The Bronze Dragon-A House of the Dragon fanfic

Chapter 55

The decision to pursue a marriage between Prince Daeron and Princess Aliandra was one of the key things that helped my father to win the war. History should record that it was my mother who came up with the idea, but I doubt that it will. In any event, we have this marriage to thank for Dorne now being a part of the Seven Kingdoms, in addition to the other deals my father struck with them.

The other thing that should be recorded of this time is that removing Otto Hightower as Hand was a grave mistake by Aegon, for it was now that his efforts at diplomacy began to bear fruit . . .

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Runestone

Daeron could hardly believe his luck. He was to marry that gorgeous Dornishwoman he had first laid eyes on in the Red Keep just a couple of years before? It felt like his nameday had come again. Of course, there was the tiny matter that they were still waiting on a raven to affirm that Princess Aliandra was even interested in meeting them, but he was hoping that she would reply yes.

Waiting with his cousin and sister- no, my King and Queen- and their daughter in their solar made it feel like they would be waiting forever before they got the reply. In reality, the raven had only been sent the day before, but every second that passed made him feel a bit more antsy. "You can calm down, Daeron." Daevar said, Rhea sitting in his lap and chewing on his fingers. "One would almost think you're more eager to hear the reply than we are."

"He wants to marry Aliandra." Helaena said bluntly. "He's hoping she replies that she's interested in hearing us out."

"This was your idea, love." Daevar reminded her. "A comprehensive agreement with Dorne could change the balance of the entire continent. Might even bring them into the realm properly."

Helaena hummed. Truth be told, she wasn't sure if anyone would have been receptive to her idea for an alliance with Dorne, but the fact that her advice had been accepted so readily made her heart soar. She wasn't just a pretty face here; she was a Queen with actual authority and power, and who had been in a battle. Her husband had listened to her advice and taken it seriously; a welcome change after her mother had told her that in all likelihood, she would end up playing second fiddle to his advisors.

"Daeron, come and play with Rhea. You're more anxious that either of us." Helaena said as Daevar set the little girl on the ground. Rhea walked unsteadily towards Daeron, who picked her up without much fuss. The girl looked so much like her mother and father it was unreal, even if she had inherited more of the Targaryen look with her violet eyes as opposed to Daevar's brown ones.

"She reminds me of you two." He said. "She'll make a wonderful Princess when she's older."

"If she's anything like her mother, she will be." Daevar smiled and took his wife's hand, kissing it gently. Helaena blushed as the door swung open.

"Your Grace, we have the reply from Sunspear." Barden said, holding up the slip of paper. "Princess Aliandra has said that she's interested in meeting; she wants to hear our offer in more detail."

Daevar smiled. Good . If Aliandra was willing to listen to them, then she was willing to talk. Dorne and the Targaryens had been at each others' throats for years, so if there was any chance he could come up with to break the ice between them, the better.

"My grandfather had to have reached out to Dorne when the war started." Daeron pointed out. "Why would Princess Aliandra agree to meet with us? Not that I'm complaining." He said. He was quick to add that last part, Helaena noticed.

"That might be because she has only ascended to rulership of Dorne very recently, My Prince." Barden said. "Her father Prince Qoren passed away very recently. He was an avowed enemy of House Targaryen to the extent he allied with the Triarchy during the Stepstones War. Princess Aliandra would seem to be more open to dialogue."