Before, the Game of Thrones, the seven kingdoms saw the rise of Westeros as a united country, all seven kingdoms forged into one great kingdom under the greatest dynasty. The story revolves around Aegon and his two sister-queens; their ascent and th...
In the flickering light of oil lamp, Visenya was leafing through a large book bounded by goat skin- Herbs of the seven kingdoms: A compilation. There are the common ones- basil, chives, cilantro, lemon grass and parsley. And the less rare agrimony and borage blue. Visenya was searching for one particular herb or rather herbs that possessed one specific trait. The maesters were ignorant in this particular field, having no interest in the needs of women folk.
She heard the flap of her tent being opened and the cool evening air drifted in. Visenya quickly returned to the page on chamomile that lists instruction to brew a herbal tea.
"What is that?" Aegon asked, leaning over her shoulder.
"Herbs." She replied without missing a beat. "For infections."
Aegon hummed and pulled out a chair beside her. Visenya put away the book and turned to her brother.
"Let me guess. The Dornish princess will not aid their ancient rivals."
"Not quite. She offered to lend her army, fight our wars so they may get rid of the grasp of the Reach, but as an ally. Not a subject."
"Hmm. I would never expect any less of them. They have always been a proud race." And a great challenge to be faced, she thought. "You are not going to accept, are you?"
"What do you think?" Aegon countered.
"I think those snakes are sneaky bastards maybe the only house that can pose legitimate threat as enemy as well as ally. They will use us to gain the Reach and when the spy opportunity, will not hesitate to take it over from us. Not to forget, if we alter the terms of alliance, they are fully capable of burning us to ground. We must be wary of whatever we choose to do with Dorne."
"I couldn't have listed the reasons so eloquently. Yes, you are right in your speculation. They are indeed a tricky bunch. If we send words that we will accept, rest of the houses may plead for such alliance and instead of one country, it will be the squabbling lords under flimsy governance. We cant afford to lose the reputation we have built. Westeros needs to see us as the inevitable force."
"I have to agree brother, your capability of military estimation is convincing, despite what I may have thought otherwise."
"You wound me, sister."
"How fares the financial matters?" Visenya asked after a pause.
"Rhaenys is sitting with Cave, calculating our expenditure with Orys aiding them. There is a bit of pressure to fuel all expenses but nothing much troublesome."
"I can go to the Iron Bank if you'd like. Surely, they are aware of our mission and will not turn away such an opportunity." Visenya offered.
"In time. I need you in the vale and with the current engagement we cannot spare a trip to Essos. When time permits, I will send Orys, or Velaryon to Braavos. We will need their coins to run."
Visenya gave a nod of approval but a twinge of hurt still lingered in her mind. It is childish, she chastised herself. She almost didn't feel Aegon take her hand in his. Slowly, he started to trace a circle on the back of her hand.
"Not tonight." Visenya pulled away.
Aegon looked defeated. "Have I offended you some way, Visenya?"
"None at all. I am very tired is all."
"Very well, have a good night's rest, sister."
"You too, brother."
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The forest was enormous, misty, and diverse. Its canopy was reigned by alder, beeches, and ash, and rays of light bursting through their crowns allowed for a variety of ferns to cultivate the thick layer of leaves below.Bundled branches hung from many trees, and an array of flowers, which grew dispersed and sparingly, brightened up the otherwise unchanging lower level. A blend of noises, belonging to birds of prey gliding in the air and cricket's busy hum reverberated all around.
The common people have started calling it the king's wood. Fitting as it was close to Aegonfort and the growing town. It served as shelter and source of food to the common folk. In time, when the dynasty will established, generations after generation will come for sports and hunt.
Through it's heart flows the small river Wendwater originating from a lake and travels north-east and open in the Blackwater bay. It was by the bank of which where willow tree stood, Visenya had asked for Bryant to wait. She had gone to great length to find the infamous physician, taking care that no one gets a whiff of her intention.
Bryant was leaning against the said willow that bent with his weight. He was fiddling with appeared to be a flute and running his hand through his coarse black hair.
"Have you got what I desire?"
He jolts like a cat surprised. "My lady, you scared me."
Visenya rolled her eyes. This was the idiot she must rely on.
"So, have you?"
Bryant slipped his hand under his coat and brought out a pouch. Visenya took it from him and unfastened the binding. Inside, violet flowers peeped under green.
"Pennroyal or as the Summer Islanders call it Lavender's oil. I got them from a Norvosi selling them behind a whorehouse in Braavos. Thirty pieces of silver for a fistful."
True to her word, Visenya took out a purse of gold and threw it at him.
"Twenty?" He asked after counting.
"As was our deal. Would like a knife to the throat to please you?" Visenya snapped. Bryant bowed and tucked away the purse.
"Grind two leaves and mix it with morning tea. Take it twice for three days and stop.It is sure to cause your required desire but not without some worries. Do not increase the dose, it may kill you. Also, it can cause stomach ache, nausea, diminished vision. There is not much you can do after."
Visenya heard him patiently.
"But the most important issue is you may not be able to bear children in future. Most women choose parsley, it may not work but still safer."
"Thank you. You may go." Visenya dismissed him.
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No one glanced at her with any suspicion as Visenya returned to her chamber yet she felt they were judging her. She made her own fire and heated up some water with tea. Plucking two leaves, she made made it into a paste and mixed it in the drink.
Her hands shook as she brought the cup to her lips. Her first child, it would have been. A beautiful girl that she will love with all her heart, give her everything she was denied. But not yet.
