The jousts took place over four days. It was a wonder it ended so quickly given how many competitors there were. The smell of prizes from the rich Lannisters as well as the royal family's attendance drew the whole realm to the Westerlands. From the lowest of hedge knights to the most powerful of lords, with the noticeable exception of the Martells. Similarly to the tourney at King's Landing four years ago, this tourney at Lannisport would be spoken of with much reverence and fondness in the years to come. Except maybe for the Baratheons, but even their involvement in the surprising clash between heirs, between the dragon and the stag, was already being spoken of with much fervor. This was due to many reasons. Ranging from the surprise betrothal to the crown prince's magic to the dragon's appearance, there was much to gossip about.
And the smallfolk loved to gossip about their lords and kings.
Many bards and singers were already weaving their songs about the event as they went through the city before leaving for other parts of the realm, mixing half-truths into their songs to sensationalize the event. Now, many smallfolk whispered tales that Robert Baratheon and Lyanna Stark might have been doomed lovers, with Daeron Targaryen somehow stealing her away. Others said that it was Daeron who saved Lyanna from a doomed love and that the king was choosing his son's happiness by having him marry a Northerner. And then there were others who said that Lyanna loved both but could not choose and thus a duel had to take place.
Rhaegal's intervention was seemingly ignored to make the stories and songs seem more appealing. A song of young love apparently.
Mace did not like any of it. He silently cursed the Lannister gold even as he erupted into joy as Rhaegal and Rhaegar clashed in the finals, brother versus brother.
In a surprising twist, the final four of the joust ended up being the twin princes and the two Kingsguard who participated: Ser Barristan the Bold and Ser Arthur the Sword of the Morning.
Rhaegar stunned everyone when he managed to unhorse Ser Arthur after an intense back-and-forth with many broken lances left in their wake. It went to show how skilled Rhaegar was as a rider when he could come out on top against one of the greatest knights who lived. Of course, many argued that the prince was also one of the most skilled knights, and so the outcome shouldn't be too surprising.
Another stunning moment was when Rhaegal managed to defeat Ser Barristan in their match. Even from a distance, Mace was able to tell that the strength Rhaegal possessed was unnatural. But then again, there was little about his friend that was natural, was there? He had been blessed by the Seven to bring more prosperity to the realm, so his abilities were not surprising to Mace at this point.
Mace considered Rhaegal to be a close friend of his even if his mother tried telling him otherwise. Rhaegal had even come to Highgarden to celebrate his wedding a few years ago. Rhaegar had come as well. It filled Mace with pride every time he thought about it. How many lords could say that their wedding had such important guests attending?
Mace was very happy with his bride. Alerie Hightower was a beauty. In his mind, he could admit that Queen Rhaella was more beautiful than his bride, but still he had no complaints. Alerie's silvery hair made Mace think that he was wed to a Valyrian lady. It was a nice little fantasy, wasn't it?
Their marriage was so good that their first child had been born the year prior. Mace named him Willas Tyrell. His heir was born the same year as the youngest prince, Viserys Targaryen. Perhaps this was a good omen. Could his son and the prince become good friends in the future? There was always a chance that Prince Viserys would become a dragonrider like his older brothers. There were still three unclaimed dragons on Dragonstone, or so the rumors said.
'Two generations of Tyrells, forming strong friendships with princes.'
It would be a good tradition, wouldn't it?
Mace's imagination did not end there. As he watched Rhaegal defeat Rhaegar in the finals with grace, Mace imagined his own son being able to claim similar victories in the future. Such martial glory would elevate House Tyrell further, and their house was already filled with talented fighters before. The Longthorn came to mind right away. Not to mention that it would not take long for Rhaegal's own marriage to take place, and then for his children to be born.
A future match between the dragon and the rose. Wouldn't that make for the most powerful alliance in Westeros?
As Rhaegal went on to crown Princess Shaena as his Queen of Love and Beauty with a wreath of red roses, those desires only grew stronger in Mace's mind.
Of course, Mace still cursed the fact that this event had taken place in Lannisport rather than Highgarden. The Lannisters had acted first this time around. There were rumors that Tywin Lannister had other reasons for hosting the tourney, but all of that seemed to be forgotten in the spectacle that was Rhaegal's match against Robert.
Mace didn't know what to think about that. He had no idea why the North had been chosen over his house for a royal match. Perhaps if his mother was here she might have a more conclusive insight. Whatever the reasons, the fact was that there was one less prince available for marriage.
There was still Rhaegar, of course, but Mace had a distinct feeling that there was something else at play there too. He knew that his sister still harbored hopes that perhaps she might be wed to Rhaegar, but already their mother was in talks with the Redwynes for her hand, saying that it was more practical than to wait around for the king or crown prince to ask them for a royal match.
Mace knew why his mother was going down that route. With the Hightowers and the Redwynes tied to him through marriage, the Reach would become secured under his reign and even through Willas' time. No other house in the Reach could dare oppose such an alliance.
It was still disappointing that he and Rhaegal could not become brothers through marriage. Mace had no issue with the heir to the Arbor. In fact, they had written to one another on multiple occasions. His cousin Paxter Redwyne held similar political ambitions as Mace, so it was easy for them to get along. Paxter and his father saw much opportunity in the Stepstones. Mace and his mother had their ears on that evolving situation, with Mace taking a more uncharacteristically cautious approach. His mother was not happy that the damned Ironborn were benefiting so much from their partnership with Rhaegal. They were able to plunder as much as they liked on those islands.
Mace had scoffed at the idea at first. Pirates stealing from other pirates? What did it matter?
Apparently he had been too shortsighted. The pirates were not just mere pirates, or so the rumors went. Not with how well-organized they were and the resources they seemed to have. There was something else happening on those islands, but then when wasn't there?
There was always a fight for someone to call the islands their own.
Then there were also the Velaryons and to some extent the Celtigars. The two houses were also heavily involved in the conflict there and were finding success too.
His mother made a point of it: why should such weak houses gain benefits while the Reach was shoved to the side?
In short, while the tourney at Lannisport was a nice reprieve, Mace was unable to immerse himself fully as his thoughts were filled with the ever changing political board of the realm. He found himself doing that more and more since his famous journey to Skagos four years ago.
He was the Lord Paramount of the Mander and the Reach, after all. He held close ties to the magical prince that brought back the dragons. Mace was certain that he, as the Lord of Highgarden, was going to become someone important in the future of the realm. Perhaps he might even hold a small council position once Rhaegal became king.
These thoughts lingered even as there was a final feast to celebrate the end of the tourney, held at Casterly Rock.
During the feast, Daeron and Lyanna were paired together for the entire night, seated side-by-side. Despite the way their betrothal was revealed, Mace saw for himself just how at ease the two of them were with one another as they talked throughout the night. Daeron was even able to pet the Stark girl's direwolf, the sight of which still made Mace nervous. He did not know why the king had allowed the presence of the direwolves inside the feast. Sure, they hadn't done anything yet, other than growl every now and then when someone they didn't like got too close to the Starks, but they were an accident waiting to happen!
'At least it won't be on my head.'
Perhaps if the direwolves brutally attacked one of the lords, the king would see how savage the North could be. Mace just hoped it wasn't him. It was why he stood nowhere near the Starks or any of the other Northern lords that night.
There was another small commotion when one of the Northmen, one that Mace did not recognize, tried to ask for a dance with Princess Shaena.
The shamefulness! Mace couldn't believe that the North had such audacious lords in their midst. Did they not teach proper etiquette in the North?
The Northman's foolishness didn't amount to much as Princess Shaena rejected his request rather curtly. Unless Mace imagined it, he might have also heard one of the dragons roaring in the distance just right after the princess rejected the Northerner.
He probably just imagined it.
Mace didn't see much of the Northerner after that, which was surprising considering how much he stood out with his burly build. A lot of the Northerners seemed to be like that.
Perhaps Lord Stark had pulled the Northerner aside and berated him for his idiotic actions. It would be well deserved.
Despite his marriage, Mace felt his gaze linger on Ashara Dayne at times throughout the night. At first it was because he was attracted to her, but there were also other thoughts that began to bother him the more he stared at her. It was not something he wanted to consider, but recently his mother had begun to speculate that the young beautiful Dayne was more important than anyone else realized. Why? Because there was a very strong possibility that she and Rhaegal held an intimate relationship.
Mace wanted to dismiss the idea without a second thought, but the more he thought about it the less he was able to deny that there was a possibility there. Not with how she lingered close to Rhaegal too often to be called a coincidence. His journey to Skagos had taught him to observe more closely before jumping to quick conclusions.
There were numerous ladies that approached Rhaegal throughout the night, which he dismissed with a wave of his hand. A lot of them came from the Freys and they were not pleasant to look at, but there were a few that were more than pleasing to the eye in Mace's mind. Rhaegal never gave them a second look, but the prince always seemed to keep Ashara in his line of sight.
Hmm. How curious.
While he could see Rhaegal perhaps taking Ashara Dayne as a lover, his mother had argued that there was something bigger than that happening between the two. She had no real basis for her opinion, for they had no reliable eyes and ears inside the king's court. There was his sister, but she had nothing important to report. No, his mother based it on none other than the fact that Ashara was constantly at Rhaegal's side. That, and something like a "woman's intuition." Apparently her meeting with Rhaegal four years ago made his mother think that he was not the type of man to take on a lover on a whim. If Rhaegal and Ashara held a more intimate relationship than what they publicized, then it had to be serious, especially since she had not been removed from court after all this time.
But Rhaegal was already betrothed. Was he planning on casting aside the princess?
When Mace had voiced his thoughts to his mother, she had scoffed at him.
"Don't be a fool, Mace. For better or worse, Shaena Targaryen is a dragonrider. She holds too much value. No, I think our dear prince might just be trying to eat his cake and have it too."
Mace understood.
Polygamy. Rhaegal might be trying to take on a second wife like the Conqueror once did.
It made Mace nervous to think about. Could that be it? Would Rhaegal actually do something like that? What would the realm think when many were already on edge by the other reforms that were being put in place?
His mother had just scoffed at him again, lecturing him that the Targaryens and their monstrous pride made them think that they could get away with anything. Why would Rhaegal be any different, especially with all of his abilities?
Mace could not argue against it.
He wanted to believe in his friend. Although another part of Mace wondered if he would even care if something like that were to happen. Certainly his mother would have certain words to say about Rhaegal and his greed, but ultimately how would that impact him and the rise of his house? It might actually provide him with more benefits down the line. Two wives would mean more heirs. That meant more chances for House Tyrell to advance itself.
Even his mother, with her growing distaste of the Targaryens, agreed that it would be in their benefit to tie their house with the dragons.
Those thoughts left Mace's consideration for now as the king rose to his feet and made two announcements for all those present.
The first was to formally declare the betrothal between Prince Daeron and Lyanna Stark.
Many clapped. Few actually welcomed the news.
King Aerys continued with his second proclamation without missing a beat.
"As of today, Lord Tywin Lannister will be dismissed from his position as Hand of the King. In his place, I have chosen my cousin, Lord Steffon Baratheon, to take up the duty and serve the realm and his king well!"
Even while there was much applause, Mace felt the game shift once again. Many of the lords were already whispering to one another, wondering what this change would entail. Many wondered why the Baratheons were being rewarded after Robert's foolishness. Others were more curious to know what kind of Hand Steffon would be in comparison to Tywin and his rigid personality.
Most of all, none of the lords missed the insult that the king threw at Tywin's face to make such an announcement at his own feast. And the words that he used….the king did not say that Tywin had stepped down. No, he made it clear that he was the one dismissing the man, forcing the lion back to his castle.
From the way Tywin's face soured and Steffon looked uncomfortable, they did not miss the game that the king was playing either.
It was strange for Mace to see this. As far as he knew, Tywin and the king were good friends. What could have happened between the two of them?
'I'll have much to tell mother when I return,' were Mace's final thoughts on the matter as he clapped alongside the other lords.
What a tourney this had been!
---
Robert heard voices when his eyes began to flutter open.
He could not understand what the voices were saying. He was barely conscious enough to discern that there was more than one person talking to him in the first place.
His vision was foggy. It was hard for him to see properly when the natural light of the room struck his eyes. For a moment, it felt as though the world was spinning.
Robert did not know how long it took him to regain his bearings. He also had no idea where he even was or what had happened. Why did his whole body hurt so much? And his mind. This was worse than the first time he got drunk a few moons back and woke up with a horrible headache.
At some point, someone made Robert drink something. His mind was so out of it that Robert didn't register what he was drinking or tried to stop himself from drinking it, only that he felt relief after. His throat and lips felt parched, after all.
When Robert was finally able to refocus on the world around him, he found his father looking down at him. The man's eyes showed worry, but there was also a sternness there that was foreign to Robert.
"Father-"
"Save your strength, Robert. You will need it."
His father's voice was soft, but there was an underlying sharpness that also caught Robert off guard.
True enough, his voice sounded weak. Robert had never felt this weak.
He took a few moments to study his surroundings. It was then that he realized that he was resting inside the chambers that had been prepared for him inside of Casterly Rock. He was dressed in simple breeches. His whole upper body was covered in cloth and bandages under the sheets.
But there was something odd. His eyes felt weird. His vision was off. His peripheral vision felt…strange. Like he was seeing less unless he focused more, which just made his head feel worse.
Steffon placed a hand on his head.
"Take a moment, Robert. You have been unconscious for a few days. You will need time to recover your strength."
What? He had been unconscious for a few days?
What had happened!?
Something like panic began to settle over Robert as he tried to recall what had happened to him. He didn't bother to ask his father for help as he tried to piece his missing memories together.
The answers came slowly. There was a tourney at Lannisport. Then the supposed secret betrothal between his beloved Lyanna and the damned dragons. And then….he decided to do something, didn't he?
Yes. He wanted to teach the dragons a lesson. To prove that he was more worthy of Lyanna's affections than a mere boy who could barely swing a sword. So he challenged the dragons and the betrothal, aiming to shatter it.
But then Rhaegal Targaryen happened. The damned dragon prince had bested him again, didn't he? He had used his fire to burn down all of Robert's defenses. The last thing Robert was able to remember was being down on the ground with Rhaegal standing over him, sword in hand and ready to-
'No.'
The bastard. He had aimed for Robert's eye! So then-!
More panic took a hold of him as he began to realize why his eyes felt off. It was because he was missing one!
Before his father could intervene, Robert tried to raise hands to his face, to see if his theory was right. It was then that Robert was met with another terrific sight.
His right hand. It was gone. There was nothing there but a stump covered in more cloth.
"What!?" Despite his weakness, Robert found the strength to let out a booming shout as his whole body shook in panic and fear. It was as if the whole world was suddenly closing in on him.
He couldn't even breathe.
"Robert! Look at me! Breathe, son! Breathe! Someone get the maester!"
Robert could no longer make out his father's voice. He barely registered the arrival of the maester along with other servants who took charge as they tried to keep him from convulsing out of the bed.
It would take some time before Robert was able to be sedated and calmed by the maester, allowing him to embrace the brief escape that was the unconscious.
It would take longer still for Robert to be in the right state of mind to be told that he was no longer the heir to Storm's End, or that his new fate would now lie with the North and the Wall.
---
Cersei was in disbelief as she sat inside her father's solar alongside the rest of her family.
The previous night had been something of a traumatic experience for her. In her mind, her father was always to be the Hand of the King. The one who ruled in all but name. When she married Rhaegal and became queen, that would continue to happen. The Lannisters would show that they were equals to the dragons.
But now, the unthinkable had occurred. Her father had been dismissed as if he were nothing more than a servant, and that was only the beginning of their problems.
Cersei had wanted to speak with her father last night when no announcement was given about her betrothal with Rhaegal, but he had retreated to his chambers with her mother without a word. Now the tourney was over, and the royal family would be leaving soon.
Worse, the Starks managed to gain a match with Daeron without anyone knowing about it.
"So it's come to this then." Her Aunt Genna looked unbothered by these turns of events as she lounged on one of the chairs inside the solar. Cersei was only glad that her aunt's husband was not in here with them. She disliked the weak man. "You pissed off Aerys to the point that you got dismissed."
Kevan crossed his arms. "Sister, this is hardly the time for scathing remarks."
Genna disagreed. "Don't bother, Kevan. I know you agree with me on this. Trying to spare Tywin's feelings on his failure will get us nowhere."
Jaime and Tyrion looked uncomfortable being present for this while Cersei wanted to shout at the woman to stop talking. Didn't she know that her stupidity wasn't important right now? What was important was Cersei's future!
"Are you quite finished?" Tywin's voice was cold as he looked at Genna with growing anger. "There are more important matters to discuss."
"Is that why you dragged the children here too?" Gerion asked, looking as unbothered as Genna. He was the youngest of the five siblings, and from what Cersei could tell the one who disliked her father the most. Not that she could understand. Her father had done much for the prosperity of their family. To Cersei, it was almost as if Gerion was jealous of her father's success, which would make sense. He was the fourth son, not meant to inherit anything.
"To reassure us that everything is going to be okay?"
"No." Tywin answered quickly as his glare settled over his youngest brother for a moment before turning his attention to Cersei and her brothers. "The situation has changed beyond what I had imagined. I did not think that Aerys would be mad enough to secure a Northern match during these times."
"It makes sense to me," Genna said. "You saw what Rhaegal Targaryen is capable of. Now the lords are either waiting to exploit him or are scared of him. No one knows if his children will inherit his magic, but the dragons remain. And you saw how big those beasts are."
Cersei's eyes almost glazed over in delight as she remembered how her prince made short work of Robert Baratheon. Unlike others who had been frightened by the showing, like the stupid and ugly Jeyne, Cersei had become excited by it all. She had been able to picture it then. Her own children, masters of such powers with dragons at their call. They would have been made all the more splendid thanks to her Lannister blood.
Wouldn't that be a sight?
"The Starks have been notorious in keeping their noses out of the affairs of the Iron Throne," Genna continued, causing Cersei's fantasy to end. "They are a politically neutral match in the grand scheme of things."
Politically neutral?
"The king is probably trying to cool the Northern outrage over Skagos," Gerion speculated further.
Kevan did not look convinced. "There has been no such outrage, brother. Rhaegal is said to be good friends with the heir to Winterfell, and that seems to have been enough to calm many of the Northern lords."
"Aerys does not have the mind to make such a decision," Tywin denied Gerion's theory as well. "He holds no love for the North. No, this reeks of his son's intervention. No doubt Rhaegal convinced him of it. Whatever the merits of the match, it has happened, and after the stunt Robert pulled, there will be little opposition to the match. Daeron is no longer our concern."
Cersei had never given the boy much thought anyway. Even Rhaegar was more impressive than him. At least Rhaegar carried a Valyrian steel sword and was an impressive knight in his own right. And he was also handsome. Not as handsome as Rhaegal, but that was beside the point.
"We must adapt to the changing winds," Tywin said after a moment's silence. "That is why Jaime will soon begin his squiring."
Jaime perked up at hearing this. "I will?"
Cersei almost rolled her eyes at this. Of course her brother only cared about that.
"Yes." For some reason, Joanna looked unhappy about something. "There is more, Jaime. Your father has decided on a match for you."
Jaime looked confused. "A match?"
"Yes." Tywin's face was neutral now. "We cannot afford to be left behind during these times, or otherwise all the work I have done will amount to nothing. This is why you are to wed Lysa Tully when you both come of age."
A Tully? How laughable. Cersei wanted to laugh at her brother's misfortune, but she held back because she was not too happy with the thought of Jaime being taken away from her. Not only could she not have Rhaegal, but now she could not have Jaime either?
How unfair was this?
A chill ran up her spine at that moment as she thought back to that stupid witch's words before the tourney officially began.
"The place that you seek will be claimed by others. More beautiful. More fitting. They will take what you thought you held dear while you surround yourself with your tears."
She had only asked about Rhaegal, but could the witch have also been referring to Jaime? There was no way Lysa Tully was more beautiful than her, not that she knew what the young Tully looked like. Cersei never paid her any mind throughout the duration of the tourney.
"Congratulations, brother." Tyrion tried to be supportive, but Jaime did not look too happy about the match either.
"Father-"
"It is done, and there will be no arguments on the matter." Tywin quickly moved on from Jaime. Cersei expected her father to turn to her next, to have some news about her future, but instead, much to her shock, he looked at Tyrion. Her so-called brother shrunk when he noticed their father looking at him for once.
"Tyrion." Tywin hesitated. He looked indecisive, which Cersei had never seen before. What was happening? What had made her father act like this?
"Tyrion," he started again, "the prince has expressed his interest in your abilities."
Abilities? What abilities?
While Joanna had looked unhappy before, now she was beaming as she sat up and walked over to her youngest child and knelt in front of him. She placed her hands over his as mother and son locked eyes with one another.
"Congratulations, my cub. If you so wish, you can travel to King's Landing in the future and have a place inside the crown prince's circle."
Wait, what?
Cersei instantly sprang to her feet, outraged. "What does that mean!?"
Unbothered, Tywin said, "The details are vague, but Rhaegal approached me last night with a proposition. He seems to have taken a shining to….Tyrion's mind. or so he claims. Supposedly they have talked at length about different matters while he was here, and he was....impressed by Tyrion's insights."
Jaime smirked. "I'm not surprised. If it wasn't about the dragons, Tyrion was going on about magic or the dragonstone or something else. Honestly, I thought the prince would get sick of it by the second day."
Tyrion could only blush in embarrassment.
"Well, well." Gerion looked happy as he gently clapped. "Looks like there might have been one positive in all of this mess."
Genna seemed to agree as she smiled. "Quite."
Kevan remained composed, but he tilted his head in acknowledgement.
There was nothing solid, but the fact remained that at least one Lannister had managed to carve a place for himself inside the capital. It was worth something.
Cersei did not understand. The world was making less sense by the day. First, her father was removed from his position as Hand. Then no betrothal was announced between her and Rhaegal. Then her brother was set to marry a stupid Tully, and now Rhaegal had expressed interest in Tyrion rather than her or even Jaime?
What madness was this?
"Father-" she began, only to be cut off by Tywin who raised his hand sharply.
"I know what you want to say, Cersei. You and I will be having a conversation later."
It was Cersei's turn to perk up. Perhaps there was hope, after all?
Unfortunately for the young girl, she missed the knowing look that passed between father and mother.
---
There was less fanfare when the royal family left Casterly Rock than when they had arrived. Not because there were less lords present. Far from it. It was the opposite. All those who still remained came to see the royal family off.
The Lannisters had remained courteous until the end, but Ashara could spot the change in Tywin's attitude after the king had publicly dismissed him from his position as Hand of the King. It was one final humiliation in front of the realm….while inside his own castle.
Ashara was certain that the man had cursed Aerys with all his strength that night.
There were other minor complications that arose after, such as Steffon Baratheon staying behind to make sure that Robert recovered from what could only be described as a mental relapse before he was sent to the Wall. Ashara didn't know all the details, just that the young Baratheon had been unable to cope with the fact that one of his eyes and his right hand were missing. That happened a couple of days ago. The maester said that he was doing much better, but there were still times where he would randomly start crying.
Ashara wasn't worried about him. She wasn't being callous by thinking that. As angry as she was at Robert for challenging Daeron and making a mess out of the boy's betrothal, she had heard that there was one thing that defined him: his stubbornness.
Hmm. Weren't all Baratheons inherently stubborn? Stannis was too, refusing to meet with his older brother despite his father asking him to. Stannis chose instead to travel back to Storm's End to assume his position as heir while also wishing to see his mother and new brother. His only brother now, or so he claimed.
Ashara could tell that the young boy was struggling with his anger and frustration toward Robert, but unfortunately there was little comfort that she could bring him.
Besides, she had more pressing concerns of her own to deal with. Concerns that had been kept in the background of the tourney. Concerns which had forced her to keep her distance from Rhaegal while Shaena grew ever closer to him.
Rhaegal was going to be taking the same way back to King's Landing as he had before. Ancalagon would travel with the procession while he kept an eye out for Jaehaerys and Viserys. Meanwhile, the rest of the royal family would fly back to King's Landing on their dragons.
Ashara enjoyed the looks of both terror and amazement from some of the lords who had lingered to witness all the dragons gathered together.
'No, not all of them.'
Daeron's Bael was not here. And then there were the other three on Dragonstone, enjoying a leisurely existence.
Perhaps this showing, along with Rhaegal's duel with Robert, would silence any discontent lords.
Ashara was not holding her breath.
Unlike before, Ashara surprised Rhaegal when she told him that she wanted to fly with Shaena and Azurax back to King's Landing rather than join him on the procession. Her beloved had already been sending her questioning looks when she emerged from her chambers dressed in the leather riding outfit which she had never worn until now.
Now he understood her intentions.
Her brother looked at her with alarm while Shaena looked positively delighted by her request. The queen looked suspicious at the request while the king didn't seem to care, too busy caressing the snout of Paarthurnax while whispering a song to the dragon in Valyrian. Aerys often did that.
Ashara could see some suspicion in Rhaegal's eyes as well, but he didn't argue. Or more like, he didn't get a chance to argue as Shaena jumped in to express her approval.
"That sounds great!" The princess was already dressed in her blue riding gear, which matched the colors of her dragon. "Azurax is big enough for the two of us. It'll be our first flight together!"
"Shaena." Rhaella called out to her daughter with a disapproving look. "You are still young, and the dragons can be unpredictable. I know you fly well enough on your own, but this-"
"Don't worry, mother. We'll be together, won't we?" Shaena didn't look concerned about having another person fly with her. "If something goes wrong, then I'm sure one of you will be able to do something about it."
"I suppose we should be grateful that you have so much trust in us, sister," Rhaegar mused as he stood next to his dragon.
The queen still did not look convinced. It took some more pleading from Shaena before she finally caved to her whims but only after reminding her of the dangers once again.
Rhaegal did not argue against it, which surprised her. Ashara figured that he would be more worried about an accident happening. Not that he looked happy either, though. Perhaps it was more along the lines of resigned?
It made Ashara slightly apprehensive. Did he know what she was planning? What was going to happen in the capital while he was away?
Ashara tried to keep her features composed. Although that proved more difficult than she imagined when she first approached Azurax. She had of course seen the dragons from a distance. Rhaegal had even offered to take her flying once when they were on Dragonstone, but she had refused every time. This was the reason why she had her own riding gear readied. She had only brought it with her on a whim after Rhaegal told her to have it on hand in case of emergencies. Ashara did not think that she would actually use it under these circumstances.
Fate had a funny way of working out sometimes.
The dragons were friendly enough when either Rhaegal or their riders were around. Ashara didn't want to tempt fate by having one of them attack her. She might have similar purple eyes as a Valyrian, but she did not carry the blood of the dragon with her.
Azurax glanced in her direction when she began to approach, and Ashara froze. The dragon's silver eyes were beautiful enough to enchant anyone, but Ashara knew that the strength and intelligence behind those eyes could also end her life on a whim if the she-dragon so desired.
Shaena did not have her fear as she skipped to the dragon and hummed, stroking Azurax's head just as the king was doing with his. And Azurax seemed to almost melt into Shaena's hands as she leaned into the touches.
How bizarre but fascinating at the same time.
"You don't have to worry, Ashara." Shaena's voice was gentle, but her tone was not comforting at all. "I won't burn you with so many witnesses here."
Ashara did not run away.
Shaena had not yelled or raised her voice. Only she was able to hear Shaena's words.
"So you know."
Shaena's actions had been deliberate then.
"Hmm." Shaena continued to pet Azurax, so Ashara was unable to see the girl's expression. "I know why you suddenly want to come with me to King's Landing rather than spend more time with Rhaegal. I also know that you know why I have not allowed Rhaegal to leave my sight ever since we arrived at the castle."
Ashara had to give Shaena credit. She knew how to act.
"But you did not say anything."
"Rhaegal taught me to hide my feelings when in public. It's better that way." Shaena finally turned to look at her, a gentle smile gracing her face. Her eyes were also full of warmth. "I don't think now is the time for this, though. Rhaegal has been staring at us, and we have to get going."
Ashara found herself feeling more uneasy about the younger girl than she did about the dragon who was once again staring at her, almost like the she-dragon knew what was happening.
Ashara would not be surprised if that were the case.
Still, despite dreading what came next, she acted her part just as Shaena had been and walked closer to the dragon.
This was not something she was going to be able to run away from. Not after she decided to reciprocate Rhaegal's affection.
Ashara tried not to make eye contact with said prince as she tentatively climbed on the dragon's back with Shaena. She knew that if she and Rhaegal locked eyes, she would give everything away. Her anxiety. Her dread.
Perhaps it had been a good thing that they had been apart the entire time they were here. Ashara had been able to maintain her ruse more easily that way.
The lords who were still present and watching began to whisper among themselves when they saw a non-Targaryen flying with the princess. She knew that rumors would start to circulate, but they were reaching the point of no return.
Ashara did not give them too much attention as she tried to make sure she was secured in the saddle, hooking herself up to the safety chains via her belt just as Shaena was doing.
The two did not share any more words between them as the dragons began to take off. First it was the king and Paarthurnax. They were followed by the queen, Daeron, and Moonlight, then by Rhaegar and Aegorax.
Finally, Shaena called out for Azurax to fly, which she did with a roar that seemed to frighten the lords and any other who was watching.
Ashara did not know if her heart was beating so fast from being in the sky for the first time or if because she knew that she was now setting course toward one of her most important discussions in her life.
Perhaps time would tell.
---
Walder Frey was not a happy man.
He had dragged himself to this damned tourney to have one of his daughters seduce the crown prince only to be met with failure. Sure, he got to see some interesting developments firsthand, but all of that paled in comparison to this daughters' failures. He had seen Prince Rhaegal turn every single one of them away during the feast, and none had been able to approach him during the lists.
So frustrating.
"Did not one of you manage to spend some alone time with the prince!?" he raged inside his tent.
His many children were gathered before him. Grandchildren too. Probably some great-grandchildren too. He had lost track by this point. His firstborn and heir, Stevron, stood by his side, silent as always.
"There was never any chance," one tried to argue. "The damned Lannisters did not invite us to their castle until the feast started."
Hmm, yes. Walder was not particularly happy with Tywin's treatment of him and his family. Did he not realize that his second son was wed to his sister? They were practically family at this point!
This excuse did not take away Walder's anger.
"There was something to be done!" he threw his empty cup at his children. He had so many of them, and yet none could offer a good idea? How useless were they?
Even through his anger, Walder paused when he heard Stevron let out a soft sigh beside him.
"I'm not sure why you are not stepping up, Jeyne. Are you not proud of your actions?"
Jeyne? Who in the seven hells was Jeyne?
Walder's question was answered a moment later when one of his daughters stepped forward. He did not remembering fathering this one from one of his marriages.
"I saw her leaving the prince's tent after his match with Robert Baratheon, father."
Well now. That was something. While Walder was annoyed at his son for not telling him about this sooner, the possibility that one of his daughters had managed to bed the crown prince made up for it.
"She approached the prince?" one of his other daughters asked, looking angry. Or maybe she was a granddaughter.
"Impossible."
"She's nothing but a bastard."
"Enough." Stevron silenced his siblings with a raise of his hand. "Jeyne may be a Rivers, but she's still one of us."
If there was one thing that Walder was happy with his heir, it was that Stevron understood the importance of family unity. Together, they were stronger than if they fought one another.
More importantly, Walder looked over his supposed daughter who bowed before him.
"Father."
Hmm. Looking her over, Walder could see why the prince had taken a liking to her. She had similar proportions to that Ashara Dayne. Walder was surprised that no one else saw what he saw. The crown prince was definitely bedding the Dayne. It was what he would do.
"So you managed to bed the prince-"
"No, father." Jeyne crushed his hopes as she now stood straight. "The prince turned me away."
Then it was just another failure!
"Don't be so dismissive of yourself, Jeyne," Stevron said. "From what she told me, the prince was more cordial with her than any of the others, father. Perhaps that could mean something for us."
More cordial?
There were murmurs from the others, unsure of what to make of Stevron's words.
Walder himself did not fully understand, so he looked at his daughter again.
"Tell me everything."
Even if this was a setback, the game was long. And new opportunities would always present themselves. Walder had lived long enough to understand that much.
While other lords might be foolish enough to try and plot against the Targaryens, Walder would take the opportunity to try and win their favor, through any means possible.
---
Shaena did not kill Ashara on the way back to King's Landing. Despite what the princess said before they left Casterly Rock, she did not attempt to burn her either. She remained courteous the entire way there, to the point that none of the others suspected of what was to come.
For Ashara, flying quickly became something she enjoyed. It was almost like horse riding, except that you were gliding through the air rather than through a field.
If only it wasn't so cold.
Ashara did not know how Rhaegal, Shaena, and the rest could put up with the cold air so easily. The leather helped, but she still found herself shaking many times during their trip.
Perhaps it was something that she would have to grow accustomed to. This was something that she wanted to do again, after all.
If she managed to survive the next couple of days of course.
The dragons all landed safely near the rebuilt Dragonpit where the dragonkeepers were waiting for them.
The dragons didn't need to be told what to do as their riders dismounted from their saddles, with Rhaegar offering his assistance when it was Ashara's turn to dismount. Ashara was grateful. Rhaegar had helped her with this before during their two-day flight from Casterly Rock.
The king stayed behind to say some parting words to Paarthurnax while the rest made their way to where the carriages were waiting for them.
If there was something else besides the cold that Ashara did not enjoy, then it was the scent of dragon all over her. That smell only became worse in a cramped space like a carriage.
The king and queen sat together in one while the rest took the second one together.
Rhaegar must have noticed her discomfort with the smell as he chuckled while the carriages began to traverse the new streets of the capital. Outside, the crowds cheered as the carriages passed through, but that had become a recurring sight over the past few years. Every time the king or Rhaegal traveled outside of the Red Keep and the city knew about it, crowds would gather to celebrate either their departure or arrival. By this point, the smallfolk of the capital loved the royal family with all their hearts.
"I'm assuming you'll want a bath again, hmm?" Rhaegar said with a small smile.
During their trip, they had made a stop at the castle of Lord Ball to rest for the night before resuming their flight the next day. Thankfully the lord had been gracious enough to provide them with a bath. Ashara did not think that she could have slept smelling like a dragon.
"We'll be taking a bath together," Shaena announced, staring hard at Ashara. Almost like she was daring her to argue otherwise. "It's been too long since we last bathed together, has it not?"
Ashara smiled. "Indeed it has, princess."
Daeron looked at them strangely. "Why? Shaena can wash herself, you know."
Shaena rolled her eyes. "I'm a delicate princess, brother. Of course I always need help getting ready."
Daeron clicked his teeth as he turned to look out the window of the carriage. "You? Delicate? Right."
Shaena's eyes narrowed as a playful yet vindictive look crossed her face. "You should be careful, Daeron. Or did you forget that your betrothed and I often exchange letters? It would be a shame if I wrote something to Lyanna that would make you look bad."
Daeron whipped his head to glare at her in an instant. "You wouldn't dare-!"
He stopped himself. Unfortunately, he realized his mistake too late as Ashara, Shaena, and Rhaegar were all giving him knowing looks.
"W-What? What are you all looking at!?"
"Hmm." Humming, Shaena placed a finger under her lips and tilted her head. "So our dear brother does like his intended, after all. Would you look at that? Rhaegar, Daeron is growing up!"
Rhaegar chuckled. "I know. It's amazing, isn't it? Our little brother will no longer be just a boy."
Ashara could not contain her own laughter as Daeron looked livid. Unfortunately, the reddening of his cheeks prevented him from looking anything like an embarrassed boy. If there was one downside to being as fair as a Targaryen, then it was that it was impossible to hide a blush.
"I hate you all," Daeron grumbled as he looked away again, trying to save what dignity he had left.
Neither Shaena nor Rhaegar took his words seriously as they continued to laugh, much to the younger boy's annoyance.
It was times like this that reminded Ashara just how young Daeron still was, considering that most of the time he acted more solemn or serious, especially during his training. Thankfully at Casterly Rock he had been able to let loose more thanks to the time he spent with Jaime Lannister.
'It seems the time he spent with Lyanna Stark also helped,' Ashara thought with some fondness, glad that the young boy was able to find enjoyment with his intended. She had not paid too much attention to them after Rhaegal's duel with Robert, but she had noticed Daeron talking often with Lyanna over the past several days.
Hopefully everything went well for them.
Unfortunately, the small reprieve did not last for long as they reached the Red Keep soon enough.
Tywin's brother, Ser Tygett Lannister, was waiting for them alongside a retinue of guards. The Kingsguard were all traveling with Rhaegal and the two other princes, so they would have to make do without their presence for a while.
Now that Tywin had been dismissed from his post, Ashara knew that Tygett would not last long as the master-at-arms of the Red Keep. She idly wondered whether Steffon would bring his own man or if the king would fill the position himself. Of course, Ashara doubted that the Lannister was aware of the change. The dragons were faster than any raven.
King Aerys barely acknowledged the knight as he and the other guards bowed when he stepped out of his carriage. Queen Rhaella walked beside him, the two linking arms as they walked inside Maegor's Holdfast, heading straight for the royal apartments.
Ashara and the others trailed behind.
Daeron headed straight for his chambers, still grumbling by the teasing from his siblings.
Rhaegar did the same, although with more grace as he said that he wanted to take a bath of his own and relax for the rest of the day.
This left Ashara and Shaena alone.
The two girls did not say a word as they stepped inside Shaena's chambers. There were maids waiting for her there, all bowing. The room was kept clean and her bed was already prepared for her.
"Princess Shaena, welcome back. Is there anything that you require?"
"Get a bath ready and then leave us."
There was no warmth in Shaena's voice as she gave the maids her orders.
This caused the maids to trade glances among one another before carrying out Shaena's orders.
Ashara watched them disappear into one of the other rooms while Shaena began to undress herself.
"I'm assuming you will want a bath."
Ashara slowly nodded as she started to undress herself.
"I thought you would want to speak first-"
"We can do it in the bath. More privacy."
So that was her goal then.
They didn't say anything more.
It did not take the maids long to get the bath ready as Shaena liked it. They were all startled when they returned and saw that Shaena was already undressed.
"Princess Shaena, if you required assistance, then we could have helped!"
Shaena waved their words away. "I'm more than capable of doing it myself. Now go. Do not bother us unless it's for an emergency or if father or mother calls for me."
The maids all bowed one last time before they scurried out of the chambers without another word. Ashara noted how they were still looking confused as they stepped out, not used to Shaena being so curt with them.
'That would be my fault,' Ashara thought with little humor.
Still not saying anything to Ashara, Shaena walked over to the attached room where the bath was waiting for her.
Silent as well, Ashara followed, not bothering to cover herself.
The tub was full of warm water and lined with fresh linen. It was similar to how Rhaegal enjoyed having his baths. The tub was big enough to accommodate the two of them.
Targaryen and Dayne submerged themselves into the tub, coming face-to-face.
Shaena had remained friendly and sociable all throughout the tourney. She had remained the same friend and sister figure that she had always been during their flight from Casterly Rock to King's Landing.
Now, that disappeared as rage began to settle over her eyes as she and Ashara came face-to-face, finally alone and without witnesses.
"Let's start talking, you thieving trollop."