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The crypt was cold and empty, though that hardly mattered to Jaime as he slowly made his way further and further along. The tombs were all uniform and precise, the exact opposite of what he would have preferred. Although, preference hardly mattered in the lives of the Lannisters.Jaime had been raised with order and discipline, harsh words and harder glares from his father. Oh, how he and Lyanna had tried their best to raise their own children in the opposite manner.
Lyanna.
Jaime finally stopped in front of his beloved wife's tomb, the only one to have a statue beside it. It had been an odd request, the sculptor had given him a strange look but abided all the same. And in truth Jaime had picked the proper sculptor, for the resemblance to his late wife was uncanny. From the styling of her raven curls to the lines around her eyes and lips from laughter, it was clear who this statue was meant to be.He tentatively reached a hand out to stroke her cheek, the marble a grim reminder of all he had lost because of his own blood. The Lady of House Lannister and mother to his children - the woman who took his heart and offered her own in return for little more than his promise of honesty and fidelity. The ice that cooled the summer heat and the fire that kept him joyful throughout the years. A woman of myths and legends gone far too soon. And all because of his nephew. "What am I to do without you, love?" Jaime whispered, fingers gently touching the marble cheek. "Jon has children of his own, Joanna is married in the Vale, Cyrenna is with child. You were supposed to see these things, my love."Reluctantly, Jaine dropped his hand as he heard footsteps echo down the crypt corridor. It wasn't hard to deduce who would be beside him in just a few moments."You truly cared for her, Lannister." Brandon's deep voice boomed in the quiet night. "I rarely received letters of her complaining. It was rare for Lya to not complain.""Oh, I'm well aware of that." Jaime let out a hollow laugh."Another letter arrived. The king wishes to know if you or your children will attend." Brandon's voice dripped with venom.No one in Casterly Rock spoke the kings name. It was hard to keep Brandon and Jaime's tempers in check if the name was uttered. Jon and Benjen were no better. And Daenerys. Poor Daenerys. The girl couldn't spend more than a few minutes with her children before feeling guilty of what her nephew did to the Lannisters."Tyrion will represent Casterly Rock and House Lannister," Jaime said. "I won't risk my family to appease him.""A bold move." Brandon took a step close to the statue. "I never realized just how much time had passed. She was but six and ten when you married. Jon was born a year later. And now he's married with children.""She left us too soon." Jaime remembered her bright smile and loud laugh. The laugh that would ring through the halls and make proper Southron lords and ladies nervous by how carefree it was."No matter when she would have left, it would've been too soon." Brandon took a deep breath and stepped back. "But in my mind she'll always be the little girl running about Winterfell and sparring against our father's wishes. I remember her scrapping knees and tearing dresses. Mother could hardly be mad at her."Jaime stared at the statue and tried to think of how Lyanna was when they first met at Harrenhal. Young and beautiful and willful. Her glare was a prominent feature of her face until Jon had been born. Then the smiles broke through. And when they had the girls...Jaime had always sworn he'd never love anyone more than Cersei when he was young. But holding his daughters when they were but babes, that was what made him realize he truly loved Lyanna. Of course he loved Jon. But holding Joanna and Cyrenna. Seeing how small they were. Knowing no man would ever be worthy of them. Gods, how had he ever agreed to let a Tyrell and an Arryn marry them? Even the Targayens were not good enough for his baby girls. And little Serra, the youngest lady who'd never know Lya, was better than any option that would be presented."How are Cyrenna and Joanna?" Brandon asked. "Any news?""Joanna is fine. And if Cyrenna has plans," Jaime let out a small huff laughter. "She certainly won't be sharing them with me."Cyrenna had not been a fan of the wheelhouse. In truth she'd always despised them, preferring to ride alongside her family for journeys. But as she was swelling with child, the wheelhouse was mandatory.Margaery sat beside her and helped her through the long days, something that Cyrenna both was grateful for and apprehensive of. Margaery was one of the best minds Cyrenna had ever come across, perhaps even better at her scheming and politicking than Cyrenna or Tywin. And for that fact alone every action Margaery did was no doubt to boost her image and get further along.But there was also something sincere about the woman that made Cyrenna relax and trust her. Margaery may be a player, but she never tried to actively make Cyrenna even the slightest bit uncomfortable since she'd arrived in Highgarden."Are you certain the babe isn't causing too much trouble?" Margaery asked. "If so, you need only say and we can go to the castle right away.""I've already told you," Cyrenna gave the quietest sigh possible. "I'm feeling fine. This is something you've been speaking of doing even before we left Highgarden. I see no reason to hold you back.""Your health is more important." Margaery gave her a sincere look. "I can always find other times, but you need rest.""I've tested plenty." Cyrenna placed a hand gently upon her swollen stomach.It had been a dangerous gamble to travel all the way to King's Landing as she neared closer to birthing bed. But at nearly six months along, the babe had given her no trouble. She hardly even suffered from mothers stomach the first few months. It was almost as if her unborn child knew the dangerous position she was in and was purposefully keeping on it's best behavior."Besides, I agree that this is important." Cyrenna looked out the window as they neared the gates to King's Landing. "The people will need hope in the coming months. Who better to give it to them than you."Lyonel was always pleasantly surprised when he was able to sneak out of the Red Keep without notice. It was an even better victory in his mind when he was able to take Jaehaerys along with him. It was a rather simple trick that Myrcella always discouraged, but she was off in Winterfell. Safe from father and Aemon's tempers.He'd stolen some dirty clothes from coal boys and rubbed dirt and soot from fireplaces all over himself and Jae, taking extra care to dirty their hair and faces. It was easy to make their sunshine curls appear as a dirty blonde, close to brown even if they had enough dirt. But it was Jae's eyes that were always hard to hide. The very reason Lyonel always told him to keep his eyes trained to the ground. Amethyst eyes were not common."Can we stop by the nice ladies who give me bread?" Jaehaerys asked, tugging on the too large shirt sleeve Lyonel wore."I doubt they have much bread to give, but they always tell nice stories." Lyonel took them down the well known path to the orphanage."What if they talk about-"Lyonel turned to see his brother's silence was caused by the wheelhouse that sat not too far away from Flea Bottom. The golden rose on the door signaled the Tyrells were nearby."We have to go see them now!" Jaehaerys said, tugging harder on the sleeve. "Please, Ly, please."Lyonel turned to see wide purple eyes filled with excitement and happiness, a rare feat indeed. He bit his lip before turning and saying, "Only if you remember to look at the ground."Jaehaerys pouted before nodding and training his vibrant eyes to the dirt.The pair walked by slowly and cautiously entered the orphanage only to stop when they saw what was inside. Just as Lyonel had suspected a Tyrell was there. Margaery was sitting on the ground talking to the children while handmaidens passed four bread and blankets to those inside. But that wasn't what caught Lyonel's eyes. No, because just off to the side listening intently as the woman who ran the orphanage spoke was none other than Cyrenna Lannister.Her gray eyes surveyed the children and then latched onto Lyonel. She smiled the tiniest bit and turned back to the woman before carefully approaching Lyonel and Jaehaerys.She knelt down carefully to smile at Jaehaerys."Well, I wasn't expecting family to greet me here." Her voice was quiet enough that only the three of them would hear. "I must say, it's far more welcoming than I ever thought.""You won't tell, will you?" Lyonel watched her carefully.How could his mother say she wasn't a Lannister? Even her Stark eyes held Lannister intelligence and mischief in them."And spoil your fun? I would never."At that Jaehaerys risked looking up and felt his world shift. The woman kneeling before him was possibly the most beautiful in all the world. Golden curls that matched his own and gray eyes that held a spark he'd never seen before."Thank you." Lyonel smiled up at her."No need to thank me. But my trip here is coming to a swift end and I know for a fact you're supposed to greet me alongside your siblings." Cyrenna handed them a roll of bread. "I'd hurry back and bathe as best you can. I'd hate for you to get in trouble with your parents."Lyonel nodded and grabbed Jae's hand tightly. "We'll see you soon then.""I surely hope so." Cyrenna stood gracefully and turned back to the woman she'd been speaking to previously."Come on, Jae," Lyonel turned them around and hurried out. "We need to be presentable for our cousin."Myrcella hadn't worn red or black since the night of the wedding, nor had see put on a stitch of gold and crimson. Once she'd seen her mother and father leave Winterfell she had a new wardrobe constructed. All muted blues and purples and greens in the soft wool of the Northern style. She'd even taken to styling her hair in a simplistic Northern braid that mirrored Lady Catelyn's.There was no subtlety in her actions, but there wasn't meant to be. If she was to stay safe and keep her status as hostage in the furthest reaches of everyone's minds, it was best to distance herself from her family. After all, she'd been planning on doing so long before her brother murdered their aunt.Of course only Lady Catelyn was willing to approach Myrcella not too long after the raven arrived with news of her siblings wedding."Lady Catelyn," Myrcella bowed her head as she entered the solar she shared with Lord Eddard."There's no need for that, Myrcella." Catelyn gave a soft smile, though Myrcella could see the slight strain to it. "Please sit."Myrcella choose the seat furthest from the roaring fireplace. It was already tricky enough to keep her dragon egg hidden in her chambers. Any sign of her pull towards heat and flames had to be squashed. She couldn't let the Starks do anything rash because of her own family."I'm sure you've received a letter from your father as well," Catelyn said."I have." Myrcella nodded. "But I know it would be best for me not to make any requests to go South. It would not do well for your family to get tangled into my owns whims."Catelyn raised her brow. "You seem to be quite content to say in Winterfell.""It is best for us all, isn't it?" Mycrella tried her best not to fiddle with her hands in her lap.Catelyn sighed and sat down at the desk in between the two of them."You know I'm a Tully by birth, yes?""Of course, my lady." Myrcella nodded."And you know my Houses words.""Family, Duty, Honor." Her response was swift and easy. "A bold order as well that has served your family well.""It has. But I married a Stark and my children may have Tully looks. But they are wolves at heart." Catelyn gave a soft laugh. "I will always do my best to protect my family.""And my family stands in your way." Myrcella said. "You have no need to worry. I will never betray your family.""Not even for your own?"Myrcella took a deep breath and looked into Catelyn's blue eyes. This was a strong woman who sat before her. She'd carried five children and managed to instill in them a deep love for each other. The Stark children had no hatred of each other. Even when Arya and Sansa had fought before the elder girls departure, it was clear they held no contempt for each other and were quick to make up. They bared no ill will towards the others and were always happy to help one another."My family has no love for each other." Myrcella finally began, slowly. "Aemon has always hated Aegon and it is no secret that my sister does not think of me fondly. I was only ever close to Lyonel and Jaehaerys, though the latter is far too young to understand what is going on.""Yet, if your mother sent you a letter asking to come back South or even to help her?""I love my mother, I do." Myrcella was surprised by how true that statement was. Even if Cersei could be harsh and neglectful, she still gave Myrcella life and loved her fiercely. She just had a poor way of showing it. "But she decided to call my brother innocent for a crime he committed. Cersei knows that by promising my hand to your son and letting me be fostered here until we wed, she has given away her right to raise me. My life is in your hands and you have shown my nothing but kindness even in the face of a horrible crime. I would be foolish to repay the kindness with deceit and betrayal.""Then you understand why I cannot allow you to leave Winterfell, much less the North?""Only a fool would let me leave the safety of these walls. And you Lady Catelyn are no fool."
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Cyrenna hid a knowing smile of amusement as she entered the throne room to find Lyonel and Jaehaerys in some of their finer clothes standing beside their siblings at the feet of the Iron Throne. The young boys were a stark contrast to the eldest the Targaryen siblings, looking so out of place in their very own castle.Aegon's hair had grown since Winterfell, now falling past his shoulders, but those indigo eyes were just the same as Cyrenna remembered. And they were currently locked onto the swell of her stomach.She vividly remembered Alerie Tyrell telling her that drawing attention to the fact that she was with child was a foolish venture."A lady never brings it to light if she can avoid it. The babe will be born either way and that is the true accomplishment, that you successfully brought life into the world. Not that you are currently creating it," She had said.Lady Olenna on the other hand said nothing and let Cyrenna do as she pleased.Rhaenyra had hardly changed, her silver curls falling to her waist and being styled in a similar fashion to that of Cersei's own. Her purple eyes remained as glassy and vacant as ever. And yet her features had softened considerably, allowing a less harsh and more traditionally beautiful quality to shine through.How strange must it be for the elder sister to look as though she is trying to catch up to the beauty of the younger, Cyrenna thought.Then her eyes locked onto Aemon's and it took everything within her to not run him through with the dagger her father gave her.His silver hair was cut much closer to his head, only a few stray curls breaking free from the gel he'd used to push them back. It was his eyes that angered Cyrenna most. A deep emerald, near the same color as Joanna and Tion's, but with a cruel edge and mischievous gleam. Aemon smirked when they locked eyes and Cyrenna schooled her face into the mask of passivity that few could see past.She and Margaery knelt, one hand supporting her bump and the other resting gently on her back."Rise, Lady Cyrenna and Lady Margaery," Rhaegar called out after but a few moments. "There's no need for us to strain an expectant mother with formalities. After all, she is family."Cyrenna gave a grateful smile as she stood up with as much grace as she could muster, thankfully not faltering once."It is wonderful to be welcomed back into the Red Keep, Your Grace." Cyrenna almost hated how easily she slipped back into the rhythm of King's Landing."You and your family are always welcome," Rhaegar said.
It's hard to believe that lie when my mother's murderer stands feet away from me, having faced no consequences for his actions.
"Both Houses Lannister and Tyrell are grateful, Your Grace.""And yet, House Lannister has yet to arrive." Rhaegar raised a brow at her and Aemon's smirk only grew. "Your grandfather has already promised that his son would be on his way to King's Landing, yet I've seen no trace of him.""The journey is likely taking longer than expected, Your Grace," Cyrenna said, her tone placating. "After all, the Riverlands and Reach are both busy with the harvest season. It's rather difficult to travel swiftly through those lands at the moment."Everyone tactfully ignored the way Aemon rolled his eyes and Cersei pursed her lips."Then I pray safe travels to your family.""Thank you, Your Grace.""She's insufferable," Rhaenyra said as she played with the ends of her hair.Court had adjourned and she was currently in the gardens with Lyonel and Jaehaerys. Aegon and Aemon had been called away by their father, no doubt to discuss Cyrenna.Gods Rhaenyra hated her cousin. Pretty and perfect Cyrenna. With her golden curls and grey eyes and mind sharp as a whip. How dare she act so high and mighty for someone so far beneath me."She's our cousin," Lyonel said in a bored tone. "And Ethan seemed pleased to see her.""Father won't let them actually speak until the feast tonight," Rhaenyra said. "We don't need them speaking in private and plotting our downfall.""Cyrenna wouldn't do that." Lyonel rolled his eyes. "She's clever, but she doesn't have a death wish. Varys would know the second any treason was discussed.""That doesn't mean he'd tell us." Rhaenyra stood and began to pace angrily. "Cyrenna is cunning.""Clever."Rhaenyra turned sharply and glared at her little brother, fury coursing through her veins. "Clever implies that she isn't entirely self-serving. Cunning is all about ambition and self-preservation. Cyrenna has never thiught of anything other than how to boost herself and appear better than she is.""She's nice and funny." Jaehaerys' voice was quiet and soft.For all that the youngest prince came from, there was nothing besides niceness and softness in him. Lyonel doubted there was a mean bone in his body. Which only made the sad reality of their precarious situation all the more unfortunate.Every chance his parents had, they were trying to turn Jaehaerys against the other. Cersei preaching on how he was her third little lion and how it didn't make him lesser than his dragon siblings. Rhaegar doing everything to endear himself to the young boy who only ever cared for his grandfather, grandmother, and Lyonel and Myrcella. It wouldn't take much longer before the youngest prince broke and Lyonel feared what would happen when he finally did."You haven't spent enough time with her," Rhaenyra scoffed. "I grew up with her. She spent hours following grandfather Tywin and hanging off his every word. She learned fron the best.""And you didn't?"Rhaenyra fell quiet and her arms encircled her waist tightly. Her amethyst eyes clear for a rare, fleeting moment before the typical haze entered once more."Grandfather had his reasons," her voice was quiet and Lyonel was reminded of just how vulnerable his sister truly was.Rhaenyra hadn't been gifted with the same wit and fast thinking as Myrcella had been. If anything Rhaenyra was still a young girl in mind. She giggled like the very young ladies in court and played with the ends of her hair until the strands broke and even larger sections fell out because of how hard she tugged.It was no surprise Tywin favored the granddaughters whose minds matched his. It was a shame the effect it had on Rhaenyra though."I have to leave for a fitting." Rhaenyra dropped her arms and glared at Lyonel before storming away."She's always angry." Jaehaerys fiddled with his fingers as he spoke."Rhaenyra just had a harder time thinking about her feelings," Lyonel said. It's hard to form an opinion and identity with Cersei and Rhaegar breathing down her neck at all hours."Cella was never angry.""She's always been good at hiding."Myrcella played with Rickon as the boys direwolf, Shaggydog he'd called it, watched over then with careful eyes. Rickon's laughter rang throughout the godswood and Myrcella felt a carefree smile cross her face.It felt nice to let go and be childish once in a while. She'd been working tirelessly to ensure that no one thought of her as the Targaryen princess, but rather a lady that would one day marry Robb and bear him enough sons to carry on the Stark name. To run with Rickon or climb with Bran or cheer Arya as she and Robb sparred against Theon, it was to be happy and lively in a way she'd never felt before. The cold winds and sharp smells invigorated Myrcella and brought out a wildness she never knew she'd been suppressing.It wasn't long before Robb found them, Grey Wind by his side, and watched the pair with a look Myrcella had yet to decipher."Robb!" Rickon stopped chasing Myrcella in favor of running and hugging Robb's legs. "Are you going to play with us?""Maybe another time," Robb said with a smile. "For now, you have lessons to go to."Rickon pouted and turned to Myrcella. "Can't you make them let me play longer? A princess is higher than a lord.""It's not up to me, little one." Myrcella tried to hide the tremble of her voice. "If I have to sit through lessons, so do you.""But your lessons are fun." Rickon turned to Robb once more. "She gets to learn all about Lannisters and all the Targaryen kings."Myrcella felt Robb's blue eyes lock onto her face and she turned to look at the reflective pool in front of the Heart Tree. Her own green eyes staring back at her.Robb's tone was careful as he said, "As princess I'm sure she has to learn about her family. But you need to go before mother comes looking after you.""Fine. But I want to play with Myrcella before supper.""If your mother and father approve, we'll play again," Myrcella called out, eyes never leaving the pool."I can find my way," Rickon said, heading out of the godswood with his small head held high after shoving Robb's arm away.Shaggydog followed after giving a quick lick to Myrcella's hand."You should be heading inside, princess." Robb's voice was closer now, but Myrcella payed no mind as she continued to stare at her reflection. "It'll get cold very soon once the sun sets.""According to Rickon my dragon blood will keep me warm." Myrcella hid a cruel laugh at the thought."There are times I forget you're a Targaryen and not a Lannister." She could feel his eyes on her back."A pity they don't last longer.""Is ought amiss?""No need for such formalities, my lord. After all, I am your hostage." Myrcella let this cruel laugh slip past her lips, her arms wrapping about her waist."You're not a hostage, princess.""No? You know what my grandfather was. What my brother did." Myrcella could feel her voice hardening, but she didn't care. It was a mistake to let her emotions slip through. But she was struggling to keep it all inside."Aye. Cruel men who've done cruel things.""Treason.""You spoke it first."Myrcella smiled sadly as she nodded. "I suppose I did."Silence feel over them, but it wasn't the kind that choked her and made her feel small. It was almost comfortable. She hardly heard Robb move to stand beside her, but she felt it. Felt the warmth he gave off and the security of someone bigger than her sheilding her back. Felt a strange comfort frkm and action that previously sent panic and fear up her spine."So what does it?""Pardon, princess?"Myrcella turned and looked up at Robb, emerald meeting sapphire. "What reminds you that I'm not Lannister?"Robb stares at her with the same look from before. The same look she can't name. "I'm not sure, princess.""Don't call me princess." Myrcella's voice softened for the first time that day as she turned back to stare at the reflective pool."What would you prefer me to call you then?" Robb's eyes found hers in the reflection and for once, Myrcella didn't turn away."My name might be a good start.""Only if you call me Robb."A small smile graced her lips. "Robb it is then. I supposed I should grow used to it. If war doesn't completely break out, we may still marry."Robb's face became closed off and he gave a curt nod."Aye. And if war breaks out-""You have every right to free my head from my shoulders," Myrcella aimed for a light tone, though she knew it wasn't going to land well. "It's what my parents would do."Robb gently brushed her elbow with his hand, her arms tightened about her waist."I'm sure they wouldn't do such a thing."Myrcella turned to look Robb in the eye."You don't know them."With that she turned and walked out of the godswood, aching for the raging fire in her chambers and the soft bed. She didn't losten as Robb tried to call after her. The cold was seeping into her bones.Daenerys watched as Jon gently placed Serra and Geremy in front of their children.The twins were hardly a year old and yet there was still so much Stark in them. If not for their green eyes, Dany would doubt they had Lannister blood at all. Even beside Serra and Geremy, the last of Lyanna and Jaime's children, they looked more Stark."Tiny." Serra pouted up at her big brother."You were that small not too long ago." Jon smiled softly at her."No. Not tiny," Serra said with her firm pout in place."Smaller than them."Geremy quickly hugged his sister when she glared at Jon and turned away. "But bigger now," Geremy added.Dany smiled, though when her amethyst eyes landed of little Lyanna pushing herself to sit up her heart broke. Even with Jon, Serra, and Geremy cheering her daughter and little Lyle smiling at her with that wide, gummy smile - her heart felt torn in two. Her little twins, the ones she carried for months and delivered in hopes of mending what once was between her and the family she married into, were well loved. But she still felt an outcast.
Casterly Rock used to feel more like home than the Red Keep. What has happened?
"Princess."Dany turned and looked up to see Brandon Stark standing beside her, grey eyes set firmly on his eldest nephew."Lord Brandon.""Just Brandon." He looked at her for a moment and she felt the wildness radiating off of him before he turned away again. "I'm told I should call you Dany.""If you wish to.""What I wish doesn't matter." Brandon jerked his head to the side before walking away.Dany didn't waste a moment in following him."My sister is dead. Her murderer evaded justice. Her youngest will have no memory of her. Her grandchildren will mever know her. Is this what the great Lyanna Stark was meant to be?""Lyanna loved her children," Dany said.She could still see Lyanna laughing as she played with her children in the gardens on sunny days. How she would hold Cyrenna during thunderstorms and calm her. How she fiercely cared for each child she carried, even the one she lost."Aye. And I remember once, many years ago, when she vowed to never marry and have children." Brandon laughed, a deep booming laugh the Dany felt in her bones. "Said she'd join the Night's Watch. Benjen even vowed to join her if she did go.""I'm sure she would've been happy there." Dany had never felt more out of place than beside this Northern man.He may have spent a good number of years in Dorne with his wife and daughter, but everything about him screamed Northern."It doesn't matter if she would've been or not." Brandon stopped and turned to her, casting a large shadow over her. "I'll tell you what does matter; Tywin Lannister is the only thing keeping your brother and his children from declaring war on my sisters children and vice versa. But what happens when he's gone? Who's there to keep me from trying to kill the king?"Dany watched as he took several steps back."War is coming and none of us can stop it. Tyrion and Cyrenna are free to try, but it won't matter. I'll be fighting and killing. So will Jaime and so will Jon. Where does that leave you?""Protecting my family.""Which family? The ones on the Throne or the ones who will be hiding here?" His voice took on a rougher way of speaking, almost sounding like a growl as he continued. "Benjen already has plans for when all seven hells break loose. I suggest you plan for what you'll do. I'm willing to do a lot of things for my family. But I won't sacrifice any of then for a Targaryen.""You won't have to." Dany stood taller, feeling more certain. "I loved Lyanna like I love my mother. She deserved better than what she got. If it comes down to it, I will gladly sacrufuce myself for any of her children.""Good." Brandon glared once more. "I can't afford to lose any more family."With that Brandon left and Daenerys turned back to go see her children. She couldn't hide behind her fear anymore. Casterly Rock once felt like home and she would make it feel like home once more. She was Daenerys Targaryen and she would not be frightened.
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Rhaella had called Cyrenna to her solar, wishing to see the young girl free from any outside influence. She hadn't seen her since Winterfell, the Starks and Lannisters burning with hatred that rivaled that of her own House.
Fire and Blood indeed. But a wolf pack or a lion pride threatened was perhaps even more dangerous than a dragon's rage. They just didn't have to power to unleash it on the masses.
Her head popped up when the door opened and Cyrenna walked inside.The young woman wore a dress of teal and gold with red embroidery on the sleeves. Her golden curls styled similar to the simple Northern braids Lyanna would often wear. There was little subtlety in how Cyrenna styled herself these days. Though, knowing the girl, Rhaella had the distinct feeling that Cyrenna was beginning to care less in this small aspect.Rhaella stood and welcomed Cyrenna with a tight hug."You look absolutely stunning, sweetling." Rhaella said. "Motherhood looks as though it will suit you.""Thank you, Your Grace." Cyrenna waited until Rhaella gave her a nod to sit and when she did an audible sigh left her lips."Trouble dear?""Only mild discomfort." Cyrenna put on a smile as she forced herself to sit upright. "Other women have dealt with far more troublesome times carrying their babes. I can endure mild back pains and swelling."Rhaella's smile dropped and she nodded lightly, thinking of her own troubles with having children."I suppose you're not as happy as your last visit to the capital," Rhaella sighed. Mayhaps a change in topic would help Cyrenna relax."I doubt any Lannister is too happy since our last time here," Cyrenna nodded. "But, there's family here.""Ethan was particularly happy to hear you would be here for the wedding." Rhaella smiled as she thought of the little boy with dark curls and green-gray eyes."I've yet to see him properly since I've arrived." Cyrenna finally looked Rhaella in the eyes. "I would've requested he dine with us for our midday meal, but Rhaegar assured me he wouldn't be available to speak until the feast tonight.""I'm certain you two shall be inseparable for the duration of your stay.""It'll be nice to spend time with him." Cyrenna's eyes lightened as she thought of hat little brother. "He's so young and I've missed spending time with him.""It's good to see siblings who care so much for each other. It's a rare thing these days."Cyrenna went quiet for another moment before softly saying, "Mother always wanted us to love and care for each other.""She did a wonderful job then." Rhaella placed her hand on top of Cyrenna's and realized just how young the girl was. She'd spent such a long time watching the little lady of Lannister grow in a place far from her home, only to have her return for what would no doubt be an indefinite stay.Rhaella was about to say something else when a servant opened the door."Sorry, m'ladies. But the prince wishes to have a word."Cyrenna tensed and Rhaella would've sent whichever grandson it was away, if Viserys had not entered through the doorway instead."Hello mother.""Viserys." Rhaella stood and rushed to hug her son. "Each time I see you, you've grown.""These things do tend to happen." Viserys laughed, letting go of his mother and turning his gaze to Cyrenna. "Lady Tyrell.""It's good to see you once more, Prince Viserys." Cyrenna nodded at him."How boring title are," Viserys said as he took a seat at the table. "I thought we were beyond that point, Cyrenna.""Things have changed since we last saw one another." Cyrenna fought back a smirk at the prince's antics. He'd always been hyper when they were younger. Part of her wished he'd be able to conceal that energy better, but a stronger part told her the energy would only be redirected in other ways."Aye. I mourned Lyanna as well when the news reached Sunspear." He trained his eyed to the table before clearing his throat and adding, "She was always kind to me when I squired for your father.""Mother did enjoy your company."There was a moment of silence before Viserys said, "As glad as I am to see you, please take no ill will towards my wife if she decides not to visit you. Martells and Tyrells do not mix.""I've always been a good mediator between feuding houses.""Good to know your skillset has not been misused."Rhaella watched carefully as the two continued their banter and wished with all her heart that for once, for even one single minute, her grandchildren and Tywin's could get along. The flicker of hope was almost extinguished in recent months, but it wasn't out completely. There was still some in her heart.But fate never had been kind to her.
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Ethan had attended plenty of feasts both back at Casterly Rock, though those memories were quite faint, and in King's Landing. Rarely were they ever held outside among the stars. And yet for this very one, Rhaegar insisted it be outside the castle.Candles and lanterns were everywhere, given the space a rather cozy atmosphere despite it's open spacing. The tables were covered in scarlet and black draping and filled with food far fancier and richer than ever before provided. There was even a nice patch of smoothed grass for dancing later in the evening.The sun was low in the sky when the feast began and Ethan was, as always, sat beside the Targaryen siblings. And for once, every last Targaryen present was doing the same thing; watching Cyrenna.She had styled herself carefully and boldly. With a dress of teal and gold that drew attention to her swollen stomach, and silver and red roses embroidered on the skirts. Her long blonde curls were loose, except at the very top of her head where she had carefully braided it to look like a rose. It was a styling that Ethan could faintly recall their own mother doing when forced into truly extravagant occasions.Cyrenna had stopped by their table briefly before the feast began, dipping into a low curtsy and rising up with such grace for a woman so far along."It's always good to see you in King's Landing, Cyrenna," Aegon says, eyes hungrily drinking in her appearance. "You bring such light with you.""Thank you for the compliment, Your Highness." Cyrenna's smile truly is radiant, as is everything about her. Ethan can hardly believe they're related."I was surprised to see your husband hadn't arrived with you," Rhaegar cuts in."He had pressing matters in the Reach to attend to. But he assured me that he would arrive in time for the wedding." Cyrenna turned her eyes to Rhaenyra and both women softened in a way Ethan had never seen. "I wish you find the same bliss in your marriage that I've found in my own."Rhaenyra gave a small nod before she hardened herself, sitting up straighter and pursing her lips in a way that was rather reminiscent of Cersei."Thank you for your well wishes."Aemon had opened his mouth to speak, but Margaery Tyrell had appeared by Cyrenna's side. The elder woman dipped into a low curtsy as Cyrenna introduced her."My good sister, Lady Margaery of House Tyrell.""It's wonderful to be here," Margaery says with a sweet smile. "My well wishes to Prince Aegon and Princess Rhaenyra on your impending nuptials.""Thank you, Lady Margaery," Rhaegar says. "It's been a while since we've seen you in King's Landing.""It always feels too long." Margaery lets out a soft laugh. "But what better reason to return than the future king and queens wedding?"There was light laughter before the women were escorted away to a table not too far away and the mood shifted."I never liked that girl," Cersei said, taking a sip from her goblet.Lyonel turned to look at Ethan who gave a small shake of his head. The Lannister boy may be close to the second youngest prince, but that did not mean he would ever speak up at dinners. Ethan had a role to play, just as Cyrenna had when she was here. Let her play the perfect lady, Ethan thought. She was born to charm and enchant. I was born to remind them who we are.Ethan remaind silent most of the dinner, only speaking to remind Lyonel and Jaehaerys that there were eyes and ears everywhere. By the time people had made theeir way to the flattened dance floor, Ethan had managed to annoy Aegon and Rhaenyra enough for them to practically jump at the chance to send him away. Which was fine by him. He didn't want to spend any more time near the Targaryens than necessary.Cyenna approached him near the edge of the dance floor and gave him a sly smile."My baby brother is all grown up now," she said."Not quite." Ethan finally let himself smile. "But soon enough I'll be home with you all."The pair joined to dance as the next song began."He's done a good job keeping you away from me," Cyrenna said."Of course." Ethan frowned as his eyes caught the table of royals. Only Aemon and Rhaegar had left to mingle, the others sitting still as statues. "Can't let me remember what it's like to have warmth.""I haven't had a chance to properly talk to you since Winterfell." Cyrenna's voice became soft and Ethan wanted to pull her away so they could run home. "How have you handled it all?""Lions do not concern themselves with the opinions of the sheep," Ethan said with a small smirk."Has grandfather been giving you lessons as well?""As much as he can." Ethan shrugged. "If I'm not busy as a squire, I'm speaking to Rhaella.""A wise thing to do." Cyrenna smiled down at him. "She cared for mother the same as she cared for me. No doubt her feelings towards you are kind as well.""She's always been kinder than I expect." Ethan thought of the Dowager Queen back in the castle; having opted out of this fest on account of feeling ill. "No need to ask how you fared in Highgarden."Cyrenna's bright laugh was all the answer he needed. He may not have all the brains, but Ethan knew enough to know this sister was clearly the smartest of them all. His Northern stubbornness had kept him from being the perfect Southron lord, but it kept him safe. Let them see an angry Northern savage. Winter will come."You're safe, Ethan." Cyrenna dropped her voice to a whisper. "No matter what happens; so long as you're with grandfather, you'll be safe.""And should something happen?" Ethan didn't dare raise his voice."You'll be safe." Cyrenna gave him a bright smile, but the gleam in her eyss spoke of schemes that would terrify enemies. "For all your Stark qualities, you're a Lannister as well."Ethan was about to say something when Viserys approached with a woman with dark skin and scheming eyes."Lady Cyrenna, Lord Ethan," Viserys said. "Might I introduce my wife, Arianne Martell.""A pleasure to finally meet the fabled grandchildren of Tywin Lannister." Arianne gave them a small cursty."The pleasure is all mine." Cyrenna returned the cursty snd Ethan gave a tiny bow. "Though, I hear tales that my good family and yours do not get along.""Do any houses get on well with they Tyrells?" Arianne laughed. "I may be able to make an exception for you.""I should hope so." Cyrenna placed a hand on her stomach, "I'd hate to make an enemy of House Martell.""A wise thing to say."
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Rhaenyra had never been so nervous. It wasn't an emotion she'd ever enjoyed, and she always did her best to stamp it out whenever her mother became suspicious. It was usually present, but never to this extent.All her life, Rhaenyra had known she'd marry her brother and become queen. It was never a thing anyone ever hid from her. But there were certain expectations that came with it. Cersei and Tywin breathing down her neck and knowing that she'd never be what they wanted. No doubt they wished that Myrcella was the elder daughter or Cyrenna would be queen. Perfect, pretty, irritable Cyrenna and Myrcella.Standing before the mirror, Rhaenyra watched her reflection carefully as handmaidens went about reading her.Her silver curls were half piled upon her head in elaborate braids, the rest falling down her shoulders and blending into the top of her dress. Apple scented perfume was sprayed on her routinely as they went about their tasks. Her cheeks pinched several times to bring about a blush to her face. None of their hard work could distract from her hazy eyes.A knock at the door pulled her from her musings and Cyrenna stood in the entry way, looking at her with quiet understanding.The handmaidens left shortly after and Cyrenna took a step closer to her."What are you doing here?"Cyrenna took a deep breath and smiled softly. "I'm here for you. My wedding was not...ideal. If I had been given the opportunity to do as I pleased that day...let's just say things would be different.""That doesn't answer my question." Rhaenyra narrowed her eyes, hoping this wasn't a test."No, it doesn't." Cyrenna rested a hand on her stomach. "It's no secret we haven't always gotten along. Especially with Aegon's feelings towards us. I figured you'd want nothing more than the chance to scream at me and curse me out, with the added benefit of no one ever learning of what you say to me."Rhaenyra turned to look her cousin in the eye."As appealing as that sounds, I don't think that's what I want."Cyrenna nodded and Rhaenyra moved to offer her cousin a chair."You're expecting, you should be sitting more often.""Thank you." Cyrenna took a deep breath as she sat, slouching the tiniest bit before correcting her posture. "Truly, you've no idea the pain my back is in.""What's it like?" Rhaenyra's eyes were watching her cousin carefully. Especially the way her hands ghosted up and down her stomach every so often."To be honest, I've no idea how our mothers did it so many times." Cyrenna gave a laugh that ended with a slight groan. "I believe I've officially entered the stage where nothing could possibly make me comfortable. Just last night Willas tried to ease my pain and I told him if he so much as breathed near me for the next week I'd run him through with a cheese knife."Rhaenyra gave a surprised laugh and tilted her head to the side. "Is it that bad?""Depends on the day," Cyrenna said with a shrug of her shoulders. "Some days they're perfectly fine. Others, they just won't stop moving. I think my child wants my ribs to be broken by the time they're born.""Not all sunshine and roses." Rhaenyra smiled. "The ladies always made it look so easy.""I'm sure this is the easy part. I've heard horror stories of the birthing bed.""All things I'll have to look forward to soon," Rhaenyra sighed. "Is there anything...good about it?"Cyrenna paused, even her hands stilling for a moment as she thought.Rhaenyra was once again struck by how different they looked. Her cousin with perfect ringlets of golden curls and bright gray eyes that watched everything with such ease. Even her skin softly shone with the sun behind it. Whereas her own curls could rarely be tamed on a good day. Rhaenyra could feel them trying to break free from the braids and her head ached with how tightly they'd been pulled back and then secured with pins that dug into her skull. Her skin was pale enough that Aemon regularly teased her for looking like the tablecloths that they'd oft spilled drinks on as children. She could never hope to gain any amount of sunshine in her own reflection as her cousin did."I can complain to just about anyone and they won't lecture me about how I'm misbehaving," Cyrenna finally answered, her eyes drawn to how Rhaenyra struggled not to scratch at her head. "Would you like some help?""Pardon?""You just look very uncomfortable with your hair styled like that." Cyrenna made a slight face as she focused on her hair. "It looks like they just made a birds nest with what they couldn't fit into the braids.""It feels as though they did," Rhaenyra groaned. "No one's ever been able to make it look neat for longer than an hour.""I suspect it's because they've never dealt with your style of hair," Cyrenna said with a slight laugh. "May I?"Rhaenyra watched her cousin. For the first time since they'd met, she didn't feel as though the younger girl had an ulterior motive. She simply looked as though she wanted to help her cousin through what was clearly causing her discomfort. And for what must have been the first time in her whole life, Rhaenyra couldn't hear her mother's voice in her head scolding her for being naïve enough to trust Lyanna Stark's daughter."If you think you can fix it, by all means."Cyrenna was already standing and pushing Rhaenyra to sit on her vacated chair, a brush was already by her side as she took out the pins and carefully undid the braids.She moved with such efficiency and ease that Rhaenyra couldn't help but watch in wonder. Her fingers moved quickly and smoothed the pale hair down as she worked, easing the usual ache Rhaenyra felt after taking her hair down from a long day. Cyrenna had her tongue sticking out of the side of her mouth as she worked. Rhaenyra couldn't help but think just how unladylike the simple action was."Tell me something while I work," Cyrenna said."Like what?""Anything. It helps time pass quicker." Cyrenna had freed Rhaenyra's hair from all the braids at this point and was brushing the curls out. "Mother would always ask us about our day while she brushed our hair.""Your mother brushed your hair?""Yes." Cyrenna smiled softly. "It started with my sister. None of the servants could properly tame her hair without hurting her. And as it was similar to our mother's, she would sit with Joanna and brush and style her hair. By the time I was old enough to need my hair styled, it was just what we did. My mother taught myself and Joanna how to style our hair.""I always thought the Northern curls were impossible to manage," Rhaenyra said, a slight edge to her tone."You've no idea," Cyrenna laughed. "But it was good practice. Your hair isn't quite the same, but it's certainly not how I expected it to be.""What does that mean?"Cyrenna walked to a jug of water that had been sitting nearby and brought it to the vanity. "Your hair it thicker than I imagined it would be. It's certainly thicker than Dany's ""It is?"Cyrenna nodded as she dipped a comb in the water and began to run her through Rhaenyra's curls."Her hair is dreadfully thin. And it only got worse after she fell pregnant from what I heard.""That's possible?""Unfortunately, so," Cyrenna made a face as she dipped the comb back in the water and moved to a different section. "You shouldn't have to worry about it, though. Even if it does thin out, all it will do is cool off your neck the slightest on hot days.""Oh." Rhaenyra watched with rapt curiosity as her cousin continued to work. The younger girl had managed to comb through all of her hair and was started to braid it. It was tight enough to keep the curls back, but not so tight as to hurt her head. "What else?""Your hair is dreadfully coarse, I'm afraid." Cyrenna gave her a sad pout. "Even Joanna's hair wasn't this coarse.""Is that bad?""Of course not. Just means that it's easier to work with your hair when it's damp."That would explain why Cyrenna kept dipping the comb in the water."I've never been nice to you," Rhaenyra said after a moment of quiet. "I always followed mother and Aemon in what they said of you. They never said one kind thing of you, your mother, or your siblings. So why are you being so nice to me?"There was a long moment of silence as Cyrenna continued her work. Truthfully, Rhaenyra hadn't even thought of asking the question until it left her mouth. It was out there now, and her heart was pounding as the silence stretched on. Her palms sweating and her arms shaking as she held them as still as possible. She'd never been good at concealing her nervousness.Cyrenna gave a long sigh and stopped for a moment."I've seen cruelty in how our mothers interacted," Cyrenna spoke softly. "They may not have tried to hide it, but it was very clear to anyone who knew them that there was animosity there. And because of that, all of their children have been burdened with that animosity. Aemon and Jon will never get along after what happened in Winterfell. I don't begrudge them that. But we may never have this same opportunity to speak plainly. Not for many more years if things continue the way they are.""You mean once grandfather dies, and my father declares war on yours and your brother?" Rhaenyra hated how her voice shook."Unfortunately, yes." Cyrenna sat on the edge of the bed and cradled her stomach tightly. "When I said my wedding was not ideal, it was truth.""How do you mean?" Rhaenyra turned in her chair to better face her cousin."My wedding, along with that of my sister, was pushed forward by several years due to Winterfell." Cyrenna shook her head and Rhaenyra was shocked to see tears forming in her eyes. She'd never seen her cousin cry. "I lost my mother, and it was very clear that any attempts of niceties between our parents would serve no further purpose. And in truth, I never harbored ill will towards you growing up. I always saw you as someone I might be close to, if the situation permitted.""But it never did," Rhaenyra said.Cyrenna shook her head once more, a half laugh half sob breaking free from her throat. "I figured what better time than now, before this chance slips away from us, potentially forever, to try and make a step towards friendship with you. We are, after all, bound by blood. And I don't wish to make further enemies out of my family."Rhaenyra was quiet. The sun was reaching its peak, meaning she would need to leave soon. The sounds of birds chirping kept the silence from becoming too stifling. She took a deep breath and stood, walking towards her cousin.In this moment, with Cyrenna drying tears as they fell and clutching one hand to her swollen stomach tightly, she was no threat. There was no malice that Rhaenyra could see. No treason brewing beneath the surface nor any deception. For the first time in her life, Rhaenyra did not see an enemy in Lyanna Stark's daughter, but another young girl with mountains of expectations placed upon her, terrified of what might happen if she slipped even the tiniest bit."Well," Rhaenyra gave a big sigh. "I suppose you finishing with my hair would be a step in the right direction."Lyonel hated the black and red of his house. He never felt comfortable in the harsh colors nor the overly opulent clothing when more formal events came about. He was never happy to be forced into the too small doublet with its dark black and red embroidery. He had hoped that being so far in line for the crown might mean that at one formal event he could get away with wearing the colors of his mother's house. But that wasn't in the cards for him."Ly, where's Cella?""She's in Winterfell, Jae, remember?""No, I know she's in Winterfell," Jaehaerys said. "By why is she still there now? Why isn't she here for the wedding?"Lyonel didn't know how to answer. He could always lie and say she couldn't make it down from Winterfell in time. But knowing Jaehaerys, he would take that as an invite to travel to Winterfell to see her. He couldn't very well tell his younger brother that their sister was a hostage of the North, effective the moment Aemon decided to end any peace between the three houses. There was no good answer, even if all his options were half-truths."Don't worry about Myrcella."Lyonel turned to see Ethan walking up to them draped in the Lannister colors. A roaring golden lion proudly embroidered on his scarlet doublet. His brown curls were neatly styled in a way that they never were. It made Lyonel think that Cyrenna had to have stopped by his chambers earlier to help him put himself together."She's probably busy learning about the North," Ethan said with a smile. "If she's to be the lady of Winterfell, she has to learn about her territories.""But she loves us." Jaehaerys said with a small pout. "Is Winterfell more important than her brothers?""Nothing is more important to her," Lyonel said quickly."Then why couldn't she come?"Ethan put a hand on Jaehaerys shoulder and gave it a light squeeze. "Sometimes you can't get your way. I don't doubt she wanted to see you and Ly again. But chances are she just wasn't able to make it. Maybe a letter will clear it all up ""Mother and father don't let me write letters to Cella. They say she has to send one to me first."Before Lyonel could assure his younger brother, Ethan spoke up. "Mayhaps you should send a letter first. Ask why she hasn't written yet. There could be something else there."With that Ethan walked away to talk to his uncle Tyrion who was chatting with Cyrenna and her husband Willas. For half a moment Lyonel was impressed by Ethan's words. An easy enough way to ensure that Jaehaerys wouldn't be forever sitting by a window and hoping for a letter from his sister. But then Lyonel became concerned. Jae wasn't truly old enough to understand hidden meanings in letter that Myrcella would surely send if he did contact her. Any and all hope of him fully understanding why his favorite sister suddenly seemed so distant would be lost on the young prince. And there was no telling if Cersei or Rhaegar would even let the letters reach Jae without being altered."Ly," Jae asked, looking up at his brother with trepid hope in his eyes, "can you help me send a letter to Cella after the night ends? I want to tell her everything that happens."And looking down at his younger brother, at the only good parts of their parents rolled into one tiny being, Lyonel couldn't help but agree. If only to see the bright smile that graced his brother's face."Of course," Lyonel said. "Why should Myrcella get to have all the fun. Mayhaps I'll be the fun twin now.""Lyonel, you can never be the fun twin."Ethan watched carefully as the ceremony took place. He almost wanted to laugh at all the people commenting on how lovely the day was and how perfect everything would be. It wasn't that Ethan was hoping for the day to end in disaster. He had just never been to a wedding that hadn't ended in some form of disaster or another. He had mentioned as much to Cyrenna when she had stopped by his chambers to style his hair, before swiftly leaving with a comment on building a bridge too strong to be burned. His sister had not found humor in his comment.Aegon stood at the dais, looking paler than usual in his black and red clothing, and Ethan paused when he noticed just how often his cousin was shifting his weight from side to side and fighting to not fidget his hands. It wasn't uncommon for both the bride and groom to be nervous at weddings, or so Ethan had seen from his limited experience. But Aegon, for all his hesitancy and uncertainty, did his best to never allow people to see his unease. For him to not be concerned about who might see how he felt was concerning. Ethan turned to look at his sister, only to see her give him a stern look and a sharp shake of her head. Clearly, they wouldn't get a chance to discuss this until much later tonight.Then Rhaenyra entered the Sept on Rhaegar's arm and all thought of Aegon vanished from Ethan's mind. He'd never considered his cousin to be beautiful or attractive in any aspect. But today she looked every bit the princess and future queen she was. Her dress was a bright ivory with threads of silver and gold running through, creating small designs of dragons in flight and lions mid roar on the bodice. The lace from the waist down showcased dozens of flowers that Ethan couldn't even begin to name, the train of the skirts even going beyond the length of the Targaryen cloak covering her back. She wore no crown, but her silver hair had been beautifully styled. Two braids began at the crown of her head, the left side larger and looser than the right, and met at the base of her head to combine into a braided bun. Carefully placed loose strands fell from her face, framing it perfectly and curling just the right amount. Rhaenyra looked ethereal in a way that matched that of her grandmother and for the first time in his life, Ethan couldn't see an ounce of Cersei Lannister in her eldest daughter. And from the way the Sept fell into a hushed silence where you could only hear the footsteps on her way up to her brother, the rest of King's Landing seemed to be taken aback by the beauty of Rhaenyra.Ethan spent the whole ceremony watching his cousins in a confused daze. He may not have been particularly close to the older three Targaryen children, but he never would've expected them to handle the day with the grace that they currently were exhibiting. It wasn't until Rhaenyra's cloak was replaced with another Targaryen one and a crown placed upon her head that Ethan seemed to realize how quickly the day was going. He felt strange watching as his cousins married and took one step further away from the children he'd first met when he came to King's Landing. After the declaration of their union from the High Septon, Ethan turned to face his sister who gave another quick shake of her head before she gently grabbed Willas' arm and walked over towards him and their grandfather."A happy ceremony," Cyrenna said as means of introduction."A smooth ceremony," Tywin corrected. "But that was to be expected. It's rare for someone to try and start a commotion during a royal wedding."Ethan bit his tongue, knowing that as desperately as he wanted to know, neither his grandfather nor sister would appreciate him asking did that feel as strange for anyone else to witness? It would not be the best phrasing even if the sentiment was true."I suppose it could only be so cheerful," Willas said. "No use delaying the inevitable.""The feast will be starting soon," Tywin said. "I'll be busy with the king and queen, but you three should enjoy the feast." He gave Cyrenna a look that Ethan didn't fully understand, but from the steeling in his sisters' eyes Cyrenna certainly received the message."I'm sure the feat will be just as thrilling as the princess told me," Cyrenna said. "I would so love to spare a moment to introduce Willas to some of my dear friends from before we married."Tywin gave a slight nod before walking away and Ethan saw the tiniest relaxation of Cyrenna's posture before she turned to him with a small smile. "I do hope you wouldn't mind sparing a dance for you dear sister.""I could never deny you a dance," Ethan said."Perfect," Willas said. "My leg gives me a hard time trying to keep up wife my wife's love of dancing. It's good to know she won't be disappointed if I spend the night seated.""You say that like you've ever given me cause for disappointment," Cyrenna teased before turning back to Ethan. "We'll be able to catch up more during dances. For now, we best move along if we still want to enjoy some of the feast."Ethan desperately wanted to pull his sister aside and speak to her without the riddles, but he also knew better than to expect anything more than riddles until later in the evening. Hopefully he'd get some form of answers if he could just be patient enough. Although, patience never had been his strong suit.Cyrenna knew that the day would be demanding and taxing, but she hadn't quite expected the bone deep exhaustion that was coursing it's way through her as she managed to finally pull Ethan away from a lower born noble lady who couldn't seem to stop giggling at whatever her brother was saying. Though, from the look of confusion on his face Ethan didn't quite understand the subtleties of court just yet."I hardly told a joke and yet she always laughed," Ethan looked confused as he explained. "Does that happen to all you ladies as you get older?"Cyrenna laughed and shook her head. "Only the ones who are smitten with their dance partners."Ethan made a face and Cyrenna held back a snort of laughter. "Are you going to explain things now?"Cyrenna lowered her voice, "Only if you can control your volume. Willas and I have been busy all night trying to strengthen any alliance we may have here. Margaery has been working her charms as well, though I haven't seen her in near an hour.""Why couldn't you just say that before we left the Sept?" Ethan asked."There were too many eyes and ears," Cyrenna explained. "Here we can talk with less concern of someone overhearing. And I was not lying when I said I had to introduce Willas to some of the ladies from when I was a child here. Grandfather expects nothing less than our best tonight.""And the rest?" Ethan raised his eyebrows in query and Cyrenna felt a pang of sadness in her chest. Soon she'd have her child and the moment she was well enough she'd leave for Highgarden once more. But having her younger brother so close by, her family just within reach, only to leave was breaking her heart already."The rest is simple," Cyrenna said. "You do your best to remain close to Lyonel and Jaehaerys the way you have been. I charm my old friends before leaving. Hopefully this wedding avoid disaster.""I meant once the wedding is over," Ethan said. "I know you have to charm and woo others, it's what you do best. But you and grandfather clearly have other plans in motion.""Yes," Cyrenna whispered sharply. "We do, but that's not appropriate for a wedding feast. I will tell you more as soon as I can. But for now all you need to know is that you're doing fine. So long as you maintain your current friendship with the younger princes and keep your wits about you, you'll be fine.""You mean don't forget who my family truly is," Ethan sighed. "I know that I am a Lannister-""You are a Stark as well," Cyrenna cut him off. "You must never forget that. This place will try it's best to keep that as far away from you mind as they can, but you are more Stark than Lannister in looks as well as temperament. You stay in touch with that side and you will survive.""I know you cannot take me with you when you leave," Ethan said. "But I wish you could.""As do I, Ethan." The song ended and Cyrenna took the moment to loop her arm through his and walk them towards the edge of the ballroom. "But you are our only key to the Red Keep at the moment. Hopefully my relationship with Rhaenyra will help us as well, but it is on you at the moment to keep the rest of us informed.""Why not grandfather as well?" Ethan asked sparing her a concerned look."Grandfather will help us," Cyrenna covered their conversation with a polite smile as other nobles and servants passed them by. "But even he cannot live forever. We must make what little headway we can while he is still here to occupy the king and queens time. We are the adults now and we must act as such."Ethan was quiet and for a moment Cyrenna feared we would try and argue. That he would remind her that he was still a child, not yet nine years old and was expected to play the part of adult as well as she was. And she would not fault him for such feelings. Cyrenna could remember how out of her depth she felt when she first arrived at King's Landing and just how long it took for her to get her bearings and begin to play the game.Instead Ethan surprised her by nodding and saying, "I'll do my best.""That's all we ask," Cyrenna smiled at him."Lady Cyrenna," a voice called form behind.The two turned to see Aegon standing just behind them with a nervous expression."Prince Aegon," Cyrenna quickly dipped into a curtsy before a hand on her elbow stopped her."No need," Aegon said. "Like father said, we are family after all. I was merely wondering if you might do me the honor of a dance."Cyrenna steeled herself for what was sure to be another awkward interaction with her cousin before nodding and saying, "It is I who would be honored."She let Aegon take her arm and directed her to the dance floor for a slower dance to begin."You look stunning, Cyrenna," Aegon said breathlessly."Thank you, my prince," Cyrenna said, keeping her eyes forward."Please, call me Aegon," he asked. "We've known each other practically our whole lives. Titles are a bit stifling for us, wouldn't you agree?""I'm not sure the king would approve such talk," Cyrenna gave a light laugh. "After all, family or not you will be the next king.""Many years from now and even then I will still want you to call me Aegon," he said. "Please Cyrenna? As a wedding gift."At that Cyrenna couldn't hold back a laugh, but she quickly recovered. "Was the gift from my husband and I not enough? If so I'm sure we would be glad to get you something else.""No need," Aegon said. "I only wish that we could remain close as we once were when we were children.""The time for that may be past," Cyrenna looked him in the eyes and felt a chill creep down her spine."You must know that our grandfather, as well as myself and my father, agree that it would be best if you remain here until your babe is born," Aegon said. "The journey must have already taken a toll on you and we'd hate for something to happen to you whilst on the King's Road.""Yes, grandfather had already told me that the king has no trouble opening the halls to me while I recover from the birth," Cyrenna nodded tightly. "It's truly a kind offer."Aegon's smiled faltered for a second before it picked right back up again."I'm pleased to know you've accepted. Truly, you've no idea how happy I am to know that you'll be safe. And I can only imagine how beautiful your child will be.""No more beautiful than whatever children Rhaenyra blesses you with in the future," Cyrenna turned her gaze towards Rhaenyra who is sitting quietly beside Aemon as he talks with what looks like little breaks in-between each thought."That will not be for many years," Aegon said. "And beautiful as my sister is and our children may be, you have always been far more enchanting to look at.""You flatter me unjustly," Cyrenna laughed nervously."It's true," Aegon's voice goes serious and her looks her dead in her eyes.Cyrenna can barely move out form under the gaze of those startling amethyst eyes."You are the most beautiful woman in all Seven Kingdoms," Aegon said. "If we had not been betrothed to others, I would've married you. I know it would've been well for our family to remain close and you would've been the perfect queen.""I thank you, your highness," Cyrenna said, clearing her throat. "Although your words are kind, I do believe we've found our best matches. I am truly happy with Willas and I know Rhaenyra will be a good and dutiful wife to you. You may not see it now, but in time she will be a good queen. I wish you both all the happiness in the world."Before Aegon could speak again Cyrenna pulled away just as she song ended and moved to go sit beside Willas, whom was gently massaging his leg."Is everything well?" Willas asked, looking at her with concern.Cyrenna shook her head. "Everything is fine, dearest. I am merely tired.""If you wish to turn in early, you need only tell me," Willas said, taking her hand in his. "I'm certain I can think of something to explain your absence.""There's no need," Cyrenna smiled. "I am quite well. Just a turn to many on the dance floor I suppose. I'll be better in just a moment."Willas nodded and gently brought their combined hands to his lips to kiss her hand softly. "Of course. If you change your mind, just say the word and I'll have Margaery turn her charm up further so we can leave."Cyrenna felt the chill from earlier disappear and her smile softened at her husband. She may not love him the way her mother loved her father, the way her father still loves her mother, but she is rather fond of him. If nothing else, than for his kindness. It was something she was so relieved to continue to witness in him after years of worrying. It was something she could imagine loving if they had more time.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Joanna was still trying to understand how to navigate the Eyrie. Her new home was not nearly as large as Casterly Rock, but it was different enough that navigating corridors was causing near mind splitting headaches. Often Joanna would wonder if this was how her mother felt after she married, if Cyrenna had felt the same exhaustion just trying to keep up with Highgarden before leaving for the wedding in King's Landing. Joanna missed her sister terribly. In truth she missed her whole family, but even with the vastness of the castle high in the mountains and clouds, she was beginning to feel a small sort of peace wash over her and settle deep in her bones.She would stare out windows for what seemed like days on end with no thoughts other than the open sky and what it might be like to disappear into the clouds. She'd watch the birds soar by the windows and feel stinging wind against her face. Though she'd only been in the Vale for less than six months, Joanna could feel herself becoming used to the cold air and her cheeks were no longer gaining the same red flush after hours of standing outside the castle walls. Tristan had even joked that her Northern blood had helped ease her transition to her new home."My lady," a voice called out.Joanna turned to see her handmaiden Cissy watching her carefully from the doorway."Yes?""Your husband is wondering if you'd like to join him for supper," Cissy said."Yes, I'll be there soon." Joanna nodded and fiddled with her hands.Cissy gave her a careful nod and quickly left the room.Much as Joanna was coming to relax around her new home, it was still so new. As the eldest Lannister daughter there was no true lack in education. From letters to numbers to every house in both the Westerlands and North when she was little to every house in the Vale after her betrothal was announced, there were few subject Joanna had skipped over. When she was younger Joanna had always thought that it was merely because her parents wanted her to know as much as she was able to. Now, fully grown and married in another region of Westeros entirely, Joanna could recognize that at least a large part of what dictated her education was her grandfather Tywin's standards. She may not have excelled as Cyrenna did, her sister able to memorize even the smallest details about even minor houses within moments of hearing it, but Joanna had done well for herself. Though actually applying what she had learned was much harder than expected. Trying to speak with the staff of the Eyrie and learn what exactly was expected of her was harder than she'd imagined.Part of her wondered if it was this hard for her mother to adjust to Casterly Rock. She knew that what was expected of ladies of the North was different than all of the South, that her Stark cousins had different lessons than herself and her sister. Joanna wished she could speak to her mother, ask Lyanna how she managed it. How she had adjusted not only to a different climate and region, but to motherhood so easily. Joanna briefly thought of sending a letter to Cyrenna to ask her, but her sister was busy in King's Landing and Joanna worried that her sister might read into the query too much and think it was a code.Steeling herself and taking a deep breath, Joanna smoothed the skirts of her dress and left her room, trying to mentally prepare for dinner with the stranger who shared her bed.Sansa rubbed her hands together and tried to ignore the chill in the air. Even though the Dreadfort wasn't too much farther north than Winterfell, it wasn't surrounding by woods like her former home. The imposing castle sat not far from the banks of the Weeping Water river and there was a small mountain range that she could just barely see from the windows in her chambers. The terrain wasn't as barren as the Barrowlands, but to Sansa it was a close thing. If Domeric hadn't properly warned her that she would likely find the weather much cooler than that at Winterfell, Sansa was sure her fingers at the very least would've frozen while she was waiting for her new wardrobe to be finished."Are you doing well?" Domeric asked, watching Sansa closely.They were taking their midday meal in their solar, blissfully giving her a break from her good father.Roose hadn't been present for their wedding, something Sansa hadn't thought much of at the time for nearly a hundred other reasons. It was something she had grown to be grateful for after her first meeting with him. Sansa had put on her brightest smile and behaved like the perfect lady her mother had raised her to be. None of it seemed to please Roose however. He had watched her with those ghost grey eyes and spoke so quietly Sansa held her breath in order to fully hear him. Though he hadn't said anything negative, he hadn't said anything positive of her either. Any impression Roose may have made of Sansa was almost nothing, as though she was so unremarkable he couldn't bother to spare her more than a single thought. If it hadn't been for years of listening to her mother on how to behave around others, Sansa was certain she would've been more visibly upset."Better than yesterday," Sansa said, smiling softly at Domeric."I am sorry the Dreadfort isn't as warm as Winterfell," Domeric said. "Winterfell does have the advantage of being built on hot springs."Sansa gave a soft laugh. "You did give me warning. I think that was more than fair."Domeric didn't return her smile and gently reached across the table to take one of her hands in his own. Sansa thought briefly back to the weeks before their wedding, when their ability to spend time together dropped from nearly everyday to several days with little to no contact. During those weeks Sansa had wondered if they were truly ready to be married. Part of her knew that those thoughts had simply been because she knew she would be seeing Jon soon. Much as she cared for her dear cousin, Sansa knew that both Jon and herself made their choice that fateful night. It didn't matter how either felt, they had duties and lives to tend to.So here Sansa was, carrying out her duty even when she was terrified of seeing Roose."Talk to me, please?" Domeric asked softly."I'm unsure what to say," Sansa said. "This is all very different than what I expected."There was a pause as Sansa waited for Domeric to say something, ask more questions. But he just sat there, soft eyes watching her and thumb gently rubbing the back of her hand."I was raised knowing that one day we would marry," Sansa continued. "The whole of my life has been preparing for this day. I suppose I never truly knew how exactly my life would change once we married.""I suspect part of the blame lies with me." Domeric's voice was soft, yet Sansa still stared at him with surprised eyes. "I'd spent so many years away from home. First with my aunt in Barrowton, then in the Vale, and then finally with you and your family in Winterfell. I suppose I'd forgotten just what it was like in the Dreadfort and I didn't properly help you prepare for your life here. I wish I could've done more to help you then, but I can only hope to do better now that you're here. I know the circumstances surrounding our first few days as lord and lady Bolton were not ideal. My father may not agree with me now, but I'm certain that in time he'll come to see that you'll be a fine Lady of Dreadfort and a wonderful wife and mother. It may take time for us to be fully adjusted and ready to take on these roles, but we shall do it together.""I am his and he is mine," Sansa recited softly. Though their wedding had been in the godswood and before the Old Gods, Domeric knew she shared certain beliefs of her mother with the New Gods.Domeric smiled at her once more, joy lighting his eyes as he lifted her hand to his lips and gave it a soft kiss. "From this day until our last day," he finished.Sansa could feel a bit of warmth in her stomach and she returned her husbands smile. Mayhaps they would be as lucky as her parents to build their love over the years. It seemed a wholly wonderful idea to her.Myrcella stared at the letter with a confused smile. It had only been a month since Aegon and Rhaenyra's wedding, the same night at Jaehaerys sent her a letter asking about every last thing she could possible share about her new life in Winterfell. Despite her surprise Myrcella had responded carefully, only sharing small details about her day to day life and how kind the Starks were treating her. Truthfully she had put plenty of emphasis on how well her treatment at the hands of her future family had been, in the event of her letter being intercepted as she suspected it would be.Yet Jaehaerys responding letter seemed so normal, so ordinary in his complaints of her keeping the interesting things to herself.
I know you've been having more fun with the direwolves than you ever have in the gardens here. At least tell me if they're as soft as they look. Does Robb ever let you play with his direwolf? What about Arya and Bran's wolves? Are they fun to play with? Do they like to play fetch like the hounds father has?
The simplistic requests of her younger brother made Myrcella miss him, an ache in her chest that she suspected would never ease even with time. Though she felt more comfortable in Winterfell, in the heated walls and sleet grey skies of her new home, Myrcella would always find a part of herself missing the Red Keep and King's Landing. There were things she would never miss, could never find within herself to long for; like her brother Aemon, the scheming lords and ladies of court, the exhaustion of having the whole realms eyes on her and her siblings every last movement.Myrcella missed some of her family though. She missed her dear brothers Lyonel and Jaehaerys, her grandfather Tywin, and her beloved grandmother Rhaella. She missed the gardens were she'd play with her brothers and even Cyrenna and Daenerys for whatever moments they could spare between lessons and before they left for Casterly Rock. And for all her Lannister looks, Myrcella was still a Targaryen. She'd been surrounded by dragon skulls and stories since the moment she was born. Her aunt had gifted her a dragon egg she kept hidden in her chambers. There was a part of her that would always long for the ease of access to that side of her heritage.A knock sounded at the door and Myrcella stood quickly, straightening her skirts before saying, "Come in."Arya stuck her head through the door before quickly entering and shutting the door tightly. "You've been hiding."Myrcella frowned for a moment before remembering the midday meal she was supposed to have with the younger Stark siblings. "My apologies, I was not feeling myself this afternoon."The older girl watched her carefully, gray eyes narrowing ever so slightly. "So you missing from the meal had nothing to do with the letter from your sister?""My sister?" Myrcella took a moment to gather herself, eyes briefly drawn to Jaehaerys letter on her bed. "I've not received a letter from Rhaenyra since my family returned to King's Landing. It was a letter from my brother.""Then why would you hide?" Arya crossed her arms. "You love your brothers, at least the ones who would write to you. Why tuck away in your chambers?"Myrcella took a breath and steeled herself. For all of Arya Starks short temper and quick thinking, she was not a physical threat to Myrcella. No doubt the older girl was better trained with swords and sparring, even if she had to hide her training from her parents with the help of her brothers, but Arya would not attack Myrcella without actual cause. Not even in a situation of a petty fight like the ones she'd had with Sansa, at least in the stories Bran had shared from before Sansa's marriage."Your family has been truly kind to me," Myrcella said after another moment. "And it would be understandable if my receiving letters from family members could be cause for concern. Jaehaerys is very dear to me, though he's not the great mind of other family members. I was merely worried that his words may be misunderstood. He is still rather young.""He's the same age as Rickon," Arya shrugged."We both know Rickon is not a great political mind," Myrcella said with a soft laugh. "I doubt he would even want to be."Arya laughed at that and some tension left Myrcella's chest. "I suppose you're right there." Arya moved to sit in a chair near the fireplace. "You could have just told me that. I would have come up with a better excuse for your absence.""You would do that?" Myrcella watched the older girl carefully. From this angle, the fire reflecting off Arya's dark hair and long, solemn face, Myrcella could see a startling resemblance to their late aunt Lyanna."Yes," Arya said simply. "You're going to be my sister in just a few years. Even if you are related to certain people, I don't hate you. You're always kind and I'm certain you'll make Robb happy."Myrcella smiled softly and stared at her hands, keeping herself firmly away from the fireplace and desperately trying to ignore the ever present draw towards the flames. "If I could replace certain people with others in terms if family, I'm sure it would be better for everyone.""Even royalty can't be perfect, I suppose.""May I ask a question, my lady?" Myrcella asked, taking a step closer to the chair Arya sat in."If I may be allowed an observation," Arya said with a wry smile. "That itself was a question, princess."Myrcella shared a smile with Arya before clearing her head and asking, "Why would you offer such a thing with nothing expected in return?"Arya's smile fades and she watched Myrcella carefully, face revealing little and leaving Myrcella feeling stripped bare. "You are to be my sister. It took years before Sansa and I could speak without fighting." Arya paused and took a deep breath. "I suppose I miss her more than I thought I would. And you remind me of her in moments. I don't want to spend more years fighting with another sister."Rhaella would never cease to be surprised by how long she had lived. She'd gone from princess and sister-wife, to queen and mother, to dowager queen and grandmother. There were moments when she would stare at her reflection in a mirror or windows and would count the wrinkles and lines now etched upon her face. There were even times she'd sort through her hair to try and see if there truly was any difference between her natural silver-blonde hair and the gray she'd see within ladies of her own age at court. Rhaella had lived passed her parents, several lost children, and even her own brother. On her bad days, Rhaella felt ancient and exhausted. Even on her good days, she could feel a new ache in her bones that hadn't been present even as little as four years past. Somehow, without her own knowledge, Rhaella had grown old.And now having watched both Lyanna and Cersei grow as mothers for better or worse, she was about to see the process again with their own daughters. Cyrenna was far along and clearly beginning to struggle with just how swollen her stomach had become and Rhaenyra had stopped by just the evening prior to confess of feeling ill around certain foods she had adored, although there would be no formal confirmation for Rhaenyra until she had begun to show signs of a swollen stomach. Both young girls were sitting with her for their morning meal, the sun just barely rising above the sea."How does the babe treat you, Cyrenna?" Rhaella asked, watching the young girl with close eyes."Not as kindly as before," Cyrenna gave a strained laugh. "I hardly slept the past two nights.""I remember those sleepless nights all too well," Rhaella gave her a soft smile. "I'm certain they will pass soon enough.""I suspect that will not happen until the babe is born," Cyrenna said, rubbing her stomach. "Which could still be far off.""Hopefully not too far off," Rhaenyra said quietly, giving her cousin an uncertain smile. "I'm sure you'll be feeling better soon enough."There was a beat of quiet and as Rhaella watched the uneasy peace between the two, she felt a warmth in her chest. After years of watching Cersei tell her children never to trust Lyanna's children and that their Lannister cousins would harm them if given the chance, it was nice to see one of the elder three breaking from that mindset even if only for a single meal."Thank you," Cyrenna smiled softly at her cousin. "I can only pray you will be blessed with easy pregnancies when your time comes."Rhaenyra nodded and looked to her stomach before moving to pick at the food on her plate. "We shall see.""Have you and Willas given any thoughts to names?' Rhaella asked."Many times," Cyrenna nodded. "Although we've yet to agree on any. He seems convinced we'll have a daughter.""And you think it'll be a son?" Rhaella asked."I hope it will be," Cyrenna said. "It would be good to give him an heir to House Tyrell. I know he has brothers who could continue the line should we only have daughters, but-""I understand," Rhaella said. "The two of you have time. There's no need to worry yourself more than necessary, especially with how far along you are."Rhaenyra began to run her fingers through her hair, tugging at the ends with a harsh movement. Her eyes caught Rhaella's and she gently reached a hand across the table towards her granddaughter."Is ought amiss?" Rhaella asked.Rhaenyra shook her head before balling her hands into fists and shoving them onto her lap. "I'm not certain I'm well."Rhaella nodded slowly, used to Rhaenyra's frustration with explaining her thoughts especially when tired as she looked to be. Judging by the mild confusion and curiosity on Cyrenna's face, the Lannister daughter had yet to see this part of her cousin."Is it your stomach?" Rhaella asked."No," Rhaenyra shook her head again, the movement more sharp this time. "I don't know how to...why it..." Rhaenyra broke off with a frustrated noise and Rhaella sat still, waiting patiently for her granddaughter to reach a moment of calm."Take your time, sweetling," Rhaella said softly, voice close to a whisper. "There's no rush to speak."Cyrenna caught Rhaella's gaze, gray and amethyst meeting with a silent look of understanding crossing Cyrenna's eyes. The younger girl looked ready to comfort her cousin when she inhaled sharply a a look of pain crossed her face.Rhaenyra's eyes snapped up to look at her cousin, fear clearing the usual haze Rhaella was so used to seeing. "She needs help," Rhaenyra whimpered."Rhaenyra, can you wait with your cousin while I fetch a servant?" Rhaella asked, swallowing back any panic she was feeling.Rhaenyra's eyes never left her cousin, but she nodded slowly. Rhaella quickly stood and rushed to her door, stopping a young maid and telling her to fetch maester Pycelle. When she returned to the room Rhaenyra had moved away from the table and was tugging at the ends of her hair sharply while Cyrenna was now holding her stomach with one hand, the other tightly gripping the table to steady herself. She moved to kneel beside Cyrenna and gently rubbed her arm."Just try to breathe, sweetling," Rhaella whispered. "I know it hurts, but try to focus on breathing. We can worry about the rest later, just try to breathe."Cyrenna nodded and gave a whimper as her grip on the table tightened, her knuckles turning white. "It's hard.""I know," Rhaella said, sparing a glance at Rhaenyra who was now wrapping her arms around herself as she shook her head. "But you're strong. You are Lyanna Stark's daughter. I know you can do this."There was a moment of silence when Rhaella knew there was a break between the birthing pains. The door slammed open and Rhaenyra whimpered as she crouched to the ground. Rhaella stepped aside as Pycelle moved towards Cyrenna, Willas Tyrell shortly behind him with a tight grip on his cane."When did the pains begin?" Pycelle asked."Roughly four minutes ago," Rhaella said, moving towards Rhaenyra who was watching with wide and frightening eyes. "We still have time, but the way she reacted...I worry it may not be easy for her."Pycelle gave her a look and Rhaella felt every bit of courage rising as she gave the old man a sharp look. She knew better than anyone that there were people within the Red Keep that were loyal to Tywin and not her son. She could not begrudge Tywin for wanting someone who would put priority on his daughter while she was carrying children. It would be a poor time for Pycelle to switch loyalties when Tywin's granddaughter would be suffering. Rhaella had dealt with her fair share of births that went horribly wrong and she could feel it in her bones that this was a similar circumstance."She'll need help as I did," Rhaella said sharply.Pycelle nodded and motioned for a guard to pick Cyrenna up. Willas had jerked forward as though to help before remembering his leg. As they left Rhaella sent a quick prayer to the Mother for ease and comfort for Cyrenna during what would no doubt be a dark few days.It was three days before Rhaella heard anything about Cyrenna or her child. She had heard the screams from the room Cyrenna was in and did her best to keep Lyonel, Jaehaerys, and Ethan from overhearing too much. Rhaella had worried that Cyrenna wouldn't survive, praying near every hour to the Mother and hoping that the gods would be kinder to Cyrenna than they had been to her.In the end it was Rhaenyra who told Rhaella of what happened."She survived," Rhaenyra said, voice deadly quiet and near impossible to hear.Rhaella took a deep breath and nodded. "And the child?"Rhaenyra tugged on her hair and forced herself to take a deep breath. "It was twins originally. The boy didn't survive.""A daughter?"Rhaenyra nodded slowly.Rhaella steadied herself and gently reached out to touch her granddaughters arms. "Would you be willing to accompany me in seeing your cousin?"Rhaenyra nodded and Rhaella felt herself hope that mayhaps there would be some good to come from this whole messy affair that was the Targaryen and Lannister children.When the pair reached the chambers Cyrenna and Willas were staying in Rhaella tightened her grip on Rhaenyra's arm. For better or worse, Rhaella would be the only one in this moment to give Cyrenna any kind of comfort having lived through the loss of children. Though it did not stop her from relieving the pain of every lost child.Willas opened the door and quickly let them in before pulling Rhaella aside and whispering, "She hasn't spoken much. I suspect she hasn't processed what happened in full yet."She smiled and gently patted his cheek, "Leave that to me. Go, spend time with your sister. You look like you need cheering as well."Willas gave her a soft smile and bowed before kissing her hand and quietly slipping out of the room. Rhaella smiled softly as she realized just how lucky Cyrenna had been to marry a gentle and kind soul. When she and Rhaenyra approached Cyrenna were she sat on her bed, her heart ached for the young lady.Cyrenna was in a dirty nightgown with her golden curls in a tangled mess and her gray eyes staring out at nothing with a hollowness Rhaella knew far too well. She only looked at them when Rhaella gently cleared her throat. Cyrenna's posture corrected itself and she tidied herself as best as she could while mumbling through her usual courtesies."There's no need for that, sweetling," Rhaella said, taking a seat beside the bed. "We're here to visit you and see how you're faring.""Thank you, your majesty," Cyrenna said, head bowed slightly as she played with her hands. "But you should not have wasted your time. I'm afraid I'm not good company at the moment.""You shouldn't be," Rhaenyra said from just behind Rhaella.Cyrenna looked up at her cousin and all pretense of the perfect Lannister daughter slipped away. For the first time since Rhaella had met the young girl, she could see behind the mask Cyrenna trained herself to wear each day. In this moment there was no former queen, or princess, or lady in the room; it was just three women who'd witnessed a horrible fate. No mother should bury her child, Rhaella thought. Gods be good they will never experience this pain again."I don't think I've slept since," Cyrenna whispered, voice cracking at the end. "Willas tries to help, but...""He means well," Rhaella said, taking Cyrenna's hand in her own. "Though he will never fully understand exactly the pain you're experiencing.""I don't know how to talk about it," Cyrenna said.There was a moment of silence before Rhaenyra spoke up, "Would you feel better if I told you that the servants are already saying your daughter is the prettiest baby they've ever seen?"Rhaella and Cyrenna looked at Rhaenyra as she moved to sit on the other side of the bed. It wasn't an unusual comment. Rhaella had a feeling that Cersei would no doubt express her hatred of the opinion of the maids who said such. But it was the lack of heat and anger in Rhaenyra's voice that took Rhaella by surprise. She wasn't fully certain what happened after the wedding, but something transpired between these two girls that meant Rhaenyra was no longer spoke about her cousin with bitterness in her voice. Rhaella wouldn't take this for granted, even if this peace was only temporary between the young girls. But it was a good sign of the possibility of them pulling their families away from war."I haven't seen her yet," Cyrenna admitted quietly. "Maester Pycelle took her away shortly after and Willas said they've had wetnurses watching her while I rested.""She's resting in the next room, if you'd like me to bring her to you," Rhaella offered. "I think it would do you and her good to see one another."Cyrenna sat quietly, thinking over the offer before nodding and giving a shy smile to Rhaella.The older woman swiftly stood and walked over to the next room where a small basinet sat in the shade, a small covering over it to keep out any sunlight or heat. Rhaella lifted the covering slowly and smiled at the small baby that stared back at her. The little girl had a small tuft of brown curls atop her head, a button nose similar to that of Margaery, and bright, vibrant gray eyes watching Rhaella with caution. Once again Lyanna Stark's eyes found their way back into the world and Rhaella felt a pang of sadness thinking of Lyanna. She'd been fond of the girl and wished she could've lived to see her grandchildren.Pushing the thought aside, Rhaella gently picked up the babe and walked her slowly into the room where Cyrenna was quietly explaining how to untangle her hair to a fascinated Rhaenyra. The softness between them truly was a wonderful sight. She cleared her throat softly and watched as both girls turned to see her, Cyrenna's hair dropping the comb she was holding and mouth falling open as she saw the small baby in Rhaella's arms."She was awake when I entered," Rhaella said softly as she walked towards the bed. "I suppose she wished to met her mother."Cyrenna reached her arms out but quickly tucked them away when they wouldn't stop shaking. Rhaella sat beside her on the bed and showed Cyrenna her daughter, gently instructing Rhaenyra to help her with showing Cyrenna how to hold her. Just as Rhaella suspected, once her daughter was in her arms Cyrenna quickly adjusted to what was no doubt second nature after holding her younger siblings over the years. Twin gray eyes met one another and Cyrenna let out a chocked sob that turned into a small laugh."She's so tiny," Rhaenyra said."Most babies are," Rhaella said, refusing to think about the little boy who would've been about the same size had he lived. "I remember you saying that you and Willas had spoken of some names a few days ago. Have you settled on one yet?""Yes," Cyrenna whispered, gently tracing a finger down her daughters cheek. "Willas actually chose it and seeing her now, I cannot complain. It suits her.""What's her name?" Rhaenyra asked, purple eyes watching the tenderness between mother and daughter with a sense of longing."Alysanne."
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Ethan hadn't seen Cyrenna in nearly a fortnight since she gave birth. He didn't fully understand what birthing bed entailed, but he'd heard enough to know it wasn't a pleasant experience. Briefly he wondered if he should've been present for his sister while she labored. But after hearing from servants just how difficult the birth had been for Cyrenna, Ethan was glad he'd stayed away and done his best to continue his duties for the day. However today would be an important day.Today Cyrenna would be presenting her daughter before the king and court, a notion that Ethan though strange for those not apart of the royal family themselves. Although his grandfather would tell him not to mock or scoff traditions like this. After all, traditions were what kept the nobility separate from the common folk and as Tywin loved to remind his family; the lion does not concern himself with the opinions of the sheep. So Ethan rose early that day and dressed in a well worn tunic with a roaring lion emblazoned on the chest. He hadn't managed to properly tame his curls, but he'd gotten them into a state that was nearly presentable. Ethan looked at himself in the mirror and his mind flashed back to faint memories of his mother.If he closed his eyes and truly focused his mind, Ethan could imagine Lyanna standing behind him and straightening out his clothes while humming a Northern lullaby. He could see her smiling down softly at him and tickling his sides when he tried to make his face serious like his father or older brother Jon. When Ethan opened his eyes, staring at himself and the empty space behind him in the mirror, he felt his heart break once more. He'd been so young when he was sent to King's Landing to one day become a squire to the king himself and Winterfell was the last time he'd been able to be with his mother before her murder. It had hardly been a year since Lyanna had been murdered and Ethan could feel himself forgetting certain details about his mother.Despite everything, it still hurt.Shaking his head, Ethan fixed his appearance one last time before making his way to the throne room were court was already in session. Some lords and ladies looked at him with thinly veiled intrigue or disgust, torn between showing respect for Tywin Lannister's grandson and ignoring the boy with the Northern looks and temperament. Ethan ignored them, holding his head high as he made his way to where Lyonel was watching with wary green eyes and a slight slouch to his posture."I'm assuming my sister has yet to arrive," Ethan said to the young prince as a greeting."Soon," Lyonel confirmed. "I believe grandfather gave her strict orders to wait until nearly all other important matters had been discussed before the king.""If she's not here than how can she possibly know when the important matters are over and done with?" Ethan asked, furrowing his brow."I suspect the same way grandfather knows whenever one of us so much as thinks of misbehaving." Lyonel turned to his cousin with a wry smile. "Must be a Lannister trait."Ethan smiled and rolled his eyes, ignoring the voice in his head that reminded him what poor manners that action was.Sure enough, after what felt like hours and any exciting news or requests had passed, the doors opened and Cyrenna entered with her husband and good sister, a small bundle in her arms as she made her way to the Iron Throne.Cyrenna's golden curls were styled simply and her dress was regal even if she'd worn it several times before she'd fallen pregnant. She walked with an elegant and regal continence and when she reached the bottom on the stairs to the throne, Cyrenna dipped into a low curtsy that had Ethan wondering just how swiftly his sister recovered from what appeared to be a horrifying ordeal."Your Grace," Cyrenna kept her eyes trained to the ground as she spoke. "May I humbly present a loyal new subject of your kingdoms, the Lady Alysanne Tyrell."Ethan watched as Rhaegar stood and slowly descended the steps of the throne to meet the Tyrell's were they were still kneeling before him. Rhaegar looked down at Cyrenna and the babe in her arms before gesturing for them to rise.As Cyrenna stood, Rhaegar moved closer to get a better look at the child. Though Ethan couldn't see the king's face too clearly from how far away he stood, he did notice a strange look enter Rhaegar's eye the longer he stared at the babe."May the Seven bless this family and this child," Rhaegar's voice carried throughout the room with ease. "I look forward to watching her grow and come into her own as a noble lady."Cyrenna gave him a bright smile and bowed her head before saying, "You honor us greatly, Your Grace."Cyrenna barely had energy to bring herself back to her chambers after presenting her daughter at court. She'd spent so many years as a young girl watching ladies and even Cersei herself presenting children that she was able to move through the tradition with ease and grace. But now she was back in her rooms and watching as Alysanne continued to sleep peacefully in her father's arms."She truly is beautiful Cyrenna," Willas said, smiling softly at their daughter."I did promise I would do my best, did I not?" Cyrenna kept her tone light and prayed the jest would be accepted."Aye, you did," Willas said. He turned to look at her and his soft brown eyes made the tightness in Cyrenna's chest ease ever so slightly. "I know this has been a difficult time for you. Everything you've gone through has been more than any mother, young or old, should ever face. Despite all that's happened, Cyrenna Lannister remains the most polished lady to walk to Known World.""Cyrenna Tyrell," she corrected with a barely there smile. "I may have been born a Lannister, but the Tyrell's are my family as well now.""Ever the diplomat," Willas said.There was a moment of pause where the only noise came from outside the window and the little coos Alysanne let out as she slept. Willas turned to her with a resigned look. "How long until your grandfather calls for you?""Any moment now, I suspect," Cyrenna said, standing and walking away from the couch her husband sat on towards the nearest window. "There is much to discus."Willas shook his head. "You've hardly recovered. You need more time, dearest."Cyrenna stared out the window and felt the warm breeze upon her face. While she had hoped that presenting her daughter would be her only duty for the day, Cyrenna knew that she must meet with her grandfather. Tywin Lannister waited for no man, not even his own family, and she could not ignore the summons that were no doubt already on the way. Even if Tywin hadn't sent for her, she would've requested a private meal with him. Mayhaps it had been lingering birthing fever that brought the thought to the front of Cyrenna's mind. However it was truly worth mentioning if it was something that could be used for the future safety of the legacy Tywin had poured his whole life into carefully crafting. Anything to keep House Lannister holding onto their lands and titles would be better than nothing should the worst come to pass and war break out."As you said, I'm a diplomat," Cyrenna projected humor into her voice even as she continued to face out the window, away from her small family. "I've done my duty to House Tyrell today. However, I still have a duty to House Lannister. Especially now."Willas let out a long sigh and Cyrenna prepared herself for the potential argument. She was in a precarious situation. She had been her whole life. Her mother was the object of not one, but two kings obsession. Her father and aunt had such a strained relationship that no matter how hard Cyrenna tried to foster good will with her cousins growing up, she was only able to do so now as an adult and mother. She had spent most of her childhood away from her siblings and parents, only for her return to be cut short. Her wedding had been during the trail concerning her mothers murder."What exactly is it your grandfather wishes to discuss with you?" Willas asked softly."It could be anything," Cyrenna said. "Mayhaps he wants to be certain I can help my brother with better adjusting to court before we leave for Highgarden once more."Neither pointed out the very likely chance that it would be a long time before they were able to leave for Highgarden.Cyrenna turned to face her husband, about to say something, anything, to ease Willas' mind and reassure him. A knock on the door and a timid servant interrupted and Cyrenna put on her best smile as she accept the summons from her grandfather. She briefly stopped by the couch before leave to drop a kiss to Alysanne's head and sharing a chaste kiss with Willas.The Tower of the Hand was always a magnificent sight for Cyrenna. Even as a child going to near daily meetings with her grandfather to help train her in the finer art of politics, no matter how difficult Tywin was to please, Cyrenna enjoyed those meetings. Climbing the stairs to Tywin's solar, Cyrenna felt herself slip back into the comforting memories of each meeting. Her grandfather was stern, some would say impossible, but he cared for his family. At the very least, Tywin cared for Cyrenna and her siblings."Enter," Tywin's voice called out the moment Cyrenna approached the door.Cyrenna entered, carefully closing the door behind her and smoothing the skirts of her dress before looking up at her grandfather."I've heard nothing but praise for how you conducted yourself during Alysanne's presentation," Tywin said from his spot behind his desk, green eyes watching her carefully. "Once again, you've represented House Lannister near perfectly.""One day it will be perfect," Cyrenna said, taking a seat across the desk. "We must live up to our reputation."Tywin nodded and set aside the papers he was going over, giving her a look that was nearly soft and kind if you knew what to look for."I trust you've been recovering well," Tywin said."As well as one can," Cyrenna said. "The Dowager Queen and princess have been wonderful company."Tywin raised and eyebrow and Cyrenna held back a smirk of pride. "How is your cousin?""Rhaenyra's well," Cyrenna said. "She seems to be happy to spend afternoons with me on days I'm well enough for company.""I was hoping the two of you would become close upon your return," Tywin said. "You're a good influence on her. Now, one of your maids mentioned you had something to speak to me about.""Yes," Cyrenna sat up straighter, keeping her hands tightly clasped in her lap as to not fidget with them. "I've had plenty of time alone lately and it's given me ample time to think on certain things. Some of which I wanted to know you opinion on. In truth I've been thinking about this specifically."Cyrenna unclasped her hands and gently slid a piece of paper across the desk to Tywin. If Cyrenna was correct then this information was better not spoken aloud and she'd rather risk a simple note that could easily be burned than any of Varys little birds repeating the information back to him. She watched carefully as Tywin picked up the slip of paper with her notes and looked back at her with careful eyes."How exactly did this information come to mind," Tywin lowered his voice to a whisper."As I said, I spent plenty of time thinking, primarily of ways to keep our family safe," Cyrenna said, her voice lowered. "One thing that kept coming back to my mind was what had been set up for myself, my siblings, and our cousins. You've done wonderfully for our family and house, and though I never had the chance to meet him, Rickard Stark managed to do well securing his legacy as well."Cyrenna watched her grandfather closely as he continued to look over the paper. She'd written it quickly that morning before having to ready herself for court. Part of her worried that she'd missed something, but the longer the silence stretched out the more Cyrenna knew Tywin was thinking about what this simple slip of paper could mean."You believe this?" Tywin looked up at her."I do," Cyrenna said. "If I'm correct, then this could benefit us. You and Rickard had a similar thought process when it came to your children."Tywin took a deep breath and Cyrenna knows that this is the most dangerous part. "Does anyone else know?""You were the first person I came to," Cyrenna said. "That doesn't mean that someone else may not know. If anyone else suspects I would say Myrcella."There was another beat of silence and Cyrenna saw the moment her grandfather latched onto every bit of information on the slip of paper. "I suppose it's been too long since I've sent letters to my dear granddaughter. And I'm certain she'd love to hear from her cousin."Myrcella had been surprised to see a letter with the Tyrell sigil for her. She was more surprised when she realized it was from Cyrenna, quickly hiding the letter as she retreated to the godswood.For half a moment Myrcella stared at the letter confused. It's message merely simply queries about how she was settling into Winterfell and how the Starks were treating her. It wasn't until her third read through that Myrcella noticed the hidden message from her cousin and a startled laugh escaped her throat."You always were the brightest among us," Myrcella whispered, a small smile forming.A throat cleared and Myrcella quickly tucked the letter down the front of her dress before turning around to see Robb standing mere feet away."My apologies, my lord," Myrcella said. "You startled me.""I did not mean to," Robb apologized. "And I do believe you agreed to call me by my name.""That I did," Myrcella gave a small nod."Are you well?" Robb asked, frowning as he took a step forward. "You look faint.""Merely thinking," Myrcella said. "I fear I've been neglecting spending time with you in favor of your siblings.""I don't blame you," Robb said, his gaze softening slightly. "You are closer in age to them. It would make sense that you wished to be accompanied by those you share things in common with.""Yet we are the ones to be wed," Myrcella took a deep breath. "I doubt we can spend all our days avoiding one another after nights of martial duty.""That's still many years off," Robb said with a startled chuckle.Myrcella felt a laugh bubble out of her. There were rare moments where she could see the formality slipping away from Robb when they were together and she found herself beginning to cherish them."It would be better to start knowing one another now, rather than waiting until it may be too late," Myrcella said, allowing herself to relax. "I know of your family and yourself, but I don't know you personally."Robb's frown returned for a moment. "Why do I sense that you mean something else entirely?""I suppose I still speak as though I'm back in the Red Keep," Myrcella said. "I oft forget there's no need to speak in riddles in the North. I merely meant that my whole life has been spent learning of your House. Of how long the Starks have been leading the North, of how your parents made the best results of their match just as your aunt did with hers. Of how close your father is with Lord Baratheon. I've only been taught the large and broad strokes of the history of your family. I wish to know you as an individual as well."Robb took a deep breath and after a moment smiled softly at her. "I think that's something we can arrange. I do believe it's time for our afternoon meal. Might I be allowed to accompany you?"Myrcella's smile felt more genuine than any had in weeks and she took Robb's offered arm as they left the godswood.She briefly sent a prayer of thanks to her dear cousin for the gift of knowledge in the letter. It seemed the late Lord Rickard had been playing the long game and it could pay off even many years after his passing.
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Dany had wept same as her good family when they received word of the birth of Cyrenna's daughter and the loss of her son. She and Jon had spent the whole day with their twins, holding them close and cherishing their smiles and laughter and not quite fully formed words. Though there had grown some distance between the pair after Jon's journey North and the death of Lyanna, the distance nearly vanished after reading the letter from Cyrenna.They stood over the cribs of their children in the nursery, watching them sleep and Dany's heart broke for her good sister."I cannot imagine the pain they're going through," Jon whispered, hand gently running a hand over little Lyanna's dark curls.Dany's mind went back to stories of her own mother's trouble with children and the birthing chambers. "No parent should loose a child. Your father would agree on that."After reading the letter form his second eldest daughter Jaime had postponed all duties for the day and spent the afternoon with Tion, Beron, Serra, and Geremy in the gardens. There had been a somber air about Jaime and Dany hadn't wished to be in his shoes; so far away from his daughter who was living through the same pain he had gone through and unable to comfort her in her time of need."Have you spoken to her beyond the letter?" Dany asked."Just once," Jon said. "She seemed to be adjusting well. Cyrenna always was good at sorting through her emotions."Dany took a deep breath, eyes watching her son carefully, before she spoke again. "We should probably talk.""Is that not what we're doing now," Jon tried joking.To his credit, it did get a smile out of Dany. "I was thinking of topics other than shared family tragedies."Jon nodded, leaning down to press a soft kiss to Lyanna's forehead before the pair left and journeyed quietly to their shared chambers. Once inside Dany sat on the edge of their bed, hands gently clasped in her lap. Jon remained standing, arms hanging limply at his sides as though he was unsure of where to put them. It was a strange sight that made Dany think back to when they were children, Jon still learning to be sure of himself and grow into his confidence."Was there a specific subject you wish to talk about?" Jon asked."In a sense," Dany took a deep breath. "I won't insult your intelligence by assuming you haven't noticed the distance growing between us."Jon sighed and dropped his head for a moment before raising it again to look at Dany. "I had hoped it would not happen at all. It was never my intention, I swear it."Dany nodded. "I assume there was another woman who pulled you affections.""I won't insult you by denying it," Jon's voice was soft as he spoke. "You should also know, I have not and will not disrespect you by acting on these affections or ever straying from you. You deserve far better than an unfaithful husband."Part of Dany was taken aback by his words. She wasn't naïve enough to think that there would be a complete absence of affairs and mistresses in her marriage. Dany knew her father was cruel in his attentions to more than just her mother, knew that there were whispers of dark haired servant girls ushered to her brother's chambers the longer he was married to Cersei, knew that Cersei herself was rumored to take a lover or two when Rhaegar was more dismissive of her than normal. Dany had always hoped that if Jon did take another woman to bed, he'd at the very least have the courtesy to be discreet about it. But to hear that Jon never had any intentions of doing so, it was a rare notion that she wasn't quite certain how to process."Is there any chance of you seeing her again?" Dany asked. Despite his words, part of her worried about this mystery woman being anywhere near their home, their children."Not in this lifetime," Jon said with a humorless laugh. "She's nowhere near the Westerlands."Dany nodded again and began to fiddle with her hands in her lap, silently cursing herself for letting her anxieties get the better of her. "You still love her."There was a pause before Jon sighed, rubbing a hand against his forehead. "What I feel for her doesn't matter. I made my vows to you before the High Septon, the New Gods, and the whole of the Seven Kingdoms. From this day to my last day. I will be by your side, Dany. Anything else will not matter.""It does matter though," Dany groaned, dropped her face into her hands for a moment before looking back at Jon. "You care for her still.""I care for you," Jon said. "I love you.""But you're not in love with me," Dany said, desperately trying to keep from screaming her frustrations. "There's still a difference.""I won't lie and say I'm not," Jon said, slowly walking towards the bed and kneeling before her. "But I've made my peace with what happened. I'm married to you. I have children with you. Knowing that I will likely never see her again and that I have a separate life from her, I won't say it was easy to make peace with, but I did.." Jon gently took her hands in his own and then looked her in the eyes, steel grey meeting amethyst. "I may one day fall in love with you. I certainly hope that day will come. You are still a princess and I would not stoop so low as to disrespect you by taken another woman to my bed while married to you. You deserve better than that. Whatever you may believe about my affections for you, please believe that I would not do such a thing to you."Dany stared at Jon and saw the sincerity in his eyes and felt the desperate way he held her hands tightly. She knew it would be foolish to believe him on nothing but his word alone, but Jon was still Lyanna Starks son. Despite his Lannister name, Stark honor ran strong through him and his siblings. She'd seen it in action far more times than she could count. Yet Dany found herself nodding to his words and letting him raise her hands to his lips for a kiss. Dany closed her eyes and prayed to every god there was that her husband was being truthful and that he would not betray the trust she was placing in him.Jon had begun to steadily increase the time he was spending with Dany, not just being present when little Lyanna and Lyle were there as a buffer. He had begun to spend more meals with her and sit with her during quiet afternoons while they both read. It wasn't much in the grander picture, that Dany could admit, but it was an effort that had been previously lacking and for that she was grateful. There had even been a day set aside for the two of them to merely sit in one of the gardens overlooking the Sunset Sea and just exist together. Dany had asked about plants she'd long since forgotten that were specific to the Westerlands and Jon in turn asked about any bits of Targaryen history she was willing to share."Do you regret not giving our children Targaryen names?" Jon had asked, watching her carefully.Dany had thought about it for what felt like forever before taking a deep breath and answering, "They'll never carry the Targaryen name and if the Stark genes continue to overpower my Valyrian blood, than I suppose they'd look rather strange with Targaryen names.""Continue to overpower your Valyrian blood?" Jon gave a her a surprised smile."I wished my whole life to have siblings closer in age to myself," Dany had confessed. "And you clearly adore all of yours. I would rather that childhood for my children than mine own."It was a small admission and the look of understanding and warmth Jon gave her made Dany wish that mayhaps someday soon there would be more children of theirs running about Casterly Rock.Nearly two full months after their conversation, Dany's fears resurfaced. Despite the distance between herself and Jon steadily growing smaller, there were still moments when Dany would catch him staring out of windows or looking at their children with a strange look in his eyes. She knew that his promise no doubt included never fathering any bastards, but Dany was beginning to feel her mind wander to the faceless woman who held Jon's heart.In a moment of panic she'd written a letter to her mother confessing her fears and asking how her own mother had coped. She'd thrown the letter into the fire before she ever got close to sending it. But after another day Dany wrote another letter with the meaning more hidden in case of any of Varys birds finding it before it reached her mother.The response her mother sent was comforting, but not exactly what Dany had been hoping for.
Every wife has trouble finding her footing, especially when it concerns such matters you discussed. However your husband is kind and honest, a true Northern boy despite his name and title. I would not allow yourself to continue to worry. The problems I faced within mine own marriage are unlikely to ever occur in yours. I pray the Mother and Maiden give you guidance and your children give you comfort. Though I do not always agree with Cersei on many things, she was truthful when she said a mother has no choice but to love her children.
Dany tried to follow her mothers advice, even if she rarely every visited the Sept, not nearly as religious as other members of her family. Though there were still moments when Dany could feel the fears taking hold of her. She'd taken to spending night staring into the fire while thinking of the two dragon eggs she still had left. Those nights it felt as though she could hear the flames whispering to her and guiding her. Dany had yet to act on what she thought she was hearing, but part of her knew that it wouldn't be long before she tried setting the eggs in the fire to see if there was a chance of something happening.Part of her wondered if Myrcella was having similar thoughts up in Winterfell. If the hot springs that castle was built upon would help with leading to that something Dany was still terrified to even think of.Even her dreams seemed to be torn. Most nights were nightmares of a faceless woman stealing Jon away, turning him against their own children and leading him away from Casterly Rock to an unknown land. But others it was of wind rushing past her, her silver hair tangling into knots as she soared high above the clouds and of her sitting in front of a fire with one of her eggs shifting and cracking. More and more Dany was forcing herself to wake earlier and earlier for some small reprieve of her mind and whatever it was trying to tell her.Dany was growing more and more certain of one thing as they weeks dragged on, the fire was far more welcoming than it ever had been and mayhaps she should try and see if it would awaken anything else beyond her Targaryen genes. She was certainly more fond of the black dragon egg in the chest than the golden egg.
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To say Aegon had been surprised when a servant told him that Rhaenyra requested a private midday meal with him was a gross understatement. Aegon had been frozen in shock for a moment before he accepted the request. In the past month since they'd wed, Aegon and Rhaenyra had rarely spent much time together outside of their marital duties that neither were very interested in. Aegon had known going into this marriage that he would not be with the woman he wanted, and the fact that she was still so near and yet impossibly out of reach hurt more than he could ever say. But he'd made himself a promise that he would try to not let Rhaenyra know exactly where his mind traveled to on the nights she stayed in his chambers. He imagined that if it wasn't fair for his mother to have been fully aware who his father was imagining while laying with her, it wouldn't be fair to his sister to know the same.When Rhaenyra arrived Aegon hadn't been fully certain how to greet her. The downside of marrying your sister, he thought. No one prepares you for how to manage that dynamic shift."This is strange, yes?" Rhaenyra asked after a few moments of silence when they sat down in front of the food."It is," Aegon nodded. "It's very strange." There was another pause before Aegon sighed and decided to speak again. "What prompted your request for a meal together?"Rhaenyra gave him an annoyed look at his formality and Aegon did feel a bit guilty putting his own sister at such a distance. "I figured you should be the first to know, I'm expecting."Aegon felt his heart drop into his stomach. His mouth dropped open slightly and his eyes widened before dropping from Rhaenyra's concerned face to her stomach, just the faintest hint of roundness to her stomach. The silence in the room became almost oppressive as Aegon fully understood just what Rhaenyra was saying. They'd successfully done their duty. There was another Targaryen prince or princess on the way. Another generation to sit on the Iron Throne and rule over Westeros. Confirmation that this was truly happening, that there was no way for Aegon to return to treating Rhaenyra like his little sister. Suddenly there was more than that."Why are you telling me first?" Aegon's voice was barely a whisper. "Shouldn't you be telling grandmother or mother and father? Hells even grandfather Tywin should know first. He should be told first truthfully."Rhaenyra sighed and began to fiddle with her hands in her lap, biting her lips in a way that almost looked painful."Everything has always been about them," Rhaenyra finally said. "Father and mother are king and queen of all Westeros. Grandmother was queen herself. Grandfather is the most powerful man in the Seven Kingdoms besides father. Is it so wrong I wanted something to just involve us for a moment?"Aegon frowned and stared out the window. A crow flew past the window and Aegon wondered what it would be like to transform into a bird. To fly far from the Red Keep, from King's Landing, from the responsibilities he doesn't want and towards the freedom and even the woman he does. What must it be like, to have no one to answer to besides yourself?"No," Aegon said, voice steady if not very loud. "You deserve to be selfish every once in a while."Rhaenyra's face softened and the constant haze in her eyes cleared for a moment, leaving beautiful amethyst eyes with a bright shine. "I think we might have another month or so before everyone else will be able to tell and have to know. It gives us some time to adjust to everything."Aegon nodded. "I have many questions.""As do I," Rhaenyra sighed. "You first.""I suppose the biggest question; how many children do you want?"Rhaenyra's head snapped up from her food to stare at Aegon and he felt himself begin to flush under her unbroken stare. He'd never felt comfortable with so many eyes on him. A true pity for a boy meant to be king one day."Why are you asking me that question?" Her voice was soft.Aegon frowned at her for a moment. Being the oldest certainly had perks, especially amongst a royal family. But the one thing Aegon always hated about being the firstborn child was just how aware he was of the actual birthing process. He'd been rather young when Aemon had been born, hardly two years old, and yet he was old enough to know that their mother had been utterly exhausted for many weeks after. Cersei had always been rather slow to recover from birthing bed. By the time Rhaenyra had been born, Aegon a tender age of nearly four, he'd known enough to know that his mother needed to be treated gently afterwards. Then came Myrcella and Lyonel when Aegon was eight. By then Aegon had been able to sneak near the chambers themselves when his mother was in labor. He'd never forget the screams that he'd heard from behind those doors. It almost hadn't been worth the siblings he'd gotten, just how exhausted Cersei had looked and how little she was allowed out of her bed for near three months after. He'd been two and ten when Jaehaerys was born and by that point Aegon had begun to pray to the Mother and the Maiden that Cersei would not be so troubled afterwards. All things considered, it had been one of the easier recoveries for their mother, though it was still rather rough.Aegon had known that he could never forced Rhaenyra to potentially suffer as much as their mother had over the years. He'd vowed early on that he would try to be kind and if she ever declared that she was done, then they'd be done. He'd not force her to carry more children than she cared for."Mother and grandmother both had difficulties with both carrying and birthing their children," Aegon simply said. "Why should I tell you what you could and could not handle when it came to the matter. After all, you'll be doing all of the hard work."Rhaenyra continued to stare at him and for a moment Aegon worried his sister had been fearing the worst. That she'd expected him to demand six children as well to keep the Targaryen line strong."Three," Rhaenyra said. "Three will be my limit."Aegon nodded, "Three it will be. Do you want to discus names?""No names shared with notable Targaryens," she said swiftly."You don't want another Aegon or Daeron or Jaehaerys?" Aegon gave a half hearted laugh at the joke."You and I know all to well what being named after famed members of our house does to someone," Rhaenyra said. "Being named after Maegor With Teats does not do good for a person."Aegon thought briefly of telling her that it was their grandfather who named her, that father had tried to champion the name Visenya for her. He doubted that the knowledge would change her opinion. Certainly everyone in Westeros knew what the descendants of the Half-Year Queen Rhaenyra thought of her and her actions. She'd earned her many monikers for a reason."I see no reason to argue there," Aegon said. "I suppose my only question is, do we remain here or do we raise them on Dragonstone? It is our right as I am heir to the Iron Throne."Rhaenyra took a deep breath and bit her lip again. "We can cross that bridge once we reach it. I don't know that I want to leave when I might have a true friend."Aegon raised an eyebrow and smiled at her. "So the rumors are true? You and Cyrenna have been getting along now?"She nodded slowly and frowned. "I don't think she's lying like mother does. If she'd seen her after Alysanne had been born, mayhaps she'd realize that no one could fake that pain."Aegon paused and thought for a moment. "She does have to stay to fully recover and it was a rather traumatic birth. If Cyrenna was able to stay in King's Landing for longer, would you feel comfortable staying?"Rhaenyra watched him closely, the haze slowly returning to her gaze. "If such a thing were possible, yes. But Cyrenna will have to leave for Highgarden at some point.""Not for a while," Aegon's mind was turning quickly. If all goes well, Rhaenyra keeps her friend and I keep the woman I care for nearby. "After all, Lord Mace is in good health and as previously mentioned she needs to recover. We cannot forced her to travel all the way back to Highgarden when she is not back to her full health.""Truly?" Rhaenyra smiled softly, a barely there thing that Aegon enjoyed seeing. Mayhaps this friendship would truly benefit both of them."I'll speak to father about it," Aegon said. "I cannot promise anything, but I'm certain he wouldn't hate the idea. He did enjoy having her here when she served as lady in waiting to our aunt."Later that evening when Aegon finished speaking to Rhaegar about the idea of Cyrenna staying as long as she need for Rhaenyra's benefit, he felt something within him settle.
I may not have the freedom of a crow, but mayhaps I could have a larger cage. Just enough to keep me from truly going mad.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Rhaegar had long since come to terms with the fact that his life was not going exactly as he'd hoped when he was younger. He may be king and father to four sons and two daughters, but nothing had gone as he'd planned. There was no sister for him to marry, his relationship with his father had slowly deteriorated over the years as Aerys madness grew, neither himself nor his sons seemed to be the subject of the dreaded prophecy he'd read all those years ago, shortly after celebrating a decade of marriage to any lingering fondness between himself and Cersei vanished nearly overnight, his younger daughter could hardly hide just how eager she was to leave King's Landing and her family, the woman who he loved had been murdered by his own son, and now his eldest and youngest child came to him with different requests that Rhaegar didn't know how to respond to. Whatever plans Rhaegar had laid out for his life had been tossed to the side and laughed at by the gods as they sent him down path after path that seemed to only ever lead to sorrow and exhaustion. He vaguely recalled overhearing his mother and Barristan Selmy talking when he was but eight and ten and the great knight saying that it seemed Rhaegar had been followed by a cloud of melancholy. Distantly Rhaegar thought that the older man had been correct.Rhaegar found himself desperate to spend just one day as not King of Westeros, but rather as just a man. It was how he came to spend a midday meal with his mother, Rhaella insisting it be held in the balcony outside her own chambers for both fresh air and a sense of privacy they might not share in Rhaegar's own solar."Darling, you've drifted again." Rhaella's smile was kind as Rhaegar was brought back to the present, to the warm breeze washing over the pair and the delicious aroma of their meal."My apologizes," Rhaegar said. "I try not to.""You never were successful, even as a child." Rhaella shook her head and looked over the balcony to the gardens below.Rhaegar found himself taking in every detail about his mother that he could. Her soft silver blonde curls, the dazzling amethyst eyes, her soft button nose. Rhaella Targaryen had always been a beautiful woman and it was a joy to see her now over a decade removed from the weight of Aerys abuse."I do suspect I passed that trait onto Jaehaerys," Rhaegar said, taking a small sip of wine. "If he's not following Lyonel or Ethan about, he's oft found lost in a book or his own world."Rhaella laughed. "For a younger prince that's not uncommon.""Yet hardly a desirable trait in the firstborn and heir to the throne," Rhaegar teased, glad to see the laugh lines around Rhaella's eyes appear."You've managed just fine," she said as she turned back to him. There was a soft pause before she spoke again. "Tell me truthfully Darling, what troubles you so to seek me out?""Can I not wish to spend time with you merely as mother and son?" Rhaegar asked, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. He still thought it odd that despite his own throne being made of melted swords of conquered men, he could still find himself struggling to sit anywhere without discomfort setting in."You are allowed, yes," Rhaella said. "You will always be my eldest son and my darling boy. But you are king.""And you curtsy when I enter the same room as yourself." Rhaegar sighed. "Do you know, that was the first time it truly set in?""What was?"Rhaegar turned to look his mother in the eyes and gave a sad smile. "The first time you curtsied to me after father died, that was the moment it truly set in that I was king. Not just prince and heir apparent, but the actual king. For the first time in my life, I had no equal and no one who outranked me."Rhaella reached across the table and gently held Rhaegar's hand, smiling softly at him. "It was a jarring thing, that whole month leading to Aerys death. But you were more than ready to become king and accept the responsibilities of the role. You've proven yourself as king since. I am proud of you Darling."He smiled softly at the childhood nickname. Rhaegar couldn't recall when the nicknames began, only that they'd been present long enough for him to enjoy whenever his mother would use it in place of his given name. Rhaella had a habit, it seemed, of calling her children and grandchildren by names other than their own, all affectionate in nature, that they'd learned to respond to. Rhaegar had been Darling, Viserys had been Sunshine, and Daenerys had been Dove. Aegon was Precious, Rhaenyra was Blossom, Myrcella was Lady, Lyonel was Sweetling, and Jaehaerys was Peanut. Since Winterfell though, Rhaella had stopped using Aemon's nickname of Treasure."I'm merely doing my best to be better than my predecessor," Rhaegar said."In that, you've succeeded beyond measure." Rhaella laughed. "All can agree to that. Now, no more avoiding my question."Rhaegar sighed, shaking his head slightly before looking at his mother. "I need counsel and there's no one better to help me than you.""I was never a great political mind, that's what your small council is for," Rhaella said."It's not fully political in nature," Rhaegar said. "I need help as a father first, king second."Rhaella smiled softly and patted Rhaegar's hand before letting go and gently folding them in her lap. "What have your children done now?""Aegon and Jaehaerys both came to me two days ago now, to ask very different things," Rhaegar began slowly. "I did not...could not give them answers then and I still don't know if I can now.""What did they ask?"Rhaegar thinks back to his sons, Jaehaerys early that morning with his vibrant amethyst eyes and Aegon later in the evening with those dark indigo eyes so like his own, the way they sat in front of him with straight backs and stone faces. The eldest and youngest Targaryen princes so unalike in every day matters, but so eerily similar in that moment."Jaehaerys is probably the easiest," Rhaegar sighed. "He's got it in his mind that he wants to one day become a maester. He wants to travel to Oldtown and begin forging a chain."Rhaella paused, slightly raised eyebrows the only indication of her surprise. "He's far to young to start now.""As I told him," Rhaegar said. "I said that I would think on it but he could not go far many years.""Then why are you asking me for help with this?" Rhaella was no longer smiling, a serious frown on her face. "You answered wisely for a father. He's too young now and perhaps when the time is right to send him, he may no longer wish to become one.""How do I tell him?" Rhaegar asked. "I don't like delivering bad news.""No parent does," Rhaella said. "I hated every time I had to tell you why what your father was doing was wrong. I hated having to tell Viserys no to his every whim simply because I had no room to say yes at the time. I would much rather have given the three of you anything your heart desired. And, for better or worse, I cannot imagine your wife delivering the news with a gentle hand."Rhaegar shook his head. "No, she would not. Cersei seems content to ignore our children if they aren't behaving how she wishes.""She may not have been meant to be a mother," Rhaella sighed. "However we cannot undo what's been done. I suggest sitting with him in a private place and gently explaining that you cannot say yes for some time. Mayhaps even visit him in his chambers to talk to him. Don't talk as king, but rather as a father. Jae is too young to fully understand, so give him some grace and room.""And if he takes the news poorly?""Then comfort him as he allows you to," Rhaella said, a smile with a sad twinge on her face. "He's young. Let him behave as the nearly seven year-old he is."Rhaegar gave a soft chuckle and nodded before taking a deep, steadying breath. "Aegon is a bit harder.""What does the future king request?""My son, wishes for Cyrenna Tyrell to stay at court indefinitely."There's a long pause and Rhaegar can see the moment the weight of what Aegon wants fully settles in Rhaella's mind."Gods help us," Rhaella closed her eyes and Rhaegar let her have the moment of prayer she was no doubt sending. After a few moments Rhaella opened her eyes, reaching for her glass to swiftly drink the wine that was left. "What did you tell him.""That I could not promise anything," Rhaegar said. "He understands that she needs time to recover from a traumatic event, something you are unfortunately all too familiar with. But his request was under the guise of being for Rhaenyra's benefit more than his own."Rhaella took a deep breath before staring Rhaegar directly into his eyes and switching from Common to Valyrian. "We cannot afford to anger the Lannisters any further than we already have."Rhaegar blinked, taken aback slightly. "I'm not entirely sure I follow your line of thought.""Rhaegar, think carefully here," Rhaella said. "I had to dismiss Joanna Lannister as a lady-in-waiting because of Aerys infatuation with her. Then, after her death Aerys and yourself developed an unhealthy interest in Lyanna Stark. Now, after Aegon's marriage and the birth of Cyrenna's daughter, he is asking to remain close to yet another Lannister woman to whom he is not married and has shown strong infatuation with before. After everything your father did to Tywin and after what your son did to Lyanna in Winterfell, we cannot slight them again. Our houses are on the brink of war as is. Do not give them any reason to suspect we mean further harm to them.""I did not ask for help handling the Lannisters," Rhaegar said, voice not quite at full strength."No, but you need help with this matter." Rhaella stood and walked to the railing, resting her hands upon it and tightly closing her eyes. "I have been praying for what feels as though years, for something good to come out of everything that has happened to our family since we became entangled with the Lannisters. I respect Tywin. I enjoyed Joanna's company. I adored Lyanna. I have wished them and their house nothing but happiness and prosperity. I cannot allow you and your sons to make more of the mess we are already in.""Cannot allow me?" Rhaegar stood, but remained by his chair. "What do you think I've done to create this rift?""Every action you took in regards to Lyanna!" Rhaella snapped, turning towards him with fire in her eyes. "What was it you told me after the first time she visited the Red Keep with Jon at that tourney for Aegon? That you spent a night in her embrace and you believed Jon to be yours?""I did and I do," Rhaegar confirmed, voice sharp."Do you?" Rhaella's glare sharpened and for a moment Rhaegar forgot that he was a man nearly forty and king, all he felt was a small boy who disappointed his mother. "What did the letter to Tywin after their birth say? What did Tyrion say when he arrived and spoke of Jon's children? Nearly entirely Stark features except for bright, Lannister green eyes. If you still had any hope that the impossible timeline was true, that information surely killed it in one swift stroke."Rhaegar took a deep breath and stared at his feet before looking at his mother. "He was supposed to be mine. If it was not myself or Aegon, then it was meant to be Jon."Rhaella's gaze softened for half a moment before she straightened her spine and the kindness vanished. "If you're speaking of that prophecy-""The Prince That Was Promised was supposed to come from your bloodline," Rhaegar snapped. "That's what your father heard, yes? That he would come from your and fathers bloodline. That he would come from mine own. I made my peace with not being that prince many years ago. I had thought mayhaps Aegon was him, but that's proven to be false as well. If it would be anyone living, it would be Jon.""Jon is a boy!" Rhaella walked to the table and slammed her hand against it. "He is a young boy who has recently been thrust into fatherhood shortly after his mother was murdered by your son. If Jon Lannister is anything, it is a boy who does not need anymore Targaryens interfering with his life."Rhaegar shook his head. "It was supposed to be him," his voice barely a whisper."Well he isn't," Rhaella said, her voice gentled for a brief moment. "Have you finally let your delusion go?""You asked me, shortly after Aemon's trial, why I gave the verdict I did," Rhaegar began quietly. "I was holding onto the hope that Jon was mine. If he was then I could claim him, instate him in the line of succession where he belonged, and disinherit Aemon.""You would have traded a son for a son?""Aemon is too much like his grandfather," Rhaegar said. "There is little I can to except keep him within my eyesight and within reach should he try something again. I was unwilling to lose an heir if I could avoid it.""So you regret what happened?" Rhaella watched him carefully as he nodded just barely enough for her to see. "Good. Finally you see some sense."There was another lengthy pause and Rhaegar could feel a weight being pressed against his chest the longer it continued. He'd spend nearly two decades hoping that Lyanna had given him the prince form the prophecy, that she was the one who understood him in a way very few could. And yet here he was. The woman he may have truly loved dead by his own sons hand, her husband and children viewing him with nothing but contempt. Even if Cyrenna hid it well, she held little fondness for her Targaryen cousins."There is nothing we can do now," Rhaella sighed. "This bed have been made, we must lie in it. You cannot force Cyrenna to stay when she needs to return to Highgarden.""If she accepts the opportunity to stay?"Rhaella shook her head, seemingly understanding the second meeting Rhaegar had planned. "Cyrenna has a husband and daughter to think of. She will one day be the Lady of Highgarden and has already spent so many years in King's Landing. She deserves rest and time away. Her husband may not even approve.""What would I say to convince you that this may not end in war?" Rhaegar asked, feeling desperation nearly break through."Release Ethan from the agreement your father forced Jaime into taking," Rhaella said after a moments pause. "Allow him to return to Casterly Rock with his uncle and spend his days with his father, brothers, sister, niece and nephew. Let him be a child safe from court and the politics of it all.""Is that all?""Aegon himself and the Tyrells may suggest a marriage alliance between Cyrenna's daughter and the son Aegon may have in the future," Rhaella said. "Do not allow it. Give what reason you feel you must, but do not allow it to happen. We cannot drag any more houses into this mess.""You're certain this is the best course of action?" Rhaegar asked."As certain as I can be," Rhaella said, shaking her head and staring at the ground. "Seven grant us strength and wisdom to keep from full scale war breaking out."Had Rhaegar not watched Cyrenna grow up, he would not have noticed just how exhausted she was. The young girl was carefully styled with a less extravagant dress of muted crimson and gold and her sunshine curls in a simple Northern style. While Cyrenna seemed only too happy to style herself more in line with the Tyrells in public, it was rather telling that for a private meeting with the king that she chose to remind him of her Lannister and Stark roots. She may not have the same Northern temper as her younger brother, but Cyrenna was a bold woman who appeared unafraid of even the most powerful man in Westeros."I must thank you for accepting my invitation to a meeting," Rhaegar said. "I know you've been having a difficult time recovering."Cyrenna gave a demure smile and Rhaegar was reminded that she was Tywin's favorite grandchild for a reason. "It's I who should be thanking you, Your Grace. You've been a gracious host during this whole ordeal. I know I cannot repay your kindness, but it has not gone unnoticed.""You've nothing to repay," Rhaegar said. "I was not lying when I told you we were family. Mayhaps only by law rather than blood, but you mean a great deal to my good father and my daughter speaks fondly of you now."Cyrenna's smile did not change, though Rhaegar could see something flicker behind those gray eyes and briefly wondered what information she was filing away for later use."I did call you here for a reason," Rhaegar cleared his throat after a moment. "As you know, I've extended my welcome to you so you can properly recover. We've no desire for illness to befall you on the kingsroad back to Highgarden. However there was another matter, a more pressing one to discuss with you. Many years ago, my father and your own struck a deal. Viserys was to squire under your father and Daenerys would join him at Casterly Rock for a time. Then Dany returned with you as lady-in-waiting to her and when the time came I was supposed to have Tion as my squire. Understandably, that did not happen and Ethan came instead.""I remember doing my best to welcome Ethan to court before I left after your sisters' wedding to my brother," Cyrenna said.Rhaegar did his best to smooth over the hurt in his heart at the mention of the boy he still wished was his own. "You did a wonderful job, though it seems your brother takes after the Northern temperament.""We all inherited strange things from both sides of our families and at different intensities," Cyrenna laughed lightly. "I suppose there were only so much lessons on Southron court could do for some of my siblings.""I've been thinking recently about the nature of that deal between our fathers." Rhaegar watched Cyrenna's face closely as he spoke. "For all talk of it being a fair trade and an honor to your family, the more I think of it the more I realize it was merely a way to keep your grandfather and family in line. Tion, and Ethan after his arrival, were meant to be hostages. It seems cruel to continue this folly when there's no reason to do so."Cyrenna's face hardly changed, but Rhaegar did notice another flicker in her eyes, just the barest hint of some emotion to the what he was saying."You're truly kind to include myself in such a conversation and debate, Your Grace," Cyrenna said, her smile subtly replaced with a contemplative look. "However, I fear I am no longer apart of such discussions with my father. He understands that while I'll always consider myself a Lannister, I must align myself with my husbands house. It would not be proper for me to speak out of turn and offer an opinion on this subject.""Don't sell yourself short," Rhaegar said. "Humility is a virtue. But you and I are well aware that even if your father would rather you focus your attentions on House Tyrell, Tywin would never turn down the opportunity to meet with you and hear your thoughts.""If I may, hearing and heading are two very different things, Your Grace." Cyrenna's face didn't change, but Rhaegar was watching her eyes closely for that flicker and held back a smile when he saw it. "I can offer my thoughts and opinions and even council if that is what my grandfather asks of me. But Tywin Lannister crows before no man and no matter how deep his affections for a singular granddaughter are, he will not change his mind merely because I ask it of him."Rhaegar leaned back and waiting for several moments, wondering if the quiet would reveal any more of Cyrenna's intentions. Though no more was made known in that silence, Rhaegar could now confidently say that she would not be eager to steal her brother away if it meant losing an informant at court.Everyone in Westeros wanted something and the Lannisters had never been any different. Rhaegar recalled how the sister of King Jaehaerys the first, Queen Rhaena, had a lengthy visit at Casterly Rock after her brother took the throne during which Lyman and his lady wife Jocasta had spent much time trying to learn all they could about her dragon Dreamfyre and to secure a dragon for themselves as well as an alliance with the Iron Throne. Currently, the Lannisters already had an alliance in the form of two members wedded to Targaryens with children together. Rhaegar could hardly remember if the petrified dragon eggs once given to Daenerys had been taken with her to Casterly Rock after her wedding, but if they had then there was a decent chance that the Lannisters might try to hatch them. Certainly if the eggs did hatch, an unlikely things but Rhaegar could not act as though it were an impossibility, no one could actually bond and ride one save for Daenerys. It wasn't impossible for those not of Valyrian blood to ride dragons, after all that had been a tactic during the Dance of Dragons, but it seemed the beasts only truly listened to the Targaryens who rode them. Even if Jon and Daenerys' children did try to ride dragons should they return, there was no guarantee the bond would be strong enough."You may speak the truth," Rhaegar finally said. "Unfortunately, I doubt anyone will understand just how Tywin Lannisters mind works. Though, if you had a say in Ethan's fate what would you decide?"Cyrenna's face for the first time closed off and there was nothing, not even a mask of politeness and respect, that Rhaegar could read. Rhaegar could only watch and wonder what exactly Cyrenna was thinking as she took a careful amount of time to respond."What I would decide matters not, Your Grace," Cyrenna said, voice even and plain. "Ethan has been spending the majority of his life preparing for the great honor of being a squire under the King of Westeros. To continue to hold him here might be seen, as you said previously, as an attempt to hold a hostage from your wife's house. To dismiss him would be a sign of dishonor upon your wife's house. There is no true answer that a simple lady as myself could offer to a king to try and make sense of this. My grandfather would be the correct person to seek guidance from. Although, I do so appreciate the honor you do me by suggesting I might have the wit and political savvy to sort through such a delicate situation."Cyrenna left shortly after, Rhaegar dismissing her and pouring himself a rather large glass of wine and cursing the subtle genius that was his niece. Truly, Tywin Lannister had trained her well.He was left with no further answers. Merely a suggestion of who the Lannisters and Tyrells were and what a singular one, even if she may be the most intelligent among them, might do. Rhaegar cursed his father and his son for putting himself in such a tangled mess and then cursed himself for not being able to sort through it no matter how he tried. For a brief moment, he was a young boy uncertain if he was truly meant to be king.
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If Cyrenna had learned anything in her time since she'd married Willas, it was that the Tyrells were no fools. From the moment she'd been betrothed to Willas not too many years ago, Cyrenna had been reading up on the history of the Reach and her future family. Despite only being stewards to House Gardner, they'd been smart enough to align themselves with Aegon when he'd come to conquer Westeros. They'd been intelligent enough to remain out of the Dance of the Dragons, choosing to neither align with the Blacks or the Greens. They'd wisely kept themselves clear of trouble since arriving to King's Landing before the royal wedding. Even now, with Cyrenna continuing to put them in a troublesome position due to the nature of her relation to the Targaryens, Willas and Margaery were gaining allies and supporters as though it was easier than breathing. In some ways Cyrenna was reminded of her grandfather and cousins back at Casterly Rock. Truly the Tyrells and Lannisters were cut from similar cloths.Now as she sat for her morning meal with her husband and good sister, Cyrenna could only wonder just how they planned to get closer to the throne. By now she was certain they'd abandoned their original goal of Margaery marrying any of Aegon's brothers."I'm assuming the conversation with Lord Hightower's son did not go as intended," Margaery said, reclining in her chair as she sipped her tea."Ser Baelor is as stubborn as ever," Willas said with a deep breath. "Though he was not the only one on our list."Cyrenna thought back to the list; originally brought up by Lady Olenna when Cyrenna had first fallen pregnant. It was a simple list with names of Houses in the Reach that it would be favorable to make an alliance with and who best to betroth their child to no matter if it be a son or daughter. When Olenna first handed the list to Cyrenna, back when her stomach had barely swollen, and told her that it was wise to continually update it as Houses and families lost or gained members Cyrenna had been stunned. It was a smart idea, a brilliant one even, and Cyrenna wondered, while a physical list might not exist, if her grandfather had a similar one that he continually updated for all Great Houses."Lady Graceford is expecting," Willas said, rubbing his bad leg. "Though we cannot afford to wait until her babe is born.""She was never that high up," Margaery said. "Obviously the Redwynes and Tarlys are out of the conversation.""The current lord of House Meadows has no heirs, which disqualifies them," Cyrenna added. "Have we any news on House Merryweather?""I haven't the chance to talk to Lord Orton," Willas sighed. "The age gap is not too significant between Russell and Alysanne.""It's wise, though I doubt Lady Taena would be overly willing to agree to the match," Margaery said. "I've the feeling she never like our family, myself in particular.""The Caswell's only have daughters, which does us no good," Willas added. "Houses Mullendore and Costayne have no sons within a reasonable age.""Lord Titus Peake and his wife have a son," Cyrenna said. "Though it would be seen as a step down for Alysanne should we offer that match first.""What of House Rowan?" Willas asked. "I know you were becoming close to Lady Bethany, dear sister.""Two daughters and one son," Margaery recited easily. "Though there have been rumors that their son may become betrothed soon to one of the Caswell daughters. Lord Vyrwel did have a son, however he passed from an illness just two months ago.""The new Lord Grimm has no children yet," Cyrenna sighed. "Though Lord Branston Cuy does have a son of barely two years of age.""It seems our options are rather limited," Willas groaned."Our only true options are Houses Merryweather, Cuy, and Graceford," Margaery made a slight face before it disappeared. "Unless something has changed in regards to your cousins."Cyrenna took a long sip of her tea, wincing as it burned her tongue on its way down, before shaking her head. "No and I would strongly suggest no to Alysanne on that front. After several meetings with family over the last few days, I believe our best course of action on that front is to simply wait a bit longer."Margaery watched her with calculating brown eyes before breaking into a sly smile. When Cyrenna was younger and she saw Margaery visit King's Landing from Highgarden, she merely saw a beautiful rose that could charm any who looked her way and seamlessly ingratiate herself to whomever she pleased. It was a shock and relief to the younger girl when she discovered the carefully hidden thorns underneath Margaery's bright exterior."You're certain?" Margaery asked."I'd prefer not to, if only to spare us all potential pain and headaches," Cyrenna began. "However it looks better to have them come to us, which I've little doubt they will."In truth it was a risk. To wait for whatever children Aegon and Rhaenyra might have to betroth a potential daughter to the son Cyrenna and Willas might have in the future. It would buy them more time to not only strengthen her new alliance and friendship with Rhaenyra, but it also served to give Cyrenna and her grandfather time to reach out and solidify those connections her other grandfather began making all those years ago.Cyrenna did feel guilty for hiding that little knowledge and plans she'd made with Tywin from her good family. Yet she couldn't help but feel it was safer to keep this close to her chest."Then let's plan an afternoon meal with your dear cousin," Margaery said.Rhaenyra had felt uncomfortable when she'd arrived to a private garden, expecting to only see Cyrenna waiting for her and seeing Margaery artfully arranging three bouquets from her spot on the picnic blanket with the little baby Alysanne laying in a small bassinet beside her."She wanted to get to know you as I have," Cyrenna insisted when Rhaenyra hesitated. "She means no harm.""She's a Tyrell," Rhaenyra said, thinking back to all the foul things Cersei said about the Tyrells."As am I now," Cyrenna gave her a soft look. "If it truly troubles you, let me know and I can send her away and we'll enjoy an afternoon just the three of us."Rhaenyra thought back to what she and Aegon had discussed. Allowing Cyrenna to stay would mean a high chance of Margaery staying as well. A cruel voice that reminded Rhaenyra of her mother screamed that this was a poor decision to allow a Tyrell so close to a future queen. A second, softer voice calmly said that Cyrenna had proven to be kind and there was a chance that Margaery would be to. So Rhaenyra steeled herself and allowed her cousin to drag her to the blanket underneath the large oak tree."Your highness," Margaery stood to give Rhaenyra a curtsy before resuming her seated position. "Thank you for allowing me to join yourself and my dear good sister for an afternoon meal."Rhaenyra merely nodded once before moving to get a closer look at Alysanne. The small girl had grown a decent amount and it seemed more brown curls had grown atop her head in the short time since Rhaenyra had seen her. She was sleeping, a small stuffed lion clutched tightly in her tiny fist. Rhaenyra almost asked where Cyrenna had gotten the toy, if only to see if they could make a small stuffed dragon for her child."She's grown," Rhaenyra settled for saying, taking a seat beside her cousin."Practically overnight," Cyrenna said with a small laugh. "If she's not sleeping then she's feeding. Truly I don't know how I've slept any since she was born.""Is it that bad?" Rhaenyra asked, eyes widening at the thought."Not necessarily," Margaery said. "Alysanne seems to be a rather even tempered child. I've a cousin at Highgarden who's child rarely, if ever slept, those first three months after being born.""Worry not," Cyrenna offered a sweet smile. "You may share my luck when you have your own children.""That's still a bit away," Rhaenyra said, pointedly not looking down at her stomach. She and Aegon estimated she had another month before needing to tell everyone, if they were lucky that was. "I suppose we will just have to see when the time comes."Margaery handed her a candied orange slice and said, "No doubt your children will be exceptionally beautiful, what with their Valyrian ancestry."Rhaenyra, suddenly feeling at a loss for words merely shrugged and began to play with the ends of her hair; twisting them about her fingers until her hands began to hurt, smoothing them down and then twisting in the other direction before repeating the process. She could imagine her Septa saying that it was not behavior befitting a princess and future queen. After another moment or two Rhaenyra brings herself to say, "My only concern would be naming, I suppose."Cyrenna gave her a kind smile and Rhaenyra felt a small knot in her chest loosen slightly. Not enough to fully relax her, but enough that her movements in twirling her hair slowed."Any coming to mind?" Margaery asks. Part of Rhaenyra recognizes the older woman's tone as kind, but a stronger part of her dismissed the knowledge. "Should we be expecting another Aegon?""Gods no," Rhaenyra said a bit too quickly. "No, we agreed no well known Targaryen names for whatever children we may have.""That's sensible," Cyrenna said, eyes drifting over to where Alysanne was laying. "Part of me wishes we'd made that choice for her. But she does look like her name, if that makes sense.""I've never seen an Alysanne that looked so like one," Margaery teased with a bright smile."What names would you give your other children then?" Rhaenyra asked, watching her cousin closely.Cyrenna's face softened further the longer she stared at her daughter. Rhaenyra had never seen someone look so content. There were moments when Rhaella would send a loving look towards her children and grandchildren that almost looked as fond as this one, but those days were not as frequent as Rhaenyra imagined the Dowager Queen would like. She distantly wondered if Cersei ever looked at Rhaenyra and her siblings that way. If her love for them became so overwhelming that it took her several moments to remember that others existed. If there was ever a time when Cersei was so overcome with emotion that she could do nothing but wait until she was steady enough to engage with the rest of the world. Rhaenyra's heart fell when she realized that she doubted it."I'm not certain." Cyrenna's voice was nearly a whisper. "But I think if we should have another daughter, it would be something soft. Mayhaps something having to due with nature.""And if you should have a son?"Rhaenyra wasn't quite certain why she was so intrigued by what Cyrenna's answer may be, but she couldn't bear to pull away from the quiet moment they were all sitting in."Willas suggested Airk," Cyrenna said. "I never disliked the name.""All names beginning with A's for your children," Margaery's voice was softer with this tease."That depends on if we have more," Cyrenna laughed.By the time the meal ended Rhaenyra felt strange as she walked back to her rooms. She didn't feel quite as heavy as she normally did these days, no increased pressure or fatigue. But she didn't feel quite light either. She just felt strange, walking in more of a daze than normal with no one seeming to be near her. Briefly she wondered if this was how most people felt. If they walked about without what felt like an extra twenty pounds hanging about their neck. Rhaenyra found that she didn't hate the feeling.Cyrenna was busy the day that Rhaenyra's pregnancy was announced at court. She'd barely managed to make it in time to hear, rushing towards the throne room after a meeting with one of her old friends from before her marriage. When she'd arrived, moving to stand beside her brother and grandfather, Aegon and Rhaenyra were already at the foot of the Iron Throne as they made the announcement.There was a moments pause, all of court seemingly holding their breath as they waited for Rhaegar's reaction. Cyrenna kept her mask of passivity firmly in place as she closely watched the king. Ever since she presented Alysanne at court a month ago, Rhaegar had seemed a bit too interested in her daughter. She desperately wanted to be wrong, to only be imagining his interest or misreading it due to paranoia. But Cyrenna had yet to be proven wrong in her judgement of her uncle.Her eyes were drawn to Rhaenyra as Rhaegar finally announced his joy at the soon arrival of his first grandchild. Her cousins face was pale and Cyrenna could just barely see the clenched fists her cousin was hiding in the skirts of her dress. Cyrenna's heart softened at the sight, the memory of announcing her own expectant child at Highgarden still fresh.The two women locked eyes as court joined in the happy news and Cyrenna knew that things would only get much more difficult to manage now that there was this turn of events. Cyrenna sent her cousin a reassuring smile before her attention was pulled to her grandfather."Happy news for the family," Tywin said."A wonderful blessing as well," Cyrenna found herself saying. "And so soon after their marriage. The gods must be smiling upon their union."Cyrenna saw Ethan furrow his brows before turning to them. "We should give them our congratulations, yes?""In a moment," Tywin said. "We have a luxury most of court does not in our closeness to the royal family. Let the smaller houses go first.""Have you given more thought to what we spoke of, grandfather?" Cyrenna whispered, keeping a pleasant look on her face so none would look too closely."In time." Tywin's face revealed nothing even to Cyrenna. Even after all her years training under him while she was at the Red Keep, she'd never been able to see through his mask at court. It was a skill she'd never been able to master, despite her many attempts. "After you speak to your cousin and give her your well wishes, we shall discuss it further. Not a moment before."Cyrenna nodded before grabbing Ethan's hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. "Come, we shall congratulate them together.""But grandfather told us to wait," Ethan protested lightly as he followed his sister out of the throne room."Aye, but we can find them after they leave court," Cyrenna smiled at her brother. "A tip should you continue to help us, never spend time searching a crowded room if you can find the person you seek in a private location not too far away. It'll spare you time and effort."They found Aegon not too far from the doors to the garden, though Rhaenyra was absent. Cyrenna still wore her best smile as she approached her cousin, determined not to let him upset her."Your highness," she called out, dipping into a curtsy when Aegon looked their way."Cyrenna. Ethan. How glad I am to see you." Aegon smiled brightly at them, eyes hardly looking away from Cyrenna's face."We merely wanted to give you our well wishes on the announcement of your soon to be firstborn.""Congratulations are in order," Ethan said, somewhat hesitantly. Though Cyrenna was still proud of her younger brother for the effort he was putting forth."I thank you both," Aegon said. "It warms my heart to know we'll have family so close to us during this time."Ethan snorted and Cyrenna pinched his arm. Aegon may be their cousin, but he was still heir to the Iron Throne and a prince. Courtesy and propriety was still in order whilst interacting with him."I do hope your child brings you as much joy as mine own has," Cyrenna said. "Fatherhood shall suit you well.""Certainly not as well as motherhood suits you."Cyrenna's smile didn't falter. "The Mother truly blessed me.""That was never in question." Aegon took a step closer. "It seems the Seven have always smiled upon you, dear cousin."Ethan cleared his throat and Cyrenna released a breath as her cousins eyes finally moved away from her."Where has Rhaenyra gone to? I'd love to give her my well wishes." Ethan's smile was a touch too large, but Cyrenna could see the effort he was putting forth."Our mother wished to speak to her," Aegon said quickly. "I'm sure all mothers and daughters share a conversation after the daughter begins to swell."There was a pause and Cyrenna steeled herself as Aegon's eyes widened before turning to her. She could see in his indigo eyes that he hadn't meant offense, was merely stating a fact. However the comment twisted like a blade in her stomach.Cyrenna had been waiting what felt her whole life to have such a conversation with her own mother. Yet Lyanna had been gone before she wed. And her murderer still roamed the Red Keep without a care in the world. She doubted that pain would ever dull."My apologies Cyrenna." Aegon's voice dropped to a whisper as he stepped closer to her, turning his body entirely away from Ethan. "I regret any harm or distress I've cause with my poor comment.""There's nothing to apologize for, your highness." Cyrenna could feel her mask slipping, yet she still kept facing forward."But there is." Aegon reached for her hand and squeezed tight enough that Cyrenna could not pull it away without putting in a fair amount of effort. "I fear I will never be able to properly express my sorrows for how you've been wronged. I swear I will do right by you.""A kind offer," Cyrenna said, gently tugging her hand and silently cursing when Aegon did not let go. "However unnecessary it may be. I thank you all the same, your highness."Aegon frowned and finally dropped her hand. "I thought we were beyond formalities, dear cousin.""We really should be going, sister," Ethan's voice cut through the silence and Cyrenna thanked her brother's blunt nature as Aegon took a step back. "We still need to send our well wishes to Rhaenyra before we visit with the Marbrands.""Of course." Aegon nodded at them curtly, keeping his eyes trained on Cyrenna. "I'll leave you to the rest of your day. Though, I would appreciate the opportunity to share an afternoon meal with you Cyrenna.""Hopefully one day soon before I must leave for Highgarden once more." Cyrenna didn't protest when Ethan grabbed her hand and pulled her away from their cousin, the gardens, and court.Once they were a respectable distance away Ethan dropped her hand and turned to face her."How often does he act like that around you?" Ethan's voice was near impossible to hear."Far too often," Cyrenna sighed. "But he has been behaving as such since I first came to court when I was just a young girl. I have grown used to it. He merely caught me by surprise today."Ethan's eyes narrowed and his brow furrowed as he stared at her. For a moment Cyrenna is surprised to see that his expression is more than just familiar. It's the same look their mother wore when she was annoyed. She had to steel herself to keep from sobbing as she thought how strange it was to see something that so wholly belonged to their mother still in the living world with them."I know you and grandfather have many plans in motion," Ethan sighed. "But if needs must, keep me here in King's Landing and return to Highgarden. I can survive longer here and you must remain safe. You still have great things to do and I will not keep you from them just because they may release me from squiring under Rhaegar.""Ethan-""You survived court when you were my age," Ethan cut her off, eyes hardening. "Allow me to serve my time here as you did. I may not have your skills, but I have mine own. I can still be of assistance."Cyrenna smiled as she truly looked at her younger brother for the first time in what felt like years. She was torn. Ethan deserved to spend his childhood in Casterly Rock, running about with his twin and their siblings. He deserved to be raised in their ancestral home. But Ethan was one of the most Northern of all Jaime and Lyanna's children. He may not have full Stark looks as Jon did. But his stubbornness and the rigidity that he was beginning to hold himself with was far more in line with their uncles on their mothers side than their fathers.She hadn't lied when Cyrenna told Rhaegar that there was only so much Southron training her siblings could abide. Despite being raised and kept in the most Southron location possible, Ethan Lannister was ever turning into a Stark."You've no need to prove yourself," Cyrenna reassured him. "You can still return home and enjoy your childhood."Ethan gave her a sad smile, gray-green eyes softening and reminding her so vividly of their mother. "What childhood is left at the Rock if mother is gone?"Cersei had tried to remain composed when she cornered her eldest daughter after her announcement at court. She knew that she should be grateful that there are more heirs to the Targaryen line on its way. But all she could think of was Maggy's words. Forver echoing in her mind.
Two grandchildren you will hold before the Stranger collects you and brings you home.
This child should not be on its way so soon. Cersei could feel her mind spiralling but could not afford to follow it."You need not have rushed," Cersei said. "There was no need for further heirs to this house. Not at the moment.""It was the same time from your wedding to father when you became swollen with Aegon." Rhaenyra furrowed her brow, the ever present haze only seeming to grow more and more as the conversation continued."That was different." Cersei's hands itched for something, anything to do as she stared at her daughter. "There were not as many Targaryens when I wed you father."Rhaenyra looked more confused and uoset and Cersei turned to fill a glass with wine if only to keep from slapping that look of her daughters face. It seemed every day her children grew further and further from her grasp. All save Aemon."It is a good thing," Rhaenyra said. "I must birth the furture king and queen. It would do us well to have them sooner, yes?""You do not understand what it is you've done." Cersei turned away, staring at the wall and feeling two sets of eyes staring at her. The phantom eyes had only begun to follow her recently, but they could not be ignored. Not any longer."I thought you would be pleased," Rhaenyra's voice was soft.For a brief moment Cersei felt pity for her daughter. No woman deserved to have motherhood and children thrust upon them as it always was. Yet Cersei felt betrayal burn deeper in her chest than any affection for her children at the moment. Though impossible for Rhaenyra to know the prophecy Maggy had given her, it still felt deliberate. It was purposeful. There was no safety in her children anymore."I am never pleased with you three these days." Cersei turned back to Rhaenyra and held backa flinch when she saw the figure lurking in the shadows of the room."Three?" Rhaenyra looked hurt at the words. "Just the elder three? Or is it all of us on a rotating scale?"Cersei galred at Rhaenyra. How dare she speak back to me? The woman who gave her life and carried her within myself for months. The woman who struggled to birth her and her siblings. Does she not know all I suffered for her to have a larger cage than most daughters?"You will not speak on subjects you know nothing of," Cersei said in a low and dangerous voice. "If I hear so much as another word against me, I will have you confined to your chambers until that thing is born.""Father would never-""Your father is too busy to even notice you children these days," Cersei snapped. "He would only care should it not be healthy upon its arrival."There was a pause and Cersei saw the haze lift from Rhaenyra's eyes for but a moment before it returned like a portcullis dropping into the earth."Mother, I-""Spare me you false sympathies." Cersei could no longer stand to be in the same room as her daughter, the sting of betrayal making it hard to breath and see straight. "If I want to hear your grovelling, I will let you know. Until then, leave me be. You've done enough damage to your mother this day."As Cersei left the room she felt the phantom figure follow her every step. She knew there was no logical way for this figure to be with her near every moment of the day. Yet Maggy's words continued to ring out, echoing through out her mind at all hours of the day.
Her memory will never leave. She will be there by your side, sharing your steps until you pass. You both began this journey together. It will not end until you join her.
Once safe within her own apartments, no living soul beyond her own taking up the space, did Cersei finally take a moment to fully look upon the phantom.There stood the very image of Lyanna Stark, looking as she had when she was being rushed from the Great Hall in Winterfell. Her raven curls in disarray, clothes torn and bloody from breast to waist, and a wild look in those cold gray eyes. A ghost to haunt me until my death. Was is not enough for that damned daughter to hurry it along?"I grow tired of seeing you." Cersei kept her voice even. "I suspect you grow tired of following me."The phantom Lyanna spoke no words, only continuing to stare at Cersei with poorly hidden rage."Why follow me? Why not follow your precious spwan? Surely you'd want them more."Cersei looked away and began to pour herself a large goblet of Dornish red. "Can't you say anything? Or will I be forced to suffer you image and solence until my death?"The phantom spoke no words but moved to sit upon the plush armchair that Cersei so enjoyed. Cersei saw red and threw her full goblet at the figure only to have it pass through and fly into the fire, making it surge and roar for several moments before dying down again."Why won't you leave me be?" Cersei could feel a touch of desperation creeping into her body, but smothered it with her rage. Rage was always easier. "Was is not enough for you to steal all I loved? You stole my twin and ancestral home from me. You stole the affections of the king I rightfully caught. You stole the attention of court and the former queen whenever you dared to step foot here. You even stole whatever love my father had for me and my children for your own. What more could you take from me? What more do you want?"A pause filled the room and, though the phantom's mouth did not move, Cersei heard Lyanna's voice clear in her mind say, "To end this journey."As the princess's pregnancy progressed Cyrenna and Margaery rarley left her side. The three women were constantly seen together, either enjoying the gardens or taking meals together either in the temporary aparments that Cyrenna and Willas shared or in Rhaenyra's own pricate chambers. More often than not Alysanne was with them, the three women doting on the little lady as she slowly grew and began to reach small milestones. It became rare to see them apart.Cyrenna did her best to continue to endear herself to her cousin. There were days when it seemed as though her cousin saw her as she did when they were younger, heart and mind still full of hatred and lies from Cersei. Others it seemed as though Rhaenyra would rather doe than let her cousin out of her sight. While the progress was slow going, Cyrenna still counted herself lucky that there was progress at all.By the time Alysanne had reached her sixth month, Cyrenna felt much improved. Yet whenever she and Willas tried to discuss a good time to return to Highgarden, something came up that forced them to extend their stay. It became a forgone conclusion that the pair and their daughter would not be leaving King's Landing for some time. Cyrenna was surprised to feel torn between her need to stay and help her family and the strong desire to return to Highgarden and simply enjoy what little peace remained before war broke out.The night Rhaenyra begins to labor, Cyrenna and Margaery are talking on the balcony of their rooms as the door bursts open. Willas and Aegon stand in the doorway, both bent over at the waist and trying to catch their breath.Cyrenna rushed to Willas, holding him as his grip on his cane loosened and the cane dropped to the floor with a thud. She carefully lead him to the couch and sat him down, staring at him as he struggled to regain his breath.Margaery turned to Aegon, a concerned look on her face. "What has happened?"Aegon took a deep breath and managed to stand up straight, breaths still labored as he spoke. "Rhaenyra has been rushed to birthing bed."Cyrenna looked uo from Willas, his hand tightly clutching hers. "Then why are you not with her? If the maesters won't allow you into the room, at least wait nearby not on the other side of the castle.""Need...you..." Willas said with heavy breaths. "Won't go."Both women turned to Aegon, Cyrenna rubbing her hand against her husbands back to try and soothe him as her father did to her siblings whenever they were overwhelmed as children."Rhaenyra won't move unless you join her," Aegon said, staring straight at Cyrenna. "She told Maester Pycelle that she won't so much as try without you there to help her."Cyrenna's eyes widen as everyone turned to look at her. "I would hardly be any help. Merely a hindrance. I cannot.""Cyrenna," Aegon's voice is sharp, but not unkind. For the first time that she can remember, when Cyrenna looked into the eyes of her cousin she sees no lingering affection or infatuation. All she can see is the desperation of a husband and brother. "She will die if she holds out any longer. Even if you merely stand there and hold her hand, it will soothe her. Please. I beg you."She felt Willas squeeze her hand tightly and can see the glint in Margaery's eyes as the turn to her. While her good family sees another in to the Targaryens, Cyrenna can only see a horrible fate should she not go to her cousin. Slowly, Cyrenna rose to her feet and nodded."Show me the way."By the time Aegon and her reached the birthing chambers, there's the sound of harsh screams and Cyrenna stopped abruptly remembering her own screams as she birthed her daughter and stillborn son."Cyrenna." Aegon turned to her."I'll be fine," Cyrenna said, shaking her head and looking toward the door. "Rhaenyra needs my help."Aegon pushed the door open and ushered her in. Within moments Cyrenna is by Rhaenyra on the bed, one hand holding her cousins hand and the other pushing her sweat damp hair back from her face."I'm here Rhaenyra," Cyrenna said, wincing as Rhaneyra crushed her hand through a contraction. "I'm here. Now listen to the maester and I swear this will all be over soon."Truthfully, the labor was long and hard. Rhaenyra hardly said a word, though her screams were loud and brough Cyrenna to tears. It was blissfully short compared to the labor Cyrenna suffered and she thanked the gods old and new when after only seven hours the cry of a baby broke through and Rhaenyra collapsed against the bed, dropping Cyrenna's hand."A princess," Maester Pycelle proclaimed as the cord was cut and the baby was taken away to be cleaned.Cyrenna turned to her cousin and gave her a kind smile. "You have a daughter, Rhaenyra."Rhaneyra turned to look at Cyrenna and her amethyst eyes were clear of any of their normal haze. Rhaenyra gave a small smile and rested her head against Cyrenna's shoulder. "I doubt she'll be as pretty as her cousin."Cyrenna have a surprised laugh and turned to see a maid approaching with the small princess to place in Rhaenyra's arms. The princess was larger than Alysanne had been with silver gold hair atop her head and when her eyes opened it was a bright violet that stared up at the women."It pains me as a mother to say this," Cyrenna said. "But I do believe she's more beautiful than Alysanne.""I must have done a good job then," Rhaenyra said, eyes never for a second leaving her daughter even as Aegon was brought into the room."I hear there's a princess," he said as he sat on the other side of Rhaenyra."There is." Rhaenyra smiled softly at her daughter. "She's pure Targaryen."Cyrenna watched as both her cousins seemed content to sit and stare at their daughter and barely move an inch."Have you thought of a name for her?" Cyrenna asked."I know we said no notable Targaryen names," Aegon said. "Have you changed your mind?""No." Rhaenyra's answer was fast. "I was thinking Shaera."Cyrenna felt as though she was intruding when Aegon's head snapped up to look at his sister with wide eyes."For our aunt?""The one grandmother lost all those years ago." Rhaenyra nodded. "It suits her. Does it not?""The future Queen Shaera," Aegon said with a soft smile. "I adore it. And grandmother will love it as well."One week after the birth of Shaera, Rhaenyra finds herself bringing her daughter with her near everywhere. On days she spent woth Cyrenna and Margaery, Shaera was laying beside Alysanne, the small girls giggling at every little thing. Cyrenna had gifted a small stuffed dragon plush to Shaera and Alysanne loved to try and get the little princess to grasp and play with it.There were moments when Rhaenyra could hear her mother's voice in her head, whispering about how dangerous it was to let the Tyrells so close to Shaera and how they could use her to their advantage. Yet whenever the voice grew loud Rhaenyra remembered that her mother still had not come to see her first grandchild."Have you heard anything from your brother lately?" Margaery's voice pulled Rhaenyra from her thoughts.Cyrenna frowned at the question and shook her head. "No. Last I had heard, he wrote telling me that Daenerys had been distracted as of late and he was worried. But that was near a month ago."Rhaenyra frowned and thought back to her aunt and cousin. The pair had their twins at Casterly Rock and seemed to be fairing well despite the pain of what had happened to Lyanna Stark."I wonder if they're holding off on telling anyone about more children until it's born," Margaery suggested."It would never work," Cyrenna laughed. "Jon was always terrible at keeping secrets and my father would be too excited to keep it seceret for the whole time.""Mayhaps a big surprise?" Rhaenyra shrugged, tugging hard on her hair. "I've no clue what the surprise may be. But it would have to be important for you to nit have heard from Casterly Rock in a full month."It turned out to be a correct guess Rhaenyra made. For not a fornight later did a raven come from Casterly Rock with surprising news indeed.Daenerys Targaryen had hatched a dragon egg.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Truthfully Dorne had done wonders for Viserys. Arianne certainly agreed on that much. The heat from how far south they were seemed to waken something within him that he'd never known. It was freeing, being away from court and the restrictions that came with his title as a Prince of the Seven Kingdoms. It didn't seem to matter back in King's Landing that Viserys was now so far down the line of succession what with Rhaegar having four sons, many still treated Viserys as if he had a sway over his elder brother and good sister. But here in Dorne, it seemed everyone was more than happy to consider him just another outsider who had been captured by yet another beloved Martell daughter.His first week in Dorne after his marriage had been Arianne showing him around Sunspear and meeting her family, most notably her aunt Elia. Viserys had heard when he was younger that his father had at one point considered marrying Rhaegar to Elia instead of Cersei, though stories varied on why exactly those plans had fallen through. When Viserys had met the Dornish princess for the first time he'd been struck by just how small she was. A slender woman with black eyes and the same height as Arianne who was nearly a full foot shorter than Viserys himself. Elia had been kind and charming and everything that his good sister was not. Viserys could only wonder if his fathers madness was the reason he'd denied the potential marriage between Elia and Rhaegar and favored Cersei as the future Queen of Westeros. It was the only reason Viserys could think for not continuing with what would no doubt be a wise match.Elia had, in her own way, taken Viserys under her wing to help him adjust to Dornish life and court at Sunspear. When he'd asked her why she was the one to help, her response had been simple."I did the same for my lover when he came from Essos, it was not so hard as you imagine."And so Viserys slowly began to relax in Dorne; enjoying the heavily spiced foods and wines, the occasional visits to the Water Gardens, the way Oberyn Martell's daughters would not only spar with him but leave him flat on his back humbled in a way that never left him feeling lesser than. Even the day to day life was more relaxed, something that Viserys was quickly growing to cherish."You've been distracted all morning," Arianne's voice broke through Viserys thoughts.He turned from the window the see her lounging about their bed, naked as the day she was born with a coy smile on her face."To be fair, you're rather distracting yourself," Viserys said."All my efforts are for nothing if even this sight doesn't bring you back to my arms," Arianne laughed, stretching her arms above her head and pulling Viserys' eyes to her breasts."You've never been more tempting," Viserys said, clearing his throat. "However, I did have matters to attend to."Arianne slowly sat up, her dark eyes staring into what felt like his very soul. "This wouldn't happen to have to do anything to do with that mysterious package your sister sent would it?"Viserys took a steadying breath before giving a curt nod, thinking of the surprise that had been waiting for them after their return from King's Landing."You Targaryens and your queer customs." Arianne shook her head, eyes never leaving her husbands face. "Dorne is safe compared to the rest of Westeros at the moment. Would you risk this land you've come to enjoy, my own family, for the sake of getting involved with your brother and sister?""Dorne will always be safe," Viserys said. "What are House Martells words again? Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken.""Should I be worried?" Arianne's voice dropped all pleasantries and her stare grew hard.Viserys thought for a moment about what exactly would be in the box that had been hand delivered by Lannister men directly to Viserys' rooms. The very fact that the men said they had orders from Daenerys herself to not let anyone besides Viserys touch the package was indicative of danger, of something larger than he could ever imagine.And yet Viserys thought of his younger sister. Of Daenerys sitting in Casterly Rock, writing the letter that remained unopened alongside the package in just the next room. Daenerys had always been the softest of Aerys and Rhaella's children, though she did have her moments where Viserys would be wary of ever setting foot in the same room as her. This package was either a gift or a curse from his little sister and her new family, though Viserys very much doubted the Lannisters knew what Daenerys had sent or even her intentions behind the gift."No," Viserys answered. "You've no reason to worry about Dany."Arianne didn't say anything else, though Viserys knew this conversation was far from over. It was merely paused until they knew exactly what Daenerys had sent.Viserys moved to the next room, staring at the rather large box with wary eyes. He hadn't been lying when he'd told Arianne that she had no reason to worry about his sister. But she was still his sister and Viserys would always be worried about her no matter where she was.He slowly picked up the letter and opened it. It was merely a short page with Dany's looping penmanship that Viserys always envied to an extent.
Dearest brother,
I've been doing much thinking over the past months. I will not trouble you with the current state of Westeros, you're surely busy enough with Dorne and your wife. So I will merely write what has been troubling my mind most recently.
Many years ago a strange magister from Pentos gave me a wonderful nameday present. As I've grown older it felt more and more selfish to keep them to myself when I can think of two other family members who so deserve to enjoy them as well. You were always my most favorite brother and I do hope I gave you the one you would treasure most. I have found that they do hold up rather well under extreme heat.
Your loving sister,
Dany
Viserys stared at the letter for a long while, breath heaving as he continued to scan over the words and their meaning sank in. He tore his eyes away from the paper and stared at the package, its large size suddenly making sense if what he expected was truly in there.Ever so slowly, Viserys placed the letter to the side and sat in front of the package. He slowly undid the latches and for the first time in many years sent a quick prayer to whatever gods would hear before slowly opening the lid. He started for a moment and the lid slammed shut. Viserys head snapped up and he stared at the door to his chambers where Arianne was likely still lounging in their bed. Swallowing his trepidation, Viserys took a steadying breath before slowly lifting the lid once more. He let out a breathy laugh as he stared down at the golden dragon egg from his sister.Oh Dany, he thought. What are you getting us into.Myrcella stared at the letter from her aunt and tried to keep herself calm. There was nothing wrong with what her aunt was suggesting. It was nothing that Myrcella herself hadn't been considering as of late. But as her green eyes darted between the letter and the green dragon egg that was sitting on her bed, Myrcella had to force herself to keep her breathing steady and even. This was something that part of her had been dreaming of, longing for while a second part of her had been dreading.Despite how hard Myrcella had worked to keep the reminder of her Targaryen status far from everyone in Winterfell's mind, there was only so much she could feasibly do. Especially as the fire seemed to call to her.Her chambers were some of the warmest in the castle be design, only Lady Catelyn's and a spare bedroom were warmer. It seemed to be a common assumption that Southron ladies needed to stay extra warm as they adjusted to the cooler temperatures of the North. A fire was always maintained in her room, there were extra furs for her bed, her wardrobe held thick cloaks and her dresses seemed to be thicker than Arya's, and even the direwolves, specifically Grey Wind, seemed content to cuddle up beside her whenever granted the opportunity to keep her warm.It warmed her heart to see little reminders that she was thought of. That she wasn't merely an after thought as she so often was back in King's Landing.Myrcella could so clearly remember when she first arrived to Winterfell for Sansa and Domeric's wedding, how the cool climate and sharp winds seemed to welcome her and awaken her in a way she'd never felt before. Though she and Rhaenyra had been uncomfortable during the days leading up to the wedding and the days afterwards, part of Myrcella had been delighted to discover that the cold hadn't seemed to be as dreadful as her mother insisted it would be. Even now, she still enjoyed to sit in the godswood and stare at the eerie Heart Tree, waiting until she could no longer feel the heat within her. It was somewhat of a game. See how long she could handle the cold, then sit within her chambers in front of the fire and drink in the heat and flames that called her name.It was certainly one way to keep her mind occupied.The letter was still sitting on her lap, the words burning into her mind the longer it sat without response. Despite her and her siblings Lannister heritage from their mother and her express disapproval, they were Targaryens. And though they spoke Common nearly every day with everyone outside their family, the first language they learned was Valyrian.Myrcella learned to speak and write High Valyrian before her Septas began to teach her Common. She and her siblings had ancient Valyrian lullabies sung to them by Rhaella and Rhaegar each night. Lyonel and her would slip into Valyrian when they didn't wish for Cersei or Tywin to understand what jokes they were making or their afternoon plans. Aegon would patiently help them when they were younger and forgot certain words in Common and had to ask what it was in Valyrian before it could be translated. And whenever anyone in the family wanted to keep anything a secret from anyone outside themselves, they wrote notes and letters in Valyrian.It was how Dany had written to her. Myrcella had grown so used to reading letters from Cyrenna and Sansa in Common that it took her a moment longer than she would ever admit, to realize what her aunt had written.
My dearest niece,
You've long had a gift from me in your possession. I fear I've neglected to tell you how to properly care for it and I do hope you'll forgive me for my absent mindedness. You've always been my favorite of my brothers children. You'll have to forgive me for playing favorites, but you always seemed more Targaryen despite your coloring. If anyone deserved such a gift, it was you.
I know you'll fear what will come for caring for it in the face of your good family. I feared the same as well. But we are the blood of dragons and this is something they would understand. After all our house words are Fire and Blood.
Heat is nothing to shy from. Fire is certainly nothing to fear for us. Your gift will do well under both. I hope it will serve you well up North.
Your loving aunt,
Daenerys
Myrcella stared at the words, the looping script in a language no one but herself could read this far North, and felt both anticipation and dread.She thought of Robb's words so many months ago, how openly he admitted that he oft forgot she was Targaryen. Even after all that time, he still hadn't revealed to her what exactly it was that brought reality back to him. Myrcella worried that to even place her egg in the fire in the privacy of her chambers and keeping it secret would reveal her true nature to everyone within Winterfell.As much as she longed to follow her aunt's suggestion, Myrcella still had reason to worry for her safety. True the Starks would never hurt an innocent. But an angry servant or bannerman may not extend the same courtesy if the sister of the man who murdered a dear member of their ruling house began to revel in her Targaryen nature.Dany hadn't exactly been hiding what she was doing. With her dreams of flying becoming more and more frequent, a truly welcome distraction from the rare dreams of the faceless woman stealing Jon away, Dany felt no need to hide what she wanted to try.She was smart enough to keep her children away when she was actively placing her dragon egg in the flames and watched for nearly hours, waiting for any kind of change. Little Lyanna and Lyle may be part Targaryen through her, but their first language would not be Valyrian and they would likely not be able to ride a dragon should one ever hatch and grow to full size. So they stayed firmly in their nursery as their mother tried to hatch the egg.Jon had only seen her try once, when after what felt like a full day she'd finally taken it out of the fire in their shared chambers. He'd watched with wide and terrified gray eyes as he saw the still smoldering egg in her unharmed hands. The pair had said nothing, but Dany knew that her husband was not fully approving of her attempts. Though, thankfully, he never tried to stop her or warn her off of her task.It seemed as though the only ones who actively knew what Dany was doing, was her husband and good father. She was certain if Brandon knew what she was attempting he would have no trouble making her know just how displeased he was. Brandon Stark was not a man to keep his opinions to himself.Dany was currently reading a letter from Viserys, a response to her package that was mostly veiled cursing and hidden thanks amongst more cursing. She smiled thinking about her brother down in Sunspear with the Martells. Arianne had always seemed a vibrant woman of sharp mind and tongue that seemed to be a good match on more than just paper.A presence at her shoulder pulled Dany from her musings and she turned to see Jaime standing just behind her, staring out at the courtyard beneath them where Beron was playing with Serra and Geremy."I hope I'm not disturbing you, Dany," he said, looking briefly away from the window and its view to smile at her softly. "May I sit?""Of course." Dany smiled back and shifted to make more room on the window seat for Jaime. "I trust your day has been well.""As well as it can be," Jaime snorted before giving a heavy sigh. "Jon has been joining me more and more with matters of ruling, as I'm sure you know. It helps. Not having to do things all alone."Dany thought back to the way Jaime was shortly after Lyanna's death. The heavy and slow way he moved, as though the physical weight of his responsibilities were crushing him into the earth and nothing could possibly save him or ease it off. Although everyone had changed in those first few weeks after Lyanna died, it seemed to effect Jaime and Jon the most. Both men adjusting and loosing that natural spark of youth and joy that used to cling to them. Dany vividly remembered Lyanna telling her that she always thought of Jaime's eyes as catlike and filled with mischief whenever he was not busy with his duties as acting Lord of Casterly Rock. Though she hadn't understood at the time, Dany had seen just how different those green eyes looked after. While Dany never saw a catlike quality to his eyes, the mischief that Lyanna had mentioned was long gone by the time he returned from Winterfell with Lyanna's body. Nowadays there was some light coming back to his eyes, no longer a dull green like they had been for so long. It was a much welcome change."He has been trying hard to be helpful and learn," Dany said. "I know how much it means to him to be trusted like this.""Jon deserves to know how to run Casterly Rock and the Westerlands." Jaime looked back out the window to see his younger children playing. "It's his birthright."Dany nodded and looked down at the letter from Viserys and thought about the eggs and dragons that had long been missing from Targaryens."It seems you've been busy with something yourself." Jaime's voice was neither harsh nor soft as he addressed her. It merely was."I'm sorry-" Dany began to try to explain herself only for Jaime to raise a hand and groan."I'm no great political mind like my father or brother," he said. "I can't hide my meanings with subtlety and considering everything that's happened these last few years, it seems counterproductive. So I'll just ask; what exactly are you trying to do with that egg?"Dany took a breath and reminded herself that while she adored having been welcomed into the Lannister family after marrying Jon, she was still a Targaryen. Though her brother and his family had their opinions on her good family, Dany was still firmly aligned with the Lannisters. She was a dragon who would use that to her advantage to help the lions she called family."I'm a Targaryen," she said simply. "No one could really expect me to just sit with three eggs and not do anything with them. My house is the blood of Valyria and we conquered Westeros with dragons. All of us were raised with that longing of bringing dragons back. All that was missing was the eggs.""Forgive my bluntness," Jaime said, "but you've had those eggs since you were a child. Why wait for so long?"Dany thought for a moment before she spoke. The truth coming out in a way she hadn't intended, but couldn't bring herself to regret. "The eggs are mine and by that same logic the dragons would be mine as well. But in King's Landing, in the Red Keep, everything belongs to the king. If I had hatched them in the Red Keep, Rhaegar had every right to claim them as his and give to his own children. I could not survive that.""You've certainly had time since you married and came here," Jaime said after a pause. "So why now?""Would you rather have a hatchling or a dragon large enough for a rider should war actually break out?"Viserys knew better than to expect the Martells to stay away whenever he placed his egg in the fire. Truly, you'd think he'd have learned by now. Even now, nearly three months after receiving his gift from Daenerys, Viserys would often find one of the Martells finding their way into the room he was using and watching both the egg and himself with equal fascination. Today it seemed Prince Oberyn was his current guest."How long have you been burning it today?" Oberyn asked, walking into the room and casually draping himself over a plush chair, one leg on the arm while the other spread as far away from the other as possible. Viserys briefly thought that the position would be painful for anyone besides the Red Viper who seemed to refuse to sit properly."Nearly three hours," Viserys said, moving his eyes back to the way the flames licked the golden egg."How long should it take for a dragon to hatch?" Oberyn watched Viserys closely, as though he could see into the younger prince's mind."I can't say for certain." Viserys shrugged. "It seems every source I read when I was younger had varying answers. Sometimes it was only a few months. Sometimes it was years. It all depended on the Targaryen and the dragon."Silence filled the room and Viserys' eyes carefully trailed around the egg, looking for any sign of imperfections that hadn't been there when he first placed the egg in the fire. He held back a sigh as he realized that, yet again, nothing had changed. The scales were exactly the same and the only thing that differed from earlier in the day was the external temperature of the egg itself.Viserys carefully doused the fire before grabbing fire tongs to pull the egg out and place it back in the box it had arrived in. He'd tried once to pull it out with his hands, an accident truly, which ended with severe burns and his hands having to be wrapped until the maester declared them healed enough to take off."Do you suppose your sister is having my luck?" Oberyn asked.Viserys held back a groan and said, "I can only hope."Myrcella was trying to enjoy some reading out in the yard of Winterfell when Robb suddenly sat down beside her and handed her two letters, Grey Wind settling on top of her feet for a nap."I believe these are for you," Robb said with a smile."Thank you." Myrcella smiled back as she set her borrowed book aside and gently took the letters from Robb, trying to ignore the jolt that was sent through her when their fingers brushed. "You didn't have to bring them to me.""No, but it does give me an excuse to talk to you."Myrcella felt her cheeks warm and smiled softly at the letters in her lap. "You don't need excuses. I'm always happy to talk to you.""Well, that's certainly good news. How have you been? I know you were upset to miss your siblings wedding."There was a beat as Myrcella thought back. She wouldn't necessarily say that she was upset to have missed the wedding. More that she was upset to not have the opportunity to see Lyonel and Jaehaerys in person. There weren't words to describe just how much she missed her younger brothers, especially her twin. It didn't feel right to not see them each day even if Winterfell felt more and more like a proper home than the Red Keep ever did."I've been well," Myrcella answered. "I sent letters to Aegon and Rhaenyra with my well wishes and Cyrenna and I have been sending letters back and forth for a while now that she's recovering from birthing bed."Robb's face darkened and for a moment Myrcella remembered that Cyrenna was also a cousin to Robb. It seemed such a strange fact to forget. Cyrenna was a Stark through her mother. Though Myrcella had heard her own mother fling insults and curses after her Lannister cousins for being supposedly tainted with Stark blood, Cyrenna so clearly embodied Lannister traits that it was easy to forget about her Northern heritage. Myrcella's own grandmother oft said that had her elder cousin not had her Stark gray eyes, she would be the exact image of the late Joanna Lannister come back from beyond the grave."How has she been doing? She doesn't send letters to myself very often.""Better. Her daughter thrives and she and Willas are much improved now that it's been several weeks.""Good." Robb nodded curtly.Myrcella briefly wondered if the Stark children oft forgot that Cyrenna was their cousin as well. The only Lannister child they had spent any significant amount of time with had been Jon and he was now busy with a wife and children back at the Rock. She would have to ask Sansa in her next letter."I noticed that one of your letters is from your brothers," Robb said after a moment. "How are they?""Good, from what I've heard. Lyonel and Ethan seem to becoming close and Jaehaerys takes after his namesake with how often he loses himself in books." Myrcella smiled as she thought of her brothers. Gods did she miss them terribly."And how are you handling being so far away from them?"She turned to see Robb giving her an understanding look. "I still struggle with how far away Sansa is and she's still in the North. I can only imagine being so far away from them might be even more difficult.""It is." Myrcella took a deep breath and tried not to think about how it had officially been over a year since she'd hugged her brothers let alone seen them in person. "It doesn't help that Jaehaerys is still so young. He understands that I've moved and will not return, but I don't think he's fully realized what that's meant until recently.""The letters must help.""They do." Myrcella smiled at Robb. "It's also good practice for him and myself as of late.""Practice?""For our Valyrian," Myrcella explained. "It's easy to keep in the habit of writing and reading and speaking it when you're surrounded by other Targaryens. Once you leave that environment it's more of a challenge, although that may just be due to my age. Dany and Viserys don't seem to have that same struggle.""I'd forgotten again." Robb's voice was quiet."It's easy to forget," Myrcella reminded him. It's something I work hard for all to forget."When exactly do Targaryen princes and princesses learn Valyrian?" Robb's eyes were alight with curiosity as he asked and Myrcella smiled at the idea that there was someone who didn't hate the fact that she was Targaryen."From birth," she answered. "it's our mother tongue. We don't learn Common until much later.""And how old were you when you first learned Common?""Officially, I was five," Myrcella said with a teasing air. "Although with Cersei Lannister as a mother I knew words and phrases. But I was not fluent until I was five or so. The same goes for all my siblings.""So your family still writes to you in Valyrian for all your letters?""Most, yes. Again Jaehaerys struggles and I forget that I need to allow my mind to stop translating when I read and write. But it is nice that even so far away from where I was born, I still have that connection."There's another beat of silence, only the sound of the courtyard and hounds barking in the distance reaching them. Then Robb cleared his throat and Myrcella looked at him, surprised to see the intensity of his blue eyes turned to her."You should embrace that then. Not every part of your past is something to hide away.""You would be fine with me speaking Valyrian to our children one day?" Myrcella furrowed her brows as she thought about that not to distant future. She knew that marrying someone not within the Targaryen family would always mean sacrificing her own heritage for the sake of her husband and his house. This was most certainly a trap."If my father could accept my mother's Southron culture and find ways for her to still have that connection so far from her own home, I'm certain I can do the same for a Targaryen princess."Dany was happily spending time with her children and Serra and Geremy, the five of them enjoying the gardens in the afternoon and the four children running after one another with laughter freely falling from their lips. It was a wonderful afternoon and the breeze from the ocean continually brought in a fresh smell that washed over Dany and soothed her ever growing anxiety about her egg.She'd been spending so much time sequestered away in her own chambers, staring into the fire for hours endlessly as praying to the gods, Old, New, and of Old Valyria for anything to change. It was a welcome change to be outside with her children and their aunt and uncle, though she would frequently cast glances back to where she knew her rooms were."I see the gardens remain a popular place to spent with young children in this family."Dany smiled widely before turning back to see Tyrion walking towards her."It was always so much fun out here when I was little," Dany said as Tyrion took a seat on the bench beside her. "I wouldn't dare deprive mine own children of such joys.""A wonderful notion." Tyrion smiled up at her. "You've been in your rooms too long. It's good to see you out and about the castle."Dany sighed. "Is it so obvious what I'm doing?""Unfortunately, subtly is not your strong suit it would seem. Worry not. No one outside of the Rock knows. My brother and I have made certain of that."Dany nodded and looked out at Lyle trying to tackle Geremy, the older boy standing tall and smiling down in amusement at his small nephew. She smiled softly and reminded herself that this was why she had to hatch her egg soon. To find a way to help protect the future of House Lannister. Her brother may be king, but even he could not defy a dragon unless he had one himself."It will happen soon," she said. "I can feel it. Something is different every time I try and more and more frequently, I can feel the change even if nothing appears to change.""You're certain?" Tyrion watched her closely. "We are on borrowed time. None of us, on either side, knows just how long this temporary truce can last. If this cannot happen until too late-""It won't be much longer." Dany gave Tyrion a confident look. "Targaryens have the blood of the dragon. It may not look like it to the rest of you, which I can understand. But I can feel it. It will happen soon. I just have to keep trying.""Let's hope you're correct," Tyrion said. "I'd like to see a dragon within my lifetime."Viserys grew tired of staring into the flames with no notable changes. He had begun to wonder just how his ancestors had managed, spending months and even years waiting for even the smallest crack to appear in the shell. But even then, they'd had dragons freely flying through the skies of Westeros and residing in the Dragon Pit not even a ten minute ride from the castle. Not to mention the dragons that resided on Dragonstone and the ease of travel from the capitol and back. He was envious of his ancestors and was beginning to wish he had even half to amount of patience Dany had if she'd been trying to hatch her egg since even before Aegon and Rhaenyra's wedding.He was turning the golden egg over in his hands, running his fingers over the grooves and straining his eyes to see any kind of difference. Viserys was even contemplating speaking to the egg like his mother did her plants on her balcony to encourage them to grow. Certainly, if there was a living, breathing dragon inside this egg, it would understand Valyrian whispers. The only thing holding him back was just how often Arianne and her family would sit with him when he was placing the egg on the fire.The only one he was never bothered by was Elia when she sat with him. She never stared at him or the egg as it burned. Instead Elia would sit with a book and read or, more often, simply talk to Viserys and keep him company. It was less about wanting to be there when a dragon was born and more about making sure Viserys never felt lonely as he spent more and more time hidden away in his rooms. Elia had always been wonderful to Viserys since taking him under her wing, and Viserys couldn't help but love her as she put more and more emphasis on him rather than the egg when she sat with him.She was currently reading a book, lounging upon a plush settee with a blanket on her lap even as the fire blazed."You need not burn it today if you wish for a break," Elia called out softly.Viserys turned to look at her a smiled when he saw the pointed look she was giving him."I am perfectly fine," Viserys said. "I'm merely checking so I'll know for certain if any change occurs while it's burning.""Rest would do you well." Elia neatly closed the book and turned to fully face him. "You've been doing this for several months. Surely a week of leaving it alone will not do any damage.""No," Viserys agreed. "But I'm more than happy to continue to see just what will happen."He turned to stare directly at Elia as he placed the golden egg in the fire, trying not to pull his hands away too swiftly. Dragons did not burn and if Targaryens shared the blood of dragons, then the flames should not hurt him unduly. Unfortunately, nature seemed to disagree with this line of thinking."Stubborn as ever, you Targaryens." Elia laughed before turning back to her book."All the best people are." Viserys moved to sit in a chair close to the settee Elia was lounging on. "Imagine how dull life would be if you never held a strong opinion or passion. I would die of boredom if that was my life.""Many people are content with their lives," Elia smiled, dark eyes never leaving her book. "Mayhaps you should try that approach."Viserys gave Elia an exasperated look and snorted. "You're quite content, true. However you are just as stubborn as your brothers. You have you strong opinions and passions. They're just not nearly as intense as Doran and Oberyn.""How dare you see through me so easily." Elia laughed and threw a pillow at Viserys head. "I am still a princess. I deserve the same respect as you.""I would be disrespecting you by not joining in the familial teasing," Viserys said. "That was one of the first things you taught me when I first came to Dorne.""And using my own logic against me." Elia shook her head. "I'll be having words with your wife about her taming you soon.""Don't threaten me with something enjoyable."The pair burst into laughter before falling into a comfortable silence, only the roaring of the fire and occasional turning of pages in Elia's book filling the room. It was relaxing in a way silence never was in the Red Keep. It had been mildly tolerable whenever he was spending a relaxed afternoon with Rhaella, however any other instance had nearly driven Viserys mad. It seemed that most things that he could never stand in King's Landing had become far more pleasant and enjoyable in Dorne.After several minutes of blissful silence, Viserys broke it with a simple question. "Do you believe I can hatch this egg?"Elia paused before saying, "It would be unwise to bet against it. Just be prepared to wait. There's no clear path to hatching and raising dragons."Myrcella had been thinking more and more on Robb's words, especially since she'd received the letter from her sister telling her of her newborn niece Princess Shaera. Ned had been plenty willing to build a sept for his Southron wife after she came to Winterfell. But there was a marked difference between allowing a Southron lady the comfort of worshiping her gods in peace and allowing a Targaryen princess to speak and potentially teach her future Stark children Valyrian.She paced in her chambers in the dead of the night with a small fire crackling in her fireplace, green eyes darting between the flames and the green dragon egg sitting upon her bed proudly as though waiting for her resolve to finally snap.It wouldn't hurt, she thought. It's very unlikely for the egg to even hatch. They've been stone for centuries according to the magister who gave them to Dany. They're nothing more than rocks at this point. Beautiful rocks, but rocks nonetheless.Myrcella stopped and took a shaky breath before looking at the egg and feeling the fire within her rage the longer she stared at it. It felt like such a betrayal of the trust the Ned and Catelyn had given her. But there was still such a strong pull, as though every dragon rider that came before her was whispering in her ears and urging her on.Slowly and with trembling hands, Myrcella picked up the egg and carried it to the fire. Her green eyes were locked on the flames and a pleasant thrum ran through her the closer she got, until she was right in front of it and the calling of the flames was a near scream in her mind. It wasn't until she'd already placed the egg in the fire that she'd realized that the flames at had licked her hands only left behind a mild tingle and slightly red skin. But she couldn't bring herself to fully care.Something had settled deep in her skin, burrowed as though it refused to even consider leaving, and for the first time since she'd came to Winterfell, Myrcella took a deep breath and felt settled and calm.Dany had been staying up late to watch the egg in the flames when Jon came to sit beside her, silent as his gray eyes took in the image of the burning egg."How long has it been today?" He asked."Nearly six hours," Dany answered. "It'll happen soon. I can feel it."Jon took a deep breath and Dany was already prepared to ignore his concerns. She'd discovered in her letters to Viserys, and to an extent Myrcella, that those surrounding them didn't seem to fully understand the importance of the dragon eggs and how it tied into the Targaryen among them."You should be resting, Dany." Jon's voice was rough and there was a bone deep exhaustion that Dany could fully empathize with."In just a bit," Dany said, pulling her eyes away from the fire to look at her husband. "I know it doesn't seem like anything has happened or will happen, but I know it will. The same way that you understand Ghost, I can understand that something is about to happen with this egg. You're just as much a Stark as you are Lannister and that allows you your connection to a direwolf. All I am is Targaryen. The blood of Old Valyria and dragons. I know something will happen soon, if not tonight."Jon watched her closely and Dany wished so desperately that she could understand just what was running through his mind, see something behind those steel eyes. They were certainly closer than they had been months before when she'd first confronted Jon about the mystery woman that he had sworn to never see or speak of again, but there was still a distance that Dany didn't know how to close the gap."If nothing happens within the next ten minutes, then you must come to bed," Jon finally said. "It's far too late and you need rest. We all do."Dany nodded and gently grabbed Jon's hand and held it between her own. "Thank you for at the very least trying to understand."They sat in silence for a few minutes before Dany felt Jon shift and turn to look at Ghost who had moved from laying on the foot of their shared bed to standing by Jon's side and growling lowly as his red eyes watched the fire. Dany sat up straighter and turned back to the fire to see the faintest crack appear on the egg as Jon moved to try and calm Ghost. She could hear Jon trying to quiet Ghost who was now barking, but Dany ignored it as she moved to sit on the floor directly in front of the fire.Her breaths were coming in rapidly now as her amethyst eyes were glued to the crack in the egg. She could clearly see it. She wasn't imagining it. Without even thinking, she added a spare log to the fire, the flames barely warming her skin as she added the extra fuel. Dany could hardly breath properly as she saw a second crack appear and the first grow larger. She couldn't even bring herself to laugh or smile, so enraptured by the sight before her.Dany could feel the weight of it all crashing down around her as the cracks grew. For the first time in centuries, dragons would return to the world. For the first time in hundreds of years, House Targaryen would have dragons again. She was about to bring dragons back into this world.It wasn't until the egg fully cracked open, splitting in two and a small creature crawling out of the broken shell before sitting in the fire and seemingly drinking in the flames, that Dany let out a strangled laugh. Then the creature - no, dragon - climbed out of the fire and onto Dany's waiting hand, nuzzling into her fire warmed flesh. If Jon and Ghost had taken notice of this development, Dany couldn't know. She was too entranced by the small hatchling in her hand.Daenerys Targaryen, daughter of Aerys and Rhaella, had hatched a dragon.