Enchanted // Rhae Royce

51. A Prize

' Is that what I am to you? A prize to proffer about to the great houses?' Rhaenyra questioned her father bitterly as she stormed in.

"This is fun, always fun times with the targaryens." Taelon murmured. 

"You're of age, Rhaenyra. And Jason Lannister is an excellent match.' Viserys corrected. 

"On the line up for todays drama we have a carriage that is too damn small." Taelon went on. 

"He's arrogant and self-serious.' Rhaenyra corrected

"A cake that is dry." 

'Well, I thought you might have that in common.' Viserys countered as the continued their little match of whisper shouting in the middle of the festivities. 'Since you came of age, I've been slowly drowning in a lake of parchment flung from every corner of the realm. Marriage proposals, all. And I have tried often to discuss it with you, but you've refused me at every turn.'

"Marrying Nyra off to pompous lannisters of all the houses." Taelon said while taking a long sip. 

'That is because I do not wish to get married.' Nyra shouted back. Not to them at least.

'Even I do not exist above tradition and duty, Rhaenyra!" Viserys shouted back, Rhaenyra opened her mouth to object but a knight spoke up silencing them.

"A hunt was supposed to be the drama." Taelon added softly. 

'Excuse me, Your Grace.'

"Now more drama come to light." Taelon pondered

'You must marry.' Viserys told her before turning to the knight. 'Yes?'

'The royal huntsman have sent a report, Your Grace. There's been a sighting of a white hart. The stag is "The King of the Kings wood," Your Grace. A regal portent for Prince Aegon's name day.' He remarked.

"Ah some good news," Taelon began as Nyra stomped out. 

"Oh no, runaway princess." Tommen remarked nodding to Nyra storming out. She jumped on her horse and Taelon chased after her. 

"NYRA!" Taelon called but she didnt stop. "NYRA! WAIT!" Taelon demanded

"I got her my prince." Criston offered. 'Princess, wait!' Criston shouted chasing after her as he jumped on her horse. 'Princess, slow down!' he jumped on a horse following her out.

"She's fine." Tommen offered.

"Should have stayed in bed today." Taelon remarked huffing out a breath. "Come on, I think it's time for cake."

'Hyah, hyah, hyah! Princess! No!' Cole shouted slowing her down. 'Whoa, whoa, now!' the horses neighed and kicked up as they got to the lake. 'What happened back there?'

'My father... trying to sell me off to Jason Lannister.' Rhaenyra told him miserably. 'Was... I born so that I might only further raise the standing of a Lord of Casterly Rock? Giving them a princess?'

'Do you want me to kill him?' Criston offered and Rhaenyra chuckled debating it 'We should return to camp, Princess.'

'It's a beautiful day. We should take in the Kings wood.' Rhaenyra countered as the birds chirped in the distance. They walked their horses along the trail as they talked, Rhaenyra's misery fading. 'Were you ever betrothed, Ser Criston?'

'I had an adventurous youth when my father served at Blackhaven, to be sure. But my station was never high enough for a formal betrothal. Before I spoke my vows as a knight of the Kings guard, I could've married a common-born girl had I wished.' Criston remarked

'How lucky you are to have a say in your own life.' Nyra had wanted Taelon and he didnt want her. He was happy and in love with Rhae and Nyra wanted to hate Rhae but she was wonderful and that hurt. Rhae loved Taelon and Nyra knew it, knew they loved each other. But still her heart ached knowing she wouldnt have the same freedom as Taelon if it came down to her picking a husband and running away to elope. 

'Many in the realm would gladly trade positions with you, Princess.'

'Only because none of them has ever held my position. I may be the Princess of Dragons tone, but I am toothless.' Rhaenyra informed him

'One day... not so long ago, you held enough power to write my name into the White Book. And when your father named me to his Kings guard, it was the highest honor any Cole have ever known. All that I have, I owe to you.' Criston told her honestly. 'Now I'd hardly call that toothless, Princess.'

+

' Your Grace.' Howland sharp remarked, noting the tracks.

''How far?' Viserys questioned.

'Her droppings were found half a league to the east.' He smelled the air. 'Still fresh. Between two and three hours, Your Grace. My best scouts spied him.'

'The beast is upward of 35 stone. And we now have her trail.'

'Aye. Before the dragons ruled over Westeros, the white hart was a symbol of royalty in these lands. And on this day of all days. I've never been one for signs and portents, Your Grace, but if the gods did wish to show their favor.' His advisor suggested.

 "I left cake for you people to show me shit." Taelon remarked. "Next time we have a stupid feast I'm staying in bed."

"Taelon," Viserys groaned. "I can only handle one of you screaming at me."

"I'm not screaming, I'm informing you." Taelon corrected. "You are getting older I suppose, I could yell if that helps."

"Ever the thoughtful one you are Taelon."