones and seized farmland that is rightfully mine. I have petitioned His Grace but received no answer. Might I beg your aid, my lords?"
Baelon nodded.
> "We ride to Bronzegate soon. Since we remain here tonight, I shall inspect the lands this afternoon."
Delighted, Susan replied,
> "Alen, escort the Prince to the border. The truth will be plain once he speaks to the farmers."
After Baelon and Ser Alen departed, Lady Susan dismissed her servants, closed the door, and turned to Daemon with eyes alight.
> "Ah, the handsome Prince of House Targaryen himself. They say in the capital that you and Princess Gael take to the skies upon Caraxes, making love upon his back, high above the sea. Tell me, is it true?"
Daemon laughed.
> "Nonsense. Though we have flown to the isles of Blackwater Bay for… privacy. Only crabs and gulls to witness us."
Susan placed her hand upon his chest.
> "What a chest it is, my prince. Perhaps you might take me flying too — upon your dragon… or upon the finest mare in Harroway's Town."
Before leaving King's Landing, Baelon had warned Daemon — that many women, noble and common alike, would seek the company of a dragonlord. Daemon had sworn restraint.
Yet the beauty before him was difficult to resist. Her dull Lannister husband offered her no passion. What harm would there be in a single night?
Still, Daemon thought of Gael, heavy with child, and of his vows before the Seven. His heart warred with his desire.
Lady Susan sat upon his lap, her breath warm against his neck.
> "Vhagar's flame burned my thigh earlier," she whispered. "Perhaps, Prince Daemon, you could… examine me?"
> "Your husband only just left," Daemon murmured. "And the castle is full of eyes."
> "Alen would not dare speak a word," she replied with disdain. "He amuses himself with the cook and the laundress — I've never minded. You are my honored guest. Let me repay your visit properly. If you leave me with child — a true Targaryen child with silver hair and violet eyes — that would be a gift beyond gold."
Daemon tried to resist, but temptation prevailed. That night, guided by Lady Susan, he entered her chamber.
An hour later, she combed his long silver hair, smiling wistfully.
> "When I was a girl, I dreamt of wedding a Targaryen prince. You and Prince Viserys were my fantasies. But my grandsire told me such dreams were folly. The crown remembers my great-grandfather's support for Maegor the Cruel."
> "Old grudges linger," Daemon said quietly. "King Jaehaerys and Queen Alysanne remember all."
> "Then perhaps," she said slyly, "you might grant my husband a place at court — a post in the City Watch, perhaps. Then I could remain near you… as your mistress."
Daemon chuckled, brushing her fingers.
> "We agreed this would be one night only, my lady."
> "You'll tire of Gael soon enough," Susan teased. "She is timid, and with child. You need a woman who understands you — one who can soothe a dragon."
Her words were bold, yet not without shrewdness. If taking her as a mistress secured the loyalty of House Harroway for Baelon's cause, it might serve a greater purpose. Politics and pleasure often walked hand in hand in the Targaryen world.
Daemon sighed.
> "This, too, is the Sea Snake's doing," he muttered.
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