"The royal family has reached Sunspear."
"Hm? They made it safely then. That's good. I was worried when I heard that all of them were traveling together so close to the Stepstones. Some of those damned pirates are still acting up. They never learn."
"As if the Dornish would have let something happen to them. They must have increased their security for the occasion. All of the Dornish houses are traveling to Sunspear as we speak. A Targaryen hasn't traveled that far south since the days of Maekar. And he wasn't a king back then."
"Longer still for the North, right?"
"Would you take this seriously, Luthor? It's no time for your japes."
"You worry too much, my rose. The king has denied every match for the crown prince thus far. What makes you think he would accept the Martells?"
"You worry too little. Denying one of the lesser houses from the Crownlands is nothing compared to one of the major houses. You know that. If they rejected us-"
"But we don't have anyone to offer them," Luthor cut in while taking a sip from his wine. "That's why you're so worked up, right? You think the Dornish will get one over us."
"They already have, you fool. It's bad enough that they secured a match once already. Having another Dornish queen would be…distasteful."
"I don't see the problem."
"That's because you rarely see at all," she snapped at him before taking a few breaths to calm herself.
Presently, Olenna Tyrell, formerly Redwyne, found herself seated in her husband's solar. It had been almost a year since she had given birth to her first daughter, and from the looks of things it appeared as if she was already pregnant again. Perhaps not too surprising considering how…active her bedroom was. Still, there had been more of a grace period between her firstborn and her daughter.
Sometimes the world worked in mysterious ways, as they say.
Olenna wasn't one to worry about such things, however. There was no time for it. Not when there were bigger problems to contend with.
Presently, the biggest concern on her mind was trying to get in the good graces of the Targaryens. Once she had already urged her husband to send word to King's Landing to have their son and heir, Mace Tyrell, be a ward of the king. He had promptly turned them down, as he did with anyone else who had sent similar requests.
All except for the Velaryons.
Olenna didn't know the king well. She had more experience dealing with the man's older relatives when they still walked among the living. She had once been betrothed to the king's uncle for gods' sake. However, there were always rumors coming out of the capital. People loved to talk, and Olenna loved to listen more.
Aerys Targaryen was a prideful man. Then again, what Targaryen wasn't? They always thought of themselves as the realm's betters, unequal to might and prestige. Sure, once upon a time, that might have been the case. When they had dragons. Now? Now they were the same as everyone else. Yet, that arrogance still persisted. They prided themselves in their Valyrian ancestry. No doubt that had been the reason for the heir to Driftmark to be accepted into the crown prince's inner circle but no one else. The fact that he was a Valyrian was reason enough for the king.
She had scoffed at such thoughts of superiority once, especially after Daeron had dared to push her away. Only now there was more fire to those claims. Literally.
Olenna never imagined that she would grow up to see magic return to Westeros, not in her lifetime at least. Those stories that kids liked to read had been nothing more than that to her. Just fanciful tales meant to amuse the children.
Now, a Targaryen was walking among them that proved those stories true.
Things were never simple with that family, were they? And to think that she almost married into said family! What a headache that would have been. Fortunately, Daeron had been more interested in swords than honey pots.
It wasn't like her to think so much about the past, but recently she had found herself doing it more and more. Perhaps it was because of Rhaegal Targaryen's existence. If a reality had existed where she had married a Targaryen, what would the odds be that they were born with magic too? Probably not good, given how this was the first time in an almost three hundred year history to occur.
There was no use in thinking about that either, really. The thoughts just came to her before she could stop them. She must really be in a melancholy mood today. How embarrassing.
Olenna shelved her thoughts for another time as she focused back on her husband.
"There's no mistaking the true purpose for that invitation. And if the king accepted it, then he must be considering the merits of a betrothal between the Martells and Targaryens."
She didn't really believe this, given Aerys' personality, but it was still worth considering.
Luthor sighed as he placed his wine down on the table.
"Even if that's true, what are we supposed to do about it? Our daughter is but one. Hardly a match the king would consider."
The Tyrells had been trying to get a royal marriage for the longest time now. It was their way of trying to bolster legitimacy in their lands. They had only become Lords of the Reach because the Conqueror had appointed them as such on dragon-back. However, many other houses thought themselves more worthy of the honor. The Tyrells had struggled to keep their position for over two hundred years now. It was only in the last century that the Tyrells had been able to shore up power by arranging strategic marriages with their vassals. Her marriage to Luthor was one such arrangement. Of course, she had been a second choice. The true prize had been Princess Shaera Targaryen. Sadly, just like with her own betrothal, it broke down when Shaera decided to marry her brother instead. It had clearly worked in her favor, given that she went on to become queen for three years.
Just another queer custom of those damned dragons.
Yet, they still held power. And power was something that Olenna could respect.
"We must be ready for any possibility," she said as she started to pace around the chamber. "If the king accepts their proposal, then we will have no choice but to back off. However, something tells me that it won't be that simple."
Olenna was not a Tyrell by birth, but the Tyrell cause to see one of their own married into the crown had become her goal as well. After all, her children and grandchildren would be Tyrells. She would do anything for her own flesh and blood.
"Do you really think the king would turn them down?" Luthor sounded skeptical.
Among the great houses, only the Martells had a daughter of appropriate age to wed the crown prince. Apparently the Lord of Riverrun had recently gained a daughter too, but she wasn't even one yet.
"No. I believe the king means to betroth his son to his daughter."
Luthor was confused. "The king doesn't have a daughter."
"Not yet," she corrected. "The queen is still a young woman. I'm sure they mean to try again."
Luthor furrowed his brow as he tried to wrap his head around what she was saying.
"The crown has already displeased many of the houses. Doing such a thing again-"
"Do you really think the Targaryens would care?" Olenna scoffed.
She had been hearing whispers coming out of the Eyrie and Winterfell for the past year. There were some interesting talks going on between Jon Arryn and Rickard Stark. She didn't know the full details, but the two lords had become good friends in the War of the Ninepenny Kings. Such friendships usually blossomed into alliances, sealed by marriages.
If the crown was smart, then it would be paying closer attention to the happenings in the kingdoms. Instead, they remained isolated, focused only with internal affairs.
It was the typical Targaryen arrogance, only now they couldn't afford to be so careless.
"You're speaking of two different situations here," Luthor said. "So which one is it? Is the king considering the match or not?"
"I'm presenting all the possibilities," she replied with a slight glare. "And what we need to prepare for."
Olenna did not love her husband. She genuinely doubted that there would be anything like "love" in their marriage. It was the harsh truth of most noble marriages in Westeros. It wasn't something that the bards would sing about, but it was the reality. Only naive children dreamed of such idiotic tales. That said, she did share a good friendship with the man. He wasn't the most political literate of lords, but he was aware of that fact. It was because of this self-understanding that he accepted her counsel, sought it even. That made Luthor smarter than most men out there.
His inability to read the situation at large was still annoying sometimes, and so Olenna lost her temper from time to time.
"It is out of our hands," was Luthor's final assessment.
"For now," she begrudgingly agreed. "Not so much for the future."
Luthor looked wary and excited. "What are you scheming, dear wife?"
"Nothing too outrageous, dear husband. These next years will tell us everything we need to know."
Olenna liked to plan things out, to discuss her plans. She liked to be ready. But ultimately, in this instance, she knew that Luthor's hands-off approach was for the best. Whatever came out of the Targaryens' visit to Dorne, there was nothing for them to do about it.
With players rising in the north, however, there might be an opening for them in the future.
If only Luthor understood that, damned him.
---
There was a grand welcome for them at Sunspear. After the Martells introduced themselves, they hosted a "small" feast for the royal family, informing them that the others lords would be arriving in the coming days for the real one. Apparently all of the lords in Dorne would be in attendance.
Basically what had occurred in the Stormlands then.
It wasn't surprising for Rhaella. It wasn't often that a Targaryen came down to Dorne, least of all a Targaryen king.
Her brother was soaking up all the attention as Loreza opened up the feast with a toast. Food was brought out, wine was served, and mouths started moving. Rhaella and her family were seated at the head table with the Martells, resting on soft cushions.
Some other lords would have instantly tried to bring up a betrothal between their houses, but Rhaella knew her friend well enough to understand that she wasn't so open with her intentions. Not until the last minute.
So instead, she engaged in small talks with Aerys. Her brother started making more grandiose promises to her friend, something about making the Dornish deserts bloom, but Rhaella didn't give their conversation too much attention.
No, her focus settled on her sons. They were seated on her other side. Loreza had chosen the seating arrangements well, so that her daughter was the closest to Rhaegal. A more subtle approach it was. After all, it wasn't unnatural to have the children of lords grouped together.
'Already playing her schemes.'
Rhaella feared what a rejection here could mean, but she kept her fears close to her heart. Perhaps Loreza wouldn't be so forward as to propose a match outright, but rather just try to lay a foundation.
That would make things easier.
Aerys didn't seem troubled, of course, enjoying the wine and the festivities around him.
"So you really can summon fire!?" Oberyn was saying from his seat nearby.
"Brother." Elia glared at him. "You can't just cut into a conversation like that!"
He threw her a smirk. "Sorry, dear sister, but you've been dragging your feet. I want to see the fires of a Targaryen for myself, you know."
How forward, trying to command the crown prince for a show. Rhaella knew that some would take offense to the boy's words.
Her Rhaegal wasn't one such person. He was young, but rarely offended. Or perhaps it was more like he saw most people as insignificant and not worth getting offended over? Sometimes it was difficult for Rhaella to understand her son's mind. She knew that he held deep pride in their house and ancestry, but beyond that he kept his emotions close to his heart. She knew he loved her, but sometimes she wished he would open his heart more to her.
Perhaps she was just too much of a doting mother.
"I'm not too sure if you want that, Prince Oberyn," Rhaegal said with a smooth voice. "A dragon's flames are a volatile thing. You could get more than a little burned."
That could very well be a threat.
Rhaella looked aghast at her son's words while Rhaegar raised an eyebrow at them. Monford was too busy eating to notice their conversation.
Oberyn just laughed it off. "Don't worry, my prince~ I'm more resilient than you might think."
Doran was throwing glances their way, no doubt in disapproval. Rhaella might have spoken up herself, but she held her tongue. She was curious to see how her son would handle this.
Ever so slightly, Rhaegal shrugged. "If you insist."
Rhaella expected her son's hands to explode into flames again, to see him singeing the young Martell for his bravery which bordered on arrogance. It would no doubt be a provocation, but one that the boy had brought upon himself.
Instead, the flames emerged softly from Rhaegal's palms, almost like they were dancing. Rather than oppress, they lit up the room in wonder, embracing those around them in a warm hold. The flames were not oppressive but welcoming. They were far more controlled than Rhaella had seen before, swirling into different shapes. One formed into the sigil of their house, all three dragon heads spewing flames of their own, while another flew gently around Elia as it twisted into the form of a small dragon.
Elia's eyes were full of delight as she took in the sight. If her son was trying to woo the Martell girl, then he had more than likely succeeded.
Of course, Elia wasn't the only one impressed. Immediately all conversation in the hall ceased as everyone took in the sight.
Rhaella herself was lost in the flames. It was the first time that she was seeing her son manipulate the flames in such a fashion. She had assumed that they were just like a dragon's breath, full of destructive power and nothing more.
'Has he been training?'
Immediately her thoughts wandered to the red priestess, the one that always made her uneasy. Had she helped her son accomplish this level of control?
Aerys' eyes were focused on the sigil of their house, and his face broke into a wide grin.
"It's beautiful."
His face was peaceful. It was almost like she was looking at her brother from when they were younger, back when they had both been more innocent.
Rhaella found that she much preferred this look on her brother than his usual arrogant or bored expressions.
'So flames can cause more than just destruction,' she thought in awe.
They could also bring joy.
---
Loreza nursed her forehead as she sat in her solar with Doran at her side. They had retreated here after the feast had concluded.
The royal family had left for the rooms that had been prepared for them in order to recuperate from their journey.
"Oberyn forgets himself sometimes, mother," Doran said with a shake of his head. "Provoking the crown prince like that."
"It's a matter of children, hardly anything to fuss about." She didn't fully believe her words.
"Oberyn should know better," Doran insisted. "If the crown prince is one to hold grudges-"
"I don't think that's anything for us to worry about." Loreza was sure that her son was just overthinking things. If Rhaegal had been offended, then he wouldn't have shown them such a beautiful show.
They had more important matters to fret about.
"Whether the method was crude or not, we gained valuable information from that showing," she said as Doran poured her some wine. "Back when the prince was first revealed to the realm, his flames had been destructive. I'm sure you remember, Doran. The intensity of those flames on that day. Even from afar, they were hot."
The look on Doran's face told her that he remembered it well.
"However, now we know that the prince has more mastery of them than we had assumed." Loreza cupped her chin in contemplation. "There is no solid information on all the abilities of the pyromancers of old, but now we have confirmation. If the prince can will the flames to such an extent, what else will he be able to accomplish when he's older? It's a most stimulating thought. Don't you agree?"
"Yes, mother."
Doran preferred his cautious schemes over decisive actions. He rarely acted first, not unless he was absolutely sure of his advantage. Loreza found such thinking to be restrictive and had been trying to get rid of her son of such a mindset. Unfortunately, she wasn't sure how well of a job she had done. That said, even with Doran's cautious nature, he could see the benefits in aligning themselves with the Targaryens aside from the promise of a crown that came with it.
To inherit that flame…it could very well shape the realm if wielded properly.
"Will you approach the king with a proposal?" Doran questioned after a comforting silence had settled between them.
"No." Loreza quickly shot that idea down. "The king would no doubt turn us down. I can already tell what he's planning, and he's not seeking a queen from us. A direct approach will do us no good. We must go around him and have someone else convince him of the merits of the idea."
Doran quickly caught on.
"Of course, if genuine affection develops between the prince and Elia, then that would make our job easier," Loreza said, smiling as she looked down at her wine. "It would be amusing to see the king try to reject his favorite son if that came to pass. From what I hear, he spoils the boy at every turn."
"The prince is still young," Doran warned. "It is hard to know what his tastes might be."
"I find it amusing that you said nothing of your sister," she teased.
Doran sighed. "Mother, please. You saw her yourself. Her shyness left her soon after the feast began. After that showing? I wouldn't be surprised if she already believes that she loves him."
"She's at that age. And they say that girls develop faster than boys."
Doran didn't bother trying to argue with her. He knew she meant it as a jape. If Elia was smitten with the prince, it better helped their chances in any case.
"Now be on your way, son. I have to prepare for a private meeting with my old friend."
The game was afoot.
---
'T'ch, we should have worn something more breathable.'
Rhaegal was bemoaning his predicament as he lied on the, admittedly, comfortable bed in the room that he had been provided with. If there was one thing these Dornish knew, it was how to rest comfortably.
If only they could do something about the weather too.
Rhaegal felt like he was being roasted alive by the dryness, and not in a good way. He thought that his abilities might have helped insulate him better against the desert climate. It appeared as if he had underestimated the Dornish heat.
He tugged on his doublet with distaste. 'I guess I'm still human.'
Good to know. Then again, maybe a dragon would struggle in this dry heat too. They were flesh and blood too.
Honestly. The oppressive heat hadn't been noticeable before, when they were drinking and talking. Now that he was alone with his thoughts? It was all that he could think about.
'Who knows how long we're going to have to be here for.'
This was starting to become troublesome.
No, no. He should be thinking more positive! This was his first trip to Sunspear. There would be so much to explore. Unlike Storm's End, there was more than just a castle to keep him occupied. The Shadow City was also nearby, wasn't it?
'I'll just have to get Ser Barristan to sneak out with me and-'
His thoughts were interrupted when noise reached his ears from one of the windows. It sounded like someone was grunting as they struggled.
Could it be? Were they maybe trying to climb through his window?
For a moment, he wondered if someone was brazen enough to try and attack him in the middle of the day, right inside Sunspear no less, but those fears vanished when voices started trickling in.
"-faster, why don't you!"
"Arthur, tell your sister to learn some patience, will you?"
"I can't believe you talked me into this…"
"Hush up, brother! The window is right there!"
"You were the one talking…"
Well then. Wasn't this amusing?
Rhaegal sauntered his way over to the window, thoughts on the dry heat momentarily leaving his mind. He glanced down, and sure enough there were three small figures trying to climb their way to his window.
Those three figures were none other than Oberyn and the Dayne siblings.
It was Ashara who noticed him first even though it was Oberyn who was leading the trio.
She squealed, a rather amusing sound coming from the four name days girl.
"He's here!" If she could have, she would have pointed up at him.
Oberyn froze when he realized that Rhaegal was staring down at them from the window, but that only lasted for a moment before he was grinning.
"How do you do, my prince? Fine day we're having here."
"Fine indeed," Rhaegal drawled out. "Here I find a prince of Dorne leading two kids to commit a most heinous crime against the crown."
"I'm not a kid!" Ashara shouted with a pout.
Arthur looked defeated. "I told you guys this was a bad idea. Why does no one listen to me?"
Oberyn on the other hand tilted his head. "You talk funny for a kid."
"You know we spoke a lot at the feast, right?"
And he was only a year older.
"I thought you were just reciting lines to be honest."
"Should I be insulted that that's your opinion of me?"
"No, but you could let us in."
Right, they were still hanging off the side of the castle wall. These kids had amazing grip strength. Well, more like Arthur and Oberyn had amazing strength. Ashara had been supported by her brother the entire way up. How a boy of five managed that Rhaegal would never know. Maybe he was just built different?
Regardless of how forward they were, Rhaegal allowed the three of them to climb the rest of the way in.
"Where did you guys come from?"
Oberyn shrugged. "The floor below. It's not hard. I've done it multiple times."
Arthur didn't look too happy. "Leave me out of it next time. Ashara could have gotten hurt."
"Not true!" The youngest and also the only girl in the room pouted again. "I did okay."
"Because I helped you."
"Maybe I didn't need it, you big jerk."
"I don't know why I talk to you," Arthur grumbled.
Funny.
"You know there's a Kingsguard right outside my door, right?" Rhaegal said. "He could have let you in."
"Not fun!" Ashara skipped her way over to him. Despite being so young, there was an aura of glamour to her that Rhaegal couldn't place. Maybe it was because of her eyes. It was like he was looking into the eyes of a Targaryen. Only her dark hair and olive skin destroyed that allure.
"This was more like an adventure!"
Climbing one floor was an adventure to her now?
"Being friends with you has made her like this," Arthur said sourly while looking at Oberyn.
"It's about excitement!" Oberyn crossed his arms. "Tell me, what do you like to do for fun, crown prince?"
Rhaegal was bemused. "You risked getting hurt coming here just to ask me what I like to do for fun?"
"It makes a stronger memory than just walking in, right?"
He wasn't wrong there, he supposed.
"Your hair is all silver!" Ashara was more focused on his appearance. "And your eyes. It's like my brothers' and mine! Everyone always calls us weird, but no one told me that you had them too."
"I think it looks nice~" Oberyn threw in a compliment, but Ashara ignored him.
"My eyes mark me as part of Old Valyria," Rhaegal responded patiently. After Storm's End, he was used to dealing with kids other than just Monford. "I'm more surprised about yours. I never heard of any Dornish bearing the blood of my ancestors."
Not counting the marriages of the past.
"We're one of the oldest houses of Dorne, my prince." Unlike his sister, Arthur retained some amount of etiquette when speaking to him.
"Bah, who cares about ancient history." Oberyn sounded bored. "Everyone always says they come from here and there, but that's just boring. The present is all that matters! And in that present, we have a prince here who can control fire. That's more interesting than any old story."
"It's those stories that might explain my powers," Rhaegal pointed out. Despite himself, he cracked a small smile. Oberyn was quickly growing on him.
"My family has a cool story," Arthur complained.
"Maybe, but you don't have Dawn with you. And the prince is here. Seeing magic in person is much better!"
Ashara clapped. "Right, right! You only showed Elia, so you have to do it again!"
"Ashara, you can't just tell the crown prince-"
Arthur was about to reprimand his sister, but Rhaegal waved off his concerns.
"It's okay. I don't mind her curiosity." He really didn't.
For unexplainable reasons, Rhaegal might actually find himself new friends in Dorne of all places.
---
Rhaella wasn't surprised when she received an invitation for a drink from Loreza. Her brother had allowed it after she told him, saying that she wanted to catch up with her old friend. He still sent one of the Kingsguard with her.
So here she was, heading for a meeting that she had been dreading for some weeks now.
Nothing to be done about it now, she supposed. She had her own convictions, and whether or not Aerys' plans were for the best she would always put her family first. Even if that meant standing against one of her friends.
Rhaella was led to a balcony overlooking a garden. It wasn't the famed Water Gardens, but it was still pleasant to look at. From the balcony one could overlook the entire garden, and sure enough down below Rhaella spotted her two sons playing with Loreza's children as well as the Dayne children. Monford was also there with them.
Seated in the balcony was Loreza herself, who smiled in greeting when she saw her walk in.
"Queen Rhaella. I'm happy you could accept my invitation." She stood up from the table she had set up to embrace her, which Rhaella tenderly returned.
"Having a drink in this weather might do me some good."
"It grows on you."
The two women separated. Loreza gestured to the other seat opposite of hers, which Rhaella accepted.
The Kingsguard stood nearby, guarding the entrance to the balcony.
Loreza didn't seem to mind his presence as she continued to smile at her.
"I daresay a crown suits you, Rhaella."
"It has its charm."
To her, it was more trouble than it was worth, but here she was.
"Motherhood has been treating you well I assume?"
"I'm content." Rhaella glanced over to her sons. "I did not know that you were hosting a play date."
Amusement flashed on Loreza's face. "Is that what you're calling it?" She then shook her head. "Unfortunately, this was not of my design. As it turns out, Oberyn had the bright idea of climbing into your son's window. Dragged Ashara and Arthur along with him. Thankfully your son was sensible enough to lead them through the door after Oberyn asked to see more of his abilities. He brought his brother and the Velaryon boy with him. My dear Elia only just now found out about it. She was most displeased to have been left out."
Rhaella noticed said girl dragging Rhaegal through the fountain in the middle of the garden. Ashara was doing the same too, the two girls laughing while Rhaegal looked resigned to his predicament.
Loreza noticed her gaze because she said, "They appear to be getting along. Don't you agree?"
"Perhaps." Rhaella said nothing more as she took a sip of her wine that had been served at the table. Unlike others, she didn't like to drink much, preferring water. She wasn't going to be rude and not drink at all, however.
"Is this the first time that your children have left King's Landing?"
"They have traveled to Dragonstone before. Storm's End was our first stop."
"Oh yes, the Baratheons." Loreza savored her drink. "I'm sure they treated you nicely, seeing as you're the closest kin they have left."
"Not all of them." Steffon still had an uncle who was alive. The man was aging, sure, but he was still kicking around.
"You know what I mean. Family are the only ones you can trust in this world."
"I don't know about that." Rhaella had read about too many civil wars, about too many families turning on one another, to truly believe that.
Loreza must have sensed her thoughts because she snorted into her cup.
"You know what I mean. Don't tell me that you've become more cynical?"
"Being stuck in the capital will do that to you," she responded, almost drily. "You only start to notice how many people only get close to you because they want something from you after you have something to lose."
Her comment was perhaps a bit too much on the nose, but Rhaella couldn't help herself. Already she had to deal with Joanna's, albeit slight, meddling. She wasn't in the mood to entertain Loreza's either. No matter how much she didn't want to turn her friend against her, Rhaella wasn't planning on rolling over either.
"Is that why you hesitated to respond to my invitation? Because you thought I wanted something from you?"
"Don't you?"
Loreza went quiet for a moment before answering, "Whatever comes of the future, you have my guarantee that I did not befriend you because I thought it would benefit me or my house."
She dodged the question.
How tiresome.
"I appreciate your words, but we both know life has a way of changing things." Rhaella gestured around her. "You are the Princess of Dorne. I am the Queen. We are no mere ladies anymore."
Had they ever been, though? They had both always been princesses. It was just that now they both wielded authority in their own right.
"And soon, Joanna will become the Lady of the Westerlands." Loreza's eyes twinkled. "I think the three of us did alright for ourselves."
"I think Joanna did more to earn her position than either of us."
"My, my. Is there a double meaning there? Or are you suggesting that I'm not fit to lead a kingdom?" Loreza looked hurt. Before, when she had served Rhaella, Loreza's acting had tricked her many times.
"I would never suggest such a thing." Rhaella decided to play along. "Merely making an observation is all."
"Mhmm, indeed. I wonder what skills she had to put on display for that lion to decide to take her for himself."
"Loreza!" Rhaella could feel her cheeks redden a little by the insinuation.
"Oh come now, you're a married woman! You can't act the innocent maiden anymore."
"It's still not proper."
"I'm Dornish."
She said that as if it explained everything….and it kind of did. The Dornish were always the more "free spirited" ones in Westeros…not counting the Ironborn.
"We've discussed a marriage pact, you know." Loreza said after enjoying Rhaella's embarrassment for a few more moments. "To see if we can tie our houses together one day."
"Hmm." Rhaella hummed noncommittally. "I wonder what her dear husband will think of such an arrangement."
"I'm sure she can soften up that lion by the time I broach the subject. I heard he was all smiles at their wedding."
Something like that.
"A marriage between two great houses. It will strengthen Dorne greatly…as well as any of our future allies."
Loreza left that last part hanging as she took another sip from her wine.
Rhaella didn't respond, only glancing down at her sons again. She understood Loreza's words well enough.
The wine was left untouched after that.
---
Was Rhaegal really a child? A man trapped in a child's body? Or something in the middle?
He hadn't thought much about it. Other than Rhaegar and Monford, he spent his time surrounded by adults who treated him like one. Qyburn and Melisandre never made a fuss about his personality, and he didn't spend much time with anyone else at court for them to question it. Even Barristan didn't question it.
Sure, he had the physique of a child, but his mind was different. Rhaegal had been consumed with thoughts about preserving his family, preserving the realm, and so forth. He had never once acted like a child would.
Naturally, Rhaegal assumed that he would not have much in common with other kids. He treated Monford like he would a younger brother, so that was different. He and Robert hadn't exactly bonded during his stay at Storm's End, so that belief had held.
And yet, Rhaegal would be lying if he said that he did not have fun playing around with Oberyn and the others. Sure, Arthur was more solemn than he would have liked, but Oberyn's energy was infectious. The same was true for Ashara, who took more liberties with him than anyone else, much to Arthur's horror.
After that first day, she dragged him along with her whenever she could, always asking for him to show her his pyromancy skills. It wasn't because she had some hidden agenda. No, it was just the natural curiosity of a child. She touched his hair, saying it was pretty. She even sat on his lap a few times, much to his confusion. She said it was comfortable, which he did not understand.
Elia was another question mark for him. The older girl had been shy at first, but she quickly grew out of her shell and showed that she was a very spirited girl, much like Ashara was. She did not take the same liberties as the younger girl, but she did ask to hold his hands a couple of times. It was oddly amusing to watch her turn red when he first accepted, not seeing the big deal.
Ashara had quickly asked for the same thing later on too.
Oberyn had said that he was a natural, whatever that meant.
Rhaegal wasn't blind or anything. He understood how feelings could develop. He just didn't have a basis for it. Feelings were not something that his knowledge had prepared him for, so he felt kind of clueless at times.
Then again, they were just kids. There was no reason to overthink things, so he didn't. Rhaegal just allowed himself to relax, and around Oberyn it was an easy thing to do.
Even Rhaegar found friendship in the likes of Arthur. The two of them were often talking by themselves. About what, Rhaegal wasn't sure. Hey, it was his brother's first chance at making a friend that wasn't him or Monford. He wasn't going to ruin it.
In the days leading to the grand feast, the Princess of Dorne invited them to the Water Gardens. Needless to say, they were very beautiful. To think, they only existed because of Daenerys Targaryen. Prince Maron Martell must have really fallen for her to build such a place as a gift. She was supposed to have been very beautiful, so maybe that played a role in it.
The only person Rhaegal didn't spend much time with was Doran, only exchanging a few greetings here and there. The prince was much older, so it wasn't surprising that he probably thought that there wasn't much for him to talk about with someone of Rhaegal's age.
The most surprising event was the arrival of Prince Lewyn Martell to the Water Gardens. He was the brother of the Princess. He had declared his desire to one day join the Kingsguard, much to the delight of his father. The man was supposedly very skilled, so Rhaegal wouldn't be surprised if he was accepted once a position opened up.
Apart from the massive feast, where Rhaegal was once again paraded in front of a bunch of lords like a commodity, the most notable event for Rhaegal had been his visit to the Shadow City. He didn't have to sneak out, but rather Oberyn arranged a trip for him, Rhaegar, and Monford. Three of the Kingsguard accompanied them, but they also had a retinue of guards assigned by the Princess herself. It wasn't the undercover visit that Rhaegal would have liked, but he also acknowledged that this wasn't King's Landing. It was better to not take too many chances.
So here they were, their group walking through the streets of the famed Shadow City led by Doran. Except that it wasn't really a city. It was a town really, built against the walls of Sunspear. There were mud-brick shops, stables, inns, and other little shops.
The most surprising establishment of all was the Red Temple. It was nothing more than a hovel, but the fact that there was one here at all shocked Rhaegal.
'So Qyburn wasn't kidding.'
Fascinating.
"Something caught your eye?" Doran asked when he noticed that he had stopped.
"That temple. Dorne allows it?"
"Hm?" Doran's eyebrow rose. "Yes. It's been here for a long time. In truth, it acts more like an inn for the many visitors that travel here from Essos."
How interesting.
"Is there a problem, my prince?" Doran asked. "From my understanding, there is a red priestess serving in King's Landing. I assumed you had no issue with their beliefs."
Rhaegal wasn't surprised that the prince already knew that.
"I'm not against the religion. Not exactly. I just did not think that Dorne would be so…tolerant."
Doran's smile was small, but it was there. "Then you would be more astonished to know that Oldtown has a temple of R'hllor as well. The Faith likes to act that it does not exist, but everyone knows that it's there. It's sort of a bad kept secret, if you understand such a thing."
Rhaegal could see that. If the Red Temples were a convenient place to keep certain travelers from Essos in one place, such as red priests, then it was worth looking the other way when it came to their actual purpose. The fact that there was no major presence of the "fire god" in Westeros showed that the red priests understood not to push their luck.
Sometimes pragmatism was better than blind faith.
"You guys are talking about boring stuff again." The others must have walked back when they noticed that Rhaegal and Doran had stopped because Ashara was suddenly standing next to them with a pout.
"Isn't Rhaegal always talking about boring stuff?" Oberyn teased as he and the others walked up to them.
"I think you're confusing me with my brother."
Rhaegar rolled his eyes. "When did this become about me?"
Oberyn cupped his chin in thought, humming. "He's not exactly wrong…"
"Brother, stop trying to antagonize the princes," Elia chided her younger brother.
"But it's too easy!"
Hey now. That was supposed to be his line.
Overall, the trip to the Shadow City went well. It wasn't the grand city that Rhaegal had envisioned, but it was still an interesting place.
The same was true for the rest of their stay at Dorne. On the other hand, the Princess never asked for a formal betrothal between their houses, which somewhat puzzled him. What had been her aim for her invitation if not that? Or maybe she was intuitive enough to understand that his father wouldn't agree to such a match so readily?
So many options to consider.
'How tedious.'
As always, politics bored him. Whatever. Let the Princess play her games. His focus should be set on grander ventures.
Their departure from Sunspear was filled with more tears than he would have wanted. Not from him, but rather from Ashara and Elia. Both girls made him promise to write to them, much to Rhaegar's amusement. His brother was enjoying his discomfort at trying to awkwardly placate the two girls, but it wasn't his fault. It was the first time in his life that he was put in a situation like this. It only made it worse because Rhaegal was positive that Elia's mother hadn't put her up to this. She had genuinely grown fond of him. The same was true for Ashara.
Oberyn made him swear a similar promise too, only he wasn't crying thankfully.
Rhaegal would later learn that Rhaegar and Arthur had promised to keep in touch as well, something about a "lifetime promise."
How unexpected, but also welcomed.
It was when they had set sail from Sunspear that his father approached him while he was resting inside his cabin.
"I take it that you had fun."
Rhaegal did not lie. "It was new. I did not care for the weather, though."
"I thought someone born of fire would have appreciated the Dornish heat," Aerys mused, obviously entertained by his comment.
Rhaegal just shrugged. He didn't get it either. It was just so…dry. In comparison, Melisandre's flames felt more full of life. It was hard to put into words.
Dry heat was just awful.
"Loreza Martell is trying to rise above her station." Aerys' good mood vanished as he changed topics. "She thought I wouldn't notice, but her ploys are obvious. Even using her friendship with your mother to her advantage. She's hoping for a match between you and her daughter. Do you understand what that means? Whatever front the girl puts on, you should not trust it. Her mother will be whispering in her ear from now on."
Rhaegal wasn't blind to that.
"I understand, father."
"Good. Good." Aerys patted him on the head. It was an affectionate gesture that Rhaegal had grown accustomed to. "Fear not, son. I shall not allow you to wed one of Dornish blood. They are beneath us. No, you shall have a pure Valyrian bride as your queen. This, I promise you."
Rhaegal just nodded. Aerys' words did not shock him. He had long come to suspect his father's plans for him. Besides, it was the Targaryen way.
Their trip back to King's Landing was a smooth one. They sailed straight from Dorne, not making any stops.
It was when they returned to the capital that Rhaegal found a new turn of events waiting for him.
There was a raven address to him, from the Wall.
It was from his distantly related uncle, Aemon Targaryen.