High Tide, Driftmark: Late 112 AC
Aelinor landed Talyrax right in the center of the courtyard, Vermithor hovering to let her father slide down his wing before flying away. She dismounted Talyrax with long practiced ease. The Velaryon household bowed before them.
Laena wasn't among the ranks. Daemon and Laena were exploring Essos for their honeymoon. After the necessary greetings Laenor offered her his arm. "Would you enjoy a walk on the beach, Princess?"
"I would love so, Ser Laenor. And please, call me Aelinor. We are family." Aelinor smiled brightly. "Then call me Laenor, cousin." Laenor said. He guided her down the beach, were Aelinor saw his dragon, Seasmoke, fishing and Talyrax napping on the sand. Vermithor was wadding through the water, curiously poking his snout in the water every so often.
Aelinor threw up a privacy ward that would prevent anyone and everyone from spying and eavesdropping on them. "I have chosen you to be my consort." she admitted.
"Why?" Laenor said.
"Because I trust you." she freely admitted. "You are also the only Valyrian man left in Westeros, and marrying you would unite the lines of our grandfathers. But I do not mind your romance with Ser Joffrey."
Laenor paused, a look of fear igniting in his eyes.
She quickly began to speak. "Laenor, I truly do not mind. Love is love, and so long as it doesn't hurt anyone, I do not mind it. You also know I have ways to ensure we can get true born children." Laenor did know about her magic, and Aelinor knew of a few potions that could help them. "And I am glad you found your one true love, cousin. Joffrey can become a household knight so he can be close and not arouse suspicion. I do have a few requirements."
"Name them." her cousin said.
"You will pull your weight raising our children. I know our marriage will never have love, but I hope for friendship and respect, for partnership and loyalty. Our eldest child, no matter the gender, will bear the Targaryen name, and the rest will have the Velaryon surname." the Princess of Dragonstone told him.
"That is reasonable." Laenor agreed. "When will our betrothal be announced?"
"On the first day of 113 AC, and our wedding will happen on the last day of that month." Aelinor informed the rider of Seasmoke.
"Then I look forward to marriage for the first time in my life, Aelinor." Laenor said. "I swear on my house words that I will live up to your requirements, and I shall be the best father our children could ask for. They shall have my love and respect, and you, my loyalty and friendship."
Aelinor smiled. "You have proven why I choose you, Laenor."
Notes:
The marriage chapter is coming soon!
YOU ARE READING
The White Queen
Hayran Kurgu"The White Queen truly saved our dynasty, did she not? It just took us a while to realize it. But she did." - Queen Regnant Aelora I, the Architect. In 97 AC, Aemma Arryn delivers twins. Two daughters are born, the younger innocent and the elder wit...
