Chapter Text
Lyman sits in his chair, in the small council. The newer members have arrived, and they are all ready for the first meeting without the king. The princess arrives at the meeting, carrying her son, her husband behind her. Prince Daemon pulls out a chair for his wife, and he smiles as he watches her gently place Prince Aegon on her lap when she sits.
Before anyone can speak, Tyland does, and Lyman has to stop himself from rolling his eyes.
“Is there a reason that the young prince is here?” Tyland quips.
“Prince,” Aegon says, looking nastily at the older man.
“Indeed, Egg, you are a prince.” Rhaenyra says.
“I believe the king said Egg could be anywhere and everywhere.” Daemon says he looks almost bored.
“Now, there is a scheme that I would like to propose. Glass gardens.” Princess Rhaenyra says.
“Glass gardens?” Tyland asks, laughing slightly.
“If you allowed me to finish, you’d know my point.” Rhaenyra says, looking the man in the eye. Tyland gulps when he hears a roar. “As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted. The capital is too reliant on food exports. There is unfarmed land just outside the city and the Kingswood. If we build glass gardens, we kill two birds with one stone.”
“How?” Otto asks, and Lyman wonders the same thing.
“We create jobs, paying jobs, both during the construction of the gardens and after with the farming. There will be less people financially dependent on the crown, and more taxable people.We also create stockpiles of grain in the city.” The princess answered. Lyman was impressed.
“You’re talking acres of glass gardens, not just one or two.” Lord Rickon said.
“Yes, Dragonstone will even provide the silica sand at a discounted cost to the crown.” Rhaenyra explained. “We’ll be able to employ artisans, farmers, labourers. The crown can even sell food to the people at a lower price.”
“This is brilliant, Your Royal Highness!” The lord of Gultown said, and Lyman had to agree.
It would solve a big issue that often devastated the capital — rampant poverty and unemployment. While also making sure that the crown would not have to fully rely on the Reach.
“This is a glorious dream, princess, but it is too costly.” Tyland said, his tone patronising.
“Then I suppose it’s a good thing it’s not your coffers I intend to use.” Rhaenyra says. “You have to spend money to make money.”
Lyman saw the tick of Tyland’s jaw, and he almost laughed. Well played, princess, well played.
“Lord Beesbury, please work with Lord Arryn and Archmeaster Vaegon on a plan, and how much it will cost.” The princess said and Lyman nodded. "Also I really do hate being interrupted by you Tyland, do not do it again."
Born to rule, he thought about the princess sitting in front of him.
“Otto,” Rhaenyra said to the former hand of the king. Otto turned around and looked at the sitting princess, her rogue husband behind her.
Ser Harold closed the door and stood in front of it, understanding immediately what the princess wanted.
“Twice,” Rhaenyra said patiently
“I beg your pardon?” Otto asked, clearly confused.
“Your daughter has insulted me twice in the last five moons to my face. I want to assure you she will not like the outcome should it happen a third time.” Rhaenyra said, and as she uttered those words, Daemon’s hands went to Dark Sister, and Otto swallowed violently. “Do we understand each other, ser?”
“Yes,” Otto said, his voice hoarse, Harold could smell the man’s fear. Good, he thought. Otto Hightower deserved to feel fear.
“Good, I’d hate for you to fight a war on two fronts.” Rhaenyra said, her tone playful, but the roar of Syrax showed just how dangerous the princess was. “Now, we will be running an audit of the crown’s household finances. I am sure that when it comes time to review Alicent’s all will be in order, yes?”
“Yes,” Otto said again, his voice still not back to normal.
“Also, I am aware that you are close to Tyland Lannister, remind him just how dangerous I can be. Thank you, and have a good day.” Rhaenyra said as she allowed her husband to help her up. “Breathe Otto,I haven’t set anything on fire yet.” She patted the man on the shoulder and walked out. Harold chuckled at the gobsmacked expression on the man’s face.
“You frightened Otto today.” He told Rhaenyra when they were alone later.
“Good, his daughter’s stupidity is becoming annoying. Hopefully, she will wise up.” Rhaenyra said. “There’s nothing more irritating than pointless stupidity.” Harold laughed loudly then.
“I always knew you’d be a menace.” Harold said, his hand brushing through his little princess’s hair.
“But I am your menace, ser,” Rhaenyra said, and she smiled at him softly.
My menace indeed. Harold would never have a daughter, but he would always have a Rhaenyra, and that, he thought, made him luckier than anyone.
Today, Criston Cole replaced Ser Harold for the day because the older knight was a little sick and could not guard the princess, and Queen Alicent was recovering from her labours. Stefon was guarding the princess, but he too had caught whatever Ser Harold had, meaning Criston was the only other available kingsgaurd, as Lorent was still new.
“Aegon,” the princess called out as she walked into the room. “Carina?” Rhaenyra was playing a game with her son and his little friend; the two children giggled to each other while hiding under her desk. “Got you,” the princess said, kneeling down and tickling both children. The three of them raised themselves off the ground and laughed.
“Come, time to go, my loves.” Rhaenyra said, and the maids came in and took the children with them. The princess sighed and sat down.
“Rhaenyra!” Archmaester Vaegon said, rushing into the room. “You will not believe this!” the man said, waving a letter in front of her.
“I won’t believe what?” the princess asked her grand uncle.
“I have just looked into the finances of Cassandra, and she is spending a fortune of the crown’s money on gifts to lords in the Stromlands,” Vaegon explained.
“I know I saw that, and I intend to deduct the money from her annual salary next year.” Rhaenyra answered. “Come Ser Cole, I have a meeting with my stepmother, then I intend to take my son for a midday meal with his father.”
As they walked towards Queen Alicent’s chamber, Criston struck up a conversation with the princess.
“Do you think the king shall declare Prince Aemond heir soon?” Criston asked
“Why?” the princess asked, stopping her walk. “Why is that of interest to you?”
“The realm is most anxious.” Criston replied.
“You do not serve the realm ser, you serve the king.” Rhaenyra replied with a smile. “A word of advice, I’d stay out of the politics of the throne.”
Criston frowned at that warning. Wondering who the princess thought she was to speak to him like that. He was going to be the future Lord Commander of the kingsgaurd, when Aemond was king. He was going to train the prince, the future king; Alicent had already told him so.
Harwin Strong was thrilled when Prince Daemon returned to the city; no one could rival his command of the gold cloaks. Harwin was concerned that his family might suffer disgrace when they dismissed his father from his seat on the small council initially. But they reconfirmed him as the second in command of the gold cloaks, and the princess helped his sisters make good matches. In an act of kindness, the women had even added 2000 to their dowries.
Prince Daemon was in the room dedicated to an office here in the barracks, the place was a renovated building.
“Commander, the princess is here.” A squire said, and Prince Daemon stood up immediately. His wife entered with her son.
“Kepa! Eat,” Prince Aegon said from his mother’s arms.
“Rhaenyra, Egg,” Daemon said in greeting, walking up and kissing them. He rubbed the princesses stomach, smiling.
“We thought we’d have a noonday meal with you and your men.” The princess said, and she smiled at the wider room.
“You honour us, princess.” Harwin said, and her smile blinded him.
“Come, we’ll go into the city.” Daemon said, grabbing his son and motioning for Harwin and Luthor to follow them.
The tavern was shocked at the sight of the dainty princess drinking and eating food with the commoners. The sight of Daemon no longer shocked them, for he was the Prince of the City.
“So Ser Harwin, any lucky woman in your life?” Rhaenyra asked
“No, not yet, much to my father’s distress.” Harwin responded. The princess nodded.
“Well, let me know if I can help.” The princess says, wiping her son’s mouth, the boy chewing his meat messily. “Can we walk around the city a little, my love?” She asked her husband. The prince nodded, staring longingly at her. Harwin could not blame him, for Princess Rhaenyra was one of a kind. An unrivalled beauty.
The family enjoyed a stroll through the city markets, with the princess stopping to buy things and chat with merchants. Prince Aegon, now on his father’s shoulders, watched content, babbling away.
This, Harwin realised, is what family was, not the dysfunction the king perpetuated, but the love between the princess and the prince, the love they showed Aegon. Harwin wanted that.
That night, Ser Otto summoned Criston.
“Did you learn anything useful from your day with the princess?” Otto asked.
“She did very little, and she had no meetings. She spent the day with her son and his Stark friend, then she met with the queen, she ended her day in the city to see the rogue prince.” Criston reported.
“She must have known I asked you to spy on her.” Otto cursed
“I do not think she is that smart, after all she is a woman.” Criston said.
“I underestimated her once, I will not do it again.” Otto muttered.
Daemon watched as Aegon hit the stomach of the straw target. He brandished his wooden version of Dark Sister with gusto, and Daemon laughed slightly, because of course his son would be obsessed with being a knight. Although thankfully Aegon had his mother’s intelligence and charm. It would serve him well.
Rhaenyra had told him she had agreed to Alicent’s request of hosting a feast for her son, who was turning one tomorrow. Daemon could not believe his brother had abandoned the boy on what would be his first name day. He suspected Cassandra had planned it that way, another dig at the Hightower girl.
“Got him, kepa.” Aegon’s words drew Daemon back to the present.
“Very good, Tressy,” Daemon responded, and his heart melted at the trusting smile on the face of his eldest.
Lorent Marbrand stood behind them. The knight was young, but as Rickon had said, he was good, and Daemon trusted him, but most of all he liked Aegon and Aegon liked him, so Daemon was at ease with the new Kingsgaurd.
“Come, Egg, let’s go see muna.” Daemon said as he carried his boy.
“Muna.” Aegon said, clapping his hands.
Passing lords and courtiers greeted him and Aegon as they walked through the keep. Those who supported the greens, as they had become known, filled the castle, and Daemon rolled his eyes at the stupidity. They entered the Tower of the Hand, and Daemon put Aegon down, following him. They met his wife, the green girl, her father, her uncle and his wife when they got to the room Rhaenyra was in.
“Muna, here!” Aegon’s words drew Rhaenyra’s eyes to them, and her eyes lit up. Aegon ran to her, and she picked him up and kissed his head. Daemon walked towards her as well.
“Sword like kepa!” Aegon says to his mother, holding her face, the way he had seen Daemon do. Many times before.
“Yes, you’ll be a knight like your kepa,” Rhaenyra said warmly
“You’ll be better than me, Tressy.” Daemon said, ruffling the boy’s hair and leaning down to kiss his wife.
“Kepa is the best.” Aegon argued, and Rhaenyra laughed. Daemon was shocked by the pure jealousy in Alicent’s eyes when he looked at the Hightowers. Otto had a look of interest looking at Aegon. Daemon sat down next to his wife and pulled her chair closer to him, putting his arms around her.
“What are we discussing?” Daemon asked
“The budget of Alicent’s household.” Rhaenyra responded. “She argues it is insufficient.”
“How much is it?” Daemon asked, interested. Rhaenyra did not have a budget. He knew husbands gave a budget, but Rhaenyra was entitled to all his money, since she had her own wealth as a princess. They also gained joint wealth from their taxes in the narrow sea. They were equals, and he liked it that way.
“20,000 gold dragons yearly.” Rhaenyra answered. Daemon nodded. That was a lot, but not too much. Daemon himself had the same annual salary from the Crown. Rhaenyra, he knew, had an annual salary double that amount, because Viserys had decided that Aemma’s yearly allowance would go to her daughter.
“That’s enough.” Daemon said, shrugging.
“The queen has three children to look after as well.” Holbert said.
“The crown provides 6000 yearly for them and pays their tutors and maids separately.” Rhaenyra argued. “Not to mention the king has two wives.” The Hightowers did not enjoy that reminder.
“What is your annual salary from your husband?” Alicent asked.
“She doesn’t have one, because what's mine is hers. She is welcome to drain my coffers dry,” Daemon said, and he saw the look of shock on all their faces.
“What about you, Lady Hightower?” Rhaenyra asked
“9000.” The woman answered.
“Exactly, so twenty should be enough for you, Alicent,” Rhaenyra said
“I am queen.” Alicent said
“Yes, one of two, your father lived off an annual salary of 3000 as hand, so you did not exactly grow up in the lap of extreme luxury you enjoy today, you are complaining of an amount over six times that. What are you building? A war chest?” Rhaenyra asked, and Daemon saw the panic in Otto’s eyes; his wife had stumbled on the truth.
Daemon did not blame them for war was coming, Rhaenyra’s annual salary was going into their war chest. All the money from their taxes and the extraordinary wealth he gained in the Steps was being used to build the narrow sea. They put Rhaenyra’s dowry of 200,000 in their iron bank vault, along with the money from some other lucrative investments that Daemon and Rhaenyra made. Brothels really were gold mines, and so was dragon glass. By the time war came, they’d be independently the richest family in the realm.
“We only want Alicent to receive what she is due.” Holbert said
“And I understand that, but there will be no update of her yearly allowance.” Rhaenyra said her tone resolute. “I have granted you enough already.”
“The princess is clearly not working against you; she approved all your requests except the request to raise your annual salary.” Her uncle Holbert said as they sat down in her rooms to have tea after their meeting with Rhaenyra.
“I found her perfectly pleasant.” Her aunt said. “It is queer though, a female hand.”
“Those Targaryens are,” Holbert stated.
“We need her to side with us fully.” Her father said.
“Yes,” Holbert said. “She and her family seem very popular, and the city rumbles about an enormous project she is embarking on.”
“Yes, her glass house — it is quite a good one.” Her father mumbled.
“What of Aemond’s feast?” Alicent asked, tired of hearing about Rhaenyra.
“Well, the Lannisters are here, so is the Reach, the Baratheon girl skipped them in her tour plan.” Her father said,
“Probably because she knows they support us,” Holbert said. “But I worry about the Vale and the North.”
“That is why we must get Rhaenyra. The Vale will side with her, and she seems to have built a friendship with the heir to the north.” Otto answered
“What about you, Alicent? Can’t you become friendly with the northern heirs wife?” Her aunt asked
“I have been busy being pregnant.” Alicent said.
“So is the princess, yet she has found the time.” Her aunt responded. Alicent bit her tongue to force the harsh words she wished to speak down.
“We have also convinced the High Septon to come to the feast. To bless Aemond,” Holbert said, and Alicent smiled. Finally, there is some good news.
When Alicent looked at her two tiaras on loan from the royal vault, she realised that neither matched her dress. She swallowed her irritation and walked towards Rhaenyra’s chambers. The queen’s chambers, the rooms that were supposed to be hers. Viserys had also put the royal jewels in Rhaenyra’s custody, claiming that it was to stop Alicent and Cassandra from arguing about them. She and the Stromland whore had each chosen two sets from the vault to loan permanently, but they had to ask Rhaenyra to get anything else.
The irony is that Rhaenyra had an immense personal collection, for she had inherited Princess Alyssa’s personal collection, Princess Daella’s, her mother’s, and pieces from Daemon and Viserys over the years. Alicent remembers craving them when she used to be Rhaenyra’s maid. She is sure the collection had only grown. Daemon showered Rhaenyra with gifts. The guard let Alicent in, and Alicent found Rhaenyra at her vanity, her son on her lap, and Daemon behind her, who was gently braiding her hair.
“Alicent, how can I help you?” Rhaenyra asked.
“I wanted to visit the vault to get a crown.” Alicent said, swallowing down her embarrassment of still having to beg Rhaenyra for things.
“Of course, Aunt Amanda can take you.” Rhaenyra said, and she motioned for her maid to fetch her aunt.
“Pretty muna.” Aegon said to Rhaenyra, and she smiled and kissed the boy.
“You are right; your mother is the most beautiful woman there is.” Daemon said, and Rhaenyra’s cheeks reddened. Alicent felt her stomach churn. This was what she wanted, but she had to watch Rhaenyra once again get to have it all.
The high table was filled with her family and Aemond, as the regent Rhaenyra filled in for the king. Viserys should be here; instead, he was off gallivanting around the realm with his whore, leaving Alicent alone. The man who had claimed to love her was so easily leaving her.
“Princess Rhaenyra,” Jason Lannister said
“Lord Lannister.” Rhaenyra said back.
“What a strapping young lad Prince Aegon is; my daughter would be a wonderful bride for him.” Jason said.
Daemon laughed, looking the man up and down. “You must be drunk if you think my son will marry your daughter.”
“We appreciate your candour, Lord Lannister, but we must reject your offer.” Rhaenyra said, rubbing her husband’s shoulders.
Lord Jason walked away embarrassed.
“Aegon is two!” Daemon grumbled
“Lannister is an idiot, my love.” Rhaenyra said, kissing his cheek, and Alicent rolled her eyes at the display.
“How are you handling your pregnancy, Princess?” Her aunt asked as Daemon had taken his son over to the Starks.
“Very well.” Rhaenyra said.
“I would think you’d want to resign your position.” Her aunt said, and Alicent agreed. Women were not supposed to rule.
“If you have a problem with my position, you’re welcome to speak to the king.” Rhaenyra said, her eyes watering her son.
Alicent huffed, Rhaenyra stood up, and the room quieted down.
“Thank you all for coming. I am sure that Alicent will have more to say. But I congratulate Aemond on his first name day. As a mother to a young boy myself, I know that there is nothing more awe-inspiring than the uncomplicated love our children give us. I hope Aemond enjoys his day. That he grows into the son his mother deserves. To Aemond,” Rhaenyra said, raising a glass. The room echoed Rhaenyra’s words, and Alicent was surprised at how nice they were. Alicent smiled. Perhaps Rhaenyra had realised that Aemond was the king’s rightful heir, that Alicent was to be the Queen Mother. That Alicent had only done her duty, if Rhaenyra apologised for the silence, her rude words then Alicent would take her back.
Rhaenyra had not intended to stay at the feast so long, but lord after lord felt the need to speak to her. Daemon had used Aegon as an excuse to leave a while ago, and Rhaenyra envied him. As she and Ser Harold made their way to the exit, she was met by the new Septon of Kingslanding.
“Your royal Highness.” The man greeted.
“Septon.” Rhaenyra acknowledged
“I wondered if we might have a private word. Along with the High Septon,” the man said, looking at her. Rhaenyra looked at the man and sighed.
“I am quite tired tonight, but I will gladly have a word with you tomorrow.” Rhaenyra agreed. The man nodded and smiled in understanding.
“Of course, you are incredibly busy!” The faithful man said. “I look forward to speaking with you tomorrow.” Rhaenyra nodded and bid him goodnight, walking straight out of the door.
After Rhaenyra looked in on her sleeping son and his dragon, she stopped by Rhaella’s chambers. The one next to Aegon’s.
“Rhaenyra, my darling girl. Come in.” Rhaella said, smiling, as she ushered her in.
“Rhaella, what do you know about Septon Landon?” Rhaenyra asked
“Oh, he is a lovely man. He was just picked as the Sept after the tragic death of the former one.” Rhaella said. “He is originally from the Vale, you know.”
“He is?” Rhaenyra asked, because she had not known that.
“Yes, he was brought to man the small sept in the keep by your mother and then he was promoted to the city.” Rhaella said, and Rhaenyra squinted, for she could not remember him.
“Oh he’s changed; he used to be twice the size. That’s how you remember him.” Rhaella said
Rhaenyra racked her brain and suddenly she remembered, he had been the one to defend Daemon from Viserys when he had killed Mushroom for calling her breasts perky.
“I remember him now. He wants to meet tomorrow. Will you join me?” Rhaenyra asked, and Rhaella nodded.
“Yes, I’ll see you tomorrow.” Rhaella said, kissing her cheek.
The following morning she sat with Rhaella in her study as Landon was let in.
“Please sit,” Rhaenyra said to the man, and he did, smiling. The High Septon also followed him. “How can I help you?”
The two men exchanged worried looks.
“My niece is a fair sort,” Rhealla said, and the two men nodded and sighed.
“We have a problem, Your Royal Highness.” The High Septon said.
“Oh?” Rhaenyra queried
“Yes, we have had an alarming number of women who are sneaking into the beds of married men, recently widowed men.” The High Septon said, wiping his brow.
Rhaenyra’s eyebrows rose in shock.
“We have also seen a rise in spousal murder.” Septon Landon said.
“Because of the king?” Rhaenyra deduced. The two men shared concerned looks again. “How about I guess and you nod if I am correct?” Rhaenyra suggested.
“Because the king blatantly killed his first wife, married a supposedly pious girl who was seducing him on the night of his wife’s funeral, and then married another girl while married. People are doing the same thing?” Rhaenyra asked, and both men nodded, and Rhaenyra sighed. Trust Viserys to start a foolish trend.
“When people are rewarded for inappropriate behaviour, it is seen as appropriate.” Landon said, “Especially when that reward is queenship.”
Rhaenyra mentally commended him for failing to insult Viserys.
“Your mother was a pious woman, a good woman, and pardon my language, but noble whores have replaced her.” The High Septon said, and the scathing remark shocked Rhaenyra.
“Then why not speak out?” Rhaenyra asked.
“We are tied to Oldtown. They fund us.” The High Septon said. “I used this feast to come and speak with you, previously we knew Otto would read our letters, putting us in danger.”
Rhaenyra nodded.
“We have changed since we first dealt with the crown. We have rooted out the corruption from our institution, but a greedy and corrupt family still controls and funds us.” The High Septon explains to Rhaenyra, and Rhaella’s subtle nod confirms this.
“You want independence?” Rhaenyra asked
“No, we want oversight, but we ask that it be from the crown.” Landon said.
“Will people not see that as a conflict?” Rhaenyra asked.
“With all due respect, Princess, we are extremely damaged already. Right now, Otto is using us and our institution to prop up his grandson.” The High Septon says.
“What happens when my father dies?” Rhaenyra asks.
The two men were silent then.
“What about true independence?” Rhaella asked. “Let the seven control themselves.”
Rhaenyra tapped her fingers on the table.
“You need to overhaul the way the faith is currently perceived. For most see you as Hightower lackeys.” Rhaenyra suddenly said, and the room looked at her. “The Sept will be independent, but the main sept will be moved to the capital. The paramount lords will vote eight Septons in every seven years. Those Septons will oversee all the septs in the realm. No man shall serve more than three seven-year terms. To avoid a monarchy-like system. And every seven years one of the paramount lords will be in charge of oversight, ultimately reporting to the crown.”
The two men in front of her beamed. The question was, how was Rhaenyra going to convince the king? Where was she going to find the money to build a grand sept in the capital?
“We can fund the building of the new sept.” The High Septon says, as if he read her mind.
“You can?” Rhaenyra asks
“Yes, you’d be surprised with how many people pay us to look the other way on things.” Landon says and Rhaenyra chuckles.
“The crown will also put in money; the money that goes to Oldtown will be redirected. But this will have to wait for approval from the king. I suggest we start with small joint projects between the crown and the faith, and then we bring this idea to my father.” Rhaenyra says. The two men nod in understanding.
Rhaenyra had never thought she’d be taking the faith from the Hightowers this morning, but she found herself giddy at the thought. She had never thought of the faith as anything more than lackeys of the Hightowers; she was wrong. She was very wrong. Never judge a book by its cover.
“For now I suggest we issue a decree, making everyone aware that the realm will no longer tolerate these acts.” Rhaenyra said “Septa Rhaella and I will also work more closely with you Septon Ladon, for if the people of the city feel comfortable with you, they will not fight the change. Please give me a little while to come up with our first joint endevour.”
“We cannot thank you enough, Princess.” Landon said, and the High Septon nodded in the affirmative. “If you do not mind me saying, I knew your mother, and she did not deserve what happened to her, but I know she is proud that her daughter is helping free the religion she loved from the yolk of those who thought their lacklustre daughter could replace her.”
Rhaenyra nodded in thanks. She truly hoped her mother was proud of her.
Otto was ambivalent, for his four-year-old granddaughter had claimed Dreamfyre in the dragon pit, whilst he was glad to finally have a dragon on his side he was annoyed that it was not his grandson that had claimed the beast. Aemond needed to claim a dragon before the bastard Aenar did.
Heleana looked at Rhaenyra as the woman congratulated her. Alicent’s daughter was a painfully shy girl, and while obedience was something Otto valued, she was too shy.
“Congratulations, Heleana,” Rhaenyra said, and Heleana said nothing, merely nodding her head.
“Until Aemond claims a dragon, Heleana cannot be seen with hers.” Otto said to Alicent later that night.
“I do not want her near that beast,” Alicent said, shivering, and Otto rolled his eyes.
“Dragon’s make Targaryens special, you fool.” Otto snapped. “Look at Aegon; his dragon is so magnificent they are already calling it the Great Storm. Rhaenyra rides the Golden Goddess and Daemon the Blood Wyrm, Rhaenys the red queen. Even Viserys rode the Black Dread. Aemond must claim a dragon.”
Alicent nodded her head in acceptance.
“Your cousin Bethany, Patricia Redwayne and Elena Westerling, are to be your new ladies.” Otto said, “I heard Rhaenyra pick a girl from the Vale, a Celtigar, and a Greyjoy as hers. She is also working with Gillian Stark.”
“Yes, I heard Amanda chose them for her.” Alicent said
“It makes sense; the Celtigars are her subjects, the Vale is her kin, she is trying to pacify the Iron Isles and she is close to the Stark woman. I always see them together. We need to nip the relationship between Aegon and the Stark girl in the bud. Aegon is for Heleana, and the Stark girl will marry Daeron.” Otto nodded at his plan. With Heleana claiming a dragon, she was now a more powerful bargaining piece.
Otto was surprised when he learned the princess had met twice with the High Septon, the first time with Rhaella, the second time she included Amanda, Vaegon and Daemon. What could they possibly be discussing? Otto asked his brother to arrange a meeting with the man.
“Your Holiness.” Otto said to him as he entered Otto’s new office, he groaned as he was reminded about his loss in station.
“Ser Otto.” The man said warmly, and that title vexed Otto, he used to be the lord hand.
“I was wondering what you could be discussing with the princess.” Otto asked without preamble.
“Oh, the princess has decided she wishes to open a small orphanage on Dragonstone, in honour of her mother. She knows we help with Oldtown’s orphanage, so she asked for our input.” The man said, drinking his wine. Otto nodded, for this was not the first time he had heard about Rhaenyra wanting to honour her mother.
“Of course, we hope you can make your support of Aemond well known.” Otto said to the man.
“Is there a reason the king has not declared him heir?” The man asks with a frown marring his face.
“He will; he is just being led astray by the whore of the Stromlands.” Otto said
“Hmm, shame on families that allow their daughters to be in inappropriate situations with men that are not meant for them. I shall continue to pray that the king is guided to the right path.” The High Septon said, and Otto nodded in agreement.
May the Seven guide Viserys to the right path.
Ysilla Redfort is thrilled to be one of Princess Rhaenyra’s ladies. She understands immediately the gravity of the position she has found herself in. Prudence Celtigar and Asha Greyjoy make up the other two ladies in the princess's household. Ysilla looks up from her tea as the princess enters the room; the women all stand up immediately to greet her.
“Thank you all for accepting a place in my household,” the princess says. “Traditionally, you would help me run a household, and you will, but you will also help me run a castle on Dragonstone, another castle that is to be built and the realm as a whole.”
Ysilla sucked in a breath. How exciting! They would not just be doing mindless stitching and courting knights; they would be affecting change.
“Now, my aunt Amanda shall lead the household. You are an extension of me, so please remember that when you conduct yourself.” Princess Rhaenyra said. “I will of course be gifting you 4000 gold dragons each for your service to me.”
Ysilla and the other girls gasped; that was a lot of money.
“You mean for our dowries?” Asha Greyjoy asked.
“No, I mean for your personal coffers. It will be yours to do with as you see fit.” The princess said, shrugging.
“Women are never allowed to have money.” Prudence said.
“Well, you all shall be the exception.” The princess said, “And please call me Rhaenyra, at least in private.”
Amanda provided each girl with three bundles of fabric, one Essosi lace, one Myrish lace and a velvet. They were instructed to make dresses with them. They were also gifted jewellery and hair accessories. The princess not only wanted them to act the part she wanted them to look it too.
The first time they represented the princess at court was during a tea party the queen was hosting for the women of the court. Amanda had approved of all their outfits and asked that they walk to the tea together.
“Rhaenyra will meet us there.” Amanda said.
“Ah you are the ladies of Rhaenyra’s household,” the queen Alicent said, sneering at them. Ysilla did not know why the woman felt so sure of herself. She had allowed another lady to effectively steal her husband; it was only what she deserved. Whore Ysilla thought unkindly.
“Yes, they are, and honestly I do not know how many times my niece must repeat herself. It is Princess Rhaenyra.” Lady Amanda said snarkily.
The ladies all sat down, and as Lady Amanda predicted, the Princess, Gillian, and the little lady Carina arrived. The princesses belly was big, and you could see it under her dress. Five moons along Lady Amanda had said.
“Ysilla.” the princess called, and Ysilla walked up to her.
“Come join me for a little walk.” The princess said, and they began walking.
“How is your sister?” Rhaenyra said, looking at her.
Jessamyn was Ysilla’s older sister, a dear friend to the lady paramount Jeyne.
“She is good; she serves gladly at Lady Jeyne’s side,” Ysilla said with a smile.
“Good, I am glad.” The princess said, smiling. “My aunt says you have a head for numbers.”
“Yes, I do.” Ysilla responded. Ysilla had always been good with numbers.
“I want you to be in charge of my household books. You shall monitor my coffers, my investments, my tax revenue. Every month, you will give me a detailed account of it.” The princess said, “Can you handle that?”
Ysilla squared her shoulders and nodded. She could; that is why she had come to serve the princess, to be useful.
“Good, Prudence is to manage the day to day of my household, the servants, the schedule, the correspondence. While Asha will handle my projects in the city, the orphanage on Dragonstone, and the work I intend to do with the Sept,” the princess explained. “I know it is a lot, but I believe you are all capable of a lot.”
Ysilla nodded, glad that she was more than her sex.
Landon smiled tightly as he watched Alicent Hightower bring her newest child forward. The boy was three moons and was ready to be christened. Daeron, Landon looked down at the boy, and looked up at another young Targaryen prince. There was no comparison; the sons of Alicent looked like counterfeits next to Prince Aegon.
Princess Rhaenyra had brought her son with her to attend the christening; her great-aunt and aunt sat next to her. The young boy sat silently on his mother’s lap, playing with his carved dragon. He closed his eyes when told and babbled when appropriate. Landon appreciated that the princess, while a staunch follower of the fourteen, was teaching her son to be respectful to other religions.
Aemond, the Hightowers’ saviour, was dressed in rich green, jewels covering his little body. He would look like a commoner if they did not do that Landon realised. Those people had no shame. They claimed to worship the seven, yet they consistently insulted its teachings. Rhaenyra was dressed in a black lace gown. With a lovely red velvet covering most of her hair, she wore no jewellery except a necklace, a bracelet and her wedding rings. All gifts from her husband and her son, she was not there to show off; she respected the sanctity of the house of the seven. Just like her mother before her.
Alicent Hightower, meanwhile, seemed to have worn all of her jewellery. Ladon had to hold in the urge to roll his eyes as she faked piety.
“Go ahead, Egg, give Septon Landon the bag,” Princess Rhaenyra said to her son as they walked up to him at the altar.
“Hello.” The boy said gently, handing Landon the bag, money he realised. He got down at eye level with the boy. “For the poor.” the boy said clearly, and Landon was astonished that he was so clear at his age.
“Thank you, my prince, may the Mother always guide and bless you.” Landon said, and the boy smiled at him and Landon saw Queen Aemma in that smile. “Perhaps the prince would enjoy helping me hand this out to the less fortunate?”
Princess Rhaenyra nodded, and Septa Rhaella followed Landon with Aegon in tow. As the young prince gently gave people coins, the crowd cheered for him and his parents.
“Seven bless you my prince!”
“Seven, bless your mother!”
“Seven, bless your father!”