When your older brother Qoren Martell told you he'd arranged a marriage between yourself and Prince Daemon Targaryen with King Viserys, you were unbelievably angry with him that you wouldn't speak to him for days. But eventually you came to accept that marrying the prince was your duty to keep peace between Dorne and the rest of Westeros following the war in the Stepstones.
Daemon talked to you before the wedding about how he wanted to wed you in the traditions of Old Valyria, and you agreed even though you were quite hesitant. In the end it was a beautiful ceremony and you felt undoubtedly connected to your new husband.
It wasn't but three months after your wedding that your lady in waiting, Elaena, pointed out to you that you hadn't had your monthly bleed. You visited the maester that morning and he confirmed you were indeed with child.
Everything was going smoothly until two months later, when Rhaenyra ended her search for a husband ended and King Viserys announced a marriage between his daughter and Ser Laenor Velaryon, son of Lord Corlys Velaryon of Driftmark. The feast of celebrations had begun and you sat at the end of the royal table in between Daemon and Lord Lyonel Strong, Hand of the King.
"Everything to your liking, my love?" Daemon asks, then sips on his wine.
You grin at him, pulling apart the sweet roll in front of you to get to the soft, warm center. "Mhm," you hum. "We're quite satisfied, dear husband."
He reaches his free hand to rub your growing belly. You cover his hand with yours and continue on to dine on the fine food presented before you.
Unbeknownst to you, Ser Gerold Royce approaches the royal table.
"Your Grace, Princess Rhaenyra, congratulations are in order," Ser Gerold greets the king and princess.
"We are honored to have you as a guest, Ser Gerold," the king says graciously. "I must say, I was most distressed to hear of the Lady Rhea's tragic passing. I'm very sorry for your loss."
"Lady Rhea was a unique character. Her kind... is not soon to be seen again," Ser Gerold says before turning to glare at Daemon. "Gerold: In the Vale, men are made to answer for their crimes. Even Targaryens."
"If there is anything the crown might do to aid House Royce..." Viserys tries to deflect, but Daemon doesn't allow the show of disrespect.
"Who are you?" Daemon quips as if he hadn't paid the man the slightest bit of attention until now.
"Ser Gerold Royce of Runestone," he announces proudly with a puff of his chest.
"And?"
"I am cousin to your late lady wife, Rhea Royce."
Your stomach clenches at the mention of Daemon's first wife. You not only knew the truth of what happened, but you helped Daemon plan it out with the help of some of your spies in the Vale. They were married at the time Daemon proposed to you, and there was no way you believed Viserys would allow his rebellious brother an annulment or a second wife in the traditions of Old Valyria. The only solution either of you could come up with to open the negotiations for your hand in marriage was to rid Daemon of is bronze wife completely.
Daemon's lilac eyes harden as he clenches his jaw before eyeing the man. "Ahh, yes," he says finally. "Terrible thing. I was positively bereft. Such a tragic accident."
"You know better than anyone, it was no accident," Ser Gerold spits.
You gasp lightly, placing both hands on your stomach as if you were in shocked by the accusation. Daemon caught on and sat up in his seat, feigning concern on his features.
He turns back to Ser Gerold with fire in his eyes. "Are you confessing some guilt, Ser Gerold?"
"I am making an accusation."
