The days passed.
Euron found himself bored during his stay in the Red Keep. There was so much politicking going on as news of Rhaegal's escapades in the North was finally shared with the rest of the realm that Euron wanted to stab someone. More ravens had been sent to every corner of Westeros with the new proclamations and laws that the king had lain out. The smallfolk of King's Landing were talking about them. Merchants, traders, sailors, and others were talking about them. Children were probably talking about them. The fact that King's Landing would be transformed for the first time since its foundation was causing a lot of excitement and anticipation of what it would look like.
Beyond the chatter of the smallfolk, there were many whispers in court of the implications of the crown taking over Skagos and what this could mean for the future. There was an underlying fear of more changes, of the Targaryens taking more without the consent of the lords, but nothing was said in the open.
The tension in the city was palpable, but Euron cared little for it. All of these affairs were meaningless in the end, so Euron saw little reason to pay them any mind.
Only two things of note had happened in his mind.
The first was that he had visited the infamous Street of Silk with Oberyn. He had briefly considered letting off some steam with some of the maids in the castle but thought better of it. He didn't want to risk going too overboard and permanently damaging one of them. Rhaegal would not be pleased with him if that happened. Probably.
The brothels there were a nice change of pace for a bit, and Oberyn had been generous enough to pay for all of Euron's visits. Of course, when the Dornish prince had offered to spend a night together as well, Euron had accepted.
That night had been filled with nothing but wine and sex of all kinds. It had been an interesting experience to say the least. A willing partner was more fun than the boring ones back in Pyke. They always cried, and that too became stale after a while.
Even then, sex couldn't alleviate his boredom for too long.
It was then that the second source of entertainment came in. As it turned out, it was not just lords and knights who were interested in the return of the dragons. The damn maesters showed up too.
The gray cravens had bowed before the throne and asked permission to see the dragons for study, just as they had done in the past during the reigns of Jaehaerys I and his successors.
The king had swiftly and rather chidingly denied their request, stating that the house of the dragon did not require their services at the moment. It was a rather blunt refusal that the gray rats were left reeling, stumbling over their words.
They certainly had not been expecting to be denied to retake their place on Dragonstone and King's Landing as keepers of the dragons.
Euron did not know why the king had denied them. The gray rats had a lot of information that could be useful. He suspected that Rhaegal had something to do with it, but he didn't care either way. He merely enjoyed the stunned looks on their faces as they left the throne room in embarrassment. The king had not offered a place in the Red Keep for them to stay in, so they returned to the city.
Even the Grand Maester had looked stunned.
Euron did not care for any person, but he especially disliked the Reach and the Citadel. They always thought of themselves as the epitome of virtue in Westeros. It was all a giant joke. They were nothing more than petty schemers.
'T'ch, this whole place is like that.'
The more time Euron spent in the Red Keep the more realized how boring people were. They schemed over such pointless things that it was rather embarrassing.
It was why he had been angry at himself for a while now. He had despaired over his thoughts ever since he had gotten defensive over his own people when Melisandre spoke ill of them. He had argued against her for reasons he couldn't understand.
After all, the Ironborn were no better. All they cared for was petty plunder. Sure, it could be amusing in the moment, but to make that your ultimate goal? It was such small thinking that it sickened him.
There was more to the world out there. Euron truly believed that. And Rhaegal confirmed it. The more he saw, the more he coveted whatever it was that Rhaegal was. And yet, the red priestess had warned him. She had seen right through him, and that both angered and scared him.
That fear only made him angrier. It was like he was standing on the Wall all over again. The fear reminded him that he was still so insignificant.
For the first time in his life, Euron felt like the world was laughing at him.
He had sulked. And he was still sulking, truth be told.
What was he to do if he could not achieve a similar power?
Euron did not have an answer. Not yet. He did know one thing. There was no point returning to the Iron Islands. Not right now. Perhaps if he kept sticking around Rhaegal he would find some answer to his biggest question.
That red priestess claimed that she had seen him, but Euron still believed that he could choose his own path.
And there were many ways to go about it.
When his father and the rest of his family finally arrived in the city, Euron went to greet them. Not out of some sense of affection, but because his father had summoned him.
Quellon Greyjoy had arrived at King's Landing via the sea, having sailed past Dorne and coming back around. Despite the long voyage, the man did not seem bothered as he stepped onto solid land with Euron's brothers while the rest of the men unloaded their belongings from the longship. One of the men present was Lord Harlaw and his son and heir, Rodrik Harlaw. For once, the bookish lord did not have a book in hand. Rather, he was taking in the sights with a sense of wonder that was borderline laughable.
It was not like his brothers were any better. Balon was a fool, but the bigger fool was Victarion. And now Euron had to see their faces again.
His mother had not come, which did not surprise him. She had given birth recently to his youngest brother, Aeron. Urrigon was still too young to make the trip from the Iron Islands to King's Landing, so he must have stayed behind as well.
"Euron." His father greeted him warmly, or what passed as warm for the man. As far as reavers went, his father was on the softer side, but he still had his edge. Apparently the death of Euron's older brothers had hardened his heart somewhat, but Euron never cared enough to learn more of that topic.
"You're finally here." Euron glanced at his brothers. Victarion was already glaring at him while Balon was gazing at the Red Keep in the distance. The red castle towered over the entire city, even down by the harbor.
"We were held up at the Stepstones," Quellon said with a small scowl. "Damn islands are becoming infested with pirates again."
Oh, yes. His father had fought in the War of the Ninepenny Kings. He had been there when the Iron Throne had cleared the islands from pirates and mercenaries. It seemed like that had just been a temporary solution. With the increase in trade, it was not surprising. More targets to pillage.
Victarion crossed his arms. "It was a good fight. Damn shame you missed it, being holed up here with the rest of these greenlanders. Are you thinking of becoming one yourself, Euron?"
"That's enough, Victarion." Quellon looked at his son with a small glare. "Mind your tongue and remember where we are."
"Lest you find yourself burning, dear brother," Euron mocked.
Victarion scoffed. "Those tales of dragons? Like I believe that."
As if Rhaegal would need a dragon to burn a man alive.
"Then you're a bigger fool than I thought."
Not even the warning look from his father would make Euron back down. Victarion was a fool, of that there was little doubt.
"So it's true?" Balon finally tore his eyes away from the Red Keep to look at Euron. "What they're saying about the dragons."
Euron smirked. "That's why you're here, isn't it?"
Quellon grunted. "Enough with the hostilities. All of you. We are not here to embarrass ourselves. It's not every day that a Greyjoy comes to the capital."
Victarion didn't look happy still while Balon's fists were clenched at his sides.
Euron knew why his older brother was not happy. He had been trying for years to change their father's mind on his policies to little success. Balon had become obsessed with the idea of reclaiming their past glory, to break away from the shackles of the Seven Kingdoms. Euron could see where his older brother was coming from. The Targaryens were weak. Their grasp on the realm was far from what it had been during their ancestors' time.
Except now dragons changed everything, and his older brother must be seething about that.
'As always, you think so small.'
It was really disappointing.
While his brothers walked past him without another word, Quellon came to him and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I'm proud of you, Euron. You fought in your first battle at the prince's side. Having royal favor now is more important than ever. Perhaps for the first time in history a Greyjoy can have a place in the capital."
Euron did not answer. This was as much love as his father would ever show him.
It did not make him feel anything. He just accepted it with a nod.
Quellon returned the nod before he too walked around him and joined his brothers.
Euron trailed after them in silence, his mind filled with thoughts of the future.
---
Seeing the capital for the first time was quite the experience for Ned.
It was not a flattering sight. The streets were too narrow for all the activity that was taking place. It was possible that anyone who could travel had made the trek to the city for this occasion, and so the streets were packed with men, animals, and carriages. It also reeked. Ned had no idea where the stench came from. The people or the waste. Or maybe the ground itself. It was just everywhere. He had seen Gulltown and White Harbor, and both cities had been far cleaner and more organized.
He could not believe that this was the place that the Targaryens called home. Ned couldn't stomach the idea of spending his life here.
Lord Arryn had prepared a manse for them outside of the Red Keep for them to stay in. Ned had no idea where his family was staying. He wasn't sure if they had arrived yet. He was eager to see them again.
Apparently Robert's younger brother Stannis was already at the capital, except the younger Baratheon was staying inside the Red Keep at the behest of the crown prince.
When Robert heard of this, he just shrugged. "Good for him."
His friend had little more to say beyond that.
Jon Arryn had them dress in their finest clothes as he prepared to bring them to the Red Keep to socialize. Robert was the son of the king's cousin, so he might be given an audience. Ned did not expect one. Regardless, Ned would be seeing the Iron Throne with his own eyes for the first time.
It was making him nervous. The throne was supposed to be massive and imposing. Ned could not imagine what it must feel like to sit on it. It was supposed to be a throne of swords, and that only made it more terrifying. What if you accidentally cut yourself? Dying because you were too clumsy to sit on it properly did not sound fun.
The Red Keep was a striking monument that always seemed to be looming over the entire city, like it was watching you always. In the distance Ned could also make out the remains of the Dragonpit. With the dragons back, Ned wondered if the Targaryens were going to rebuild it.
Elbert made sure to remind Robert to watch his words as they rode for the Red Keep. Jon Arryn did not take the carriage but rather rode with them. Other lords from the Vale were also with them, such as Yohn Royce and Lord Grafton with his son Gerold Grafton. However, most lords from the Vale had traveled to the city on their own rather than arrive with them.
The Red Keep was as active as the city. They reached the main courtyard to little fanfare, but Ned had not been expecting a welcoming party. Jon Arryn was one of the great lords, but on this occasion he was not the main guest.
Their horses were taken to the stables as another servant greeted them. He led them to the Great Hall where the Iron Throne was. The throne room was packed, and Jon Arryn instructed them again to mind their manners, looking specifically at Robert when he said this.
Ned's friend grumbled. "Come on. Let's see if we can find Stannis. He must be around here somewhere."
Jon Arryn and Elbert were going to be announced to the king while he and Robert were not. This gave them some freedom to explore the throne room and find a proper place to watch the proceedings. Based on the booming voice coming from deeper inside, another lord was being ushered in.
It was not easy to move through the Great Hall as many lords and knights blocked the path. As was typical with his friend, Robert had no issue just shoving his way past several of them, not paying any attention to the glares that were sent his way in the process.
'You are too much sometimes, Robert,' Ned thought with a resigned smile.
It took them a few minutes to find a proper place from where to watch the ongoing proceedings. It was not too close to the front as only members of the court were allowed there, but they were still able to hear and see what was happening.
"Ha. The squids are here too!" Robert joked when they saw an older man kneeling before the Iron Throne with several others. The sigil on his coat marked him as a Greyjoy.
It was the first time that Ned was seeing an Ironborn, and he did not know what to think. They had been longtime enemies of the North. But his thoughts of that bloody history left him when he gazed at the striking throne that was at the center of all of the activity. On top was undoubtedly King Aerys. Ned could make out the king's striking gold-silver hair as he sat on the throne with his back straight as he welcomed the Lord of Pyke and thanked him for his son's service.
'So that's a Targaryen.'
Somehow, Ned felt underwhelmed. The man's hair was striking, sure. But he appeared to be a regular man otherwise, no different from the rest of them.
"Service?" Robert's booming voice made Ned glance at his friend. Thankfully, the Great Hall was filled with noise, so Robert's voice would not be overheard. "What is he talking about?"
"Did Lord Arryn not tell you? There was a Greyjoy who accompanied the crown prince on his journey to Skagos."
The mention of the island brought an uncomfortable feeling to Ned's chest, but he suppressed it for now.
"Oh." Robert didn't say anything further.
There were a few more words exchanged between the Ironborn lord and the king before he was dismissed with little fanfare. Not many were willing to show much respect to an Ironborn, even if he was a great lord.
Ned took the time to glance around the massive throne room. The Great Hall was truly massive. Ned had never been in such a large room before. He was certain that a thousand men could fit in here, probably more. The skulls of the dragons were displayed all along the walls, and the sight of them made Ned almost gulp. Knowing that those beasts were back just made his stomach feel queasy.
Not wanting to stare at them for too long, Ned looked away while he continued to scan the room. Directly underneath the Iron Throne were several men. Some were lords while four of them were members of the famous Kingsguard, looking as formidable as the stories made them out to be. Off to the right were a circle of ladies, one of whom Ned quickly identified as the queen.
She was beautiful. Her black dress was modest, but her beauty seemed to enhance it. The typical Targaryen features looked better on her than the king if Ned was being honest.
He did not recognize any of the ladies around her, but one of them quickly caught his eye. She had long, dark hair and striking purple violet eyes. Her skin was fair, which just seemed to compliment her looks. She appeared to be around his age, perhaps a couple of years older, which was very surprising. Why would the queen take in such a young girl as part of her ladies-in-waiting?
Regardless of his question, Ned found himself unable to look away. When she smiled at something that the queen told her, his heart fluttered.
'She's more beautiful than the queen.'
It took much self-control for Ned to finally tear his eyes away from the unknown lady as a name was called out in court by one of the heralds. It was not Jon Arryn's, but rather a name that Ned did not recognize.
"Presenting Thoros of Myr! And his companions!"
'Myr?' Ned was confused. What was someone from the Free Cities doing here? And why was he being presented as an important guest?
Ned saw the man in question making his way through the Great Hall to the throne. He was tall but also fat. His head was shaved, but he had a patchy side beard. He wore vibrant red robes which seemed all the more flamboyant from the lighting in the throne room.
He was not alone. There were several others who were wearing similar robes but also carried a chest with them.
Right away there were murmurs around him and Robert when the chest was spotted.
"You don't think that's-"
"No way. The Hightower was one thing. These are just foreigners."
"Who even is this man?"
"His robes are similar to that red priestess's."
"Why would the king accept their presence here?"
"Why do you think?"
More and more murmurs continued, and Ned suddenly felt very nervous. Now that he wasn't distracted by the lavish throne or the beautiful young lady, he saw just how grim many of the men around him looked. Like they were afraid. Restless. Maybe even concerned.
'It's as Lord Arryn said.'
The Targaryens had overstepped when taking Skagos, or at least this was what Jon Arryn had told him and Robert when he informed them of his father's letter and what had occurred in the North. His father had given in to the demands, but it was improper for the crown to just make overbearing demands from the lords in the first place. An unchecked king was a disaster waiting to happen.
Ned did not know what to think. He wanted to speak to his father, to understand better. But he knew that a part of him was angry that the crown prince had made such demands from his family. And many here were maybe thinking like him.
Robert did not seem to pick up on this as he focused entirely on Thoros and his group.
"On behalf of R'hllor and my temple in Myr, I thank you kind king for allowing us to see you," Thoros said as he knelt before the throne.
He was more well-spoken than Ned would have guessed.
The king seemed to be delighted. "It is no trouble. Your faith is always welcomed in my realm."
The positive greeting only seemed to make the lords around Ned more agitated.
"R'hllor once again thanks you for your generosity."
"For what reason have you come? Do you wish to pledge your service to my son and heir?"
Thoros kept his head bowed. "You know much already I see. We indeed come here as messengers and instruments of the great Lord of Light. We also bear gifts for you and your family. To show you that the red god stands with you and your family of fire."
The chest was brought forward, and Aerys seemed to be overjoyed by what he was hearing.
"Of course. Of course! I expected no less. Already one of your priestesses has been of great help. I accept your generosity and welcome you into my service!"
The king did not hesitate to bring in more foreign priests into the court, seemingly unaware of the displeasure that was spreading through many of the lords present.
"Now show me. What gifts do you offer me and my family?" the king asked, eager.
Finally looking up, Thoros gestured to the chest, which his fellow priests opened for the entire court to see.
Inside were unmistakably three dragon eggs.
Ned, along with everyone else present, were left too stunned to speak by the sight.
---
When Rhaegal heard of what happened in the throne room, he was more than a little surprised. He was less surprised to see the one called Thoros kneeling before him in the godswood where he had been spending time with Shaena and Daeron, led here by Ser Oswell on orders from his father. His little brother had been disheartened to see his dragon be sent away to Dragonstone, so Rhaegal felt that some family time might do him so good. He had no patience for the lords and their empty words right now, so he had not attended court, choosing instead to share a small outdoor meal with his younger siblings.
Ser Barristan and Ser Willem Darry stood guard for them on this occasion.
Choosing not to attend was apparently a mistake as he had missed another shocking revelation.
"More eggs!" Shaena was beside herself with joy as she looked at the chest that Thoros and his fellow priests had brought before Rhaegal.
Daeron was in awe as he looked inside the chest as well.
There were three dragon eggs. One was a deep green with bronze flecks; the second was pale cream streaked with gold; the third and final one was black as midnight with scarlet ripples.
Three more dragon eggs. Just dropped on his lap.
What was strange was that he had not felt these eggs. Not until Thoros and his fellow red priests had entered the godswood.
Rhaegal didn't have time to focus on that as Melisandre arrived with her usual saunter.
"I did not call for you."
"You did not have to." She eyed her fellow red priests. "I felt R'hllor's call."
Thoros and the others looked up. They did not seem surprised by Melisandre's presence.
"So you're the one." Thoros looked her over. "You hold R'hllor's favor."
"As do you." She seemed to be at ease as she studied Thoros. "He has chosen you to serve his champion."
"It would appear so." Thoros did not sound overly enthusiastic about this fact. "And yet, you were here before us."
"I was guided."
"How lucky of you."
Melisandre just smiled.
Rhaegal ignored their little back-and-forth as he came to terms with this new development. For the most part, his options were limited by his father's actions. The fact that Thoros was here right now meant that his father had openly accepted their presence in court. As with Melisandre, turning them away would do him little good.
Not that he would have done such a thing. The maesters had been brazen enough to ask to see the dragons, and now that they had been denied they were going to become a bigger problem for him moving forward.
Rhaegal was going to need a foil, and the red priests seemed more than happy to provide that to him. Their red god was still a mystery, and Rhaegal did not fully understand why the god had him in his sight. By now, their god should know that he was no promised one. He had broken all prophecies by merely being born. It was a risk to welcome foreign priests into his service, but one that he was willing to take.
"You are here to serve?" Rhaegal asked, just to be sure.
Thoros bowed his head again. "Yes, Prince Rhaegal. R'hllor will stand behind you, and we will do the same. Our temples in Myr and beyond will follow your guidance."
All of the temples? Did they even have the authority to declare such a thing?
"Do not be doubtful, my prince." Melisandre came to stand beside him, her smile still in place. "I'm certain that our temples all across Essos have already been guided to the truth."
Rhaegal looked at her with suspicion. "Is this your doing?"
She chuckled softly. "No. But I am an instrument of R'hllor. Everything I know is through him."
And everything she knew he would know too. Namely everything that had happened in the years since she came to court.
"We would have approached you sooner, but we needed to locate the eggs first," Thoros said, catching Rhaegal's attention. "The Lord of Light wanted us to show you our devotion. These eggs would have fallen into the wrong hands eventually, but now they are yours. Our gifts to fight for the light."
Rhaegal did not answer. Shaena and Daeron were still gushing over the eggs while Ser Willem and the Kingsguard just observed from afar.
'It's not a bad gift.'
Not at all.
Now, there were going to be more dragons than there were Targaryens.
Wasn't that just a beautiful fact?
Rhaegal felt a smile forming on his face as he looked at the kneeling Thoros and his fellow red priests.
"You are welcome at my side, Thoros of Myr."
---
Rhaella felt the tension rising in the Red Keep in the coming days. Her husband's acceptance of more red priests had not been seen favorably by all. Unlike before, the High Septon came to the Red Keep personally to request an audience with Aerys. Her brother-husband and the High Septon had a private discussion in the small council chamber. She did not know what was said, only that the High Septon had stormed out of the Red Keep in anger. And this was only days after Aerys had disrespected the maesters too. Grand Maester Pycelle had urged Aerys to change his mind about his refusal, but that too had gone nowhere.
Similarly, Rhaegal seemed happy to accept the red priests. He did not distance himself from them. The same was true for the rest of her children. Aerys had even summoned Melisandre and other red priests to his solar for a private meeting. When she asked why, he just said that he wanted to know more of their faith.
Rhaella had a suspicion that there was more to it than that.
She did not argue against it, though. She had her reservations of course. She believed in the Seven. But these red priests had been the ones to bring three dragon eggs to her family. After bonding with Moonlight, she now understood how vital dragons were for her family. Her dragon had changed her, and Rhaella was happy to know that there would be more.
Unlike with Daeron's egg, Rhaegal had sent the dragon eggs to Dragonstone for safekeeping, saying that he would hatch them after the celebrations concluded. Some of the red priests went along with the eggs in order to keep them safe. If they shared Melisandre's abilities, then Rhaella was confident that the eggs would be safe. She did not know why these red priests were fascinated with her son, but she did no doubt their devotion.
Rhaella spent time with her children while more lords continued to arrive. Steffon came to stay with his son Stannis in the Red Keep. Later, he had his eldest, Robert, come greet them as well. Apparently the young boy had arrived with Jon Arryn. The old falcon was fostering the heir to Storm's End alongside one of Lord Stark's children. Rhaella had seen a glimpse of the boy when his father, Rickard Stark, arrived at the Red Keep to pay his respects, bringing the rest of his family with him. Rhaella had not missed the way many of the lords had been jeering at Lord Stark behind his back all throughout his time in King's Landing.
His decision to give up Skagos had caused some lords to think that Rickard was weak.
Rhaella was able to feel better when she saw Rhaegal and Brandon Stark, the heir to the North, exchanging happy greetings with one another. Whatever the lords might feel, it seemed as if her son had made an important friend in the North.
Of course, that was also met with some spectacle as Brandon introduced his younger brother to Rhaegal. The rest of Rhaegal's growing friend group had been there, including Ashara. The younger Stark boy was clearly enamored with the girl, and from the way Rhaegal acted it was obvious that he noticed as well.
'Oh, son.'
Rhaella had given her warning to Ashara already, but rather than listen to her advice she had noticed the two of them spending more time together instead. Just what was her son thinking? It would not be long before the realm noticed their close relationship, and tongues would be wagging.
Troubles aside, the days continued.
It was during the day before the celebrations began that Loreza Martell finally arrived at King's Landing with her heir. There were many Dornish lords who also arrived with her, including the Daynes. Both Rhaegal and Rhaegar offered rooms to the Daynes inside the Red Keep, which they accepted. So now the Red Keep was host to another family.
Lord Beric Dayne was the current Lord of Starfall. The man's hair was a pale white, almost blond color. He also had dark blue eyes which were almost purple from a distance. His hair was long which he tied in a ponytail. His skin was slightly tanned, but that was probably more from the Dornish sun than its natural color. His wife was Cassella Dayne, formerly of house Vaith. She had black hair which reached to her shoulders and brown eyes. She had olive skin. Then there was their oldest son and Ashara and Arthur's older brother: Ulrich Dayne. He had black hair like his siblings which he kept well groomed but also light purple eyes which betrayed his Dornish origins.
The Daynes had to be one of the most exotic looking people Rhaella had ever seen, and she said this as a Valyrian, for the Daynes were not said to be descended from Old Valyria.
Quite a puzzle.
Seeing Loreza again brought complicated feelings to Rhaella. Rhaella had no intention of greeting her as a friend. Not anymore. It hurt her, but after Loreza's ploy to have her daughter join Shaena at court, Rhaella realized that Loreza was not going to be any better than Joanna.
Her two closest friends had chosen politics over their friendship. Rhaella understood that it was their duty to support their houses, just as she had her duty as queen. She would not hate them, but she wouldn't allow them to use her for their own gains either. She was no longer just a queen. Thanks to her son, she was now a future dragon rider, and that allowed her to become more reassured in her decision to cut them out of her life. For she carried the blood of Old Valyria within her as well, and she would not allow herself to be walked over.
Despite her feelings, that afternoon, Loreza surprised her with an invention. She wanted Rhaella to join her for some drinks in one of the gardens. Because of her past connection as one of Rhaella's ladies-in-waiting, as well as Prince Oberyn's friendship with Rhaegal, Aerys had given Loreza and her son accommodations in the Red Keep too. This was despite the fact that Aerys had come to personally dislike the Princess of Dorne over the years.
What could Loreza want? Did she want to try and convince her again to wed her daughter to Rhaegal? Did she want to know about the dragons? A combination of the two? Or was there something else?
It was foolish, but Rhaella's curiosity got the better of her. So she accepted the invitation and went to the designated garden with Ser Jonothor as her guard.
When she arrived, Rhaella saw that Loreza was not the only one there. Joanna was present too.
The Princess of Dorne greeted her with a smile. "Welcome, your Grace. I'm glad to see that you could make it."
Joanna offered her a polite smile, but it was stiff.
"Princess Loreza. Lady Joanna." Rhaella greeted them in turn as she took her seat at the small table. Cakes and other treats had been placed on the table for them.
Loreza continued to smile despite the lack of warmth in Rhaella's words. "I took the liberty of preparing a little bit of everything. One of us is pregnant, so I did not know what she might be in the mood for."
Joanna looked a tad annoyed. "Hey now. My cravings haven't been that bad."
"Mhmm. Not there yet I see. In the coming months, that will probably change."
"I have given birth before."
"Of course."
Rhaella watched their exchange in silence.
Loreza turned to her again. "Not hungry, your Grace?"
"Not particularly, no."
"How odd that you would come here then, if not for the food."
"I was curious."
"Oh?"
"Of your next ploy."
Laughing, Loreza waved her hand. "Haha. You make me sound so evil, Rhaella. I know you felt it was unfair of me to send Elia here, but I had to try. Do you not understand how valuable your beloved crown prince is?"
Rhaella's face hardened. "He is my son."
He was more valuable to her than the entire world. All of her children were.
"We both know that the game does not allow for such sentimentalities."
"Yes, you've made that clear."
Sighing, Loreza said, "I apologize if I made you feel like I was using you. While that was not my intent, it is not wholly inaccurate either. A part of me had hoped that our friendship would make you more amenable to the idea of tying our houses together once more. Your son is not only gifted with magic, but from everything that I've heard he's quite brilliant in other ways too. I have no doubt that he will make a fine king. Having such a man as my only daughter's husband would have filled me with comfort. However, I understand now that such a thing is not likely to happen."
Yes. Even if Rhaella wished for it, Aerys and Rhaegal would probably not agree to it. Her son could be just like his father sometimes and act on impulse rather than reason. Ashara was a good example of this.
"I suppose that is why I am here?" Joanna said, joining their conversation as she took a bite from one of the blackberry tarts.
Loreza winked at her. "We can have our discussion later. I just wanted to rekindle the old days before tomorrow begins."
Rhaella did not need to wonder what Loreza meant.
'The lion and the sun.'
She wondered for a moment if that union would prove fruitful but did not dwell on it.
"I think it's too late to dwell on the past, don't you think?" Rhaella said. "We have changed. We are no longer who we were as girls."
"Yes. All of us stand here as mothers and rulers, in our own ways," Loreza replied with a tilt of her head. "And you are now a dragon rider, something thought impossible. When tomorrow arrives, we will have to continue to play our parts. But here right now, away from the eyes of the realm, I think we can allow ourselves a break."
Such a contradiction, but Rhaella knew that she was softhearted enough to go along with it. Because she had missed her old friends and the growing concerns of the court had made her tired.
With a small nod, Rhaella accepted Loreza's offer, all the while knowing that their friendship was little more than a thing of the past.