The Azure Dragon

A Deal Is Made

"So your father proposed a tour but you don't want to take the tour?" Harwin asked and Rhaenyra nodded, both holding the reins to their horses and walking next to each other. "It's demeaning. I mean to parade me around the realm. I understand as his heir but I sound like a brood mare being offered to the other houses. How can I garner respect like that? How will Daella?"

Harwin cracked a smile at the mention of the youngest Targaryen Princess. "I fear there is no man in the Seven Kingdoms that would dare to match the fire of the Princess. Either of you." Rhaenyra giggled at that and blushed. "My mother used to call us her firecrackers. If our dragons didn't hatch with us, she feared we would change into dragons ourselves." Harwin laughed at that which made Rhaenyra smile at the sound. She had seen Ser Harwin around and occasionally in the training yard so the man wasn't foreign to her.

The two walked for a while before deciding to take a break for the night. Everyone at the camp will believe that Ser Criston and Ser Harwin are searching for Rhaenyra and wouldn't send anyone else out yet unless the days stretch longer. Harwin was quick to build a fire after noticing how cold Rhaenyra was becoming, setting down one of the saddle cushions so she was more comfortable than him. "Do you think I will be a good ruler?" Rhaenyra broke the silence and Harwin looked at her, turning the rabbit he caught over the fire.

"I thought you cared not for the opinions of men who do not know what a woman's life truly is like?" He asked with a smirk and Rhaenyra rolled her eyes playfully, sitting up from lying on her back. "I'm serious, Ser Harwin Strong Of Harrenhall." She tried to say seriously but a smile broke through and Harwin nodded. "Westeros has had many rulers. I suppose you should desire rule like Aegon The Conqueror and Good Queen Alysanne. Fair but firm, Strong but compassionate. I believe that you will be a memorable Queen, you just have to believe that you will be too."

Rhaenyra looked away from the flames to Harwin and smiled thankfully at him, unable to speak as she wiped her eyes of tears. Harwin was quick to speak. "Forgive me, I did not mean offense. I truly apologize." He sputtered but Rhaenyra shook her head and moved to hug him, needing comfort. Harwin was taken back but wrapped his arms around her, careful to not harm her but instead offer comfort. Eventually that's how they fell asleep after dinner, talking until they fell asleep, Harwin's arm under Rhaenyra's head.

When morning rose, Harwin and Rhaenyra started to make their way back to the camp, Viserys and Aemma being the first to exit the tent. Daella exited with Baelon on her hip and paused her walk when she felt a strange tickle in her brain and for a moment, the camp seemed to fade away and she was in the foyer with the Godswood tree, Harwin standing under it and Rhaenyra being walked towards it on Viserys' arm. Daella gasped and blinked, the words being unheard by anyone.

When the day comes that what is blue turns red, a breakdown shall usher forth an end to our suffering.

"Rhaenyra!" Aemma cried, rushing over once the girl handed her reins over to Harwin who nodded and waited, Rhaenyra wrapping her arms around her mother. "Are you alright? Oh my girl, are you alright? Are you hurt? Did he hurt you?" Aemma looked Rhaenyra over and the girl stopped her mother, holding her hands. "Mother I am unharmed. Ser Harwin was the perfect gentleman. He kept me safe." Aemma sighed in relief and when Viserys came over, Rhaenyra went into his arms immediately and let her tears fall.

"I'm sorry I yelled at you, father. I should've understood better and I will do my duty but not the tour." Viserys nodded and hugged her tight, pulling back to caress his eldest daughter's cheek. "Oh my lovely girl, it was wrong of me to speak of it in that way. I do not wish to push you like a brood mare, I just want you have someone to love and protect you. Someone to help guide you. Heirs will come in time but worry not of the tour, it does not exist." Rhaenyra was shocked and looked to Aemma who winked at her.

"You will choose your own and when you are ready, you will have our support." Aemma said, taking Viserys' hand. Rhaenyra looked towards Harwin who was in a discussion with his father and back at her parents. "I believe I have an idea but I don't want to discuss it here."