The Dragon-Tamer

28

Princess Rhaenys was standing under the Weirwood tree when Rhaenyra found her. The sound of thunder filled the air, reflecting the tense nature of the day. Rhaenyra let out a nervous breath as she and Rhaena approach the older woman.

"Grandmother?" Rhaena called out to her.

Rhaenys turned around quickly, a look of warmth on her face at the sight of her granddaughter, "Rhaena."

The young girl made quick work to embrace her grandmother, missing her after six years. Rhaenys smiles and buries her head in Rhaena's braided hair.

"Baela said that you might be here," Rhaenyra made herself known.

Rhaenys pulled away from her granddaughter to look at the Princess, "And where is my other granddaughter?"

"She was on her way to greet her father and stepmother," Rhaenyra smiled and bowed her head slightly to Rhaenys, "She's done well as your ward; you've raised her admirably."

"You honor me, Princess," Rhaenys thanked her, but she couldn't help but feel that her young cousin wished to speak of something more.

"Might I speak to the Princess alone, Rhaena?" Rhaenyra laid a hand on the girl's shoulder, "You may go join your sisters, if you'd like."

Rhaena looked at her grandmother for approval. When the older woman gave her a slight nod and her hand a squeeze, Rhaena walked out of the Godswood, leaving the two women alone.

Rhaenyra waited until Rhaena was out of ear shot before speaking to Rhaenys, "I wondered, for many an hour, what your purpose was in coming here. Whether you'd speak for or against the suit brought by Ser Vaemond. But then I realized that you intended to advocate for yourself."

Rhaenys felt her gaze harden at the accusation, but made no move to deny it.

"This is not fair proceeding," Rhaenyra continued, "It is a trap set by the Queen and the Hand, I'd wager, to proclaim my son illegitimate."

"What is your point, Rhaenyra?" Rhaenys let out a sigh, already feeling tired of the day already.

Rhaenyra took in a deep breath, "I'll make you an offer. Back Luke's claim, and let us betroth Laena's children to mine. Baela will be Queen of the Seven Kingdoms and her sons will be heirs to the throne. Rhaena will rule in Driftmark, and the seat will pass to her and Lucerys's children in time."

"A generous offer," Rhaenys couldn't help but crack a smile at her audacity, "Or a desperate one."

"What does it matter?"

Rhaenys chuckled, "You are right; it does not matter. But I wonder how would Prince Daemon, or even Lady Feyre, feel about you using Laena's daughters for your own gain? Laena and Feyre had a very special bond and she loves Baela and Rhaena with everything in her. She will not be so easy to convince, no matter how...close you two are."

The older princess stepped closer to her cousin, making Rhaenyra hold her breath.

"You can bargain with me all you like," Rhaenys whispered, "Bring my granddaughter with you to soften my resolve. But today, the Hightowers land their first blow. They force you to your knees...and I must stand alone."

And with that, Rhaenys left Rhaenyra in the Godswood to stew in her feelings. The Princess felt her hands shake as she realized that her problems were only just beginning.

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"Mama, this dress is itchy," Alyssa groaned as she tugged on her mother's skirts.

Feyre knelt down to be at eye level with her youngest daughter, "Come now, Lyssa. You mustn't fuss with your dress. Your father had it specially made for his special girl."