"You have a bad habit of invading my dreams, Malora."
"You don't have to sound too excited~ If you missed me so much, I would have gone to the tourney with you!"
"Too much of a risk."
"So you do care about me."
"No. You're the risk."
"Hm. Well, that's true. The realm is filled with so many dirty secrets, and I know so many of them!"
Despite technically being asleep and thus unconscious, Rhaegal still felt a headache coming as he drifted through the familiar darkness. It wasn't anything new. Every time he was forced to have a conversation with Malora or she sought him out, this was the end result. Even if it was through her glass candle like this, the long distance did not change his reaction.
Sometimes he wondered if the gods existed, and if they did, were they mocking him by giving useful abilities to such a madwoman.
Probably a punishment on their part for all the gifts he was born with. They had to humble him somehow.
"You know I do not enjoy having my sleep disturbed."
"You don't have to worry too much about that." The darkness shifted. It transformed into the familiarity that was the grand throne room of the Red Keep. Rhaegal found himself sitting on the throne with Malora saddled on his lap, a wide grin etched on her face. "You're still resting comfortably in your chambers with your dear sister in your arms."
Shaena had been more clingy ever since they took that bath together the first day they had arrived at Casterly Rock, to the point that she slept often in his chambers rather than her own. It got to the point that Rhaegal was certain that many of the servants in the castle started to notice. They didn't make any remarks, but their eyes said much.
Rhaegal found himself caring less and less about that.
His precious sister had been all the more clingy last night, gushing over how he had defeated Robert before the whole realm. The extent of the Baratheon's injuries had been reported to Tywin by the maester who had inspected the former lord, and thus Rhaegal and his family now knew too.
It was as Rhaegal expected. A hand and an eye. Perhaps that would be enough to humble the spirit of the wild stag. If not, then Rhaegal was prepared to take more from his so-called cousin. Not that he would have to worry about Robert for too much longer. Once he awoke and was sent North to the Wall, he became the Night's Watch's problem.
Rhaegal resisted the urge to shove the Hightower woman off him and into the many swords that made up the throne. Even though this was a dream, he knew she would feel every little thing if he did.
At least they were clothed this time.
"There's a reason why you're bothering me, is there not?"
"That's a harsh way of putting it." Malora placed a finger on his chest and traced her fingers across. "But yes~ I've been bored on Dragonstone since you and the others left. Your uncle and those two maesters have their little plans going, but I was already tired of trying to catch nonexistent assassins. Plus, Melisandre has been too busy praying to her god to play with me. I guess she feels happy now that you have completed your armor. So I've been spying on the realm here and there to sate my curiosity. Good job crushing the Baratheon~ I dare say you've stopped any chance they might have had to usurp the throne from you."
Rhaegal said nothing. He was not surprised that she was spying on the happenings in the tourney. Her skills with her glass candle gave her a pretty good view of the whole realm. Her only limitation was that she could not focus on more than one place or person at a time. Only Rhaegal was better with the glass candles than her, and that had more to do with his innate skills than practice on his part.
Other forms of high level magic might escape his grasp, but when it came to dragons and anything related to fire, then he was a true master. It was something the Hightower girl often griped about.
"Princess Loreza died by the way," Malora said flippantly. "It was slow and agonizing for her. I almost felt sorry for her. I suppose that's what happens when you indulge yourself too much at that age. Only Oberyn was not at Sunspear when it happened."
Hm. So Dorne was now going to be ruled by Doran Martell. Rhaegal wondered if that would change anything moving forward. There was a chance, however small, that the man would be angry that Rhaegal had rejected Elia. Oberyn had never held it against him, but Doran was a different story. From their brief encounters, Doran struck Rhaegal as a man who was more pragmatic than Oberyn, so perhaps there was little reason to worry.
"Is that what you wanted to tell me?" If so, Rhaegal was going to be more annoyed than he already was. While no small matter, the death of the Princess of Dorne could wait for another time.
"Of course not~" Malora giggled. It was a strange sound for Rhaegal to hear. He knew the servants on Dragonstone were terrified every time they heard it. To them, every time she giggled it was as if the Mad Maid was going to turn her attention on them and perform some terrible curse on them just because she could.
It was oddly amusing for Rhaegal to observe how many people were terrified of Malora.
"I happened to take a peek at the old lion last night. I was wondering how he would feel at knowing that one of your brothers is already betrothed. I was not disappointed."
Oh?
Rhaegal found himself curious as he raised an eyebrow. Malora had marked Tywin during her time at the Red Keep, so she could accurately follow him around with the glass candle.
"What did you see?"
Malora's grin seemed to widen somehow. "He met with Hoster Tully to discuss a marriage between their children. In their discussion, they revealed some things. It wasn't anything we didn't already suspect, but there is confirmation now. The falcons are planning a betrayal. From the sounds of it, Jon Arryn has been planning to face off against the crown for a long time now, but because of you his plans have all fallen apart."
Rhaegal leaned back against the throne as he absorbed this information.
In his mind, if there was anyone in the realm who was going to pose a problem for his family, then it was Jon Arryn. It was a thought that had stuck with him ever since he first met the man four years ago. The indifference. The monotony in his vows. It painted a solid picture of a lord who was not happy.
Of course, at the time, it was nothing more than a feeling, so unless he had evidence, Rhaegal was more than happy to let the Vale be for now. While the begging brothers in the Vale were a concern, Rhaegal was more focused on rooting them out from the Riverlands first. Not to mention that there were some voices of discontent from minor lords in the Reach as well.
Rhaegal could guess what the aged lord was thinking. Jon Arryn was one of the oldest lords alive. He was one of the few who could say that had lived through King Maekar's reign and still remembered it.
The changes that Rhaegal was putting in place must feel like tyranny and oppression to a man who was used to having more control. Even during King Aegon V's reign, there had been more negotiations and leeway for the lords than what Rhaegal expected of them now.
Well, Jon Arryn's reasons mattered little to Rhaegal. What was important was whether the man was loyal or not.
'If he's been trying to stir a rebellion, then…..'
A lot of things began to click in Rhaegal's mind.
Robert Baratheon and Eddard Stark. Elbert Arryn's presence. Jon Arryn's friendship with Rickard Stark and Steffon Baratheon. Brandon Stark's betrothal to Catelyn Tully.
They were the foundations for something bigger.
'Rickard Stark is a cautious man. He wouldn't dare send his heir down south knowing it might anger some of his bannermen.'
The end result was the same regardless. His children would establish closer friendships with the south while Jon Arryn managed to build a web of alliances around himself.
'And Lyanna Stark….'
However foolish Robert's actions had been, his cousin thought he felt something real and strong toward the girl. Considering his fostering in the Eyrie all this time, was it possible that Robert had been encouraged to act by Jon Arryn?
'The old man must have known how it would end up.'
Was Rhaegal looking too deep into it?
It was all the same at the end of the day. Whether Jon Arryn was the one who manipulated Robert or not did not change Rhaegal's thoughts on the matter.
Then there was also Rickard Stark. What was his involvement in all of this? Perhaps the real reason why he had not sent Brandon to the Eyrie was because he did not want to implicate himself in a scheme that might brand him a traitor. Sending his second son left him more room to claim innocence. Maybe Rhaegal had overestimated Rickard when he thought of him as a man who honored his vows.
An oversight on Rhaegal's part, but one that could be easily remedied.
There was a certain young lord who had offered his services four years ago, wasn't there? And unless Rhaegal was misremembering, that same lord was currently in Lannisport for the tourney.
"You've been quiet." Malora tilted her head with a knowing smile. "What are you thinking?"
Rhaegal's answer came fast.
"That it might be time for the Vale to have new stewardship."
After all, the falcon was nothing when compared to the dragon.
---
Jorah Mormont basked in the presence of so many knights as he walked alongside his father through the tourney grounds. It was a new day, and perhaps this day would not be as scandalous as the last.
Jorah was different from many of his fellow Northerners in the sense that he had a fascination with knights. The only lords in the North who bothered to practice knighthood were the Manderlys, so as one could expect knights weren't exactly very common north of the Neck. Despite asking his father many times throughout the years for them to attend a tourney, this was the first time that either of them had come this far south. His father had not bothered to attend the famous tourney at King's Landing four years ago, citing that there was no reason to do so. The only reason they were even here today was because Lord Stark had asked them to come. He had made similar requests of other Northern lords.
His father, Jeor Mormont, had not understood why Lord Stark had asked for such a thing, but being the loyal bannerman that he was he followed the Stark's orders.
Jorah had only been thankful that he could finally attend a tourney, especially one that had so much excitement built around it. After all, it was the first time that the Targaryens would be riding their dragons outside of King's Landing. Many wanted to catch a glimpse of the dragons for themselves even though the beasts terrified them.
Now, weeks later, both father and son understood the reason for Lord Stark's request.
It was so that they, alongside the other Northern lords, could bear witness to the moment that the betrothal between Daeron Targaryen and Lyanna Stark was announced.
If only it had gone down differently.
Already there was bitter resentment growing in many of the Northern lords toward Robert Baratheon. To them, the betrothal between one of the Targaryen princes and the lady Stark was seen as a positive development in the crown's acknowledgement of the North. It was the first time in the history of the Targaryen dynasty that such a match had occurred, and none of them wanted it to be sullied by a childish infatuation.
Jorah understood that sentiment. For the most part, the Iron Throne had ignored the North since its foundation, only looking to the North in times of trouble. Now, the crown prince and Brandon Stark were friends, and the house of the dragon and the house of the wolf would be tied together in blood.
And the stag wanted to meddle with that?
The fact that Robert Baratheon was exiled to the Wall helped lessen the Northern frustration that had been bubbling under the surface, but it was not gone completely. The lords most outspoken in their anger were Lord Umber and Lord Karstark.
His father was more neutral about the whole affair, and Jorah mostly agreed. The betrothal would not affect him in any way.
He was more interested in Rhaegal Targaryen's abilities and his dragon. The sight of both yesterday were still etched in his mind. The beast's ghastly green eyes sent a terror through his body that he could still recall rather vividly. And the size of it….honestly, Jorah could not understand how a mere man could command such a monster.
'But he did.'
And that dragon wasn't the only one. Even now, as he walked through the tourney grounds, the roars of the dragons could still be heard in the distance. They were a constant reminder of the Targaryens' strength.
Of course, there were also the whispers of discontent from some petty lords. Apparently they were unhappy with the crown prince using magic during the duel, decrying it as an act that went against the Faith of the Seven.
All of that was too complicated for Jorah to keep track of honestly. He was not a deeply religious man. Thankfully the Old Gods were more hands off compared to the Seven.
Whatever. Jorah tried his best to keep his focus on what mattered, and that was the joust that would finally begin today. He was excited to participate and had come dressed in his armor. He was no knight, but he was already a man grown. His build was burly, and he trained often on his horse despite the cold of Bear Island. He would have no problem participating. It was the opposite. He was rather confident in his abilities.
His father would just be another spectator. Unlike Jorah, he did not very much understand the point of jousting, but that was true for many Northerners. Jorah heard that Brandon Stark was keen to participate in the lists too, so at least he would not be the only Northerner to compete.
Jorah's thoughts ceased when he spotted a certain figure walking through the tourney grounds in front of him. His eyes widened at the sight of the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. The girl had fine features with flawless skin, deep purple eyes, and long flowing silver-blonde hair. She wore an elaborate purple dress that matched her eyes.
He never imagined that such beauty could ever exist in a person.
Jorah was so fixated on the young girl that he missed the four heavily armored knights that were accompanying her alongside another knight in fancy white armor. He also missed the way everyone bowed when she walked past them.
He almost missed his father bowing beside him, but thankfully was able to catch himself in time before he made a fool out of himself.
"Princess Shaena. How pleasant to see you this morning."
Princess?
Jorah gawked.
'This is a Targaryen?'
He had unfortunately been unable to get a good look at the royal family the previous day. He had heard that Queen Rhaella was considered to be beautiful and graceful. Many were calling her a second Queen Rhaenys with how approachable and kindhearted she was at court.
And yet, it was the young princess who made his heart beat fast.
"Oh? And who might you be?"
Even her voice sounded alluring, as if she had been bred to be enticing.
"Lord Jeor Mormont of Bear Island, my princess. And this is my son and heir, Jorah Mormont."
Jorah stood as straight as he could as he faced the sole princess of the realm.
"Bear Island you say?" Shaena appeared curious as she studied them for a moment. As she did, Jorah noticed the handkerchief which she carried with her. It seemed personal.
'Was that her favor for the lists?'
Perhaps Jorah could ask for it when he began his matches? He could already picture it. Himself winning the tournament and crowning her as his Queen of Love and Beauty while wearing her favor.
It would go down in history.
"That is in the North, is it not?" Due to his daydreaming, Jorah almost missed the moment Shaena spoke up again.
"Indeed, princess." Despite knowing how dangerous it might be, Jorah felt the need to insert himself into the conversation. He wanted her to keep looking at him. "It is rather remote, I admit, but it has its beauties. I'm sure you would enjoy visiting one day."
Shaena seemed thoughtful. "Perhaps so. I've wanted to travel the realm for many years now. I want to see everything the Seven Kingdoms have to offer."
In his eagerness, Jorah missed the warning look his father was sending him as he nodded enthusiastically.
"Just say the word, princess. You'll always be welcome to Bear Island. You have my word."
"Thank you for the kind offer." Her smile made Jorah's heart soar. "It was nice meeting you, my lords. But if you'll excuse me. I have somewhere to be."
Jorah and his father bowed again as Shaena continued on her walk with her guards. He did not know where she was going, but it was unfortunate that she was leaving so soon. Hopefully her words were not mere pleasantries. He would enjoy playing host to such a beautiful princess.
There were many possibilities there.
"How much of a fool are you, Jorah?"
His pleasant thoughts were interrupted as his father stepped into his line of sight with a growl.
"What?"
"Don't take me for a fool, boy." Even though he was well into his second decade, his father still called him "boy" sometimes. "You were practically leering at her. One of the knights with her was a Kingsguard, and the others are all part of that so-called Dragonguard that the crown prince established. What do you think will happen to you if they report your actions to him? Did you already forget what the crown prince did to Robert Baratheon?"
Jorah felt annoyed. "I did nothing wrong."
Jeor scowled. "You can't lie to me, Jorah. Even if she weren't a princess and already betrothed to her brother, did you forget that you have a wife of your own?"
Jorah grimaced at the reminder. His wife had remained on Bear Island due to the fact that she was currently pregnant. It was her second pregnancy. Her first one ended shortly with a miscarriage.
He didn't want to think about her right now.
"I was merely expressing an interest in the princess as a loyal bannerman to the realm, father." Jorah tried to play it off. "No Targaryen has ever visited Bear Island. It would be quite the honor, don't you think?"
Jeor scoffed.
"We are not done talking about this, boy. But come. We've made enough of a scene as it is."
There were some curious gazes coming from those who had observed the princess walking by.
Jorah did not want to be caught in some twisted gossip, so he agreed with his father and continued on his way toward the lists.
All the while the heir to Bear Island would think back to Shaena and wonder when he could talk to her again.
---
Shaena was happy when she stepped into her brother's tent after Ser Arthur let her through.
"Brother! I have something for you!"
Shaena was giddy but paused when she noticed that her brother was not alone.
Rhaegal stood in the middle of the tent with his Valyrian steel armor while a young man she did not recognize knelt before him. He looked to be around her brother's age if she were to guess. Perhaps a little bit older? He had pasty skin, and Shaena took note of his rather unremarkable face which was beardless as he stood up and glanced at her. It was the man's strange eyes that caught Shaena's attention the most. They were rather pale. She had never seen eyes like his before.
"Princess Shaena. Pardon my intrusion."
Shaena didn't know what to say, so she just nodded.
Rhaegal gestured to the exit.
"I appreciate your cooperation, Lord Bolton. We can continue our conversation later. My sister has need of me."
"Of course." He cocked his head in deference before he stepped out of the tent without another word.
Shaena watched him go with mild interest.
"Who was that, brother?"
"Roose Bolton, the current Lord of the Dreadfort. After his father's passing four years ago, he's the last one of his historic family."
That sounded very lonely.
"I'm running into a lot of Northerners today," she mused, remembering Lord Mormont from earlier. She did not enjoy the way his son had looked at her. It disgusted her. She had wanted to ask some questions about Bear Island, but if she had stayed any longer, she might have been tempted to burn him with Azurax. "I guess it must be because of Daeron's betrothal. I'm taking more notice of them now."
Rhaegal chuckled. "Perhaps." One of his eyebrows rose. "Now, was there something you needed? You're supposed to be with father and mother."
"There was something I needed to give you before the lists started."
"You know, typically favors are given after they are asked for."
Shaena couldn't help but feel smug as she approached him while gesturing to her personalized handkerchief. It contained the sigil of their house which she had personally stitched together with her needlework. It was a pain to have the septa constantly bother her about it, but on this occasion Shaena was glad that she had learned it.
"I wanted you to ride out with it already in your possession, brother. I didn't want some other fool asking me for it first. It sends a stronger message, don't you think?"
Rhaegal was amused. "And what message is that?"
"That by tradition and law, we belong to one another."
"Of course. How could I forget?" Despite the somewhat sarcastic reply, Rhaegal dropped to one knee as he held his hand out to her. "My beloved princess, would I have the honor of carrying your favor into battle?"
Shaena knew that her brother was humoring her, but she enjoyed it all the same. She also enjoyed the look of his armor. She did not know how he had managed to forge a full set of Valyrian steel armor, but she was not going to complain.
"You may, my prince." Shaena delicately placed her handkerchief into his armored hand before Rhaegal grabbed her wrist with his other hand and planted a gentle kiss on her palm.
Shaena felt even more proud of herself at that moment.
If only others had seen it.
Well, it wasn't too much of a loss. There would always be other tourneys.
---
Daeron felt more indecisive now than any other point of his short life.
The young boy had been taught many things by the Grand Maester in their lessons, one of which was the duties he held as a prince of the realm. One of those duties was to pass on the royal blood for the good of the realm, just as his father and mother had done.
This meant that he would have to marry one day. As the third son, Daeron was also more understanding of the fact that he would have more freedom when compared to his older brothers.
He had been wrong about that.
Daeron's mind was unsettled at the fact that his betrothal had been decided even before Rhaegar's. No, actually, that didn't really bother him.
What bothered him was who he was going to marry.
Lyanna Stark. A girl he barely knew, and what he did know came from his sister who sometimes mentioned her when they conversed at family meals or at other random moments. The two of them were something like friends, similar to how Rhaegal and Brandon Stark held a friendship of their own.
But Lyanna was not a Targaryen. She did not carry the blood of the dragon. Why did Daeron have to marry her?
'No, that's not it either….'
There was something else that was really gnawing at him, something which he had come to realize over the past year.
It was supposed to be a new day, but Daeron's worries were only starting.
Robert Baratheon was still unconscious. His condition had apparently settled and thus his father had ordered that he be moved to Casterly Rock and watched at all times until he regained consciousness. From there, he would be sent up North to the Wall without a trial.
His duel with Rhaegal had been his trial.
Daeron realized that even if Robert had somehow won that duel then exile would have been the least of his concerns. Really, there was no path to victory for the stag. Daeron did not understand what his cousin had been thinking with that plan of his. Or did he even have a plan?
One thing was certain. Robert desired Lyanna, and he did not care if he tarnished Daeron's name in the process.
Daeron knew his age. He knew that it would not have been a fair contest had he accepted Robert's challenge himself and faced the older boy in combat. Ser Barristan often praised him for his skills with a sword, and he could keep up with Jaime pretty well who was said to be another gifted swordsman. But Robert was much bigger and much older, so there would not have been any point.
And yet, Daeron still felt aggravated by the whole thing. He knew why.
The cheers from the crowd distracted Daeron from his thoughts for a moment.
He and his family had returned to the tourney grounds as the lists were to begin on this day. He was seated in the Royal Box as usual with his father taking the seat of honor and his mother at his side. She held his youngest brother Viserys in her arms while Jaehaerys watched everything with wide eyes and excitement with Ashara watching over him to make sure he did not jump from out of his seat.
The Lannisters were also seated with them, but Daeron could tell that Tywin Lannister was not happy about something. Whatever it was, it did not seem to affect his children any as Jaime and Cersei appeared to be their usual selves. Even little Tyrion was enjoying himself as he sat on his mother's lap so that he could get a better view of the field down below.
The Baratheons were also seated inside the Royal Box. Daeron had noticed some of the whispers and scornful looks some of the Northern lords had thrown their way, but Steffon and Stannis did not appear bothered by them and held their heads high.
Daeron was glad about that. He considered Stannis to be a good friend to be honest. His cousin did not talk much and was often stern, but Stannis had never once judged him for his failure to first bond with a dragon. Stannis did not need to be held responsible for the actions of Robert if he was not involved, and Daeron was certain that his cousin had not been.
The new addition to the Royal Box that had many whispering in envy and scorn were the Starks.
His father had made no formal declaration about the betrothal between himself and Lyanna. He probably saw no point now or he would do it later. Regardless of his father's reasoning, Rickard Stark and his family were invited to sit with them in the Royal Box for the duration of the tourney. Only Brandon was not with them as he meant to participate in the joust today.
This brought Daeron to his first noticeable problem: he was forced to sit beside Lyanna Stark. He did not mind her or her direwolf.
What he minded was the frustration and confusion he still felt swirling in his heart.
Out of the corner of his eyes, Daeron noticed Shaena arriving noticeably late. She made some half-hearted excuse that had their mother almost rolling her eyes at her.
"You don't have to lie to me, Shaena. You can just say you were seeing Rhaegal and be done with it."
His sister had the decency to blush in slight embarrassment.
"I suppose I was not getting away with it…."
Ashara seemed amused. "Not when you're so obvious."
"I'll get better."
"At trying to lie to me?" Rhaella's eyes narrowed. "I think not. Now take your place. The lists are starting."
Rather than sit by him or Lyanna, Shaena took her place at Ashara's other side.
Many in the realm were claiming that Ashara was the most beautiful lady in the Seven Kingdoms, but to Daeron that was not the case. Not even close.
"The first time you perk up since we've been sitting together and it's because of your sister?"
Lyanna's hushed tone made Daeron look at her. It was the first time that he was actually looking in her direction.
He held back a frown. "She's family."
Lyanna's eyes didn't believe him. "Do you like her?"
Daeron could feel his heart beating faster. It was the first time that someone had asked him something like that.
"She's my sister. Of course I like her."
"That's not what I asked."
Daeron took a moment to look around. No one was paying attention to them, not even Lyanna's father. They were more focused on the lists as the knights and other competitors began to ride out into the field one-by-one.
He looked at Lyanna again. "I don't know what you mean." He still did his best to keep his voice low.
Lyanna snorted as she stroked her direwolf's fur. "You Targaryens are weird like that. Isn't Shaena betrothed to your brother?"
"What about it?"
"It means that you cannot be with her." She paused. "But that means you don't want to be with me either."
Daeron felt defensive. "What about you? Are you happy about this?"
Lyanna scoffed. "You're a brat. What do you think?"
"We're almost the same age!" He nearly raised his voice then.
"Two years older." Gods, why did she sound so smug saying that?
"You're a brat too."
Lyanna wagged her finger in his face. "Tsk, tsk. Only a brat would say that."
That didn't make any sense!
"But I'm curious, Daeron." Lyanna leaned in closer. It was like they were planning a conspiracy with the way she was acting. "What makes you like Shaena?"
If she truly believed that he liked someone else, then she was taking it well. Didn't girls usually hate that kind of stuff? His father once told him that women were difficult to comprehend. Daeron was starting to understand what he meant.
"Like I said, I don't like her."
And if he did, what wasn't there for him to like? Sure, she was annoying sometimes, especially when she acted smug, but she was also different from the usual ladies that Daeron often met in the Red Keep. She was different from their mother too. She did not care for the usual niceties that all the ladies seemed enamored with. Sure, Shaena enjoyed her dresses and looking nice and proper if the occasion called for it, but she also enjoyed her horse riding and her bow. She was not afraid to get dirty and even relished in it. She was bold as a dragon and was not afraid to speak her mind. It was in those moments when Shaena was having the most fun that Daeron found that his older sister was at her most beautiful.
Lyanna seemed amused by his denial. "It's okay, Daeron. I can always talk you into telling me some other time."
Daeron was confused. "You're okay with….this? With our betrothal?"
He wasn't sure how else to ask.
"You're not?" She threw the question back at him.
Daeron wanted to say that he wasn't, but he hesitated when he noticed something else in the girl's gaze. A sudden vulnerability he did not fully comprehend.
The hesitation gave Daeron the chance he needed to realize something crucial: he did not know much of anything about Lyanna other than the tidbits that Shaena shared, and it wasn't very much. The most that he knew what that she liked to compete with his sister at every turn and that she had a direwolf as a companion. The thoughts of those competitions also made Daeron recall that Lyanna and Shaena shared several similar interests.
Lyanna also hadn't bothered to mince her words with him despite his status as a prince and a dragonrider.
Why hadn't Daeron picked up on that until now?
It was different from others who tried to sweet talk him because of his position.
Daeron swallowed a lump in the back of his throat as he looked away from her.
"I don't know. I don't know what to think."
It was the truth. He was still confused.
He missed the way Lyanna's gaze softened at his words before she snorted again.
"I can tell you what my father thinks. He told me about his 'high expectations' for me this morning. He wanted me to act like a southern lady when I'm with you. I don't get it. Shaena doesn't have to act like that."
It was Daeron's turn to snort as he turned back to her.
"You're wrong. She and mother argue about that a lot, and even she has to act a certain way when we're in front of other people. She doesn't like it, but she understands."
"Then she's better than me."
"She is." Daeron didn't even need to think about it.
Lyanna grumbled. "You don't have to agree so quickly. Your crush makes you blind."
Daeron's face went red. He was not able to stop it this time. "I don't have a crush."
"Sure, sure. And Rhaegar isn't good with the harp. You can't always live in denial, Daeron."
"There is no denial!"
Without realizing it, Daeron began to settle into a normal back-and-forth with the wolf girl. Somewhere inside his heart, he began to feel more at ease.
---
Rhaella made sure to pay attention to Daeron's mood as she observed his interactions with Lyanna Stark.
As she expected, things were awkward and tense between them at first. Not that it had been much different for her and Aerys when their betrothal was first announced back in their youth. In fact, it had been worse. In those days, she and her brother had actively disliked one another. Aerys was more interested in chasing after any lady that caught his fancy with Joanna being the one he lusted after the most after she was the first one to reject his advances.
Funny how things changed. Now she sat happily next to her brother as his queen while surrounded by their children while Joanna seemed to hold some sort of newfound spark for her brother. Her old friend tried to hide it well, but throughout their time at Casterly Rock Rhaella had caught Joanna glancing at Aerys a little too often when she thought no one was looking.
Unfortunately for her, Rhaella was always looking. It had become a habit of hers from when she and Aerys first wed.
Her brother had remained faithful to her for seventeen years now, and that wasn't looking to change.
One of the main reasons Rhaella never called out Joanna on her behavior was because she was taking great pleasure in the funny way that life worked out sometimes. Before, it had been Aerys who chased after the Lannister while Rhaella was forgotten. Now, her brother only had eyes for her and did not spare a moment's notice to Joanna.
She was allowed to feel gleeful.
Rhaella put that thought to rest for now as Rhaegal and Rhaegar began to ride out into the field alongside all the rest who were competing today. Unlike yesterday, Rhaegal's Valyrian steel armor did not go so unnoticed by the crowd. Rhaella took special pleasure in seeing Tywin look on with a mix of jealousy and resentment at the sight of Rhaegal's armor. He tried his best to mask his emotions of course, but Rhaella could see the way his hands twitched as well his brow ever so slightly.
The lion was not amused.
It was not hard to see why. House Targaryen not only possessed dragons but also two Valyrian steel swords and now a Valyrian steel armor. One of those things alone was worth enough to buy a whole kingdom. Put together? It was unimaginable. Meanwhile, the Lannisters had none to speak of. Their precious Valyrian steel sword had gone missing during the Century of Blood so long ago, something she knew still irked Tywin to this day.
She and Aerys had questioned Rhaegal last night about the armor's creation. Well, she had asked questions. Aerys had been more focused on congratulating their son than asking any poignant questions. She would not say that she fully understood how it was done. Magic was not something that she would probably ever grasp fully, but she was okay with that.
Rhaella also did not miss the handkerchief which was tied to her son's helm as he rode onto the field.
'Shaena.'
Her daughter did not waste any time. She looked particularly smug at the moment when many others started to take note of the handkerchief.
'She is Aerys' daughter,' she thought with a soft chuckle.
Shaena was different from her in many ways. She was certainly more bold than Rhaella had been at that age. Not that Rhaella loved her any less for it. She loved her children equally.
Still, even Rhaella was able to admit to herself that her Rhaegal was different from the rest of her beloved children.
'The prince that was promised.'
It was not often that Rhaella thought about the witch that made that prophecy to her father and grandfather so long ago now. Her great-uncle Aemon's return had made her think back to that day and the subsequent argument that her grandfather had had with her father when Jaehaerys decided to betroth her to Aerys.
Her grandfather had been a Targaryen who had come to despise the incestuous practices of their family. He saw no use for them for a multitude of reasons.
Rhaella wondered what he would say now if he saw Rhaegal and his abilities.
That, along with so many other things, were just regrets of the past. Her grandfather was nothing more than a distant ghost now, and Rhaella had to keep her eyes fixed on the present.
The cheering in the stands grew as the first match was set to take place. The crowd now was no smaller than the one four years ago in King's Landing.
Rhaella had held a certain fascination for jousting back when she was younger when a certain knight had caught her attention. Now she had less interest in the sport and only bothered to pay much attention when her sons were on the field.
Both Rhaegal and Rhaegar did well in their first matches. Rhaegal in particular unhorsed his opponent with ease. His skill was more brute force than finesse in comparison to Rhaegar who was a master on the horse.
Rhaella also took note of the Kingsguard who participated: Ser Arthur and Ser Barristan. She was not surprised. The two knights loved tourneys as any other. Ser Willem was also taking part. She had come to respect the Darry knight due to his devotion to her daughter. She prayed that he kept himself safe. She had thought that perhaps Ser Oswell and Ser Gwayne would also enlist in the joust, but the two Kingsguard must have decided to sit out of this one.
The lists progressed well until a knight she did not recognize rode closer to the Royal Box. Rhaella spotted the black bear on the knight's armor and shield.
'A bear?' Rhaella tried to recall which house had such a blazon. More importantly, why was the knight approaching the Royal Box?
"Princess Shaena!" The unknown knight raised his lance in her direction. "It would do me a great kindness if you would bestow upon me your favor for my match."
Rhaella's eyes narrowed at this turn of events. She also noticed the way Aerys stiffened at the knight's words.
"He dares," he murmured with a scowl.
Interestingly, Rhaella noticed the way Rickard Stark was tensing at the sight of the knight. She idly wondered why that was.
Everyone watched to see what Shaena's response would be.
Her daughter looked bemused as she glanced down at the knight.
"I have nothing to give you. My brother wears my favor on this day. I'm sorry to disappoint you."
It was a kind dismissal, but it was a dismissal nonetheless.
The knight lowered his lance and rode away without a word. Even so, Rhaella could tell the disappointment that was coming from the man.
"Who was that?" Her Jaehaerys asked innocently.
"Jorah Mormont, heir to Bear Island." Rhaella was surprised that it was Rickard who answered, his face hardened as he watched the man ride off.
'A Northerner.' So the man was no knight. His actions were all the more ludicrous then.
Rhaella had not paid any attention to the man thus far, but as luck would have it he ended up having to face her Rhaegal next.
This Jorah Mormont had a stocky physique that seemed common among Northerners, especially those from house Umber. Her Rhaegal had no less of a solid physique, however.
Not that it seemed to make much of a difference. Rhaella did not know if Rhaegal had taken note of Jorah's bold action toward Shaena, but he seemed particularly ruthless as he shattered the Mormont's shield and sent him flying off his horse during their first clash.
Jorah crashed roughly on the ground as the crowd cheered for Rhaegal.
Shaena herself clapped for Rhaegal with great enthusiasm. Even Aerys seemed pleased.
Rhaella just sighed in fondness as she made herself comfortable in her seat once again while Viserys babbled excitedly in her arms.
It was just a nice day for jousting, wasn't it?