Ashes In The Castle ||| Aemond Targaryen

ten

It was when Rhaenyra was pregnant with her and Daemon's third child that the woman arranged for Naerys to meet with interested suitors. Within a single day, there were to be ships lining the port of Dragonstone.

Naerys handmaidens tried to do her up, make her look pretty. She was forced into one of her tighter dresses but the girl refused to leave her sword and dagger. Her future husband would know she was a swordswoman. Not a submissive maiden.

Naerys sat on the throne in the hall of Dragonstone. She had her legs crossed and sat back in it, her mother and Daemon on one side and her brothers and Rhaena, who insisted they be there, on the other.

And then it was time for her suitors. She watched as men of all ages, dressed in all types of colours, entered the hall and formed a line in front of Naerys.

The advisor to her right announced each man as he stepped forward and explained his proposal.

"Princess, if I am chosen as your match, your days shall be easy and your delicate heart shall never be shattered. As a loyal swordsman, I vow to protect you and any heirs that may come. Our families' histories our deeply rooted-"

"I do not need a knight to protect me, young Lord. I am perfectly capable of that myself." Naerys looked down at her hands, at the rings adorning her fingers.

"Next," Rhaenyra called out, forcing the boy out of the way. And when the next suitor approached she spoke again. "Next."

Naerys looked up and found a man that looked to be far past his prime.

"But my Princess, I have not been given a chance to speak-"

"You are older than my daughter's grandsire. It is unseemly to put yourself forward for her hand. Next."

There were men who were very obviously only there to talk about the heirs to their bloodlines.

"And if I am chosen as your match, our children will be strong and capable. Our blood will flow together as one and create the most powerful soldiers of the next generation."

"Next."

Some men looked okay. Naerys actually considered them until they opened their mouths and words spilled out.

She was trying to be on her best behaviour. But the amount of men so blatantly looking at her as a womb and a womb only was infuriating. Naerys wasn't being given anything by them.

So finally, she spoke up.

"If you are here because you want Targaryen blood for your offspring or wish a rise in status, please step forward."

The men seemed somewhat confused but they obliged, wondering if it was part of the plan. If it gave them a better chance.

Almost all of them stepped forward. She rolled her eyes.

"Then you may leave now and spare yourself the heartbreak. I am in search of a husband."

Rhaenyra looked at Naerys as the gathered men groaned and muttered, many of them truly following her order.

But there was one boy that stepped forward. He couldn't have been much older than Naerys.

"Please, Princess. Allow me to show you my skills with the sword. It will convince you of my worthiness as your match. I'll duel anyone."