The Dining Chamber, Dragonstone
Rhaenys and Corlys were the only Velaryons—besides the Targaryens—present in the dining chamber, and though Daemon and Viserys were chatting about some spat between the Riverlords, Rhaenys could feel their displeasure. And she wouldn't blame them, not too much. First, her children had not arrived to welcome their king, and now they were late to supper by half an hour. Though in some part, she was glad Laenor had not come to welcome the King. Anyway, knowing Viserys's temperament, it was a surprise to Rhaenys that her cousin hadn't already started eating or made a few remarks about Laena and Laenor's absence.
Rhaenys looked at the door for what felt like the umpteenth time. The thought of dragging them here from wherever they had holed up was beginning to sound reasonable, when her children finally entered—together, hand in hand, with a smile so forced that Rhaenys could discern it from a mile away. Those smiles vanished the moment their intended audience saw them. Laena bowed to the king, as her cousin's station demanded, but Laenor only inclined his head and gave a stiff, half-hearted bow that barely passed as one. This was precisely why Rhaenys was glad her son hadn't gone to welcome Viserys; Laenor would never have knelt before him.
Rhaenys turned her head toward her royal cousins and noted that none seemed overly bothered by Laenor's behavior—a good sign. Perhaps they had expected it from him. Daemon surely would have; he was the only one present who had witnessed, even in part, her son's abilities. Soon enough, Laenor took a seat beside his father, and Laena sat beside her brother.
"What made you so late?" It was Rhaenyra who asked, narrowing her eyes at them in suspicion. It made Rhaenys wonder—had Laenor told her about his relationship with Laena while in Winterfell? Because the princess seems a little hostile since the moment they arrived in the dining chambers.
"I was getting ready, and Laenor refused to let me arrive late alone. So he waited for me to finish. I apologize for it," replied Laena, her voice slightly shaky, betraying how much she must have cried. It pained Rhaenys to see her like that, but this was still a better outcome than one of the many Corlys had suggested. She could never bear to see the love between her children destroy everything their Velaryon ancestors and Corlys himself had built. Not that option. There had to be another way—she just knew it.
"No apologies needed, Lady Laena," said Viserys jovially, before motioning to the servants standing nearby to serve supper. Rhaenys and the others sat in silence as the food was brought in—not because they didn't wish to speak, but because none of them had anything worth saying. Rhaenys could tell the silence was awkward for almost everyone, save for Laena and Laenor.
The smell of spices and roasted meat filled the chamber, drawing every gaze from uneasy faces to waiting plates. Rhaenys prayed that Laenor would remain silent when the talk of the betrothal inevitably arose, for she could feel Daemon and Viserys growing impatient.
"Laenor," Daemon began, raising his wine cup to his lips while keeping his eyes on him, "I hope you had enough time to give your reply to the betrothal between our houses to your parents."
Laenor met Daemon's gaze—a look that made Rhaenys's heartbeat quicken, and not in a good way. His eyes then flicked to Laena before he replied in a strained tone, "I have. Now it is up to them to retell you what I have told them."
Rhaenys released the breath she hadn't realized she was holding as her son finished speaking. Good. Very good. Now it was up to Corlys to give Viserys the answer he was eager to hear, and they could finally return home to think about the situation they found themselves in.
Rhaenys was certain Laena cared too deeply for Laenor to let him bring ruin upon himself for love. Her daughter was fierce and headstrong, and though not always the wisest or most patient, Laena knew when to step back. Yet forgiveness and forgetfulness were not in her nature either. But Rhaenys would take her hatred if it meant she and Laenor would remain unharmed.
"I think I must apologize," Corlys said, breaking the silence. "Because after hearing my son, I realize I need time—so as not to make a rash decision that could lead to poor outcomes."
Rhaenys maintained her composure, keeping her expression serene even as irritation flared within her. He hadn't told her of this decision. Damn Corlys. The least he could have done was inform her beforehand. Rhaenys cursed silently but did not let a hint of it reach her face.
Daemon dropped his fork; the sound of it rang across the chamber due to how silent it had become. "Now we have to wait for the father's reply. The betrothal of the Crown Princess of the realm—the queen-to-be—isn't being accepted. Do you know how many men from across the realm would sail to Dragonstone in hordes if even a word got out that the King and Rhaenyra were ready to consider prospects for her marriage? They would beg and grovel, offering lavish gifts just to stay a single day longer, hoping to woo the princess with either their charm or their family's influence. And House Velaryon is taking how many moons now? Two? Too much time for an opportunity others would kill for. Is it the power that the heir of Velaryon wields that makes you so disrespectful toward my house? Have you forgotten what the position of House Velaryon is in this realm? If you don't want to accept the betrothal, have the courage to say no and end this farce," said Daemon, anger and disdain thick in his tone. His purple eyes glared at Corlys and Laenor.
"Daemon," said Viserys, sending his brother a hard stare that screamed Think before speaking. "Though I do not like the tone Daemon used, I can't say I disagree with his meaning. What is with this delay, Corlys? Why is it taking so long for House Velaryon to decide? Is what I offer your house not enough for you?" asked Viserys, his face devoid of its usual warmth.
"House Velaryon and I are honored by what His Grace has agreed to grant, and I assure you we have no intention of disrespecting your house or Princess Rhaenyra. It is only for my own selfish reasons that I beg for some time before deciding what to do with the betrothal you have honored me with—both me and my house," replied Corlys, distress clear upon his face.
Rhaenys knew something like this would happen—that was why they had decided to accept the betrothal tonight. She had been sure Corlys's idea of marrying Laenor to both Laena and Rhaenyra could come to fruition once Laenor gave Rhaenyra an heir. After that, once both houses were bound by closer familial ties and the Faith was completely suppressed, they could bring this matter into the open. But it seemed her lord husband had other plans.
"Why? Why more time? You said you were in agreement, that only Laenor and Rhaenyra's consent remained. Now you're asking for more time again? What assurance do we have that Laenor will not ask for more time once you're ready? We do not know when this endless mechanism of yours will end. So, Laenor, end this mummer's show once and for all and tell me—do you want to marry my niece or not?" demanded Daemon, eyes locked on her son. Rhaenys was about to speak before Laenor could, but someone beat her to it.
"I was right, uncle. You can see it on their faces," said Rhaenyra, her voice calm yet hollow of emotion. Rhaenys was confused by what she meant, but one look at Daemon, who had gritted his teeth and turned to glare at Laena and Laenor, made her blood run cold.
"Laenor, do you love your sister?" asked Daemon.
Rhaenys's heart almost leapt out of her chest. She turned slowly toward her husband, struggling to keep her turmoil hidden, and saw Corlys doing the same. Laena, her daughter, fared no better—her face pale and lips trembling. Only Laenor remained unfazed, meeting Daemon's gaze with a cold, dead stare that made Rhaenys dread what might come next.
"And why do you think so, Princess? How did you come to such a conclusion—that I have feelings for my sister?" Laenor asked, his tone sharp, his gaze shifting to Rhaenyra.
"There were pieces of a puzzle; all I had to do was put them together. Before this dinner, it was only a doubt. But seeing your family's faces—it's confirmed," replied Rhaenyra.
Rhaenys could not believe it was she who discovered it. She had thought the girl spoiled and naïve, not particularly intelligent if she believed she could become the first ruling queen of Westeros. And yet, somehow, she had pieced it together.
If you're interested in reading up to fifteen chapters ahead of this one, you can find them on my Patreon:
Patreon.com/c/Daeranyx_Drakonar
Your support on Patreon helps me continue writing, but rest assured, I won't be locking chapters behind a paywall. They will be available for free over time. If you enjoy the story and would like to support my work, your contribution would be greatly appreciated!