𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 • Jacaerys Velaryon

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐: 𝐃𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

 Once the Targaryens and Starks were seated at the dining table they wasted no time engaging in conversation.

"So, Lord Stark, how is your eldest son doing? Cregan I believe his name is." The Queen initiated,

"Cregan is doing well your Grace, he is currently watching over Winterfell in my absence. It was actually Renva's idea for him to stay there so he gets used to what his duties will be when the title of Warden of the North passes onto him." Rickon continued shifting the attention to his daughter.

"It seems that she knows a thing or two about how to navigate title duties." The Queen said while eyeing Aegon who sat to her right.

"What are some of the activities you do in Winterfell, Lady Renva?" Princess Rhaenyra asked, addressing Renva. It seemed as though only the Princess could sense how uncomfortable Renva felt sitting at the table knowing what she was there for.

Perking up at the question from the Princess, Renva spoke, "Well your Grace, since I grew up with only my father and two older brothers they have taught me very much. Ever since I could remember they wanted to make sure I could protect myself, so my eldest brother Cregan has been teaching me sword lessons. We just recently moved onto daggers." Renva said with a small smile on her face thinking about her eldest brother.

"That sounds amazing, what is it like training with your brother?" a voice from next to Princess Rhaenyra said. As Renva looked up she saw those same eyes from outside. Deducing that since he was next to Rhaenyra he must be her eldest son. "It is Prince Jacaerys, he is a very strict teacher but he always makes it fun somehow." Renva said. Jaceaerys sent her a smile across the table as he went to take a sip of his drink. Renva looked down as she felt her heart flutter at the Prince's smile.

"When shall we talk about the wedding plans?" Alicent asked, looking towards Rickon. "I thought this question might come up," Rickon said, placing his cutlery down next to his plate. "My late wife and I, compromised before our own wedding that our children shall marry someone whom they share a connection with." Rickon spoke while looking between the Queen and the Princess.

"And that means what my Lord?" the Queen started dropping her own eating utensils. "It means your grace, while the offer for my daughter's hand is much appreciated. Unless she feels a connection with Prince Aemond there will not be a wedding." Rickon said, making eye contact with the Queen.

"So you all have come all the way here to just say no to the King's wedding proposal between our houses?" Otto Hightower spoke from beside his own daughter. "That is not what I am saying, Lord Hand. I am simply stating that if my daughter doesn't develop a connection in the time of our stay here we will unfortunately then have to decline the proposal." Rickon said while glancing at Renva who was shrinking under the gaze of the Queen and her children. "But you are stating that whoever she does form a connection with she can marry?" Rhaenyra perked up while glancing towards her husband then Lord Stark.

"I guess you can say that, yes your grace." Rickon said, taking a sip of his wine. "Then I shall also offer a marriage proposal between my eldest son Jacaerys and your daughter."

"You can't be serious, Rhaenyra. You weren't even planning on having your son wed for another year, and now just to spite my son you offer Jacaerys hand." Alicent angrily spoke as she pushed her chair out and leaned against the table.

"If I might interject your grace." all heads whipped to Renva, including her own fathers as she stood. "I know I am of age to be wed, and that if I decline more offers I will be deemed a spinster." Renva started as she looked at her hands. "But, before my mother passed she knew her time was coming so she wrote me a letter for when I became of age." She said lifting her head to make eye contact with Queen Alicent. "In her letter she stated how all she wished for was for my brothers and I to find a love like my father and hers. That is what my father promised to me and my mother on her deathbed, so I am sorry for the confusion. I will not be forced to marry, but I know that a bond can be formed with time." Renva said, looking at Aemond, who had kept a straight face the whole of dinner. "If a connection is formed between Prince Aemond and I then I will gladly become his wife. But if it does not, I hope you will not be angry with House Stark." Renva stated as she sat back down.

Otto Hightower shot up from his chair, "Alicent you cannot be considering this?"

"I don't think you have much of a say in this Lord Hand. After all it is not your daughter's hand being asked for. It is mine." Rickon grumbled out. Renva and Ranvir's heads snapped towards their father. They have only heard this tone of their fathers a few times. Those times were when he was dealing with evaders from the NightWatch. To which he then condemned them to either prison or death.

"Father- '' Ranvir rose and grabbed his fathers arm. "House Stark excuses itself, we are tired from our long Journey. The meal was lovely, please send our compliments to the cooks." Renva spoke as she grabbed her fathers other arm and proceeded to drag her father and brother out of the dining room.

"I understand you are angry father, but you cannot act that way towards the Queen and the Hand." Renva stated as they walked towards the wing that housed them for their time at the Red Keep. "I will if they do not understand my wishes for my daughter." Rickon said as he stormed into his chamber. "Lets go Renva, he will cool down with time. You have to remember we are wolves in a dragon's house. He is just trying to protect us." Ranvir consoled his sister. "I know he is, but we need to let them know that we are not trying to go against them." Renva said, leaning her head on her brother's shoulder as they walked into their shared chamber. "You are always there when I need you." Renva stated as she drew the divider between their beds, smiling as he turned to his side Ranvir spoke, "I will always be here for you Renva."