The Downfall of the Queen - ON HOLD

Marriage Proposals

In the two short years since Laena's death, plenty has happened. Daemon has fathered a new son who was named Aegon III. He was a beautiful silver-haired boy that was the spitting image of Rhaenyra. The Princess was currently pregnant with her second child of Daemon's. While Rhaena still lived on Dragonstone with you, Baela grew up and went off to live with Rhaenys as her ward. 

You sat in the hall with the Painted Table, staring at the large map of the realm as you scanned over the page in your hands. On the paper were all of the sightings of Balerion since his return, small stones symbolizing where they were on the Painted Table. Last night, you received a raven from Tiraya. She was a Lyseni girl who worked with the maidens in the Red Keep. Ever since you first befriended her on your first visit to Westeros, she had been serving as your informant. Your spy. She had heard word of a fishing town catching sight of the beast in the Bay of Crabs. 

By the looks of the stones, he was mainly spotted along the east coast of the continent. You tilted your head, scanned the stones with a sigh. Why only this part of Westeros? Nothing prevented him from traveling as far south as Dorne if he wished, yet he hovered in the area surrounding the Blackwater Bay. 

Suddenly, a voice came from behind you. "What might you be up to?"

You turned in surprise, face hardening at the sight of Rhaenyra. The Princess slowly approached as you rushed to collect the stones from the table, hiding your work behind your back as you faced her. "Nothing."

Rhaenyra stared at you for a long moment, sighing softly. "Daela-"

"I must go." You rushed to explain. "I have my lessons."

Rhaenyra was no fool. She knew that you had no lessons until this afternoon when you had training with her sons. Sighing, she turned to watch as you rushed out of the hall and made your way down the corridor instead. She shook her head softly at your actions, but otherwise remained silent as she turned back to face the Painted Table. While you made your way to find your sister, Daemon was sitting in his study, scanning over the pages on his desk. 

The Prince felt overwhelmed. Aside from his usual day-to-day duties that he dreaded so much, he was now drowning in marriage proposals. He had heard from plenty of Lords on the matter for years now, but now more than ever. Each of them had intriguing offers. After all, who would ask to marry a Princess without something to give in return for her hand? Many offered large plots of land. A few, like Ser Jason Lannister, offered wagons of gold. Cregan Stark of the North offered both, along with the promise of a Direwolf pup. Daemon sighed heavily as he scanned over the Stark's note once more, reading the words for what felt like the thousandth time. 

There was a gentle knock on the door, one in which made Daemon want to sigh in relief. "Enter." He demanded. 

In came a Maester, the man bringing over a small scroll for the Prince. Daemon huffed, taking it from the old man with a nod of thanks. "Thank you, Maester Geraldys."

After the man bowed and took his leave, Daemon opened up the scroll to read it. The sight caused his eyes to widen slightly, an unusual thing for Daemon. Not much surprised him, but this letter from his brother did the trick. 

Daemon, 

I have been forced to break off the betrothal between Aegon and Helaena. The pair have never been a good match. It's my understanding that Daela is yet to be wed. I'd like to offer up my son. We are the best option for her. Our family has wealth, power, and security. She'll remain close to you. I assure you that if you choose to send her to us, we will take very good care of her. I am prepared to offer 3,000 gold pieces, 24 pure sapphires, and a dragon egg from Dreamfyre's most recent clutch.