Two weeks before the wedding was set to happen, another message was received at Winterfell and was delivered to Lords Rickon and Cregan as they discussed routine business of the North.
“Another message, My Lords, from the Queen and Hand," said the Maester as he presented the message to his Liege.
This was by far not the only message they had received since the King had confirmed his acceptance of the proposed wedding date of the two heirs as the Queen and Hand had sent a plethora of other messages containing their demands regarding decor, the rooms they would be staying in, the menus and entertainment, behavioral protocol and more. However, knowing that the Royal retinue was quickly approaching and that it had been a month since the last message from them, the two Lords figured all would be fine and set.
Lord Rickon opened the message a bit nervously, wondering what new demand would be placed upon them, scanned it and then shouted out with outrage.
“Hells! That poor child! Son, I know she is not who you would have chosen for a bride, but we must protect her. If this is what her stepmother and her father’s most loyal advisor are expecting now, then the poor girl must truly suffer in her own home!"
"What does the message say, Father?” inquired his son.
“Here! You read it! I will send a message to Lady Arryn informing her of this since the Princess is her cousin and she will be arriving a couple days before the wedding."
"To the Lords Stark,
I, Lord Otto Hightower, write on behalf of King Viserys and Queen Alicent in regards to the wedding and consummation of the marriage between Lord Cregan and Princess Rhaenyra and the happy couple’s pursuit of heirs.
First, the wedding ceremony will take place the day we arrive. The bridegroom should not be present as part of the Welcoming party as he should be readying himself for the service. The traveling party will have a brief respite from their travels as the Princess is changed into her bridal gown and cloak before being escorted to the Godswood. The couple will then wed.
Second, Her Grace has decided that, immediately following the couple saying their vows that the newlyweds should retire to a chamber with the requisite group of witnesses, where the union will be consummated. The sheets will then be displayed at the wedding feast to show the union of the two houses. Her Grace does also wish to assure you, my Lords, that the Princess has indeed begun to bleed, and thus has passed that first marker of true womanhood marking her ready to have her maidenhead taken and become a mother.
The Royal retinue, save for the two maids in the Princess’s employ, will then depart for the Capital three days later.
It is the King’s greatest desire to know that Lord Cregan appreciates the wonderful gift he is being given in the Princess by ensuring that he gets a child on her as soon as possible and after that continues to expand his family with her. This is partially due to his Queen also expecting a child and the King’s desire to have his grandchildren one day wed his younger children. Plus he knows that both House Targaryen and House Stark have greatly diminished in numbers over recent years.
With sincere regards,
Lord Otto Hightower, Hand of the King
Writing on behalf of Her Grace, Queen Alicent Hightower
And King Viserys Targaryen,” read Cregan eyes growing wide as he read what was being expected of him.
“I cannot believe this! The Princess is barely more than a child and yet they demand that I sire a child on her already? Father, you know I had not even planned to consummate the marriage for at least three years. I would have welcomed her into my bed; sleeping next to her each night as befits our roles of man and wife but I would not have sought more from her than that and perhaps some gentle and tender kisses until then. Hells, I won’t even have a chance to have a short conversation with her, according to this message, until after I’ve bedded her and the sheets have been shown. How could anyone expect this of anyone, particularly such a young maid and heir to the Throne?”
“Hence why it will be up to us to protect her from now on, my boy! This young dragoness will be joining our wolf pack and wolf packs look after and protect their own. We must make sure that she feels safe with us and protected. Now, I know what you are expected to do to her is deplorable, given her youth, but it will also provide us with greater claim to her. Your consummated union will prevent it from being annulled and then, by siring children on her, you will further claim her as a member of House Stark as the mother of your younger children. I also think that it may be time that we set aside our old grievances with the Vale and ally ourselves with Lady Jeyne Arryn, your bride’s cousin, as something tells me that the Queen and Hand are plotting and it won’t be good for your bride, or us.”
“I agree Father, and I will perform my duty as is expected of me. I shall just pray for the Gods' to not bring ruin to her womb by being bedded so young.”
“I shall also do so as the message does speak truth. Our numbers are low and soon you will have a young bride in your bed. Gods willing, she may bear you several sons and daughters. Now, on to one last matter since we’ve spoken of children, have you yet told Benjen and Alys of your imminent marriage?”
Cregan ran a hand through his hair and sighed, “They know the King, his family and a small retinue are coming to Winterfell. They also know Lady Arryn is coming and bringing a small retinue of her own but no, they do not know why. I have yet to tell them I’m to be married and that they are to gain a stepmother."
Lord Rickon stood and walked over to place a hand on his son’s shoulder, "Cregan, son, you need to tell them. In two weeks time, you will stand before the Heart Tree in the Godswood and be wed. You do not have much time left to inform them as I do not wish them to learn of your marriage at the feast to celebrate the marriage. It would not be fair to them and you know it.”
“I know, Father. I guess I’m still struggling to comprehend the situation myself let alone to explain it to my children. Especially since my bride is only three years older than my son, which honestly would make her a more suitable bride for him. Although, since the King and Queen seem desperate for the Princess to have her own children, he would be a poor fit as it will still be some years before he is able to perform that duty.”
Lord Rickon laughed, “In that case, I count myself blessed that you were chosen over me as her bridegroom. Can you imagine me having to get it up and sire children who would be younger than my grandchildren? I was born during the reign of King Maegor and am only a decade younger than the good queen so I much prefer to be the Princess’s good father rather than the King’s good son."
"Based on the messages we’ve received from the Queen and Hand, I’m truthfully surprised that you were not chosen.”
“They likely figured my cock could no longer stand erect let alone seed a young womb. Instead they decided to grant this old man a new daughter to cherish in my old age.”
“You aren’t that old father!" Cregan exclaimed.
"Of course I’m old! The Old King died at five and sixty and I’m only a mere five years less than that now! I just hope I can live long enough to see my eldest grandchildren wed and my family expanded, not that I’m in any rush to have my precious grandchildren married off, mind you."
"I’m glad. As much as I’m not eager for my wedding, I am glad that I am the one who is being wed rather than one of my children. I do not wish to see either of them or any given to me by my new wife be married before they come of age.”
Ages:
Jaehaerys 14 when he married Alysanne, 15 when he became King, 22 at birth of Prince Baelon, 24 at birth of Princess Alyssa, 38 at birth of Viserys, 58 at birth of Rhaenyra, 62 at death of Baelon, 63 at death of Alysanne and died at age 65.
Alysanne 13 when she married Jaehaerys, 14 when she became Queen, 21 at birth of Baelon, 23 at birth of Alyssa, 37 at birth of Viserys, 57 at birth of Rhaenyra, 61 at death of Baelon and died at age 62.
Rickon 11 at birth of Baelon, 13 at birth of Alyssa, 27 at birth of Viserys, 47 at birth of Rhaenyra, 51 at death of Baelon, 52 at death of Alysanne, 54 at death of Jaehaerys and ascension of Viserys
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The Winter Queen
FanfictionIt wasn't long after her father married her former maid that Rhaenyra, the young heir, was quickly married off to the heir of the North.
